Editorial bullying: an exploration of acts impacting publication ethics and related environment

Bullying and misconduct in the realm of scientific and scholarly publishing have the potential to jeopardize the transparency and integrity of academic discourse. While misconduct issues among authors have been extensively discussed, the role of editors in perpetuating or mitigating such problems has garnered less attention. Scientific publishing serves as the gateway for disseminating innovative research findings globally, and the role of editors, especially Editor/s-in-chief, is pivotal in safeguarding the rigor and credibility of published research. Editor bullying and misconduct involve behaviors that undermine the scientific process, compromise research integrity, and harm the careers and wellbeing of individuals. These actions may manifest as biased decision-making, suppression of dissenting voices, or the exploitation of power dynamics in the peer review process. To address these issues, preventive and therapeutic approaches are suggested, including enhancing awareness, recognizing and mitigating exacerbating factors, and upholding professionalism. Moreover, the importance of a conflict-of-interest declaration for editors is highlighted to ensure transparency and integrity in the editorial process. The present mini-review aims to shed light on editor bullying, illuminating its gravity and the urgency to address these issues within the academic publishing domain/s. This review underscores the more subtle, yet equally significant, issue of professional misconduct in the editorial realm of scientific journals

Orthopedic Correction of Growing Hyperdivergent, Retrognathic Patients With Miniscrew Implants

Traditional orthodontic treatments do not adequately address the skeletal problems of retrognathic, hyperdivergent, Class II adolescents; the few approaches that do require long-term patient compliance. This paper introduces a novel approach using miniscrew implants (MSIa) and growth to treat retrognathic hyperdivergent adolescents. Nine consecutive patients were evaluated at the start of treatment (13.2 ±1.1 years of age) and again at the end of the orthopedic phase (after 1.9 ±0.3 years). Each patient had two MSIs placed in either side of the palate. Coil springs (150 g) extended from the MSIs to a RPE, which served as a rigid segment for intruding the maxillary premolar and molars. Two additional MSIs were placed between the first mandibular molars and second premolars; coil spring (150 g) extended from the MSIs to hold or intrude the mandibular molars. Prior to treatment, the patients exhibited substantial and significant mandibular retrusion (Z-score=−1.0), facial convexity (Z-score=0.7), and hyperdivergence (Z-score=1.6). Treatment produced consistent and substantial orthopedic effects. The chin was advanced an average of 2.4 mm, the SNB angle increased by 2.1°, the mandibular plane angle decreased 3.9°, and facial convexity decreased by approximately 3.2°. Questionnaires showed that this treatment approach was not painful or uncomfortable; the majority of the patients indicated that they were very likely to recommend the treatment to others. Treatment was accomplished by titrating the amount of orthodontic intrusion performed based on the individuals’ growth potential

Antinociceptive Efficacy of 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 Therapy in Response to Experimentally Induced Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Studies in Rats

The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the antinociceptive efficacy of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) therapy in rats with experimentally induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. The focused question was “Is 15d-PGJ2 therapy effective in the management of TMJ nociception?” Indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions up to and including September 2023 using different key words. Original studies were included. Risk of Bias (RoB) was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. Six studies performed in male Wistar rats with experimentally induced TMJ arthritis were included. The observation or follow-up period ranged between 45 min and 14 days. Four studies reported that 15d-PGJ2 therapy retards the production of proinflammatory cytokines in TMJ tissues. Four studies reported that 15d-PGJ2 therapy inhibits leukocyte migration and plasma extravasation in TMJ tissues. In one study, the expression of decay-accelerating factor in TMJ tissues increased after 15d-PGJ2 therapy. One study showed that 15d-PGJ2 inhibits nociception in a dose-dependent manner via the activation of peripheral kappa/delta opioid receptors. Prior sample-size-estimation (SSE) was performed in none of the studies and all studies had a high RoB. Due to a high RoB, methodological variations, and the absence of prior SSE within the included studies, it is demanding to derive an absolute verdict regarding the antinociceptive efficacy of 15d-PGJ2 therapy in response to experimentally induced TMJ arthritis

Role of Essential Oil-Based Mouthwashes in Controlling Gingivitis in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment. A Review of Clinical Trials

Essential oil (EO)-based mouthwashes have been used for oral health maintenance due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim was to review clinical trials that assessed the role of EO-based mouthwashes in controlling gingivitis in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment (OT). The Patients, Interventions, Control and Outcome (PICO) format was based on the following: (a) P: Patients undergoing fixed OT (b) Intervention: EO-based mouth-wash; Control: Mouthwashes that did not contain EOs or no mouthwash (d) Outcome: Control of gingivitis measured by clinical indices. Databases were searched manually and electronically up to and including May 2021 using different medical subject subheadings. Data screening and extraction were performed. The risk of bias within randomized controlled trials was assessed using the revised Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool (RoB 2). The Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool was used for non-randomized controlled trials. Disagreements related to literature search and RoB evaluations were resolved via discussion. Six clinical studies were included. Four studies showed that Listerine® is effective in controlling gingivitis in patients undergoing fixed OT. One study reported that the use of 5% Fructus mume mouthwash resulted in a significant reduction in gingival bleeding. Two mouthwashes that contained 1% Matricaria chamomilla L. and 0.5% Zingiber officinale were also found to be efficient in controlling gingival bleeding. Four, one and one studies had a low, moderate and high RoB, respectively. In conclusion, EO-based mouthwashes seem to be effective for the management of gingivitis among patients undergoing fixed OT. Further well-designed and power-adjusted clinical trials are needed

Maxillary expansion in grafted alveolar arches in patients with cleft lip and palate: A literature review

Objective: the aim of the present review was to assess maxillary expansion (ME) in grafted alveolar arches in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Material and methods: the addressed focused question was: “What are the clinical and radiographic outcomes of ME after alveolar bone grafting (ABG) in patients with CLP?” An electronic search of indexed databases was performed without language and time restrictions, up to and including March 2021, to identify studies that addressed the focused question. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by 2 authors; and the risk of bias for the clinical studies was assessed using the Downs and Black tool. Any disagreements were resolved through consensus discussion. Results: five studies [2 clinical studies (1 prospective and 1 retrospective) and 3 case reports] were included and processed for data extraction. The outcomes of ME were assessed using cone-beam computed tomography and two-dimensional radiographic imaging 12-months after ABG in 1 clinical study, and 6-months after ME in the other clinical study. In the case reports, the outcomes of ABG after ME were assessed 3–6 months after ME. No significant bone loss of the ABG after ME was reported, and adequate bone volume and bone density were observed at the follow up periods in all studies. Maxillary expansion was achieved after the ABG in all of the studies. Conclusion: the relationship between ABG and ME remains debatable. Further power-adjusted, well-designed, randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to study the outcomes of ME after ABG in patient with CLP

Changes over time in canine retraction: An implant study

Introduction: The objective of this study was to analyze rates of canine movement over the first 2 months of continuous retraction, when rate changes are expected. Methods: Ten patients with bone markers placed in the maxilla and the mandible had their canines retracted over a 2-month period. Retraction was accomplished with beta-titanium alloy T-loop springs. Standardized 45 degrees oblique cephalograms where taken initially and every 28 days thereafter. The radiographs were scanned and digitized twice (the average was used for the analyses). The radiographs were superimposed by using the bone markers and oriented on the functional occlusal plane. Paired t tests were used to compare side and jaw effects. Results: There were no significant differences between sides. The maxillary cusp was retracted 3.2 mm, with less movement during the first (1.1 mm) than during the second 4 weeks (2.1 mm). The maxillary apices did not move horizontally. There were no significant vertical movements in the cusps and apices of the maxillary canines. The mandibular cusp was retracted 3.8 mm-1.1 mm during the first and 2.7 mm during the second 4 weeks. The mandibular apices were protracted 1.1 mm. The cusps and apices were intruded 0.6 and 0.7 mm, respectively. The only difference between jaws was the greater protraction of the mandibular apices during the second 4 weeks and in overall movement. Conclusions: The rate of canine cusp retraction was greater during the second than the first 4 weeks. The mandibular canines were retracted by uncontrolled tipping whereas the maxillary canines were retracted by controlled tipping. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2009; 136: 87-93

Changes over time in canine retraction: An implant study

Introduction: The objective of this study was to analyze rates of canine movement over the first 2 months of continuous retraction, when rate changes are expected. Methods: Ten patients with bone markers placed in the maxilla and the mandible had their canines retracted over a 2-month period. Retraction was accomplished with beta-titanium alloy T-loop springs. Standardized 45 oblique cephalograms where taken initially and every 28 days thereafter. The radiographs were scanned and digitized twice (the average was used for the analyses). The radiographs were superimposed by using the bone markers and oriented on the functional occlusal plane. Paired t tests were used to compare side and jaw effects. Results: There were no significant differences between sides. The maxillary cusp was retracted 3.2 mm, with less movement during the first (1.1 mm) than during the second 4 weeks (2.1 mm). The maxillary apices did not move horizontally. There were no significant vertical movements in the cusps and apices of the maxillary canines. The mandibular cusp was retracted 3.8 mm-1.1 mm during the first and 2.7 mm during the second 4 weeks. The mandibular apices were protracted 1.1 mm. The cusps and apices were intruded 0.6 and 0.7 mm, respectively. The only difference between jaws was the greater protraction of the mandibular apices during the second 4 weeks and in overall movement. Conclusions: The rate of canine cusp retraction was greater during the second than the first 4 weeks. The mandibular canines were retracted by uncontrolled tipping whereas the maxillary canines were retracted by controlled tipping. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2009;136:87-93