Dental student application of artificial intelligence technology in detecting proximal caries lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the caries diagnosis performances of dental students after training with an artificial intelligence (AI) application utilizing deep learning techniques, a type of artificial neural network. METHODS: A total of 1200 bitewing radiographs were obtained from the institution's database and two specialist dentists labeled the caries lesions in the images. Randomly selected 1000 images were used for training purposes and the remaining 200 radiographs were used to evaluate the caries diagnostic performance of the AI. Then, a convolutional neural network, a deep learning algorithm commonly employed to analyze visual imagery problems, called "You Only Look Once," was modified and trained to detect enamel and dentin caries lesions in the radiographs. Forty dental students were selected voluntarily and randomly divided into two groups. The pre-test results of dental caries diagnosis performances of both groups were recorded. After 1 week, group 2 students were trained using an AI application. Then, the post-test results of both groups were recorded. The labeling duration of the students was also measured and analyzed. RESULTS: When both groups' pre-test and post-test results were evaluated, a statistically significant improvement was found for all parameters examined except precision score (p < 0.05). However, the trained group's accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 scores were significantly higher than the non-trained group in terms of post-test scores (p < 0.05). In group 2 (trained group), the post-test labeling time was considerably increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The students trained by AI showed promising results in detecting caries lesions. The use of AI can also contribute to the clinical education of dental students.

Dietary fat and lipid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment.

Metabolic reprogramming has been considered a core hallmark of cancer, in which excessive accumulation of lipids promote cancer initiation, progression and metastasis. Lipid metabolism often includes the digestion and absorption of dietary fat, and the ways in which cancer cells utilize lipids are often influenced by the complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Among multiple cancer risk factors, obesity has a positive association with multiple cancer types, while diets like calorie restriction and fasting improve health and delay cancer. Impact of these diets on tumorigenesis or cancer prevention are generally studied on cancer cells, despite heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells regularly interact with these heterogeneous microenvironmental components, including immune and stromal cells, to promote cancer progression and metastasis, and there is an intricate metabolic crosstalk between these compartments. Here, we focus on discussing fat metabolism and response to dietary fat in the tumor microenvironment, focusing on both immune and stromal components and shedding light on therapeutic strategies surrounding lipid metabolic and signaling pathways.

The comparison of the repair bond strength of the composite resin to direct and indirect composite restorations with different surface preparations.

Background: Indirect restorations have been employed in restorative dentistry to solve some of the drawbacks of direct restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different modes of a universal adhesive resin on the repair capacity of two indirect resin composites and a direct resin composite. Methods: Indirect composite resins (Ceramage and Gradia Plus) and a direct composite resin (Filtek Z250) were prepared in a plastic mold with a height and diameter of 2-mm and 6-mm, respectively. Composite blocks were thermocycled (5000 cycles, 5°C-55°C). Then, according to their surface treatments, composite blocks were categorized into six-groups: Group 1: ER (etch&rinse), Group 2: SE (self-etch), Group 3: Bur+ER (bur+etch&rinse), Group 4: Bur+SE (bur+self-etch), Group 5: Bur+Silane+ER (bur+silane+etch&rinse), Group 6: Bur+Silane+SE (bur+silane+self-etch), respectively. After surface treatments and adhesive application for bonding with a direct resin composite, all groups were then thermocycled before performing shear-bond-strength-test. Failure modes were evaluated using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by two-way-ANOVA and Bonferroni-test (P<0.05). Results: The highest bond-strength values were obtained for Bur+Silane+SE groups, while the lowest values were obtained for the Bur+Silane+ER groups for all materials. Statistically significant differences were observed between the Bur+Silane+ER group and ER, Bur+ER and Bur+Silane+SE groups in Gradia Plus (P<0.05). Conclusion: The self-etch-mode of the universal-adhesive and silane applications led to the increase in the repair-strength of the adhesive in the Filtek Z250 and Ceramage. The self-etch-mode of the universal-adhesive might be used to reduce adhesive-application-steps in the clinical repair procedures.

Effect of microabrasion on the staining susceptibility of enamel: An in vitro study.

Background. Enamel microabrasion can eliminate enamel irregularities and discoloration. This study evaluated the staining susceptibility of enamel after microabrasion using different clinical protocols. Methods. A total of 210 extracted bovine incisors were used in this study. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of 42 teeth each (n=42), including group 1: control (no treatment), group 2: microabrasion, group 3: microabrasion + fluoride polishing, group 4: macroabrasion (fine-grit diamond bur) + microabrasion, and group 5: macroabrasion (finegrit diamond bur) + microabrasion + fluoride polishing. The groups were then randomly divided into two subgroups for discoloration procedures: coffee and distilled water (n=21). A spectrophotometric evaluation was carried out at baseline and on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 28th days of the staining period. Statistical analyses were performed using repeated-measures ANOVA and the post hoc Bonferroni test at a significance level of 0.05. Results. The greatest color change was observed in group 2 specimens, which were immersed in coffee solutions. The color change values for groups 3, 4, and 5 specimens, which were immersed in distilled water, were higher than those in group 1 specimens (P<0.05). The fluoride polishing + enamel microabrasion treatment groups (groups 3 and 5) exhibited greater resistance to color changes than the matched non-fluoride-polished groups (groups 2 and 4) (P<0.05). Conclusions. The teeth that underwent enamel microabrasion treatment and were polished with fluoride gel became more resistant to color changes. Our findings confirm that enamel microabrasion treatment is a conservative method for localized discoloration.

Tofacitinib and metformin reduce the dermal thickness and fibrosis in mouse model of systemic sclerosis.

Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is important in the process of inflammation and fibrosis. The adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme can affect JAK/STAT pathway. Tofacitinib is a pan-JAK inhibitör. Metformin activates AMPK enzyme. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of tofacitinib and metformin on IL-17 and TGF-ß cytokines, skin fibrosis and inflammation in mouse model of systemic sclerosis (SSc). 40 Balb/c female mice were divided into 4 groups: (control, sham (BLM), tofacitinib and metformin). The mice in the tofacitinib group received oral tofacitinib (20 mg/kg/daily) and mice in the metformin group received oral metformin (50 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. At the end of 4th week, all groups of mice were decapitated and tissue samples were taken for analysis. Histopathological analysis of skin tissue was performed, and mRNA expressions of collagen 3A, IL-17 and TGF-ß were assessed by real-time PCR and ELISA. Repeated BLM injections had induced dermal fibrosis. Moreover, the tissue levels of collagen 3A, IL-17 and TGF-ß were elevated in the BLM group. Tofacitinib and metformin mitigated dermal fibrosis. They reduced dermal thickness and tissue collagen 3A, IL-17 and TGF-ß levels. Tofacitinib and metformin demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in the mouse model of SSc.

Effect of laser-assisted retrograde cavity preparation on push-out-bond-strength of mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium-enriched-mixture-cement / Efeito de preparo cavitário retrógrado assistido por laser na força de união de cimento de agregado trióxido mineral e cimento enriquecido com cálcio

Objective: This study aimed to determine the push-out-bond-strength(PBS) of mineral trioxide aggregate (BIOMTA+) and calcium-enriched-mixture-cement (CEM) in retrograde cavities prepared using Er: YAG laser and stainless-steel bur. Material and Methods: The root canals of 60 extracted single-rooted human teeth were prepared, filled and their apical portion of 3-mm were resected using a diamond bur and randomly divided into four groups according to technique of retrograde preparation and filling material as follows(n=15): Group1: bur/ BIOMTA+ ,Group2: bur/ CEM, Group3: Er:YAG laser/ BIOMTA+, Group4: Er:YAG laser/ CEM. PBS test were performed to specimens and failure modes were evaluated. The data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA, Post-Hoc Tukey and t tests (p< 0.05). Results: CEM was exhibited higher than bond strength compared to BIOMTA+ in retrograde cavity prepared using laser (p= 0.021) and BIOMTA+ in retrograde cavity prepared using bur was exhibited higher than bond strength compared to in retrograde cavities prepared using laser (p= 0.024). Failure modes were dominantly cohesive in all groups tested and one representative specimen each failure mode was examined in SEM and the general characteristics of the failure modes were confirmed. Conclusion: With in the limitations of the present study, when used CEM, Er: YAG laser-assisted retrograde cavity preparation positively affected the bond strength values compared to BIO MTA+. Considering its optimal adhesion, the calcium-enriched-mixture-cement (CEM) might be a good option as a filling material in retrograde cavities in clinical use. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a força de união (PBS) de cimento de agregado trióxido mineral (BIO MTA+) e cimento enriquecido com cálcio (CEM) em preparos cavitários retrógrados realizados com: Laser Er-YAG e brocas de aço inoxidável. Material e Métodos: Canais radiculares de 60 dentes unirradiculares extraídos foram preparados, preenchidos e 3 mm de suas porções apicais foram ressecadas usando uma broca diamantada e divididos randomicamente em quatro grupos de acordo com a técnica de preparação retrógrada e o material de preenchimento (n=15): Grupo 1: Broca/BIO MTA+, Grupo 2: Broca/CEM, Grupo 3: Laser Er-YAG/BIO MTA+, Grupo 4: Laser Er-YAG/CEM. O teste de PBS foi realizado para as amostras e os modelos de falha foram avaliados. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelos testes de ANOVA, Post-Hoc Tukey e testes t (p< 0.05). Resultados: CEM apresentou maior força de união que BIO MTA+ em cavidades retrógradas preparadas com laser (p= 0.021) e BIO MTA+ em cavidades retrógradas preparadas com brocas apresentou maior força de união quando comparado à cavidades retrógradas preparadas com laser (p= 0.024). Os modelos de falha foram predominantemente coesos em todos os grupos testados e um espécime representativo de cada modelo de falha foi examinado em MEV e as características gerais dos modelos de falha foram confirmadas. Conclusão: Com as limitações do presente estudo, quando usou-se CEM, o preparo de cavidades retrógradas através de Laser Er-YAG afetou positivamente os valores da força de união quando comparados com BIO MTA+. Considerando sua ótima adesão, o cimento enriquecido com cálcio (CEM) pode ser uma boa opção como um material de preenchimento em cavidades retrógradas no uso clínico.

Secukinumab and metformin ameliorate dermal fibrosis by decreasing tissue interleukin-17 levels in bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis.

Although the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis is not exactly known, it is thought that immune activation has prominent roles in pathogenesis. Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody against interleukin (IL)-17A. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic medication, has anti-proliferative, immunomodulating and anti-fibrotic activities. The purpose of our study is to determine the therapeutic efficacy of secukinumab and metformin on bleomycin (BLM) induced dermal fibrosis. Fifty Balb/c female mice were divided into 5 groups: (group 1 control, 2 sham, 3 secukinumab, 4 metformin and 5 secukinumab + metformin). The mice in the control group received 100 µL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), while the mice in other groups received 100 µL (100 µg) BLM in PBS subcutaneously (sc) every day for 4 weeks. In addition, mice in groups 3 and 5 received secukinumab at a dose of 10 mg/kg/wk sc, and mice in the groups 4 and 5 received oral metformin 50 mg/kg/d for 28 days. All groups of mice were sacrificed at the end of the 4th week and tissue samples were taken for analysis. In addition to histopathological analysis, skin tissue messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of IL-17 and collagen 3A were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Repeated BLM injections had caused dermal fibrosis. In addition, the mRNA expressions of IL-17 and collagen 3A were increased in the BLM group. Secukinumab and metformin ameliorated dermal fibrosis. They decreased dermal thickness and tissue IL-17A and collagen 3A mRNA levels. Secukinumab and metformin exhibit anti-fibrotic effects in the BLM-induced dermal fibrosis.

Influence of operator experience on bond strength of different adhesives to dentin.

AIM: Application of adhesive systems on dentin is a multistep, technique-sensitive procedure. Thus, the aim was to assess the effect of operator experience on the shear bond strength of an etch-and-rinse adhesive system and a self-etch adhesive system on dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight extracted human molar teeth were used in the study. They were embedded in an acrylic resin after cutting off the roots. The mesial and distal enamels of the teeth were removed to expose dentin surfaces. The samples were allocated to four groups (n = 12): Group 1: restorative dentistry specialist with 13 years of experience, Group 2: with 6 years of experience, Group 3: postgraduate operator with 2 years of experience, and Group 4: undergraduate student with 1 year of experience and familiar with adhesive with systems. Each operator applied an etch-and-rinse adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2) to mesial surface and a self-etch adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond) to distal surface (n = 12). Then, a composite resin (Filtek Z250) was inserted with the aid of a plastic ring (2 mm × 2 mm) and light polymerized. The specimens were stored in distilled water before shear bond strength test. A two-way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between each operator type with respect to etch-and-rinse adhesive system (P > 0.05); however, the undergraduate student performed better than 2-year experienced operator with respect to self-etch system application (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The shear bond strength of a self-etch system might vary according to the operator's experience.

Effect of Saliva Contamination on Microleakage of Open Sandwich Restorations.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the microleakage of conventional glass-ionomer, resin modified glass-ionomer and glass hybrid ionomer Class II open sandwich restorations with or without saliva contamination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted sound human molar teeth were used and 120 class II slot cavities were prepared in mesial and distal surfaces. The gingival margins were located 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction. All specimens were randomly divided in 4 groups (n=15): Group I: High-Viscous Glass Ionomer (Fuji IX GP) Group II: Resin Modified Glass Ionomer (Fuji II LC) Group III: Glass Hybrid Ionomer (Equia-fil Forte), Group IV: Composite Resin (G'aenial Posterior). In open sandwich restoration groups, glass ionomer materials were placed to gingival floor in 1 mm thickness and rest of the cavity was filled with resin composite. After the restorations in mesial surfaces had been performed, distal cavities were restored with the same protocol after saliva contamination. The specimens were thermo-cycled for 10000 cycles at 50C to 550C and immersed in methylene blue dye solution (% 0,5) for 24 hours. Then, they were sectioned vertically through the center of the restorations from mesial to distal surface with a water-cooled diamond saw with 1mm thickness. Subsequently, the dye penetration was evaluated with image analysis software. Data were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between gingival microleakage scores in no contamination groups, between high-viscous glass ionomer, Fuji IX GP and other materials tested (p<0.05). In saliva contaminated groups, there was no statistically significant difference between gingival microleakage scores (p>0.05). Additionally, there was not a statistically significant difference between the no contamination and saliva contaminated groups regardless of dental materials tested (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, in open sandwich restorations, saliva contamination did not show an adverse effect on microleakage irrespective of dental materials tested. Glass hybrid ionomers and resin modified glass ionomers showed lower microleakage scores in gingival margins compared to high-viscous glass ionomer material in no contamination groups.

Does child abuse have an impact on self-esteem, depression, anxiety and stress conditions of individuals?

BACKGROUND: The present study addressed the effects of child abuse in early adulthood. AIMS: The purpose of the study was to determine the direct and indirect effects of child abuse on self-esteem, depression, anxiety and stress levels. METHOD: The participants of the study were 636 students (477 females and 159 males) studying at three different state universities in Turkey. Data were collected through 'Childhood Trauma Questionnaire', 'Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)', 'Two-Dimensional Self-Esteem Scale (Self-Liking/Self-Competence)' and 'Demographic Information Form'. The obtained data were analyzed with Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and path analysis techniques via SPSS 23 and AMOS 22. RESULTS: Considering the relationship between the variables, child abuse was found to be negatively correlated with self-esteem, while it was positively correlated with depression, anxiety and stress. As a result of the path analysis, it was observed that child abuse affected self-esteem directly in the negative way. Throughout the analysis, self-esteem was found to have a direct and negative effect on depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. Child abuse was also found to have an indirect effect on depression, anxiety and stress. CONCLUSION: Self-esteem had full mediation effect between child abuse, and depression, anxiety and stress.

The Role of Traumatic Childhood Experiences in Predicting a Disposition to Risk-Taking and Aggression in Turkish University Students.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not traumatic childhood experiences in childhood predict a disposition to risk-taking and aggression among university students. The participants consisted of 851 students: 477 (56.1%) females and 374 (43.9%) males attending various faculties at the Karadeniz Technical University in Turkey. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Adolescent Risk-Taking Scale, Aggression Questionnaire, and Personal Information Form were used for data collection. The analysis results revealed a positive correlation between traumatic experiences (physical, sexual, emotional maltreatment, and emotional neglect) and risk-taking and aggression. Physical and sexual abuse and gender are significant predictors of risk-taking. Physical abuse and gender are some of the predictors of aggression. Another finding from the study is that physical and emotional abuse and emotional neglect vary by gender. This study concludes that exposure to traumatic experiences in childhood prepares the foundation for negative behaviors in adulthood.

Effect of different denture cleansers on surface roughness and microhardness of artificial denture teeth.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different denture cleansers on the surface roughness and microhardness of various types of posterior denture teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 168 artificial tooth specimens were divided into the following four subgroups (n=42): SR Orthotyp PE (polymethylmethacrylate); SR Orthosit PE (Isosit); SR Postaris DCL (double cross-linked); and SR Phonares II (nanohybrid composite). The specimens were further divided according to the type of the denture cleanser (Corega Tabs (sodium perborate), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and distilled water (control) (n=14)) and immersed in the cleanser to simulate a 180-day immersion period, after which the surface roughness and microhardness were tested. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Conover's nonparametric multiple comparison test, and Spearman's rank correlation analysis (P<.05). RESULTS: A comparison among the denture cleanser groups showed that NaOCl caused significantly higher roughness values on SR Orthotyp PE specimens when compared with the other artificial teeth (P<.001). Furthermore, Corega Tabs resulted in higher microhardness values in SR Orthotyp PE specimens than distilled water and NaOCl (P<.005). The microhardness values decreased significantly from distilled water, NaOCl, to Corega Tabs for SR Orthosit PE specimens (P<.001). SR Postaris DLC specimens showed increased microhardness when immersed in distilled water or NaOCl when compared with immersion in Corega Tabs (P<.003). No correlation was found between surface roughness and microhardness (r=0.104, P=.178). CONCLUSION: NaOCl and Corega Tabs affected the surface roughness and microhardness of all artificial denture teeth except for the new generation nanohybrid composite teeth.

Effects of staining and bleaching on a nanohybrid composite with or without surface sealant.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of different staining solutions and a bleaching procedure on color stability and surface roughness of a nanohybrid resin composite were evaluated with or without liquid resin polishing (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six disc-shaped resin composite specimens (A1 Shade, Z550 Filtek 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) were prepared and divided randomly into two groups (n = 48). Liquid RP (BisCover LV, Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA) was applied in one group (RP) and not in the other (P). Specimen color and surface roughness were determined using a colorimeter and profilometer, respectively. After baseline measurements, each group was divided into four subgroups (n = 12) for immersion in a control (distilled water) or three different staining solutions (ice tea, red wine, and cola) for 1 week. Color and surface roughness were then reevaluated. After measurements, all specimens were bleached using a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel. The color and surface roughness of the specimens were reevaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were subjected to an analysis of variance for repeated measurements among the groups (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Staining and bleaching did not change the surface roughness of the RP and P groups (P > 0.05). Discoloration in the red wine group was higher than for the other staining solutions for the RP (P < 0.001) and P groups (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Application of liquid RP did not enhance the color stability and surface roughness of the composite resin restoration.

Dental students' ability to assess their performance in a preclinical restorative course: comparison of students' and faculty members' assessments.

Dental education consists of both theoretical and practical learning for students to develop competence in treating patients clinically. When dental students encounter practical courses in their first year as a new educational experience, they must also learn to evaluate themselves. Self-evaluation is an essential skill to learn for dental professionals to keep increasing their competence over the course of their careers. The aim of this study was to compare the assessment scores of second- and third-year dental students and the faculty in two consecutive preclinical practical exams in restorative dentistry courses in a dental school in Turkey. Faculty- and student-assigned scores were calculated from two consecutive preclinical examinations on tooth restorations performed on both artificial casts and phantom patients. The students were formally instructed on grading procedures for tooth preparations, base and restoration placement, and polishing criteria. After each step, each item was assessed by faculty members, the student, and another student. The results indicated that the initial differences between second-year students' assessments of their own preclinical practical ability and that of the faculty decreased among the third-year students. Self-evaluation scores did not indicate whether the third-year students tended to over- or underestimate the quality of their own work. However, the second-year students not only overestimated themselves but thought they were above average. The results point to the need to develop students' self-insight with more exercises and practical training.

Resin composite repair: Quantitative microleakage evaluation of resin-resin and resin-tooth interfaces with different surface treatments.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the effect of different adhesive systems and surface treatments on the integrity of resin-resin and resin-tooth interfaces after partial removal of preexisting resin composites using quantitative image analysis for microleakage testing protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 human molar teeth were restored with either of the resin composites (Filtek Z250/GrandioSO) occlusally. The teeth were thermocycled (1000×). Mesial and distal 1/3 parts of the restorations were removed out leaving only middle part. One side of the cavity was finished with course diamond bur and the other was air-abraded with 50 µm Al2O3. They were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) to receive: Group 1: Adper Single Bond 2; Group 2: All Bond 3; Group 3: ClearfilSE; Group 4: BeautiBond, before being repaired with the same resin composite (Filtek Z250). The specimens were re-thermocycled (1000×), sealed with nail varnish, stained with 0.5% basic fuchsin, sectioned mesiodistally and photographed digitally. The extent of dye penetration was measured by image analysis software (ImageJ) for both bur-finished and air-abraded surfaces at resin-tooth and resin-resin interfaces. The data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: BeautiBond exhibited the most microleakage at every site. Irrespective of adhesive and initial composite type, air-abrasion showed less microleakage except for BeautiBond. The type of initial repaired restorative material did not affect the microleakage. BeautiBond adhesive may not be preferred in resin composite repair in terms of microleakage prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Surface treatment with air-abrasion produced the lowest microleakage scores, independent of the adhesive systems and the pre-existing resin composite type. Pre-existing composite type does not affect the microleakage issue. All-in-one adhesive resin (BeautiBond) may not be preferred in resin composite repair in terms of microleakage prevention.

Is problematic internet use an indicator of eating disorders among Turkish university students?

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between problematic internet use and eating attitudes in a group of university students. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 314 students attending programs at the faculties of education, medicine and communications at the Karadeniz Technical University in Turkey. One hundred forty-seven (46.8 %) were male and 167 (53.2 %) female. The Problematic Internet Use Scale was used to measure problematic internet use levels among university students and the Eating Attitudes Test to determine anorexia nervosa symptoms. Additionally, a Personal Data Form was used to determine age, gender, faculty attended and computer ownership. Data were analyzed on SPSS 15.00. Pearson's product moments correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression analysis, the independent t test and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The research findings showed that 46.8 % of students were female and 53.2 % male. Mean age was 20.65 (SD 1.42). Analysis showed a significant positive correlation between problematic internet use and eating attitudes (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). Problematic internet use was found to be a significant predictor of eating attitudes. The results also showed a significant difference in problematic internet use with regard to program variables [F (2,311) = 102.79]. There were no significant differences in problematic internet use in terms of gender or computer ownership. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that problematic internet use is significantly correlated with eating disorders, that problematic internet use does not vary on the basis of gender or computer ownership and that variations arise in problematic internet use depending on the faculty attended.

Clinical evaluation of resin-based composites in posterior restorations: a 3-year study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a nanohybrid and a microhybrid composite in class I and II restorations after 3 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 82 class I and class II restorations were performed in 31 patients (10 males and 21 females) using Grandio and QuiXfil with self-etch adhesives (Futurabond and Xeno III). The restorations were clinically evaluated by 2 operators 1 week after placement (baseline) and at 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. At the 3-year follow-up, 62 class I and class II cavities were reevaluated in 23 patients (7 males and 16 females). Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's χ(2) and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At the 6-month follow-up, all restorations received Alfa scores with respect to each evaluation criterion. At the 1-year follow-up, 2 QuiXfil restorations had to be replaced and Grandio restorations started to deteriorate in terms of marginal adaptation. At the end of 2 years, 9 Grandio restorations showed significant deterioration of the surface properties, demonstrating Bravo scores. At the end of 3 years, no significant differences were observed regarding color match, marginal adaptation, secondary caries, marginal discoloration, and anatomic form loss between the evaluated materials in 25 class I and 37 class II restorations. At the 3-year follow-up, Grandio restorations had 21% Bravo scores and showed significant deterioration of the surface properties, which were still clinically acceptable according to USPHS criteria. Three QuiXfil and 1 Grandio restorations were replaced because of secondary caries and loss of retention. CONCLUSIONS: Both the nanohybrid (Grandio) and the microhybrid (QuiXfil) composites were clinically functional after 3 years.

1 year clinical evaluation of microhybrid composites used in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions.

AIM: Microhybrid composite resins are commonly used to treat non-carious cervical lesions. The aim of this double blind study was to compare the 12-month clinical performance of cervical restorations placed with the use of two different microhybrid composite resins. METHODS: 20 patients with at least one pair of non-carious cervical lesion participated in this study. Ninety-seven cervical lesions were restored with either TPH Spectrum (n=48) or Filtek Z250 (n=49) using a two-step etch &rinse adhesive (Single Bond 2) Restorations were evaluated using modified USPHS criteria after 6 and 12 months. The statistical comparison of resin composites for each category was performed with the Pearson chi square test and the performance of restorations at the baseline, 6 months and after 12 month recall time was evaluated by Mc Nemar's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The recall rate of the patients was 100% at each evaluation period. The retention rates were 100% at six months,89,6% and 91,8% at 12-months for TPH and Z250, respectively and no statistically significant difference was observed with respect to each evaluation criteria (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical restorations placed with two different microhybrid composites and a two-step etches and rinse system showed satisfactory clinical performance after 12-months.

The effect of dentin desensitizers and Nd:YAG laser pre-treatment on microtensile bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to dentin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate if pre-treatment with desensitizers have a negative effect on microtensile bond strength before cementing a restoration using recently introduced self-adhesive resin cement to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five human molars' occlusal surfaces were ground to expose dentin; and were randomly grouped as (n=5); 1) Gluma-(Glutaraldehyde/HEMA) 2) Aqua-Prep F-(Fluoride), 3) Bisblock-(Oxalate), 4) Cervitec Plus-(Clorhexidine), 5) Smart protect-(Triclosan), 6) Nd:YAG laser, 7) No treatment (control). After applying the selected agent, RelyX U200 self-adhesive resin cement was used to bond composite resin blocks to dentin. All groups were subjected to thermocycling for 1000 cycles between 5-55℃. Each bonded specimen was sectioned to microbars (6 mm × 1 mm × 1 mm) (n=20). Specimens were submitted to microtensile bond strength test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Levene's test, Kruskal-Wallis One-way Analysis of Variance, and Conover's nonparametric statistical analysis were used (P<.05). RESULTS: Gluma, Smart Protect and Nd:YAG laser treatments showed comparable microtensile bond strengths compared with the control group (P>.05). The microtensile bond strengths of Aqua-Prep F, and Cervitec Plus were similar to each other but significantly lower than the control group (P<.05). Bisblock showed the lowest microtensile bond strength among all groups (P<.001). Most groups showed adhesive failure. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, it is not recommended to use Aqua-prep F, Cervitec Plus and Bisblock on dentin when used with a self-adhesive resin cement due to the decrease they cause in bond strength. Beside, pre-treatment of dentin with Gluma, Smart protect, and Nd:YAG laser do not have a negative effect.

Effect of haemostatic agent application on the shear bond strength of contemporary/multi-mode adhesive systems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to determine the effect of blood contamination and haemostatic agent application on the shear bond strength (SBS) of different adhesives to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two extracted human molars were used in this study. Teeth were mounted acrylic in moulds. Mesial and distal surfaces were removed to obtain flat dentin surfaces (n=144) and grinded with a 600 grit sandpaper. The samples were randomly divided into three main groups (N=48) based on the adhesive system and application procedures. GROUP 1: No contamination (control), GROUP 2: Blood contamination, GROUP 3: Blood Contamination+Haemostatic agent application. Each group was further divided into four subgroups: SUBGROUP I: Single Bond 2 (etch-and-rinse) Subgroup II: Clearfil SE Bond (two-step self-etch) Subgroup III: Single Bond Universal (multimode, etch-and-rinse) subgroup IV: Single Bond Universal (multimode, all-in-one self-etch) (n=12). Resin cylinders (Filtek Z550) were bonded to the dentin surfaces according to the manufacturers' instructions. A shear load was applied to the specimens using universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure. Data were analyzed statistically (p<0.05). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between no contamination (control) and blood + haemostatic agent contamination groups for both Single Bond 2 (etch-and-rinse) and Single Bond Universal (multimode, all-in-one self-etch) (p<0.05). When the adhesive systems were compared to each other, no statistically significant differences were found in all contamination groups and control group for the mean SBS values (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: When blood contamination is inevitable two step self- etching adhesive systems may be the choice of adhesive system in terms of shear bond strength.