ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Systems existing in hospital or clinic settings offer services within the physical environment. Examples of such systems include picture archiving and communication systems, which provide remote services for patients. To develop a successful system, methods like software development life cycles (SDLCs) and design techniques, such as prototyping, are needed. This study aimed to specify requirements, design, and evaluation of dental image exchange and management system using a user-centered approach. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four phases, each corresponding to different stages of SDLCs. User-needs data were used to gathered by interviews and observations. A prototype was developed using object-oriented programming and presented to users for feedback. Finally, focus group was used to finalized the prototype into the desired system. Results: User needs were identified and prioritized from the outset, with ease of use, security, and mobile apps being their most essential requirements. The prototype underwent several iterations of design and evaluation in focus group sessions until users were satisfied, and their feedback was incorporated. Eventually, the prototype was refined into the final system with users' consent. Conclusion: The study revealed that instant access to information, voluntary participation, user interface (UI) design, and usefulness were critical variables for users and should be integral to any system. Successful implementation of such a system requires careful consideration of end-users' needs and their application to the system. Moreover, integrating the system with electronic health records can further enhance the treatment process and the efficiency of medical staff. The voluntary perspective of users played a significant role in achieving an exemplary UI and overall satisfaction with the system. Developers and policymakers should consider these aspects in similar system development projects.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: There is still insufficient clinical evidence of platelet-rich fibrin beneficial effects on bone regeneration. Gold nanoparticles have been shown to enhance osteogenic differentiation and bone mineralization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of advanced-platelet-rich fibrin modified by gold nanoparticles on the osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. RESULTS: MTT assay revealed 0.0125 mM gold nanoparticles had no cytotoxic effects on stem cells after 7 days. The addition of 0.0125 mM gold nanoparticle to advanced-platelet-rich fibrin clot increased cell viability compared to the non-treated control group (p < 0.05). 7-day incubation of stem cells with advanced-platelet-rich fibrin modified by gold nanoparticles conditioned media was shown to promote alkaline phosphatase activity compared to the control cells and group treated with advanced-platelet-rich fibrin condition media (p < 0.05). By using Alizarin Red S staining, red-colored calcium deposits were observed in the group treated with advanced-platelet-rich fibrin and gold nanoparticles conditioned media in comparison with non-treated cells (p < 0.05). Advanced-platelet-rich fibrin conditioned medium was unable to promote calcium deposition compared to the combination of advanced-platelet-rich fibrin and gold nanoparticles (p < 0.05). Adding gold nanoparticles to advanced-platelet-rich fibrin and fibrin and platelet byproducts could be an alternative strategy to improve osteogenic capacity of stem cells.
