Factors Involved in the Perception of Enamel Dyschromic Lesions-A Questionnaire-Based Study.

Dyschromic lesions (DLs) of tooth enamel are common disorders, with multiple etiologies and various clinical forms, that raise public health concerns. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the perception of DLs and to assess the perceived need for dental treatment in various clinical cases. A paper-based questionnaire with attached images of frontal teeth exhibiting different DLs was distributed to patients, dental students, and dentists. A total of 383 volunteers participated in this study, and their answers were statistically described and analyzed. This study found that in cases with multiple, well-demarcated areas of opacities associated with diffuse opacities on neighboring teeth, most respondents noticed and reported only the most severe lesions, disregarding the minor ones. The contrast of the lesion with the color of the substrate influenced the overall perception and a significant correlation between these two variables was found. However, the color of the DLs did not significantly impact the overall perception of the lesions. A higher overall perception of DLs was significantly correlated with a favorable opinion regarding the need for treatment. Furthermore, gender and medical background were significantly associated with the overall perception of DLs.

About the Experimental and Virtual Analysis of Orthopedic Implant Systems for the Revision of the Hip Prosthesis with Morcellated Bone Graft and Reconstruction Net.

INTRODUCTION: Prosthesis loosening is an alteration of the function and position of a total hip prosthesis with reference to the initial surgical moment. The main mechanism unanimously accepted for aseptic prosthetic losses at the level of the cup is represented by the biological mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Experimental and virtual, interdisciplinary tools, techniques and methods were used to determine the behavior of the hip replacement prosthesis with the morcellated graft and the reconstruction net. Performing an orthopedic assembly with a morcellated bone graft and reconstruction net. An assembly was performed on a hip joint taken from an animal (cow). The biological material and the components of the prosthesis were prepared similarly to the revision prosthesis intervention. Experimental testing of orthopedic assembly with morcellated bone graft and reconstruction net. This assembly was tested on a universal machine to determine the maximum force at which it yields. This was 1790 Kgf, i.e. 17559 N. Virtual experimental testing of the hip joint with orthopedic revision assembly with a morcellated bone graft and reconstruction net for normal gait loading. The orthopedic assembly with the morcellated graft and the reconstruction net was reconstructed in the virtual environment. Normal load was used. Results maps were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Analyzing the results from the two tests, experimental and virtual, and important conclusions were drawn regarding this orthopedic assembly.

The role of IgE specific for galactose-α-1,3-galactose in predicting cetuximab induced hypersensitivity reaction: a systematic review and a diagnostic meta-analysis.

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies are used for treating various diseases, from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease to cancer. Although monoclonal antibodies are known to have fewer toxic reactions compared with the conventional cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, the cases of severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) should be acknowledged. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the anti-IgE for galactose-α-1,3-galactose in patients with HSRs to cetuximab. We searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and World of Science databases to July 1st, 2020. We included a total of 6 studies, with 1074 patients. Meta-analysis was performed using bivariate analysis and the random-effect model. The pooled sensitivity was 73% (95% CI 62-81%) and the pooled specificity was 88% (95% CI 79-94%). We had not found significant heterogeneity and, despite some discrepancies in the nature of data available in the analysed studies, we draw the conclusion that the presence of cetuximab specific IgE (anti cetuximab antibody) and/or galactose-α-1,3-galactose shows moderate to high sensitivity and specificity of developing an HSR. More studies are needed to establish a protocol necessary for the proper prediction and avoidance of HSR related to cetuximab.

Are Zirconia Bioceramics and Ceramics Intended to Come in Contact with Skin Inert?

Generally speaking, ceramic materials are insensitive to corrosion, compared to most other materials. The present study questions the fact that ceramics are inert. Two major aspects are to be considered: the stability of zirconia over time, the stable tetragonal phase transforming into an unstable monoclinic form; the multitude of manufacturing methods, using various additives, sintering additives, oxides mixing, impurities, grain boundaries, and porosities which strongly influence the corrosion behavior and chemical degradation. In case of the investigated ceramics two paths were pursued:a) Dissolutions of ceramics in a mixture of HNO3 60% and HF 40% ultrapure medium.b) Release of cations from ceramics in various mediums:dental bioceramics in a 0.07 M HCl medium and a 0.1% NaF+0.1% KF medium; ceramics used in jewelry and watchmaking applications in a HCl 0.07 M medium and an artificial sweat medium. By inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry/mass spectrometry (ICP-OES/MS), traces of significant chemical elements were assessed: Hf, Cr, Y, As, Pb, Al, Fe, Cu, Se, Sb, La, Ni, Co, Sb, Ta, Te, Ba, Sm, Nb, Hg, Cd, Sr, As and Se. In ceramics used in jewelry and watchmaking applications the concentrations found vary from one ceramic to another, including toxic elements such as Te, Ba, As, Pb, Sm, Hg and Cd, therefore being technical zirconia ceramics which are not intended for the medical field. For ceramics used in jewelry and watchmaking applications a screening identification test for Ni, Co, Cu and Fe with strips of type Merckoquant® (Merck, Kenilworth, NJ, USA) was also performed. The obtained data prove that the zirconia ceramics in question are far from being "inert".

Histological aspects of full-thickness skin grafts augmented with platelet-rich fibrin in rat model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The restoration of the damaged tissue commences very early with a regulated sequence of biochemical events set into motion to repair the damage. While the understanding of this entire process is still incomplete, it has been established that platelets play a decisive role not only in hemostasis, but also in the wound healing process, through an abundance of growth factors and other signaling cytokines modulating the inflammatory response. To this end, we attempted to evaluate the effect of a platelet-rich biomaterial - platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) - in the augmentation of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin defects were performed on the rats' dorsum and covered with FTSGs. The test group wound bed was treated with PRF before the suture of the graft. Skin graft specimens were obtained from the control and test group rats for histological and immunohistochemical examination on the 21st postsurgical day. Our study included 40 male Wistar rats. Average thickness of epidermal cell layers was recorded for each wound site. The average fibroblast count was compared between the control and test (PRF-augmented FTSG) groups. Blood vessel count and vascular density - the blood vessels were identified under low-power microscopy. The prominent vascular areas were then scanned in higher-power fields; individual vessels were marked and counted by hand. Vascular density was calculated. Mean vascular count for each graft was then calculated. RESULTS: The mean thickness of the epidermal layer was significantly higher and closer to the physiological epidermal thickness, in the test group than in the control group. The average fibroblast and fibrocyte count in the dermal layer in FTSGs augmented with PRF was higher than in the control group. We discovered a statistically insignificant increase in the blood vessel count and vascular density of the test group, compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our limited data supports the theory that the addition of PRF to FTSG recipient wound beds has the potential to improve graft take and regulate the proliferation of a thicker and more uniform epidermis, while decreasing healing time and dermal necrosis rates.

Effect of accelerated staining and bleaching on chairside CAD/CAM materials with high and low translucency.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of staining and bleaching on CAD/CAM materials with high (HT) and low translucency (LT or T). Samples were stored in coffee and subsequently bleached. CIELAB parameters were recorded at baseline, after coffee immersion, after bleaching. Translucency parameter (TP), whiteness index (WID) and color changes were calculated (ΔE00). Influence of staining and bleaching was analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA and color differences between materials were analyzed with one-way ANOVA (α=0.05). Staining and bleaching significantly affected CIELAB parameters and WID for all materials (p<0.001). TP was significantly influenced by staining and bleaching for Crios and Enamic (p<0.05). Mean color differences were significantly different between materials (p<0.001). The greatest color changes due to staining were observed for Lava Ultimate while the lowest for e.max CAD. Both coffee staining and bleaching induced greater color changes for HT materials of the same brand compared to LT.

Histological findings from rat calvaria defect augmented with platelet-rich fibrin by using two consecutive periosteal incisions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a new generation of biomaterial that proved to be an effective tool in numerous clinical uses. This study aims at expanding the range effectiveness of PRF in promoting bone healing by histological evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a pair of two calvaria defects on 35 Wistar rats. The left defect was left empty as a control and the right defect was augmented with PRF. After 45 days, the experiment was terminated and the calvaria were collected and underwent morphological and histological analysis. RESULTS: New bone formations have been shown to be prevalent in the PRF augmented defect. CONCLUSIONS: PRF increases the body's natural ability to heal and regenerate bone.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin and its Emerging Therapeutic Benefits for Musculoskeletal Injury Treatment.

New therapies that accelerate musculoskeletal tissue recovery are highly desirable. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin biomaterial that acts as a binding site for both platelets and growth factors. Through increasing the local concentration of growth factors at specific tissues, PRF promotes tissue regeneration. PRF has been frequently used in combination with bone graft materials to reduce healing times and promote bone regeneration during maxillofacial surgery. However, its benefits during muscle repair and recovery are less well-documented. Here, we perform a narrative review on PRF therapies and muscle injuries to ascertain its beneficial effects. We reviewed the factors that contribute to the biological activity of PRF and the published pre-clinical and clinical evidence to support its emerging use in musculoskeletal therapy. We include in vitro studies, in vivo animal studies and clinical articles highlighting both the success and failures of PRF treatment. PRF can promote the healing process when used in a range of orthopaedic and sports-related injuries. These include cartilage repair, rotator cuff surgery and anterior cruciate ligament surgery. However, conflicting data for these benefits have been reported, most likely due to inconsistencies in both PRF preparation protocols and dosing regimens. Despite this, the literature generally supports the use of PRF as a beneficial adjuvant for a range of chronic muscle, tendon, bone or other soft tissue injuries. Further clinical trials to confirm these benefits require consistency in PRF preparation and the classification of a successful clinical outcome to fully harness its potential.

Giomers in dentistry - at the boundary between dental composites and glass-ionomers.

INTRODUCTION: From the variety of direct restorative dental materials, composite resins are considered as having the most esthetic and functional properties. The conservative preparation, esthetic results, good mechanical qualities and surface finishing properties of dental composites, combined with the protective properties of fluoride from glass-ionomers, led to a new generation of dental materials: the giomers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose is to review the available literature about the giomers, regarding the chemical composition, handling properties and esthetics, adhesion and microleakage, fluoride releasing and protection offered, clinical indications. METHOD: The search was carried out using ScienceDirect and PubMed databases with the following keywords: giomer, esthetic properties giomers and fluoride releasing giomers. A total of 232 articles were initially selected, with the following inclusion criteria: full text articles, written in English, with topics on the properties and the clinical implications of giomers. Papers presented as abstract were not included. In the next step, review articles, duplicates, and articles in other languages were removed; as a result, a total of 44 sources published between 2004 and 2017 were selected. RESULTS: The selected articles referred to the following aspects about the giomers: chemical composition (8 articles), adhesion and microleakage (10 articles), fluoride releasing and pulp protection (15 articles), clinical indications (6 articles), effects of additional treatments and dietary habits (11 articles).

Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steels Intended to Come into Direct or Prolonged Contact with the Skin.

The biocompatibility of materials in contact with a living tissue becomes a puzzle in the overall picture of assessing the toxic effects of chemicals that come into contact with us. Allergic reactions to substances are a significant and growing health problem affecting large parts of the population in Europe. Wristwatches are objects worn in prolonged contact with the skin, being subject to localized corrosion, especially pitting and crevice types, in sulfide-chloride medium, and high wear in the bracelets joints. Watches of medium quality are usually made of stainless steels. The X2 CrNiMo 17-12-2 316L grade as well as X1 CrNiMo 20-25-5 Cu 1 or 904L are commonly used, having good resistance to generalized corrosion. The passive layer is nevertheless insufficient to ensure complete immunity in all cases of localized corrosion encountered during wear. For this reason, a high-corrosion-resistant steel: X1 CrNiMo 18-15-4 N 0.15 or 317LMN, from three different suppliers was evaluated. Metallographic characterization was carried out. The corrosion behavior evaluation was performed for the generalized corrosion, pitting and crevice corrosion and galvanic corrosion. Galvanic couples steel 317LMN-gold 18K alloy 3N and gold 18K 5M were used. The results of the generalized and pitting corrosion test indicated three basic groups. All of the 317LMNs were similar. The 316L variants tested noticeably worse. The 904Ls were difficult to discern, but certainly easier than the 316Ls and, possibly, at least comparable to the 317LMNs.

Oral health related quality of life and self-esteem in a general population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The interest in the research of both Oral Health Related Quality Of Life and dental aesthetics has increased in the recent years. The aim of the current study consists in the evaluation of the perception of oral-health, dental aesthetics and self-esteem in a general population. METHODS: A group of students of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, were trained in the field of questionnaire interviewing. The students were asked to apply the following questionnaires to a number of maximum five close persons: the OHIP-14Aesthetic questionnaire, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale and a questionnaire evaluating demographic data. Each interviewed subject provided informed consent. The sample included 97 subjects with an age range of 18-75 years. For each of the three applied questionnaires overall scores were computed and used for the calculation of Pearson correlations and inferential statistical procedures: the t-test. RESULTS: Related to the complete sample (N=97), the highest OHIP-14Aesthetic scores were obtained for the functional limitation (mean score of 2.22), physical pain (mean score of 2.72) and psychological discomfort (mean score of 1.37) subscales. The highest Rosenberg self-esteem scale scores were obtained for the following questions: "I think I am no good at all" (mean score of 3.50), "feel useless at times" (mean score of 3.53), "inclined to feel that I am a failure" (mean score 3.77), "positive attitude toward myself" (mean score of 3.50). Statistically significant correlations were registered between the overall Rosenberg self-esteem scale score and the scores of the following OHIP-14Aesthetic subscales: psychological discomfort (r = -0.201, p = 0.49), physical disability (r = -0.219, p = 0.031), psychological disability (r = -0.218, p = 0.032), social disability (r = -0.203, p = 0.046). The t-test revealed statistically significant gender differences, in regard to the OHIP-14Aesthetic overall score t(95) = -2.820, p = 0.006. CONCLUSIONS: The current study indicates the existence of statistically significant gender differences in the perception of oral health and a series of dental aesthetics elements in a general population. Moreover, statistically significant correlations were obtained between the perception of oral health and the perception of self-esteem.

Shade-Matching Performance Using a New Light-Correcting Device.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the shade-matching performance of dental students when using a new light-correcting device with polarization filter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 observers assessed the shade of the upper frontal teeth in one patient under three lighting conditions: daylight (A), daylight and a light-correcting device (Smile Lite, Switzerland) (B), daylight and a light-correcting device with a polarization filter attached (C) by using two shade guides: VITA Classical and 3D Master. Matching scores were calculated as a sum of the color differences between the reference shades and the selected shades (ΔEab *). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the shade-matching scores under the three lighting conditions (p < 0.001). However, pairwise comparisons showed that between A (ΔEab *A = 1,873.6) and C (ΔEab *C = 2,019.1), there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The best matching scores were calculated for B (ΔEab *B = 1,652.5). Significant differences were found in respect to the observer's gender (p < 0.05) and color competency (p < 0.05), as well as with the shade guide used (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dental students' shade-matching ability was better when the light-correcting device was used, but the addition of the filter to it did not prove beneficial. The shade guides used, the observer's gender, and color competency influenced the shade matching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The light-correcting device influenced the shade-matching performance; however, the attached polarization filter did not improve the results of the shade matching.

Romanian version of the oral health impact profile-49 questionnaire: validation and preliminary assessment of the psychometrical properties.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) represents a multidimensional structure, being measured by complex instruments, such as the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). The aim of this present study is to develop and test the psychometric properties of an initial Romanian (OHIP-49Ro) version. METHODS: The original OHIP-49 version was translated using a forward-backward technique into the Romanian OHIP-49Ro, which was applied in an interview form to 150 patients of the Second Medical Clinique of Internal Medicine, Cluj-Napoca. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was applied, in order to evaluate the factor structure and construct validity of the OHIP-49Ro. RESULTS: The correlations between the OHIP-49Ro subscales were all positive and statistically significant. Cronbach's Alpha coefficients values are above 0.7 for all subscales, providing support for the internal consistency of OHIP-49Ro scale scores. Regarding the CFA, for the seven factor model, the Bentler scaled chi-square (S-Bχ(2)) indicated a value of 2193.74 (df=1091; p=0.001), the CFI a value of 0.740, the TLI a value of 0.72 and RMSEA the value of 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest a high internal consistency of the OHIP-49Ro instrument. Due to the correlations between several sets of factors, and the multiple-factorial load for several items, the OHIP-49Ro's factorial structure requires further research on different samples and in different cultural and educational contexts.

Silica network improve the effect of fludarabine and paclitaxel on HCT8 cell line.

This paper reports the potential of silica network to sensitize tumor cells and stimulate antitumor toxicity of fludarabine (FLU) and paclitaxel (PAC) against HCT8 cells. SiO2, SiO2/FLU and SiO2/PAC nanostructured materials were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, InfraRed Microscopy and in vitro biological assays. When using SiO2/PAC, it can be observed that the cytostatic effect of PAC is boosted only at high concentrations of this material. On the other hand, in the case of SiO2/FLU, data showed an enhancement in the cytostatic activity of FLU by up to 25%, also when using this nanomaterial in low doses. These data represent preliminary study on the impact on silica nano-networks in targeted delivery and controlled release of antitumor drugs and they may be efficiently used for future biomedical applications in cancer therapy.