Dental robotics: a groundbreaking technology with disruptive potential - review article.

Dental Robotics represent a groundbreaking technological frontier with the potential to disrupt traditional paradigms in oral healthcare. This abstract explores the transformative impact of robotic applications in dentistry, focussing on precision, reproducibility, and reliability. A comprehensive search was conducted on the PubMed database, Dental and Oral Science, and CINAHL to identify pertinent studies exploring the implications of robotics in dentistry. Studies incorporated in this analysis highlighted the significance of broadening the research scope beyond implantology. This review underscores the importance of integrating robotic dentistry into educational frameworks and advancing technological preparedness. As we navigate these challenges, the abstract underscores the pivotal role of robotic dentistry in shaping the future of oral healthcare. Robotic dentistry promises transformative advancements in oral healthcare with precision and reliability. Challenges like limited system availability and expertise highlight the need for increased dentist-engineer collaboration. Diversifying research, emphasizing non-invasive technologies, and integrating robotic dentistry into education are crucial for wider acceptance. Public awareness and regulatory clarity are pivotal for seamless integration, unlocking the vast potential of robotic technologies in the future of dental care.

The application of virtual reality and augmented reality in dentistry - a literature review.

In recent times, dentistry has seen significant technological advancements that have transformed various specialized areas within the field. Developed into applications for mobile devices, augmented reality (AR) seamlessly merges digital components with the physical world, enhancing both realms while maintaining their individual separateness. On the other hand, virtual reality (VR) relies on advanced, tailored software to visualize a digital 3D environment stimulating the operator's senses through computer generated sensations and feedback. The current advances use the application of VR, haptic simulators, the use of an AI algorithm and many more that provides new opportunities for smart learning and enhance the teaching environment. As this technology continues to evolve, it is poised to become even more remarkable, enabling specialists to potentially visualize both soft and hard tissues within the patient's body for effective treatment planning. This literature aims to present the newest advancements and ongoing development of AR and VR in dentistry and medicine. It highlights their diverse applications while identifying areas needing further research for effective integration into clinical practice.

Assessment of ubiquitin specific Peptidase-18 gene in peripheral blood of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antiviral drugs.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains one of the leading causes of liver complications globally. Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase-18 (USP18) is a ubiquitin-specific protease that cleaves interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) from ISGylated protein complexes and is involved in regulating interferon responsiveness. To study the effect of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on the USP18 gene using qPCR, 132 participants were recruited and classified into different groups based on treatment duration. USP18 expression was raised compared to rapid virologic response (RVR) and early virologic response (EVR) groups with P = 0.0026 and P = 0.0016, respectively. USP18 was found to be 7.36 folds higher in naïve patients than those with RVR and sustained viral response (SVR). In RVR and SVR groups where patients had cleared HCV RNA after treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) therapy, the expression of USP18 was found to be low, with a fold change of 1.3 and 1.4 folds, respectively. Expression of USP18 was significantly higher in the non-RVR group than in the RVR group. In the No EVR group, gene expression was significantly higher than in the EVR group. It is concluded that targeting HCV proteins using DAAs can cause USP18 expression to be normalized more effectively. Moreover, USP18 is a vital marker indicating treatment resistance and distinguishing responders from non-responders during DAA therapy.

Decoding the mystery of MMTV-like virus and its relationship with breast cancer metastasis.

BACKGROUND: MMTV causes mammary tumors in mice, and it is associated with invasive and aggressive forms of breast cancer in humans. However, the underlying mechanisms are yet unknown. We aimed to determine the MMTV-like virus (MMTV-LV) association with histological types of breast cancer, nodal involvement, and metastasis. METHODS: First, 105 breast cancer biopsies and 15 disease-free biopsies were collected. Details of clinicopathological characteristics were retrieved from patients' records. The status of MMTV-LV was already known for these biopsy samples. Associations of MMTV-LV prevalence with LNM status and metastatic history were determined. Next, quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to quantify env gene mRNA in biopsies positive for MMTV-LV. Expression of the env gene was compared against different histopathological types of mammary tumor, LNM status, and metastasis by performing Ordinary One Way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: MMTV-LV prevalence was found to have no significant association with LNM or metastatic history. As compared to normal control, expression of the env gene was significantly higher (>2.8 folds) in invasive samples (P-value: < 0.01). Expression was also higher (3.28 and 2.89 folds) in patient samples with LNM (P-value: 0.0006) or metastatic history (P-value: < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that MMTV-LV prevalence is not associated with LNM status or breast cancer metastasis; samples with invasive phenotypes, nodal involvement, and metastasis exhibit significantly higher expression of the MMTV-like env gene.