ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aimed to assess the association between self-rated smile satisfaction and the smile dimensions among dental students. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 216 Vietnamese dental students. A standardized photograph was taken of each student with their frontal social smiles to assess aesthetic dimensions. A single-session self-administered questionnaire containing five questions about smile aesthetic satisfaction related to various aspects was administered to all students. Differences in smile characteristics and satisfaction scores between the two genders were evaluated. The impact of smile characteristics on satisfaction scores was assessed using multiple linear regression models. Results: Most dental students had a high smile line, parallel smile arcs, an upward upper lip curvature, a non-touching labiodental relationship, a dental midline that coincided with the midline of the face, and eight teeth displayed during smile. Most participants were satisfied with their smiles, and the self-rated satisfaction score was 67 out of 100. Self-perceived overall smile satisfaction was associated with the "smile arc", the "upper lip curvature", the "number of teeth displayed during smile", and the "dental midline". Female students had a statistically significant correlation between self-perception and smile characteristics, such as upper lip curvature, dental midline shift, and smile line. Conclusions: The smile arc, upper lip curvature, and dental midline shift affected self-perceived satisfaction among dental students. Female students showed an association between the smile parameters and self-perceived satisfaction.
ABSTRACT
The main concern pertaining to the safety of Gadolinium(III)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) is the toxicity caused by the unchelated ion, which may be inadvertently present in the solution due most commonly to excess unreacted starting material or dissociation of the complexes. Detecting the aqueous free ion during the synthesis and preparation of GBCA solutions is therefore instrumental in ensuring the safety of the agents. This paper reports the development of a sensitive fluorogenic sensor for aqueous unchelated Gadolinium(III) (Gd(III)). Our design utilizes single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides with a specific sequence of 44 bases as the targeting moiety. The fluorescence-based assay may be run at ambient pH with very small amounts of samples in 384-well plates. The sensor is able to detect nanomolar concentration of Gd(III), and is relatively unresponsive toward a range of biologically relevant ions and the chelated Gd(III). Although some cross-reactivity with other trivalent lanthanide ions, such as Europium(III) and Terbium(III), is observed, these are not commonly found in biological systems and contrast agents. This convenient and rapid method may be useful in ascertaining a high purity of GBCA solutions. Graphical abstract Fluorescent aptamer-based assay for detecting unchelated Ln(III) ions in aqueous solution.
