ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aims of the present study were (a) to compare the scanning time and image count to complete optical scans of a typodont between augmented-reality-assisted intraoral scanning (ARIOS) and intraoral scanning (IOS); (b) to compare the accuracy of the digital casts derived from ARIOS and IOS; (c) to compare participant-related outcomes between ARIOS and IOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-session within-subject experiment was conducted to compare ARIOS and IOS. Thirty-one dental students participated in the study. Following a trial session, each participant obtained optical scans under ARIOS and IOS conditions. The time required to complete the scan, and the number of images taken were recorded. Participant feedback was collected using entry, exit, and NASA-Task Load Index (TLX) surveys. The accuracy of the digital casts derived from the optical scans was measured in root mean square error (RMSE). RESULTS: The present study found a 6.8% increase in preference for ARIOS from entry to exit survey. Slightly more participants favored the ARIOS setup compared to IOS; 54.8% of participants favored ARIOS, 9.7% were indifferent, and 35.5% favored IOS. NASA-TLX subscale ratings were higher for IOS in general apart from mental demand. The accuracy of the digital casts between ARIOS and IOS was comparable in RMSE. CONCLUSION: ARIOS was advantageous compared to IOS in ergonomics, improved scanner tracking, and ease of scanner orientation. However additional trials, increased field of view, and better superimposition of scanning status to the target site were improvements desired by the study participants.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Alveolar osteitis (AO) is a common postoperative complication of third molar extractions that is thought to be associated with the intake of oral contraceptives (OCPs). This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the risk of AO associated with OCP use and sex independently and whether this risk was affected by the use of postoperative analgesics or antibiotics. Methods: PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles pertaining to OCP use and the incidence of AO using MESH terms. The measured outcome was the development of AO following a third molar extraction. Additional variables such as sex, analgesic, and antibiotic use were documented and included in the analysis. The data were analyzed in R using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results: Fifteen studies with a total of 1366 female participants who were OCP users and 2919 nonuser female participants were included in this meta-analysis. OCP users were approximately twice (pooled-RR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.42-2.76) as likely to develop AO following a third molar extraction when compared to nonuser females. The increased incidence of AO in the OCP group was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The pooled-RR of AO in females not taking OCPs was not significantly different from males (p=0.45). Conclusions: OCP use significantly elevated the risk of AO in females. Females who did not take OCPs had a similar risk of developing AO compared to males, suggesting that OCP use is a potential effect modifier. Neither postoperative antibiotics use nor the type of postoperative analgesic significantly affected AO incidence in those taking OCPs.
ABSTRACT
Biofilms are a key component in bacterial communities providing protection and contributing to infectious diseases. However, mechanisms involved in S. sanguinis biofilm formation have not been clearly elucidated. Here, we report the identification of a novel S. sanguinis TetR repressor, brpT (Biofilm Regulatory Protein TetR), involved in biofilm formation. Deletion of brpT resulted in a significant increase in biofilm formation. Interestingly, the mutant accumulated more water soluble and water insoluble glucans in its biofilm compared to the wild-type and the complemented mutant. The brpT mutation led to an altered biofilm morphology and structure exhibiting a rougher appearance, uneven distribution with more filaments bound to the chains. RNA-sequencing revealed that gtfP, the only glucosyltransferase present in S. sanguinis, was significantly up-regulated. In agreement with these findings, we independently observed that deletion of gtfP in S. sanguinis led to reduced biofilm and low levels of water soluble and insoluble glucans. These results suggest that brpT is involved in the regulation of the gtfP-mediated exopolysaccharide synthesis and controls S. sanguinis biofilm formation. The deletion of brpT may have a potential therapeutic application in regulating S. sanguinis colonization in the oral cavity and the prevention of dental caries.
