Comparison of anxiety, pain, and quality of life in individuals with mild or moderate malocclusion between conventional fixed orthodontic treatment versus Invisalign: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated anxiety, pain, and oral-health-related quality of life in individuals treated with conventional fixed appliances (Group A) and clear aligners (Group B) for moderate malocclusion during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Sixty individuals, separated into Group A (n = 30) and Group B (n = 30), were included in the study. They completed the Anxiety Levels, Oral Health Impact Profile-14, and Oral Health Related Quality of Life - United Kingdom/Surveys after the application of attachments on days 0 (T1), 10 (T10), and 20 (T20). Their pain levels were evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale on days 0, 2, and 6 in the 2nd and 6th hours and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days. RESULTS: Per the VAS questionnaire, pain levels in the 2nd hour, 6th hour, 1st day, and 3rd day were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A. In the OHIP-14 survey results, the comparison between Group A and Group B showed a significant difference only on the 1st day. The STAI and OHRQoL-UK survey results did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety levels, and pain among individuals in Group A was higher than in Group B only at the beginning of the treatment. No significant differences were observed in terms of individuals' quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06133296 (retrospectively registered)- Registration Date:15/11/2023.

Bovine carbonic anhydrase (bCA) inhibitors: Synthesis, molecular docking and theoretical studies of bisoxadiazole-substituted sulfonamide derivatives.

This paper describes the in vitro inhibition potential of bisoxadiazole-substituted sulfonamide derivatives (6a-t) against bovine carbonic anhydrase (bCA) after they were designed through computational analyses and evaluated the predicted interaction via molecular docking. First, in silico ADMET predictions and physicochemical property analysis of the compounds provided insights into solubility and permeability, then density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to analyse their ionization energies, nucleophilicity, in vitro electron affinity, dipole moments and molecular interactions under vacuum and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) conditions. After calculating the theoretical inhibition constants, IC50 values determined from enzymatic inhibition were found between 12.93 and 45.77 µM. Molecular docking evaluation revealed favorable hydrogen bonding and π-interactions of the compounds within the bCA active site. The experimentally most active compound, 6p, exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity with a theoretical inhibition constant value of 9.41 nM and H-bonds with Gln91, Thr198, and Trp4 residues and His63 Pi-cation interactions with His63 residues. Overall, the study reveals promising bCA blocking potential for the synthesized derivatives, similar to acetazolamide.

A potential posttranscriptional regulator for p60-katanin: miR-124-3p.

Katanin is a microtubule severing protein belonging to the ATPase family and consists of two subunits; p60-katanin synthesized by the KATNA1 gene and p80-katanin synthesized by the KATNB1 gene. Microtubule severing is one of the mechanisms that allow the reorganization of microtubules depending on cellular needs. While this reorganization of microtubules is associated with mitosis in dividing cells, it primarily takes part in the formation of structures such as axons and dendrites in nondividing mature neurons. Therefore, it is extremely important in neuronal branching. p60 and p80 katanin subunits coexist in the cell. While p60-katanin is responsible for cutting microtubules with its ATPase function, p80-katanin is responsible for the regulation of p60-katanin and its localization in the centrosome. Although katanin has vital functions in the cell, there are no known posttranscriptional regulators of it. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding ribonucleotides that have been found to have important roles in regulating gene expression posttranscriptionally. Despite being important in gene regulation, so far no microRNA has been experimentally associated with katanin regulation. In this study, the effects of miR-124-3p, which we detected as a result of bioinformatics analysis to have the potential to bind to the p60 katanin mRNA, were investigated. For this aim, in this study, SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were transfected with pre-miR-124-3p mimics and pre-mir miRNA precursor as a negative control, and the effect of this transfection on p60-katanin expression was measured at both RNA and protein levels by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. The results of this study showed for the first time that miR-124-3p, which was predicted to bind p60-katanin mRNA by bioinformatic analysis, may regulate the expression of the KATNA1 gene. The data obtained within the scope of this study will make important contributions in order to better understand the regulation of the expression of p60-katanin which as well will have an incontrovertible impact on the understanding of the importance of cytoskeletal reorganization in both mitotic and postmitotic cells.

High-resolution structural-functional substrate-trigger characterization: Future roadmap for catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia.

Introduction: Patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) are at high risk of sudden cardiac death. When appropriate, catheter ablation is modestly effective, with relatively high VT recurrence and complication rates. Personalized models that incorporate imaging and computational approaches have advanced VT management. However, 3D patient-specific functional electrical information is typically not considered. We hypothesize that incorporating non-invasive 3D electrical and structural characterization in a patient-specific model improves VT-substrate recognition and ablation targeting. Materials and methods: In a 53-year-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy and recurrent monomorphic VT, we built a structural-functional model based on high-resolution 3D late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (3D-LGE CMR), multi-detector computed tomography (CT), and electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI). Invasive data from high-density contact and pace mapping obtained during endocardial VT-substrate modification were also incorporated. The integrated 3D electro-anatomic model was analyzed off-line. Results: Merging the invasive voltage maps and 3D-LGE CMR endocardial geometry led to a mean Euclidean node-to-node distance of 5 ± 2 mm. Inferolateral and apical areas of low bipolar voltage (<1.5 mV) were associated with high 3D-LGE CMR signal intensity (>0.4) and with higher transmurality of fibrosis. Areas of functional conduction delay or block (evoked delayed potentials, EDPs) were in close proximity to 3D-LGE CMR-derived heterogeneous tissue corridors. ECGI pinpointed the epicardial VT exit at ∼10 mm from the endocardial site of origin, both juxtaposed to the distal ends of two heterogeneous tissue corridors in the inferobasal left ventricle. Radiofrequency ablation at the entrances of these corridors, eliminating all EDPs, and at the VT site of origin rendered the patient non-inducible and arrhythmia-free until the present day (20 months follow-up). Off-line analysis in our model uncovered dynamic electrical instability of the LV inferolateral heterogeneous scar region which set the stage for an evolving VT circuit. Discussion and conclusion: We developed a personalized 3D model that integrates high-resolution structural and electrical information and allows the investigation of their dynamic interaction during arrhythmia formation. This model enhances our mechanistic understanding of scar-related VT and provides an advanced, non-invasive roadmap for catheter ablation.

Effect of various orthodontic adhesives on enamel colour changes after fixed treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare enamel colour changes of incisors and canines produced by various orthodontic adhesives following treatment with fixed appliances. METHODS: The study included 300 maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors, and canines of 25 subjects who finished fixed appliance treatment. The following adhesives were used according to the manufacturer's instructions: Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), Kurasper F (Kuraray Europe GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany), Grengloo (Ormco Corporation, Glendora, CA, USA) and Light Bond (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, IL, USA). Different adhesives were placed in each quadrant of the subjects. Pretreatment and posttreatment enamel colours were evaluated at the middle third of the buccal surfaces of teeth using the SpectroShade Micro Dental Colour Complete Tooth Analysis SystemTM (MHT International, Verona, Italy). Tooth colour was determined using the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L* a* b* system, and ∆E values were calculated. RESULTS: Pretreatment and posttreatment intragroup comparison results showed significant decreases in L* and b*, as well as insignificant changes in a* for all teeth. Significantly less enamel colour changes occurred in the Kurasper F group compared with the Grengloo and Light Bond groups. Evaluating incisors and canines separately, overall intergroup comparisons were not significant. Enamel colour changes were significantly less only for the canines compared to the incisors in the Transbond XT and Kurasper F groups. The ∆E values were 1.83-2.18 and 1.41-1.95 for incisors and canines, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although statistically less enamel colour changes occurred in the Kurasper F group compared with the Grengloo and Light Bond groups, the observed changes were not clinically relevant.

Periodontal health of unilateral labially vs. palatally impacted maxillary canines erupted by closed eruption technique.

OBJECTIVE: This study's aim was to compare the periodontal health of labially and palatally impacted maxillary canines erupted by closed eruption technique, and to compare them with the contralateral canines that served as control teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 subjects, 17 with unilateral labially impacted maxillary canines and 15 with palatally impacted maxillary canines were enrolled in this study. Pretreatment maxillary canine variables were evaluated from initial panoramic radiographs using Nolla stage, α­angle, d­depth and s­sector. The closed eruption technique was used for surgical exposure of the impacted teeth. Posttreatment periodontal parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD), keratinized gingival width (KGW), attached gingival width (AGW), and gingival thickness (GT) were evaluated to compare the periodontal health with the contralateral canines. RESULTS: Intergroup comparison results exhibited insignificant differences in all periodontal parameters between the labially and palatally impacted maxillary canines. Intragroup comparison results showed a significant increase in PI, GI, GBI, and PD, and a significant decrease in AGW, KGW, and GT in the impacted teeth compared to the controls, except for PI in the palatally impacted maxillary canines. CONCLUSION: The decrease in KGW, AGW, and GT was not associated with the pre-eruptive position of the impacted teeth. These side effects seen after orthodontic treatment of impacted teeth should be followed carefully in the long term.

Agile Leadership and Perceived Career Success: The Mediating Role of Job Embeddedness.

Agile leadership is an important managerial function in which responsiveness and innovation appear to be essential elements for the long-term development and success of any business. The world has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) during and post COVID-19. Managers are required to possess agile leadership to facilitate their employees' successful careers. Therefore, this study aims to find out the relationship between agile leadership and career success by examining the mediation of job embeddedness in healthcare organizations. The descriptive research design and survey method were employed in this study. The data were collected by using three scales from healthcare employees in healthcare organizations in Turkey. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were analysed by using SPSS and AMOS programs. The findings of this study showed that agile leadership behaviours enhance career success. Moreover, the relationship between agile leadership and career success is mediated by job embeddedness. The role of agile leadership in promoting employees' career success has rarely been studied in the literature. This is one of the first studies to examine the effect of agile leadership on career success along with the mediating role of job embeddedness. Healthcare managers have faced many critical challenges at their workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the lens of managing efficient healthcare organizations in many contexts, this research sheds some important light on the association between agile leadership, career success, and job embeddedness. Managers with high agility levels used strategies such as group decision making, problem solving, effective internal and external communication, and adaptation to uncertain environment in order to increase their career success.

The relationship between frontal sinus dimensions and skeletal malocclusion.

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective research is to compare frontal sinus dimensions in skeletal Class I, skeletal Class II, and skeletal Class III individuals and to evaluate the relationship of these dimensions with anterior skull base length and some cephalometric values. Materials and methods: In this research, we used lateral cephalometric radiographs of 60 people aged 17 to 25. In individuals with skeletal Class I malocclusion, skeletal Class II malocclusion due to mandibular insufficiency, and skeletal Class III malocclusion due to mandibular excess, measurements of frontal sinus length and height as well as S-N, Co-A and Co- Gn lengths, ANB0, FMA0, SN-GoGn0 angles values were performed. The length between the highest point and the lowest point of the frontal sinus was calculated as the height of the frontal sinus, and the length between the most anterior and the most posterior points of the frontal sinus was calculated as the length of the frontal sinus. Results: The frontal sinus length and height were found to be higher in skeletal Class III individuals than in skeletal Class I and skeletal Class II individuals, however, there was no significant difference between skeletal Class I and Class II individuals. Conclusion: The increase in frontal sinus height and length correlated positively with the decrease in the ANB angle and the increase in the SN and Co-Gn lengths. The dimensions of the frontal sinus may be an indicator for the remaining mandibular growth potential.

Sella turcica bridging and ponticulus posticus calcification in subjects with different dental anomalies.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the bridging and dimensions of the sella turcica and calcification of the ponticulus posticus in subjects with different dental anomalies. METHODS: Pretreatment records of orthodontic patients with palatally impacted canines (n = 95), mandibular second premolar agenesis (n = 45), maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (n = 75), tooth transpositions (TT, n = 25), peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors (n = 30), and third molar agenesis (TMA, n = 145) were analyzed and compared with the control group (CG) consisting of 145 subjects with skeletal Class I malocclusion and no dental anomalies. The length, diameter, and depth of the sella turcica were calculated for each patient. The degree of sella turcica bridging was scored as type I, II, and III, whereas the extent of ponticulus posticus was classified as Class I, II, and III. RESULTS: Only decreases in the length and diameter of the sella turcica in subjects with TT were found to be statistically significant. Although type II bridging frequency was found to be significantly lower in subjects with mandibular second premolar agenesis, maxillary lateral incisor agenesis, TT, and TMA, type III bridging frequency was found to be significantly higher only in subjects with TMA. The decrease in Class I calcification frequencies and the increase in Class II calcification frequencies were found to be significant in subjects with palatally impacted canines, TT, and TMA compared with the CG. In addition, the presence of Class III calcification was found to be significantly more frequent in subjects with TMA than in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: Although type II and type III bridging frequencies were found to be higher than in previous studies because of the higher type II bridging frequency in the CG, type II bridging frequency was found to be insignificant. Furthermore, an increased frequency of ponticulus posticus calcification was observed in subjects with palatally impacted canines, TT, and TMA.

Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Peri-Miniscrew Fluid Prostaglandin E2 and Substance P Levels: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy on peri-miniscrew fluid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and substance P (SP) levels during orthodontic treatment. METHODS: A total of 15 individuals were included in this study. Miniscrews were inserted to the inter-radicular region of the maxillary right and left second premolar and the first molar teeth, and diode lasers were randomly applied to the right or left side. Irradiation was performed at 940 nm wavelength using a gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser with 100 mW power output, 0.125 cm2 spectral area, 8 J/cm2 energy density, and 10 seconds of exposure time. Peri-miniscrew fluid samples were collected on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days, and PGE2 and SP levels were assessed. For statistical comparison, two-way (factors) analysis of variance with repeated measurements on one-factor levels was used at statistical significance (p) of <0.05. RESULTS: PGE2 levels on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days were 160.64±10.05, 135.17±37.18, and 98.57±22.94, respectively, in the control group and 150.75±9.08, 87.17±40.67, and 78.10±16.50, respectively, in the laser group. SP levels on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days were 79.90±12.05, 64.61±10.05, and 70.05±9.10, respectively, in the control group and 76.32±11.39, 60.25±9.08, and 65.71±5.59, respectively, in the laser group. The differences in PGE2 and SP levels between the laser and control groups were not statistically significant at all time intervals. CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy cannot be recommended as a clinical adjunct therapy to reduce inflammation and pain around the miniscrews.

Changes in the gingival thickness and keratinized gingival width of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth after orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in the gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized gingival width (KGW) of the maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors and canines after fixed orthodontic treatment and their association with sagittal tooth movement (STM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study of both arches, 60 periodontally healthy subjects who had completed fixed orthodontic treatment were included. Using pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms, STM of the maxillary (1-NA angle and distance, and 1-SN angle) and mandibular (1-NB angle and distance, and IMPA angle) incisors were evaluated to divide the subjects into protrusion and retrusion groups. Pretreatment and posttreatment GT was identified via transgingival probing, and KGW was calculated from the free gingival margin to the mucogingival junction. RESULTS: The intragroup pretreatment and posttreatment comparison results showed a significant decrease in the GT of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth in the protrusion and retrusion groups and a decrease in the KGW of the maxillary lateral incisors in the protrusion group. Pearson correlation coefficient analyses for maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth revealed that the GT changes were not significantly associated with STM. However, a positive correlation existed between the KGW of tooth numbers 13 and 41 and STM. CONCLUSIONS: STM was not significantly associated with decreased GT of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, but it was positively correlated with the KGW of tooth numbers 13 and 41.

Effects of ibuprofen and low-level laser therapy on orthodontic pain by means of the analysis of interleukin 1-beta and substance P levels in the gingival crevicular fluid.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare the effects of ibuprofen and low-level laser therapy in alleviating orthodontic pain observed after elastomeric separator placement (ESP) by means of the analysis of interleukin 1­beta (IL-1ß) and substance P (SP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and visual analog scale (VAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 subjects requiring ESP for the banding of maxillary first molars were randomly assigned to the ibuprofen, laser, and control groups. The ibuprofen and control groups received, respectively, 400 mg ibuprofen and placebo lactose tablets orally 1 h before ESP; the laser group received a single low-level laser irradiation session immediately after ESP. GCF samples were collected immediately after ESP (day 0) and on days 1, 3, and 7. Pain intensity was evaluated using the VAS immediately after ESP (baseline) and at hours 2 and 6, as well as on days 1, 3, and 7. RESULTS: Although IL-1ß levels increased significantly on days 1, 3, and 7 compared to day 0, intergroup comparison results revealed insignificant differences. SP levels indicated insignificant within-group differences. Only the SP levels of the ibuprofen group showed a significant decrease on days 0 and 1 compared to the laser and control groups. In all groups, VAS scores increased from baseline to a peak level on day 1, followed by a significant decrease on days 3 and 7. Intergroup comparison results of VAS scores indicated less pain intensity in the ibuprofen group compared to the control group at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Only the ibuprofen group exhibited significant decreases in SP levels on days 0 and 1, as well as in VAS scores at baseline.

Speedy/RINGO protein interacts with ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

Abnormal activity of ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways is one of the most important factors for the development of many cancer types including neuroblastoma cancer. Apart from these two pathways, some cell cycle regulators such as Speedy/RINGO also contribute to neuroblastoma development. There is data reinforcing the possible communication of the components of ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in carcinogenic process. In addition to this, there are studies about the direct/indirect interaction of Speedy/RINGO with these pathways in different cell types other than neuroblastoma. However, there is not any study available showing the interaction of Speedy/RINGO with both pathways in neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the possible effect of Speedy/RINGO on PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. For this aim, Speedy/RINGO was silenced by siRNA technique to analyze the effects of direct inhibition of Speedy/RINGO on these pathways. Results showed that Speedy/RINGO silencing caused a significant decrease in MEK1/2 expression and AKT phosphorylation. Afterward, MEK1/2 was inhibited using a specific inhibitor U0126. Data reveal a corresponding decrease in the Speedy/RINGO expression and AKT phosphorylation indicating a reciprocal interaction between ERK/MAPK and Speedy/RINGO. In addition, MTS analysis showed that both ERK/MAPK inhibition and Speedy/RINGO silencing significantly reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. This study provides information about a possible interaction of Speedy/RINGO with PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways in SH-SY5Y cells for the first time. It will not only help to better understand the cancer-prone interactions of these pathways but also enable us to identify the appropriate molecular targets for developing efficient treatment strategies.

Computerized occlusal analysis of Essix and Hawley retainers used during the retention phase: a controlled clinical trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occlusal force distribution (OFD), individual tooth force (ITF), and occlusal surface area (OSA) of Essix and Hawley retainers, using T­Scan III (Tekscan Inc., South Boston, MA, USA) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 subjects were randomly assigned to one of the retention groups following fixed orthodontic treatment. While 18 of these subjects were provided with Essix retainers, 17 were given Hawley retainers. Computerized occlusal analysis of the patients' dentitions was performed using T­Scan III. The evaluations were made after debonding (T0) and at month 3 (T1), month 6 (T2) and 1 year (T3) after the retention phase. RESULTS: The changes in OFD were significant only in the Hawley group for the left/right half jaws and the right posterior quadrants when comparing the T2-T3 time interval. Also, the differences between the groups were significant only for the left half jaw for the T0-T2 time interval and for the right half jaw when comparing the T0-T2 and the T2-T3 time intervals. The changes in ITF were insignificant within groups, but significant between the groups for tooth 11 and 22. Although there was an increase observed in OSA for both groups, the difference between the groups was insignificant. However, the OSA increase in the Essix group for the left/right anterior quadrants was significant only for the T0-T2 and the T0-T3 time intervals, while in both groups, for the posterior left quadrant, the OSA was insignificant only for the T0-T1 time interval. CONCLUSIONS: Although OSA increased when using both retention appliances, OFD did not change.

Changes in occlusal surface area and occlusal force distribution following the wear of vacuum-formed, hawley and bonded retainers: A controlled clinical trial.

To evaluate the changes in occlusal surface area (OSA) and occlusal force distribution (OFD) following the wear of Vacuum-formed (VFR), Hawley (HR) and Bonded (BR) retainers, using T-Scan III. A total of 60 subjects using three different maxillary and mandibular orthodontic retainers, VFR (n:20), HR (n:20) and BR (n:20), were included in this study. The changes in OSA and OFD were evaluated using the T-Scan III. The evaluations were made 2 hours after debonding orthodontic appliances (T0) and in the 3rd (T1) and 6th (T2) months of the retention phase. For left (LDA), right (RDA) and posterior dental arches (PDA), intragroup comparison of OSA showed significant increase in the VFR and HR groups at T1-T2 and T0-T2 time intervals and in the BR group at T0-T1 and T0-T2 time intervals. For the anterior dental arch (ADA), only the increase in the HR group at T0-T1 and T0-T2 time intervals was found significant. When compared between the groups, the changes between HR and BR groups detected at T1-T2 time interval for the RDA and at T0-T1 and T0-T2 time intervals for the ADA were found significant. Intragroup comparison of OFD displayed significant changes only in the BR group. At T0-T1 time interval, the decrease in the ADA and the increase in the PDA were found significant. Also, intergroup OFD comparison exhibited significant differences between HR and BR groups at T0-T1 time interval for ADA and PDA. Although no significant differences were found between the VFR group, the increase in OSA occurred faster in the PDA in the BR group, whereas in the ADA it was significant only in the HR group.

The thickness of posterior buccal attached gingiva at common miniscrew insertion sites in subjects with different facial types.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the thicknesses of maxillary and mandibular posterior buccal approximal attached gingiva at common miniscrew insertion sites, which has critical importance in determining miniscrew length, in subjects with different facial types. METHODS: One hundred seventy-four subjects with no transversal skeletal discrepancy were included in this study. The facial types of these subjects were evaluated in the sagittal and vertical directions. In the sagittal direction, the subjects were assigned into 3 groups: skeletal Class I, II, and III. Also, each of these groups was divided into subgroups in the vertical direction: low angle, norm, and high angle. Transgingival probing was used to measure the thickness of the buccal attached gingiva. RESULTS: The thickness of the buccal attached gingiva between the second premolar-first molar ranged from 1.18 ± 0.33 to 1.46 ± 0.28 mm and from 1.28 ± 0.30 to 1.58 ± 0.37 mm in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. The thickness of the buccal attached gingiva between the first-second molars ranged from 1.31 ± 0.41 to 1.60 ± 0.62 mm and from 1.36 ± 0.43 to 1.72 ± 0.52 mm in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. In terms of the thicknesses of the buccal attached gingiva of second premolar-first molar and first-second molars, no statistically significant difference was found between subjects with different facial types. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that the thicknesses of maxillary and mandibular posterior buccal approximal attached gingiva varied between 1.18-1.72. At this point, the insertion of miniscrews of 7-8 mm in length was recommended for maxillary and mandibular posterior buccal regions, in order to obtain adequate insertion depth.

Effect of the Interaction Between Selenium and Zinc on DNA Repair in Association With Cancer Prevention.

Cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide. Annually, more than ten million new cancer cases are diagnosed, and more than six million deaths occur due to cancer. Nonetheless, over 80% of human cancer may be preventable through proper nutrition. Numerous nutritional compounds are effective in preventing cancer. Selenium and zinc are essential micronutrients that have important roles in reducing oxidative stress and protecting DNA from the attack of reactive oxygen species. Selenium is an essential trace element that possesses several functions in many cellular processes for cancer prevention. Meanwhile, zinc may have protective effects on tumor initiation and progression, and it is an essential cofactor of several mammalian proteins. Results show that both selenium and zinc provide an effective progression of DNA repair system; thus, cancer development that originated from DNA damage is decreased. Results mostly focus on the separate effects of these two elements on different cell types, tissues, and organs, and their combined effects are largely unknown. This review aimed to emphasize the joint role of selenium and zinc specifically on DNA repair for cancer prevention.

Comparison of Two Retention Appliances with Respect to Clinical Effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of Essix and Hawley retainers during the retention period. METHODS: A total of 30 subjects whose fixed orthodontic treatment results were evaluated according to the American Board of Orthodontics Phase III Objective Grading system were included in this study. After the removal of orthodontic attachments, the study participants were equally divided into two retention protocols: upper-lower Essix and upper-lower Hawley. The subjects were instructed to wear their retainers full time for 6 months, except during meals, and during nights only for 6 months. The clinical effectiveness of the retainers was evaluated according to the overjet, overbite, maxillary, and mandibular intercanine widths, intermolar widths, arch lengths, irregularity indexes, and lateral cephalometric measurements. All dental model and lateral cephalometric measurements were performed by the same investigator during three periods: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and post-retention. RESULTS: The overjet, overbite, maxillary, and mandibular intercanine widths; intermolar widths; and arch lengths and lateral cephalometric measurements were not statistically significantly different between the groups and identified time periods. Although the maxillary and mandibular irregularity indexes increased from the post-treatment to post-retention periods, the difference was not statistically significant. Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and post-retention lateral cephalometric measurements were not statistically significantly different between and within the groups. CONCLUSION: According to the results of a repeated-measures analysis of variance with two factors, and although an increase was found in the maxillary and mandibular irregularity indexes, the clinical effectiveness of Essix and Hawley retainers was found to be similar during the retention period.