Psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy and empathy levels in Greek dental postgraduate students.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to: (1) examine the psychometric properties of the Greek version of JSE-HP and (2) explore empathy among Greek dental postgraduate students. METHODS: The JSE-HP scale was translated into Greek using the back translation method. The questionnaire was given to 111 dental postgraduate students between November 2017 and February 2018. A random sample of 25% was retested to assess test-retest reliability. The reliability of the Greek version of JSE-HP was measured with Cronbach's alpha (α) and Discrimination Indices (DIs). Exploratory Factor Analysis, with varimax rotation of the factorial axes, was used to examine the dimensionality and the factorial validity of the Greek version of the JSE-HP. Comparisons between groups of postgraduate students were performed as appropriate with the Kruskal-Wallis or the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The response rate was 100%. The mean age was 28.9 years. The reliability, in the sense of internal consistency of the questionnaire was considered satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha: 0.76, average DI: 0.33.) The test-retest reliability was satisfactory (Pearson's r = 0.77, p < 0.001). Factor Analysis revealed 7 significant factors. No statistically significant differences in empathy scores were found among groups of postgraduate students. CONCLUSIONS: The Greek version of the JSE-HP shows good psychometric properties. Empathy scores do not differ among Greek dental postgraduate students.

Comparison of RANKL and OPG levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid between healthy and diseased peri-implant tissues. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess RANKL and OPG levels, as well as RANKL/OPG ratio, in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF), in dental implants presenting peri-implantitis (PI) in comparison to healthy implants (H) and to implants with peri-implant mucositis (MU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search based on the PICO framework, supplemented by hand searching, was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE, using the Ovid interface from 1996 up to and including the 17th of December 2019 in order to identify relevant clinical studies. A combination of MeSH terms and text words was utilized for this purpose. Sequential screenings at the title, abstract, and full-text levels were performed independently and in duplicate. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted and mean value standardized differences, between PI and H groups, were utilized as effect sizes. RESULTS: Out of 1961 titles, which were revealed by the search strategy, 11 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were incorporated in the systematic review. Meta-analytical processing was performed for RANKL (4 articles), OPG (5 articles), and RANKL/OPG ratio (5 articles) in PI and H groups. The total effect for RANKL mean differences between PI and H groups indicated a tendency but not a statistical significance (P = 0.078) in favor of the PI group, while no statistically significant differences were found for OPG and the ratio levels in the examined groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence that levels of the examined biomarkers, RANKL, and OPG as well as the RANKL/OPG ratio, in PICF, may be considered strong indicators for distinguishing between healthy and inflamed peri-implant sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Biomarker identification in PICF, which could differentiate between healthy and diseased dental implants, might represent a valuable non-invasive method suitable for implant pathology and implant therapy prognosis.

Objective structured assessment of technical skill in temporal bone dissection: validation of a novel tool.

OBJECTIVE: This study developed an assessment tool that was based on the objective structured assessment for technical skills principles, to be used for evaluation of surgical skills in cortical mastoidectomy. The objective structured assessment of technical skill is a well-established tool for evaluation of surgical ability. This study also aimed to identify the best material and printing method to make a three-dimensional printed temporal bone model. METHODS: Twenty-four otolaryngologists in training were asked to perform a cortical mastoidectomy on a three-dimensional printed temporal bone (selective laser sintering resin). They were scored according to the objective structured assessment of technical skill in temporal bone dissection tool developed in this study and an already validated global rating scale. RESULTS: Two external assessors scored the candidates, and it was concluded that the objective structured assessment of technical skill in temporal bone dissection tool demonstrated some main aspects of validity and reliability that can be used in training and performance evaluation of technical skills in mastoid surgery. CONCLUSION: Apart from validating the new tool for temporal bone dissection training, the study showed that evolving three-dimensional printing technologies is of high value in simulation training with several advantages over traditional teaching methods.

Evaluation of dogs with macroscopic haematuria: a retrospective study of 162 cases (2003-2010).

AIMS: To retrospectively describe clinical features of dogs that were presented to a small animal clinic between 2003-10 with macroscopic haematuria, and investigate whether signalment of the dog and severity and duration of the haematuria at admission were associated with specific aetiologies. METHODS: Medical records were evaluated of 162 dogs with macroscopic haematuria admitted to a University-based small animal clinic in Thessaloniki, Greece, from January 2003 to December 2010. The inclusion criteria were discolouration of the urine sediment combined with abnormal numbers of erythrocytes, when examined microscopically. Data collected from the medical records included signalment, severity, frequency and duration of haematuria, and diagnosis. RESULTS: Between January 2007 and December 2010, 8,893 dogs were admitted to the clinic; of these 99 (1.1%) were admitted with haematuria. Of the 162 dogs with records of haematuria, 80 (49.4%) were aged between 5.1-10 years, presented with acute (96/162; 59.3%), constant (99/162; 61.1%) and mild/moderate (150/162; 92.6%) haematuria. Of 147 dogs with a recorded diagnosis, the commonest diagnoses were urinary tract infection (UTI, 42/147; 28.6%), urolithiasis (38/147; 25.9%), prostatic disease (25/147; 17.0%) and urinary tumours (13/147; 8.8%). The prevalence of UTI was higher in female (22/56; 39%) than male (20/91; 22%) dogs, and in medium sized (22/52; 42%) than small (6/40; 15%) dogs. Urolithiasis was most prevalent in small (21/40; 52.5%) dogs, and all dogs with urolithiasis presented with mild/moderate haematuria. The prevalence of prostatic disease was highest in large (11/46; 24%) and giant (3/9; 33%) sized dogs and in dogs aged >10 years (8/30; 27%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this retrospective study from one small animal clinic, UTI, urolithiasis, prostatic disease and urinary tumours predominated among the causes of canine haematuria. The consideration of sex, age, and size of the dog and characteristics of haematuria were found to be useful parameters when forming the list of differential diagnoses.

Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and Candida albicans in oral samples from caries-free and caries-active children.

AIM: This was to examine the occurrence of S. mutans, S. sobrinus and C. albicans in dental plaque and saliva from caries-free and caries-active Greek children. METHODS: Saliva and dental plaque samples from 46 caries-free and 51 caries-active 3-to-13-year-old children were examined using selective media for the three microbes. Identification of isolated mutans streptococci (S. mutans and S. sobrinus) was performed with biochemical test and specific DNA probes. The salivary levels of mutans streptococci were additionally determined by a chair-side test (Dentocult® SM strips). RESULTS: The isolation frequencies of S. mutans, S. sobrinus and C. albicans were 66, 11 and 18 %, respectively. Caries-active children harboured more frequently and at significantly higher numbers the specific microbes than caries-free children. A similar pattern was observed with the Dentocult® SM strip scores. No correlation was found between the presence of these microbes and the age or gender of the children. CONCLUSIONS: Caries experience was statistically significantly related to the presence of all three microbes under study, both in dental plaque and saliva.

Symptomatic abdominal simple cysts: is percutaneous sclerotherapy with hypertonic saline and bleomycin a treatment option?

Aim. To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous sclerotherapy of symptomatic simple abdominal cysts, using hypertonic saline and bleomycin, as an alternative to surgery. Materials and Methods. This study involved fourteen consecutive patients (ten women, four men, mean age: 59.2 y) with nineteen symptomatic simple cysts (liver n = 14, kidney n = 3, and adrenal n = 2) treated percutaneously using a modified method. Initially CT-guided drainage was performed; the next day the integrity of the cyst/exclusion of extravasation or communications was evaluated under fluoroscopy, followed by two injections/reabsorptions of the same quantity of hypertonic NaCl 15% solution and three-time repetition of the same procedure with the addition of bleomycin. The catheter was then removed; the patients were hospitalized for 12 hours and underwent follow-ups on 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. Cyst's volumes and the reduction rate (%) were calculated in each evaluation. Results. No pain or complications were noted. A significant cyst's volume reduction was documented over time (P < 0.001). On the 12th month 17 cysts disappeared and two displayed a 98.7% and 68.9% reduction, respectively. Conclusion. This percutaneous approach constitutes a very promising nonsurgical alternative for patients with symptomatic simple cyst, without complications under proper precautions, leading to eliminating the majority of cysts.

Pilot study on the clinical and microbiological effect of subgingival glycine powder air polishing using a cannula-like jet.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of subgingival glycine powder air polishing (GPAP) during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). METHODS: Each quadrant of 25 subjects was randomly assigned to the following treatments: subgingival scaling with hand instruments (SRP), GPAP, subgingival ultrasonic debridement (UD) and no subgingival treatment (NT). Clinical recordings included the following: probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (RE), clinical attachment level (CAL), Gingival and Plaque Index. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from two sites >4 mm per quadrant. Therapy, recordings and microbial sampling were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months, while at 1 month only clinical recordings and sampling were performed. Subgingival samples were analysed using 'checkerboard' DNA-DNA hybridization for Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerrella forsythia and Treponema denticola. RESULTS: All groups were homogeneous at baseline for the clinical parameters assessed. The GPAP group displayed statistically significant higher PPD compared to SRP and UD at 1, 3 and 6 months and no statistical differences with the 'no treatment' group at all time points. At 1 month, the GPAP group displayed statistically significantly higher levels of CAL compared to SRP, while at 3 and 6 months statistically significant differences were observed with groups assigned to SRP and UD. No differences were observed among groups for RE, PI, GI and numbers of the investigated bacteria at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of clinical and microbiological data, this study does not support the superiority of GPAP as sole treatment over SRP or subgingival ultrasonic scaling.

Direct pulp capping of carious primary molars. A specialty practice based study.

OBJECTIVE: Recommendations against direct pulp capping (DPC) for carious primary teeth are based on old, low level evidence. This study investigates the medium to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of such treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Each of 62 3-9 year old children with any deep, primary molar cavity was included if a pulp exposure occurred during caries excavation. Exclusion criteria were irreversible pulp damage/uncontrolled hemorrhage. Using rubber-dam, fast setting calcium hydroxide (CH) and tooth restoration were placed. Patients were followed up for signs/symptoms. Survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier method and the Mantel-Cox test were usedfor statistically analyzing the data. RESULTS: Seven patients (11.3%) dropped out. Controlled hemorrhage occurred in 25 exposures. Fourteen exposures were large and 46 were pin point. Out of 60 primary molars with DPC (in 55 patients), 7 failed by clinical and/or radiographic criteria. The remaining 53/60 (88.3%) teeth survived for 21.0 (±9.0) months. The 4 year cumulative survival rate by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 80%. All restorations remained in place with 3 needing replacement without affecting pulp survival. CONCLUSION: The CH success rate of carious primary molar DPC justifies further research based on careful initial diagnosis ofpulp inflammation reversibility.

Tidal breathing flow volume loop analysis of 21 healthy, unsedated, young adult male Beagle dogs.

BACKGROUND: Reference values for dogs regarding tidal breathing flow volume loop (TBFVL) parameters are scarce in the veterinary literature, so each new study requires a healthy reference population to be studied simultaneously with the diseased one. OBJECTIVES: To establish reference values for TBFVL parameters in healthy dogs, to detect any potential variability in loop shape and in various TBFVL parameters and to propose clinically useful parameters for TBFVL analysis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, prospective study. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy, unsedated, untrained, young adult, male Beagle dogs, with minimum variability in body weight and somatometry were used. Their good health status was confirmed by physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, serology and parasitology for Dirofilaria immitis, faecal examination, arterial blood gas analysis, electrocardiography, and radiographic and endoscopic examinations of the respiratory tract. The shape of the TBFVLs was assessed initially. Volume, time and flow parameters, as well as their ratios, were calculated; in total 44 parameters were evaluated. Statistical indices, including Cronbach's α, discrimination index, coefficient of variation (CV) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for each parameter. RESULTS: One consistently reproducible type of TBFVL shape was identified that had a similar appearance to the letter D. Statistical analysis showed that only two parameters were found to have Cronbach's α lower than 0.80. The CV for the TBFVL parameters ranged from 1.5% to 49%, but the vast majority had values lower than 20%. Eight parameters had very low CV, indicating increased homogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of clinically applicable TBFVL parameters were identified. Parameters related to flow and time were considered to correlate more objectively to the functional capacity of the respiratory system of healthy, unsedated dogs.

Nucleotides and nucleosides in ovine and caprine milk during lactation.

The aim of this study was to determine the nucleoside and nucleotide content in ovine and caprine milks at the colostral, transitional, and mature stages of lactation. Samples from 18 dairy sheep and 18 dairy goats were collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 15 d postpartum. Separation and quantitation of the 5'-nucleotides (NT) and the nucleosides (NS) was performed by reverse phase HPLC. For each compound measured, considerable interindividual variation was recorded in both species of milk. The total NS content ranged from 57 to 132 micromol/L and from 54 to 119 micromol/L in ovine and caprine milk, respectively. The major NS identified in both species of milk was uridine, representing more than 60% of the total NS pool. The mean levels of inosine and guanosine were comparable between ewe and goat milk. Instead, the mean level of cytidine across the sampling period was much higher in ewe milk (11.9 micromol/L compared with 4.5 micromol/L in goat milk) and exhibited a peak value on the fourth day of lactation. The adenosine content was at least 3-fold higher in caprine milk compared with its ovine counterpart. The total NS and orotic acid contents did not differ significantly between the 2 species. However, in the case of total NT content, interspecies differences were significant, with NT levels ranging from 294 to 441 micromol/L in ovine milk and from 166 to 366 micromol/L in caprine milk. The NT content in colostrum (1-3 d) of both species was higher than in mature milk (15 d), and uridine monophosphate was the dominant NT in all samples.

Transient oral microflora in Greeks attending day centres for the elderly and residents in homes for the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the isolation frequency and the carriage of yeasts, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species in oral samples from elderly Greeks living alone or in institutions. BACKGROUND: Ageing may promote changes in the oral ecosystem, which lead to colonisation of the mouth by microbes found less commonly or only transiently in younger subjects. Previous studies indicate a geographical variation in the isolation frequency of such bacteria in elderly populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical and dental records were obtained from 66 attenders at elderly people's day centres (EPDC), and 82 residents of elderly people's homes (EPH), 66-95 years old. Mucosa smear samples were cultured on appropriate media for enumeration of the above species. Microbial identification was performed by conventional microbiological tests. The results were analysed using the Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), ANOVA and other traditional statistical tests. RESULTS: No statistically significant association was found between the place of residence and the wearing of dentures. The isolation frequencies of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae species were 21.6, 20.3 and 7.4% respectively. MCA, and further statistical analysis, revealed that the place of residence affected the isolation frequency of years (54.9% in EPH vs. 37.9% in EPDC). Moreover, ANOVA showed that living in EPH increased the carriage of yeasts. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly Greeks exhibit a moderate to high oral carriage of transient bacteria compared with other elderly populations. Living in EPH seems to increase both the isolation frequency and carriage of yeasts.