Objectives:
This study aimed to describe major transmission pathways of paediatric dental caries and highlight evidence-based preventive strategies for early childhood caries control.
Methods:
A narrative synthesis of clinical evidence related to microbial transmission, feeding practices, salivary factors, and caregiver behaviors was conducted. Emphasis was placed on vertical, horizontal, and environmental transmission routes and modifiable behavioral determinants.
Results:
Early colonization of Streptococcus mutans was observed even in predentate children. High maternal caries burden, inappropriate feeding practices, frequent sugar exposure, saliva-sharing behaviors, and reduced fluoride exposure were identified as major contributors to early caries development.
Conclusions:
Early preventive interventions, parental education, behavior modification, and community-based strategies are essential to interrupt microbial transmission pathways and reduce childhood caries burden.
Abstract Aesthetics play a crucial role in patients’ choice of orthodontic clear aligners, as poor color stability can compromise their appearance during wear. This study aimed to evaluate the color and surface stability of different types of orthodontic clear aligners exposed to various concentrations of curcumin solutions in vitro. Four types of clear aligners (Invisalign, Angelalign, Spark, and Dreve), along with non-thermoformed Dreve film, were cut into 5 mm × 5 mm squares and immersed in curcumin solutions of different concentrations and a control solution. The concentrations were determined based on the curcumin content in curry. Anhydrous ethanol was used as the solvent, which may influence surface properties and color stability and partially simulating damage caused by alcohol consumption or bacterial metabolites. After immersion for 12 h and 7 days, the squares were ultrasonically cleaned, and color changes were measured using a colorimeter, then converted to National Bureau of Standards (NBS) units. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe surface characteristics before and after staining. After 12 h of immersion in 10 µg/ml solutions, all samples except the Dreve film exhibited at least an “Appreciable: marked change,” with Angelalign showing a more pronounced color alteration. After 7 days of immersion, most materials displayed color changes ranging from “Much: extremely marked change” to “Very much: change to other colors.” Across all concentrations and time points, Invisalign aligners exhibited significantly higher ΔE* values than Dreve (P < 0.05). Although SEM and AFM results were not entirely consistent, both indicated that PU-based aligners were more susceptible to surface morphology changes than PET-G-based aligners. Enhancing the aesthetic color stability of orthodontic materials could contribute to improved clinical outcomes.
Waseem Hassan, Vini Mehta, Niher Tabassum Singdha
et al.
ABSTRACT Background Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in various scientific disciplines. Objective The study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on AI and root canal morphology, examining publication trends, author contributions, and thematic focus areas. Methods Data were retrieved from the Scopus database using the search string “Artificial Intelligence” OR “AI” AND “Root” OR “Root canal morphology,” covering publications from 1997 to 2024. Only articles and reviews were included. Vosviewer software was employed to visualize co‐authorship networks and perform co‐word analysis. Results The analysis encompassed 81 papers, 433 authors, and 274 departmental contributions across 31 countries. The documents were published in 52 journals. The analysis revealed a global collaboration network with significant contributions from diverse institutions and countries. By co‐word analysis, the focus of the 81 papers is categorized into 25 distinct research areas. The thematic analysis identified key research areas and emerging trends within the literature. The findings highlight AI applications' increasing interest and interdisciplinary nature in root canal morphology research. Conclusion This study provides a detailed overview of the research landscape concerning AI and root canal morphology. It identified leading contributors and institutions and presented a structured view of research themes.
McKinley D. Williams, Taylor R. Sweeney, Sabrina Trieu
et al.
ABSTRACT Biofilms are an important colonization mechanism employed by several microbial species to better establish themselves and monopolize the acquisition of resources across different environs. Some bacteria have evolved specialized metabolites that, when secreted, disrupt the formation and stability of biofilms generated by competing heterospecies, providing the producing organism with an ecological advantage. Soil-derived species are probable candidates for the identification of such compounds, given the intense level of competition that occurs within the terrestrial ecosystem. The MS14 strain of Burkholderia contaminans isolated from soil in Mississippi has previously been shown to produce antimicrobial compounds like occidiofungin and ornibactin. In this report, we demonstrate that this strain also produces 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-alkenylquinoline (HMAQ-7), an alkaloid-based metabolite structurally similar to others produced by Burkholderia. HMAQ-7 was isolated and purified in sufficient quantities to enable the elucidation of its covalent structure and the evaluation of its biological effects. The compound was found to possess a unique ability to inhibit biofilm biosynthesis in several species, including opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus haemolyticus and within saliva-derived multispecies biofilms. HMAQ-7 also demonstrated an ability to modulate additional cellular behaviors in Bacillus subtilis, including motility and sporulation, suggesting that this molecule is important to the interspecies dynamics present across many diverse microenvironments.IMPORTANCEThe present study furthers our understanding of the structural complexity and the biological functions of the 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolone metabolites produced by Burkholderia spp. Low micromolar concentrations of HMAQ-7′ induced observable bacterial growth morphology differences. The antibiofilm properties of the HMAQ-7′ characterized in this study will promote future investigations into possible biological and applied roles. The ability to alter biofilm formation using HMAQ-7′ may facilitate Burkholderia spp. colonization in a multitude of environments, that is, aquatic, soil, and possibly during infection. HMAQ may subvert competition by potential competitor species in natural environments of Burkholderia spp. and possibly lung infections of cystic fibrosis patients.
The pursuit of aesthetic excellence in dentistry, shaped by societal trends and digital advancements, highlights the critical role of precise shade matching in restorative procedures. Although conventional methods are prevalent, challenges such as shade guide variability and subjective interpretation necessitate a re-evaluation in the face of emerging non-proximity digital instruments. This systematic review employs PRISMA protocols and keyword-based search strategies spanning the Scopus®, PubMed.gov, and Web of ScienceTM databases, with the last updated search carried out in October 2023. The study aimed to synthesise literature that identified digital non-proximity recording instruments and associated colour spaces in dentistry and compare the clinical outcomes of digital systems with spectrophotometers and conventional visual methods. Utilising predefined criteria and resolving disagreements between two reviewers through Cohen’s kappa calculator, the review assessed 85 articles, with 33 included in a PICO model for clinical comparisons. The results reveal that 42% of studies employed the CIELAB colour space. Despite the challenges in study quality, non-proximity digital instruments demonstrated more consistent clinical outcomes than visual methods, akin to spectrophotometers, emphasising their efficacy in controlled conditions. The review underscores the evolving landscape of dental shade matching, recognising technological advancements and advocating for methodological rigor in dental research.
Jeong-Hyun Ryu, Tae-Yun Kang, Sung-Hwan Choi
et al.
Abstract 45S5 Bioglass (BG) is composed of a glass network with silicate based on the component and can be doped with various therapeutic ions for the enhancement of hard tissue therapy. Nanoceria (CeO2) has been shown to indicate redox reaction and enhance the biological response. However, few studies focus on the proportion of CeO2-doped and its effect on the cellular bioactivity of CeO2-doped BG (CBG). In this study, we synthesized the CBG series with increasing amounts of doping CeO2 ranging (1 to 12) wt.%. The synthesized CBG series examined the characterization, mineralization capacity, and cellular activity against BG. Our results showed that the CBG series exhibited a glass structure and indicated the redox states between Ce3+ and Ce4+, thus they showed the antioxidant activity by characterization of Ce. The CBG series had a stable glass network structure similar to BG, which showed the preservation of bioactivity by exhibiting mineralization on the surface. In terms of biological response, although the CBG series showed the proliferative activity of pre-osteoblastic cells similar to BG, the CBG series augmented not only the alkaline phosphatase activity but also the osteogenic marker in the mRNA level. As stimulated the osteogenic activity, the CBG series improved the biomineralization. In conclusion, the CBG series might have a potential application for hard tissue therapeutic purposes.
BackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the largest proportion of head and neck cancers (HNCs). Despite new treatment modalities, the 5-year survival rate has not improved much. Identifying the factors affecting the prognosis and survival of patients is the first step in trying to improve the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this review was to investigate prognostic factors of HNSCC in Iran.MethodsA web-based search of all original articles conducted in Iran until October 2022 on prognostic factors of HNSCC was done using English and Persian language databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, IranMedex, etc. The data were categorized according to clinical, histopathological and treatment parameters.ResultsA total of 7 articles related to the aim of this study were found. Age and regular periodic follow-ups were common prognostic factors in three studies. The results about factors such as the tumor staging and treatment method were contradictory among different studies. It seems that some factors such as gender, microscopic grading, and patient and professional delay in cancer management have no effect on the prognosis of this group of patients. Conclusions on some factors, such as P53 and EGFR expression and body mass index, also seem to require further investigation.ConclusionAge and regular periodic follow-ups are among the common prognostic factors that have been mentioned in different studies. In order to improve the survival of HNSCC patients, diagnosis at lower ages and early stages of the tumor along with periodic evaluations after cancer treatment, seems necessary.
PURPOSEThis study aimed to evaluate the jaw pathologies of patients with bone metastases using a computer program to assess the bone scan index (BSI) for Tc-99m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HMDP) with single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT).METHODSNinety-seven patients with jaw pathologies (24 with bone metastases and 73 without) were evaluated. High-risk hot spots and BSI in the patients were evaluated using the VSBONE BSI (ver.1.1) analysis software for Tc-99m HMDP that scanned SPECT/CT and automatically defined the data. The two groups were compared using the Pearson chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test for high-risk hot spots and BSI, respectively. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTSHigh-risk hot spot occurrence was significantly correlated to bone metastases [sensitivity, 21/24 (87.5%); specificity, 40/73 (54.8%); accuracy, 61/97 (62.9%); P < 0.001]. The number of high-risk hot spots was higher in patients with bone metastases (5.96 ± 10.30) than in those without (0.90 ± 1.50; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the BSI for patients with bone metastases (1.44 ± 2.18%) was significantly higher than for those without (0.22 ± 0.44%; P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONA computer program that assessed BSI for Tc-99m HMDP may be useful in the evaluation of patients with bone metastases using SPECT/CT.
Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine
D.M. Fernández-Aroca, N. García-Flores, S. Frost
et al.
Background and purpose: MAPKs are among the most relevant signalling pathways involved in coordinating cell responses to different stimuli. This group includes p38MAPKs, constituted by 4 different proteins with a high sequence homology: MAPK14 (p38α), MAPK11 (p38β), MAPK12 (p38γ) and MAPK13 (p38δ). Despite their high similarity, each member shows unique expression patterns and even exclusive functions. Thus, analysing protein-specific functions of MAPK members is necessary to unequivocally uncover the roles of this signalling pathway. Here, we investigate the possible role of MAPK11 in the cell response to ionizing radiation (IR). Materials and methods: We developed MAPK11/14 knockdown through shRNA and CRISPR interference gene perturbation approaches and analysed the downstream effects on cell responses to ionizing radiation in A549, HCT-116 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Specifically, we assessed IR toxicity by clonogenic assays; DNA damage response activity by immunocytochemistry; apoptosis and cell cycle by flow cytometry (Annexin V and propidium iodide, respectively); DNA repair by comet assay; and senescence induction by both X-Gal staining and gene expression of senescence-associated genes by RT-qPCR. Results: Our findings demonstrate a critical role of MAPK11 in the cellular response to IR by controlling the associated senescent phenotype, and without observable effects on DNA damage response, apoptosis, cell cycle or DNA damage repair. Conclusion: Our results highlight MAPK11 as a novel mediator of the cellular response to ionizing radiation through the control exerted onto IR-associated senescence.
Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine, Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Silvia Helena Mendonça de Moraes, Inara Pereira da Cunha, Everton Ferreira Lemos
et al.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil affected mental health among healthcare workers. To objective of this study was to evaluate the mental health of healthcare workers in in the central-west region of the Brazil, estimating the prevalence of mental health disorders, and investigating associated factors, perceptions of safety, and self-perceptions about mental health in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was divided into two parts that included general information and perceptions about the work process and identified symptoms using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. A total of 1,522 healthcare workers participated in the survey. Overall prevalence of symptoms was calculated for depression (58.7%), anxiety (59.7%), and stress (61.7%). Physicians had 3.75 times greater risk of depression (1.59–8.85, 95% CI). Independent variables associated with depression symptoms were not feeling safe with the way services were organized (1.12:1.03–1.21, 95% CI) and self-perception of poor mental health (8.06: 4.03–16.10% CI). Working in management was protective, and married professionals had 12% lower risk of exhibiting symptoms of depression (0.79–0.99, 95% CI). Participants with self-perception of poor mental health had 4.63 greater risk for symptoms of anxiety (2.58–8.31, 95% CI). Protective factors were not having sought support for mental health (0.90: 0.82–0.99, 95% CI), having a graduate degree (0.71: 0.54–0.94, 95% CI), and not having been diagnosed with COVID-19 (0.90: 0.83–0.98, 95% CI). Perception of poor mental health was associated with 6.95-fold greater chance of developing stress symptoms. Protective factors from stress were having a degree in dentistry (0.81: 0.68–0.97, 95% CI), residing in Mato Grosso do Sul (0.91: 0.85–0.98, 95% CI), and not having sought mental health support services (0.88: 0.82–0.95, 95% CI). The prevalence of mental health disorders is high among healthcare workers, and is associated with professional category, organization of services provided, and self-perception of poor mental health, reinforcing the need for preventative measures.
Yasser Riaz Malik, Muhammad Saad Sheikh, Shakeela Yousaf
Probability and sampling in dentistry are two fundamentals which have great importance in clinical research. Many research works in dentistry shows lack of proper understanding and use of these two factors. The definition of probability is incredibly significant in daily life. Statistical analysis is based on this particularly useful definition. In fact, the function of probability in modern science is that of substituting for certainty. Probabilities are numbers that represent the probability that a specific occurrence will occur. We learn about the odds of many daily cases, ranging from weather predictions (probability of rain or snow) to lotteries (probability of winning a major jackpot). In biostatistical applications, probability theory underlies the statistical inference. Statistical inference means drawing generalizations or inferences on unknown population parameters. After selecting a sample from the population of interest, we calculate the characteristics under analysis, summarize the characteristics in our sample, and then draw inferences about the population based on what we find in the sample. Population and sampling are two critical aspects of study design. The population is a group of individuals who share common relations. A sample is a population subset. The size of the sample is the number of individuals in the sample. The more representative the sample of the population, the surer the researcher can be about the validity of the data. In this module, we will explore sampling methods, basic principles of probability, and applications of probability theory. The definition of probability is introduced, and the function of probability distributions is discussed in the statistical theory, with reference to the normal distribution and its characteristics. Sampling and sampling variations are defined, along with the sampling error, the standard error of the mean and the confidence intervals for determining the likely magnitude of the population mean. Medical study typically includes patients with an illness or disorder. The generalization of clinical research results is focused on several factors linked to the internal and external validity of the research methods. The sampling process is the key methodological problem that affects the generalizability of clinical research results. In this educational article, we also clarify the various methods of sampling in clinical research.
Ioannis A. Tsolakis, Isidora Christopoulou, Erofili Papadopoulou
et al.
Background: Biotechnology shows a promising future in bridging the gap between biomedical basic sciences and clinical craniofacial practice. The purpose of the present review is to investigate the applications of biotechnology in the craniofacial complex. Methods: This critical review was conducted by using the following keywords in the search strategy: “biotechnology”, “bioengineering”, “craniofacial”, “stem cells”, “scaffolds”, “biomarkers”, and ”tissue regeneration”. The databases used for the electronic search were the Cochrane Library, Medline (PubMed), and Scopus. The search was conducted for studies published before June 2022. Results: The applications of biotechnology are numerous and provide clinicians with the great benefit of understanding the etiology of dentofacial deformities, as well as treating the defected areas. Research has been focused on craniofacial tissue regeneration with the use of stem cells and scaffolds, as well as in bioinformatics with the investigation of growth factors and biomarkers capable of providing evidence for craniofacial growth and development. This review presents the biotechnological opportunities in the fields related to the craniofacial complex and attempts to answer a series of questions that may be of interest to the reader. Conclusions: Biotechnology seems to offer a bright future ahead, improving and modernizing the clinical management of cranio-dento-facial diseases. Extensive research is needed as human studies on this subject are few and have controversial results.
Omolara B. Sanni, Thane Chambers, Jia Hang Li
et al.
Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is the leading single-nutrient deficiency in the world. Anaemia is a common outcome of ID that affects half of pregnancies worldwide with serious consequences for child development. Whether haematologic indices and biomarkers of iron status in pregnant women correlate with those of their neonates is unclear. This systematic review evaluated studies comparing haematologic and iron status indices in pregnant women and their newborns/neonates. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science from database inception until March 2020 for primary studies comparing haematologic and iron status indices between women and their newborns up to 48 h after birth. We summarized the results descriptively and calculated pooled correlation coefficients in mothers and newborns/neonates using the Schmidt-Hunter method. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration number: CRD42018093094). Findings: Sixty-five studies were included. Pooled correlation coefficients for biomarkers of iron status in mothers and newborns/neonates were 0.13 (ferritin), 0.42 (hepcidin), 0.30 (serum/plasma iron), 0.09 (transferrin), 0.20 (transferrin saturation), and 0.16 (total iron binding capacity). Pooled correlation coefficients for haematological indices in mothers and newborns/neonates were 0.15 (haemoglobin), 0.15 (haematocrit), 0.25 (mean cell/corpuscular haemoglobin), 0.22 (mean cell/corpuscular volume). Interpretation: Maternal biomarkers of iron and haematologic status correlate poorly with those in newborns/neonates. These results underscore a need for alternative approaches to estimate foetal/neonatal iron status and haematological indices. Funding: MBO and SLB hold Canada Research Chairs, and grants from the Women and Children's Health Research Institute and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Background/Aims A link between oral cavity infections and chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (CIOM) in patients with hematological malignancies (HMs) undergoing intensive chemotherapy (IC) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been suggested. However, conclusive data are lacking, and there are no current guidelines for the prophylactic use of antimicrobials to prevent CIOM in these populations. Methods The relationships between herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation and Candida colonization in the oral cavity and CIOM in patients with HMs undergoing IC or HSCT were evaluated. Patients aged ≥ 19 years with HMs undergoing IC or HSCT were enrolled. Each patient was evaluated for HSV and Candida in the oral cavity along with CIOM at baseline and during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks. Results Seventy presentations among 56 patients were analyzed. CIOM was observed in 23 presentations (32.9%), with a higher incidence associated with HSCT (17 of 35 presentations, 48.6%) than with IC (six of 35 presentations, 8.6%). The reactivation of HSV-1 was significantly associated with an increased incidence of CIOM after adjusting for age, sex, type of disease, and treatment stage. A higher HSV-1 viral load was associated with an increased incidence of CIOM. The presence of Candida was not associated with CIOM. Conclusions HSV-1 reactivation in the oral cavity was highly associated with CIOM in patients with HMs undergoing high-dose chemotherapy.
Fabiana Pimenta, Robert E. Gertz, So Hee Park
et al.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a highly impactful bacterial pathogen on a global scale. The principal pneumococcal virulence factor and target of effective vaccines is its polysaccharide capsule, of which there are many structurally distinct forms. Here, we describe four distinct strains of three Mitis group commensal species (Streptococcus infantis, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus oralis) recovered from upper respiratory tract specimens from adults in Kenya and the United States that were PCR-positive for the pneumococcal serotype 5 specific gene, wzy5. For each of the four strains, the 15 genes comprising the capsular polysaccharide biosynthetic gene cluster (cps5) shared the same order found in serotype 5 pneumococci, and each of the serotype 5-specific genes from the serotype 5 pneumococcal reference strain shared 76–99% sequence identity with the non-pneumococcal counterparts. Double-diffusion experiments demonstrated specific reactivity of the non-pneumococcal strains with pneumococcal serotype 5 typing sera. Antiserum raised against S. mitis strain KE67013 specifically reacted with serotype 5 pneumococci for a positive Quellung reaction and stimulated serotype 5 specific opsonophagocytic killing of pneumococci. Four additional commensal strains, identified using PCR serotyping assays on pharyngeal specimens, revealed loci highly homologous to those of pneumococci of serotypes 12F, 15A, 18C, and 33F. These data, in particular the species and strain diversity shown for serotype 5, highlight the existence of a broad non-pneumococcal species reservoir in the upper respiratory tract for the expression of capsular polysaccharides that are structurally related or identical to those corresponding to epidemiologically significant serotypes. Very little is known about the genetic and antigenic capsular diversity among the vast array of commensal streptococcal strains that represent multiple diverse species. The discovery of serotype 5 strains within three different commensal species suggests that extensive capsular serologic overlap exists between pneumococci and other members of the diverse Mitis group. These findings may have implications for our current understanding of naturally acquired immunity to S. pneumoniae and pneumococcal serotype distributions in different global regions. Further characterization of commensal strains carrying homologs of serotype-specific genes previously thought to be specific for pneumococci of known serotypes may shed light on the evolution of these important loci.
Improvements of existing and development of new non-contact measurement techniques, especially for surfaces of complex spatial shape, allow involvement of various disciplines into advanced technological reality. These improvements have two major directions. The first, being more obvious, refers to introduction of accurate digital 3D images in spheres where real objects have become subjects of traditional study, techniques or manufacturing technologies. The other direction deals with substantial methodological improvements, as they become possible only with introduction of the above-mentioned techniques. Among such is the division of physical anthropology, of dentistry and other disciplines related to dental studies, – odontometry, or measurements of teeth. Traditional odontometry, by turning into automated digital odontometry, becomes a method of accurate and objective morphological assessments in dentistry and anthropology, including palaeoanthropology. As a new method, automated digital odontometry requires interpretations of dental morphology (applicable in digital techniques), accurate 3D images of teeth and software based on 3D and 2D image analysis suitable for automated measurements. The mentioned factors are particularly important for this method due to its inapplicability on real objects. Thus various approaches to obtaining digital images are discussed in the context of their quality and conformity with the studied material and odontometric technique, which currently includes automated orientation algorithms setting locations for principal morphological structures and measurement algorithms themselves, likewise functioning in an automated mode.
Barbara Lapinska, Magdalena Konieczka, Beata Zarzycka
et al.
There is no consensus on the antibacterial activity of dentin bonding systems (DBS). Many study models have been used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of dental materials. In this study, a novel detection method, flow cytometry, was introduced. It allows for evaluation of the antibacterial activity of DBS, based on assessment of the disruption of the bacterial physical membrane induced by DBS. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of selected dentin bonding systems against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>. The highest antibacterial activity against <i>S. mutans</i> was observed for Adhese Universal (99.68% dead cells) and was comparable to that of Prime&Bond Universal, OptiBond Universal, or Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The lowest activity of all tested systems was displayed by the multi-mode adhesive, Universal Bond (12.68% dead bacteria cells), followed by the self-etch adhesive, OptiBond FL (15.58% dead bacteria cells). The present study showed that in the case of two-component DBS, the primer exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than the adhesive (or bond) itself.