Objetive: In the management of Class II malocclusion, distalization of maxillary teeth has proven to be an effective and established method, offering an alternative to extraction-based treatment modalities. Traditional en-masse maxillary arch distalization approaches have evolved, giving way to more sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing methods that prioritize patient comfort. Temporary Skeletal Anchorage Devices (TSADs) have become instrumental in this paradigm shift, with miniplates emerging as a particularly advantageous choice.
Material and Methods: This case report outlines the successful treatment of a Class II malocclusion in an adult female patient, wherein bilateral miniplates were strategically employed for total maxillary arch distalization.
Results: The utilization of miniplates demonstrated superiority over other TSADs, showcasing enhanced stability, effectiveness, and predictability in achieving optimal treatment outcomes. In the pursuit of not only correcting the malocclusion but also preserving facial profiles, the described method proved to be adept at achieving functional and aesthetic goals.
Conclusions: This contemporary approach to orthodontic intervention underscores the continual refinement and advancement in orthodontic techniques, ultimately contributing to a more patient-centric and esthetically conscious field of practice.
Aysenur Arpaci, Asel Usdat Ozturk, Ismail Okur
et al.
Abstract Background The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced considerable growth in recent years, with the advent of technologies that are transforming a range of industries, including healthcare and dentistry. Large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing (NLP) are pivotal to this transformation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of AI-supported chatbots in responding to questions frequently asked by patients to their doctors regarding oral health. Methods Frequently asked questions in the oral health section of the World Dental Federation FDI website were asked about Google-Gemini Trends and ChatGPT-4 chatbots on July 9, 2024. Responses from ChatGPT and Gemini, as well as those from the FDI webpage, were recorded. The accuracy of the responses given by ChatGPT-4 and Gemini to the four specified questions, the detection of similarities and differences, and the comprehensive examination of ChatGPT-4 and Gemini’s capabilities were analyzed and reported by the researchers. Furthermore, the content of the texts was evaluated in terms of their similarity with respect to the following criteria: “Main Idea,” “Quality Analysis,” “Common Ideas,” and “Inconsistent Ideas.” Results It was observed that both ChatGPT-4 and Gemini exhibited performance comparable to that of the FDI responses in terms of completeness and clarity. Compared with Gemini, ChatGPT-4 provided responses that were more similar to the FDI responses in terms of relevance. Furthermore, ChatGPT-4 provided responses that were more accurate than those of Gemini in terms of the “Accuracy” criterion. Conclusions This study demonstrated that, according to the assessment conducted by FDI, the ChatGPT-4 and Gemini applications contain contemporary and comprehensible information in response to general inquiries concerning oral health. These applications are regarded as a prevalent and dependable source of information for individuals seeking to access such data.
Iram Pervaiz, Syed Muhammad Ahmed Rahim, Muhammad Zubair Ahmad Khan
et al.
Background: Trismus or lockjaw characterized by limited mouth opening presents as complication associated with odontogenic infections commonly involving mandibular teeth. Due to limited literature providing insight to probable odontogenic causes of trismus, this study is oriented to determine the incidence of Trismus severity in association with fascial space infection resulting from odontogenic causes, i.e., pericoronitis, pulp infection, or periodontal infection.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Azra Naheed Dental College/ Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Dental Hospital from July 2024 to December 2024. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, following non-probability purposive sampling, 87 patients who had trismus secondary to fascial space infections were enrolled. All required demographic and clinical data were recorded in a purpose-designed form. The collected data were analyzed by the Chi-square test, using SPSS version 25. A p-value of ≤ 0.005 was considered significant.
Results: The average mean value of Trismus was 23.5±5.5mm. Submandibular space infection most frequently involved the fascial space 42 (48.2%), and the mandibular third molar was frequently involved, offending tooth 43 (49.4%) in this study. The most common cause of odontogenic infection was Pulp infection/caries 58 (66.6%), followed by pericoronitis 27 (31.3%) and periodontal infection 2 (2.3%).
Conclusion: Mandibular third molars are the most involved teeth, leading to fascial space infection and associated with increased severity of Trismus. The submandibular space is the most affected fascial space, and pulp infection is the major cause of odontogenic infection, leading to fascial space involvement.
Muhammad Umair, Rafiq Ahmed Shahid, Tabassum Nawaz
et al.
Objective: To assess the quality of life & level of satisfaction among parents of the thalassemia major patients.
Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sandeman Provincial Hospital & Bolan Medical Hospital, Quetta from July to September 2017.
Methodology: A sample size of 100 participants was statistically calculated. Data was congregated by systematic random sampling via pre-designed structured questionnaire comprising of several portions. The satisfaction scale was “5-item Likert-type. Thalassemia major patients and their parents who didn’t have any sort of mental or hearing concerns was our target population, while those who had problems other than mal-nourishment, or having haemoglobinopathies were excluded from the study. Ethical consideration was attained from participants by maintaining confidentiality & Internal Review Board of Health Services Academy prior to the study.
Results: Among the 100 respondents, 35 were females while 65 were males. Eight four percent parents having moderate degree of financial difficulties. About 62% of the parents said that they do not have enough money to fulfill their needs. About 60% of the attendants have adequate means of transport. Financially about 54% were poor and about 46% were in good financial condition. About 36 % of the attendants were not satisfied from the support they got and about 42% of them were less satisfied and about 22% of them were more satisfied from the support.
Conclusion: Parents of thalassemia major patients have financial & transportation difficulties in addition to support they got from the family and friends.
Sohrab Asefi, Marzieh Nejatifard, Samaneh Kayyal
et al.
Objective: The quality of orthodontic forces in aligners is mainly influenced by their mechanical properties. At present, there is insufficient information on how environmental factors affect the mechanical function of aligners, and studies have shown that patients do not pay enough attention to removing aligners while eating and drinking. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of different chemicals on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic materials.
Methods: In this study, 175 thermoplastic samples from Easy-Vac gasket (3A Medes, Korea) were prepared, and their chemical composition, tensile strength, and hardness before and after exposure to solutions of orange juice, Cola, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and distilled water were measured. One-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tamhane’s test, and Tukey’s test were used for statistical analysis.
Results: The tensile strength of the sheets increased with continuous exposure to orange juice and chlorhexidine mouthwash, and their hardness decreased with continuous exposure to carbonated beverages. There was no change in the chemical composition of the samples after exposure to different chemicals.
Conclusion: Although these changes are statistically significant, they do not have a significant effect on the result of aligner performance. Therefore, the only concern is the cariogenicity of orange juice and Cola during treatment with aligners and the administration of chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Mattia Manfredini, Pier Paolo Poli, Pierluigi Guerrieri
et al.
Abstract Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CM) in pre-prosthetic augmentation of the keratinized mucosa width (KMW) at implant sites. Methods All of the patients with localized implant-supported rehabilitation previously treated with vestibuloplasty and KMW augmentation with a non-cross-linked porcine CM were recalled. KMW was measured clinically in an apico-coronal direction from the mucogingival junction to the mucosal margin at the prosthetic zenith of each crown. Measurements were performed clinically by means of a PCP-UNC15 periodontal probe and rounded to the nearest mm. KMW values recorded at 1 year, 5 and 10 years from the soft tissue augmentation procedure were compared using a one-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni multiple comparison post-hoc analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results Measurements were conducted on 13 patients. All implants were in function with no signs of biological complications. All except one implant site showed KMW ≥ 2 mm. KMW decreased significantly from 1 year (3.33 ± 1.11 mm) to 5 years (2.77 ± 0.92 mm) (p = 0.001), and finally remained stable from 5 to 10 years (3.2 ± 0.99 mm) (p = 0.607). From a visual aspect, peri-implant soft tissues were characterized by a good texture and color blending compared to the adjacent teeth, highlighting good integration of the remodeled tissues and stability of the esthetic result. Conclusions The use of a CM in pre-prosthetic soft tissue augmentation at implant sites has proven to be effective in obtaining and maintaining at least 2 mm of KMW around dental implants over a follow-up of 10 years.
Cham-mill Kim, Victor Zhao, Maeve Brito De Mello
et al.
ABSTRACT: Objectives: Although the World Health Organization recommends ‘frequent’ screening of sexually transmitted infections (STI) for people who use pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, there is no evidence for optimal frequency. Methods: We searched five databases and used random-effects meta-analysis to calculate pooled estimates of STI test positivity. We narratively synthesized data on secondary outcomes, including adherence to recommended STI screening frequency and changes in STI epidemiology. Results: Of 7477 studies, we included 38 for the meta-analysis and 11 for secondary outcomes. With 2-3 monthly STI screening, the pooled positivity was 0.20 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15-0.25) for chlamydia, 0.17 (95% CI: 0.12-0.22) for gonorrhea, and 0.07 (95% CI: 0.05-0.08) for syphilis. For chlamydia and gonorrhea, the positivity was approximately 50% and 75% lower, respectively, in studies that screened 4-6 monthly vs 2-3 monthly. There was no significant difference in the positivity for syphilis in studies that screened 4-6 monthly compared to 2-3 monthly. Adherence of clients to recommended screening frequency varied significantly (39-94%) depending on population and country. Modeling studies suggest more frequent STI screening could reduce incidence. Conclusion: Although more frequent STI screening could reduce delayed diagnoses and incidence, there remain significant knowledge gaps regarding the optimal STI screening frequency.
Marco Pasini, Elisabetta Carli, Federico Giambastiani
et al.
Introduction: Thanks to the great development of digital technology, viaCAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) systems, digital models canbe used as an aid for orthodontic planning decision-making processes as there are numerous studies in the literature that support the validity ofthe digital model measurements of anterior teeth and the total coefficient of Bolton analysis. The aim of the present study isto compare the average length value of the current upper and lower arches with that of a hypothetical nickel–titanium wire and to confirm the reliability and accuracy of digitally taken measurements of the anterior and total Bolton coefficients.In this retrospective study, dental casts of 138 Caucasian adolescent patients were scanned with an extraoral scanner, and Ortho3Shape software was adopted for the following dental cast measurements: actual and ideal lengths of the lower arches and anterior and total Bolton coefficients.In the present study, we found that the mean value of the anterior coefficients of the Bolton index was compatible with those of previous studies, confirming the reliability of digital measurements.Therefore, digital CAD/CAM models may be a viable alternative to plaster models, as they can facilitate model preservation and recovery. For future studies, it would be better to use intraoral scanners (IOSs) to ensure greater accuracy, since they only require one step and allow obtaining better results for the patients.
Elisabetta Valentini, Marta Di Martile, Matteo Brignone
et al.
Abstract BH3 mimetics, targeting the Bcl-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins, represent a promising therapeutic opportunity in cancers. ABT-199, the first specific Bcl-2 inhibitor, was approved by FDA for the treatment of several hematological malignancies. We have recently discovered IS21, a novel pan BH3 mimetic with preclinical antitumor activity in several tumor types. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of IS21 and other BH3 mimetics, both as single agents and combined with the currently used antineoplastic agents in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ovarian cancer, and melanoma. IS21 was found to be active in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, melanoma, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer cell lines. Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 protein levels predicted IS21 sensitivity in melanoma and ovarian cancer, respectively. Exploring IS21 mechanism of action, we found that IS21 activity depends on the presence of BAX and BAK proteins: complexes between Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins and their main binding partners were reduced after IS21 treatment. In combination experiments, BH3 mimetics sensitized leukemia cells to chemotherapy, ovarian cancer cells and melanoma models to PARP and MAPK inhibitors, respectively. We showed that this enhancing effect was related to the potentiation of the apoptotic pathway, both in hematologic and solid tumors. In conclusion, our data suggest the use of inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins as a therapeutic strategy to enhance the efficacy of anticancer treatment.
Yoann Maitre, Paul Tramini, Marie-Alix Fauroux
et al.
Aim: In many countries, periodontal surgery is mainly provided by periodontists. This specialty is not recognised in France, where periodontal care and treatment are principally the responsibility of general dentists (GDs). The objective of this study was to investigate the periodontal care provided and factors associated with the treatment of periodontal diseases, including periodontal surgery, by GDs in France. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey of GDs practicing in the French metropolitan area was conducted in 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was sent by mail to the GDs selected by stratified simple random sampling. It included questions on respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and their periodontal practice. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify the factors associated with the practice of periodontal surgery by GDs. Results: Three hundred eighty-five GDs responded (response rate, 23.4%). Their mean age was 45.2 years; 51.2% were male and 83.6% were in private practice. They reported performing selective periodontal examinations such as pocket probing on average for 34.2% of their patients, but only 5.5% of them performed them systematically. Several variables were significantly associated with the provision of periodontal surgical procedures such as the gender of the GDs, full mouth periodontal probing, implantology practice, insufficient fees, or uncertainty about treatment procedure. This survey confirmed the referral of patients for periodontal surgery by a minority of practitioners. It also highlighted insufficient screening and diagnostic procedures for periodontal diseases by GDs. Conclusions: There is a need to improve French GDs’ periodontal skills and knowledge and to address other barriers that currently limit their ability to deliver comprehensive periodontal care.
AimTo provide a dynamic description of the oral microbial composition in mothers with and without dental caries and their children aging 12-24 months.MethodologyA total of 20 pairs of mothers and their children aged 12 months were included and followed up at 18 and 24 months of age. Ten mothers with dental caries(MEG) and their children(CEG) were in the exposure group, and ten caries-free mothers(MCG) and their children(CCG)in control group. Supragingival plaque biofilm samples were collected and DNA was extracted for bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsA total of 18 pairs completed follow-ups. At a 3% divergence level, the number of common operational taxonomic units found between the mothers and children increased as the children aged. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria accounted for more than 80% phyla of each group. A microbial community structure analysis showed that the differences between mothers and children were significant in all groups except for the MEG24 and CEG24 groups.ConclusionsOral microbiota of children was more like their mothers’ with increasing age, regardless of whether the mothers had dental caries. Mothers with dental caries may have a greater influence on the oral microbiota of children’s than those without dental caries as children age.