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Aim. To determine the association between halitosis detection and periodontal status in systemically healthy non-smokers and to assess whether halitosis was related to quantities of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis on the tongue dorsum. Methods. Periodontal examinations, tongue coating determination, Halimeter® readings and organoleptic assessments of mouth odour were performed in 28 chronic periodontitis patients, 23 chronic gingivitis patients and 27 healthy individuals. The quantities of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were determined in tongue specimens by real-time PCR. Results. Halitosis was more likely to be detected in patients with periodontitis (OR = 9.2) and gingivitis (OR = 4.6) than in healthy subjects. The posterior tongue odour was similar for all groups; had the highest score of all organoleptic assessments and was significantly correlated with Halimeter® scores and the odour of the whole mouth air. Periodontitis patients harboured significantly greater amounts of P. gingivalis on their tongue, yet similar quantities of F. nucleatum compared to gingivitis patients and healthy subjects. The amount of P. gingivalis residing on the tongue dorsum of periodontitis patients was significantly associated with halitosis recordings, while the amount of F. nucleatum was related to tongue coating in healthy controls, which corroborates its role in biofilm formation. Conclusions. Patients with periodontal disease were at higher risk for halitosis detection than healthy individuals. The posterior portion of the tongue dorsum seems to be an important source of odourous compounds, regardless of periodontal condition. P. gingivalis residing on the tongue of periodontitis patients may play a key role in oral malodour production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European sea bass larvae were challenged by bath with Listonella anguillarum strain 332A, 2.5 × 107 CFU mL−1 for 1 h. Fish either received no treatment or oral treatment with Artemia franciscana (Kellog) nauplii enriched with oxolinic acid, or bath treatments with oxolinic acid. Medication commenced 1 day following challenge and was performed on days 1, 3 and 5 post-challenge at a dosage of 20 mg L−1 for 2 h for bath treatments, while two doses each of 750 nauplii per fish were administered daily for five consecutive days in oral treatments. Cumulative mortality reached 96% for the unmedicated challenged group, 32% in the group receiving bath treatments and 17% in the group receiving medicated nauplii. Pharmacokinetic parameters of oxolinic acid were calculated in sea bass larvae, for both treatments. Steady-state concentrations of oxolinic acid of 48.0 and 75.2 μg g−1 were achieved for bath treatment and oral treatment, respectively, while the elimination half-life was calculated to be 25.1 h for bath treatment and 21.7 h for oral treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A homemade electrodeposition device is presented, capable of depositing thin films of variable stoichiometry on cylindrical substrates offering control of electrolysis current, temperature and stirring velocity. The device design eliminates gravitational settling and uses a novel technique for fluid agitation in order to optimize deposition uniformity. The device surpasses traditional burato-style design in terms of gravitational settling of the solution and stirring homogeneity, as well as in terms of coating quality, i.e. cracking and blackened areas.

Existing magnetostrictive torque sensor designs typically measure the rotation of the saturation magnetization under an applied torque and their theoretical treatment revolves around the minimization of the free energy equation adapted according to the assumptions considered valid in each design. In the torque measurement design discussed in this paper, Ni-rich NiFe films have been electrodeposited on cylindrical austenitic steel rods. Contrary to existing designs, the excitation field is applied along the axial direction and is low enough to ensure that the resulting magnetization along the same direction remains in the linear region of the M(H) characteristic. Assuming homogeneous magnetization, positive magnetostriction constant λ, negligible hysteresis and demagnetizing fields, torque T may be expressed in terms of an effective uniaxial anisotropy constant Ku around 45° to the axial direction. It is shown, that for the proposed arrangement, the resulting M is the linear superposition of the effect of a torque-induced effective field and the excitation field, the applied field accounts for the vertical offset of the magnetization response and the applied torque increases the slope of the M(H) characteristic.

Abstract: The amount of newborn blood that can be collected from a single cord donor is limited, but a significant amount remains in the placenta. We used a simplified perfusion method to collect this additional blood. Umbilical cord blood from 15 newborns was collected before placental delivery by umbilical vein puncture. After delivery, the placenta was placed on sterile gauze and 63 mL of citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine anticoagulant were injected into the umbilical vein that was then clamped near the placenta. The placenta was gently massaged, hung over a sterile vessel, and the umbilical cord cut sterilely near the embryonic surface. Additional blood was collected into the sterile vessel by pressuring a gauze bag around the placenta. We assessed the contribution of this second fraction to the total volume, total nucleated cell (NC), CD34+, hematopoietic progenitors cell, and colony forming unit count and bacterial contamination risk. The total collected volume was 127.3 mL (range 92–170) and the NC content was 1.6 ± 0.73 × 109. The mean second fraction contribution from 15 units to the total nucleated and mononuclear cell content was 54 ± 9.87% and 54 ± 9.52%, respectively. The added percentage of CD34+ and hematopoietic progenitor cells was 54.3 ± 10.35% and 46.7 ± 11.5%, respectively, while the additional percentages of colony forming-granulocyte macrophage and colony forming-erythroid in the second fraction were 43.2 ± 5.5% and 39.8 ± 4.3%, respectively, indicating that the cells collected after placental perfusion (second fraction) had similar HPC content and in vitro hematopoietic potential. The method did not increase the risk of bacterial contamination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, and its diagnosis and treatment are improving. Our study evaluated how PSMA-PET/CT prior to treatment planning might improve the optimal management of prostate cancer radiotherapy., Methods: This retrospective pilot study included 43 prostate cancer (PCa) patients referred to our radiation oncologist department, from the urology department, for radiation therapy. 18F-PSMA-PET/CT was ordered by the radiation oncologists mainly due to the lack of resent image staging. The patients were divided into three different groups according to their initially planned treatments: radical radiation therapy (RT) (newly diagnosed PCa patients), salvage RT (patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy), or oligometastatic RT (oligometastatic PCa patients with good response after systemic treatment)., Results: Following PSMA-PET/CT, the initially planned RT was changed for 60.5% of the patients due to new findings (metastases and/or recurrent disease). The final treatment choice was effected by PSMA-PET/CT outcome in 60.5% (26/43) of the patients, and in 50% (16/32) of patients, the radiation treatment plan changed following PSMA-PET/CT. Only 39.5% (17/43) of the patients who underwent PSMA-PET/CT were treated according to their initial treatment plans., Conclusions: Our results indicate that PSMA-PET/CT impacts treatment decisions and the selection of RT as well as adjuvant treatment protocols in the management of prostate cancer., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Backgrounds and Aims: The nucleus accumbens (AcN) belongs to the ventral striatum and it is involved in several neuropsychiatric disorders. In contrast to other subcortical structures, the number of morphometric studies that concern the healthy nucleus is limited. This study aims to investigate the normal volumetric data of the AcN as derived from a large number of manually segmented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans., Methods: The measurements were performed in 106 MRI scans of healthy adults. The resulting volumes have been analyzed for differences related to hemisphere, sex and age., Results: The mean AcN volume was estimated at 473.3 mm 3 (SD=±106.8). A slight interhemispheric difference in favor of the left side was found, the value of which was, however, within the limits of the method error. There were no sexual dimorphism signs concerning both the raw and the normalized volumes. A negative correlation between volumes and age was observed only in males., Conclusions: The study provides normal volumetric data of the AcN, useful in the conduct of comparative imaging and post-mortem studies in pathological conditions.

Aim: To assess the safety/efficacy of a tissue-engineered biocomplex in periodontal reconstruction., Methods: Twenty-seven intrabony defects were block-randomized across three treatment groups: Group-A (N A  = 9) received autologous clinical-grade alveolar bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (a-BMMSCs), seeded into collagen scaffolds, enriched with autologous fibrin/platelet lysate (aFPL). In Group-B (N B  = 10), the collagen scaffold/aFPL devoid of a-BMMSCs filled the osseous defect. Group-C (N C  = 8) received Minimal Access Flap surgery retaining the soft tissue wall of defects identically with Groups-A/-B. Subjects were clinically/radiographically assessed before anaesthesia (baseline) and repeatedly over 12 months., Results: Quality controls were satisfied before biocomplex transplantation. There were no adverse healing events. All approaches led to significant clinical improvements (p < .001) with no inter-group differences. At 12 months, the estimated marginal means for all groups were as follows: 3.0 (95% CI: 1.9-4.1) mm for attachment gain; 3.7 (2.7-4.8) mm for probing pocket depth reduction; 0.7 (0.2-1.3) mm increase in recession. An overall greater mean reduction in the radiographic Cemento-Enamel Junction to Bottom Defect (CEJ-BD) distance was found for Groups-A/-C over Group-B (p < .023)., Conclusion: Radiographic evidence of bone fill was less pronounced in Group-B, although clinical improvements were similar across groups. All approaches aimed to trigger the innate healing potential of tissues. Cell-based therapy is justified for periodontal reconstruction and remains promising in selected cases., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Cesarean delivery is the most prevalent surgical procedure worldwide, reaching approximately 29.7 million cases in 2015. It is directly associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity rates in the absence of malpresentation. Several techniques have been investigated, and there is evidence that cephalad-caudad expansion of the uterine incision might be associated with improved maternal outcomes compared with traditional transverse blunt expansion. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of cephalad-caudad expansion on adverse maternal outcomes, including intraoperative blood loss, risk of uterine vessel injury, and tearing of the lower uterine segment., Data Sources: We searched Medline, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases from inception to January 2021., Study Eligibility Criteria: Randomized controlled trials that assessed the impact of the cephalad-caudad blunt expansion of the low transverse uterine incision during cesarean delivery rather than those of transverse blunt expansion were selected for inclusion., Methods: Effect sizes were calculated with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random-effects model in R. Trial sequential analysis was performed to evaluate the adequacy of sample sizes., Results: Cephalad-caudad blunt expansion of the uterine incision was associated with a lower prevalence of unintended incision extension (relative risk, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.86) and uterine vessel injury (relative risk, 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.73). However, these complications were not accompanied by the increased need for additional suture placement (relative risk, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-4.12) or transfusion rates (relative risk, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-2.03). Similarly, the intraoperative duration was comparable with cases treated with transverse blunt expansion (mean difference = -0.45 minutes; 95% confidence interval -2.12 to 1.21) and the risk of intentional incision extension in the form of an inverted T (relative risk, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-1.52). Trial sequential analysis revealed that the required sample size was reached in the unintended incision extension and uterine vessel injury outcomes., Conclusion: The findings of our study suggested that cephalad-caudad blunt expansion of the uterine incision is superior to transverse expansion in terms of reducing unintended incision extension and uterine vessel injury., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To present a technique to correct the misplacement of tape during laparoscopic cervical cerclage. Catching and introducing the wrong needle resulted in a knot formed around the right adnexa., Design: Step-by-step demonstration of the mistake and the technique to correct it., Setting: A patient para 0+V (V corresponds to 5) with cervical insufficiency was managed with laparoscopic interval cerclage [1-3]. The patient's 2 most recent pregnancies had been managed with emergency transvaginal cerclage, which failed to prolong her gestation beyond 24 weeks., Interventions: Before the cerclage procedure a 2.0 × 0.8-cm deep endometriotic nodule was excised. Both curved needles were straightened extracorporeally, and the tape was dropped inside the peritoneal cavity. The first needle was introduced successfully through the right side. After insertion of-what was believed to be-the same needle through the left side following the opposite direction, it was discovered that a tight knot had been formed around the right adnexa (Fig. 1). To avoid complete removal, the needleless tape was pulled back completely from the right side (Supplemental Fig. 1), and this end was stitched to a straight needle 2-0 polyglactin suture. The much thinner needle passed easily through the already created path, along with the tape (Supplemental Fig. 2), and the procedure was completed as planned (Supplemental Fig. 3)., Conclusion: When performing laparoscopic cervical cerclage with the tape and needles inside the abdomen, it is important to keep both under constant view. In the event of misplacement, no need to completely remove the tape. The tape's cut end can still be reintroduced successfully, stitched to a straight needle suture., (Copyright © 2020 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To determine tissue changes at implants placed either conventionally or in combination with a connective tissue graft (CTG)., Materials and Methods: Forty-eight partially edentulous subjects were randomized into two treatment Groups, and 46 completed the study. Group-A (N A   = 23) received crestal implant placement. In Group-B (N B   = 23), a CTG harvested from the palate was stabilized over the implant neck. At the time of implant placement (T0), Groups were categorized as having thin mucosa ≤ 2.5 mm at the surgical site (N S ubgroup- AI   = 12, N S ubgroup- BI   = 11) or thick mucosa > 2.5 mm (N S ubgroup- AII   = 11, N S ubgroup- BII   = 12). Mucosa thickness, width of keratinized tissue (WKT), crestal bone levels and relative bone thickness were determined at T0 and at the two-stage surgery (T1)., Results: At T1, on the alveolar crest, mucosa thickness significantly decreased in the thick mucosa Subgroups (-AII/-BII, both p = 0.001), but increased at thin mucosa grafted sites (p = 0.049). No significant changes were noted in the WKT for either group. Thin mucosa grafted Subgroups (-AI/-BI) demonstrated significant decreases in crestal bone levels (both p ≤ 0.008). Crestal relative bone thickness decreased in all Subgroups (p ≤ 0.027 for significant changes)., Conclusions: Connective tissue grafting resulted in smaller reductions of mucosa thickness on the alveolar crest and appeared to have the greater effects at sites with initially thin mucosa., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Statement of Problem: Adhesive cementation is the most common bonding strategy for zirconia restorations. Although cementation with a bioactive luting agent has been proposed as an alternative, how the bond strength compares is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate shear bond strength after cementing a monolithic zirconia ceramic to human dentin with a bioceramic cement, compare it with a traditional cement, and evaluate its bioactive properties., Material and Methods: A total of 120 dentin specimens and 120 yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) (BruxZir) cylindrical specimens were used. Zirconia and dentin specimens were randomly divided into 8 study groups (n=15) based on 2 luting cement types (a bioceramic cement or glass ionomer cement as control), 2 airborne-particle abrasion protocols (50 μm or 110 μm), and 2 water storage durations (24 hours or 30 days). After the shear bond strength test using a universal machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, fracture patterns were evaluated under a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. Strength values were statistically analyzed with a 3-factor ANOVA model (α=.05). Bioactivity was evaluated in simulated body fluid (SBF)., Results: The control glass ionomer cement achieved significantly greater shear bond strength compared with the tested bioceramic cement. Mean bond strength values ranged from 2.52 MPa to 5.23 MPa for the bioceramic cement tested and from 4.20 MPa to 6.61 MPa for the control cement. The duration of water storage played a significant role in the bond strength, with groups stored for 30 days reaching higher bond strength values, whereas the particle size of airborne-particle abrasion did not have a significant effect. Failure types were primarily mixed. No apatite formation was recorded on the surface of the specimens even after 30 days of immersion in SBF., Conclusions: The evaluated cement did not develop apatite in SBF, and its bond strength values were below the control glass ionomer cement., (Copyright © 2019 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare the duration of orthodontic treatment and Gingival Index (GI) scores in Class I malocclusion patients treated with a conventional straight-wire method (CG) or the Damon technique (DT)., Design: Two-arm, parallel, randomised clinical trial Setting: A postgraduate orthodontic clinic Participants: Patients with a balanced facial profile, a full permanent dentition and Angle's Class I malocclusion with moderate crowding., Methods: The primary outcome was the duration of orthodontic treatment in months. GI scores throughout treatment were secondary outcomes and the PAR index was also assessed. Randomisation was accomplished using a table of random numbers and the allocation was concealed in sequentially numbered and opened, opaque, sealed envelopes. Blinding was applicable for PAR assessment only. Comparison of data between groups was performed with appropriate tests for independent samples., Results: Twenty-two patients were randomly allocated to treatment in a 1:1 ratio to either CG or DT group. Age at the start of treatment, initial PAR index and GI scores were similar between groups. All patients completed the study, but the total duration of orthodontic treatment was almost half of the initial assumption. No statistically significant differences were observed in treatment duration (CG: Mean ([Formula: see text]) = 14.5 months, Standard Deviation (SD) = ±3.03; DT: [Formula: see text] months, SD = ±2.93; 95% Confidence Interval: -0.40 to 4.90; P = 0.093; t-test). The two groups did not differ statistically regarding the GI scores during the observational period. No serious harms were observed other than gingival inflammation associated with oral biofilm accumulation., Conclusions: The present study did not reveal statistically significant differences between the compared, conventional straight-wire method and Damon technique-treated, Angle's Class I malocclusion groups regarding total treatment duration and GI scores.

Aim: To present: the normative data on dental fear and caries status; the dental fear cut-off points of young children in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece., Methods: Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study with two independent study groups. A first representative sample consisted of 1484 children from 15 primary public schools of Thessaloniki. A second sample consisted of 195 randomly selected age-matched children, all patients of the Postgraduate Paediatric Dental Clinic of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. First sample: In order to select data on dental fear and caries, dental examination took place in the classroom with disposable mirrors and a penlight. All the children completed the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS). Second sample: In order to define the cut-off points of the CFSS-DS, dental treatment of the 195 children was performed at the University Clinic. Children&#x2041;s dental fear was assessed using the CFSS-DS and their behaviour during dental treatment was observed by one calibrated examiner using the Venham scale., Statistics: Statistical analysis of the data was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 20 at a statistical significance level of <0.05., Results: First sample: The mean CFSS-DS score was 27.1&#177;10.8. Age was significantly (p<0.05) related to dental fear. Mean differences between boys and girls were not significant. Caries was not correlated with dental fear. Second sample: CFSS-DS< 33 was defined as 'no dental fear', scores 33-37 as 'borderline' and scores > 37 as 'dental fear'. In the first sample, 84.6% of the children did not suffer from dental fear (CFSS-DS<33)., Conclusion: Dental fear was correlated to age and not to caries and gender. The dental fear cut-off point for the CFSS-DS was estimated at 37 for 6-12 year old children (33-37 borderlines).

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of dental maturation stages for identifying individual-specific skeletal maturation phases., Subjects and Methods: Prior to initiating this study, 255 orthodontic patients comprising 145 girls and 110 boys from the Department of Orthodontics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece were identified. Lateral cephalometric and panoramic radiographs were evaluated. Dental calcification stages were assessed according to the Demirjian method and skeletal maturation according to the cervical vertebral maturation stage (CVMS) method. Statistical assessments included Spearman Brown formula, descriptive statistics, Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, and positive likelihood ratios (LHRs)., Results: The highest (r = 0.725) correlations were found for second molars and the lowest correlation for canines (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). Positive LHR values exceeding ten were found to identify the pre-peak growth phase in conjunction with the second molar (stage D), second premolar (stage E), and first premolar (stages D and E). Only the second molar (stage F) yielded positive LHR values for identifying the peak growth phase. The positive LHR values for the second molar also facilitated identification of the post-peak growth phase (stage H). Taking the clinical diagnostic efficacy of the second molar into account in identifying these growth phases, we calculated the positive LHRs of the second molar to determine dental maturation stages for diagnosing CVMS II and III. Positive LHR values greater than 10 identified CVMS II (stage D)., Conclusion: Evaluating dental maturation is a useful initial diagnostic step when assessing skeletal growth. The calcification stages of the second molar provide reliable diagnostic information with which to determine the pubertal growth spurt.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine: 1) the relationship between children's psychological functioning, dental anxiety and cooperative behavior before and during local anesthesia, 2) the relationship of parental dental anxiety with all the above child characteristics., Study Design: There was a convenient sample of 100 children (4-12 years). Child dental anxiety and psychological functioning were measured using the "Children's Fear Survey Schedule" (CFSS-DS) and the "Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire" (SDQ) respectively. Parental dental anxiety was measured using the "Modified Dental Anxiety Scale" (MDAS). All questionnaires were completed by parents. Before and during local anesthesia, the child behavior was scored by one experienced examiner, using the Venham scale. Non-parametric tests and correlations (Mann-Whitney, Spearman's rho) were used for the analysis., Results: The mean SDQ score was 10±5.6 for boys (n=60) and 8.3±4.8 for girls (n=40) (p=0.038), but there was no correlation with children's age. The mean CFSS-DS score was 33.1±11.86 and there was no correlation with age or gender. Children with higher levels in the pro-social subscale of the SDQ had significantly less anxiety and better behavior before local anesthesia. Higher mean CFSS-DS scores were significantly associated with uncooperative behavior during local anesthesia (p=0.04). There was no correlation between parents' and their children's dental anxiety, psychological functioning and behavior. 46% of the children had previous dental experience in the last 6 months. As time since the last dental treatment increased, an improvement was found in children's behavior during local anesthesia., Conclusions: Child psychological functioning was related to dental anxiety and behavior during dental appointment involving local anesthesia.

Recently the matrix of umbilical cord began to use as an alternative source of stem cells additionally to the blood of umbilical cord. Umbilical cord has been used mainly for mesenchymal stem cell banking. The immunological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells in combination with their ability to avoid rejection make them an attractive biological material for transplantations. In this study the isolation of small in size pluripotent stem cells from umbilical cord expressing early transcription factors with characteristics that resemble to embryonic stem cells is investigated. Pluripotent stem cells were isolated from human umbilical cords, by a new strategy method based on unique characteristics such as the small size and the positivity on early transcription factors OCT and Nanog. An enriched population of CXCR4(+) OCT(+) Nanog(+) CD45(-) small stem cells from the cord was isolated. This fraction was able to create alkaline phosphatase positive like spheres forms in a mesenchymal layer with multilineage differentiation capacity. Our results were assessed by RT PCR and electophoresis for the pluripotent genes. These data suggest that umbilical cord provides an attractive source not only of mesenchymal stem cells but moreover of pluripotent stem cells. The method described herein should be applied in the field of stem cell banking in addition to the classical umbilical cord harvesting method. Isolation of a population of cells with pluripotent characteristics from umbilical cord. Adoption of a second centrifugation step for the pluripotent stem isolation. Increasing the value of the cord and explaining the pluripotency. This work will enhance the value of umbilical cord harvesting.

Introduction: Cardiovascular pre-participation screening (PPS) is recommended for the identification of athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death. However, there is currently no universally accepted screening protocol., Methods: Two distinct PPS strategies were studied in a large cohort of Greek athletes (5 to 39 years old): PPS I, with routine 12-lead ECG and echo, in addition to personal and family history, and physical examination; and PPS II, without routine echo. PPS I (12,353 athletes) was performed from 1992 to 2002, and PPS II (9852 athletes) from 2003 to 2010., Results: "Abnormal" findings were observed in 49.3% of the athletes (49.6% in PPS I and 48.9% in PPS II, p=0.299). Most of them were age- or exercise-related. Further evaluation was recommended for 8.3% of the athletes. Finally, 39 athletes (22 from PPS I) were excluded from competitive sports. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was found in 7 athletes. Other abnormalities were: dilated cardiomyopathy; complete heart block; coronary artery disease; Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome; and severe hypertension. The ECG played a critical role in the exclusion of 13 athletes, compared to only one for echo. Both PPS methods revealed an almost equal incidence of findings., Conclusions: We suggest that the routine use of ECG alone is sufficient for the successful screening of athletes.

Objectives: A major cause of crown discoloration is root canal sealer remnants in the pulp chamber, after root canal obturation. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the chromogenic effect of common and new-generation root canal sealers. The tested null hypothesis was that none of the sealers induced clinically perceptible crown discoloration, ex vivo (H(0): CIE color difference ∆Ε < 3.7)., Methods: The crowns of 80 intact, fully developed third mandibular molars were cross-sectioned 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction and stored in standard conditions (100 % humidity, 37 °C). The pulp chambers were chemomechanically debrided with hand files and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and the specimens were randomly assigned into four experimental (1-4) and one control (5) groups. In the experimental groups, the internal axial walls of the pulp chambers were coated with sealers (Group 1; Roth 811, Group 2; AH26, Group 3; GuttaFlow, Group 4; Epiphany SE). The pulp chambers of the control group (Group 5) remained unfilled. The spectral reflectance lines of the crowns were recorded by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. CIE total color differences [Formula: see text] were calculated after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. A pilot study was also conducted for the validation of the experimental model. Two-way mixed ANOVA models were used for statistical data analysis., Results: The experimental model presented values of ∆Ε < 1 unit and high positive correlation values, after repeated measurements (p < 0.05). Roth 811 sealer (Group 1) induced clinically perceptible crown discoloration (∆Ε > 3.7, p < 0.05) and presented statistically significant differences from Groups 2-5 in all examination intervals (p < 0.05). In Groups 2-5, clinically perceptible crown discoloration was not observed (∆Ε < 3.7, p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Roth 811 sealer exhibited severe discoloration effects. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that any sealer remnants should be removed from the pulp chamber after root canal obturation and before placement of a final restoration., Clinical Relevance: The chromogenic potential may play an important role in selecting proper root canal sealers.

Despite the improvement of endodontic materials, crown discoloration induced by root canal sealers remains a concerning clinical issue. The aim of this study is the measurement of the alterations in CIE L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters of tooth crowns after placement of commonly used and new-generation endodontic sealers in pulp chambers. Eighty intact, fully developed third mandibular molars were randomly assigned in five groups. Crowns were cross-sectioned from the root complex 1 mm below the cement-enamel junction. The internal axial walls of the pulp chambers were debrided and coated with endodontic sealers (Roth-811, AH-26, Guttaflow, Epiphany SE). The apical access was sealed with glass-ionomer cement. The control group was only debrided. Crowns were stored in individually marked vials in standard conditions (100% humidity, 37°C). The spectral reflectance lines were recorded with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in the visual spectrum. The CIE L*a*b* parameters were obtained by a linked computer software before sealer placement (baseline), after one week, one, three, and six months, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with two-way mixed ANOVA models. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. With the exception of the control group, experimental groups presented varying chromatic alterations. Among all experimental groups, Roth-811 sealer induced the most severe alterations in CIE L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters, during all observation periods. After root canal obturation, the clinician should be aware of the presence of remaining root canal filling materials. Thorough debridement of the pulp chamber is essential for the prevention of sealer-induced discoloration.

Unlabelled: Crown discoloration can be induced by root canal sealer remnants following root canal treatment., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate chromatic alterations in human tooth crowns induced by a Mineral Trioxide Aggregate-based sealer (MTA Fillapex®) and a commonly used ZnOE-based sealer (Roth-811). The tested null hypothesis was that the application of the materials did not induce clinically perceptible crown discoloration (Ho: CIE color difference ΔE<3.7)., Material and Methods: Forty five fully developed, intact, mandibular third molars were sectioned 1 mm below the cemento-enamel junction. The pulp chambers were chemomechanically debrided via the cervical access. The specimens were randomly assigned into three groups Group 1: MTA Fillapex, Group 2: Roth 811, Group 3: Negative control (unfilled) and immersed in individually marked vials containing distilled water up to the cervix (37±1°C). The spectral reflectance lines were recorded by utilizing a UV-VIS spectrophotometer equipped with integration sphere in the visual spectrum at baseline, 1 week, 1 and 3 months after material placement. Data were transformed into values of the CIE L*a*b* color system and the corresponding ΔE values were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way mixed ANOVA models, at p=0.05 level of significance., Results: A statistically significant increase in a* and b* chromatic parameters of the MTA Fillapex Group was measured. However, ΔE values did not exceed the human eye perceptibility threshold (set at ΔE<3.7) during the experimental period (ΔEt3=2.88). In Roth-811 Group, a statistically significant decrease in L* and a statistically significant increase in a* and b* chromatic parameters was measured, during all observation periods. Resultant ΔE values exceeded the human eye perceptibility threshold after 1 week (ΔEt1=5.65)., Conclusions: Application of MTA Fillapex in tooth crowns resulted in minimal color alterations, while Roth 811 induced severe discoloration, in vitro. It could be suggested that, in terms of aesthetics, the use of MTA Fillapex appears to be favorable.

The secretion of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) is more associated with psychoneuroendocrinological response to stress than with the flow rate and age. The aim of this cross sectional study is to build an explanatory model based on patterns of relationship between age 20-39 in resting and stimulated saliva under no stressful condition in healthy volunteers. Both resting and stimulated saliva were collected from 40 subjects. The sAA values were log-transformed, the normality assumption was verified with the Shapiro-Wilk test and the reliability of the measurements was estimated by the Pearsons' r correlation coefficient. The estimated model was based on the theory of the Linear Mixed Models. Significant mean changes were observed in flow rate and sAA activity between resting and stimulated saliva. The final model consists of two components, the first revealed a positive correlation between age and sAA while the second one revealed a negative correlation between the interaction of age × flow rate in its condition (resting or stimulated saliva), with sAA. Both flow rate and age influence sAA activity.

Objective: The shear bond strength of adhesives applied to dentin was investigated after irradiation with an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser., Methods: Superficial and deep dentin specimens from human molars were treated either with carbide bur or an Er:YAG laser. Two etch and rinse adhesives (Single Bond and XP Bond) and two self-etch adhesives (Prompt L-Pop and Xeno III) were employed to bond the composite. Shear bond strength (SBS) was determined after storage in water for 24 h using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Failure patterns and modes were analyzed and evaluated using a stereomicroscope. In addition, samples were processed for Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM evaluation. A linear mixed model was used, and pairwise comparisons were made using the Bonferroni test., Results: Results showed significant differences between the levels of dentin treatment (p=.01) in carbide bur-cut dentin and lased dentin, as well as significant interaction effects due to the depth of dentin and the bonding system used. The etch and rinse adhesives bonded less effectively with lased dentin than with carbide bur-cut dentin, while self-etch adhesives bonded equally well with lased and bur-cut superficial dentin but much less effectively with lased deep dentin than with bur-cut deep dentin. SEM revealed a predominantly adhesive failure mode in laser-ablated fractured specimens, while a mixed failure mode was apparent in the bur-cut fractured specimens., Conclusions: Cavities prepared by laser seem less receptive to adhesive procedures than conventional bur-cut cavities.

Acute pancreatitis is rare in pregnancy but it is associated with increased incidence of maternal and fetal mortality. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of upper quadrant abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting. The commonest identified causes of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy are gallstones, alcohol and hypertriglyceridemia. The main laboratory finding is increased amylase activity. Appropriate investigations include ultrasound of the right upper quadrant and measurement of serum triglycerides and ionized calcium. Management of gallstone pancreatitis is controversial, although laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are often used and may be associated with lower complication rates. In hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis ω-3 fatty acids and even therapeutic plasma exchange can be used. We also discuss preventive measures., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Problem: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome of unknown aetiology. It is believed to involve an inflammatory process. The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the concentrations of two proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and to evaluate the possible interaction between them and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in women with normotensive pregnancy and PE., Method of Study: A prospective case-control study was carried out in 30 women with PE and 30 normotensive controls. Serum IL-1β, IL-6 and hCG levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and automated immunofluorescent assay, respectively., Results: Serum IL-6, IL-1β and hCG levels were significantly increased in women with PE compared to controls (P < 0.001 for each); however, no correlation was found between IL-6, IL-1β and hCG., Conclusion: Our results highlight the inflammatory origin of PE and reinforce the possible role of hCG in the complex aetiology of its pathogenesis., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Aim: To investigate the relationship between dental caries (dmfs) and body mass index (BMI) categories in 3-5.5 year old children in Thessaloniki, Greece., Methods: The study was conducted in 18 municipal day care centres and involved 361 children. The dmfs was determined on site by one calibrated examiner using disposable dental mirrors and a penlight. The height and weight of the children were measured on site by a nutritionist, who grouped them into four BMI categories, shown in the results., Statistics: The estimation of the relationship between the BMI and dmfs values was based on a generalized linear model (Poisson log-linear regression) while the sequential Bonferroni method was used for pair-wise comparisons between BMI categories., Results: Mean dmfs values for each BMI category were: 1.02 (SD=2.41) for the underweight (n=44), 0.74 (SD=2.24) for the normal weight (n=281), 1.88 (SD=4.28) for the overweight (n=26) and 0.80 (SD=2.53) for the obese (n=10). Overweight children were found to show statistically significant differences in dmfs values compared with both children of normal weight (p<0.001) and those underweight (p=0.015)., Conclusion: Overweight Greek pre-school children are at higher risk of dental caries.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential variations in cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters and running performance among 3 modes of exercise of the same duration, namely, intermittent running with active recovery (AR) or passive recovery (PR) and continuous running (CR) and whether these variations could affect passive recovery time (PRT). Fifteen male physical education students with a subspecialty in soccer were studied (mean age 22.3 ± 2.5 years, training experience 12.3 ± 2.5 years) in the middle of the playing season. The results showed that during exercise, the highest heart rate (HR) and VO2 values were observed in CR, whereas the lowest values in PR followed by AR. Blood lactate (BLa) concentration was higher in PR by 38% compared to that in AR (p < 0.05). The exercise duration was similar between PR and AR tests and longer than in CR. With regard to PRT, the highest HR (186 ± 9 b · min(-1)), VO2 (55.5 ± 5.2 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1)), and BLa (5.1 ± 1.7 mmol · L(-1)) values were found in CR. No differences in HR and VO2 between PR and AR were detected. However, despite the differences in BLa concentration between AR and PR during exercise, the PRT BLa values between these 2 exercise modes were not different. Among the 3 running protocols, only CR appeared to have fully challenged the cardiorespiratory system inducing maximal HR and VO2 responses during exercise and high BLa values in PRT, yet these responses were not associated with better exercise performance compared to intermittent running. Therefore, intermittent exercise, regardless of implementing passive or active interval, might be the preferable exercise mode particularly in activities extended over 30 minutes.

Background: Placenta is a valuable source of stem cells for cell therapy and future application in the field of regenerative medicine. This is due to the plasticity and the immunomodulatory effects of the stem cells that it contains. In this study we present a totally closed method for hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic stem cell isolation from human term placenta., Study Design and Methods: Sixty-eight placenta units were collected and manipulated for the residual fetal blood drainage. After delivery, placenta flushing with citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine was evaluated., Results: Placenta flushing using a totally closed system led to a significant amount of hematopoietic progenitor cells and multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) without additional microbial risk, free of maternal cell contamination., Conclusion: Traditionally discarded after childbirth, the term placenta now appears to be an easily accessible and abundant source of diverse origin stem cells suitable for banking strategies and for future clinical applications, including adult therapy., (© 2011 American Association of Blood Banks.)

Background: Functional limitations, altered cardiac autonomic activity, and psychological distress are known disorders in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, relating to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of an exercise training program on emotional parameters and heart rate variability (HRV) indices, as well as to determine whether emotional stress contributes to autonomic dysfunction in these patients., Methods: Forty-four HD patients were randomly assigned into group A (24 patients, aged 46.3+/-11.2 years), who participated in a 1-year intradialytic exercise training program and group B (20 patients, aged 45.8+/-10.8 years), who were used as controls. At baseline and a year after, measures of HRV were obtained for the estimation of standard deviation of RR intervals, the mean square successive differences, percentage of RR intervals differing by more than 50 ms from the preceding RR interval (pNN50), and low to high frequency components. Emotional parameters (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS) were also assessed by validated questionnaires. Moreover, all patients performed a spiroergometric study for the estimation of VO2peak., Results: At baseline, all measurements were similar in the two groups and remained almost unchanged after a year in group B. After a year of training, VO2peak increased from 16.79+/-5.24 to 22.33+/-4.90 ml/kg per min (P<0.001) in group A. Trained patients also showed an increase in standard deviation of RR intervals by 58.8% (P<0.001), the mean square successive differences by 68.1% (P<0.001), pNN50 by 23.5% (P<0.001), and a low to high frequency ratio by 17.3% (P<0.001). Finally, at the end of the study, group A showed a decrease in BDI score by 34.5% (P<0.001) and HADS by 23.9% (P<0.001). Canonical correlation revealed significant inverse correlation among depression (in BDI and HADS) and HRV indices before and after exercise training., Conclusion: Cardiac autonomic modulation seemed to be sensitive to the experience of persistent depression in HD patients. Significantly, exercise training reduced emotional distress and concomitantly improved HRV.

Background: Mature cystic teratoma, also known as dermoid cyst, is the most common germ cell tumor of the ovary. Malignant change in a component of a mature ovarian teratoma is rare, occurring in less than 2% of cases, with squamous cell carcinoma corresponding to 80% of such neoplasms. Pure sebaceous carcinoma is exceedingly rare, with only 6 reported cases thus far., Case Report: A 74-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain due to a palpable mass in the right abdomen. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound as well as computed tomography demonstrated a heterogenic tumor of the right ovary. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Histological examination of the tumor showed features of a well-differentiated sebaceous carcinoma arising within a mature cystic teratoma., Conclusions: This is an extremely rare ovarian malignancy of which the clinical behavior and optimal management are not well established. Differential diagnosis with other malignant neoplasms arising in mature cystic teratomas is exceedingly important for treatment and prognosis., (Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.)