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Background/Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of irradiation cycles and resting periods, on thermal effects on the external root surface during root canal irradiation of two diode laser systems (940 nm and 975 nm), at output powers of 1 W and 2 W in continuous mode. In previous studies the rising of temperature above 7°C has been reported as biologically accepted to avoid periodontal damage on the external root surface. Material and Methods: Twenty human inferior incisors were randomly distributed into four groups, the 940 nm, and the 975 nm diode laser irradiation, both with an output power of 1 W and 2 W, in continuous mode. The thermographic camera was used to detect temperature variations on the external root surface. Digital radiography of the samples was made. Results: After three cycles of irradiation, at apical third of the root, mean temperature variation by 940 nm diode laser irradiation was 2.88°C for output power of 1 W, and 6.52°C for output power of 2 W. The 975 nm laser caused a higher temperature increase in the apical region, with temperature variation of 13.56°C by an output power of 1 W, and 30.60°C at 2 W, with a statistical significance of p ≤ 0.0001 between two laser systems compared for the same power. The resting periods of 20 s between cycles were enough to lower temperature under 7°C in the case of 1 W and 2 W for 940 nm diode laser, while for 975 nm laser, after three irradiation cycles overheating occurred at both output power rates. Conclusion: Three cycles irradiation of 940 nm diode laser, with resting periods of 20 seconds, allowed safe usage of 1 W and 2 W in CW for endodontic treatment. For 975 nm at a power rate of 1 W, the last resting period drop the temperature near the safe limit and it came under 7°C in a period less than a minute, while at the power of 2 W the resting periods were not long enough for the safe temperature decrease.

The provision of universal postal service involves high costs for operator, especially in rural areas. The aim of this paper is to propose and test tool for managing the cost of providing universal postal service and maintaining the postal network in order to facilitate understanding of the problem in the sector. The proposed approach use standard prices and standard quantities (the redefined number of postal units, the number of employees, etc.) as well as average costs for calculation of the costs of the universal postal service and postal network. The methodology provides the efficiency analysis, benchmarking and identification of causes of poor performance of management and resource allocation. It can be used for postal operators that do not have modern accounting systems.

Background/Aim. Apical periodontitis is mainly caused by bacterial infection within the root canal and periapical bone destruction which are prominent features of this lesion. The aim of this study was to determine the quantity of interleukin-1β in the tissues of periapical lesions and to analyze its relationships with: lesion size, previous treatments and pathohistological finding of involved teeth. Methods. Periapical tissues were obtained from patients undergoing periapical surgery. Out of all 80 cases included in the study, 24 had no previous endodontic treatment (open lesions), 37 were with endodontic failure (closed lesion) and in 15 cases root canal retreatment was performed few months before the surgery. By excluding four samples, the total of 76 samples, consisted of periapical lesions and the apical part of the tooth root, was collected. Each periapical tissue sample was divided into two equal parts. The one half of each lesion was used for quantification of interleukin-1β in tissue homogenates by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The other part of each lesion was used for histopathological evaluation. Results. For each of the tissue homogenates, the quantity of interleukin-1β was measured, and it ranged from 0.6 pg/mg up to 74 pg/mg. There was no significant difference between the symptomatology and amount of interleukin-1β. Statistical data analysis showed a moderate correlation between lesion size and interleukin-1β measured values. The highest levels of interleukin-1β corresponded with chronic lesions in the stages of acute exacerbation and granulomas in early developing stages. Persistant granulomas, scar tissues, non-inflamed cysts and teeth with recently finished endodontic treatments showed a significantly lower level of interleukin-1β. Conclusion. The study results suggest that the differences in quantity of interleukin-1β correlate to lesion progression and phases of development.

Heart transplantation is a method of choice for the surgical treatment of a terminal stage of cardiac insufficiency. The lack of donors that all health systems in the world are experiencing has led to the intensive development of devices for permanent mechanical support of circulation. Implantable devices, such as the LVAD circulation pump, are widely accepted as a therapeutic option for improving the quality of life and survival of patients with terminal heart failure. Indications for incorporation include bridge to transplant (BTT), bridge to candidacy (BTC) and destination therapy (DT). The article presents a case of successful surgical treatment of terminal heart failure. The patient was implanted with a circular support device for left heart chamber for the maintenance of vital parameters and bridging the period to heart transplantation.

This study focuses on the behavior of β-carotene and lutein inside multilamellar liposomes under continuous UV-irradiation. The liposomes were obtained by the thin film method and carotenoids (Crts) were incorporated by mixing at various concentrations (0.005, 0.0075, 0.02, 0.07 and 0.5 mol %). Liposomes formation and the presence of Crts inside them were confirmed by SEM microscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy, respectively. The antioxidant/pro- -oxidant activity of Crts inside liposomes was determined by the thiobarbituric acid–malondialdehyde (TBA–MDA) test. The investigated Crts acted more or less unexpected (as pro-oxidants) inside the lipid bilayers, interacting with the UV-produced lipid radicals and simultaneously suffering under the UV-irradiation. Their pro-oxidant activity with liposomes and under UV-irradiation could be explained by the formation of unstable adducts in the reaction with peroxyl radicals, or by Crts-cation radicals formation via the electron transfer mechanism. Such tentatively unexpected behavior of carotenoids should be taken into consideration in further carotenoids-based UV-filters projections in cosmetic formulations for skin protection. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR-34012]

Background/Aim. The longevity of a dental restoration may be predicted to some degree by its adhesive ability, and this, in turn, can be measured by bond strength testing between restorative materials and tooth structure. The aim of this study was to test an innovative joggle lap shearing jig that integrates the tooth and the entire biomechanical unit into testing, to compare the shear bond strengths of Class I occlusal composite restorations in deep cavity preparations lined with Dycal, Dycal LC, conventional glass ionomer or resin-modified glass ionomer. The mode of failure (adhesive, cohesive, mixed) after debonding was determined by stereomicroscopy. Methods. A total of 150 standardized occlusal cavities were prepared and divided into five groups. The group I cavities (n = 30) were coated with adhesive (ExciTE®F) and filled directly with composite (TetricEvoCeram). The group II and III cavities were lined with Dycal (n = 30) or Dycal LC (n = 30) before placing composite. The groups IV and V specimens were based with Fuji IX (n = 30) or Fuji II LC (n = 30). Shear bond strengths were determined with a universal testing machine and fractured bonding sites were analyzed under stereomicroscope. The mean bond strengths were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test (p < 0.05) and the means between the groups were analyzed with Student’s t-test. Results. The shear bond strength (MPa) of composite restorations in cavities without base (23.91 ± 4.54) was higher than cavities lined with Fuji II LC (17.45 ± 2.74), Fuji IX (8.76 ± 2.57), Dycal LC (13.07 ± 1.84) or Dycal (6.12 ± 1.28). The results using the jogged lap shearing jig were consistent with the literature. Conclusion. The shear bond strength of occlusal composite restorations in deep cavities without liners was greater than cavities lined with Fuji II LC > Fuji IX > Dycal LC > Dycal.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of commercial essential oils’ samples from the aerial plant parts of H. officinalis, R. officinalis and S. officinalis were investigated. Analyses by GC-FID and GC-MS confirmed 52 oil components. The major constituent of the H. officinalis oil was cis-pinocamphone (34.4%), followed by transpinocamphone (23.3%), and β-pinene (11.3%). Analysis of R. officinalis oil revealed 1.8-cineol as a major constituent (43.8%), as well as transpinocamphone (12.5%), α-pinene (11.5%) and β-pinene (8.2%). The most dominant constituent of S. officinalis oil was cis-thujone (32.7%), in addition to camphor (17.2%), 1.8-cineol (10.1%), α-pinene (8.6%), transthujone (7.7%) and camphene (7.3%). The essential oil antimicrobial activity assay was performed by the use of microdilution method against oral Candida spp. and bacteria, the major causative agents of a number of human oral disorders; all of them were susceptible to tested concentrations of H. officinalis, R. officinalis and S. officinalis essential oils, although the oil of S. officinalis exhibited the lowest antimicrobial potential. The results obtained in this study encourage use of investigated essential oils from Lamiaceae family in development of safe natural agents for prevention and/ or alternative therapy of human oral diseases. However, a special care during development of an effective natural preparation is required.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using the originally developed Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) laboratory setup for the qualitative analysis of human tooth tissues and tooth restorations. Plasma was induced by the infrared TEA (Transversally Excited Atmospheric) CO2 laser in the air under atmospheric pressure. Optical emission spectra with sharp and well-resolved spectral lines and a negligibly low background were obtained. The results of the qualitative analysis showed the presence of various elements in the tooth tissues (P, Ca, and Mg), as well as trace elements within restorations such as Zn, Sn, Cu, Ag, and Hg. The estimated temperatures of plasma for composite, dentin, and amalgam were 21,000 K, 16,200 K, and 13,300 K respectively. The electron density deduced from the Stark-broadening line profiles varies from 8.5 × 1017 cm− 3 for amalgam, 2 × 1018 cm− 3 for composite, and 1.9 × 1018 cm− 3 for dentin. The surface of the tooth tissue was imaged with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), showing that dentin contains pores, cavities and bubbles. The results indicated that the alternative and cost-effective LIBS system can be used as a useful tool for further research on laser-induced plasma in dentistry. These insights are useful in the field of laser dentistry, where lasers are commonly utilized to treat teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Biodegradable porous scaffolds are found to be very promising bone substitutes, acting as a temporary physical support to guide new tissue regeneration, until the entire scaffold is totally degraded and replaced by the new tissue. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxicity of a synthesized calcium hydroxyapatite based scaffold, named ALBO-OS, with high porosity and optimal topology. Methods. The ALBO-OS scaffold was synthesized by the method of polymer foam template. The analysis of pore geometry and scaffold walls’ topography was made by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The biological investigations assumed the examinations of ALBO-OS cytotoxicity to mouse L929 fibroblasts, using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromidefor (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tests and inverse phase microscopy. Results. The SEM analysis showed high porosity with fair pore distribution and interesting morphology from the biological standpoint. The biological investigations showed that the material is not cytotoxic to L929 cells. Comparison of ALBO-OS with Bio-Oss, as the global gold standard as a bone substitute, showed similar results in MTT test, while LDH test showed significantly higher rate of cell multiplication with ALBO-OS. Conclusion. The scaffold design from the aspect of pore size, distribution, and topology seems to be very convenient for cell adhesion and occupation, which makes it a promising material as a bone substitute. The results of biological assays proved that ALBO-OS is not cytotoxic for L929 fibroblasts. In comparison with Bio-Oss, similar or even better results were obtained. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172026]

Lasers have found important role in clinical application, science and scientific research. The aim of this review is to focus on using soft tissue laser in endodontic treatments.

Introduction. Models of excellence are considered a practical tool in the field of management that should help a variety of organizations, including dental, to carry out the measurement of the quality of provided services, and so define their position in relation to excellence. The quality of healthcare implies the degree within which the system of healthcare and health services increases the likelihood of positive treatment outcome. Objective. The aim of the present study was to define a model of excellence in the field of dental healthcare (DHC) in the Republic of Serbia and suggest the model of DHC whose services will have the characteristics of outstanding service in the dental practice. Methods. In this study a specially designed questionnaire was used for the assessment of the maturity level of applied management regarding quality in healthcare organizations of the Republic of Serbia. The questionnaire consists of 13 units and a total of 240 questions. Results. The results of the study were discussed involving four areas: (1) defining the main criteria and sub-criteria, (2) the elements of excellence of DHC in the Republic of Serbia, (3) the quality of DHC in the Republic of Serbia, and (4) defining the framework of the model of excellence for the DHC in the Republic of Serbia. The main criteria which defined the framework and implementation model of excellence in the field of DHC in Serbia were: leadership, management, human resources, policy and strategy, other resources, processes, patients’ satisfaction, employee’s satisfaction, impact on society and business results. The model had two main parts: the possibilities for the first five criteria and options for the other four criteria. Conclusion. Excellence in DHC business as well as the excellence of provided dental services are increasingly becoming the norm and good practice, and progressively less the exception.

Introduction. A non-carious lesion (NCL) is the loss of hard dental tissue on the neck, tuberculum and incisal edges of the teeth. Interest in clinical presence and in unclear etiology of these lesions allows for their future prevention and treatment. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine presence and clinical characteristics of NCLs and dentine hypersensitivity (DH), as well as their possible risk factors in children, in the population of the city of Novi Sad. Methods. A total of 55 subjects were included in the present study, aged between three and 18 years. Each subject completed a structured questionnaire related to the etiological factors, and all teeth of each subject were examined by two independent clinical dentists to determine NCLs and DH. In the case of small children, their parents or guardians filled out the questionnaire. Teeth with NCLs and DH were diagnosed according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index and by a blast of air according to Schiff and Hypersensitivity Index. The review was carried out by inspection and probing. Results. The data were analyzed by clinical examination and comparison of the answers to the questionnaires. We observed an increased presence of non-caries lesions on primary teeth, compared to permanent teeth, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=3.86, df=1, p=0.04). The changes were observed in 82 teeth, and were most frequent on the canine deciduous teeth (65%) and canine permanent teeth (51%). BEWE index was 10-11% to 92-100% in permanent, and 51-57% in deciduous teeth. Majority of patients with primary teeth (89.36%) did not respond to air stimulus, while most patients with permanent teeth (74.29%) did not react to Schiff Index. In the estimate of sensitivity, the respondents reported hypersensitivity on 6.38% of the deciduous teeth and 22.86% of the permanent teeth. Comparison of etiology factors did not reveal a direct link with the appearance of NCLs. Conclusion. Research has shown that despite the lack of subjective symptoms, these lesions have distinct clinical characteristics. The fact that they occur even in deciduous dentition justifies the need for further investigations.

Introduction. It has been suggested that asthmatic patients may have a higher risk for oral diseases, both as a result of the medical condition and effects of medications. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the oral health status of children with asthma and to evaluate the oral health parameters according to the medications and severity of the disease. Methods. The study group consisted of 158 children with asthma and 100 healthy control subjects aged 2-18 years. The diagnosis of dental caries was performed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft) criteria. The oral hygiene, periodontal status and gingival health were assessed with the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (Greene-Vermillion), Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs and Gingival Index (Löe-Silness), respectively. Results. Thirty (19%) patients with asthma and 43 (43%) healthy children were caries-free (p

The first record of scientific medicine in Serbia has been found in the early of 12th century. For centuries lifestyle, nutrition, natural environment, armies passing through, cultural heritage, and prejudice have affected healthcare in Serbia. Until 1820, Serbia has not had any educated doctor. Fourteen district physicians from 1839 and Dr. Karlo Beloni, to the last one, Dr. Selimir Đorđević - have spent part of their professional careers in Jagodina. All of them have had influence on raising health culture of Jagodina and its population and helped to overcome easily and quickly all existing diseases and epidemics. The Jagodina Hospital has been working without interruption for 147 years and represents one of the oldest healthcare institutions in Serbia.

Bioactive glasses are often used nanomaterials in tissue engineering of bone and soft tissue. Many newly synthesized materials for applications in medicine and dentistry are based on these bioactive substances. Bioactive glass is usually used as a scaffold or as an implant coating on implants and it allows fast formation of apatite layer with positive effect on osteoblasts proliferation. These biomaterials play an important role in dentistry and endodontics. This study is mostly part of the monograph titled 'Nanomedicine, the Greatest Challenge of the 21st Century', that for two years has received attention from professional and scientific community in various fields. Information presented in this paper highlight structural characteristics of bioactive glasses that have a significant role in bone tissue engineering.

Purpose: To compare the clinical performance of a glass hybrid restorative system, EQUIA Forte, with that of a nanohybrid resin composite, Tetric EvoCeram, in two-surface class II cavities. Materials and Methods: This multicenter, randomized controlled clinical study was conducted at four different dental schools. In total, 360 restorations were placed in patients in need of two class-II, two-surface restorations in the molar region of the same jaw. Each patient received one glass hybrid restoration (EQUIA Forte, GC) and one resin composite restoration (Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent). Two independent evaluators performed a clinical evaluation of each site after 1 week (baseline), 1 year, and 2 years using the criteria of the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI-2). Results: The estimated survival rates at the 2-year recall were 93.6% and 94.5% for EQUIA Forte and Tetric EvoCeram, respectively. There were no significant differences in the survival rates or in any of the evaluated esthetic, functional or biological properties between EQUIA Forte and Tetric EvoCeram restorations (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both the glass-hybrid restorative system and nanohybrid resin composite showed good clinical performance in moderate to large two-surface class II restorations in a 2-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aim. Avulsions are severe dental injuries with high impact on patients’ quality of life due to prolonged treatment and possible severe complications. The aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiological factors related to the occurrence, treatment and outcome of avulsions in Serbian children. Methods. This research included 2,194 patients aged 1-18 years with traumatic dental injuries. The history, demographic, clinical and radiographic data of the patients were observed from dental medical records. Results. A total of 266 avulsions were observed in 207 patients. The frequency of avulsions was 12% in primary dentition and 5% in permanent dentition. A statistically significant relationship between place, cause of avulsion and outcome was observed. Replantation of permanent teeth was performed in 46.7% with a mean time 6.9 h. Almost a half of permanently avulsed teeth (48.7%) were not retrieved from the accident site and 11.3% of replanted teeth were transported in adequate media. The observed incidence of complications was 31.9%. Conclusions. Replantation was not performed in more than a half of all eligible teeth due to either loss or inadequate/delayed transport, which emphasizes the need for preventive strategies and health education in population. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172026]

Background/Aim. Autogenous bone grafting has been the gold standard in clinical cases when bone grafts are required for bone defects in dentistry. The study was undertaken to evaluate multilevel designed carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) obtained by hydrothermal method, as a bone substitute in healing bone defects with or without corticosteroid treatment in rats as assessed by histopathologic methods. Methods. Bone defects were created in the alveolar bone by teeth extraction in 12 rats. The animals were initially divided into two groups. The experimental group was pretreated with corticosteroids: methylprednisolone and dexamethasone, intramuscularly, while the control group was without therapy. Posterior teeth extraction had been performed after the corticosteroid therapy. The extraction defects were fulfilled with hydroxyapatite with bimodal particle sizes in the range of 50-250 μm and the sample from postextocactional defect of the alveolar bone was analyzed pathohystologically. Results. The histopatological investigations confirmed the biologic properties of the applied material. The evident growth of new bone in the alveolar ridge was clearly noticed in both groups of rats. Carbonated HA obtained by hydrothermal method promoted bone formation in the preformed defects, confirming its efficacy for usage in bone defects. Complete resorption of the material’s particles took place after 25 weeks. Conclusion. Hydroxyapatite completely meets the clinical requirements for a bone substitute material. Due to its microstructure, complete resorption took place during the observation period of the study. Corticosteroid treatment did not significantly affect new bone formation in the region of postextractional defects. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172026]