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Niobium-based oxides have garnered increased attention in recent years for their remarkable enhancement of corrosion resistance, as well as biofunctional properties of various metallic materials, including 316L SS. However, the mechanical properties of these promising coatings have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated how much the environmental conditions (air, artificial saliva, and NaCl solution) impact the wear performance of 316L SS without and with Nb2O5 coatings deposited via the reactive sputtering technique. The results exhibited a notable decrease in friction coefficient (55% in air, 18% in artificial saliva, 10% in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution), wear area (46% in air, 36% in AS, 17.5% in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution), and wear rate (44.0% in air, 19.5% in AS, 12.0% in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution). Ultimately, the results obtained in the present study elucidate the synergistic mechanisms of corrosion and wear in 316L SS containing Nb2O5 coatings, highlighting its significant potential for applications in the biomedical sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between oral bacteria and dental implant surfaces is a critical factor in the success and longevity of dental implants. With advancements in additive manufacturing technologies, selective laser melting (SLM) has emerged as a prominent method for producing titanium implants with highly controlled microstructures and porosities. These 3D printed titanium surfaces offer significant benefits, such as enhanced osseointegration and improved mechanical properties. However, the same surface features that promote bone cell attachment and proliferation may also provide favorable conditions for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions is essential for developing implant surfaces that can effectively resist bacterial colonization while promoting tissue integration. This narrative review explores the complex interplay between oral bacteria and SLM-produced titanium porous surfaces, examining current research findings and potential strategies for optimizing implant design to mitigate the risks of infection and ensure successful clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Los valores morales de buen vivir Sumak Kawsay relacionado con el respeto por la lengua y cultura quichua representan una herramienta fundamental en la sociedad ecuatoriana y en el contexto escolar. Consecuentemente con esta idea, el objetivo principal de este trabajo es averiguar los elementos comunes y diferenciadores entre las opiniones del profesorado indígena y los contenidos de los libros de texto de diferentes materias escolares de Ecuador. La investigación se desarrolló en un contexto indígena ecuatoriano con 60 docentes indígenas de la escuela rural Mushuk Rimak ubicada en la parroquia de San Lucas. Se utilizó la investigación cualitativa mediante las entrevistas semiabiertas en lengua castellana, que se realizaron a todos los docentes participantes. Los resultados indican que, en la comunidad indígena de San Lucas, los docentes transmiten al alumnado el valor del respeto por la lengua y cultura quichua vinculado con los valores morales del Sumak Kawsay. Este aspecto está reflejado también en los materiales educativos en quichua gracias a la política de implementación de educación bilingüe intercultural en los pueblos indígenas a nivel nacional en Ecuador. Las conclusiones destacan el valor del Sumak Kawsay en los libros de textos y la labor de los docentes de rescatar el idioma quichua y transmitirlo al alumnado a pesar que la aceptación del programa bilingüe no es unánime entre los padres y las madres de familia de esta localidad.

Background: Anxiety is an important problem in children in dental clinics. Acupressure may be a useful tool to assist in dental procedures in anxious children. Objectives: This pilot study was performed to examine the effects of acupressure on dental anxiety in children undergoing restorative procedures. Methods: Fourteen children aged 7-10 years and with at least one primary molar with caries on the dentine were included in the study. The participants also needed to score at least one point on the modified Venham Picture Test (VPTm) for the determination of anxiety. The children were randomly allocated to two groups: group A — non-documented points for the reduction of anxiety and induction of relaxation; group B — documented points (EX-HN3, Shen Men of auricular acupuncture). The anxiety scale was administered on three occasions: prior to the application of acupressure; immediately after sitting in the dental chair to undergo restorative treatment; and after removal of acupressure at the end of the restorative procedure. Heart rate (HR) was measured when each child sat in the dental chair, after the removal of carious tissue, and after the removal of acupressure. Results: After the procedure, HR (as an indicator of anxiety) was statistically significantly lower in group B than group A (p = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding anxiety before and during the restorative procedure (VPTm and HR: p > 0.05). Conclusion: The children who received acupressure on documented points for the reduction of anxiety had a significantly lower HR after the restorative procedure. No significant between-group difference was found regarding anxiety measured using a psychometric evaluation (VPTm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether 2.5% chitosan applied after dentin acid etching or incorporated into the adhesive system interferes with the microtensile strength of the interface tooth-resin. Subjects and Methods: Sixty healthy bovine teeth had the incisal thirds and the roots sectioned and were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 60). G1 (control): acid attack + Clearfil SE Bond + Z350 resin; G2: treatment with 2.5% chitosan + Clearfil SE Bond + Z350 resin; G3: treatment with 2.5% chitosan incorporated into dentin adhesive + Z350 resin. The stick-shaped specimens made in each group were randomly divided into two subgroups and subjected to degradation of the adhesive interface (with aging: specimens immersed in 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 12 h and washed in distilled water for 1 h, and without aging). The groups were submitted to a microtensile strength test with a 0.5 mm/min speed until rupture. Statistical analysis of the data was performed according to normal distribution. Results: Microtensile data were obtained by calculating the area of each toothpick, obtaining values in megapascal. No aging: G1 – 5251.69, G2 – 5.52 ± 1.46, and G3 – 3.91 ± 1.21. With aging: G1 – 3.45 ± 1.29, G2 – 2.75 ± 0.78, and G3 – 3.53 ± 1.33. Statistical analysis showed that the aging factor and adhesive modification decreased the bonding strength of the resin-dentin (P = 0.001). As well, the interaction between the analyzed factors showed statistically significant differences (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Accelerated aging decreases the adhesion strength in G1, even when chitosan is previously applied to the adhesive system. However, when adding chitosan to the adhesive, adhesion remained similar after aging but lower when compared to the other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Obese children are more prone to accidents due to poorer motor skills which increase the likelihood of falls and the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). The aim of this study was to determine the association between overweight/obesity and TDI in pre‐school children. Material and Methods: The case group was formed by children with TDI identified during a clinical examination (n = 262). Each pre‐school child identified as a case was matched by a peer of the same age, gender and pre‐school but without TDI to form the control group (n = 262). TDI was evaluated using the criteria proposed by Andreasen. The weight and height of the children were measured for the calculation of the body mass index which was plotted on the growth curve established by the World Health Organization. Socio‐demographic variables were collected through questionnaires sent to the parents/guardians. Data analysis involved the determination of frequency distribution, the chi‐square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The sample was composed of 253 children in each group. Among the children in the case group, 15.4% (n = 39) were overweight and 15.8% (n = 40) were obese. In the control group, 13.8% (n = 35) were overweight and 8.3% (n = 21) were obese. Children with trauma were more likely to be obese than children without trauma (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.14 to 3.67; p =.016). In contrast, TDI was not associated with being overweight. A greater odds of TDI was also associated with an open bite (OR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.64 to 7.96; p =.001) and accentuated overjet (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.37 to 3.50; p =.001). Conclusions: Pre‐school children with a history of dental trauma were more likely to be obese than those without a history of dental trauma whereas being overweight was not associated with TDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]