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IntroductionIn recent years, several controversial reports of the correlation between altmetric score and citations have been published (range: -0.2 to 0.8). We conducted a meta-analysis to provide an in-depth statistical analysis of the correlation between altmetric score and number of citations in the field of health sciences.MethodsThree online databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) were systematically searched, without language restrictions, from the earliest publication date available through February 29, 2020, using the keywords "altmetric," "citation," and "correlation." Grey literature was also searched via WorldCat, Open Grey, and Google Scholar (first 100 hits only). All studies in the field of health sciences that reported on this correlation were included. Effect sizes were calculated using Fisher's z transformation of correlations. Subgroup analyses based on citation source and sampling methods were performed.ResultsFrom 27 included articles, 8 articles comprise several independent studies. The total sample size was 9,943 articles comprised of 35 studies. The overall pooled effect size was 0.19 (95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.26). Bivariate partial prediction of interaction between effect size, citation source, and sampling method showed a greater effect size with Web of Science compared with Scopus and Dimensions. Egger's regression showed a marginally nonsignificant publication bias (p = 0.055), and trim-and-fill analysis estimated one missing study in this meta-analysis.ConclusionIn health sciences, currently altmetric score has a positive but weak correlation with number of citations (pooled correlation = 0.19, 95% C.I 0.12 to 0.25). We emphasize on future examinations to assess changes of correlation pattern between altmetric score and citations over time.

Statement of the Problem: Immediate dentin sealing (IDS) was introduced to overcome the disadvantages of delayed dentin sealing like pollution of dentin tubules, microleakage, and bond strength destruction over time. The effect of IDS on the bond strength of indirect restorations is still debatable. Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the effect of IDS on the bond strength of ceramic restorations to dentin. Materials and Method: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the study protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database under the registration number CRD420202014 27. MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were searched until January 2021 and updated in January 2022. Worldcat.org and Opengrey.eu, ProQuest dissertation and thesis, and Google Scholar were searched to explore the grey literature. The in vitro studies evaluating the bond strength of ceramic restoration to dentin with and without IDS were included. Seven criteria were assessed to evaluate the risk of bias in the study. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3. The inverse variance method was used to determine the mean difference of micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) and shear bond strength (SBS). Results: A total of 10 studies (20 datasets) were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding the µTBS analysis, IDS had a significantly higher bond strength than Delayed Dentin Sealing (DDS) (MD:1.16, 95%CI:0.28_2.03, I² =0%). However, no significant difference was found between them in the SBS analysis (MD:0.25, 95%CI: -0.56-1.06, I² =96%). All studies were categorized to have a moderate or high risk of bias. Conclusion: Most in vitro evidence showed favorable results for the effect of IDS on the bond strength and durability of indirect restorations. The adhesive system and the type of ceramic and its treatment before cementation are determining factors. Due to the heterogeneity of the outcomes and studies with a moderate/high risk of bias, the quality of the evidence was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the wide-ranging applications and potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in dentistry, encompassing diagnosis, treatment planning, follow-up care, and ethical considerations.

Background: Dental pulp regeneration aims to restore the function and vitality of the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth. Research in this field is effective in trying to improve clinical practices and procedures. This study aimed to analyze the literature related to dental pulp regeneration and to create a documented research perspective for this field. Materials and Methods: This bibliometric study analyzes the research outputs of the subject area of dental pulp regeneration indexed in the Web of Science database between 2013 and 2023. SciMAT software was used to visualize and predict the trends in research on the topic. Results: In general, it has been observed that the stem cell cluster consistently had the highest number of articles across all periods.As we progressed through time, the significance of this cluster continued to grow, eventually becoming a crucial component in the motor theme during the last period. In addition, a significant portion of the studies conducted during different periods focused on identifying suitable materials for scaffold formation. Various materials, including polymers and bioactive glasses, were proposed as viable options for scaffold formation in different periods. Conclusion: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), scaffold networks, growth factors, and regulatory factors are the three main factors that influence dental pulp regeneration. By analyzing maps and thematic clusters in dental pulp regeneration research, as well as considering indicators such as repetition frequency, centrality, and citation of these clusters, researchers can identify the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in current research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful management of pain during endodontic treatment is essential for both patients and dentists. Achieving adequate pulp anesthesia in mandibular molars is a significant concern for patients with irreversible pulpitis during endodontic treatment. The increased sensitization of nociceptors due to inflammation decreases the success of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). The main focus is on reducing inflammation before delivery of local anesthesia to increase the success of anesthetic drugs. This umbrella review aimed to revise, qualify and summarize the existing body of evidence on the effect of premedication on IANB in patients with irreversible pulpitis. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) with no date restriction until September 2021 to identify the relevant studies. All the cross references of the selected studies and grey literature were also screened. Four systematic reviews assessing the effect of premedication on the success of IANB were selected. A conclusion was drawn that premedication with >400 mg of ibuprofen can positively affect the success of IANB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically Generative AI (Gen AI), in revolutionizing drug discovery and synthetic biology by designing therapeutic peptides and genes. The article highlights the use of Gen AI models to predict alterations in DNA or peptide sequences and introduces a specialized Gen AI model called Evo. The text also presents a case study where Gene Editing GPT suggests a short peptide to inhibit glucosyltransferase of Streptococcus mutans, emphasizing the importance of safety, ethical concerns, and human oversight in utilizing AI for biomedical advancements. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To compare the socket-shield technique (SST) with the conventional method of immediate implant placement (IIP) regarding stabilization of buccal hard and soft tissue, and esthetic management. Method and Materials: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating SST, published in English, were searched in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest, OpenGrey, and Embase until May May 2021, in June 2021. The quality assessment of included RCTs was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration's tools. A STATA version 16 was used to determine mean difference with 95% confidence intervals for buccal plate width (BPW), buccal plate height (BPH), pink esthetic score (PES), and implant stability quotient for 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up subgroups. Results: Out of 4617 records, 10 RCTs were finally included for the review and meta-analysis. Regarding BPW, significant differences were observed in favor of SST after 6 months. Also significant difference was detected in BPH and PES in favor of SST compared to the conventional method for all time points. However, no significant difference was found regarding implant stability between the two groups. Conclusion: SST yields better outcomes in dimensional changes of bone and soft tissue, and is found to be superior to conventional IIP regarding esthetic results and stability of hard and soft tissue around implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of dental trauma (DT) and its associated factors in 9- to 14-year-olds.Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out through clinical examination of the permanent incisors and canines of 907 schoolchildren (9 to 14 years old, average age = 11 ± 0.5 [SD] years, 55% female and 45% male) enrolled in 20 public schools in Isfahan, Iran. The demographic data, history and cause of trauma were recorded during patient interviews and with a structured questionnaire filled in by their parents. The overjet, lip coverage, and visible signs of DT (permanent incisors only, similar to the classification used by the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-1994, NHANES III) were recorded. DT in permanent canines were also recorded.Results: Approximately 36% (n = 325) recalled the occurrence of dental trauma, but only 23.8% (n = 216) of children had visible signs of dental trauma to the permanent incisors (girls [18.8%], boys [29.9%], OR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.40- 0.74; p = 0.000). The maxillary central incisors were commonly injured (69.5%). The most frequent types of injuries were the enamel fracture (59.0%), craze lines (16.3%), and enamel and dentin fracture (13.4%). Tooth avulsion was seen in 0.7%. No significant association was found between dental trauma and increased overjet of > 3 mm (p = 0.328), but a tendency was identified for overjet > 5 mm (OR = 1.51; 95% CI 0.89-2.58; p = 0.060). The relationship between DT and lip coverage was statistically significant (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.18-2.25; p = 0.003). Violence (30%) and fall (22.7%) were the main causes of DT.Conclusion: The prevalence of DT in permanent incisors was high (23.8%) and significantly lower in girls. The association between DT and lip coverage was significant. There was no association between DT and increased overjet of > 3 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children undergoing dental rehabilitations by general anesthesia (GA) commonly experience postoperative symptoms such as pain, fever, sore throat, and sleepiness. The aim of the present study was to investigate the specific complications of pediatric dental GA procedure. Materials and Methods: In this observational study sample included 72 children attending GA for dental treatment at the School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Children with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and without any communication or mental health problems were included. GA protocol was standardized. A number of complications were recorded by parents via filling a questionnaire for 2 days postoperatively. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software by Wilcoxon and Chi-squared test. P < 0.05 considered as significant level. Results: The most postoperative nonpsychological complications were dental pain (59.7 and 47.2% on days 1 and 2, respectively), followed by inability to eat normal (55.6 and 41.7% on days 1 and 2, respectively). All the patients' nonpsychological complaints had significantly decreased from day one to day two (P < 0.05). The most postoperative psychological complications were Attachments to parents (70.8 and 65.2% on days 1 and 2, respectively) followed by excessive crying (56.9 and 45.8% on days 1 and 2, respectively). All psychological complaints reduced by day two nonsignificantly except excessive crying which decreased significantly after 48 h (P = 0.004). Conclusion: The most postoperative complications after dental rehabilitation under GA were attachments to parents, dental pain, and inability to eat normal and excessive crying, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental students' confidence is a crucial factor affecting the success of endodontic teaching. The aim of this study was to determine the dental students' confidence level in performing endodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 dental students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences participated in this descriptive study by census sampling. A self-administered questionnaire, including demographic data, endodontic experience, confidence in performing different stages of endodontic treatment, and suggestions for improving the quality of endodontic training, was distributed among the fourth to sixth year students. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA), using t test, ANOVA, and linear regression analysis (α=0.05). Results: The response rate was approximately 88%, and the highest and lowest confidence scores (standard deviation) were reported for establishing proper communication with patients with 4.0 (34.67) and finding all root canals with 3.0 (23.88). The confidence score of male students was significantly higher than female students (P < 0.05). There was no significant association between the total score of confidence and difficulty level of the first endodontic treatment and educational level (P > 0.05). The multiple linear regression showed a significant correlation between the difficulty level of the first endodontic treatment and confidence (β=-2.1, P=0.02, 95% CI: -3.9-0.2). Conclusion: Given the low confidence level of students in some skills, the following are suggested to be taught practically and theoretically. Female students should be provided with a technique to improve confidence. Moreover, the first tooth for endodontic treatment should be selected more thoughtfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pain control is important during dental treatments since the lack of sense of pain causes less emergency events, less extra injections, and increased patient's trust. Infiltration injection in the anterior maxilla was considering one of the most painful injections. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of local massage on the success of anesthesia and infiltration injection pain in maxillary central incisors. Materials and Methods: This double-blind, crossover trial was conducted among 30 participants by injection with and without "massage before the injection" over two sessions with an interval of 2 weeks. The injection pain in both methods was measured immediately after injection by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at three times of needle insertion, 5 seconds after injection, and needle withdrawal. The success rate of anesthesia was determined 5, 15, and 30 minutes after injection by electrical pulp tester. Results: The mean scores of VAS at three times with and without the massage at three times were not statistically significant (Wilcoxon, P > 0.05). However, the mean score of VAS in injection with the massage were lower. The success of anesthesia in injection with and without the massage at intervals 5, 15, and 30 minutes after injection was not found to be significant (McNamara, P > 0.05). Conclusion: Massage before injection had no effect on the success of anesthesia and injection pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The correct determination of working length is a critical factor in the success of endodontic treatment. Nowadays, the electronic apex locators (EALs) is more used because of their ease of use, high accuracy, and the uncertainty of other methods. Because EALs use the electronic method, it is likely that electromagnetic waves (EMWs) affect their performance. This study aims to investigate the possibility of this interference. Materials and Methods: The visual canal length (CL) of 12 maxillary incisors (Vertucci's type I) was measured with a Kfile and magnifying glass. Root ZX mini apex locator is used to measure CL in the absence/presence of EMWs in both the second (2G) and third generations (3G) of mobile communication network at the mode of ringing and conversation at direct contact and the distances of 25 and 50 cm. Results: The mean CL at presence of EMWs in all conditions and distances (by removing the conversation with 2G at direct contact group) were not significantly difference with CL and EAL and absence of investigated EMWs group (Repeated-Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), P=0.083). The indicator of EAL were unstable on apex sign at least 5 seconds for 5 teeth (41.7% of samples) in conversation with 2G at the direct contact group. Conclusion: EMWs of 2G and 3G not causes malfunctions of the Root ZX mini apex locator except conversation with 2G at the direct contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chlorhexidine mouthrinses have widely been recognized for their contribution in maintaining plaque control. Most of them contain alcohol that makes them impractical for many patients. Alcohol-free mouthwashes may have fewer side effects but may be less efficient. The current study was aimed to compare the effectiveness and side effects of chlorhexidine mouthrinses with and without alcohol. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, 32 patients with moderate and severe gingivitis were recruited. For all patients, full prophylactic procedures, such as removal of plaque, calculus, and stains on the teeth, were performed. Each patient was asked to use 15 mL of the mouthrinse for 60 s twice daily. The patients were divided into two groups, one group used Hexidine (0.12% chlorhexidine and 10% ethanol) mouthwash and the other group used Epimax (0.12% chlorhexidine and 0.05% sodium fluoride) mouthwash. After 14 days, plaque (PI), gingival (GI), and stain indices were analyzed. The obtained data were analyzed by using SPSS 16 using covariance [Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)] and t-test. Results: Both mouthwashes significantly reduced the mean scores of plaque (P < 0.0001) and gingival (P < 0.032) indices after 2 weeks; however, Hexidine mouthrinse was shown to be more effective. The extent of stain was the comparable in both groups. While Epimax mouthrinse caused severe stains on the teeth, Hexidine mouthrinse caused burning mouth. Conclusion: Although Epimax mouthwash did not show any side effects, it was less suitable and caused more dental stain. Ethanol-free Hexidine mouthwash seems to be more proper for gingivitis, but its side effects are required to be taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]