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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]

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).