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Objective. The objective of this study was to identify and summarize the characteristic features of eggshell for regeneration purpose in oral surgery procedures. Methods. A review of literature was undertaken based on the PubMed database. A search to reveal the current state of knowledge and the current uses of the eggshell as a biomaterial was performed. The characteristics of the materials, the specific use, the procedure and the outcome were extracted from the articles. Results. The materials have been found to be used in humans, animals, and in vitro studies. There is a wide use regarding oral surgery especially in experimental models. There have also been attempts to enhance certain properties and improve the capabilities of eggshell as a biomaterial. There is yet a commercial product to be developed and approved for human use. Conclusions. Eggshell can be an important biowaste which can be of use in guided bone regeneration procedures, but it has not yet entered the commercial phase and approval through official regulation channels.

The temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a syndrome that affects the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Its pathophysiology is not yet fully known. Cephalometric analysis is used for routine evaluation regarding orthodontic treatment and other purposes. The aim of this study was to assess if using cephalometric analysis and TMJ conservative therapy to evaluate the hyoid bone position and the cervical posture reduced symptoms in adults with TMDs compared to no intervention. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) for clinical studies of TMDs with conservative treatment and lateral cephalometric analysis of the hyoid and cervical posture. To assess the risk of bias for non-randomized clinical trials ROBINS-I tool was used. Out of 137 studies found, 6 remained to be included. Most of them found a link between TMD and lateral cephalometric analysis, but there was a high risk of bias. This review found a possible link between TMDs, the neck and cervical posture. There is a benefit reported regarding the use of the lateral cephalometry as a treatment, but more extensive prospective randomized clinical trials are necessary to be able to draw definitive conclusions.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to reveal the frequency between cleft lip/palate and leukemia in pediatric patients by a systematic analysis of the current literature. Materials and methods Electronic search on three database (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane) was carried out using the following keywords: cleft lip, cleft palate, facial cleft, oral cleft, orofacial cleft, leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma. Studies published until March 2020 reporting an association between leukemia and cleft lip/palate (CL/P) were included in our research. Results Five articles (2 case-controls, 3 cohorts), met the inclusion criteria. Case-control studies involved 268 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and 177 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), of which 9 patients had CL/P. The cohorts studies involved 10 patients with ALL, of which 6 patients with CL/P, 2 patients with cleft palate and 1 patient with cleft lip and palate. Conclusion This research was able to indicate a limited evidence of the association between CL/P and leukemia. In order to draw a clear conclusion, studies with larger cohorts are needed to establish this correlation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of administering a grape seed extract, rich in polyphenols in an experimental model of ligature induced periodontitis in rats. Methods: 30 male Wistar rats were divided into Control group, Ligature group and Grape seed extract (GSE) group. Periodontitis was induced by placing a wire ligature around the first mandibular molar for 4 weeks. The animals in the GSE group were administered grape seed extract by gavage. In days 1, 7 and 28 blood samples were taken and in day 28 the hemimandibles were harvested and sent for histological examination. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in serum and in gingival tissue. Results: Significantly higher values of MDA were found in serum and periodontium in the Ligature group in comparison to the GSE group. GSE administration resulted in an increase of GSH plasma concentration in the GSE group as compared to the Control and Ligature groups. In the GSE group inflammation and bone involvement were less marked than in the Ligature group. Conclusions: The grape seed extract proved protective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in a ligature-induced experimental model of periodontitis in rats and also improved the histological status of gingival tissue and bone.

This study presents a proof-of-concept application of Raman spectroscopy for analyzing saliva samples and diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma. The investigation first focuses on providing a pro...

The associations between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases have been intensely studied in recent years. Oxidative stress is involved in the initiation and both progression of periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Antioxidants can reduce the effects of oxidative stress on inflammatory diseases. Our aim was to measure the effects of a grape seed extract (GSE), rich in antioxidants, on atherosclerosis caused by ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of 10: control group, periodontitis group, and periodontitis group treated with GSE (GSE group). Periodontitis was induced by placing an orthodontic wire around the cervix of the first mandibular molar and keeping it in place for 4 weeks. On days 1, 7 and 28, blood samples were taken to assess oxidative stress and inflammation markers (malondialdehyde and glutathione - MDA, reduced glutathione - GSH, C reactive protein) and lipids. After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and aortas were collected for histopathologic examination. MDA was significantly higher in Periodontitis group compared to the other groups only at day 7. GSH was significantly increased in the Control and GSE groups on days 1 and 7, compared to Periodontitis group and on day 28 higher in GSE vs. Periodontitis groups. C reactive protein was significantly increased in the Periodontitis group on days 1 and 7 compared to both groups. Cholesterol was significantly decreased in the aortas of GSE group at day 28 compared to the Periodontitis group. Oral administration of a grape seed extract reduces the oxidative stress, inflammation and atherosclerosis in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis.

Oral cancer is a common human malignancy that still maintains an elevated mortality rate despite scientific progress. Tumorigenesis is driven by altered gene expression patterns of proto-oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. MicroRNAs, a class of short non-coding RNAs involved in gene regulation, seem to play important roles in oral cancer development, progression, and tumor microenvironment modulation. As properties of microRNAs render them stable in diverse liquid biopsies, together with their differential expression signature in cancer cells, these features place microRNAs at the top of promising biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic values. In this review, we highlight eight expression levels and functions of the most relevant microRNAs involved in oral cancer development, progression, and microenvironment sustainability. Furthermore, we emphasize the potential of using these small RNA species as non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of oral cancerous lesions. Conclusively, we highlight the perspectives and limitations of microRNAs as novel diagnostic tools, as well as therapeutic models.

Background and Objectives: The aim was to systematically review the available literature regarding the use of polymers as a bone substitute for the treatment of periodontal infrabony defect. Materials and methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched to find all relevant studies published in English from inception until September 2021 using a combination of keywords. The inclusion criteria consisted of human clinical studies which reported the use of a polymer-based bone substitute in the treatment of infrabony defects. Results: 164 studies were provided from the databases. Of these, five articles were eligible and reported favorable outcome in terms of probing depth, clinical attachment gain and defect fill at the follow-up (3 months and 6 months). Conclusions: Polymer based-bone substitutes may represent a useful alternative in treating infrabony defects. Due to the limited number of studies, more research is needed to sustain the advantages of these products.

Commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys have been extensively used in materials to reconstruct the facial skeleton in different forms and sizes. There is yet to be a consensus on removing (or not) the plates and screws after osteosynthesis. Our study tries to investigate the adjacent tissues of the titanium plates used in jaw surgery using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Twenty samples of soft tissue surrounding the titanium plates were retrieved 1 year after placement (fracture sites or orthognathic surgery) and were investigated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The study found 1.06 ppm titanium in the adjacent soft tissues. Even if there are no clinical signs of the presence of titanium in the soft tissues, our findings suggest that a plate removal is a feasible option for patients to avoid local complications due to titanium migration.

Background and aims. The principles of biomechanics comprise all the interactions between the body (tissues) and the forces acting upon it (directly or via different medical devices). Besides the mechanical aspects, the tissues response is also studied. Understanding and applying these principles is vital for the researchers in the field of oral implantology, but itthey must be equally known by the practitioners. From the planning stages to the final prosthetic restoration, they are involved in each and every aspect. Ignoring them inevitably leads to failure. Method. The first part of this paper includes a review of our current research in oral implantology (mechanical, digital and biological testing), while the second part includes a review of the available literature on certain biomechanical aspects and their implications in everyday practice. Results. Our research opens new study directions and provides increased chances of success for dental implant therapy. The practical aspects of our findings, combined with the available literature (from the basic principles described more than 40 years ago to the most recent studies and technologies) can serve as a guide to practitioners for increasing their success rate. Conclusion. While no therapy is without failure risk, a good understanding of the biomechanics involved in oral implantology can lead to higher success rates in implant supported prosthetic restorations.

Articular cartilage has a complex structure and metabolism which allow for a proper movement within joints. Nevertheless, several systemically administered pharmacological agents have been proved to improve the anabolic response in the case of cartilage lesions. Alendronate, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, collagen hydrolysate, vitamin C, vitamin D, aspirin and strontium ranelate have shown positive results in clinical trials. On the other hand, calcitonin, risedronate, doxycycline, and celecoxib did not slow the progression of cartilage lesions in clinical trials. Other systemic drugs or supplements such as teriparatide, leptin, zoledronic acid, bevacizumab, atorvastatin, omega-3 fatty acid, naringin, MSM, selenium, zinc, magnesium, resveratrol, donepezil, naproxen, etodolac, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), lithium chloride, and rebamipide showed positive results in in vitro and animal studies but clinical trials are needed to confirm the positive impact on cartilage repair. A number of molecules, not currently available on the market, have also shown promising results in cartilage healing, such as licofelone, sclerostin, cyclopamine, cyclodextrin polysulfate, AG-041R, osteoprotegerin, rhMK, β-cryptoxanthine, NF-κb essential modulator binding domain (NBD), TGF-β-neutralizing antibody, osteogenic protein-1 (BMP-7), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and RhBMP-2. Currently available systemic drugs that impair cartilage healing are represented by corticosteroids, vitamin A, and fluoroquinolones.

Bone quality around dental endosseous implants is a key factor in implant prognosis. Surface coatings represent an important method to increase osseointegration in oral implantology. Newer titanium...

Purpose Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy on serum and other biofluids for cancer diagnosis represents an emerging field, which has shown promising preliminary results in several types of malignancies. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that SERS spectroscopy on serum can be employed for the differential diagnosis between five of the leading malignancies, ie, breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian and oral cancer. Patients and methods Serum samples were acquired from healthy volunteers (n=39) and from patients diagnosed with breast (n=42), colorectal (n=109), lung (n=33), oral (n=17), and ovarian cancer (n=13), comprising n=253 samples in total. SERS spectra were acquired using a 532 nm laser line as excitation source, while the SERS substrates were represented by Ag nanoparticles synthesized by reduction with hydroxylamine. The classification accuracy yielded by SERS was assessed by principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA). Results The sensitivity and specificity in discriminating between cancer patients and controls was 98% and 91%, respectively. Cancer samples were correctly assigned to their corresponding cancer types with an accuracy of 88% for oral cancer, 86% for colorectal cancer, 80% for ovarian cancer, 76% for breast cancer and 59% for lung cancer. Conclusion SERS on serum represents a promising strategy of diagnosing cancer which can discriminate between cancer patients and controls, as well as between cancer types such as breast, colorectal, lung ovarian and oral cancer.

This review intended to comparatively explain and present the most important medical use and biological impact of poly-lactides and lactide-based composites. The utilization and degradation of compounds based on lactic acid and polylactides is described in detail. Understanding the metabolism and degradation phenomenon and the factors that potentially influence it is key to modulating their properties as well as their characteristics driven from the fabrication procedures and the fields of use. All these are commented according to the clinician's criteria. The current debate on the advantages and shortcomings of various resorbable polymeric materials categories is also analyzed, from the perspective of the users of resorbable polylactide-based biomaterials. The scientific literature comprises either distinct chemical and physical or specific animal or medical description of resorbable materials; so that in compensation, the present review covers all topics for the most appropriate comprehensive update of the reader.

Bone tissue regeneration and mineralization are major challenges in the reconstruction of congenital defects, tumor resections or fractures. The natural bone is comprised of unique architectural de...

Accurate 3D bone reconstruction is one of the most difficult tasks to achieve in maxillo-facial surgery. In the present study, a zygomatic bone defect was reconstructed with a custom made implant f...

Bone is a complex tissue with unique properties such as high strength and regeneration capabilities while carrying out multiple functions. Bone regeneration occurs both in physiological situations (bone turnover) and in pathological situations (e.g. fractures), being performed by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. If this process is inadequate, fracture nonunion or aseptic loosening of implants occurs and requires a complex treatment. Exogenous factors are currently used to increase bone regeneration process when needed, such as bisphosphonates and vitamin D, but limitations do exist. Cannabinoid system has been shown to have positive effects on bone metabolism. Cannabinoids at bone level mainly act on two receptors called CB-1 and CB-2, but GPR55, GPR119, TPRV1, TPRV4 receptors may also be involved. The CB-2 receptors are found in bone cells at higher levels compared to other receptors. Endocannabinods represented by anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, can stimulate osteoblast formation, bone formation and osteoclast activity. CB-2 agonists including HU-308, HU-433, JWH133, and JWH015 can stimulate osteoblast proliferation and activity, while CB-2 antagonists such as AM630 and SR144528 can inhibit osteoclast differentiation and function. CB-1 antagonist AM251 has been shown to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity, while GPR55 antagonist cannabidiol increases osteoblast activity and decreases osteoclast function. An optimal correlation of dose, duration, moment of action, and affinity can lead to an increased bone regeneration capacity, with important benefits in many pathological situations which involve bone tissue. As adverse reactions of cannabinoids have not been described in patients under controlled medication, cannabinoids can represent future treatment for bone regeneration.

The present study investigated the capacity of Suprathel® (a copolymer membrane, so far validated for skin regeneration) to also regenerate oral tissue – mucosa and bone, by comparing this biomaterial, in a split-mouth rabbit model, to Mucoderm®, a xenogeneic collagen matrix certified for keratinized oral mucosa healing. The clinical reason behind this experimental animal model was to determine whether the benefits of this advanced skin regeneration product (Suprathel®) could be conveyed for future evaluation in clinical trials of oral tissue regeneration in humans. The outcomes of this study validated the use of Suprathel®, a terpolymer of polylactide with trimethylene carbonate and ε-caprolactone, for stimulation of oral epithelium and alveolar bone regeneration in rabbits. Both Suprathel® and Mucoderm® exhibited comparable results and the null hypothesis stating a comparable regenerating effect of these two materials could not be rejected.

The nonsuppurative osteomyelitis of the mandible is a rare condition that can occur in children due to low-grade inflammatory processes, dental cavities, periodontal lesions as well as the eruption process of the teeth. We submit a case report involving the orthodontic management of a 9-year-old female patient who presented in our service in the mixed dentition period with diagnosed Garre’s sclerosing osteomyelitis of the entire mandibular body. After a full work-up, the following symptoms and signs were noted: bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, loss of the leeway space, anterior open bite, distalization of the secondary maxillary right canine, nail biting and tongue thrust. Our orthodontic objectives were to relieve the TMJ pain, limit the eruption process of the teeth and to diminish the evolution of the osteomyelitis, reduce the growth of the inferior lower third of the face and to prevent further invasive treatment of the patient. In the first phase of treatment, we established a centric relationship using an orthopedic appliance (occlusal splint) and physiotherapy to deprogram the muscles and the TMJ. Throughout the second phase of treatment, we used orthopedic appliances to inhibit the overeruption of the secondary molars. After another year of treatment, the osteomyelitis lesions were under control with the permanent teeth in final position, good facial esthetic and as a functional result, no root resorption. We can conclude that by using low physiological forces to direct and control the growth pattern, good results could be obtained in stabilizing and controlling the sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible.

Simple Summary The aim of this study is to review the available information on the use of avian eggshell as bone regeneration material. Five databases were searched up to October 2020. Animal studies with a bone defect model using eggshell as a grafting material were included. Risk of bias and the quality of the papers were assessed. Overall, a total of 581 studies were included in the study, 187 after duplicate removal. Using the inclusion and exclusion criteria 167 records were further excluded. The full text of the remaining 20 articles was assessed for eligibility and included in the review. There were different methods of obtaining eggshell for grafting purposes. Eggshell is a biocompatible grafting material, with bone formation capabilities. It forms new bone similar to other products currently in use in clinical practice. It can be combined with other materials to enhance its proprieties. Eggshell is a promising biomaterial to be used in bone grafting procedures, though further research is needed. Abstract The aim of this study is to systemically review the available evidence on the in vivo behavior of eggshell as a guided bone regeneration substitute material. Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE) were searched up to October 2020. In vivo animal studies with a bone defect model using eggshell as a grafting material were included. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE tool and the quality assessment using the ARRIVE guidelines. Overall, a total of 581 studies were included in the study, 187 after duplicate removal. Using the inclusion and exclusion criteria 167 records were further excluded. The full text of the remaining 20 articles was assessed for eligibility and included in the qualitative and quantitative assessment synthesis. There were different methods of obtaining eggshell grafting materials. Eggshell is a biocompatible grafting material, with osteoconduction proprieties. It forms new bone similar to Bio-Oss and demineralized freeze-dried bone matrix. It can be combined with other materials to enhance its proprieties. Due to the high variability of the procedures, animals, production and assessment methods, no meta-analysis could be performed. Eggshell might be considered a promising biomaterial to be used in bone grafting procedures, though further research is needed.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the ultrasonographic dimensional changes of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle (ABDM), occurring after intramuscular botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection during orthognathic surgery, in a series of five Class II malocclusion patients. All the patients received 20 units of BTX-A, into both ABDM, intraoperatively. The length, width and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ABDM were ultrasonographically measured at three different time points: T0 (preoperatively), T1 (postoperatively at 2 weeks after the surgical intervention), and T2 (postoperatively at 6–9 months). A statistically significant higher length of the ABDM was noted postoperatively, at T1 and T2 compared to T0. The patients showed an increased length by 12.2% at 2 weeks postoperatively and continued to increase, reaching 24.6% at 6 months. A decreased width of ABDM by 6.5% at T1 compared with T0 was also found. Postoperative ultrasound (US) follow-up measurements in patients with Class II malocclusion, orthognathic surgery and intraoperative BTX-A injection in the ABDM, showed dimensional changes of the muscle, with elongation and thinning. The muscular modifications were more pronounced at 6 months postoperatively, indicating consistency and potential benefit of using BTX-A in reducing the risk of surgical relapse. Further data on longer-term follow-up and larger number of cases are necessary.

Objectives: To review the main clinical, radiological and treatment aspects of patients with post-traumatic bifid mandibular condyles (BMC), to report a new case of BMC in a patient with history of trauma and to discuss the long term adaptive changes of the opposite condylar head. Methods: An electronic search in major medical databases was accomplished. Case series and case reports, prospective or retrospective cohort studies of patients with characteristics of traumatic BMC were included. Extracted data included demographic variables, clinical aspects, imagining examinations and treatment methods performed. Results: The systematic review included 60 patients with 72 post-traumatic BMC. The unilateral involvement (73.3%) and mediolateral condylar orientation (75%) were the most common types of post-traumatic BMC described. Most of the patients were symptomatic, with ankylosis (60%), limitation in mandibular movements (55%) and facial asymmetry (41.6%) being the most common clinical signs. Conclusion: The presence of the post-traumatic BMC is accompanied by important clinical signs, a correct and an early evaluation being essential for an optimal treatment.

The search for bone reconstruction materials and methods is an ongoing challenge. The aim of this review is to systemically search the available literature concerning the clinical performance of eggshell as a substitute material in guided bone regeneration in oral surgery. Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) were searched up to February 2020. Clinical trials that used eggshell as a bone substitute material were included in the review. Animal and in vivo studies were excluded from the review. ROBINS-I was used to evaluate the risk of bias. A total of 840 studies were retrieved, out of which 55 full-text articles were screened. Five studies were finally included: one study showed critical and four serious risk of bias. A total of 74 patients and 88 intervention sites were included in the five studies. Clinical and radiological evaluation showed complete healing during the follow-ups. Statistically significant radiological and clinical evidence of new bone formation was achieved for socket preservation, grafting after third molar extraction, and cystic/apicectomy grafting. One patient with complications was reported. Histological analysis and micro computed tomography confirmed that it promotes bone regeneration. A comparison with synthetic hydroxyapatite showed similar healing characteristics. Within the limitations of the included studies, the eggshell can be safely and efficiently used in guided bone regeneration procedures, but more research is needed to completely evaluate the full potential of this material.

Background and aims. Considering nowadays trend among dentists to install a radiology laboratory beside their current practice, we proposed to investigate the aspect of financial efficiency related to such investment. Methods. We evaluate two existing options: simple investment, consisting of intra-oral equipment and accessories, or investment in a radiology center that includes panoramic and CBCT equipment. The initial investment includes equipment acquisition, fitting out of the location, radiology accreditation and other miscellaneous expenses. Costs were estimated based on current quotations on the specific market available in Romania. We also described a financial model to estimate the financial risk. Results. The analysis was made under the assumptions that the laboratory is operated by the dentist who made the investment in the form of a legal person and paying corporate tax like all Romanian entities. The analysis took into account current fees for different types of x-rays, usual expenses of such a laboratory, and describes the approach to this analysis, starting with the initial investment estimation and forecast of revenues and expenses. Based on these projections and assessment of the working capital, we have built the cash flows forecast. Following a risk analysis we could assess the financial efficiency of the two investment alternatives. Conclusions. Our study reveals that the radiology center represents a more profitable investment due to the higher economic return rate.

BACKGROUND: Children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation effects due to their high radiosensitivity. PURPOSE: To estimate doses and risks for dental radiological examinations in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pediatric population consisting of 7150 children and young adults which underwent 12252 dental radiological examinations (4220 intraoral, 1324 cephalometric, 5284 panoramic radiographs and 1424 CBCTs) within two years were included. Two groups were studied: CBCT group (exposed to CBCT ± conventional radiographs) and 2D group (exposed only to 2D radiological examinations). The effective doses were corrected according to age at exposure and settings parameters (mA;FOV) by using logarithmic fit equations for dose interpolation. The individual cumulative dose, per-caput collective dose and radiation risk were calculated for each group. RESULTS: The median effective and cumulative doses for conventional radiographs were lower than 20 μSv and did not vary with age. Children exposed to CBCT had a higher median effective dose (127.2 μSv) and cumulative dose (156.5 μSv) with a significant increased cumulative dose between 11 and 14 years. The CBCT contributed with 70% to the collective dose and per caput collective dose was 184 μSv for CBCT exposures. The Life Attributable Risk (LAR) and Relative Radiation Level (RRL) were significantly higher for children exposed to CBCT under the age of 18. The highest radiation dose for CBCT was equivalent with 34.1 days of natural background radiation and it was found for ages between 11 and 15. CONCLUSION: The CBCT doses and radiation risk vary but remain in the lower levels of the relative risk of medical exposures. ispartof: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY vol:103 pages:112-117 ispartof: location:Ireland status: published

The purpose of this article is to review the past and present available means of bone reconstruction and augmentation in the maxillofacial region using alloplastic materials in order to evaluate wh...

Non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is one of the most common types of skin cancer. It has a number of subtypes, which include basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules, capable of regulating gene expression at a post transcriptional level. They play a pivotal role in a variety of physiologic cellular functions and pathologies, including malignant diseases. The development of miRNAs represents an important study field, which has been extensively exploited in melanoma for almost a decade with promising results, therefore we consider it a stepstone for further research projects also in non-melanoma skin cancers. The aim of our study was to explore the current literature in order to present the role of the different miRNAs in some of the most frequent types of NMSC pertaining to oncogenesis, evolution and therapy. The most relevant and accurate available data from the literature were evaluated. Our study concluded that there are almost 100 miRNAs which can be upregulated or downregulated and can play a role in oncogenesis. They can be easily identified in circulation, are stable and they can be important diagnosis/prognosis and therapy monitoring markers.

Cleft lip and palate is the most frequent birth anomaly, with increasing reported rates of complications, such as palate fistulae. Current studies concerning the occurrence rate of cleft lip and palate (CLP) report 2 to 10 cases in 10,000 births. The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence of factors that could predict the occurrence of fistulae after cleft lip and palate surgery. A retrospective study was performed by collecting and analyzing data from all patients who were operated for cleft lip and/or palate in the Maxillo-Facial Department of the Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, between 2010 and 2020. We investigated the existing evidence for possible links between the number of fistulae observed after the primary palatoplasty and the age at which the primary palatoplasty was performed, the sex of the patient, the type of cleft, the timing of the surgical corrections, and the presence of comorbidities. A total of 137 cases were included for analysis. A significant link between the number of fistulae and the type of cleft was found (with fistulae occurring more frequently after the surgical correction of CLP—p &lt, 0.001). No evidence was found for the existence of significant links between the number of fistulae and the patient’s sex, the timing of surgery, or the presence of comorbidities. This study concluded that the incidence of palatal fistulae appears to be influenced by the type of cleft (CLP), but not by the sex of the patient, the timing of surgery, or the presence of comorbidities.

The knowledge of how cells respond to different treatments in terms of their migration potential could improve bone regeneration and osseointegration of dental implants. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects of various chemoattractants, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) on the migration of dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs). The chemoattractants used in our study were the serum-free (SF) conditioned media that were harvested from osteoblast cell cultures seeded on the surface of titanium implants—Ti6Al7Nb (TiCtrl), implants infiltrated with hydroxyapatite (TiHA), with silicatitanate (TiSiO2), and from culture of DFSCs cultivated on TiCtrl implants. We used the scratch migration assay to evaluate the influence of BMP-2, LLLT therapy, and CBCT on the migration potential of DFSCs. The migration scratch assay indicates that the BMP-2 growth factor is able to increase the DFSC migration compared to control c...

Background: Once inserted and osseointegrated, dental implants become ankylosed, which makes them immobile with respect to the alveolar bone. The present paper describes the development of a new and original implant design which replicates the 3D physiological mobility of natural teeth. The first phase of the test followed the resistance of the implant to mechanical stress as well as the behavior of the surrounding bone. Modifications to the design were made after the first set of results. In the second stage, mechanical tests in conjunction with finite element analysis were performed to test the improved implant design. Methods: In order to test the new concept, 6 titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) implants were produced (milling). The implants were fitted into the dynamic testing device. The initial mobility was measured for each implant as well as their mobility after several test cycles. In the second stage, 10 implants with the modified design were produced. The testing protocol included mechanical testing and finite element analysis. Results: The initial testing protocol was applied almost entirely successfully. Premature fracturing of some implants and fitting blocks occurred and the testing protocol was readjusted. The issues in the initial test helped design the final testing protocol and the new implants with improved mechanical performance. Conclusion: The new prototype proved the efficiency of the concept. The initial tests pointed out the need for design improvement and the following tests validated the concept.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microscopic structure of soft tissue covering titanium plates and screws used in jaw surgery (mandible fracture and orthognathic surgery), after a minimum period of 12 months from insertion, and to quantify the presence of any metallic particles. Periosteum covering the osteosynthesis plates was removed from 20 patients and examined by light microscopy in order to assess the cell morphological changes and the possibility of metal particles presence in the soft tissue. Local signs of tissue toxicity or inflammation were taken into consideration when evaluating the routine removal of titanium maxillofacial miniplates. No signs of screw loosening or acute inflammation were detected on the osteosynthesis site, but de-coloration of the periosteum was seen, and metallic particles were observed to have migrated into the soft tissues. Even if the titanium is well-tolerated by the human body in time, without severe local or general complications, our findings suggest that plate removal should be considered after bone healing has occurred.

ackground: In the context of the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic that started in 2020, more attention is being paid to the air quality in medical offices. The medical, economic and social implications of this crisis are unprecedented. Dental offices, particularly, were significantly affected by this pandemic due to the high exposure of dental workers, limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and serious financial problems. Methods: Four different procedures were compared regarding their effectiveness in air contamination reduction, both from a biological point of view and from a management point of view: Fogging, Ultraviolet C (UVC) lamps, UVC air circulation units and natural ventilation. A total of 56 Petri dishes were used to evaluate air contamination. Results: All four procedures offered good results but the decontamination time and overall effect varied depending on the chosen method. Fogging was the only method that managed to remove all the identifiable pathogens. Conclusions: Fogging proved to be superior from a medical point of view, while the UVC air circulation unit proved to be more efficient from a management point of view., publishedVersion

Background and aims. Although dental implants are widely and successfully used, failure rates because of bacterial colonization are still high. Adequate fabrication and sterilization techniques as well as proper management of infectious complications represent a constant field of interest and research. In this study, we focused our attention on implants with controlled porosity produced by Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The difficulty to sterilize porous implantable devices is well known and finding an adequate sterilization protocol represents a challenge worldwide. Before testing the biological and mechanical properties of porous implants, a preliminary study in order to determine a correct sterilization protocol must be conducted.Our aim was to establish a valid sterilization protocol for porous titanium alloy dental implants, as such protocols are not officially available yet.Methods. Twenty dental implants were fabricated from a titanium alloy by SLM. Ten of them were made using a 150W laser beam (porosity of 1% - group A) and the rest using a 75W laser beam (porosity of 23% - Group B), all of them with a non-defined internal structure. The implants were initially sterilized (5 from group A and 5 from group B, using dry heat - 180°C for 2 hours; the rest using steam sterilization - 121 °C for15 min) and then spent 18 hours in culture media with developing bacteria (Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 49444), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114), three Gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). The first ten implants (5 from group A and 5 from group B) were then sterilized with dry heat and the others with steam. After sterilization, they were all placed in sterile culture media in order to observe if any bacterial growth were present.Results. The culture media was observed 18 hours after the sterilized implants were placed inside. No bacterial growth was observed.Conclusions. Our tests reached their aims of defining a protocol to sterilize porous implants. Future tests regarding biological and mechanical aspects of these implants may now follow.