Search

The most remarkable finding in synthetic lethality (SL) is the hypersensitivity to PARP inhibitors (PARPis) of the tumors harboring defects in genes involved in homologous repair (HR) such as BRCA1/2. Despite initial responsiveness to PARPi, the penetrance of the synthetic lethal interactions between BRCA1/2 genes and PARPi is incomplete. Thus, a significant proportion of HR-defective tumors experience intrinsic or acquired resistance, representing a key challenge of clinical research. An expanded concept of SL is opening new ways and includes novel forms of genetic interactions, investigating not only traditional SL of pairs genes but also SL between biological pathways that regulate the same essential survival cell function. In this context, recent research showed that HR and theta-mediated end-joining (TMEJ) pathways exhibit SL. DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) is encoded by the POLQ gene and is a key component of the TMEJ, an essential backup pathway, intrinsically mutagenic, to repair resected double-strand breaks (DSBs) when the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and HR are impaired. Polθ is broadly expressed in normal tissues, overexpressed in several cancers, and typically associated with poor outcomes and shorter relapse-free survival. Notably, HR-deficient tumor cells present the characteristic mutational signatures of the error-prone TMEJ pathway. According to this observation, the loss of HR proteins, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, contributes to increasing the TMEJ-specific genomic profile, suggesting synthetic lethal interactions between loss of the POLQ and HR genes, and resulting in the emerging interest for Polθ as a potential therapeutic target in BRCA1/2-associated tumors.This review summarizes the converging roles of the POLQ and HR genes in DNA DSB repair, the early-stage clinical trials using Polθ inhibitor to treat HR-defective tumors and to overcome BRCA-reversion mutations responsible for therapeutic resistance, and the novel pleiotropic effects of Polθ, paving the way for the development of unexplored synthetic lethality strategies., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and multiomics could enhance the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of liquid biopsy (LB) for lung cancer (LC). Despite advances, the transition from tissue biopsies to more sophisticated, non-invasive methods like LB has been impeded by challenges such as the heterogeneity of biomarkers and the low concentration of tumour-related analytes. The advent of multiomics - enabled by deep learning algorithms - offers a solution by allowing the simultaneous analysis of various analytes across multiple biological fluids, presenting a paradigm shift in cancer diagnostics. Through multi-marker, multi-analyte and multi-source approaches, this review showcases how AI and multiomics are identifying clinically valuable biomarker combinations that correlate with patients' health statuses. However, the path towards clinical implementation is fraught with challenges, including study reproducibility and lack of methodological standardization, thus necessitating urgent solutions to solve these common issues., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Homologous recombination (HR) and mismatch repair (MMR) defects are driver mutational imprints and actionable biomarkers in DNA repair-defective tumors. Although usually thought as mutually exclusive pathways, recent preclinical and clinical research provide preliminary evidence of a functional crosslink and crosstalk between HRR and MMR. Shared core proteins are identified as key players in both pathways, broadening the concept of DNA repair mechanism exclusivity in specific tumor types. These observations may result in unexplored forms of synthetic lethality or hypermutable tumor phenotypes, potentially impacting the cancer risk management, and considerably expanding in the future the therapeutic window for DNA repair-defective tumors., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: Prolonged use of oral devices as a substitute for traditional treatments has been studied in relation to the dental and skeletal changes associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), which is a sleep-breathing disorder., Materials and Methods: A review of articles indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and CINHAL databases in September 2022 based on MeSH-based keywords with "dental and skeletal" and "oral appliance" and "obstructive sleep apnea" was examined to ensure that the keywords alone or cross-linked, depending on which base of the searched data, were used. 16 articles out of 289 articles were included in the research, and 273 articles were excluded due to lack of study., Conclusions: CPAP treatment has limited dental or skeletal effects in short-term or long-term use. OAs and MADs show significant dental changes with prolonged use. MAS and TSD are more effective in short-term goals than CPAP. OAs' increase may cause dental and skeletal changes. MPD shows notable cephalometric alterations., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Niloofar Jafarimehrabady et al.)

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are two frequent respiratory clinical entities commonly encountered in pediatric clinical settings. Previous studies have evaluated the influence of these two conditions on oral health, but conflicting results have been obtained. The present cohort study aimed to record oral findings ( i.e. , caries, plaque, gingival inflammation and mouth breathing) in 50 pediatric patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma in an Italian pediatric setting and to compare them to a control group of 50 healthy children. The following oral indexes were calculated: Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR), Plaque Control Record (PCR), and Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index. The absence or presence of mouth breathing was also recorded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted. Statistically significant differences were found between cases and controls for PSR ( p = 0.0051) and PCR scores ( p < 0.0001), whereas no significant differences were detected for DMFT. Mouth breathing was found among 20 (40.00%) patients of the Case Group, while in the Control group only in 11 (22.00%) patients, and no significant differences were found between allergic rhinitis and asthma gradings for mouth breathers ( p > 0.05). Finally, linear regressions showed a significant influence of PSR ( p = 0.0051) and PCR ( p < 0.0001) on the Case group. Mouth breathing also significantly influenced PCR scores of the Case group ( p = 0.0206). Accordingly, allergic rhinitis and asthma can promote mouth breathing, plaque accumulation, and periodontal inflammation. Based on these considerations, pediatric dentists and physicians are expected to know the influence of respiratory conditions on oral health and consider this aspect when taking care of children., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Simone Gallo, Maurizio Pascadopoli and Andrea Scribante are serving as the Editorial Board members of this journal. We declare that Simone Gallo, Maurizio Pascadopoli and Andrea Scribante had no involvement in the peer review of this article and have no access to information regarding its peer review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to FSS., (©2023 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Local anesthesia is performed in dentistry before clinical procedures to avoid pain. Children can show fear at the sight of the needle and pain at its insertion. To make local anesthesia more comfortable, the use of computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) systems has been developed to control the flow rate of the anesthetic solution injected through the needle. The aim of the present research is to evaluate and compare the discomfort felt by patients using a traditional syringe and the CCLAD system SleeperOne®, by considering pain, size sensation, bitterness, and vomit. 30 patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to traditional anesthesia or CCLAD. After injection, patients were assessed for the abovementioned outcomes. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10 scores was used. As far as pain is concerned, statistically lower mean values were found in the Trial group ( p < 0.05). Instead, concerning size, bitterness and vomit perceptions, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups ( p > 0.05). Linear regressions were calculated considering technique, quadrant, dental arch, tooth, dentition, sex, and age as independent variables. The technique has shown to have a significant influence on pain ( p < 0.05), with lower values for SleeperOne® device. Pain resulted significantly influenced by the type of dentition ( p < 0.05), with higher scores for deciduous one. Moreover, perceived pain decreased with the increase of the age of patients ( p < 0.05). At last, bitterness perception scores resulted to be higher for primary first molars ( p < 0.05). SleeperOne® device seems to be a valid support for the reduction of pain related to anesthetic injection, especially in children. Further studies should evaluate CCLADs' uses combined with lidocaine preanesthetic as well as with conscious sedation through nitrous oxide in order to determine possible synergistic effects between these procedures., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Simone Gallo, Maurizio Pascadopoli, Andrea Scribante are serving as the Editorial Board members of this journal. We declare that Simone Gallo, Maurizio Pascadopoli, Andrea Scribante had no involvement in the peer review of this article and have no access to information regarding its peer review. Full responsibility for the editorial process for this article was delegated to APG., (©2023 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Introduction: Maxillary canine is the most frequent dental element that could likely remain impacted in the bone structure, with a percentage between 1 and 5%. This study presents a case report using a diode laser for surgical-orthodontics disinclusion of a palatal mucosal impacted permanent left upper canine (2.3) and the simultaneous application of an orthodontic bracket., Methods: After cementation of the trans-palatal bar to the upper first molars with a hook for orthodontic traction, local anaesthesia with articaine was performed, followed by surgical operculectomy using a diode laser (810 nm wavelength, continuous wave mode with a power output of 3 W, and a 0.4 mm diameter optical fiber), and the orthodontic bracket with a passive metal looped ligature was applied. Subsequently, active elastic traction was applied on 2.3 and the upper arch was bonded for the application of a series of orthodontic wires, lace-back, and metal ligatures. A progressive reactivation of the elastic traction and extraction of 6.3 was necessary to translate the canine into the correct arch position., Results: Diode laser surgical-orthodontic disinclusion of impacted upper canine was performed successively, resulting in a dry surgical field ideal for orthodontic bracket adhesion. No pain and no swelling have been reported from the patient. The orthodontic treatment allowed the canine to be moved to the correct position in the arch., Conclusions: This case showed that the diode laser is a valid alternative for the surgical-orthodontic disinclusion of an included tooth element., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Marina Consuelo Vitale et al.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pain modulation following Laser or LED phototherapies during the process of tooth separation. This was a longitudinal randomized controlled clinical trial in four observational times carried out in 60 patients (15 males, 45 females, average 24.1 years old) who were randomly divided into three groups: G1 (LED, AsGaAl, λ850 ± 10 nm, 150 mW, 17 J/cm 2 , 57 s per session), G2 (Laser, AsGaAl, λ780 nm, 70 mW, 20.0 J/cm 2 , 240 s per session) and G3 (Non-irradiated Control). All patients were submitted to tooth separation using elastomeric separators. The pain level was measured by using a visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after insertion (T1) of the elastic, at 48 (T2), 96 (T3) hours and 6 days (T4). It was observed an increase of the pain on the Control group from T1 to T2, with statistical significance. Pain levels in the LED and Laser groups were always significantly lower (<0.001), except for T1. According with the results of the present study it may be concluded that, either LED or Laser phototherapies, were effective in reducing the pain level after dental separation process when compared to the control group., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Aim: To investigate the effects of anticancer therapy on dental development and caries formation in Italian childhood cancer survivors compared to healthy controls., Methods: A total of 52 children treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy when younger than 10 years and in remission from at least 2 years, and 52 healthy age- and gender-matched children were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants were examined for dental caries and enamel defects according to the decayed-missing-filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index and the Aine rating scale. Panoramic radiographs were taken to estimate dental age and to assess dental abnormalities using the Höltta Defect Index., Conclusion: These children are at high risk for tooth developmental abnormalities and poor dental health and should be closely monitored by a specialist dentist.

Non-coding RNA transcripts originating from Ultraconserved Regions (UCRs) have tissue-specific expression and play relevant roles in the pathophysiology of multiple cancer types. Among them, we recently identified and characterized the ultra-conserved-transcript-8+ (uc.8+), whose levels correlate with grading and staging of bladder cancer. Here, to validate uc.8+ as a potential biomarker in bladder cancer, we assessed its expression and subcellular localization by using tissue microarray on 73 human bladder cancer specimens. We quantified uc.8+ by in-situ hybridization and correlated its expression levels with clinical characteristics and patient survival. The analysis of subcellular localization indicated the simultaneous presence of uc.8+ in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells from the Low-Grade group, whereas a prevalent cytoplasmic localization was observed in samples from the High-Grade group, supporting the hypothesis of uc.8+ nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation in most malignant tumor forms. Moreover, analysis of uc.8+ expression and subcellular localization in tumor-surrounding stroma revealed a marked down-regulation of uc.8+ levels compared to the paired (adjacent) tumor region. Finally, deep machine-learning approaches identified nucleotide sequences associated with uc.8+ localization in nucleus and/or cytoplasm, allowing to predict possible RNA binding proteins associated with uc.8+, recognizing also sequences involved in mRNA cytoplasm-translocation. Our model suggests uc.8+ subcellular localization as a potential prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer.

Objective: During orthodontic therapy, accuracy in bonding procedures makes it easier to correct tooth alignment by decreasing the need for midcourse corrections by changing bracket positions. Indirect bonding allows the transfer of the appliance components from model casts to patient's teeth potentially meaning shorter appointments for bracket bonding and rebonding and best comfort during chairside practice. At the same time, there has been a steady increase in requests for invisible lingual orthodontic treatment., Clinical Considerations: Accordingly, the aim of the present report is to illustrate the workflow to realize a complete digital indirect bonding for lingual brackets (2D, Forestadent). The procedure starts with intraoral digital scans, digital 3D model, and virtual bracket positioning, ending with the realization of a CAD-CAM prototyped transfer tray. A 3D intraoral scanner (True Definition, 3M) is used to create digital scans and digital models. A virtual bracket positioning is performed using software (NemoCast, Dentaurum), and a prototyped transfer tray is created by a CAD-CAM device. 2D lingual brackets were positioned inside the tray, so the appliance was bonded to the dental surface using light curing adhesive resin., Conclusions: During orthodontic treatment, CAD/CAM technology could help clinicians. Computer-constructed transfer trays can reduce clinician error and improve the everyday workflow in the office.

Objectives: To demonstrate the efficacy of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) compared to that of placebo on severe oral mucositis (OM) in pediatric oncology patients. The primary objective was the reduction of OM grade (World Health Organization [WHO] scale) 7 days after starting PBM. Secondary objectives were reduction of pain, analgesic consumption, and incidence of side effects., Methods: One hundred and one children with WHO grade > 2 chemotherapy-induced OM were enrolled in eight Italian hospitals. Patients were randomized to either PBM or sham treatment for four consecutive days (days +1 to +4). On days +4, +7, and +11, OM grade, pain (following a 0-10 numeric pain rating scale, NRS) and need for analgesics were evaluated by an operator blinded to treatment., Results: Fifty-one patients were allocated to the PBM group, and 50 were allocated to the sham group. In total, 93.7% of PBM patients and 72% of sham patients had OM grade < 3 WHO on day +7 (P = 0.01). A significant reduction of pain was registered on day +7 in the PBM versus sham group (NRS 1 [0-3] vs. 2.5 [1-5], P < 0.006). Reduced use of analgesics was reported in the PBM group, although it was not statistically significant. No significant adverse events attributable to treatment were recorded., Conclusions: PBM is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for children affected by chemotherapy-induced OM, as it accelerates mucosal recovery and reduces pain., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Mucocele (also known as ranula or salivary gland mucous cyst) of the newborn is a lesion present on the intraoral cavity, with the potential to interfere with respiration and feeding. In the present report, a case of mucocele in a 4-month female patient has been described. As conventional surgery can be followed by several complications such as intraoperative bleeding, difficulties in wound healing, and maintenance of sterility during surgery, in the present case, the use of diode laser has been planned. A topic anesthesia with lidocaine gel was performed. A diode laser (810 nm wavelength, continuous wave mode, power output of 3 watt, and 0.4 mm diameter fiber optic) was set for excising the lesion. The tip was directed at an angle of 10 to 15°, moving around the base of the lesion with a circular motion. The procedure was completed in 3 minutes. The patient was visited with a follow-up of 2 weeks and 4 months after excision. The intraoral wound healed without complications, and no signs of infection or mass recurrence were noted. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mucocele. On the basis of the results of the present case report, the use of diode laser can be easily performed also in a noncompliant newborn patient for successful excision of mucocele lesions, and checklist of clinical procedures has been described.

Aim: ER:Yag lasers have been described as a more conservative alternative to conventional acid-etching enamel conditioning technique, when bonding conventional metallic orthodontic brackets. Since the use of aesthetic orthodontic brackets is constantly increasing, the purpose of the present report has been to test laser conditioning with different aesthetic brackets., Materials and Methods: Study Design: Five different aesthetic brackets (microfilled copolymer, glass fiber, sapphire, polyoxymethylene and sintered ceramic) were tested for shear bond strength and Adhesive Remnant Index scores using two different enamel conditioning techniques (acid etching and ER:Yag laser application). Two hundred bovine incisors were extracted, cleaned and embedded in resin. Specimens were then divided into 10 groups with random tables. Half of the specimens were conditioned with conventional orthophosphoric acid gel, the other half with ER:Yag laser. Different aesthetic brackets (microfilled copolymer, glass fiber, sapphire, polyoxymethylene and sintered ceramic) were then bonded to the teeth. Subsequently all groups were tested in shear mode with a Universal Testing Machine. Shear bond strength values and adhesive remnant index scores were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed., Results: When considering conventional acid etching technique, sapphire, polyoxymethylene and sintered ceramic brackets exhibited the highest SBS values. Lowest values were reported for microfilled copolymer and glass fiber appliances. A significant decrease in SBS values after laser conditioning was reported for sapphire, polyoxymethylene and sintered ceramic brackets, whereas no significant difference was reported for microfilled copolymer and glass fiber brackets. Significant differences in ARI scores were also reported., Conclusions: Laser etching can significantly reduce bonding efficacy of sapphire, polyoxymethylene and sintered ceramic brackets.

Objectives: Oral diseases affect a large number of people in the world and have a great influence on their quality of life. Nevertheless, oral health promotion and prevention initiatives are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of individuals in Italy who renounce dental care in order to better support institutional prevention campaigns., Methods: Using data from the Italian National Institute of Statistic (ISTAT) survey "Health condition and use of health services", we divided the sample into two groups: individuals who renounced dental care even when needed and those who accessed dental healthcare. We then compared information about socio-economic and oral health profile of the two groups., Results: People who renounced dental treatments are mostly young adults, smokers, belonging to the middle-low socioeconomic level, not married and unemployed. Economic resources are often the main reason behind renouncing dental treatments., Conclusions: Our study underlines that economic conditions play a leading role in renouncing dental care. In order to avoid additional costs to the Italian healthcare system, our proposal is to implement a specific prevention campaign for oral diseases, targeting young adults living in Italy.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating and serious side effect in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and chemotherapy (CT). Laser therapy is becoming a promising treatment option in these patients, avoiding the necessity of enteral/parenteral nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in patients affected by oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy and HSCT. Sixteen onco-hematological pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, affected by oral mucositis, were enrolled in this study. They were divided in two randomized groups: the laser group and the placebo-control group. Patients in the laser group were treated with HPLT (970 ± 15 nm, 3.2 W (50%), 35-6000 Hz, 240 s) for four consecutive days, once a day; and placebo group underwent sham treatment. The assessment of mucositis was recorded through WHO Oral Mucositis Grading Objective Scale, and pain was evaluated through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients were monitored and evaluated 3, 7, and 11 days after the first day of laser therapy. Once OM was diagnosed, the patients had mucositis grading assessments before laser or sham application at day 3, 7, and 11 after first application. All patients of laser group demonstrated improvement in pain sensation from day 3 after first application of laser (p < 0.05), ulcerations reduced their dimensions and erythema disappeared. The patients of placebo group had improvement from day 7. In laser group, all mucositis were fully resolved from day 7 (p < 0.05). Oral mucositis negatively impacts on nutritional intake, oral hygiene, and quality of life. Laser therapy appears to be a safe and innovative approach in the management of oral mucositis. In this preliminary study, HPLT encourages to consider laser therapy as a part of onco-hematological protocol, providing to decrease pain and duration of OM induced by CT and HSCT. Further researches will be needed, especially randomized, controlled clinical trials with a large number of enrolled patients and a long term of follow-up to confirm the efficacy of laser therapy in prevention and control of OM in onco-hematological pediatric patients.

Objectives: to identify the typologies of facial and dental asymmetries in a sample of children aged between 3 and 6 years and to correlate these asymmetries with possible morphological and functional situations., Design: cross-sectional observational study., Setting and Participants: sample of 95 subjects aged between 3 and 6 years. Clinical data were collected in 10 sessions conducted during school hours in April 2013 by a doctor of Dentistry at two preschools in the city of Sanremo (Liguria Region, Northern Italy) and a kindergarten in the city of Pavia (Lombardy Region, Northern Italy). To collect the data, a weighted clinical questionnaire was used., Main Outcome Measures: presence and type of bad habit, type of breathing, presence and type of facial asymmetry, dental formula, presence of diastema, presence and type of occlusal asymmetries, presence and type of dental malocclusions., Results: analysed sample consisted of 53.7% (51/95) of males and 46.3 % (44/95) females; the mean age was 4.3 ± 0.9 years. Most frequent facial asymmetry is orbits asymmetry (35%, 33/95); dental malocclusions are detected in 70%(67/95) of cases. High percentage of subjects (69.5%, 66/95) presents displacement between superior dental midline (SDM) and inferior dental midline (IDM). Several statistically significant associations are observed: in particular, asymmetry of molar ratios is linked to asymmetry of the cheekbones and displacement of the SDM; facial midline has statistical association with asymmetry of the cheekbones (p <0.001)., Conclusions: the results of this study agree with scientific literature, in particular as regards the prevalence of compromising habits observed and the close correlation between: the presence of dental malocclusions and the presence of compromising habits, the presence of dental malocclusions and the presence of oral breathing.

Bioactive indolo[3,2- j ]phenanthridine alkaloids, calothrixin B and its N-oxide derivative calothrixin A have been synthesized via an oxidative free radical reaction. calothrixin B is generated from the commercially available 2,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde in only 7 steps. The key step in this synthesis is the Mn(OAc) 3 mediated oxidative free radical reaction of 9-(benzylamino)phenanthridine -7,10-dione with cyclohexenone to form 12-benzyl-12 H- indolo[3,2- j ]phenanthridine-7,13-dione.

Aim: To evaluate chemically the effects of diode laser on fluoride uptake before and after laser irradiation of enamel surfaces., Methods: Crowns of 20 sound human teeth were halved and a 3 x 3 mm acid-resistant varnish uncovered window left for: A) no treatment; B) fluoride (Elmex gel); C) diode (fluoride + diode laser); D) diode (diode laser + fluoride). The dental surfaces were analysed using a fluoride ion-selective electrode, in order to evaluate the fluoride treatment in combination with a diode laser. Also, to investigate laser-induced compositional changes (contents in F(-)) in enamel before/after laser irradiation and topical fluoride application., Results: The mean ± SD of fluoride uptake of teeth of group A was 1.55 ± 0.89 mg/l. Mean fluoride uptake increased sevenfold after fluoride gel treatment: 10.51 ± 3.38 mg/l for group B, up to 15 times after gel and laser treatment: 23.62 ± 3.58 mg/l for group C and was 22.7 ± 4.60 mg/l for group D (diode laser before fluoride application). The Kruskal Wallis test indicated a statistically significant effect of fluoride uptake for all three treatments (p<0.001). The Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test indicated a statistically significant increase of fluoride uptake before and after all treatments, and also a statistically significant difference for laser treatment versus fluoride gel. However, there was no statistically significance difference between laser groups., Conclusions: There is an enhanced capability of lasers to increase fluoride uptake of enamel and providing protection to enamel surface from acid attack.

Objective: The aim of this work is to report the handling of a patient suffering from cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) treated with laser phototherapy (LPT) and systemic steroids., Background Data: CP is a group of rare chronic autoimmune blistering diseases that predominately affect the mucous membranes and occasionally the skin. The gingiva is most commonly involved, followed by the palate and the buccal mucosa. High-dosage systemic steroids are widely used for its treatment. LPT has been shown to improve wound healing and relieve pain. Its efficacy depends on the amount of energy delivered to the tissue, exposure time, and delivery method., Materials and Methods: A white 47-y-old man with CP who used systemic steroids for the previous 5 y was examined at our clinic. Extra- and intraoral examination revealed classic signs of the condition. LPT (GaAlAs diode laser, 660 nm wavelength, 30 mW, continuous wave, diameter approximately 3 mm, 60 J/cm(2) per session) was used in association with the steroids. LPT was performed in a punctual contact manner every other day on the oral mucosa. Maintenance of the treatment was carried out weekly because interruption of the LPT resulted in the recurrence of the lesions. At the time that this report was written, the patient had been undergoing twice weekly treatments for 6 months without signs of lesion recurrence., Conclusion: Concomitant use of systemic steroids and LPT showed a positive effect on controlling oral CP lesions and on improving both oral health and the quality of life of the patient.

Aim: Aim of this work was to carry out a comparative evaluation of the structural behaviour of different root canal posts (cylindrical, conical and triple conical) fitted in a second lower bicuspid and subjected to compression and bending test., Materials and Methods: This study has been carried out by numerical method of structural analysis of finite elements (FEM, Finite Element Method). Different tridimensional models were obtained by CAT images of an extracted tooth, endodontically treated, filled with guttapercha and triple conical glass post. Images have been elaborated by a software for images (Mimics and Ansys) and CAD (Rhinoceros 3 D). In the models a II Class restoration has been virtually created. In the numerical simulation dental tissues (enamel, dentine and root cement), guttapercha, root canal cement, different posts, different techniques of cementation and crown restoration (composites and adhesive systems) have been considered., Results: Strain distributions in dental tissues, in root canal cement and in posts have been compared. The equivalent tensions and the single components (traction, compression and cut) have been analysed. In all examined posts, the most strained part is resulted the coronal one, even if the total tension, in the different tooth-post analyzed systems, resulted uniformly distributed. A similar behaviour was shown by the root canal cement., Conclusions: According to the analyzed conditions of bond and load, varying according to the geometry of the considered posts, our results confirm that there is no substantial difference of deformation in posts, root canal cement and treated tooth.

Traumatized anterior teeth need quick esthetic and functional repair. Esthetic requirements of anterior teeth require the use of composite materials which, in the most complex cases, can be used in association with fibers so as to improve their mechanical resistance. Many kinds of fibers are available. The authors considered parameters such as physical properties, water absorption, ease of cutting and of laying. Polyethylene fibers appear to have the best properties in elasticity, translucency, adaptability, tenaciousness, resistance to traction and to impact. Fifteen children, between 7 and 13 years old, with crown fractures of the anterior sector were treated. In the case of a simple crown fracture, the missing part was restored by polyethylene fibers and composite resins. In the case of a complex crown fracture needing endodontic treatment, the fibers were used as a central core stump in order to restore the dental morphology. At control examinations, the teeth restored by this technique were acceptable, both in function and in aesthetics. Thus, the authors recommend this combined technique for predictable restoration of traumatized anterior teeth., (Copyright Blackwell Munksgaard, 2004)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological, histochemical, and immunocytochemical changes of the oral mucosa after CO(2) or Er:YAG laser irradiation., Background Data: There have been no comparative reports on CO(2) and Er:YAG laser effects on human oral soft tissues., Materials and Methods: Tissue preservation was studied in 40 oral biopsies of young patients obtained by CO(2) and Er:YAG laser surgery. Hematoxylin-eosin and Giemsa stains, PAS/diastase treatment, AE1 and AE2 cytokeratins, MiB1/Ki67, and bcl-2 immunoreactions were performed on the laser cut edges on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded biopsies., Results: CO(2) laser biopsies show blisters, clefts and erosions of the epithelium. Intracellular edema and lengthened nuclei were also seen. The glycogen content results decreased in CO(2) laser biopsies. Good expression for cytokeratins and cell-cycle proliferation markers were found in Er:YAG biopsies, on the contrary the apoptosis marker was better expressed in CO(2) laser biopsies., Conclusion: The results suggest that Er:YAG laser may be routinely used in surgery, because of its minimal damage of the epithelial tissue, its low inflammatory reaction, its quicker healing process and its lower risk of scarring.