[This corrects the article DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2022.32.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2022.32.].
Introduction: The use of lasers in dentistry has evolved significantly, becoming integral to various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The aim of the present study is to conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific production on the application of lasers in dentistry in the Web of Science database over the past decade. Methods: This is a scientometric study evaluating scientific documents indexed in the Web of Science database in the field of laser applications in dentistry up to the end of 2023, using quantitative and qualitative indicators. Data analysis was conducted using Excel and VOSviewer software. Results: The graphs for article and citation growth showed a steady and steeper upward trend over the past ten years, respectively. The countries with the highest production, ranked first to third, were Brazil, the USA, and China, with the top two institutions also located in Brazil. The most prominent journals publishing studies on laser applications in dentistry, in order, were Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Clinical Oral Investigations, and BMC Oral Health. Aoki was the most-cited author, with 230 citations in a Q1 journal from Japan, though ranked sixth in terms of production. The highest scientific collaborations were observed in the USA, followed by Brazil and China. Although the Journal of Periodontology ranked ninth in terms of the number of publications, it ranked first in co-citation. In terms of thematic keyword analysis, six clusters were identified: low-power laser and photodynamic therapy in dentistry, antibacterial properties of laser in dentistry, laser applications in implant treatment, laser use in restorative treatments, laser applications for dental caries prevention, and laser use for pulp vitality assessment. Conclusion: Researchers should stay regularly informed of ranking results to make more accurate decisions in research and clinical practices. Therefore, given these findings and the importance and saturation of various topics and their applications in dental practices, there is a need for institutions and researchers to reassess research priorities.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2023.23.].
Introduction: The increasing occurrence of antifungal resistance agents poses a significant challenge in the field of dentistry, necessitating new therapeutic alternatives for treating fungal infections. This study compares the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using two wavelengths of diode lasers and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on Candida albicans cultures. Methods: A standard 0.5 McFarland suspension of C. albicans was prepared and transferred to a 96-well microplate. These samples were divided into 10 groups as follows: 1- Positive control, 2- 450 nm laser, 3- PDT with 450 nm laser+curcumin, 4- 660 nm laser, 5- PDT with 660 nm laser+methylene blue, 6 and 7- Cold plasma for 180 and 210 seconds, 8- Nystatin, 9- Curcumin, 10- Methylene blue. Then the colony counts of C. albicans (CFU/mL) were recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, One way ANOVA, and Tamhane's test (P<0.05). Results: The mean reduction in the number of C. albicans colonies in the nystatin group was significantly higher than all other groups (P<0.05). The 660 nm laser group showed significant reduction in the colony count compared to the positive control, 210-second cold plasma, and 450 nm PDT groups (P<0.05). The 180-second cold plasma group had significantly higher reduction in the colony count compared to the positive control and 450 nm PDT groups (P<0.05). The methylene blue, 450 nm laser, and 210-second cold plasma groups also showed significantly higher reductions compared to the positive control (P<0.05). Conclusion: Cold plasma with the feeding gas of helium for 180 seconds exposure and the low-power 660 nm laser showed inhibitory effects on C. albicans colonies and were more effective than PDT. Nystatin application significantly reduced the number of C. albicans colonies and was more effective than cold plasma, laser irradiation, and PDT.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.15171/jlms.2018.44.].
Introduction: Fibroblasts, the primary cells of connective tissue, play a crucial role in the healing process of tissues and organs. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous gallium-aluminum-arsenide (Ga-Al-As) laser at a wavelength of 830 nm and output powers of 10 mW and 27 mW on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and fibroblast cell proliferation in culture. Methods: Human fibroblast cells were cultured in a 96-well plate and exposed to continuous radiation from a Ga-Al-As laser at 830 nm, utilizing two different output powers of 10 and 27 mW and various energy densities. After 24 hours of laser exposure, fibroblast cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay. ROS production was measured with a microplate reader, and ATP levels were quantified. Results: The most significant increase in cell proliferation was observed in the 10 mW group at an energy density of 3.78 J/cm2 (0.79±0.07) compared to the control group (0.51±0.05). In contrast, the 27 mW group at 10 J/cm2 exhibited lower cell proliferation (0.51±0.05) during 90 s. ATP production significantly increased in the 10 mW group at 3.78 J/cm2 (15,404±819), compared to the control group (115±51). Additionally, the groups had no significant difference in ROS levels. Conclusion: The results suggest that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using a Ga-Al-As laser at 830 nm with an output power of 10 mW for 3.78 J/cm2 significantly affected fibroblast cell proliferation and ATP synthesis.
Introduction: In vivo modeling of intraocular neoplasms remains challenging due to the limitations of conventional methods, such as the poor viability of xenografted B16 melanoma cells, the need for immunosuppression, and discrepancies between histopathological features and those of human uveal melanoma. Developing a biologically relevant, reproducible model for transscleral photodynamic therapy (TS-PDT) using chlorin-based photosensitizers is essential, particularly to assess radiation penetration depth and the safety profile of the method. Methods: A model of an intraocular mass was created using an alloplant-an acellular biomaterial derived from the kidney capsule-implanted into the suprachoroidal space of rabbit eyes in both pigmented and non-pigmented variants. TS-PDT was performed using chlorin e6 (2.5 mg/kg) and a 660 nm laser (0.17 W, 10 minutes). Monitoring included ultrasound imaging, fundus photography, and histological analysis conducted 41 days post-treatment. Results: The alloplant maintained structural integrity and elicited only minimal inflammatory response. The absence of thermal damage to the sclera confirmed the safety of the selected treatment parameters. In the choroid, focal thrombosis, vascular ectasia, and stromal fibrosis were observed. Retinal necrosis overlying the alloplant (penetration depth>3 mm) indicated sufficient radiation penetration. The pigmented model demonstrated accumulations of pigment-laden macrophages, replicating the optical properties of melanin-containing tissues. Conclusion: This alloplant-based model enables standardized TS-PDT investigation with clinical relevance and confirmed safety. The selective effect on deep ocular tissues supports TS-PDT's potential in eye-preserving tumor therapy. Future directions include studying neovascularization and optimizing treatment protocols.
Introduction: Verteporfin as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used to inhibit deviant choroidal vascularization. This agent also has an anticancer property. The effective treatment of various tumors such as melanoma by using verteporfin is confirmed. In the present study, the ability of verteporfin in growth inhibition of MKN45 is investigated via protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to explore its beneficial role in PDT. Methods: The gene expression profiles of the treated MKN45 cell with verteporfin are mined from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and evaluated via PPI network analysis to find the central genes. The central genes are searched in the GeneCards database to find the more related genes to gastric cancer. The expression amounts of the top central genes related to stomach adenocarcinoma are extracted from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis Portal (UALCAN). Results: Among 2356 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 58 hub-bottlenecks were determined via PPI network analysis. ERBB2, EGFR, CREBBP, CTSD, PSEN1, HRAS, PIK3R1, NRAS, NFKBIA, FOS, CTSB, CALR, NFE2L2, RHOA, CDKN1A, ITGB1, APP, CD44, HSPA5, and HMGCR were pointed out as the crucial genes. The expression amounts of ERBB2, EGFR, CREBBP, CTSD, and PSEN1 genes which were highlighted as critical genes via the directed PPI network were explored for stomach adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: In conclusion, the anticancer property of verteporfin was highlighted. This finding can improve the efficacy of related PDT.
Introduction: In periodontal therapy, the adhesion of fibroblasts and their attachment to cementum present a significant challenge. This study aims to evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using various protocols on the adhesion and cell count of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) to root fragments using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methods: Root fragments were divided into four groups and subjected to different treatments: a control group receiving scaling and root planing (SRP), SRP combined with PDT using a 630 nm light-emitting diode (LED) and toluidine blue O (TBO), SRP combined with PDT using a 660 nm diode laser and methylene blue (MB), and SRP combined with PDT using an 810 nm laser and indocyanine green (ICG) as the photosensitizer (PS). Then, HGFs were cultured on the tooth fragments and evaluated using SEM after 72 hours of incubation. The adhesion of fibroblasts was assessed by counting the number of spindle-shaped fibroblasts, while their cell count was determined by counting the total number of cells. Adhesion was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the cell count was analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test. Results: PDT utilizing all three protocols significantly enhanced the adhesion of fibroblasts compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in adhesion between the PDT groups (P>0.05). Additionally, PDT with a 630 nm LED significantly promoted the cell count of fibroblasts compared to the control group (P=0.05). Conclusion: PDT utilizing three distinct protocols has been demonstrated to enhance the attachment of fibroblasts. Specifically, PDT employing a 630 nm LED has been found to significantly promote the cell count of fibroblasts under SEM.
Introduction: Glass ceramic veneers are intensely bonded to the underlying tooth structure, so the conventional method (grinding) for their removal is destructive and time-consuming for both veneers and the underlying tooth structure. This study evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS) that is required for the removal of leucite reinforced (LR) glass ceramic of different thicknesses after Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and the effect of this type of laser on intra-pulpal temperature. Methods: The enamel surfaces of 40 bovine mandibular incisors were arbitrarily divided into four main groups (n=10) after preparation, based on the thicknesses of veneer discs, which were fabricated from LR glass ceramic: C1: Control group, L1: Laser-treated group in which LR discs were 0.5mm in thickness and 5mm in diameter, C2: Control group, and L2: Laser-treated group in which LR discs were 1mm in thickness and 5mm in diameter. Temperature measurement was taken for laser-irradiated groups before and at the end of laser treatment, which was applied using a scanning technique for 60 seconds with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 2.5 W and 25 HZ. SBS was evaluated using the universal testing machine for all samples. After de-bonding, a stereomicroscope was used to estimate the failure mode based on the adhesive remnant index (ARI). The independent samples t-test was performed to analyze the recorded data. Results: The Er,Cr:YSGG laser significantly decreased SBS for Laser-treated groups (P≤0.05). The SBS decreased with decreasing disc thickness, with no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). ARI had higher scores for the laser-treated groups than for the control groups. Laser irradiation increased intra-pulpal temperature slightly but within the safety range (5.5 ºC). Conclusion: Using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser with the scanning technique could be a safe and effective tool for de-bonding LR glass ceramic veneers.

