Minerva dental and oral science最新文献

Backgound: Surgical treatment for cancers in the oral and maxillofacial region significantly impacts a patient's physical, social, functional, and psychological well-being, which can in-turn affect the Quality of Life (QoL) negatively. The goal of our study was to assess the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients who underwent surgery in our hospital, and we attempted to extrapolate the data which could in the future help improve the QoL of other patients who undergo similar treatments.

Methods: This was a retrospective study, including patients who have been treated for oral cancer in the last few years in the institute. The standard EORTC Questionnaires QLQ C-30 (version 3.0) and QLQ H and N-35 (version 1.0) were used in this study.

Results: GHS scores were lower in patients with T3 stage tumor than in patients with T1 stage tumor. Patients who underwent surgery along with radiotherapy and those who underwent surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy showed a substantial difference in their GHS and FS ratings when their treatment options were compared. Patients who had undergone surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy had higher scores on the symptom scale and QoL H&N-35 than patients who had just undergone surgery and radiotherapy There was no statistically significant difference in the scores, pertaining to the location, age, gender and stage of the tumor but when the comparison was made on the basis of treatment modality chosen, there was a significant difference in the scores.

Conclusions: The aim of any treatment is to improve the Quality of Life. The EORTC questionnaires QLQ 30 and QLQ H and N-35 proved to be very appropriate instruments to evaluate QoL in patients with oral cancer. Assessment of QoL should always receive adequate attention in treatment planning and rehabilitation. Choice of treatment modality plays a significant role in QoL of patients treated for oral cancer. Henceforth, any treatment modality should be selected not only with a curative intent but also with the goal of improving the Quality of Life as this ultimately decides the success of the therapy from the patient's perspective.

Background: The aim of the present prospective study was to detect the effects on vertical dentoskeletal dimension produced by molar distalization with Clear Aligners in a group of subjects with Class II malocclusion.

Methods: The Clear Aligners Group (CAG) comprised 20 patients (13 females, seven males) with a mean age of 17.2±3.2 years. The same standardized protocol of sequential distalization was applied in all subjects. For each patient lateral cephalograms have been analyzed before treatment (T1) and at the end of the therapy (T2).

Results: At the end of treatment, clear aligners were effective in the correction of Class II dental relationship with the correction of the overjet (-1.3 mm). The treated group showed statistically significant reduction in FMA angle (-1.3°) associated with a counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane (POccl^PF -3.1°; SN^POccl -4.2°) and a slight intrusion of maxillary first molars to palatal plane (-0.9 mm). Finally, statistically significant differences were detected in anterior facial height (N-Me) and in the ArGo^GoMe angle (-1.2 mm and -3.4°, respectively).

Conclusions: Upper molar distalization with clear aligners represents a valid alternative to non-extraction treatment of Class II malocclusion, reducing the extrusion of maxillary first molars and improving the control of the occlusal plane and of the vertical dimension.

Background: Marginal bone loss, is a frequently reported variable in the evaluation of dental implants. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate radiographic marginal bone level changes around the two different tissue-level implant systems placed adjacently in the posterior maxilla or mandible. The influence of implant macro-geometry and vertical soft tissue thickness on marginal bone loss were also evaluated.

Methods: Seven patients were included in the study and a total of 18 implants were analyzed. Each patient received two different implants placed adjacently in the maxilla or the mandible. The implants used in our study were either Straumann^® SP cylindrical implants or JD Octa^® tapered implants. During the surgery, vertical soft-tissue thickness was measured with a periodontal probe placed on the top of the bony crest and in the center of the future implant site. Healing abutments were then seated. Three months following implant placement, impressions were taken, and screw-retained metal ceramic prostheses were delivered. Standardized intraoral radiographs were taken immediately after implant placement and one year following implant loading in order to assess marginal bone level changes.

Results: Results showed a mean marginal bone loss of 0.55±0.5 mm for Straumann^® SP implants and 0.39±0.49 mm for JD Octa^® implants after one year of loading and the difference was not statistically significant between the two systems. A statistically significant correlation was found between soft tissue thickness and marginal bone loss; in sites with thin mucosal tissues (≤2 mm), there was significantly greater bone loss compared to sites with thick, soft tissues (> 2 mm) in both implants.

Conclusions: Radiographic marginal bone loss was not statistically different between the two implant systems at the one-year examination period. Moreover, vertical soft tissue thickness influenced marginal bone loss regardless of the implant system used.

Background: This in vitro study assessed the wear behavior of different CAD-CAM blocks and the abrasion of the enamel antagonist against these materials.

Methods: 64 disk-shaped specimens were prepared from 8 different CAD/CAM blocks as follow: one lithium disilicate glass ceramics block "IPS Emax CAD" as control group, two zirconia reinforced lithium silicate "Vita Suprinity & Celtra DUO," one interpenetrating network ceramic block "Vita Enamic," Three resin-based block composites "Lava Ultimate, Cerasmart & Brilliant-crios" as well as one hybrid nanoceramic "Shofu block HC". All specimens were mounted against canine and tested for two body wear analysis using a chewing simulating loading machine (100,000 cycles, 50 N, 5/55 °C). The amount of wear loss was measured for each specimen using a digital precise scale. Wear area before and after the chewing simulation were evaluated using an optical profilometer. Data analysed using one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc.

Results: The results showed a significantly higher wear loss in resin matrix ceramics in comparison to glass ceramics. However, for tooth wear glass ceramics had significantly higher value than hybrid ceramics.

Conclusions: Resin based CAD/CAM Blocks gives a superior result when evaluating the wear behavior and its effect on the opposing tooth surface.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted various sectors, including healthcare. The dental profession has faced unprecedented challenges in providing care while minimizing the risk of transmission. The aim of the study is to assess how patient's perception of hygiene in the dental field has changed since COVID-19. In detail, it has been analyzed patient's attention to hygiene and how in his opinion the dental practice changed its procedures after COVID-19.

Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions was submitted to 509 subjects, patients of several dental practices. These were related to: 1) change in their perception of hygiene after COVID-19; 2) how the office they usually go to has changed and what hygiene standards it has adopted; 3) vaccination against COVID-19. Descriptive analyses of all variables in the questionnaire were performed, and statistical analyses between variables were carried out by Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact Test.

Results: Most patients (75.8%) stated that they had changed their perception of hygiene after the onset of COVID-19. They reported that they had experienced changes in hygiene procedures at their usual dental practice (70.7%), including rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash, continuous air and water disinfection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Vaccination of practitioners was considered to be important by 73.5% of participants.

Conclusions: In the present study it was analyzed how emergence of the new Coronavirus has considerably changed the perception of patient hygiene within the dental practice. As a result of the awareness implemented to prevent virus transmission, patients are paying more attention to hygiene and preventive procedures to protect their health.

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most prevalent type of cancer in the globe, and it encompasses a wide range of tumors that affect the oral, facial and neck region. Despite breakthroughs in treatment strategies, patients survival has not increased substantially in the last few decades. Therefore, there is need for quick and reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of HNC. Interestingly, microRNAs (miRNAs) are a small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that have a role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Thus, the aim of the study is to evaluate the role of miR-7-3p in the HNC and normal tissues.

Methods: A total of 25 HNC and normal tissues were collected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals. Bioinformatic tool (TargetScan) was used to predict the target for miR-7-3p. The tissue samples were processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and following that total RNA was extracted and analyzed for expression studies using RT-qPCR.

Results: The bioinformatic analysis of the current study have revealed that STAT3 is a direct target for miR-7-3p. The histopathological examination showed damaged epithelial cells and keratin pool formation was observed in HNC tissue. Our results have also revealed that the miR-7-3p levels were significantly reduced and STAT3 levels were significantly higher in the HNC tissues when compared to the normal tissues.

Conclusions: MiR-7-3p can be used as a prognostic, diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of HNC.

Background: Hepatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by several viruses including hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. This condition can affect the oral health of patients and increase the risk of complications during dental management. The clinical management of hepatitis patients in the dental setting requires a comprehensive and individualized approach to ensure safety and optimal treatment outcomes. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on the dental management of patients with different forms of hepatitis.

Methods: The article focuses on the specific challenges associated with dental treatments in hepatitis patients, including increased risk of infection and bleeding. Additionally, the article provides recommendations for dental practitioners, including infection control measures, communication with medical providers, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Results: The authors show that the dental management of patients with hepatitis requires a thorough understanding of the specific challenges associated with this condition, as well as the implementation of appropriate preventive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of these patients.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to better understand the impact of hepatitis on oral health and the most effective approaches to managing dental treatments in this patient population.

Background: Mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) exhibits greater vulnerability to mutations and/or copy number variations than nuclear counterpart (nDNA) in both normal and cancer cells due to oxidative stress generated by inflammation, viral infections, physical, mechanical, and chemical load. The study was designed to evaluate the mtDNA content in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Various parameters were analyzed including its variation with human papillomavirus (HPV) during oral carcinogenesis.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study comprised of two hundred patients (100 OPMDs and 100 OSCCs) and 100 healthy controls. PCR amplifications were done for mtDNA content and HPV in OPMDs and OSCC using real-time and conventional PCR respectively.

Results: The relative mtDNA content was assessed quantitatively and it was observed that mtDNA was greater in OSCC (7.60±0.94) followed by OPMDs (5.93±0.92) and controls (5.37±0.95). It showed a positive linear correlation with habits and increasing histopathological grades. Total HPV-positive study groups showed higher mtDNA content (7.06±1.64) than HPV-negative counterparts (6.21±1.29).

Conclusions: An elevated mutant mtDNA may be attributed to increased free radicals and selective cell clonal proliferation in test groups. Moreover, sustained HPV infection enhances tumorigenesis through mitochondria mediated apoptosis. Since, mtDNA content is directly linked to oxidative DNA damage, these quantifications might serve as a surrogate measure for invasiveness in dysplastic lesions and typify their malignant potential.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered valid prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. The different miRNA expression profiles in cancer cells compared to normal cells make them potential biomarkers used for the early diagnosis of oral diseases. Following exposure to cigarette smoking, miRNA altered profile expression is associated with resistance mechanisms against anticancer therapies. Cellular models showed a reduced human gingival epithelium alteration after exposure to THS2.2 and a lower pathogenicity than 3R4F CS. The aim of the study was to compare the expression of saliva miRNA profile of THS2.2 and 3R4F CS users compared to patients not exposed to the risk factor and to identify and study the modulation of miRNAs associated with the development of oral diseases. In particular, we will focus on the analysis of a group of miRNAs know to be involved in the development of smoking-related diseases.

Methods: The study will be performed in 18 months and dentists and biochemists will be involved in the different phases. To perform the study, healthy volunteers, including smokers of THS2.2 or 3R4F CS, will be enrolled.

Results: The samples will be collected from 3 experimental groups, each consisting of 30 subjects: group 1 (no smoking subjects), group 2 (subjects exposed to THS2.2), group 3 (subjects exposed to 3R4F CS). The collection of the saliva sample will be conducted in a standardized way. Following the collection, saliva will be processed.

Conclusions: Previous studies have suggested that miRNAs are prognostic biomarkers for various smoking-related diseases. Based on the post-transcriptional regulation of some mRNAs connected to different oral pathologies, we expect a specific miRNA-mRNA interaction, which could be a starting point for the development of new possible diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic approaches.

Background: The aim of the present observational study was to investigate the application of transmucosal tissue-level implants in immediate loading full-arch rehabilitation with different variables associated.

Methods: Patients needing a full-arch implant rehabilitation were recruited and rehabilitated with four transmucosal tissue level implants. Data related to implants' diameters and lengths, jaw distributions, and presence of angulated abutments were collected. The following outcomes were evaluated: survival rate, marginal bone loss (MBL), Plaque Index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD). Descriptive statistical analysis was reported and univariate linear regression models were built to assess a significant correlation between MBL and the different implant related factors.

Results: Twenty patients were rehabilitated for a total implant number of 80; 11 rehabilitations were performed on the maxilla, while 9 were performed on the mandible; 48 implants presented a 3.8 mm diameter and 32 implants presented a 4.25 mm diameter. Implants length varied between 10 to 15 mm; 40 tilted implants were connected to angulated abutment, while 40 straight implants were connected directly to the prostheses (no abutments). At the one year follow-up visit no implants failed resulting in an implant survival rate of 100%. The overall MBL was 1.19±0.30 mm. No statistically significant difference (P>0.05) was highlighted among any of the subgroups analyzed.

Conclusions: Despite different variables associated, tissue level implants seem to represent a valid option when applied in immediate loading full-arch rehabilitation. Further research and longer observational periods are encouraged to confirm the result.