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BMC Oral Health Jun 2024The dissolution of dental calculus, safely and at home, is among the more challenging issues facing the over-the-counter healthcare industry. Pontis Biologics, Inc. has... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The dissolution of dental calculus, safely and at home, is among the more challenging issues facing the over-the-counter healthcare industry. Pontis Biologics, Inc. has developed novel model of calculus development and structure and has formulated a dentifrice (Tartarase™) using digestive enzymes as active ingredients that is shown to dissolve dental calculus in this Proof of Principle clinical trial.
METHODS
This investigation was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel enzyme formulation to remove existing calculus deposits in 4 weeks, measured using the Volpe-Manhold Index (V-MI) on lingual surfaces of 6 lower anterior teeth. The test formulation was compared to Crest Cavity Protection, as a control dentifrice. A total of 40 randomized test subjects began the study with 20 assigned to the control dentifrice and 20 assigned to the Tartarase groups (ten each, one brushing with Tartarase twice daily and one brushed with Tartarase and wore a dental tray filled with Tartarase for 30 min then brushed again with Tartarase, once daily).
RESULTS
The Crest group experienced a 12% increase in calculus, in contrast to the results of both Tartarase groups that experienced a 40% reduction in calculus in 4 weeks of unsupervised at home use of the Tartarase toothpaste formulation.
CONCLUSIONS
This proof of principle study demonstrates that a dentifrice, formulated along the lines of the Tartarase material, is capable of combating calculus accumulation using the same oral hygiene habits that are common worldwide.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial was registered retrospectively at clinicaltrials.gov and has the Unique Identification Number: NCT06139835, 14/11/2023.
Topics: Humans; Dental Calculus; Female; Adult; Male; Dentifrices; Middle Aged; Toothbrushing; Proof of Concept Study
PubMed: 38909189
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04498-x -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Recreational parks can play a significant role in older people's health, with emerging evidence suggesting that changes in the physical environment, such as...
Results from the ENJOY MAP for HEALTH: a quasi experiment evaluating the impact of age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment to increase older people's park visitations and physical activity.
BACKGROUND
Recreational parks can play a significant role in older people's health, with emerging evidence suggesting that changes in the physical environment, such as refurbishments of local parks, can increase park visitations and physical activity engagement. The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH aimed to evaluate the impact of Seniors Exercise Park installations and associated capacity building activities on older people's park visitation, and park-based physical activity.
METHOD
The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH was a quasi-experiment study design that involved the installation of specialised Seniors Exercise Park equipment as part of park refurbishment, supported by promotion and community capacity building activities in six municipalities in Victoria, Australia. Direct observations of park users took place prior to park upgrades, one-month post upgrade and 12-months from baseline. The overall number and characteristics of park visitors, and the type and level of physical activity undertaken, were summarised descriptively. Generalised linear models were used to examine the impact of park refurbishment (equipment installation and site activation) on the total number of older people observed in the park, and their engagement in physical activity, accounting for site and seasonal effects.
RESULTS
Overall number of visits increased following park upgrades, with the largest number of visitors observed one-month post upgrade (n = 12,501). The proportion of older people observed at the parks remained relatively low prior to and one-month post upgrade compared to other age groups. However, after adjusting for site and seasonal effects, the number of older people observed in the parks increased significantly post upgrade and site activation compared to prior to the refurbishment (incidence rate ratios (IRR) 3.55; 95% CI 2.68, 4.70). The number of older people observed to be exercising at the Seniors Exercise Park also increased by 100% at 12-months post-installation relative to one-month post upgrade (IRR 2.00; 95% CI 1.26, 3.17).
CONCLUSION
Installation of the Seniors Exercise Parks and the supportive programs and activities following six park upgrades resulted in an increase in older people's park visitation and engagement in physical activity. Community engagement and training of volunteers with the support of local governments are likely to contribute to the increased park usage by older people.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial registration number ACTRN12621000965808. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380745&isReview=true .
Topics: Humans; Parks, Recreational; Exercise; Aged; Victoria; Male; Female; Health Promotion; Environment Design; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38909183
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19042-3 -
Dental Materials : Official Publication... Jun 2024The study aimed to assess the impact of diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPI) on the physicochemical properties of experimental resin composites (ECRs) featuring...
OBJECTIVES
The study aimed to assess the impact of diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPI) on the physicochemical properties of experimental resin composites (ECRs) featuring reduced concentrations of camphorquinone (CQ)/amine.
METHODS
Five concentrations of CQ (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mol%) with dimethylaminoethyl amine benzoate (EDAB) in a 1:2 mol% ratio (CQ:EDAB) were incorporated into a 50:50 mass% monomer blend of bisphenol glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). An additional 5 groups with the same CQ:EDAB concentrations had 0.5 mol% DPI added. Each resin group contained 60 wt% of 0.7 µm barium-alumino-silicate glass. Light transmission (n = 3), real-time degree of polymerization (n = 3), temperature change during polymerization (n = 5), polymerization shrinkage strain (n = 3), flexural strength, and modulus (n = 12), as well as water sorption and solubility (n = 5), were evaluated. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05).
RESULTS
Light transmission was reduced in groups containing 0.125 and 0.25 mol% of CQ without DPI. DPI increased temperature, degree and rate of polymerization, despite the reduction in CQ/amine concentration. Additionally, there was an increase in polymerization shrinkage strain, flexural strength and modulus, and a reduction in water sorption and solubility in ECRs with DPI, even with lower concentrations of CQ/EDAB.
SIGNIFICANCE
DPI improved the assessed properties of composites across various concentrations of CQ/EDAB, showing the benefit of reducing the quantity of CQ used without compromising the properties and curing of the resin composites.
PubMed: 38908961
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.06.022 -
Dental Materials : Official Publication... Jun 2024Silicon-releasing biomaterials are widely used in the field of dentistry. However, unlike bone, very little is known about the role of silicon on dental tissue formation...
OBJECTIVES
Silicon-releasing biomaterials are widely used in the field of dentistry. However, unlike bone, very little is known about the role of silicon on dental tissue formation and repair. This study investigates the influence of silicic acid on the survival, differentiation and mineralizing ability of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in 3D pulp-like environments METHODS: Dense type I collagen hydrogels seeded with hDPSCs were cultured over 4 weeks in the presence of silicic acid at physiological (10 μM) and supraphysiological (100 μM) concentrations. Cell viability and proliferation were studied by Alamar Blue and live/dead staining. The collagen network was investigated using second harmonic generation imaging. Mineral deposition was monitored by histology and scanning electron microscopy. Gene expression of mineralization- and matrix remodeling-associated proteins was studied by qPCR.
RESULTS
Presence of silicic acid did not show any significant influence on cell survival, metabolic activity and gene expression of key mineralization-related proteins (ALP, OCN, BSP). However, it induced enhanced cell clustering and delayed expression of matrix remodeling-associated proteins (MMP13, Col I). OPN expression and mineral deposition were inhibited at 100 μM. It could be inferred that silicic acid has no direct cellular effect but rather interacts with the collagen network, leading to a modification of the cell-matrix interface.
SIGNIFICANCE
Our results offer advanced insights on the possible role of silicic acid, as released by pulp capping calcium silicates biomaterials, in reparative dentine formation. More globally, these results interrogate the possible role of Si in pulp pathophysiology.
PubMed: 38908960
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.06.021 -
Journal of the Academy of... Jun 2024We are in a youth mental health crisis with unprecedented and staggeringly high rates of suicidal ideations and suicide behaviors in preteens. In the United States 14.5%... (Review)
Review
We are in a youth mental health crisis with unprecedented and staggeringly high rates of suicidal ideations and suicide behaviors in preteens. In the United States 14.5% of children aged 9-10 have experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including 1.3% with a suicide attempt. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines call for universal suicide risk screening of youth aged 12+ years during preventative healthcare visits, and screening in preteens aged 8-11 years when clinically indicated. However, what constitutes a clinical indication at 8-11 years can be difficult to systematically detect and pediatric practitioners may not be equipped with necessary age-specific assessment tools. This is compounded by the lack of emphasis on preteen suicide risk screening (and focus on adolescents), which leaves practitioners without age-appropriate resources to make clinical determinations for at-risk preteens. The objective of this project was thus to develop an evidence-informed suicide risk screening pathway for pediatric practitioners to implement with preteen patients in outpatient settings. Suicide risk assessment in younger children (<8 years) is also briefly addressed. We convened a group of researchers and practitioners with expertise in preadolescent suicide, pediatric medicine, behavioral health screening integration with primary care, and child development. They reviewed the empirical literature and existing practice guidelines to iterate on a multi-informant clinical suicide risk screening pathway for preteens that includes both caregivers and preteens in the screening process. We also developed tools and accompanying guidelines for a preteen suicide risk screening workflow and risk determination to aid practitioners in deciding who, when, and how to screen. Finally, we provide scripts for introducing suicide risk screening to caregivers and preteens and to discuss screening findings.
PubMed: 38908827
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2024.06.003 -
Advances in Medical Sciences Jun 2024The imbalance of thyroid hormones affects the metabolic activity of various tissues, including periodontium. Also, autoimmune diseases present an increased tendency to... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The imbalance of thyroid hormones affects the metabolic activity of various tissues, including periodontium. Also, autoimmune diseases present an increased tendency to suffer from periodontal disease. Therefore, our systematic review was designed to answer the question "Is there a relationship between thyroid diseases and periodontal disease?".
MATERIALS/METHODS
Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were included in this systematic review using the databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines).
RESULTS
Based on the meta-analysis, patients with thyroid diseases (especially with hypothyroidism) demonstrated significantly worse periodontal status than systemically healthy controls. Moreover, according to the cross-sectional studies, 5.74% of periodontitis patients reported the concomitance of thyroid diseases.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the included studies suggest a potential relationship between thyroid diseases and periodontal disease. However, further research is necessary to reliably assess the oral health in patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
PubMed: 38908794
DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2024.06.003 -
European Journal of Pharmaceutical... Jun 2024Lamivudine (LMD), an enantiomer of 2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine, plays a crucial role in combatting HIV-1 and managing hepatitis B virus infections. Despite its...
Enhancing Flowability of Lamivudine through Quasi-Emulsion Solvent-Diffusion (QESD) Crystallization: A Comprehensive Study on Surfactant Impact, Particle Morphology by QbD concepts and Tablet Compression Challenges.
Lamivudine (LMD), an enantiomer of 2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine, plays a crucial role in combatting HIV-1 and managing hepatitis B virus infections. Despite its effectiveness, challenges arise from its difficult flowability and tendency to agglomerate during storage, necessitating a granulation step before tablet compression, as direct compression has proven ineffective. This study aimed to optimize Lamivudine spherical agglomerates using response surface methodology, delving into the intricate relationship between design factors (concentration of tween, span, and acetone) and experimental outcomes (yield and particle size) through central composite design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for optimization, with the Quasi-emulsion solvent-diffusion (QESD) crystallization technique utilized for the checkpoint batch. This technique, involving a single solvent and antisolvent with surfactants, showcased remarkable enhancements in flowability and reduced storage agglomeration. The impact of various surfactants [Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), polysorbate 80, and sorbitane monooleate] on particle morphology, flowability, and storage agglomeration during crystallization was thoroughly assessed. While achieving direct compression into tablets, the porous structure of LMD agglomerates presented challenges in tablet press production speeds, prompting adjustments such as reducing punch speed or implementing a precompression step. Positive outcomes were realized for disintegration and in vitro drug release in comparison to direct compression and wet granulation methods. In conclusion, the QESD crystallization technique successfully yielded hollow, spherical LMD agglomerates with enhanced properties, representing a significant milestone in pharmaceutical formulation.
PubMed: 38908413
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106835 -
Pathology, Research and Practice Jun 2024Odontogenic tumors (OGTs), which originate from cells of odontogenic apparatus and their remnants, are rare entities. Primary intraosseous carcinoma NOS (PIOC), is one...
Odontogenic tumors (OGTs), which originate from cells of odontogenic apparatus and their remnants, are rare entities. Primary intraosseous carcinoma NOS (PIOC), is one of the OGTs, but it is even rarer and has a worse prognosis. The precise characteristics of PIOC, especially in immunohistochemical features and its pathogenesis, remain unclear. We characterized a case of PIOC arising from the left mandible, in which histopathological findings showed a transition from the odontogenic keratocyst to the carcinoma. Remarkably, the tumor lesion of this PIOC prominently exhibits malignant attributes, including invasive growth of carcinoma cell infiltration into the bone tissue, an elevated Ki-67 index, and lower signal for CK13 and higher signal for CK17 compared with the non-tumor region, histopathologically and immunohistopathologically. Further immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated increased expression of ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-like 4c (ARL4C) (accompanying expression of β-catenin in the nucleus) and yes-associated protein (YAP) in the tumor lesion. On the other hand, YAP was expressed and the expression of ARL4C was hardly detected in the non-tumor region. In addition, quantitative RT-PCR analysis using RNAs and dot blot analysis using genomic DNA showed the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and epigenetic alterations, such as an increase of 5mC levels and a decrease of 5hmC levels, in the tumor lesion. A DNA microarray and a gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that various types of intracellular signaling would be activated and several kinds of cellular functions would be altered in the pathogenesis of PIOC. Experiments with the GSK-3 inhibitor revealed that β-catenin pathway increased not only mRNA levels of ankyrin repeat domain1 (ANKRD1) but also protein levels of YAP and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. These results suggested that further activation of YAP signaling by Wnt/β-catenin signaling may be associated with the pathogenesis of PIOC deriving from odontogenic keratocyst in which YAP signaling is activated.
PubMed: 38908335
DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155420 -
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia... Jun 2024This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combining sevoflurane with remifentanil, esmolol, or nitroglycerin for hypotensive anesthesia and determine the...
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combining sevoflurane with remifentanil, esmolol, or nitroglycerin for hypotensive anesthesia and determine the suitable hypotensive anesthesia method for orthognathic surgery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This retrospective study included 60 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for developmental malocclusion. They were divided into three groups based on the hypotensive agent preferences: Group 1 (n = 20), sevoflurane and remifentanil; Group 2 (n = 20), sevoflurane and esmolol; Group 3 (n = 20), sevoflurane and nitroglycerin. Bleeding volume, heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were recorded at certain times during the perioperative period, including at stages with increased stress levels in the body, such as incision and osteotomy. The patients' blood pressure, analgesic consumption and pain level were recorded in the postoperative period.
RESULTS
Bleeding volume, surgery satisfaction related to bleeding, and total operation time did not differ significantly between groups. Intraoperatively, heart rates were significantly higher in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.001). However, hemodynamic stability was similar in Groups 1 and 2. Postoperatively, analgesic consumption, pain levels, and blood pressure dynamics did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on this study's results, it was concluded that infusing remifentanil, esmolol, or nitroglycerin with sevoflurane during orthognathic surgery successfully achieved the targeted hypotensive anesthesia and can be considered alternative methods. The decision on which method to use should consider the patient's overall health status and additional medical conditions.
PubMed: 38907646
DOI: 10.4317/medoral.26662 -
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia... Jun 2024This article aspires to show that pterygoid implants are a magnificent and viable alternative to other posterior implants of the maxilla, especially in cases of atrophy.
BACKGROUND
This article aspires to show that pterygoid implants are a magnificent and viable alternative to other posterior implants of the maxilla, especially in cases of atrophy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This study is based on a retrospective analysis of pterygoid implant data from 2003 to 2023, recollecting the following variables: year of placement, location, shape of the implant, diameter of the implant, length of the implant, torque of the implant, whether or not it was post-extraction, whether or not there was immediate loading, whether or not smoking was present (smoking habit), the brand of the implant and the success/survival or failure/non survival of the implant.
RESULTS
The total of 178 pterygoid implants placed in the 113 patients eligible for the study was analysed by subgroups, with percentage of global success of 98.3% (3 failures).
CONCLUSIONS
Pterygoid implants offer biomechanical and success/survival characteristics similar or superior to the so-called conventional implants and avoid a series of surgical and prosthodontic procedures more difficult than the ones required by other implants in many occasions.
PubMed: 38907645
DOI: 10.4317/medoral.26633