Assessment of the Cyclic Fatigue Performance of the Novel Protaper Ultimate File System Used in Different Kinematics: An In Vitro Study

This in vitro study aims to assess the cyclic fatigue resistance of the Protaper Ultimate (PTU) files compared to the Protaper Gold (PTG) and the M3 UDG (M3) files using various motion kinematics in simulated canals. As far as the authors are aware, no study has previously compared the three file systems before this current investigation. Therefore, closing this information gap is the goal of the current research. Methods: A total of (60 new endodontic files were randomly divided into 6 groups (10 files per group); groups 1, 3, and 5 used continuous rotation (CR), while groups 2, 4, and 6 used forward reciprocating motion (FRM). A manufactured stainless-steel artificial canal was used to perform the cyclic fatigue testing. The results were analyzed using Student's t-test and two-way ANOVA. All pairwise comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in the time to failure (TTF) for every study group (p < 0.001), with the exception of the PTG and M3 files, which performed similarly using both CR and FRM. Conclusions: The PTU files performed better than the PTG and M3 files in terms of the TTF and number of cycles to failure (NCF) using both CR and FRM.

Effects of Dental Bleaching Agents on the Surface Roughness of Dental Restoration Materials

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness evolution of several finished and polished composites when bleaching materials are applied. The research was conducted on four microhybrid or nanofilled composites that are used in dental restorations. Materials and Methods: For each composite type, 5 samples were selected for control, 5 samples were subjected to the bleaching protocol "office bleach" with 40% hydrogen peroxide, and 5 other samples were subjected to the "home bleach" protocol with 16% carbamide peroxide, resulting in a total number of 60 samples. The surfaces of all the samples were tested for roughness, and the values of the most relevant parameter (Ra), were collected. Comparisons between composites and samples were performed using one-way ANOVA (in Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Results: After the bleaching protocol with 40% hydrogen peroxide gel, it was found that the roughness of the group increased considerably compared to the control group, so the highest roughness was found at GC Gradia direct anterior group, and the lowest value was registered for the 3M ESPE Valux Plus group. Following the bleaching protocol with 16% carbamide peroxide (home bleach), it was noted that the sample surfaces were not as affected. In this case, the lowest roughness was found at 3M ESPE Valux Plus group, and the highest roughness was registered for the GC G-aenial anterior group. Following the interpretation of the results, all four types of dental composites tested showed significant surface roughness differences between the groups subjected to bleaching protocols and those kept as control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The surfaces of the samples were affected by the bleaching protocols by increasing the roughness compared to the control samples.

Post Placement and Restoration of Endodontically Treated Canines: A Finite Element Analysis Study

The purpose of this study was to show the improved outcomes of restoring endodontically treated teeth with fiberglass posts compared to restorations using metal posts. In our study, we used the Finite Element Method (FEM), which is based on the principle that a physical model that supports a given load distributes the stress throughout its volume. We sought to assess what stress results in a tooth when it is restored using a fiberglass post compared to restoration using a metal post. The finite element analysis showed that a system consisting of a tooth with a fiberglass post is more stable in terms of the maximum stress than a system consisting of a tooth with a metal post. The maximum displacements and deformations were obtained in the case of a canine restored with a fiberglass post, which showed that this system had a high elasticity, therefore, higher strength than a canine restored with a metal post, which had high rigidity.

Translation and validation of the ageism scale for dental students in Romanian (ASDS-Rom)

AIMS

The aim of this paper was to validate the Romanian version of an ageism scale for dental students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The initial 27-item ageism scale was translated into Romanian and administered to 210 dental students in Craiova. The data were analysed using principal components analysis (PCA) with an orthogonal, Varimax rotation. The answers were then compared across several demographic variables using a combination of independent samples t tests and one-way between-subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

Adequate factorability was confirmed with a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) of 0.676 and a Bartlett's Test of Sphericity yielding P < 0.001. PCA revealed a 10-item scale distributed into three components that accounted for 58% of the overall variance. The first component contained 4 items related to the cost-benefit of providing care to older patients (α = 0.80). The second contained 3 items that revolved around the perceptions about older people and their value in the society (α = 0.59). The third contained 3 items related to gerodontology training (α = 0.46). Discriminant validity showed differences in the first component based on whether a student had an older family member.

CONCLUSIONS

The 10-item, three components scale demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability.

The Role of the Leucocytosis Parameter in the Occurrence of Pregnancy Complications in Women with Periodontal Disease

For the present study, a total number of 109 pregnant patients in the second trimester of pregnancy were selected from the case studies of the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Municipal Clinical Hospital Filantropia in Craiova. Among these, 56 patients had gingivitis, 26 had mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis, and 27 patients were used as a control segment. Each patient had her leukocytes values tested and they had their oral cavity examined. Leukocyte neutrophils are the primary cells of the body�s defence system as well as primary protective cells against periodontal disease. Based on the study, we can say that there is a significant difference between the average number of leukocytes found in the four groups, because the result of the ANOVA test was below the threshold p [0.001. By analyzing the involvement of the leucocytosis parameter in the occurrence or presence of pregnancy complications, we found it present in periodontal disease pregnant women who had complications, namely: premature birth, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction.

Plasma 11b,17a,21-Trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as Blood Biomarker Assay. A controlled study

11b,17a,21-Trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione or cortisol (C21H30O5) represents the product of adrenal glands and in humans its assessment is a useful tool for evaluation of glucocorticoid axes. Our purpose is to evaluate the profile of morning plasma cortisol/ACTH/ionogram in menopausal women with non-functioning adrenal tumours. A controlled study of 193 menopausal women found that BMI is statistically significant higher versus control in subjects with unilateral, respective bilateral adrenal non-secretor tumours. Baseline C21H30O5 is similar between the groups while ACTH is decreased when compare with control group indicating a potential persistent cortisol tumour-related exposure. Glycated haemoglobin A1c is increased in group with single adrenal mass (versus control) while serum sodium is higher in group with double adrenal masses (versus control).

Clinical Data on Transitory Teriparatide-related Hypercalcemia in Daily Practice Treatment for Severe Menopausal Osteoporosis

Teriparatide (TPT) (C181H291N55O51S2) represents a recombinant molecule acting as human osteoanabolic agent. Transitory hypercalcemia (TH) has been reported in osteoporotic patients treated with daily TPT. Our purpose is to analyze the biochemical features as well as clinical risk factors for fractures in patients with severe osteoporosis treated with TPT who developed TH during first 12 months. This is an observational real-life study. In patients with TH biochemical blood markers like osteocalcin, CrossLaps and P1NP assessed at one year have statistically significant higher values than in subjects associating serum calcium within normal limits under the drug.

Evaluation of Bone Turnover and DXA Markers in Premature Ovarian Failure

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a pathological condition of women of controversial etiology, but with significant physical and psychological consequences due to the occurrence of menopause at the age of 30-40 years. Osteoporosis is thus a major consequence of POF that should be diagnosed early and monitored over time, taking into account the risks of fracture in early menopause. Bone mass density assessment by DXA and bone turnover markers are the diagnostic and osteoporosis monitoring methods in premature ovarian failure.

OCT Application in Direct Dental Restorations Marginal Fit Evaluation

To apply OCT analysis in secondary caries and marginal gap detection and evaluation for direct dental restorations is the aim of the paper. 15 extracted teeth with pre-existing direct dental restorations were analysed through OCT to evaluate marginal fit of restorations. The OCT system used wasmanufactured by Thorlabs (OCS1300SS), powered by a swept laser source with central 1310 nm wavelength, 100 nm spectral bandwidth and 12 mW average power. The occlusal area of the teeth was sampled pictured in 10 mm width, 10 mm distance and 3 mm depth. OCT was used also to evaluate in micrometers (mm) the maximum marginal gap between dental filling and tooth. OCT analysis of the marginal fit of direct dental restorations after A scan examination revealed that amalgam had the smallest marginal gap (width 210 mm, depth 90 mm), followed by glass ionomer (width 350 mm, depth 280 mm), and composite (width 520 mm, depth 300 mm). OCT analysis revealed that for marginal fit evaluation amalgam had best performance, followed by glass ionomer, and ultimately, by resin composite. OCT could be used as an alternative method to appreciate the marginal fit of direct dental restorations giving details that could help dentists to take best treatment decision, whether to repair or to replace the restorations.

Biochemical Analysis of Mineral Metabolism and Central Bone Mineral Density in 157 Adult Women

This is a cross-sectional retrospective study of observational type. 157 menopausal subjects were included. A number of N1=89 were younger of 60 years old (also included) and a number of N2=68 were older than 60 years old. Median of age was of 55 years, respective 66 years.The biochemical parameters like total and ionic serum calcium, serum magnesium, and phosphorus between the two groups N1-N2 were similar (p]0.05).The median values of mentioned chemical elements were within normal limits.The bone turnover markers were not statistically significant different between N1 and N2. 25OHD was found deficient in both populations, irrespective of age. DXA- BMD and T-score N1-N2 difference was statistical significant for all the four central sites. Biochemical mineral parameters seem not to be influenced by the cut off of 60 years in menopausal women aged between 40 and 80 years. Yet, a large prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is identified regardless the age without secondary PTH raise. The statistical significant results are for BMD and T-score for all the four central sites.

Circulating 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in Relationship to Central Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Assesses. A clinical study

The aim of the research was to realize a clinical study on menopausal patients, focused on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) assays versus Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) categories. This transversal, observational, real-life study was effectuated on Caucasian Romanian females. A total of 60 subjects were grouped according to lumbar T-score: normal T-score (N=28), osteopenia (N=22), and osteoporosis (N=10). The lowest average value of 25OHD is found in patients with osteoporosis, which is statistically significant lower than in patients with osteopenia. The average values of PTH were within normal levels for each group. 25OHD did not correlate with PTH or lumbar BMD. Overall the mean values of 25OHD are in deficient ranges regardless osteoporosis, osteopenia or normal DXA.

5-Hydroxytriptamine and Skeleton Influence Clinical Study

5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) dually influences skeleton status through positive, indirect central effect and negative, direct, gut-associated impact. Circulating form is usually tested via venous blood sample. A limited number of clinical studies are published on this specific topic. We introduce a cross-sectional study on menopausal women with normal (N=29) and low bone mineral density (N=32) based on lumbar Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) to whom serum serotonin was assessed and found no correlation with bone loss. This aspect confirms conflicting published data regarding the relationship between circulating levels and fracture risk assessment.

Renal Dysfunction - a Possible Marker of Severity of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) and renal dysfunction are frequent associated in the same patient. The purpose of our study was to assess the prevalence of renal dysfunction and the clinical status in admitted patients for decompensated HF. Material and Methods. 397 patients succesively hospitalized for decompensated HF, NYHA III or IV functional class, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) � 45% were included in the study. Renal dysfunction was defined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) [ 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2. The mean GFR in patients with HF was 63.89 � 21.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 .The prevalence of renal dysfunction was 49.6%. Patients with GFR [ 60 mL/min/1.73m2, compared with those with preserved renal function were significantly more frequent older (75.37 � 6.84 vs. 71.33 � 8.08 years; p [0.001), females (53,8% vs. 43.5%; p = 0.04), had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (50.2% vs. 28.5%; p [0.001), atrial fibrillation (53.8% vs 46.2%, p = 0.04) and anemia (47.7% vs. 29.5% ; p [0.001). Also, patients with renal dysfunction had more severe HF than those without renal dysfunction (NYHA class IV: 65% vs 45%, p [0.001, clinical congestion: 78.2% vs 68%, p = 0.02, LVEF [35%: 47.21% vs � 35%, p [0.001). Renal dysfunction can be considered an additional marker of severe cardiac dysfunction along with NYHA IV class and low LVEF. The presence of both renal dysfunction and anemia could represent prognostic markers in HF patients with reduced LVEF.

The Use of Colour Codes in Ceramics Build-up for Achievement Esthetic Anterior Restorations

The ability to mimic the optical characteristics of enamel and dentin, the excellent biocompatibility and the chemical durability of dental ceramics are the reason reasons why this topic is considered of great importance in dentistry. The aim of this study was to highlight the differences during the process of manufacturing anterior esthetic restorations, i.e. the proper selection of color shades of dental ceramics and their correct deposition.Techniques for performing aesthetic ceramic restorations are influenced by the experience of the dental technician and their skills in realizing the restoration, which should be as little complicated, even if the dental ceramic powders has coded shades of color. Some dental technicians prefer their own color labels in order to facilitate their work and to modify or to highlight some effects of the powders, during the dental ceramics build-up. Naturalness of eight anterior restorations was obtained by alternating the opalescent base layer of the dental ceramic and the fluorescence of crystalline layers subsequently applied over opaque. Different translucent type of ceramic layers was used in order to create the true aspect of the incisal area, with a natural halo appearance. The increasing expectations of the patients in aesthetic restoration of anterior area of dental arches demand a complex build-up of the porcelain layers and this technique requires that the dental technician to possess special skills for obtaining a successful result.