Comparison of the 1 and 2% pilocarpine mouthwash in a xerostomic population: a randomized clinical trial.

AIMS & BACKGROUND: Pilocarpine is an accepted treatment for xerostomia, but limited research has been conducted on the oral, topical form. The present study aimed to compare the effects of 1 and 2% pilocarpine mouthwash on xerostomic participants. METHODS: In this double-blind clinical trial study, 48 subjects with xerostomia were randomly divided into three groups to measure the effects of 1 and 2% pilocarpine and placebo mouthwashes on saliva levels. The amount of saliva in the 1st and 14th days was measured at 0, 45, 60, and 75 mins, while participants used their mouthwash three times a day for 14 days. On the 1st and 14th days, they filled out the information forms on xerostomia and the medicine's side effects before and after the intervention. RESULTS: On the 1st day, the mean salivary flow at 45, 60, and 75 mins in the 2 and 1% pilocarpine mouthwash were significantly higher than in the placebo mouthwash group (p < 0.05). On the 14th day, the mean salivary flow time at 45 mins in the 2% pilocarpine mouthwash group was significantly higher than in the placebo mouthwash group (p = 0.007). Furthermore, the mean salivary flow at 60 and 75 mins in the 2% (p < 0.001) and 1% pilocarpine mouthwash (p = 0.028) was significantly higher than in the placebo group. Moreover, the salivary flow in the 2% pilocarpine mouthwash group was significantly higher than the 1% pilocarpine mouthwash (p < 0.05) during these two times. No side effects were observed in any of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that 5 ml of 2 and 1% pilocarpine mouthwash for 2 weeks increased salivary flow in xerostomic participants compared to placebo without any side effects.

Unruh and Cherenkov Radiation from a Negative Frequency Perspective.

A ground-state atom uniformly accelerated through the Minkowski vacuum can become excited by emitting an Unruh-Minkowski photon. We show that from the perspective of an accelerated atom, the sign of the frequency of the Unruh-Minkowski photons can be positive or negative depending on the acceleration direction. The accelerated atom becomes excited by emitting an Unruh-Minkowski photon which has negative frequency in the atom's frame, and decays by emitting a positive-frequency photon. This leads to interesting effects. For example, the photon emitted by accelerated ground-state atom cannot be absorbed by another ground-state atom accelerating in the same direction, but it can be absorbed by an excited atom or a ground-state atom accelerated in the opposite direction. We also show that similar effects take place for Cherenkov radiation. Namely, a Cherenkov photon emitted by an atom cannot be absorbed by another ground-state atom moving with the same velocity, but can be absorbed by an excited atom or a ground-state atom moving in the opposite direction.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on postoperative pain after single-visit root canal retreatment of mandibular molars: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on postoperative pain after single-visit root canal retreatment on mandibular molars. METHODOLOGY: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 36 patients referred to the Department of Endodontics, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Healthy patients who required root canal retreatment on symptomatic first or second mandibular molars, with a PAI index score of 2 or 3, preoperative tooth and percussion pain of <56 mm on a 170-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) were included. After local anaesthesia using inferior alveolar nerve block followed by rubber dam isolation and access cavity preparation, the D RaCe retreatment system was used to remove the existing root filling material, and after canal negotiation and gaining patency, working length was determined with an apex locator. Further canal enlargement was carried out with size 35, 0.04 taper, and size 40, 0.04 taper RaCe rotary instruments and then canals were filled using laterally compacted gutta-percha points and AH Plus sealer. The patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups: In the LLLT group, a 980-nm diode laser set at 6.89 W/cm2 energy density, 0.5 W power, and a tip diameter of 10 mm were activated from the buccal side on the mesial and distal root apices for 15 s. In the sham group, the laser handpiece was placed inside the patient's mouth at the same location, but the laser was not activated. Then patients were instructed to record their postoperative pain levels at 4, 8, 12 and 24 h and 2, 3 and 7 days after treatment on separate VAS scales. For data analysis, the independent sample t and the Mann-Whitney U tests were used. Nominal variables were analysed by using the chi-square test. RESULTS: In the LLLT group, the most intense pain was reported 24 and 48 h post-treatment [mean (SD) = 0.22 (0.54) for both], whereas in the sham group, the most intense pain level was observed 4 h post-treatment [mean (SD) = 0.78 (0.80)]. At the 4-h interval, pain intensity was significantly lower in the LLLT group (p = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Low-level laser therapy reduced postoperative pain after single-visit root canal retreatment of mandibular molars only four hours following the procedure.

Effect of surface treatments of porcelain on adhesion of Candida albicans.

Surface treatment of porcelain is required to minimize the adhesion of microorganisms to surfaces of the restoration. This study sought to assess the effects of 3 different porcelain surface treatments on adhesion of Candida albicans. This in vitro experimental study was conducted on 60 porcelain disks (10 × 3 mm) randomly divided into 4 groups of 15. The nonglazed group received no surface treatment; specimens in the other 3 groups were glazed in the furnace, overglazed with liquid glaze, or polished using a polishing kit. The specimens were washed, sterilized, and separately incubated with 350 µL of Candida albicans suspension for 24 hours. Specimens were then rinsed for 20 seconds and shaken in 1 mL of saline solution for 1 minute, and 20 µL of this suspension was cultured in a plate and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Candida albicans colonies were counted to assess the number of microorganisms adhering to each disk. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistically significant differences were found among the 4 groups in terms of C albicans adherence (P = 0.001). The nonglazed porcelain had the highest and the overglazed porcelain had the lowest mean adherence value. No statistically significant difference was noted between glazed and polished specimens. Based on the obtained results, overglazing resulted in the least adhesion of C albicans, and polishing provided a surface as smooth as a glazed surface.

Effects of smoking severity and moderate and severe periodontitis on serum C-reactive protein levels: an age- and gender-matched retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: C-reactive protein (CRP) which might affect cardiovascular events can be affected by chronic diseases and smoking. Since the effects of smoking dosage as well as the mutual effect of smoking and periodontitis on CRP levels have not been evaluated, we aimed to assess these. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective age- and gender-matched study was performed on 120 dental patients. Clinical attachment loss, pocket probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), O'Leary plaque index and serum CRP were recorded. Patients were divided into one control and five cohort groups (n = 20 each) according to smoking severity [pack years (PY) below or above 30] and periodontal condition (healthy periodontium and moderate/severe periodontitis). The effects of clinical measurements, age, gender, smoking and periodontitis on CRP were assessed using one- and two-way analyses of variance, Tukey and Bonferroni post hoc tests, and multiple linear regression (α = 0.05). RESULTS: CRP concentrations were 0.07255 ± 0.009539, 0.09645 ± 0.010625, 0.122235 ± 0.018442, 0.3758 ± 0.187369, 0.81595 ± 0.0410299 and 1.8717 ± 0.652728 mg/l, respectively, in the control (PY ≤ 30 with healthy periodontium), cohort 1 (PY > 30 with healthy periodontium), cohort 2 (PY ≤ 30 with moderate periodontitis), cohort 3 (PY > 30 with moderate periodontitis), cohort 4 (PY ≤ 30 with severe periodontitis) and cohort 5 (PY > 30 with severe periodontitis). The positive effects of age, smoking severity, periodontitis and PPD, on CRP increase were significant (Regression p < 0.02). BoP had a negative effect (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should warn the patients, especially the older ones, about the effects of their gingival health and smoking on their cardiovascular condition.

The relationship between frenulum length and malocclusion.

This study sought to evaluate the relationship between the length of lingual frenula and various classes of malocclusion. One hundred-fifty patients who had been referred for orthodontic treatment were divided into 3 groups (n = 50) based on their lingual frenula ANB (Point A, nasion, point B) angle: Group 1 (ANB angle = 0-4 degrees), Group 2 (ANB angle >4 degrees), and Group 3 (ANB angle <0 degrees). The mean frenulum length for Group 1 subjects was 11.4 (±3.0) mm, compared to 9.5 (±3.5) mm for Group 2 subjects, and 14 (±3.0) for Group 3 subjects. According to 1-way ANOVA testing, these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, maximum mouth opening was also significantly greater for the Group 3 subjects (P < 0.001).

Photobiomodulation effects of pulsed and continuous wave near-infrared laser on the proliferation and migration of human gingival fibroblasts: An in vitro study.

There are limited data on comparison of pulsed and continuous wave in photobiomodulation therapy (PBM). This study aimed to investigate the effect of PBM with 980 nm laser in pulsed and continuous wave on the proliferation and migration of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) cells. Cultured HGF were divided into three main groups: (1) irradiated in pulsed mode (frequencies of 50 and 25 KHz; energy densities of 3 and 5 J/cm2 ), (2) irradiated in continuous mode (energy densities of 3.2 and 5.2 J/cm2 ), and (3) no irradiation as control group. HGF proliferation rate was measured by MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h post irradiation. In addition, HGF migration rate was measured by scratch test at 24 h post PBM. At 24 h, the group received continuous irradiation at 5.2 J/cm2 showed significantly higher proliferation compared with the control group (p = 0.012). At 48 and 72 h, the groups received continuous, and 50 Hz pulsed irradiation at energy densities of 5.2 and 5 J/cm2 respectively, had significantly higher HGF proliferation rates compared to the control (p < 0.05). Only the continuous irradiations were effective in significant increase of the cell migration. In conclusion, continuous PBM at energy density of 5.2 J/cm2 showed promising effect on HGF proliferation and migration.

Comparative Analysis of Photosensitizer Penetration Depth in Root Canal Debridement for Endodontic Disinfection.

Introduction: Microbial agents play a crucial role in periapical lesions and despite mechanical preparation, presence of persistent bacteria in root canal system is a challenge. Photodynamic therapy offers a debridement method, utilizing photosensitizers such as Curcumin, Indocyanine Green (ICG), and Methylene Blue (MB). This study aimed to assess and compare the penetration depth of these photosensitizers on the lateral surface of the root canal. Materials and Methods: The crown of 30 single-rooted teeth were separated by a diamond disc. The canals were prepared using a rotary system and were rinsed with 10 mL of 2.5% NaOCl. In order to remove the smear layer debris, 17% EDTA was placed in the root canal for 1 min, then rinsed with NaOCl and saline. The teeth were sterilized by autoclave and randomly assigned to three groups that filled with curcumin, ICG, or MB. Subsequently, they were incubated for 10 min and dried up by paper. Longitudinal sections were cut, and penetration depth of the photosensitizers in coronal, middle, and apical sections were measured using a stereomicroscope. Results: Curcumin demonstrated a higher average penetration depth (3000 µm) than MB, and MB showed higher penetration depth than ICG. Significantly different penetration depths were observed in pairwise comparisons among all three groups (P<0.005). Conclusion: Curcumin with its superior average penetration depth, emerges as a promising choice for effective root canal disinfection in endodontic treatments. Consideration of these findings may enhance the selection of photosensitizers in clinical applications.

In Vitro Effect of 445 nm Blue Laser and 660 nm Low-Level Laser on the Quantity and Quality of Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has several benefits in dentistry, including anti-inflammatory effects and increased proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 445 nm blue laser and 660 nm low-power laser on the quantity and quality of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro. In this in vitro experimental study, 445 nm and 660 nm lasers were irradiated on the samples six times. After examining the cells on the 7th and 14th days, the data were analyzed using ANOVA PASS11 and the post hoc Tukey test. The results showed the positive effect of the 660 nm laser on fibroblast proliferation. The viability on the 7th day was the highest in the control group, lowest in the 445 nm laser group and highest in the 660 nm laser group on the 14th day. In the morphological examination, the cells were spherical with narrow appendages in the control group, spindle-shaped with lamellipodia appendages in the 660 nm laser group and spherical with no cytoplasmic appendages in the 445 nm laser group. Evidence of necrosis and granulation phenomenon was observed in the 445 nm laser group. The use of the 660 nm low-power laser, compared with the 445 nm laser, has a positive effect on the quantity and quality of gingival fibroblasts.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Cold Atmospheric Plasma, Photodynamic Therapy with Two Photosensitizers, and Diode Laser on Primary Mandibular Second Molar Root Canals Infected with Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the antibacterial efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), photodynamic therapy (PDT) with two photosensitizers (PSs), and diode laser for disinfection of primary mandibular second molar root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 50 primary second primary molars underwent chemomechanical preparation of root canals. The root canals were then inoculated with E. faecalis. After 3 weeks of incubation, the teeth were randomly assigned to five groups of CAP, 940 nm diode laser, PDT with 445 nm laser and curcumin PS, PDT with 660 nm laser and methylene blue (MB) PS, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Samples were collected from the vortexed root canals and cultured on agar, and the number of colonies was counted. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Results: The percentage of reduction in bacterial count was significantly different among the study groups (P < 0.001). The highest reduction in bacterial count was noted in 2.5% NaOCl and the lowest in 940 nm diode laser group. The difference in bacterial count reduction between 445 nm laser + curcumin and 660 nm laser + MB (P = 0.989), and CAP and NaOCl (P = 1.000) groups was not significant. Conclusion: CAP was found to be more effective than PDT and diode laser as an adjunct to mechanical root canal disinfection of primary molars for elimination of E. faecalis and can serve as an alternative to 2.5% NaOCl irrigation.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Dentistry, a Comprehensive Review of Literature.

Statement of the Problem: In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly popular in dentistry because it facilitates the process of diagnosis and clinical decision-making. However, AI holds multiple prominent drawbacks, which restrict its wide application today. It is necessary for dentists to be aware of AI's pros and cons before its implementation. Purpose: Therefore, the present study was conducted to comprehensively review various applications of AI in all dental branches along with its advantages and disadvantages. Materials and Method: For this review article, a complete query was carried out on PubMed and Google Scholar databases and the studies published during 2010-2022 were collected using the keywords "Artificial Intelligence", "Dentistry," "Machine learning," "Deep learning," and "Diagnostic System." Ultimately, 116 relevant articles focused on artificial intelligence in dentistry were selected and evaluated. Results: In new research AI applications in detecting dental abnormalities and oral malignancies based on radiographic view and histopathological features, designing dental implants and crowns, determining tooth preparation finishing line, analyzing growth patterns, estimating biological age, predicting the viability of dental pulp stem cells, analyzing the gene expression of periapical lesions, forensic dentistry, and predicting the success rate of treatments, have been mentioned. Despite AI's benefits in clinical dentistry, three controversial challenges including ease of use, financial return on investment, and evidence of performance exist and need to be managed. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, the most crucial progression of AI is in oral malignancies' diagnostic systems. However, AI's newest advancements in various branches of dentistry require further scientific work before being applied to clinical practice. Moreover, the immense use of AI in clinical dentistry is only achievable when its challenges are appropriately managed.

Comparison of salivary and plasma antioxidant levels in lichen planus patients and healthy subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, mucocutaneous, inflammatory disease. It has become more evident that the immune system plays a primary role in the development of this disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the total antioxidant status (TAS) of saliva and serum in patients with erosive OLP. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This study was designed as case-control. In total, 48 patients with erosive OLP (34 women and 14 men) were enrolled as case group, and 44 self-admitted healthy people (34 women and 10 men) were selected as control group. Measurement of total antioxidant status was carried out in saliva and plasma. t-test was used for statistical analysis with significant level set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean ± SD of salivary TAS in case group was 0.98 ± 0.12, and in control group was 1.32 ± 0.18 mM, respectively, and there were significant differences between groups (P < 0.02). The mean ± SD of the plasma TAS in the case group and the control group was 1.24 ± 0.17 and 1.84 ± 0.34 mM, respectively. There were significant differences between two groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that salivary and plasma levels of total antioxidant status in erosive OLP patients were lower than those in healthy subjects.

In vitro Effect of Photodynamic Therapy with Curcumin and Methylene Blue Photosensitizers on Staphylococcus Aureus.

Statement of the Problem: Staphylococcus aureus (S.A) can colonize in the skin, nasal cavity, and oral cavity. In the oral cavity, it can cause dental caries and periodontal disease. Mouthwashes can be used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control methods to decrease the load of oral microorganisms. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a commonly used antimicrobial mouthwash with side effects such as changing the sense of taste, tooth discoloration, oral mucosal burning, allergy, and xerostomia. It also has adverse systemic effects, if swallowed. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with curcumin and methylene blue (MB) photosensitizers and different laser parameters on S.A colony count. Materials and Method: In this in vitro experimental study, 99 samples of standard-strain S.A were subjected to PDT with curcumin and MB photosensitizers with/without irradiation of 660 and 445 nm laser with different exposure parameters, and CHX in 9 groups (n=11). The samples were cultured in microplates containing Mueller-Hinton agar, and the number of colony forming units (CFUs) was counted after 24 h of incubation at 37°C. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Results: The minimum colony count was noted in CHX group (CFUs=0) followed by MB and 660nm diode laser group irradiated for 100 s (CFUs=147.2727±169.35707). The difference in this respect was significant between MB+660nm diode laser for 100 s and other groups (p< 0.05) except for the MB + 660 nm diode laser for 60 s group. Conclusion: CHX is superior to laser for elimination of S.A. However, PDT with 660 nm diode laser + MB has considerable antimicrobial efficacy against S.A; increasing the duration of laser irradiation enhances the antimicrobial effect.

The Relationship between Smoking and Sublingual Varices in the Elderly.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the existence of any connection between smoking and sublingual varices (SLV) in the older population. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in 2019 on adults > 65 years old at Kahrizak Charity Nursing Home, Alborz, Iran. We conducted clinical examination and inspection of 222 elderly patients. Both the case group and control group contained the same number of patients (n = 111). SLV were classified as grade 0 (few or none visible) and grade 1 (moderate or severe). The case group included patients with SLV and the control group consisted of those older adults without SLV and who were matched with the case group based on age, gender, blood pressure, denture wearing, and varicose veins in their legs. Cigarette smoking habits were investigated in both groups. Smokers were considered those who smoked at least one cigarette per day for more than six months. Chi-square and odds ratio (OR) were used to statistically analyze the exposure of participants to smoking in both groups. RESULTS: Among 222 participants, 21.6% and 5.4% were smokers in the case and control groups, respectively. The results of our data analysis revealed that SLV were significantly associated with smoking (p < 0.001, OR = 4). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with SLV are more likely to be cigarette smokers. Therefore, cigarette smoking cessation programs are recommended for older adults in society.

In-Depth Metallurgical and Microstructural Analysis of Oneshape and Heat Treated Onecurve Instruments.

OBJECTIVE: To define surface, mechanical, microstructural and metallurgical features of conventional One-Shape (OShape) and heat-treated OneCurve (OCurve) nickel-titanium instruments. METHODS: Instruments were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on new instruments and after simulated clinical use (SCU). Cyclic fatigue testing was performed and the number of cycles to fracture (NCF) and the length of the fractured instruments were measured (Mann-Whitney test). Fractured instruments during cyclic fatigue testing were then inspected by SEM fractographic analysis. Field emission gun scanning scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and micro-Raman spectroscopy were used to assess alloy surface chemistry. Focused ion beam (FIB) was performed to analyse the oxide layer on the surface of OCurve before and after SCU. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), metallographic evaluation and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to determine martensitic/austenitic phase transformation temperatures. RESULTS: SEM observations on new instruments revealed a smooth regular surface with flattened milling grooves. No wear features were detected after SCU. OCurve exhibited a higher cyclic fatigue resistance (P<0.05), slower crack propagation and a surface layer of TiO2. Metallographic analysis and XRD showed the prevalence of martensitic grains on OCurve instruments that were stable at body temperature as confirmed by DSC analysis. Furthermore, DSC demonstrated a shift in the temperature transformation ranges suggesting an increase of martensite phase in autoclaved OCurve instruments. CONCLUSION: Heat treatment processes were confirmed as a valid enhancement of the properties of the new generation NiTi instruments. OCurve presented a significant improvement over OShape regarding both mechanical and metallurgical characteristics.

Maryland-bridge application as a suitable technique to preserve marginal bone level of not-submerged supracrestal implants.

BACKGROUND: One to 6 months after implant placement is a critical time/period responsible for crestal bone loss that may affect implant osseointegration. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of provisional adhesive Maryland-bridge (AMB) applied to prevent marginal bone level (MBL) around implants placed in edentulous crestal bone in posterior area during osseointegration period. METHODS: Healthy, non-smoker patients (N.=18) were included in the study. Titanium implants were placed nonsubmerged (i.e. tissue-level) with cover screws at gingival level in edentulous crestal bone with flapless technique. Nine patients randomly received an AMB, while 9 patients did not receive any AMB. Each AMB remained in place for 3 months and removed before impression. After 3 months abutments were applied, and provisional resin crowns cemented and definitive metal-ceramic crowns were cemented after 2-3 months. Periapical Rx were taken using paralleling technique before and after implant insertion, at 1, 3 months (pre-loading time) and after 6 months (post-loading time). MBL was evaluated in double-blind on scanned periapical radiographs and assessed at mesial and distal side of implants (M-MBL and D-MBL). Area of bone loss on mesial and distal side of implants (Area-M and Area-D) and Cervical Enamel Junction migration of mesial and distal adjacent teeth were also measured (CEJ-M and CEJ-D). Linear regression models were fitted to evaluate the existence of any significant difference. RESULTS: Two drop-out was observed in AMB group. A total of 16 patients completed the study. After 6 months, all implants were safe and free from complications. AMB group showed the most stable MBL at 1-6 months, statistically different from non-AMB and resulted in a reduced crestal bone loss from baseline compared to Non AMB group. Area-M and Area-D were not statistically different between the groups. CEJ-M and CEJ-D were stable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Adhesive Maryland Bridge to protect non-submerged post-extractive implants is a safe procedure that prevents bone loss around implants and preserve the 3D architecture of crestal bone ridge.

In vitro comparison of the effect of photodynamic therapy with curcumin and methylene blue on Candida albicans colonies.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Candida albicans (C. albicans) causes oral fungal infections. Considering the high prevalence of candidiasis, the toxicity of antifungal drugs, and the fungistatic property which develops drug-resistant species, the present study aimed to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with curcumin (CUR) and methylene blue (MB) photosensitizers and lasers with different exposure parameters on C. albicans colonies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in-vitro experimental study, 150 samples of C. albicans standard strain (ATCC 10231) were examined using different combinations of CUR and MB photosensitizers with and without 460-nm and 660-nm laser irradiation with different exposure parameters in 15 groups of 10 samples each. The samples were cultured in microplates containing Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium, and the colony-forming units (CFU) were counted after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The maximum number of colonies was noted in the positive control group (CFU = 201,500 ± 42,093), while the minimum number was detected in the 460-nm laser+10.2% CUR group (CFU = 10,100 ± 2558), followed by the nystatin group (CFU = 22,300 ± 5578). There was a significant statistical difference between the 460-nm laser + CUR group and other studied groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The 460-nm laser in combination with CUR has the maximum antifungal efficiency against C. albicans.

Comparison of the effect of photodynamic therapy with curcumin and methylene Blue on streptococcus mutans bacterial colonies.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a bacterium that colonizes in the mouth and is a common cause of dental caries and periodontal diseases. This bacterium comprises 70% of the bacteria in the dental plaque. Although tooth decay is a multifactorial complication, S. mutans biofilms are the main cause of cavitated carious lesions. Considering the importance of this microorganism, we aimed at investigating the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using curcumin (CUR) and methylene blue (MB) photosensitizers on S. mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in-vitro experimental study, first, samples of S. mutans were prepared in 110 test tubes and were randomly assigned to 11 groups after colony counting: 1) Positive control group, 2) Negative control group, 3) CUR extract group, 4) 460-nm laser group, 5) 460-nm continuous laser + CUR group, 6) 460-nm discontinues 50% duty cycle (DC) laser + CUR group, 7) 660-nm laser group, 8) 660-nm laser + MB group, 9) MB group, 10) dental light-curing group, and 11) chlorhexidine (CHX) group. After the intervention, cultivation was performed again in blood agar medium, and the bacterial colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) were counted again. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. RESULTS: CHX and 460-nm low-level continuous laser + CUR had the highest and most significant effect on inhibiting the growth of S. mutans bacterial colonies and showed significant differences with other groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the results, MB- and CUR-mediated PDT can significantly eradicate S. mutans colonies.

Using the fringe field of a clinical MRI scanner enables robotic navigation of tethered instruments in deeper vascular regions.

Navigating tethered instruments through the vasculatures to reach deeper physiological locations presently inaccessible would extend the applicability of many medical interventions, including but not limited to local diagnostics, imaging, and therapies. Navigation through narrower vessels requires minimizing the diameter of the instrument, resulting in a decrease of its stiffness until steerability becomes unpractical, while pushing the instrument at the insertion site to counteract the friction forces from the vessel walls caused by the bending of the instrument. To reach beyond the limit of using a pushing force alone, we report a method relying on a complementary directional pulling force at the tip created by gradients resulting from the magnetic fringe field emanating outside a clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The pulling force resulting from gradients exceeding 2 tesla per meter in a space that supports human-scale interventions allows the use of smaller magnets, such as the deformable spring as described here, at the tip of the instrument. Directional forces are achieved by robotically positioning the patient at predetermined successive locations inside the fringe field, a method that we refer to as fringe field navigation (FFN). We show through in vitro and in vivo experiments that x-ray-guided FFN could navigate microguidewires through complex vasculatures well beyond the limit of manual procedures and existing magnetic platforms. Our approach facilitated miniaturization of the instrument by replacing the torque from a relatively weak magnetic field with a configuration designed to exploit the superconducting magnet-based directional forces available in clinical MRI rooms.

3-dimensional finite element analysis of the outcomes of Alexander, Gianelly, Roth and MBT bracket prescription.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 4-bracket system including Alexander, Roth, MBT (Maxillary Transverse Bioadaptation), and Gianelly on the upper anterior tooth movement in sliding mechanics with the help of a 3-Dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method. METHODS: Displacement, stress, strain, centre of rotation and resistance on the incise edge and apex of the maxillary central incisor were calculated when 100, 200, 300, 400grams of retraction force were applied. RESULTS: The amount of incise edge displacement was 2.609×10-4mm 2.682×10-4mm 2.875×10-4mm and 2.881×10-4mm in Alexander, Gianelly, Roth and MBT respectively with 100gr of retraction force. The value of apex root movement was 3.485×10-4mm 3.547×10-4mm 3.852×10-4mm and 3.864×10-4mm in Alexander, Gianelly, Roth and MBT respectively with 400g of retraction force. CONCLUSIONS: The MBT system had the maximum apex root and incisal edge movement in all 100, 200, 300, 400grams of retraction force. The Alexander system had the lowest apex and incisal edge movement in all retraction forces.