Brief Narrative Review on Commercial Dental Sealants-Comparison with Respect to Their Composition and Potential Modifications.

The scope of this paper is to compare different dental sealants and flow materials indicated for sealing pits and fissures considering their chemical formula. The narrative review aims to address the following questions: What is the essence of different dental sealants' activity, how does their chemical formula affect their mechanisms of caries prevention, and what makes a dental sealant efficient mean of caries prevention? Another vital issue is whether the sealants that contain fluoride, or any other additions, have potentially increased antimicrobial properties. An electronic search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was performed. The following keywords were used: (dental sealants) AND (chemical composition). Additionally, information about composition and indications for clinical use provided by manufacturers were utilized. All of the considered materials are indicated for use both in permanent and primary dentition for sealing fissures, pits, and foramina caeca. The selection of suitable material should be made individually and adjusted to conditions of the sealing procedure and patient's needs. Cariostatic mechanisms increasing sealants' effectiveness such as fluoride release are desired in modern dentistry appreciating preventive approach. The review aims are to find crucial elements of sealants' composition which affect their cariostatic mechanisms.

The Use of Graphene Oxide in Orthodontics-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Graphene-based materials have great prospects for application in dentistry and medicine due to their unique properties and biocompatibility with tissues. The literature on the use of graphene oxide in orthodontic treatment was reviewed. METHODS: This systematic review followed the PRISMA protocol and was conducted by searching the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The following search criteria were used to review the data on the topic under study: (Graphene oxide) AND (orthodontic) ALL FIELDS. For the Scopus database, results were narrowed to titles, authors, and keywords. A basic search structure was adopted for each database. Initially, a total of 74 articles were found in the considered databases. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. RESULTS: Nine studies demonstrated the antibacterial properties of graphene oxide, which can reduce the demineralization of enamel during orthodontic treatment. Seven studies showed that it is biocompatible with oral tissues. Three studies presented that graphene oxide can reduce friction in the arch-bracket system. Two studies showed that it can improve the mechanical properties of orthodontic adhesives by reducing ARI (Adhesive Remnant Index). Three studies demonstrated that the use of graphene oxide in the appropriate concentration can also increase the SBS (shear bond strength) parameter. One research study showed that it can increase corrosion resistance. One research study suggested that it can be used to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. CONCLUSION: The studies included in the systematic review showed that graphene oxide has numerous applications in orthodontic treatment due to its properties.

Mechanical properties and osteointegration of the mesh structure of a lumbar fusion cage made by 3D printing.

The currently popular 3D printing makes it possible to produce spatial scaffolds, the main purpose of which is to obtain implants that have favourable mechanical properties to promote cell adhesion. This study aims to prove the influence of changes in selected geometrical parameters of scaffolds, used in intervertebral cages, on the mechanical properties obtained and thus on the osteointegration of the studied constructs with osteoblasts and fibroblasts. The stiffness values and maximum failure force of four modifications to geometric dimensions of the meshes were determined from the intendation test. Adhesion assays were conducted (including gentle pendulum motion) for Balb/3T3 fibroblasts and NHOst osteoblasts. The study revealed that an important geometrical parameter affecting the strength of the mesh is the height (h) of the connection point between arms of successive mesh cells. There was no significant effect of the mesh geometry on the abundance and survival of Balb/3T3 and NHOst cells. At the same time, fibroblasts were more likely to form colonies in the area where there is fusion of mesh cells, as opposed to osteoblasts that were more numerous at vertices of the mesh.

The Safety of Fluoride Compounds and Their Effect on the Human Body-A Narrative Review.

Fluoride is one of the elements commonly present in the human environment. Due to its characteristics, it is very widely used in medicine, dentistry, industry or agriculture. On the other hand, its universality possesses a real threat to the human body in the form of acute and chronic poisoning. The aim of this paper is to characterize the properties of fluoride and its effects on the human body, as well as the sources of its occurrence. Particular emphasis is placed on the safety of its use and optimal dosage intake, which prevents accumulation and reduces its potential side effects. The positive effect of proper fluoride supply is widely described. In order to avoid overdose, it is best to consult a specialist to properly select the dosage.

Medical Adhesives and Their Role in Laparoscopic Surgery-A Review of Literature.

Laparoscopic surgery is undergoing rapid development. Replacing the traditional method of joining cut tissues with sutures or staples could greatly simplify and speed up laparoscopic procedures. This alternative could undoubtedly be adhesives. For decades, scientists have been working on a material to bond tissues together to create the best possible conditions for tissue regeneration. The results of research on tissue adhesives achieved over the past years show comparable treatment effects to traditional methods. Tissue adhesives are a good alternative to surgical sutures in wound closure. This article is a review of the most important groups of tissue adhesives including their properties and possible applications. Recent reports on the development of biological adhesives are also discussed.

Detection of Lymphatic Vessels in Dental Pulp.

The literature lacks conclusive evidence that lymphatic vessels can form in the dental pulp. Lymphangiogenesis is believed to occur in an inflamed pulp. If one defines lymphangiogenesis as the development of lymphatic vessels from already existing ones, such a mechanism is possible only when lymphatic vessels are present in healthy teeth. This paper aims to identify lymphatic vessels in the dental pulp using microscopic and immunohistochemical methods under physiological and pathological conditions. The tissue material consisted of human teeth intended for extraction. Our studies and results suggest a moderate correlation between pulp inflammation and the formation of new vessels, including lymphatic vessels.

Design of New Concept of Knitted Hernia Implant.

A knitted implant, unilaterally modified with plasma-assisted chemical-vapor deposition (PACVD), and with a nano-layer of fluorine derivative supplementation, for reducing the risk of complications related to adhesions, and the formation of a thick postoperative scar was prepared. The biological evaluation of designed or modified medical devices is the main aspect of preclinical research. If such studies use a medical device with prolonged contact with connective tissue (more than 30 days), biocompatibility studies require a safety assessment in terms of toxicity in vitro and in vivo, allergenicity, irritation, and cancerogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity. The ultimate aspect of biological evaluation is biofunctionality, and evaluation of the local tissue response after implantation, resulting in the determination of all aspects of local biocompatibility with the implemented synthetic material. The implantation of PACVD-modified materials in muscle allows us to estimate the local irritation effect on the connective tissue, determining the risk of scar formation, whereas implantation of the above-mentioned knitted fabric into the abdominal wall, assists with evaluating the risk of fistula formation-the main post-surgical complications. The research aimed to evaluate the local reaction of the soft tissues after the implantation of the knitted implants modified with PACVD of the fluoropolymer in the nanostuctural form. The local effect that occurred during the implantation of the designed implants was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated when PACVD unmodified (reference), and modified medical devices were implanted in the abdominal cavity (intra-abdominal position) for 12 or into the muscles for 56 weeks. The comparative semi-quantitative histological assessment included the severity of inflammatory cells (multinucleated cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, giant cells) and the tissue response (necrosis, neovascularization, fibrosis, and fat infiltration) on a five-point scale. The knitted implants modified by PACVD did not indicate cumulative tissue response when they were implanted in the muscle and intra-abdominally with direct contact with the viscera. They reduced local tissue reaction (score -2.71 after 56 weeks of the implantation) and internal organ adhesion (irritation score -2.01 and adhesion susceptibility -0.3 after 12 weeks of the implantation) compared with the reference (unmodified by PACVD) knitted implant, which had an identical structure and was made of the same source.

The Use of Modern Technologies by Dentists in Poland: Questionnaire among Polish Dentists.

BACKGROUND: From one year to another, dentists have access to more procedures using modern techniques. Many of them can improve the effectiveness of dental procedures and frequently facilitate and accelerate them. OBJECTIVES: Technically advanced devices are an important part of modern dentistry. Over the years, there were developed technologies like ultrasounds, lasers, air abrasion, ozonotherapy, caries diagnostic methods, chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR), pulp vitality tests, computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the requirement of Polish dentists for such technologies. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was posted on a social media group of dentists from Poland. 187 responses were obtained. RESULTS: It turned out that almost every respondent uses ultrasounds, but other technologies are not as popular. 43% use CCLAD, 33% use diagnostic methods, 28% use air abrasion, 25% use dental lasers, 21% use CMCR, 18% use pulp vitality tests and 6% use ozonotherapy. The most common reason for not using the aforementioned technologies were their high cost and the sufficient effectiveness of raditional methods. There was a correlation between use of a dental laser and CCLAD and size of office, CMCR use and dentists' work time and air abrasion use and gender. Many dentists claim that they will try one of the modern technologies in the future. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that Polish dentists tend to use ultrasounds and CCLAD more than any other technology. In the future this may change, so more studies in this topic are needed.

Review on the Lymphatic Vessels in the Dental Pulp.

Despite many studies, opinions on the lymphatic system of the teeth are still incompatible. Studies using light and electron microscopy and directly using methods such as a radioisotope (radionuclide) scan and interstitial fluid pressure measurement reported incomplete results. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays the main role in investigating presence of the lymphatic system in dental tissues. This method uses labeled antibodies against antigens typical of lymphatic vessels. The use of appropriate staining enables the detection of antigen-antibody reaction products using a light (optical), electron or fluorescence microscope. However, these studies do not show the system of vessels, their histologic structure under physiological conditions and inflammation as well as the lymphangiogenesis process in the dental pulp. Unfortunately, there is a lack of studies associating the presence of lymphatic vessels in the dental pulp with local lymphatic nodes or large vessels outside the tooth. In the scientific and research environment, the evaluation of the lymphatic system of the teeth is problematic because it is quite difficult to clearly distinguish lymphatic vessels from small blood vessels. Despite many indications of the presence of lymphatic vessels in the pulp chamber, this problem remains open and needs further research.

Nanomaterials Application in Endodontics.

In recent years, nanomaterials have become increasingly present in medicine, especially in dentistry. Their characteristics are proving to be very useful in clinical cases. Due to the intense research in the field of biomaterials and nanotechnology, the efficacy and possibilities of dental procedures have immensely expanded over the years. The nano size of materials allows them to exhibit properties not present in their larger-in-scale counterparts. The medical procedures in endodontics are time-consuming and mostly require several visits to be able to achieve the proper result. In this field of dentistry, there are still major issues about the removal of the mostly bacterial infection from the dental root canals. It has been confirmed that nanoparticles are much more efficient than traditional materials and appear to have superior properties when it comes to surface chemistry and bonding. Their unique antibacterial properties are also promising features in every medical procedure, especially in endodontics. High versatility of use of nanomaterials makes them a powerful tool in dental clinics, in a plethora of endodontic procedures, including pulp regeneration, drug delivery, root repair, disinfection, obturation and canal filling. This study focuses on summing up the current knowledge about the utility of nanomaterials in endodontics, their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and provides a number of reasons why research in this field should be continued.

Local Effects of a 1940 nm Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser and a 1470 nm Diode Laser on the Pulmonary Parenchyma: An Experimental Study in a Pig Model.

The lungs are a common site of metastases from malignant tumors. Their removal with a minimal but safe tissue margin is essential for the long-term survival of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a 1940 nm thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) and a 1470 nm diode laser (DL) in a pig model of lung surgery that involved the incision and excision of lung tissue. Histopathological analysis was performed on days 0 and 7 after surgery. Neither TDFL nor DL caused significant perioperative or postoperative bleeding. Histological analysis revealed the presence of carbonized necrotic tissue, mixed fibrin-cellular exudate in the superficial zone of thermal damage and bands of deeper thermal changes. The mean total width of thermal damage on day 0 was 499.46 ± 61.44 and 937.39 ± 109.65 µm for TDFL and DL, respectively. On day 7, cell activation and repair processes were visible. The total width of thermal damage was 2615.74 ± 487.17 µm for TDFL vs. 6500.34 ±1118.02 µm for DL. The superficial zone of thermal damage was narrower for TDFL on both days 0 and 7. The results confirm the effectiveness of both types of laser in cutting and providing hemostasis in the lungs. TDFL caused less thermal damage to the lung parenchyma than DL.

The Influence of a Knitted Hydrophilic Prosthesis of Blood Vessels on the Activation of Coagulation System-In Vitro Study.

The replacement of affected blood vessels of the polymer material can cause imbalances in the blood haemostatic system. Changes in blood after the implantation of vascular grafts depend not only on the chemical composition but also on the degree of surface wettability. The Dallon® H unsealed hydrophilic knitted vascular prosthesis double velour was assessed at work and compare with hydrophobic vascular prosthesis Dallon®. Spectrophotometric studies were performed in the infrared and differential scanning calorimetry, which confirmed the effectiveness of the process of modifying vascular prostheses. Determination of the parameters of coagulation time of blood after contact in vitro with Dallon® H vascular prosthesis was also carried out. Prolongation of activated thromboplastin time, decreased activity of factor XII, IX and VIII, were observed. The prolonged thrombin and fibrinogen were reduced in the initial period of the experiment. The activity of plasminogen and antithrombin III and protein C were at the level of control value. The observed changes in the values of determined parameters blood coagulation do not exceed the range of referential values for those indexes. The observed changes are the result of considerable blood absorptiveness by the prosthesis of blood vessels and their sealing.

Usefulness of Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser and Diode Laser in Zero Ischemia Kidney Surgery-Comparative Study in Pig Model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a thulium-doped fiber laser and a diode laser in zero ischemia kidney surgery, by carrying out a comparative study in a pig model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research was carried out on 12 pigs weighing 30 kg each. A thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) and a diode laser (DL) operating at wavelengths of 1940 and 1470 nm, respectively, were used. The cut sites were assessed both macroscopically and microscopically. The zone of thermal damage visible in the histopathological preparations was divided into superficial and total areas. RESULTS: During partial nephrectomy, moderate to minimal bleeding was observed, which did not require additional hemostatic measures. All animals survived the procedure. On day 0, the total thermal damage depth was 837.8 µm for the TDFL and 1175.0 µm for the DL. On day 7, the depths were 1556.2 and 2301.7 µm, respectively. On day 14, the overall thermal damage depth for the DL was the greatest (6800 µm). The width of the superficial zone was significantly reduced on days 7 and 14 after TDFL application. CONCLUSION: Both lasers are suitable for partial wedge nephrectomy without ischemia in pigs. The TDFL produced similar or better hemostasis than the DL, with a smaller zone of thermal damage and, therefore, seems more suitable for application in human medicine.

Review on Polymer, Ceramic and Composite Materials for CAD/CAM Indirect Restorations in Dentistry-Application, Mechanical Characteristics and Comparison.

The aim of this review article is to present various material groups, including ceramics, composites and hybrid materials, currently utilized in the field of CAD/CAM. The described technology is amongst the most important in modern prosthetics. Materials that are applicable in this technique are constantly tested, evaluated and improved. Nowadays, research on dental materials is carried out in order to meet the increasing demand on highly aesthetic and functional indirect restorations. Recent studies present the long-term clinical success of restorations made with the help of both ceramic and composite materials in the CAD/CAM method. However, new materials are developed and introduced that do not have long-term in vivo observations. We can outline a monolithic polymer-infiltrated ceramic network and zirconia teeth support that show promising results to date but require further assessment. The materials will be compared with regard to their mechanical and clinical properties, purpose, advantages and limitations.

Relationships between circulating galectin-3, extracellular matrix fibrosis and outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 is an emerging biomarker in cardiovascular disease. Myocardial galectin-3 is involved in the pathology of cardiac fibrosis; however, the role of circulating galectin-3 is not yet established. OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationships between circulating galectin-3, fibrosis and outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 70 patients (age: 48 ±12.1 years, ejection fraction (EF) 24.4 ±7.4%) with new-onset DCM (n = 35, ≤6 months). Galectin-3 and procollagen type I and III (PICP, PINP, PIIICP, and PIIINP), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), osteopontin (OPN), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9), and tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) were determined in serum at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. Patients underwent endomyocardial biopsy. The endpoint was a combination of death and urgent hospitalization at 12 months. RESULTS: Galectin-3 did not correlate with biopsy-determined fibrosis. Baseline galectin-3 correlated with OPN,, TIMP-1, PIIICP, and MMP-2. In new-onset DCM, galectin-3 levels at baseline were higher than at 3 and 12 months, whereas in chronic DCM there was no difference. Galectin-3 was a predictor of the endpoint (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.115; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.009-1.231; p < 0.05). The best cut-off value was 14.54 ng/mL (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.67). Patients with galectin-3 ≥14.54 ng/mL had an increased risk of events (HR = 2.569; 95% CI = 1.098-6.009; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating galectin-3 is unrelated to fibrosis. Serial measurements of galectin-3 correlated with markers of fibrosis, including markers of collagen synthesis and OPN. Circulating galectin-3 was independently associated with cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in DCM.

Study of Flebogrif®-A New Tool for Mechanical Sclerotherapy-Effectiveness Assessment Based on Animal Model.

Sclerotherapy is the chemical occlusion of vessels using an intravenous injection of a liquid or foamed sclerosing agent that is used in the therapy of blood and lymphatic vessels malformations in the young, and for spider veins, smaller varicose veins, hemorrhoids and hydroceles in adults. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mechanosclerotherapy of venous veins with a new device-Flebogrif®-based on an animal model. The experiment was performed on nine Polish Merino sheep weighing 40-50 kilograms. The animals were anesthetized intravenously. The material was divided into three groups: two experimental (1 and 2) and control (3) group. The first experimental group was treated with the use of Flebogrif® and a sclerosant simultaneously, while only Flebogrif® was used in the second experimental group. Flebogrif® was applied into the lateral saphenous vein of both pelvic limbs. The vessel wall thickness was estimated at four points of the histological image in mm (V1, V2, V3, V4). For one month, the animals were euthanized, and the occlusion rate of the treated veins and changes in the vein wall were determined. Histological slides were analyzed under a light microscope and histometry of the vein wall was performed. The Shapiro-Wilk test and the quantity of the investigated parameter groups allowed for using a non-parametric method at four points to compare thickness measurements (the Mann-Whitney test), with p < 0.05. The Mann-Whitney test indicated statistically significant differences between both experimental groups. The results obtained from morphometrical and histological analysis showed better results in the first experimental group than those of the second experimental group. Finally, statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the both the experimental group and control group in morphological analysis. The achieved results allowed us to conclude that the simultaneous use of Flebogrif® and a sclerosant yielded better results of vein lumen reduction than the use of Flebogrif® alone.

Nanomaterials Application in Orthodontics.

Nanotechnology has gained importance in recent years due to its ability to enhance material properties, including antimicrobial characteristics. Nanotechnology is applicable in various aspects of orthodontics. This scientific work focuses on the concept of nanotechnology and its applications in the field of orthodontics, including, among others, enhancement of antimicrobial characteristics of orthodontic resins, leading to reduction of enamel demineralization or control of friction force during orthodontic movement. The latter one enables effective orthodontic treatment while using less force. Emphasis is put on antimicrobial and mechanical characteristics of nanomaterials during orthodontic treatment. The manuscript sums up the current knowledge about nanomaterials' influence on orthodontic appliances.

Application of Selected Nanomaterials and Ozone in Modern Clinical Dentistry.

This review is an attempt to summarize current research on ozone, titanium dioxide (TiO2), silver (Ag), copper oxide CuO and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs). These agents can be used in various fields of dentistry such as conservative dentistry, endodontic, prosthetic or dental surgery. Nanotechnology and ozone can facilitate the dentist's work by providing antimicrobial properties to dental materials or ensuring a decontaminated work area. However, the high potential of these agents for use in medicine should be confirmed in further research due to possible side effects, especially in long duration of observation so that the best way to apply them can be obtained.

In vitro SEM analysis of desensitizing agents and experimental hydroxyapatite-based composition effectiveness in occluding dentin tubules.

BACKGROUND: Novel materials used for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) treatment, including hydroxyapatite-based desensitizers, are not only effective in occluding dentinal tubules, but are also biocompatible and non-toxic. A newly formulated desensitizer containing hydroxyapatite was evaluated in comparison to commercially available desensitizers. OBJECTIVES: To compare the occluding efficacy and durability of 3 commercially available desensitizing agents with a pharmaceutical composition developed by the authors based on hydroxyapatite (HAp). MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the experiment, 40 disc-shaped dentin specimens (5 mm thick) were obtained from extracted human teeth. Each disc was divided into 4 sections, so that each desensitizing agent could be applied to each specimen and prepared for further evaluation in most homogenous conditions. The chemical composition of the dentin surfaces was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra techniques. The specimens were immersed in an artificial saliva solution for 24 h, 48 h and 7 days to assess the durability of the layers and the tubule-obliteration effectiveness. Data analysis was performed using Student's t-test with an average value of normal distribution at an unknown variance with a standard deviation (SD) of σ-0.4. RESULTS: All the test groups showed some degree of dentinal tubule occlusion or a covering layer, but the HAp-based composition proved to be the longest-lasting. It was concluded that the developed pharmaceutical composition creates a coating on the dentin surface built of hydroxyapatite crystals sized 10-20 µm, which are likely to constitute a reservoir of calcium and phosphate ions, as well as smaller crystals (0.2-0.3 µm) that occlude dentinal tubules. CONCLUSIONS: The composition containing biocompatible hydroxyapatite effectively occluded dentinal tubules and therefore exhibits a potential for reducing the pain and discomfort caused by dentin hypersensitivity.

The Influence of Ozonated Olive Oil-Loaded and Copper-Doped Nanohydroxyapatites on Planktonic Forms of Microorganisms.

The research has been carried out with a focus on the assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of pure nanohydroxyapatite, Cu2+-doped nanohydroxyapatite, ozonated olive oil-loaded nanohydroxyapatite, and Cu2+-doped nanohydroxyapatite, respectively. Their potential antimicrobial activity was investigated against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Candida albicans. Among all tested materials, the highest efficacy was observed in terms of ozonated olive oil. The studies were performed using an Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), electron microscopy, and statistical methods, by determining the value of Colony-Forming Units (CFU/mL) and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).