Efficacy of Curcumin-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Candida spp.-A Systematic Review.

Oral candidiasis is a common problem among immunocompetent patients. The frequent resistance of Candida strains to popular antimycotics makes it necessary to look for alternative methods of treatment. The authors conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The objective of this review was to determine if curcumin-mediated blue light could be considered as an alternative treatment for oral candidiasis. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using a combination of the following keywords: (Candida OR candidiasis oral OR candidiasis oral OR denture stomatitis) AND (curcumin OR photodynamic therapy OR apt OR photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy OR PACT OR photodynamic inactivation OR PDI). The review included in vitro laboratory studies with Candida spp., in vivo animal studies, and randomized control trials (RCTs) involving patients with oral candidiasis or prosthetic stomatitis, published only in English. The method of elimination of Candida species in the studies was curcumin-mediated aPDT. A total of 757 studies were identified. Following the analysis of the titles and abstracts of the studies, only 42 studies were selected for in-depth screening, after which 26 were included in this study. All studies evaluated the antifungal efficacy of curcumin-mediated aPDT against C. albicans and non-albicans Candida. In studies conducted with planktonic cells solutions, seven studies demonstrated complete elimination of Candida spp. cells. The remaining studies demonstrated only partial elimination. In all cases, experiments on single-species yeast biofilms demonstrated partial, statistically significant inhibition of cell growth and reduction in biofilm mass. In vivo, curcumin-mediated aPDT has shown good antifungal activity against oral candidiasis also in an animal model. However, its clinical efficacy as a potent therapeutic strategy for oral candidiasis requires few further RCTs.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin (i-PRF) in the Non-Surgical Treatment of Periodontitis-A Systematic Review.

The gold standard in the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis is scaling and root planing (SRP). In recent years, the use of autogenous platelet concentrates has spread over many specialties in dentistry and, thus, has also been gaining popularity in periodontal treatment. Its two main fractions are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which, since 2014, can also be used via injection as injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF). The authors conducted a comprehensive systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. It involved searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using the phrases ("Root Planing" OR "Subgingival Curettage" OR "Periodontal Debridement") AND ("Platelet-Rich Plasma"). Based on the authors' inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 results were included in the review, out of 1170 total results. The objective of this review was to ascertain the impact of utilizing PRP and i-PRF in SRP. The results revealed that both the incorporation of PRP and i-PRF were found to be significantly associated with are duction in gingival pocket depth and again in clinical attachment level; however, i-PRF demonstrated superiority in improving clinical parameters. Furthermore, i-PRF demonstrated notable bactericidal efficacy against Porphyromonas gingivalis. On the other hand, PRP proved inferior to an Nd:YAG laser in clinical parameter improvement; however, it demonstrated significant efficiency as well. This literature review led the authors to the conclusion that autologous platelet concentrates might be competent agents for improving the therapeutic outcomes of SRP.

Introduction to Amniotic Membranes in Maxillofacial Surgery-A Scoping Review.

Background: Amniotic membrane (AM) holds significant promise in various medical fields due to its unique properties and minimal ethical concerns. This study aims to explore the diverse applications of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) in maxillofacial surgery. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted on databases, namely Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, from January 1985 to March 2024. Articles in English, Polish, and Spanish were included, focusing on keywords related to amniotic membrane and oral surgery. Results: Various preservation methods for HAM were identified, namely fresh, decellularized, cryopreserved, lyophilized, and air-dried formats. Clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of HAM in repairing oral mucosal defects, vestibuloplasty, oronasal fistula closure, cleft palate treatment, bone defect repair, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Surgeon evaluations highlighted the ease of handling but noted challenges in suturing and stability during application. Conclusions: Amniotic membranes offer a versatile and effective option in maxillofacial surgery, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and providing a scaffold for tissue regeneration. Further research, including randomized trials and comparative studies, is warranted to validate the efficacy and optimize the utilization of HAM in clinical practice.

Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Oral Mucositis-A Case Report.

In 2021, our group published a laboratory study on the impact of PBM on human gingival fibroblasts. The in vitro results confirmed the fact that the appropriately selected wavelength and properly selected parameters of the laser settings can increase cell proliferation, modulate inflammatory markers, and decrease the susceptibility of human gingival fibroblasts to apoptosis. Therefore, this case report was aimed at the clinical evaluation of the proposed settings and treatment regimen in a very difficult situation of an immunocompromised patient with extensive changes and stagnation of symptoms for many weeks. A 65-year-old man, during his oncological treatment, was diagnosed with oral mucositis grade 3 according to the World Health Organization and National Cancer Institute scales. Due to pain sensation, long-lasting and not healing oral lesions, and problems with solid food intake, he was qualified for laser photobiomodulation therapy. For the management of oral lesions, a diode laser 635 nm (SmartMPro, Lasotronix, Poland) was intraorally applied at an energy density of 4 J/cm2, the 20 s of irradiation, the output power of 100 mW, and in continuous wave mode. Seven treatment procedures were performed two times a week using the spot technique in contact and non-contact mode. Within 21 days of monotherapy, all ailments disappeared. The patient was also able to reuse dental dentures and return to a solid diet. The obtained results confirm the efficiency of at least 3 PBM protocols. Our case shows that the use of PMB therapy contributes to faster healing of painful oral lesions in oncological patients, and thus the treatment time and return to the appropriate quality of life is shorter.

Evaluation of the Sensitivity of Selected Candida Strains to Ozonated Water-An In Vitro Study.

(1) Background and Objectives: Oral candidiasis has increased significantly in recent years. Increasingly, we encounter treatment difficulties related to drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to search for other therapies such as ozone therapy, which has antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of selected Candida strains to ozonated water based on concentration and contact time (2) Methods: The sensitivity of Candida strains to ozonated water with a concentration of 5 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL was assessed using Mosmann's Tetrazolium Toxicity (MTT) assay. Statistical differences were assessed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Newman-Keuls post-hoc test. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. (3) Results: In all the strains and research trials, the number of viable cells was reduced by ozonated water. The reduction depended on the exposure time and concentration of ozonated water. The highest percentage reduction (34.98%) for the tested samples was obtained for the C. albicans strain after 120 s of exposure at the highest concentration-50 µg/mL. (4) Conclusions: The selected strains of Candida spp. were sensitive to ozonated water at all tested concentrations (5 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL). The sensitivity of strains to ozonated water increased with concentration and application time. Moreover, the sensitivity of Candida strains to ozonated water is comparable to that of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate.

Influence of Incubation Time on Ortho-Toluidine Blue Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Directed against Selected Candida Strains-An In Vitro Study.

(1) Background and the aim: The appropriate incubation time in the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy protocol seems to have a huge impact on the efficacy of this process. This is particularly important in relation to Candida strains, due to the size of these cells and the presence of the cell wall. The aims of this study were to determine the optimal incubation time needed for the absorption of toluidine blue by cells of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis using direct observation by optical microscopy, and to evaluate the efficacy of TBO-mediated aPDT on planktonic cells of these strains. (2) Methods: The microscopic evaluation consisted of taking a series of images at a magnification of 600× and counting the % of stained cells. The in vitro effect of TBO-mediated aPDT combined with a diode laser (635 nm, 400mW, 12 J/cm2, CW) on the viability of yeast cells with different incubation times was evaluated. (3) Results: The presence of TBO within the cytoplasm was observed in all tested Candida strains and at all microscopic evaluation times. However, the highest percentages of cells were stained at 7 and 10 min. The highest % reduction of CFU/mL after TBO-mediated aPDT against Candida was obtained for the strain C. albicans ATCC 10,231 and it was 78.55%. (4) Conclusions: TBO-mediated aPDT against Candida was effective in reducing the number of CFU/mL at all assessed incubation times. However, the most efficient period for almost all strains was 7-10 min.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the palatal mucosa in patient with history of anorexia: review and case report.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a self-limiting disorder affecting minor salivary glands resembling a malignant process both clinically and histopathologically. The etiology of this rare inflammatory` disorder is related to an ischemic event. Identified risk factors include alcohol abuse, smoking, drugs, denture wearing, injury and systemic diseases. Also reported are cases of necrotizing sialometaplasia associated with bulimia. This paper identifies the whole body incitement among additional risk factors by presenting a case of necrotizing sialometaplasia in an 18 year old patient with the history of anorexia nervosa. Furthermore it describes the effects of extreme cooling of palatal mucosa with ice chips resulting in constriction of blood vessels as the direct cause, reinforcing ischemic etiology of necrotizing sialometaplasia.

The use of photodynamic therapy in medical practice.

Cancer therapy, especially for tumors near sensitive areas, demands precise treatment. This review explores photodynamic therapy (PDT), a method leveraging photosensitizers (PS), specific wavelength light, and oxygen to target cancer effectively. Recent advancements affirm PDT's efficacy, utilizing ROS generation to induce cancer cell death. With a history spanning over decades, PDT's dynamic evolution has expanded its application across dermatology, oncology, and dentistry. This review aims to dissect PDT's principles, from its inception to contemporary medical applications, highlighting its role in modern cancer treatment strategies.

Red/Orange Autofluorescence in Selected Candida Strains Exposed to 405 nm Laser Light.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans and similar species are significant pathogens in immunocompromised and hospitalized individuals, known for mucosal colonization and bloodstream/organ invasion. Many pathogenic fungi, including these species, exhibit autofluorescence (R/OF) under specific light conditions, a feature crucial for their detection. AIM: We investigated the use of a 405 nm diode laser for the direct observation of red/orange autofluorescence of Candida spp., common in the oral cavity, exploring its potential in health screenings. METHODS: This study utilized cultures of Candida spp. on Sabouraud dextrose agar with Qdot 655 and 685 for fluorescence benchmarking, illuminated using a 405 nm diode laser (continuous wave, power 250 mW, 0.0425 J/cm² fluence, 0.0014 W/cm² power density). Images were captured using a yellow-filter camera at set intervals (48 to 144 h). Visual and computational analyses evaluated the R/OF in terms of presence, intensity, coloration, and intra-colony variation. RESULTS: Most Candida strains displayed red/orange autofluorescence at all observation times, characterized by varied coloration and intra-colony distribution. Initially, there was an increase in R/OF intensity, which then stabilized in the later stages of observation. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the Candida strains tested are capable of emitting R/OF under 405 nm laser light. This finding opens up new possibilities for integrating R/OF detection into routine dental screenings for Candida spp.

Pilot Study: The Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with multifactorial aetiology. The relationship between periodontal disease and systemic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive disorders has been the subject of many studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on periodontal health in patients suffering from periodontitis and type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted with 14 patients. A total of 369 periodontal pockets in the study group and 431 in the control group were examined. For further analysis, the pockets were classified as moderately deep (4-5 mm) and deep (≥6 mm). All patients received standard non-surgical treatment: scaling and root planing (SRP). Additionally, a series of 30 hyperbaric chamber sessions was carried out in the study group. The following parameters were compared between groups: PD (probing depth), CAL (clinical attachment level), and BOP (bleeding on probing). The results of the study showed significantly better results in terms of PD reduction and CAL gain in the study group in comparison to the control group. Both groups showed a reduction in BOP (bleeding on probing) after treatment. The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy seems to have considerable benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of ropivacaine and lidocaine with epinephrine for infiltration anesthesia in dentistry. A randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of maxillary infiltration anesthesia with 0.5% plain ropivacaine or 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000. METHODS: 60 volunteers received 1.8 ml of the anesthetic for infiltration anesthesia of maxillary central and lateral incisors and canine teeth. The onset time and duration of pulp anesthesia were assessed with an electric pulp tester. The duration time of numbness of the upper lip was also monitored. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after administration of the solution. RESULTS: The efficacy of anesthesia of the lateral and central incisors was 100% for both anesthetics. There were small insignificant differences in effectiveness of canine pulp anesthesia. The mean onset time was significantly shorter for ropivacaine--2.2 minutes vs. 5.1 for lidocaine. Ropivacaine also had a significantly longer duration of action--mean time 79.2 minutes. Ropivacaine caused statistically significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate.

Fibroblasts Adhesion to Laser-Modified Titanium Surfaces-A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Laser treatment has been recently introduced in many fields of implant dentistry. The systematic review tried to address the question: "How does laser modification of titanium surface influence fibroblast adhesion?". METHODS: An electronic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed. The following keywords were used: (laser) AND (fibroblast) AND (titanium) AND (implant OR disc) AND (proliferation OR adhesion). Initially, 136 studies were found. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. All studies chosen to be included in the review were considered to have a low risk of bias. RESULTS: Studies included in the review varied with laser parameters or ways of observing fibroblast behavior. Studies showed that fibroblasts tend to take different shapes and create extensions on modified surfaces and that their metabolic activity is more intense. One study concentrated on laser application and showed that three-directional laser application is the most successful in terms of fibroblast adhesion. Studies which concentrated more on laser parameters showed that too low energy density (lower or equal to 0.75 J/cm2) does not influence fibroblast adhesion. Increasing the energy density over 0.75 J/cm2 causes better cell adhesion of fibroblasts to the laser-modified sample. One included study focused on increasing titanium surface wettability, which also positively influenced cell adhesion. CONCLUSION: The studies included in the review proved a positive effect of laser-modified titanium surfaces on fibroblast adhesion. However, the application of an appropriate laser energy dose is crucial.

Efficacy of Toluidine Blue-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Candida spp. A Systematic Review.

The effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of oral yeast infections was examined many times in recent years. The authors of this review tried to address the question: "Should TBO (toluidine blue ortho)-mediated aPDT be considered a possible alternative treatment for oral candidiasis?". PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CEN-TRAL) databases were searched from 1997 up to the 27th of October 2020 using a combination of the following keywords: (Candida OR Candidiasis oral OR Candidosis oral OR denture stomatitis) AND (toluidine blue OR photodynamic therapy OR aPDT OR photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy OR PACT OR photodynamic inactivation OR PDI). Animal studies or in vitro studies involving Candida albicans (C. albicans) and/or nonalbicans stain, randomized clinical trials (RCT) involving patients with oral candidiasis or denture stomatitis published solely in English language were included. Candida elimination method in animal, in vitro studies and RCT used was TBO-mediated aPDT. Exactly 393 studies were taken into consideration. Then, after analyzing titles and abstracts of said studies, 361 were excluded. Only 32 studies ended up being selected for in-depth screening, after which 21 of them were included in this study. All studies reported the antifungal effectiveness of aPDT with TBO against C. albicans and non-albicans Candida. In studies conducted with planktonic cells, only one study showed eradication of C. albicans. All others showed partial elimination and only one of them was not statistically significant. Experiments on yeast biofilms, in all cases, showed partial, statistically significant cell growth inhibition and weight reduction (a reduction in the number of cells-mainly hyphae) and the mass of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). In vivo aPDT mediated by TBO exhibits antifungal effects against oral Candida spp.; however, its clinical effectiveness as a potent therapeutic strategy for oral yeast infections requires further investigation.

Type 1 Diabetic Patients After Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation Have Less Intense Periodontal Inflammation Compared to Kidney Recipients Treated with Insulin.

BACKGROUND Long-term diabetes predisposes to pathological changes in periodontal tissues. Improvement in this respect can be expected in patients after pancreas transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the intensity of periodontium pathological lesions and inflammation markers concentration in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) after kidney (KTx) or simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 20 T1D patients after SPK and 16 after KTx, and 15 non-diabetic kidney recipients (control). Periodontal clinical parameters and concentration of selected biochemical markers of inflammation in GCF were assessed. The following tests were used in statistical data analysis: Shapiro-Wilk test, the t test, the Mann-Whitney U tests, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, and χ² test (also with Yate's correction). Moreover, linear regression and Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient was used. RESULTS There were no differences in modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI) and GCF volume between the SPK group and control group, whereas values of these parameters in the KTx group were higher than in the SPK and control groups. Maximal clinical attachment loss and pocket depth and Periotest values were higher in diabetic recipients compared to controls, and did not differ between SPK and KTx. The concentration of IL-1ß, MMP-8, resistin, TNFalpha, and YKL40 in the GCF in the KTx group was higher than in the SPK and control groups. In the combined group of T1D patients, there was a correlation between blood HbA1c and mSBI, GCF volume, and resistin, TNF-alpha and YKL40 concentrations, and between resistin concentration and mSBI. CONCLUSIONS T1D patients after SPK show lower levels of inflammatory markers in GCF and present reduced intensity of periodontitis compared to kidney recipients treated with insulin. The severity of morphological changes in periodontium in T1D patients after KTx or SPK is higher than in non-diabetic kidney recipients.

Simultaneously Transplanted Pancreas Improves Salivation and Reduces Oral Fungal Infections Incidence in Type 1 Diabetic Renal Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Long-lasting diabetes mellitus may lead to numerous pathologies in the oral cavity. The aim of the study was to assess the condition of the oral cavity, caries intensity, salivary parameters, and incidence of oral fungal infections in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after kidney transplantation (KTx) or simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation (SPK). METHODS: Twenty-one patients after SPK, 18 T1D patients after KTx, and 14 kidney recipients without diabetes (control group) were included in the study. Donor sources complied with Helsinki Congress and the Declaration of Istanbul. RESULTS: Approximal plague index in SPK (80% [68%-90%]) was comparable to KTx (80% [37.5%-92.5%]) but higher than in control group (46% [35%-50%]). All 3 groups did not differ in terms of decayed-missing-filled tooth index: 22.3 ± 4.8 vs 22.5 ± 4.5 vs 19.1 ± 4.9, respectively. Normal saliva resting secretion and consistency were more common in SPK (71.4% and 52%, respectively) than in KTx (27.8% and 50.0%, respectively). Stimulated saliva volume in the SPK, KTx and controls, pH value, and buffering capacity were comparable. In KTx higher incidence of Candida albicans infection (55.6%) compared with SPK (23.8%) and controls (no infection) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneously transplanted pancreas improves salivation and reduces the incidence of oral fungal infections in T1D kidney recipients. The severity of caries is higher and oral hygiene is worse in T1D kidney recipients compared with patients after KTx without diabetes.

Clinical Trials and Basic Research in Photodynamic Diagnostics and Therapies from the Center for Laser Diagnostics and Therapy in Poland.

The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the development of photodiagnostic and photodynamic therapy (PDD and PDT) techniques in Poland. The paper discusses the principles of PDD, including fluorescent techniques in determining precancerous conditions and cancers of the skin, digestive tract, bladder and respiratory tract. Methods of PDT of cancer will be discussed and the current state of knowledge as well as future trends in the development of photodynamic techniques will be presented, including the possibility of using photodynamic antimicrobial therapy. Research pioneers in photodynamic medicine such as Thomas Dougherty are an inspiration for the development of methods of PDD and PDT in our Clinic. The Center for Laser Diagnostics and Therapy in Bytom, Poland, promotes the propagation of PDD and PDT through the training of clinicians and raising awareness among students in training and the general public. Physicians at the Center are engaged in photomedical research aimed at clinical implementation and exploration of new avenues in photomedicine while optimizing existing modalities. The Center promotes dissemination of clinical results from a wide range of topics in PDD and PDT and serving as representative authorities of photodynamic medicine in Poland and Europe.

Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of oral squamous carcinoma-Clinical implications resulting from in vitro research.

BACKGROUND: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma is a common cancer of the head and neck region. Due to the frequency of diagnoses, high rate of mortality, mutilating nature of classic therapy and numerous complications, new methods of treatment are being sought. One promising solution for treatment which is utilized in many fields of oncology is photodynamic therapy. The purpose of this article is to present a general overview of the use of photodynamic therapy in preclinical in vitro studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search for articles corresponding to the topic of this review was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases using the following keywords: 'oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma,' 'photodynamic therapy,' 'photosensitizer(s),' 'in vitro,' 'cell culture(s),' 'spheroids,' 'CAM model', and 'in vivo.' RESULTS: Most of the previous work found in the literature search concerns research on the use of various photosensitizers and the determination of their level of phototoxicity against cell lines. CONCLUDING REMARKS: Research on the photodynamic effect in cell lines may be useful in establishing the mechanisms and effectiveness of the photodynamic method as a starting point for clinical trials. Studies on spheroidal models allows for testing photodynamic therapy under more clinical-like conditions. The Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay provides information about the vascular changes after treatment.

Assessment of sensitivity of selected Candida strains on antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using diode laser 635 nm and toluidine blue - In vitro research.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy is believed to be a promising treatment for Candida infections. This study evaluated the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using the 635 nm diode laser light and toluidine blue (TB) in the elimination of selected Candida species cultured on acrylic surface. METHODS: 108 acrylic plates (Methyl Methacrylate Polymer, routinely used for the production of prosthetic dentures) were placed in three sterile Petri dishes and poured with prepared suspensions of Candida strains: C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei. After all procedures of fungi incubation, fungal biofilm was visible on the plates' surfaces. The acrylic plates were divided into nine study groups (B) and nine control groups (K) for further experiments. In the study groups, the acrylic plates with fungal biofilm were immersed in TB and afterwards laser irradiation was applicated with different exposure parameters (groups: B1 - 400 mW, 24 J/cm2, 30 s; B2 - 300 mW, 18 J/cm2, 30 s; B3 - 200 mW, 12 J/cm2, 30 s) separately for each Candida species. The control groups contained following parameters: no exposure to laser light or TB, treatment only with TB without laser irradiation, or only laser irradiation without previous immersion in TB. Calculations of colony forming units (CFUs) were conducted by using aCOlyte (Synbiosis). Differences in CFUs were analyzed by the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: In all study groups, the reduction in CFUs was statistically significant. The differences in CFUs before and after intervention were insignificant. The K3 C.a. control group showed a statistical reduction of Candida albicans after laser irradiation. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the efficacy of aPDT against C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. krusei being dependent on the laser parameters and the type of fungus. The advantage of this study is the validation of aPDT effectiveness in in vitro studies to transpose this data into future clinical trials using photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Ropivacaine has no advantage over bupivacaine in thoracic epidural analgesia for patients with pectus excavatum undergoing the Nuss procedure - a single blind randomized clinical trial comparing efficacy and safety.

INTRODUCTION: Pectus excavatum repair (Nuss procedure) is a painful procedure requiring effective postoperative analgesia. AIM: To establish whether thoracic epidural analgesia with ropivacaine is non-inferior to epidural analgesia with bupivacaine following the Nuss procedure in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective, randomized, controlled, single blind study included 81 children. Computer-generated random numbers were used to allocate treatment. All children received general anesthesia. Intraoperative and postoperative analgesia was achieved with either 0.5% and 0.1% ropivacaine (group R) or 0.375% and 0.0625% bupivacaine (group B). The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Prince Henry Hospital Pain Score (PHHPS) were used to assess postoperative pain directly after and 1, 8, 20 and 24 hours after awakening from general anesthesia. NRS scores of more than 2 and a PHHPS score of more than 1 were considered as pain requiring intervention. Hemodynamic stability and side effects were also compared between the groups. RESULTS: The durations of the procedure and extubation times in groups R and B were similar (59 ±7 vs. 56 ±10 minutes and 9 ±5 vs. 10 ±5 minutes, respectively). Pain scores requiring intervention were below 10% and were recorded with similar frequency in both groups, except for one difference in the PHHPS score in favor of group R after 24 hours (12% vs. 40%, p < 0.05). The frequency of side effects and hemodynamic stability were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: 0.1% epidural ropivacaine has no advantage over 0.0625% epidural bupivacaine for pectus excavatum repair in children.

Amount of interleukin-1ß and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in periodontitis and healthy patients.

OBJECTIVE: Regulation of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) is a critical element of immune responses in health and disease. Additional research is required to determine the levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) sufficient to inhibit inteleukine-1-induced responses in periodontium. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of IL-1ß, IL-1ra in gingival crevicular fluid samples obtained from periodontitis and healthy patients. DESIGN OF THE STUDY: The periodontitis group consisted of 50 patients (F-31, M-19) with chronic periodontitis. The control group consisted of 30 periodontally healthy subjects (F-19, M-11). Oral hygiene index-simplified, gingival index, pocket depth, clinical attachment level were measured. The concentrations of interleukins in gingival crevicular fluid were measured by the ELISA technique. RESULTS: The total amounts of interleukin-1ß and IL-1ra were significantly higher in periodontitis group than in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of each cytokine were reported also as moles. In the control group there were 800-times more moles/sample of IL-1ra than IL-1ß. In periodontitis group nearly 300-times more moles/sample of IL-1ra was obtained. The significant positive Spearman's rank correlations was identified between both concentrations (R=0.39; P<0.05) and total amounts (R=0.31; P<0.05) of cytokines in the periodontitis group. CONCLUSION: The increased secretion of IL-1ra in periodontitis is not adequate to "curb" the release of IL-1ß.