Assessment and Characterization of Some New Photosensitizers for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT).

The novelty of this study consists on the formulation and evaluation of five complex experimental natural photosensitizers (PS): gel with oregano essential oil (O), gel with methylene blue (AM), gel with a mixture of essential oils (Thieves-H), gel with arnica oil and curcuma extract (CU) and gel with frankincense essential oil (T), used as photosensitizing agents (PS) in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the control of microbial biofilm in oral cavity. The experimental PS were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, cytotoxicity assay, antimicrobial effect and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The IR spectra of the experimental PS with essential oils exhibit absorption bands due to the presence of water and glycerol in high quantities. The studied compounds had a reduced cytotoxic effect on cell cultures. The lowest cytotoxic effect was observed in experimental PS with oregano essential oil and methylene blue PS. Essential oils with proven antibacterial capabilities used in experimental PS confer antibacterial activity to the gels in which they are incorporated, an activity that may be more efficient use of a PDT therapy. Single bacteria were detected mainly by SEM after 12 h, while aggregate bacteria and micro colonies dominated the samples at 48 h.

Chair-side saliva parameters assessment and caries experience evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Carioreceptivity-based, individualized prevention protocols allow a minimally invasive approach in many patients, in all age groups. The long-term success of such protocols depends not only on the actual caries experience of the patients, but also on the possible responses based on natural defense mechanisms. Therefore the salivary flow, the buffer capacity of stimulated and non-stimulated saliva and mostly the Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli number are highly important in deciding whether a long-term remineralization therapy can be successfully applied for early stage caries lesions. Similar tests may record the the acidogenicity of dental biofilms. These risk factors can be entered into a computer-based risk assessment program (such as Cariogram). METHODOLOGY: An extensive literature search was performed on Medline/PubMed using as key-words: Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacilli, saliva volume, pH and buffer capacity. The methodology of selecting the reviewed literature and the inclusion criteria were based on articles published in the last ten years. RESULTS: Besides topically applied remineralization products, either in-office or at-home, changes in the diet can diminish the number of cario-active bacteria, especially Lactobacilli. Latest researches show that dentifrices, especially toothpastes containing xylitol and/or probiotics can have a significant cario-protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries assessment is very important for specific age groups, because most risk factors have specific consequences in different age groups. Pre-teen and teenage patients need more individualized caries management strategies in order to avoid the onset of new caries lesions. Root caries risk may be decreased by an intensive and continuous preventive care.

Comparative radiographic assessment of a new bioceramic-based root canal sealer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the radiopacity of two bioceramic-based root canal sealers, the conventional TotalFill BC sealer (FKG Dentaire Switzerland) and a new experimental filling material developed in collaboration with 'Raluca Ripan' Institute for Research in Chemistry, Cluj-Napoca. METHODS: Five disc samples were prepared using both materials (10 mm diameter × 1 mm thickness), being subjected to digital radiography together with aluminum step wedges (1 to 12 mm in thickness), in accordance with ISO 6876: 2012. Radiopacity was determined by the computer analysis of the images obtained. Four different areas were selected for each sample, corresponding to a disk-sample quadrant. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. RESULTS: Both materials showed a radiopacity that was 3 mm greater than the equivalent thickness of aluminum. Total Fill BC showed greater radiopacity than the experimental material, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both materials comply with ISO 6876: 2012 recommendations on minimum radiopacity.

Facial Attractiveness Assessment using Illustrated Questionnairers.

INTRODUCTION: An attractive facial appearance is considered nowadays to be a decisive factor in establishing successful interactions between humans. In relation to this topic, scientific literature states that some of the facial features have more impact then others, and important authors revealed that certain proportions between different anthropometrical landmarks are mandatory for an attractive facial appearance. AIM: Our study aims to assess if certain facial features count differently in people's opinion while assessing facial attractiveness in correlation with factors such as age, gender, specific training and culture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 5-item multiple choice illustrated questionnaire was presented to 236 dental students. The Photoshop CS3 software was used in order to obtain the sets of images for the illustrated questions. The original image was handpicked from the internet by a panel of young dentists from a series of 15 pictures of people considered to have attractive faces. For each of the questions, the images presented were simulating deviations from the ideally symmetric and proportionate face. The sets of images consisted in multiple variations of deviations mixed with the original photo. Junior and sophomore year students from our dental medical school, having different nationalities were required to participate in our questionnaire. Simple descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data. RESULTS: Assessing the results obtained from the questionnaire it was observed that a majority of students considered as unattractive the overdevelopment of the lower third, while the initial image with perfect symmetry and proportion was considered as the most attractive by only 38.9% of the subjects. Likewise, regarding the symmetry 36.86% considered unattractive the canting of the inter-commissural line. The interviewed subjects considered that for a face to be attractive it needs to have harmonious proportions between the different facial elements. CONCLUSIONS: Considering an evaluation of facial attractiveness it is important to keep in mind that such assessment is subjective and influenced by multiple factors, among which the most important are cultural background and specific training.

The utility of 40 MHz periodontal ultrasonography in the assessment of gingival inflammation evolution following professional teeth cleaning.

UNLABELLED: The AIM of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 40 MHz periodontal ultrasonography in the assessment of gingival inflammation, following professional teeth cleaning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 18 teeth without restorations having subgingival calculus (upper and lower premolars and frontal teeth). After the clinical exam the Gingival Index and the Sulcus Bleeding Index were calculated. Then a 40MHz transducer (ULTRASONIX SonoTouch device) was used to obtain longitudinal sections in the frontal plane. Three measurements were performed: alveolar crest - cementum-enamel junction distance (ACJ), gingival height (GH), and gingival width (GW). Professional cleaning was performed by ultrasound scaling (SatelecP5 booster, France) and airflow (NSK, Japan). Two and seven days after the first evaluation, ultrasonographic and clinical examinations were repeated. RESULTS: Two days after the treatment the median value of the ACJ, was 2.70 (2.38; 2.95) mm, whereas 7 days after treatment it was 2.55 (2.45; 3.01) mm. The intraclass correlation coefficient for ACJ measurement was 98.8 (p<0.001).The values obtained measuring GH [3.84(3.44; 4.27) mm vs. 3.52 (3.00; 3.76) mm] and GW [(1.81 (1.65; 1.95) mm vs.1.62 (1.40; 1.95) mm) had statistically significant differences between the 2nd and 7th day. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal ultrasonography is a highly precise and reproducible imagistic method, with which bone resorption, gingival inflammation as well as the presence or absence of subgingival calculus can be assessed.

Quantitative assessment of the masseter muscle's elasticity using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse.

AIMS: The study proposes Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) assessment of the masseter muscle elasticity in the healthy population and in patients who have undergone head and neck radiation therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five healthy controls constituted group A, and 13 patients who had underwent radiotherapy (35Gy minimum) formed group B. ARFI was performed bilaterally in the periphery (P) and the muscle center (C), in relaxation and contraction. Means and standard deviations were obtained for the recorded shear waves velocities (SWV). RESULTS: For group A: in the relaxed right muscle C = 1.87±0.52 m/s and P = 1.96 ±0.55 m/s and in the left muscle C = 1.66 +/- 0.47 m/s, P = 1.67 +/-0.53 m/s. For group B, in relaxation, the right side presented C = 1.67 +/-0.6 m/s, P 1.72 +/-0.56 m/s, the left muscle C = 1.6 +/-0.34 m/s, P = 1.73 +/-0.37 m/s. There were no differences (p> 0.05) between P and C of both groups, regardless of the muscle state. The values for relaxation and contraction in A and B (merged values of the right and left) presented no differences (1.79+/-0.52 m/s vs 1.72 +/-0.73 m/s, p = 0.72 and 1.70 +/-0.48 m/s and vs 1.59 +/-0.77 m/s, p = 0.98). All measurements of group A vs B were not different (1.79 +/-0.52 m/s vs 1.65 +/-0.63 m/s, p = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: ARFI with SWV measurement enables the quantification of normal and post irradiation elasticity of the masseter. Further studies on a larger population are required to validate the normal and pathologic values.

The evaluation of 20 MHz ultrasonography, computed tomography scans as compared to direct microscopy for periodontal system assessment.

AIM: To identify by ultrasonography (DermaScan C, Cortex Technology1) the reference points necessary to monitor the horizontal bone resorbtion and to assess the accuracy of the measurements by comparing with Cone Beam Computed Tomography images, having direct microscopic section measurements as a gold standard. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed the examinations on the lingual side of the alveolar bone of 4 pig mandibles. We tried to identify the enamel-cementum junction, the root, the periodontal space at the appearance of the tooth from the alveolar bone, the edge of cortical bone at its coronary limit (in order to assess the horizontal bone resorption). We measured the distance between the enamel-cementum junction and the coronal edge of cortical bone. RESULTS: There was a strong positive correlation between the alveolar bone level measured with the 3 techniques. Correlation parametric R2 tests were statistically significant for DermaScan measurements compared to microscopy ones (p<0.0001). Linear regression showed statistically significant correlations for alveolar bone level measurements made by CBCT compared to microscopy (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The cementum-enamel junction may be identified on ultrasonic images with high accuracy according to the tooth anatomical convexities, therefore this method can be used for monitoring the periodontium.