Color stability of resin-based composites exposed to smoke. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review on color stability of dental resin-based composites (RBC) exposed to conventional and electronic cigarettes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro studies reporting on the color stability of RBC exposed to conventional cigarettes or to e-cigarettes: both Tobacco Heating Systems (THS) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). The quality of the included studies was assessed with the QUIN tool (risk-of-bias tool for assessing in vitro studies conducted in dentistry). A systematic search, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was performed on four (n = 4) databases (Embase, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) for articles published until March 28th, 2022. RESULTS: Of the 365 screened articles, 13 were included in this review. All the included articles analyzed conventional cigarette smoke (CS), four analyzed Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and two Tobacco Heating Systems (THS). In terms of study design, smoke exposure time, smoke flow, type and number of cigarettes a high variability was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests that CS smoke significantly affects color stability. Electronic cigarettes show less color change that seems to be easily recovered under clinical acceptability thresholds, although evidence is scarce. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should be aware, and should therefore warn their patients, that RBCs are subjected to irreversible color change if exposed to smoke. Electronic cigarettes (both ENDS and THS) induce less color change that can be recovered with repolishing or whitening procedures.

Validation of the Italian version of the abbreviated expanded prostate Cancer index composite (EPIC-26) in men with prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to validate and evaluate the psychometric properties and reliability of the Italian version of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite - Short Form (EPIC-26), a measure of quality of life (QoL) for prostate cancer patients. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-four prostate cancer patients completed the Italian version of the EPIC-26 questionnaire at 45 days (T1) and 3 months (T2) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Psychometric properties were evaluated using structural equation modeling: the goodness of fit of the correlated five-factor model (CFFM) for the EPIC-26 was assessed using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while longitudinal invariance was conducted to assess the ability of the EPIC-26 to measure QoL construct over time. Test-retest reliability was assessed as well by considering intraclass correlations. RESULTS: At T1, the CFFM model displayed a good fit to data. Similarly, the model showed an adequate fit also at T2. Results of the reliability analysis attested the acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability of each dimension: all Cronbach's alphas could be classified as acceptable (i.e., above .65) except for low Cronbach's alpha for hormonal dysfunction at T1 (i.e., .638) and urinary irritation at both waves. (i.e., respectively .585 and .518). Finally, psychometric properties were invariant over time and each of the five dimensions of QoL displayed from moderate (all ICCs above .500) to good test-retest reliability (i.e. ICC for urinary incontinence = .764). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the CFA and the measurement invariance analysis demonstrated the validity of the Italian version of the EPIC-26 to assess QoL in prostate cancer patients. Its reliability and good psychometric qualities are well-supported, thus providing a valid tool to assess health-related quality of life and its change over time in prostate cancer patients.

Massive intrusion of maxillary second molar for prosthodontic purposes through miniscrew-supported biomechanics and fixed partial appliances: A case report.

This clinical case demonstrates how the use of a hybrid approach consisting of aligners, orthodontic miniscrews and partial fixed appliances can be an effective and efficient solution for recovering adequate vertical space for satisfactory implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. Specifically, massive intrusion of an upper second molar (tooth 1.7) was achieved orthodontically with direct TADs support to allow otherwise unpredictable movements and achieve maximum anchorage control for subsequent implant rehabilitation of the fourth quadrant.

Novel Dental Restorative Solutions for Natural Teeth and Implants.

The long-term survival of restorations in the oral cavity has always been one of the most significant challenges in modern dental practice [...].

In vitro procedures for color stability evaluation of dental resin-based composites exposed to smoke: A scoping review.

The objective of this study was to review the experimental in vitro procedures employed to assess the color stability of resin-based composites exposed to smoke. A literature search was performed on four databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science). The quality of the included papers was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). In total, 25 studies were selected for full-text reading, from which 12 were included in the review. The assessed variables were: dimensions, shape, time before exposure, finishing, smoke-type, exposure time, brushing simulation, color, measuring system, repolishing. A disk-shaped specimen was used in most studies (n=10) with a 2 mm thickness (n=7) in custom made devices equipped with vacuum pumps or in Vitrocell systems. Spectrophotometers were the most used devices (n=11). Color differences were quantified with ΔE (n=12), ΔE00 (n=1). The large variety of staining procedures suggests the need for standardization.

One-Year Quality of Life Trends in Early-Stage Lung Cancer Patients After Lobectomy.

Objective: Quality of Life (QoL) is an important predictor of patient's recovery and survival in lung cancer patients. The aim of the present study is to identify 1-year trends of lung cancer patients' QoL after robot-assisted or traditional lobectomy and investigate whether clinical (e.g., pre-surgery QoL, type of surgery, and perioperative complications) and sociodemographic variables (e.g., age) may predict these trends. Methods: An Italian sample of 176 lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) at the pre-hospitalization (t0), 30 days (t1), 4 months (t2), 8 months (t3), and 12 months (t4) after surgery. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (age, gender, perioperative complications, and type of surgery) were also collected. The individual change over time of the 15 dimensions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the effects of pre-surgery scores of QoL dimensions, type of surgery, perioperative complications, and age on patients' QoL after surgery were studied with the individual growth curve (IGC) models. Results: Patients had a good recovery after lobectomy: functioning subscales improved over time, while most of the symptoms became less severe over the care process. Perioperative complications, type of surgery, pre-surgery status, and age significantly affected these trends, thus becoming predictors of patients' QoL. Conclusion: This study highlights different 1-year trends of lung cancer patients' QoL. The measurement of pre- and post-surgery QoL and its clinical and sociodemographic covariables would be necessary to better investigate patients' care process and implement personalized medicine in lung cancer hospital divisions.

Dimensionality and Measurement Invariance of the Italian Version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in Postoperative Lung Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to validate and evaluate the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Italian version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30), which is a measure of quality of life (QoL) for lung cancer patients after surgery. METHODS: A total of 167 lung cancer patients completed the Italian version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at 30 days after they received a lobectomy. The factor structure of this scale was assessed by performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Measurement invariance was evaluated by considering differential item functioning (DIF) due to age, gender, and type of surgery (i.e., robot- or not robot-assisted). RESULTS: The CFA demonstrated the validity of the factor structure of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in assessing overall health and eight distinct subscales of adverse events and functioning. Moreover, the results highlighted a minimal DIF with only trivial consequences on measurement invariance. Specifically, the DIF did not affect the mean differences of latent scores of QoL between patients undergoing robot-assisted surgery or traditional surgery. CONCLUSION: These findings supported the validity and suitability of the EORTC QLQ-C30 for the assessment of QoL in lung cancer patients of diverse ages and genders undergoing lobectomy with or without robot-assisted surgery.

Predicting trajectories of recovery in prostate cancer patients undergone Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP).

OBJECTIVE: To identify trends of patients' urinary and sexual dysfunctions from a clinical and psychological perspective and understand whether sociodemographic and medical predictors could differentiate among patients following different one-year longitudinal trajectories. METHODS: An Italian sample of 478 prostate cancer patients undergone Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy completed the EPIC-26 survey between July 2015 and July 2016 at the pre-hospitalization (T0), 45 days (T1) and 3 (T2), 6 (T3), 9 (T4), and 12 months (T5) after surgery. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (age, BMI, diabetes, nerve-sparing procedure) were also collected. Latent Class Growth Analysis was conducted separately for sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence EPIC-26 subscales. The association between membership in the two longitudinal trajectories of urinary and sexual dysfunctions was assessed by considering Chi-square test and its related contingency table. RESULTS: People who have a high level of urinary incontinence at T1 are likely to have a worse recovery. Age, BMI and pre-surgical continence may affect the level of incontinence at T1 and the recovery trajectories. Patients with low and moderate sexual problems at T1 can face a moderate linear recovery, while people with high level of impotence immediately after surgery may take a longer period to solve sexual dysfunctions. Age and the pre-surgical sexual condition may impact the recovery. Finally, a great proportion of patients reported both steady problems in sexual function and constant high levels of urinary incontinence over time. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights different categories of patients at risk who may be important to know in order to develop personalized medical pathways and predictive models in a value-based healthcare.

Screening of 18 species for digestate phytodepuration.

This experiment assesses the aptitude of 18 species in treating the digestate liquid fraction (DLF) in a floating wetland treatment system. The pilot system was created in NE Italy in 2010 and consists of a surface-flow system with 180 floating elements (Tech-IA®) vegetated with ten halophytes and eight other wetland species. The species were transplanted in July 2011 in basins filled with different proportions of DLF/water (DLF/w); periodic increasing of the DLF/w ratio was imposed after transplanting, reaching the worst conditions for plants in summer 2012 (highest EC value 7.3 mS cm/L and NH4-N content 225 mg/L). It emerged that only Cynodon dactylon, Typha latifolia, Elytrigia atherica, Halimione portulacoides, Salicornia fruticosa, Artemisia caerulescens, Spartina maritima and Puccinellia palustris were able to survive under the system conditions. Halophytes showed higher dry matter production than other plants. The best root development (up to 40-cm depth) was recorded for Calamagrostis epigejos, Phragmites australis, T. latifolia and Juncus maritimus. The highest nitrogen (10-15 g/m(2)) and phosphorus (1-4 g/m(2)) uptakes were obtained with P. palustris, Iris pseudacorus and Aster tripolium. In conclusion, two halophytes, P. palustris and E. atherica, present the highest potential to be used to treat DLF in floating wetlands.