Creating Antibacterial Properties in Flowable Dental Composites by Incorporation of 3, 4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the antibacterial, mechanical, physical properties and water sorption of flowable dental composites containing 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones. Material and Methods: 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones was synthesized and the antibacterial activity of flowable dental composites containing 0-5 wt% 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and also of their mechanical and physical properties on flowable dental composites were investigated. Flexural strength was measured by a three-point bending test. Compressive strength (CS), Water sorption (WS) and depth of cure (DOC) were investigated. The data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA test. The level of significance was determined as p<0.01. Results: The direct contact test demonstrates that by increasing the 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones content, the bacterial growth is significantly diminished (p<0.001). The average flexural strength results show that with increasing 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones until 3% in the composite, no significant difference was observed in flexural strength (p>0.001) and the mean of compressive strength results show no significant difference between 0-4% groups (p>0.001). The mean of water sorption and depth of cure results shows no significant difference between groups (p>0.001). Conclusion: Incorporation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones into flowable resin composites in 3% wt can reduce the activity of Streptococcus mutans.

Oral Health Literacy and Related Factors among Pregnant Women Referring to Health Government Institute in Kerman, Iran

Abstract Objective: To evaluate oral health literacy among pregnant women in Kerman, Iran. Material and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 169 pregnant women referring to government institute. Data were collected by demographic profile (including age, number of children, educational level, dental attendance before pregnancy and economic status), 17-item oral health literacy questionnaire consisting of four domains (including reading comprehension, numeracy, listening, and decision-making skills), self-assessment oral health status, DMFT index and oral health behavior. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 software using ANOVA and Chi-square tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.92 ± 5.25 years, 38.2% of them had bachelor's degree, 35.8% had dental attendance before pregnancy and 29.1% brushed daily their teeth twice or more. Dentists were the most frequent source of oral health information. Moreover, 60.0% believed their oral health was to be moderate, and 59.4% had inadequate oral health literacy. There was also a significant correlation between educational level, monthly income and dental attendance before pregnancy. Conclusion: Our results showed inadequate oral health literacy among pregnant women, highlighting the necessity of dental consultation before pregnancy.

Internet Addiction Among Iranian Students of Medical Sciences

Abstract Objective: To identify the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) and associated factors among Iranian medical students. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 400 students. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of two sections: the first section was sociodemographic data, data about student's relations, and Internet use characteristics; the second part aimed at assessment of the level of IA using Young's 20-item scale for IA. Data analyzed in SPSS 20 at 0.05 significant level. Results: Considering their familiarity with the Internet, 80.3% stated personal experience and 12.3% individuals stated educational periods held outside the university. The most locations of using the Internet were dormitories (21.0%) and houses (43.5%). Concerning hours of Internet use, 45.2% used the Internet more than two hours per day. One hundred sixty-eight individuals (42.0%) stated that they used the Internet less than 15% for university activities. One hundred eighty-eight individuals (47.0%) used VPN and 75.5% were dissatisfied with Internet speed 61.2%. A total of 64.3% had a poor dependency on the Internet and the prevalence of IA was 3.5%. The mean score of IA questionnaire was 43.98 ± 15.92 from 125. The mean score of IA was higher in the male sex, but there was no significant correlation between sex and IA (p>0.05). There was not a significant correlation between the field of study and the year of entrance. Conclusion: The prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students was low. Identification of factors associated with IA can help in the planning of preventive programs to raise students' knowledge about the hazards IA.

Comparison of TNF-α and IL-1ß Concentrations in Gingival Crevicular Fluid During Early Alignment Stage of Orthodontic Treatment in Adults and Adolescents

Abstract Objective: To compare the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during early leveling stage of orthodontic treatment. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on 20 orthodontic patients, including 10 teenagers and 10 adults. Before bonding, GCF was collected with a paper strip in gingival sulcus of maxillary right central incisor on the disto labial aspect for 60 seconds, followed by bonding and insertion of initial 14 NiTi archwire. GCF collection was repeated 24 hours, 7 days, and 28 days after bonding. Measurement of TNF-α and IL-1β levels was done utilizing Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed in SPSS using repeated measurement test. Results: Concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β increased after treatment. There was no significant relationship between TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations subsequent to bonding in comparison to the baseline. There was no significant relationship in TNF-α and IL-1β level changes in the two age groups and between males and females. Conclusion: Concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β increased after treatment. Age and sex had no statically significant effect on the concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β.