Immediate versus early loading of immediately placed bone-level tapered dental implants with hydrophilic surface in full arch maxillary rehabilitation: A pilot randomized clinical trial with 2-year follow-up.

This study aimed to compare implant stabilities between the immediate and early loaded, immediately placed bone-level tapered dental implants in the maxilla and to evaluate marginal bone loss (MBL), oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and patient satisfaction at a 2-year follow-up. A pilot, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 24 maxillary failing dentition patients. The bone-level tapered implants of 12 patients were immediately loaded with temporary restorations, while the other 12 patients did not receive any kind of temporization. Implant-supported screw-retained complete porcelain-fused-to-metal prostheses were delivered to all patients in the seventh postoperative week. The insertion torque values of implants assigned to the immediate and early loading groups were 33.0 ± 4.87 and 29.26 ± 8.31 Ncm, respectively. The dynamics of implant stability changes from implant placement up to a 2-year follow-up were similar for both groups (Penguin®, p = 0.268; Ostell®, p = 0.552), while the MBL was at submillimeter level. The cumulative implant survival rate was 91.80% for immediately loaded implants and 97.22% for early loaded implants, without significant difference (p = 0.162). The total score on the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire significantly decreased over time in both groups, indicating improvement in OHRQoL (p < 0.001), and the high level of patient satisfaction remained after 2 years of function regardless of a loading protocol. Both loading protocols, immediate and early, of six immediately placed bone-level tapered dental implants are an adequate treatment choice for fixed rehabilitation of the maxillary failing dentition.

Broccoli, Amaranth, and Red Beet Microgreen Juices: The Influence of Cold-Pressing on the Phytochemical Composition and the Antioxidant and Sensory Properties.

The aim of this study was to analyze in detail the phytochemical composition of amaranth (AMJ), red beet (RBJ), and broccoli (BCJ) microgreens and cold-pressed juices and to evaluate the antioxidant and sensory properties of the juices. The results showed the presence of various phenolic compounds in all samples, namely betalains in amaranth and red beet microgreens, while glucosinolates were only detected in broccoli microgreens. Phenolic acids and derivatives dominated in amaranth and broccoli microgreens, while apigenin C-glycosides were most abundant in red beet microgreens. Cold-pressing of microgreens into juice significantly altered the profiles of bioactive compounds. Various isothiocyanates were detected in BCJ, while more phenolic acid aglycones and their derivatives with organic acids (quinic acid and malic acid) were identified in all juices. Microgreen juices exhibited good antioxidant properties, especially ABTS•+ scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Microgreen juices had mild acidity, low sugar content, and good sensory acceptability and quality with the typical flavors of the respective microgreen species. Cold-pressed microgreen juices from AMJ, RBJ, and BCJ represent a rich source of bioactive compounds and can be characterized as novel functional products.

The Anatomy of the Mandibular Incisive Canal and Its Influence in Implant Therapy. A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: The interforaminal region is considered more favorable for implant placement than the posterior mandible in edentulous patients, mainly because of the interference of the inferior alveolar nerve with implant placement in the severely resorbed posterior mandible. However, complications in the interforaminal region may occur due to the presence of the mandibular incisive nerve. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to describe the mandibular incisive nerve anatomy related to the potential interference in implant therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus. This scoping review was structured according to the Joanna Briggs Institute method. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in the review. All the studies were observational cohort anatomical studies, carried out mainly by CBCT and on cadavers. A total of 1471 patients/cadavers were studied. The mandibular incisive nerve was presented in 87-100% of the cases, with an average length of 9.97 mm and an average diameter of 1.97 mm. The mandibular incisive nerve may be damaged during drilling and implant placement, especially using implant lengths larger than 12 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Damage to the mandibular incisive nerve due to implant placement could be present, however, it is necessary to conduct more studies focusing on assessing mandibular incisive nerve damage to understand the clinical relevance of this nerve and its associated morbidities such as neurosensorial alterations. Due to the different anatomical characteristics of this nerve, CBCT analysis is recommended for implant therapy in the anterior mandible to prevent the described complications.

Evaluation of photodynamic therapy efficacy vs. conventional antifungal therapy in patients with poor-fitting dentures suffering from denture stomatitis. A prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The long-term use of antifungal therapy in denture stomatitis (DS) treatment could be accompanied by antifungal-resistant strain onset, leading to compromised therapeutic procedure and disease reappearance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown the ability to eradicate oral infections and resistance strains. This prospective clinical study aimed to assess the PDT's effectiveness compared to the conventional treatment on clinical and microbiological parameters in patients with DS without denture wear during the treatment and follow-ups. METHODS: Forty-two patients diagnosed with DS were randomly assigned to one-session single PDT application (test group) or conventional antifungal therapy (control group). Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed and analyzed before and at 3rd, 15th, and 30th day following the treatments. Microbiological samples were analyzed by a Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The data was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Prior to the treatment, Candida species, including C. albicans (100%), C. glabrata (33%), C. tropicalis (31%), C. krusei (31%) were isolated in all patients. Both treatment procedures demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in C. albicans at all follow-up time intervals (p < 0.05). However, PDT displayed a statistically significant reduction in C. krusei compared to the conventional treatment at all follow-up periods (p < 0.05). Clinical parameters improved considerably in the test group compared to the control group at the 3rd and 15th day of follow-up. CONCLUSION: One-session single PDT application demonstrated significant improvement in both clinical and microbiological outcomes in a short-term period, resulting in complete Candida spp. eradication compared to conventional antifungal therapy.

Considerations for predictable outcomes in static computer- aided implant surgery in the esthetic zone.

OBJECTIVE: To provide technical and clinical recommendations for implementing a digital workflow in Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery in the anterior maxilla. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: An optimal 3D implant position is crucial for achieving satisfying results in implant rehabilitation in the esthetic area. Due to its complexity, implant placement in the esthetic zone should be executed with precision and predictability. Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery requires thorough planning and detailed attention to every step of the digital workflow protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Implant positioning in the esthetic zone using Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery is a technique-sensitive procedure that requires precise execution of each step. This approach ensures accurate prosthetically driven 3D implant placement and prevents potential errors that could lead to inaccurate positioning. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The proper implementation of Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery may increase the level of agreement between the planned and definitive implant 3D positions in the esthetic zone, thus enhancing the esthetic outcomes of implant rehabilitation.

Risk Evaluation of Pollutants Emission from Coal and Coal Waste Combustion Plants and Environmental Impact of Fly Ash Landfilling.

Emission factors (EFs) of gaseous pollutants, particulate matter, certain harmful trace elements, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from three thermal power plants (TPPs) and semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler (FBB) were compared. EFs of particulate matter, trace elements (except Cd and Pb), benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene exceed the upper limits specified in the EMEP inventory guidebook for all combustion facilities. The comparison of trace elements and PAHs content in fly ashes (FAs) from lignite and coal waste combustion in TPPs and FBB, respectively, as well as the potential environmental impact of FAs disposal, was performed by employing a set of ecological indicators such as crustal enrichment factor, risk assessment code, risk indices for trace elements, and benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration for PAHs. Sequential analysis shows that the trace elements portion is the lowest for water-soluble and exchangeable fractions. The highest enrichment levels in FAs are noticed for As and Hg. Based on toxic trace elements content, FAs from TPPs represent a very high ecological risk, whereas fly ash from FBB poses a moderate ecological risk but has the highest benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration, indicating its increased carcinogenic potential. Lead isotope ratios for Serbian coals and FAs can contribute to a lead pollution global database.

Model for improvement of occupational health and safety in micro and small construction enterprises.

This article presents research on qualitative parameters conducted in order to develop a model for the improvement of occupational health and safety (OHS) in micro and small construction enterprises (MSEs). Identification of factors and defining their significance enables improvements of OHS in the observed enterprises. The aim of the model is to assist MSEs in evaluating their qualities, pinpointing their deficiencies and ways to maximize the improvement of OHS performances. A panel of 20 experts defined the factors through an iterative process using the Delphi method. The research resulted in a model consisting of 42 OHS factors grouped into 10 categories. Model validation was carried out in the Republic of Serbia. The validation confirmed the applicability of the model as well as the relevance of factors that were determined by the panel of experts.

Immediate Vs Early Loading of Bone Level Tapered Dental Implants With Hydrophilic Surface in Rehabilitation of Fully Edentulous Maxilla: Clinical and Patient Centered Outcomes.

The aim was to: (1) compare changes among primary and secondary implant stability between immediate and early loaded implants in edentulous maxilla, (2) evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and (3) determine patient satisfaction with 6 implant supported fixed full-arch dentures. A prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 24 edentulous maxilla patients. The BLT SLActive implants in 12 patients were immediately loaded with temporary restorations while 12 patients did not receive temporary restorations. Definitive (final) dentures were delivered to all patients after 6 weeks. Stability of the implants were assessed by insertion torque (IT) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Oral Health Impact Profile-19 (OHIP-19) questionnaire was used to evaluate OHRQoL and a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for patient satisfaction. The IT value of implants assigned for immediate and early loading group was 27.17 ± 9.55 Ncm and 25.01 ± 11.06 Ncm, respectively. Changes in implant stability from baseline to week 6 were similar in both groups when measured by Penguin (P = .881) and Ostell (P = .828). Patients in the immediate loading group reported significantly lower OHIP physical pain scores (P = .016) and OHIP psychological disability score (P = .046), and the patients reported significantly higher VAS function score (P = .009) and VAS esthetics score (P = .009). Implant loading protocols do not have a significant effect on the change in implant stability 6 weeks after implantation; however, immediate loading significantly improves OHRQoL as well as satisfaction of patients with maxillary edentulism treated by fixed full-arch dentures. Future trials will determine the role of immediate loading protocol in clinical scenarios with various amounts of available jaw bone using different numbers of implants to retain a fixed prosthetic restoration in the edentulous maxilla.

p53-Independent Induction of p21 Fails to Control Regeneration and Hepatocarcinogenesis in a Murine Liver Injury Model.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: A coordinated stress and regenerative response is important after hepatocyte damage. Here, we investigate the phenotypes that result from genetic abrogation of individual components of the checkpoint kinase 2/transformation-related protein 53 (p53)/cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21) pathway in a murine model of metabolic liver injury. METHODS: Nitisinone was reduced or withdrawn in Fah-/- mice lacking Chk2, p53, or p21, and survival, tumor development, liver injury, and regeneration were analyzed. Partial hepatectomies were performed and mice were challenged with the Fas antibody Jo2. RESULTS: In a model of metabolic liver injury, loss of p53, but not Chk2, impairs the oxidative stress response and aggravates liver damage, indicative of a direct p53-dependent protective effect on hepatocytes. Cell-cycle control during chronic liver injury critically depends on the presence of both p53 and its downstream effector p21. In p53-deficient hepatocytes, unchecked proliferation occurs despite a strong induction of p21, showing a complex interdependency between p21 and p53. The increased regenerative potential in the absence of p53 cannot fully compensate the surplus injury and is not sufficient to promote survival. Despite the distinct phenotypes associated with the loss of individual components of the DNA damage response, gene expression patterns are dominated by the severity of liver injury, but reflect distinct effects of p53 on proliferation and the anti-oxidative stress response. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristic phenotypes result from the genetic abrogation of individual components of the DNA damage-response cascade in a liver injury model. The extent to which loss of gene function can be compensated, or affects injury and proliferation, is related to the level at which the cascade is interrupted. Accession numbers of repository for expression microarray data: GSE156983, GSE156263, GSE156852, and GSE156252.

Distribution of PAHs in coal ashes from the thermal power plant and fluidized bed combustion system; estimation of environmental risk of ash disposal.

The comparison of fly ash generated from lignite combustion in a thermal power plant Kolubara A (Veliki Crljeni) and bottom and fly ash from coal waste combustion in a semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler (Vinca) was performed as the function of particle size. The average total concentrations of the 16 EPA priority PAHs in ash fractions are 0.49 mg kg-1 of ash (thermal power plant) and 17.48 mg kg-1 of ash (fluidized bed boiler). The sum of 3- and 4-ring PAHs accounts for more than 93% of overall PAHs concentration, and the most abundant among them is fluoranthene. The portions of PAHs groups defined based on their physico-chemical properties, as obtained from quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models included in the Vega platform, were determined. These portions, emission factors, and benzo[a]pyrene equivalence concentrations were further on used to estimate the potential environmental impact of ash disposal. The PAHs emission factors are higher compared to values in the air pollutant emission inventory guidebook of the cooperative program for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP/EEA). The overall emission factors of 16 PAHs for combustion of lignite and coal waste are determined to be 0.15 and 249.97 mg kg-1 of fuel, respectively. Based on the ratios of benzo[a]pyrene equivalence concentrations of each ash and correspondent fuel, the disposal of fly ash from the cyclone of fluidized bed boiler represents the highest risk to the environment among tested ashes.

MicroRNA-221: A Fine Tuner and Potential Biomarker of Chronic Liver Injury.

The last decade has witnessed significant advancements in our understanding of how small noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), regulate disease progression. One such miRNA, miR-221, has been shown to play a key role in the progression of liver fibrosis, a common feature of most liver diseases. Many reports have demonstrated the upregulation of miR-221 in liver fibrosis caused by multiple etiologies such as viral infections and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Inhibition of miR-221 via different strategies has shown promising results in terms of the suppression of fibrogenic gene signatures in vitro, as well as in vivo, in independent mouse models of liver fibrosis. In addition, miR-221 has also been suggested as a noninvasive serum biomarker for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In this review, we discuss the biology of miR-221, its significance and use as a biomarker during progression of liver fibrosis, and finally, potential and robust approaches that can be utilized to suppress liver fibrosis via inhibition of miR-221.