Oral health of schoolchildren in Slovenia: Prospective epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: The quality of oral health can be estimated by its own indicators, one of which is the Decayed-Missing-Filled index (DMF-T for permanent teeth and dmf-t for deciduous teeth index). Caries can be prevented and successfully controlled by comparing clinical and epidemiological data. The basic prerequisite for this approach is data collection through systematic examinations, the results of which are a starting point for a prevention programme. The aim of the study is to define the oral health of elementary schoolchildren in one municipality of Slovenia, focusing on 6-, 12- and 15-year-old children. METHODS: A prospective epidemiological study of elementary school children (aged 6, 12 and 15) of municipality Murska Sobota, Slovenia, was performed over four years. Data were obtained from the dental records of elementary schoolchildren acquired from a specialist in paediatric dentistry. Collected data included age, gender, the number of carious teeth and tooth fillings per child in deciduous and permanent teeth, dmf-t/DMF-T index and the percentage of primary and secondary healthy children. Statistical analysis was performed using SPPS 25. RESULTS: Data from schoolchildren were used (1256 girls, 1281 boys). The number of carious deciduous teeth per person in 6-year-olds (3.2-3.8) was higher than the number of (carious) permanent teeth in 12-year-olds (0.3-1.2). The number of filings per person in deciduous teeth in 6-year-olds (0.5-0.6) was lower than it was in permanent teeth in 12-year-olds (0.3-1.2). Dmf-t index in 6-year-olds was from 4 to 4.6; DMF-T index in 12-year-olds were from 1.2 to 2.2 and in 15-year-olds from 2.4 to 3.8. The percentage of primary healthy children was lower for older children, but the percentage of secondary healthy children was higher for older children. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring oral health is important, and school has an important role in it; however, caries control has yet to be successful.

THERMOACTIVE NITINOL CLIPS AS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STERNAL CLOSURE AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY - FIRST EXPERIENCE IN SLOVENIA.

Although there has been a trend towards minimally invasive and sternum-sparing procedures, median sternotomy is still a standard surgical approach in cardiac surgery. Many techniques and innovations for closure of sternal osteotomy have been developed with contradictory results. In this report, we present our first experience with the nitinol-made sternal closure system in the primary, as well as secondary closure of sternal osteotomy. A small series of 20 patients had their sternotomy closed with Flexigrip clips. In one case, the Flexigrip clips were used in secondary wound closure in a patient with deep sternal wound infection after full sternotomy and coronary bypass surgery. After 6-month follow-up, all patients were doing well with their sternums clinically stable and the sternotomy wounds completely healed. In conclusion, Flexigrip clips offered a stable alternative to steel wires in primary, as well as secondary sternal closure. Moreover, in secondary sternal closure, the thermoactive clips offered safety advantages over the standard wire cerclage technique because the need for dissection of the substernal adhesions could be avoided.

A molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of porcine circovirus type 3 using oral fluid, faeces and serum.

BACKGROUND: Porcine circovirus type 3 is the most recently discovered porcine circovirus, and an emerging pathogen. In this study the status of its presence on some Slovenian farms is reported. The effectiveness of the vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 was assessed against porcine circovirus type 3. Group samples of oral fluid, faeces and individual serum samples were taken from six different pig categories and tested for presence of viral DNA, using both real time and conventional PCR. Positive samples were subjected to direct Sanger sequencing. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed and compared to GenBank PCV3 sequences. RESULTS: Positive samples were sent for genome sequencing, which confirmed the presence of virus in all different pig categories on five farms. A high to moderate correlation of strong statistical significance was found between individual serum samples, oral fluid and faeces. Slovenian PCV3 was found to be distributed in a way similar to that of other countries. Slovenian PCV3 nt sequences are highly related, sharing more than 99.5% nt identity. On one farm a commercially available vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 was used on 3-week-old pigs. It did not affect the presence of porcine circovirus type 3 in oral fluid or sera of any of the seven age groups of pigs, each with two control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results constitute the first discovery of the virus in Slovenia. Genome sequencing has revealed a high degree of similarity between Slovenian and GenBank isolates.

Urinary bisphenol A in children, mothers and fathers from Slovenia: Overall results and determinants of exposure.

In the present study, urinary bisphenol A (BPA) levels were reported for the first time in the Slovenian general population and were evaluated with regard to dietary and non-dietary exposure sources, and compared according to age, gender and area of residence. First morning urine was collected from children (6-11 years), their mothers (30-52 years) and fathers (30-53 years), living in urban and rural areas of Slovenia. Besides basic questionnaire data on general population characteristics, socio-economic status and dietary habits, BPA-specific data was also collected, including consumption of food and beverages from plastic and canned containers, presence of white dental fillings, the use of specific consumer products and hormonal treatments. Urine samples were analysed for both free and conjugated BPA using GC-MS/MS. The urinary levels of total BPA in children, mothers and fathers were low, with geometric means of 1.51, 0.79, and 0.20 µg/g creatinine, respectively. The levels were comparable with the levels reported for other European countries and were all below the current health-based guidance values. In line with large-scale surveys, the data revealed age-dependant BPA urinary levels, with the highest levels in the youngest age group. In mothers, urinary levels of BPA were determined by hormonal interactions more than dietary sources, while a positive association between urinary BPA and diet was apparent in children (canned food/drink and food from plastic material) and fathers (canned food/drink). The study clearly shows that physiological and behavioural differences account for differences in levels of urinary BPA among study groups, a finding that sets the priorities for future research.

What Factors Are Associated With Neck Fracture in One Commonly Used Bimodular THA Design? A Multicenter, Nationwide Study in Slovenia.

BACKGROUND: Femoral stems with bimodular (head-neck as well as neck-body) junctions were designed to help surgeons address patients' hip anatomy individually. However, arthroplasty registers have reported higher revision rates in stems with bimodular junctions than in stems with modularity limited to the head-neck trunnion. However, to our knowledge, no epidemiologic study has identified patient-specific risk factors for modular femoral neck fractures, and some stems using these designs still are produced and marketed. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were (1) to establish the survival rate free from aseptic loosening of one widely used bimodular THA design; (2) to define the proportion of patients who experienced a fracture of the stem's modular femoral neck; and (3) to determine factors associated with neck fracture. METHODS: In this retrospective, nationwide, multicenter study, we reviewed 2767 bimodular Profemur® Z stems from four hospitals in Slovenia with a mean followup of 8 years (range, 3 days to 15 years). Between 2002 and 2015, the four participating hospitals performed 26,132 primary THAs; this implant was used in 2767 of them (11%). The general indications for using this implant were primary osteoarthritis (OA) in 2198 (79%) hips and other indications in 569 (21%) hips. We followed patients from the date of the index operation to the date of death, date of revision, or the end of followup on March 1, 2018. We believe that all revisions would be captured in our sample, except for patients who may have emigrated outside the country, but the proportion of people immigrating to Slovenia is higher than the proportion of those emigrating from it; however, no formal accounting for loss to followup is possible in a study of this design. There were 1438 (52%) stems implanted in female and 1329 (48%) in male patients, respectively. A titanium alloy neck was used in 2489 hips (90%) and a cobalt-chromium neck in 278 (10%) hips. The mean body mass index (BMI) at the time of operation was 29 kg/m (SD ± 5 kg/m). We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to establish survival rates, and we performed a chart review to determine the proportion of patients who experienced femoral neck fractures. A binary logistic regression model that controlled for the potential confounding variables of age, sex, BMI, time since implantation, type of bearing, diagnosis, hospital, neck length, and neck material was used to analyze neck fractures. RESULTS: There were 55 (2%) aseptic stem revisions. Survival rate free from aseptic loosening at 12 years was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] ± 1%). Fracture of the modular neck occurred in 23 patients (0.83%) with a mean BMI of 29 kg/m (SD ± 4 kg/m.) Twenty patients with neck fractures were males and 19 of 23 fractured necks were long. Time since implantation (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% CI 0.46-0.66; p < 0.001), a long neck (OR, 6.77; 95% CI, 2.1-22.2; p = 0.002), a cobalt-chromium alloy neck (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.6-21.1; p = 0.008), younger age (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.96; p < 0.001), and male sex (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.04-14.55; p = 0.043) were factors associated with neck fracture. CONCLUSIONS: The loosening and neck fracture rates of the Profemur® Z stem were lower than in some of previously published series. However, the use of modular femoral necks in primary THA increases the risk for neck fracture, particularly in young male patients with cobalt-chromium long femoral necks. The bimodular stem we analyzed fractured unacceptably often, especially in younger male patients. For most patients, the risks of using this device outweigh the benefits, and several dozen patients had revisions and complications they would not have had if a different stem had been used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Nanoparticle concentrations and composition in a dental office and dental laboratory: A pilot study on the influence of working procedures.

During material treatment in dentistry particles of different size are released in the air. To examine the degree of particle exposure, air scanning to dental employees was performed by the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer. The size, shape and chemical composition of particles collected with a low-pressure impactor were determined by scanning electronic microscopy and X-ray dispersive analysis. The average concentrations of nanoparticles during working periods in a clean dental laboratory (45,000-56,000 particles/cm3), in an unclean dental laboratory (28,000-74,000 particles/cm3), and in a dental office (21,000-50,000 particles/cm3), were significantly higher compared to average concentrations during nonworking periods in the clean dental laboratory (11,000-24,000 particles/cm3), unclean laboratory (14,000-40,000 particles/cm3), and dental office (13,000-26,000 particles/cm3). Peak concentration of nanoparticles in work-intensive periods were found significantly higher (up to 773,000 particles/cm3), compared to the non-working periods (147,000 particles/cm3) and work-less intensive periods (365,000 particles/cm3). The highest mass concentration value ranged from 0.055-0.166 mg/m3. X-ray dispersive analysis confirmed the presence of carbon, potassium, oxygen, iron, aluminum, zinc, silicon, and phosphorus as integral elements of dental restorative materials in form of nanoparticle clusters, all smaller than 100 nm. We concluded that dental employees are exposed to nanoparticles in their working environment and are therefore potentially at risk for certain respiratory and systematic diseases.

Risk of cancer after primary total hip replacement: The influence of bearings, cementation and the material of the stem.

Background and purpose - Despite the increasing number of total hip replacements (THRs), their systemic influence is still not known. We have studied the influence of specific features of THRs-the bearing surface, the use of bone cement and the material of the stem-on the cancer incidence. Patients and methods - In a retrospective cohort study we identified 8,343 patients with THRs performed at Valdoltra Hospital from September 1, 1997 to December 31, 2009. Patient data were linked to national cancer and population registries. The standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and Poisson regression relative risks (RR) were calculated for all and specific cancers. Results - General cancer risk in our cohort was comparable to the population risk. Comparing with population, the risk of prostate cancer was statistically significantly higher in patients with metal-on-metal bearings (SIR =1.35); with metal-on-polyethylene bearings (SIR =1.30), with non-cemented THRs (SIR =1.40), and with titanium alloy THRs (SIR =1.41). In these last 3 groups there was a lower risk of hematopoietic tumors (SIR =0.69; 0.66 and 0.66 respectively). Risk of kidney cancer was significantly higher in the non-metal-on-metal, non-cemented, and titanium alloy groups (SIR =1.30; 1.46 and 1.41 respectively). Risk of colorectal and lung cancer was significantly lower in the investigated cohort (SIR =0.82 and 0.83, respectively). Risk for all cancers combined as well as for prostate and skin cancer, shown by Poisson analysis, was higher in the metal-on-metal group compared with non-metal-on-metal group (RR =1.56; 2.02 and 1.92, respectively). Interpretation - Some associations were found between the THRs' features, especially a positive association between metal-on-metal bearings, and specific cancers.

Oral and Dental Examination Findings in a Family of Zoo Suricates ( Suricata Suricatta).

Although similar oral and dental diseases as seen in dogs, cats, ferrets, and other carnivores are expected in suricates, published data on their oral and dental diseases are rare. The objective of this report is therefore to describe oral and dental examination findings in a family of zoo suricates. In this cross-sectional clinical study, detailed oral and dental examination and full-mouth dental radiographs were performed in 6 suricates undergoing general anesthesia for their regular annual wellness check. Attrition/abrasion was commonly observed less so were dental fractures, but both conditions were found to be associated with endodontic disease. Periodontal disease of different stages was also commonly observed. As expected, dental radiography was essential to determine dental anatomy, to accurately diagnose oral and dental diseases, and to plan treatment. This report illustrates that several painful oral and dental diseases can affect suricates in captivity. Therefore, thorough oral and dental examination supported by dental radiography under general anesthesia is warranted also in these animals as a part of their annual wellness checks.

Exposure to mercury in susceptible population groups living in the former mercury mining town of Idrija, Slovenia.

500 years of mercury (Hg) mining in the town of Idrija has caused severe pollution in Idrija and its surroundings. Following the closure of the mine in 1995, the environment remains contaminated with Hg. Sources of elemental-, inorganic- and methyl Hg exposure were identified, potential environmental level of exposure to Hg was evaluated and actual internal exposure to Hg was assessed in selected susceptible population groups comprising school-age children and pregnant women living in Idrija and in control groups from rural and urban environments. The study of pregnant women (n=31) was conducted between 2003 and 2008, and the study of school-age children (n=176) in 2008. Potential interaction of Hg with selenium (Se) in plasma was assessed in both study populations, while in pregnant women antioxidative enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) in erythrocytes of maternal and cord blood was also assessed. Actual exposure to Hg as indicated by levels of Hg in children's blood (geometric mean (GM) 0.92µg/L), mother's blood (GM 1.86µg/L), children's urine (GM 1.08µg/g crea.), mother's urine (GM 2.51µg/L), children's hair (GM 241ng/g) and mother's hair (GM 251ng/g) was higher in the two study groups from Idrija than in the control groups from rural areas, but was still at the level of a "normal" population and reflects mainly exposure to elemental Hg (Hg°) from dental amalgam and, to a certain extent atmospheric Hg°. Furthermore, the internal doses of Hg received during pregnancy did not decrease the bioavailability of Se. Based on observation in children, the increase in Se protein expression is suggested to be a consequence of moderately elevated exposure to Hg°. The observed changes in activity of antioxidative enzymes, as biomarkers of oxidative stress, appear to be mainly associated with pregnancy per se and not with an increased exposure to Hg. In view of the continuing increased potential for Hg exposure and the low number of pregnant women studied, the results warrant a further longitudinal study of a larger group of pregnant women residing in the area of the former mercury mine.

Prevalence of dental developmental anomalies of permanent teeth in children and their influence on esthetics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental developmental anomalies in permanent teeth and their influence on esthetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 473 subjects, which comprised of orthopantomograms, clinical examination, and anamnestic data, were explored for dental developmental anomalies. Subjects with dental anomalies completed the modified questionnaire. Data on reasons for seeking the treatment as well as factors affecting the patients' satisfaction were collected. The data were processed using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: It was found that 79 subjects (16.7%) had at least 1 dental developmental anomaly. The most common anomalies were hypodontia (7.2%), followed by talon cusps (3.4%), and microdontia (2.5%). Hypodontia, microdontia, and talon cusps were found more prevalent in females than males, whereas hyperdontia and macrodontia were more common in males. The reason for dissatisfaction with their smile in most cases was due to missing teeth or spacing between anterior teeth (excess space 2.9 mm ± 1.1 mm), followed by crowding of anterior teeth (lack of space 3.1 mm ± 0.8mm), difficulty maintaining oral hygiene and midline asymmetry (1.8 mm ± 0.9 mm). All subjects were treated using a fixed orthodontic appliance and 30 (37.9%) of them had additional dental specialists included to achieve good esthetics and function. Overall, 92.4% of subjects were satisfied with their resulting appearance after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Dental developmental anomalies are clinically evident abnormalities. They may be the cause of various dental problems and can influence esthetics and the development of orthodontic problems. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This paper evaluates the distribution of dental developmental anomalies and their influence on esthetics and function. Careful observation and appropriate investigation are required to diagnose the condition and institute treatment. The therapeutic approach to some dental anomalies should be interdisciplinary.

Epidemiology of Caries in 12-Year-Olds in Slovenia 1987-2013.

PURPOSE: The first large-scale epidemiological survey on dental caries in the Republic of Slovenia was conducted in 1987 and repeated in 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013, using the same methodology. The aim of the study was to describe the trend of caries in 12-year-olds in Slovenia from 1987 to 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method applied in all six surveys was the National Oral Pathfinder Survey using WHO combined oral health and treatment need assessment forms. The surveys were performed in ten towns in all nine geographical regions of Slovenia. One randomly selected primary school in each town participated in the surveys. In each subject selected from the respective class of 12-year-old children, the caries experience and sealant data were recorded, using artificial light, a plane mirror and a sharp explorer. For statistical analysis of the results, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. RESULTS: The mean DMFT decreased significantly from 5.1 in 1987 to less than 1.7 in 2008 (p < 0.0001), but afterwards began to increase and reached a mean value of almost 1.9 in 2013 (p > 0.05). The percentage of sealed teeth increased from 6% in 1987 to 92% in 2013. CONCLUSION: The substantial caries decline in 12-year-olds was evaluated as being due to the preventive measures implemented. However, in the last survey, the caries decline had stopped.

Hypodontia prevalence over four decades in a Slovenian population.

AIM: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of hypodontia of permanent teeth in the Slovenian population and whether such prevalence is associated with the year of birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of hypodontia in the Slovenian population, both male and female, and the association between tooth types, the upper or lower arch, the associated dental anomalies, and orthodontic treatment were studied using interviews and oral and panoramic radiographic examinations of 2,546 Slovenians born in years 1966, 1976, 1986, and 1996. The data were processed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Among the 2,546 subjects studied, 307 teeth were missing in 175 subjects. The overall prevalence of hypodontia, excluding the third molars, was 6.9%; and there was no statistically significant difference with the year of birth. The most commonly missing teeth were the mandibular second premolar (38.8%), followed by the maxillary lateral incisors (32.6%). The majority (86.9%) of patients with hypodontia were missing only one or two teeth. Subjects with hypodontia (54.9%) were more often involved in orthodontic treatment than subjects without hypodontia (20.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high prevalence of hypodontia and its frequent association with other dental anomalies emphasizes the importance of dental examination in early childhood with radiographic screening for hypodontia as standard public oral health policy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The relatively high prevalence of hypodontia in Slovenians and its frequent association with other dental anomalies emphasizes the importance of dental examination with radiographic screening of hypodontia in childhood as part of public oral health policy.

A controlled study of the functional and morphological characteristics of malocclusion in prematurely born subjects with low birth weight.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Prematurely born children show significant delay in many areas of physical development, including the orofacial structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of premature birth on the prevalence of functional and morphological characteristics of malocclusion in the deciduous dentition phase, considering also confounding variables, such as type of feeding and oral habits. MATERIAL/METHODS: Through questionnaires and clinical examinations of 80 prematurely born subjects (42 females, 38 males, aged 24.46 ± 1.77 months; PBG) and 113 controls (50 females, 63 males, aged 25.42 ± 2.64 months; CG) in the deciduous dentition phase, data about feeding modalities, sucking habits, and functional and morphological characteristics of malocclusion were collected, and the two groups were compared for differences (chi-square test). Logistic regression analysis was used for risk assessment. RESULTS: The prevalence of functional and morphological characteristics was not significantly different (P > 0.05) in PBG compared with the CG, and premature birth was not a risk indicator for any characteristics of malocclusion. The main significant risk indicators for class II/1 malocclusion were dummy (OR = 3.13; P < 0.01) and thumb sucking (OR = 4.41; P < 0.05), while dummy sucking alone was a risk indicator for anterior open bite (OR = 12.19; P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: In the present study, the PBG and CG were close in mean gestational age and birth weight, which might have influenced the results. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of malocclusion among prematurely born subjects is not significantly different compared with controls, and premature birth is not a risk indicator for any functional or morphological characteristics of malocclusion.

The Early Iron Age elite grave from the Kapiteljska njiva barrow cemetery (Novo mesto, Slovenia): an approach to dental profiling through non-invasive and minimally-invasive techniques.

Kapiteljska njiva is a prehistoric cemetery located in the town of Novo mesto in southern Slovenia. There is a long history of archaeological research at this site, as the first investigations date back to the end of the 19th century. In 2004, an Early Iron Age barrow XVI was investigated. The oldest surviving grave in the barrow is the central grave, numbered XVI/34, which according to its position and the richness of the grave goods, belongs to a woman of higher status. Most likely, she was the first member or initiator of a family that continued to bury its dead in the barrow for the next 300 years. There were no preserved skeletal elements; however, in the head part of the grave, remains of human teeth, mostly the tooth crowns and the shells of enamel from the tooth crowns, were found among the scattered amber beads of a necklace. Moreover, these tooth remains are one of the few human biological materials (mostly fragments of skull and long limb bones) unearthed in this cemetery, reflecting the influence of acidic soil from the burial site. This study aimed to create a dental profile of the deceased in a similar way as during a forensic investigation. The remains were examined macroscopically and stereo-microscopically. The morphological traits were scored following the ASUDAS protocol. Ancestry was estimated by entering these scores into a beta version of the web-based application rASUDAS. Brothwell's system was used for age at death estimation from occlusal attrition. Identification of sex was based on the analysis of sex-specific amelogenin isoforms in dental enamel by nanoflow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). The present study reveals that the dental remains from Kapiteljska njiva belong to the permanent dentition of a single individual and that only the right upper central incisor and third molar are completely absent. The remains of teeth exhibit a simple external morphology, characterised by the absence of morphological dental traits, with a notable exception of the two-rooted left lower canine. The probability of assigning this individual to the Western Eurasian ancestry group is 98%. According to the degree of dentine exposure on the occlusal surfaces of molars, the estimated age range is 17-25 years. Another line of evidence comes from the observation that the first signs of approximal attrition are present in lower third molars but absent in the only preserved upper counterpart, indicating that the age at which the lower third molars entered into occlusion represents a proxy of the individual's age at death. Data on the chronology of the lower third molar development and eruption in present-day European populations from forensic literature (Brkic et al. 2011; Olze et al. 2008; Selmanagic et al. 2013) and The London Atlas confirm the above age-range estimate. Caution is, however, needed in the interpretation of results, because reference data are not based on the population of the individual's origin. Proteomic analysis classified the individual as a female, which is in line with the archaeological evidence. No pathological lesions or indicators of systemic stress were identified; however, the absence of approximal attrition facets in upper anterior teeth indicates interdental spacing. The results of dental profiling are discussed in the context of historical background, today's clinical knowledge, and epidemiological data.

Microbial communities on microplastics from seawater and mussels: Insights from the northern Adriatic Sea.

Microplastics, synthetic solid particles of different sizes (< 5 mm), pose a major challenge to marine ecosystems. Introducing microplastics into the marine environment leads to the formation of complex microbial communities, a topic of growing interest in environmental research. For this study, we selected an area in the northern Adriatic Sea, less affected by human activities, to understand how pristine environmental conditions influence microbial colonization of microplastics. Samples of coastal seawater and Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were collected in a mussel farm near Debeli rtic of the Slovenian coast. Microplastics were isolated, visually and chemically analyzed and DNA was extracted for metagenomics. In the marine water column, 12.7 microplastics per m3 water column and 0.58 microplastics per individual mussel were found. Sufficient DNA was available to analyze six particles, five originating from seawater, and one from a mussel. This was the first-ever sequenced microplastic particle from a mussel. Genera of Pseudomonas and Serratia were identified in all samples. In one of the samples, the most abundant was a marine genus Pseudoalteromonas, while in another sample Campylobacter was present with >30 % abundance. The microbiomes of the mussel- and seawater-isolated particles were similar, suggesting a common microbial colonization pattern, which may have implications for the transfer of microplastic-associated microbes, including potential pathogens, through the food web to the consumers. Microplastic pollution is a complex issue requiring further research, especially regarding microbial biofilms, pathogen colonization and the potential of pathogen transmission via microplastic particles. Our findings enhance the understanding of microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea and stress the necessity for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact on marine ecosystems.

Knowledge and attitudes on pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccination among Slovenian physicians and dentists.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to determine vaccination coverage among Slovenian physicians and dentists and assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding the pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccine. METHODS: In February 2010, an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was developed and sent to all practising physicians and dentists in Slovenia. RESULTS: Out of 7092 physicians/dentists, 1718 (24%) completed the questionnaire and 41.7% of the respondents were vaccinated against pandemic and seasonal influenza, while 58.3% of the study participants decided not to adhere to the recommendation: 15.6% received the pandemic vaccine only, 10.1% the seasonal vaccine only and 32.4% were not vaccinated at all. Acceptance of the pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccine was determined by higher age, being an internal medical trainee or specialist, working in a hospital, performing any kind of vaccination and having a chronic disease. Unvaccinated participants were more often working in out-patient clinics, were without a specialty, were dentists and were not performing any vaccinations. Those who declined vaccination believed that they did not need to be vaccinated, had safety concerns and were afraid of side effects. Physicians/dentists vaccinated against pandemic and seasonal influenza had better knowledge and a more positive attitude towards the issue compared with their non-vaccinated colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Education on the efficacy and safety of vaccines should be one of the priority public health measures taken to improve knowledge and eliminate misconceptions and attitudinal barriers regarding immunization in physicians and dentists.

Influence of anti-asthmatic medications on dental caries in children in Slovenia.

OBJECTIVE. The study investigated the influence of exposure to anti-asthmatic medications and of various factors on the caries prevalence in children in Slovenia. METHODS. The study population consisted of children aged 2 to 17 years (n = 220) under treatment for asthma, who had used anti-asthmatic medications for at least 1 year; 220 controls were matched for age. Caries status was determined by the number of decayed, missing, and filled surfaces through clinical examination by two calibrated dentists using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System-II scoring criteria. Questionnaires completed by parents and data from the patients' medical records provided information on various confounding factors. RESULTS. Asthmatic children had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) prevalence of caries on primary and permanent teeth in all age groups, and the proportion of caries-free children was significantly smaller (P ≤ 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, asthma diagnosis, child's age, daily use of inhaled glucocorticoids, length and frequency of medicine application, spacer use, mouth rinsing with water after medicine application, parents' education, frequent food and drink consumption, and frequency of toothbrushing were associated with caries experience of asthmatic children. CONCLUSION. Children with asthma who had used anti-asthmatic medications had higher caries experience in primary and permanent teeth.

Three-dimensional assessment of palatal change in a controlled study of unilateral posterior crossbite correction in the primary dentition.

The aim of this study was to quantify the palatal change in three groups of children: children with a unilateral posterior crossbite (TCB) who were treated, children with untreated unilateral posterior crossbite (UCB), and children without a crossbite (NCB). Study casts of 60 Caucasian children in the primary dentition (20 TCB, 20 UCB, and 20 NCB), aged 5.4 ± 0.7 years, were collected at baseline (T1) and at 1-year follow-up (T2). Both TCB and UCB groups had unilateral posterior crossbite and midline deviation. The TCB group was treated using a cemented acrylic splint expander in the upper arch. The study casts were scanned using a laser scanner and palatal surface area, palatal volume, and symmetry of the palatal vault were evaluated and compared between the three groups. At T1, the palatal volume of TCB (2698 mm(3)) and UCB (2585 mm(3)) was significantly smaller than that of NCB (3006 mm(3); P < 0.05, analysis of variance test). After treatment, the palatal volume of the TCB group (3087 mm(3)) increased and did not differ from the NCB group (3208 mm(3)), whereas the UCB (2644 mm(3)) had a significantly smaller palatal volume than the NCB or TCB groups (P < 0.05). The increase of palatal volume in the TCB group (389 mm(3)) was significantly greater than in the UCB (59 mm(3)) and NCB (202 mm(3)) groups. The symmetry of the palatal vault was greater than 90 per cent in all three groups at T1 and at T2. Treatment of unilateral posterior crossbite in the primary dentition has a significant effect, particularly on the palatal volume increase.

Molar incisor hypomineralisation and dental caries among children in Slovenia.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in children in Slovenia and explore the relationship between MIH defects and caries in the primary and permanent dentition, and tooth- and surface-specific associations between MIH defects and caries on first permanent molars (FPM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population was comprised of 558 children aged 6.011.5 years. The prevalence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) on FPM and permanent incisors was assessed through clinical examination by a calibrated examiner using the modified DDE Index of the FDI. Also recorded were atypical fillings, post-eruptive enamel breakdowns, and extractions because of MIH. Dental caries was assessed using the WHO criteria. RESULTS: At least one FPM with MIH defects was found in 21.4% of children. Children with MIH had significantly higher (p<0.05) caries experience in their permanent teeth. In primary teeth, higher caries experience was not statistically significant. MIH defects in FPM were associated with higher caries scores at the tooth (p<0.01), and at the surface (p<0.05) level. CONCLUSION: MIH is common in Slovenia. Children with MIH are more prone to dental caries development on their permanent teeth. On FPM teeth and surfaces affected with MIH defects, even with only mild demarcated opacities with apparently intact enamel, an increased caries experience is present.

Comparative analysis of DNA preservation in permanent and deciduous teeth of adults and non-adults: Implications for archaeological and forensic research.

This study investigates the preservation of DNA in different categories of teeth, including permanent and deciduous, fully developed and not fully developed, in both adults and non-adults. Teeth were sampled from a modern-era cemetery in Ljubljana, Slovenia. DNA extraction was performed using a full demineralisation protocol. DNA quantity and quality were assessed using qPCR analyses, and autosomal STR typing was conducted to verify genetic profiles. Results revealed significant differences in DNA preservation among various tooth categories. Fully developed permanent teeth of adults exhibited the highest DNA yields, attributed to their fully developed roots and thicker cementum, which is rich in DNA. Deciduous teeth, with thinner enamel and cementum, showed lower DNA preservation regardless of developmental stage. Non-adult teeth generally yielded less DNA compared to adults, even when considering only fully developed permanent teeth, indicating factors beyond developmental stage. These findings suggest that, in archaeological and forensic contexts, researchers should prioritize fully developed permanent teeth for DNA analysis due to their superior preservation. Additionally, this study underscores the importance of considering tooth type and developmental stage when selecting samples for genetic analysis in cases where petrous bone is unavailable, expanding our understanding of DNA preservation in human remains.