The dental proteome of Homo antecessor.

The phylogenetic relationships between hominins of the Early Pleistocene epoch in Eurasia, such as Homo antecessor, and hominins that appear later in the fossil record during the Middle Pleistocene epoch, such as Homo sapiens, are highly debated1-5. For the oldest remains, the molecular study of these relationships is hindered by the degradation of ancient DNA. However, recent research has demonstrated that the analysis of ancient proteins can address this challenge6-8. Here we present the dental enamel proteomes of H. antecessor from Atapuerca (Spain)9,10 and Homo erectus from Dmanisi (Georgia)1, two key fossil assemblages that have a central role in models of Pleistocene hominin morphology, dispersal and divergence. We provide evidence that H. antecessor is a close sister lineage to subsequent Middle and Late Pleistocene hominins, including modern humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans. This placement implies that the modern-like face of H. antecessor-that is, similar to that of modern humans-may have a considerably deep ancestry in the genus Homo, and that the cranial morphology of Neanderthals represents a derived form. By recovering AMELY-specific peptide sequences, we also conclude that the H. antecessor molar fragment from Atapuerca that we analysed belonged to a male individual. Finally, these H. antecessor and H. erectus fossils preserve evidence of enamel proteome phosphorylation and proteolytic digestion that occurred in vivo during tooth formation. Our results provide important insights into the evolutionary relationships between H. antecessor and other hominin groups, and pave the way for future studies using enamel proteomes to investigate hominin biology across the existence of the genus Homo.

DENTAL CARIES AWARENESS AND RISK ASSESSMENT IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF GEORGIAN UNIVERSITIES.

Dental caries development in students depends on many factors. Our research aims at studying the dependence of the incidence of caries among foreigners residing in Georgia on caries awareness and behaviors Oral health status of the study population was assessed using the caries intensity DMFT index offered by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients were divided into two groups, according to the DMFT Index, with the first group comprising patients with low and very low DMFT index, and the second group - with moderate and high (<2,6) (>2,7) DMFT index. As one can see, the low-intensity caries group shows a reliably higher rate of correct answers. Caries predators in foreign students living in Georgia are Stress associated with examinations - OR=2.97(95% CI:1.49-5.90); Taking analgesics - OR=3.60(95% CI:1.02-12.67); Gastrointestinal diseases - OR=4.73(95% CI:1.94-11.50); Bruxism - OR=21.91(95% I:7.71-62.24); Tooth sensitivity -OR=3.77(95% CI: 1.83-7.75). Conclusion: • Knowledge of caries risk factors is low among international students with high intensity caries • Stress related to exams increases the risk of dental caries among students, the following also increases the probability of dental caries: gastrointestinal diseases; Bruxism, taking analgesics and tooth sensitivity.

ERGONOMIC PRACTICE IN DENTAL CLINICS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS IN GEORGIA.

The dental profession is associated with occupational health problems. The working environment of a dentist is associated with ergonomic risk factors that can significantly reduce the dentist's working ability and even cause the termination of his/her professional activity. Numerous studies have been conducted in different countries (Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Australia, etc.) to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists, though no studies related to the principles of ergonomics in dentistry have been carried out in Georgia. The study aimed to assess the ergonomics of the working environment of dentists in Tbilisi (capital city of Georgia) clinics and to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among them. An observational descriptive study was conducted in April-July 2023 in Tbilisi. A special questionnaire of 40 questions was designed based on international experience. The survey was conducted by random sampling in selected dental clinics. Dentists were asked to fill out the questionnaire during their free time between patient appointments. Those who agreed to participate were provided with electronic versions of the questionnaire. Five hundred dentists were invited to participate in the survey, of whom 314 (62.8%) agreed to fill out the questionnaire. A total of 291 fully completed questionnaires were used for the descriptive statistical analysis. Our study shows that in Tbilisi clinics dentists work on average for 5-6 days (48.8% - 6 days, 37.1% - 5 days) or 40-48 hours a week. A majority of respondents said their workplace met the requirements of ergonomics (it had a good lighting, the chair had a back, instruments could be easily reached), yet most of them rarely lean on the backrest, never or rarely use the hand rest method, and never or rarely do light physical exercise during breaks. The survey shows that 53.6% of dentists most frequently suffer from pain in the back, followed by pain in the neck (50.9%), shoulders (47.9%) and lower back (47.1%). Most of them said they had to work less because of the pain. Introduction of the principles of ergonomics in dental profession is vital for preventing occupational musculoskeletal disorders. It is important to provide continuing professional development programs and information booklets for dentists and thematic online webinars for the management of dental clinics in Georgia.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FORENSIC DENTAL EXAMINATION IN CRIMINALISTICS.

The purpose of the article is, on the basis of a comparative legal study of common and distinctive features of the norms of the criminal law of Ukraine, Georgia, Poland, and the Czech Republic on the examination, to determine the feasibility and necessity of the obligatory participation of a dentist in a forensic medical examination, namely: dental expertise. Based on the analysis of the norms of the Criminal Procedure Code and the Criminal Code of Ukraine, Georgia, Poland, and the Czech Republic the task is to outline ways to improve the norms of the criminal law and medical legislation of Ukraine and Georgia in this area. It has been established that the constitutional provision of the right to human health in Ukraine and Georgia is contained not only in the codes and medical legislation of both states, but also in a number of international legal acts that have been ratified by the parliaments mentioned above. The analysis of the relevant norms revealed the imperfection of the definitions of concepts and terms, ways, and methods of implementing the norms, which should reflect the specified right. It has been established that the Criminal Procedure Code and the Criminal Code of Ukraine, Georgia, Poland and the Czech Republic and methodological recommendations regarding the participation of a specialist doctor in a forensic medical examination to collect evidence in the commission of a crime have common features, formulations, and requirements. Thus, this article can serve as a driving force for the collection, research, analysis, and evaluation of modern scientific data on forensic dental traumatology, identification of a person by dental status and issues bordering on it, and also serve as a presentation of the features of expertise in cases of criminal prosecution of medical dental workers. The outcome of this research is unlikely to be an exhaustive presentation of all the problems mentioned and each of those presented in particular. But, in turn, the article will contribute to the improvement of the teaching of forensic dentistry and the development of forensic examination, forensic dental examination in particular.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PERIODONTAL TISSUE DURING PERIODONTITIS.

Periodontitis is the most common oral disease worldwide and is the leading cause of tooth loss. It is considered to be a major burden in terms of costs of treatment and preventive measures. According to the systematic reviews, there is a link between periodontitis and cancer. In particular, patients diagnosed with periodontitis have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. In this regard, the histomorphological examination of patients with periodontitis, which has not yet been sufficiently introduced in dental practice, is acquiring more and more importance. The aim of the work is a morphological study of periodontal tissues in patients with severe generalized periodontitis in Georgia - to identify signs of possible precancerous lesions. The data obtained show that the morphological characteristic of severe periodontitis is purulent destructive inflammation. In addition, a third of severe periodontitis is accompanied by mild to moderate epithelial dysplasia, which should be taken into account when choosing a treatment method in terms of oncological alertness.

[STUDY OF ANTIVIRAL AND IMMUNECORRECTIVE EFFECTS OF LAZOLEX IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT HERPETIC STOMATITIS].

At present, our country continues intensive research to find and introduce into practice new natural medicinal preparations made from ecologically clean endemic plants of Georgia. An example of such studies in the Iveria-Pharma company is the domestic drug Lazolex (extract of the pericarpium of an unripe walnut), which has passed the necessary preclinical tests and began to be used in the clinic as an antiherpetic agent. On healthy volunteers, we found positive immunotropic effects of Lazolex. Therefore, we considered it necessary to study the antiviral effect of the drug and its immunomodulatory properties in a clinical setting, specifically in chronic herpetic stomatitis. First of all, it was shown that the state of the patients' immune system was in a clear correlation with the severity of the herpes process, i.e. the most severe immunosuppression was recorded in patients with severe stomatitis. The double effect of the drug is to significantly increase the results of antiviral treatment and immunorehabilitation of patients. As a result of a parallel study of Zovirax and Lazolex, a high clinical activity of both drugs was recorded. However, the presence of pronounced immuno-corrective properties in Lazolex manifested itself in an improvement in the quality of patient treatment: active tissue regeneration and a significant decrease in the timing of exacerbation of local herpetic lesions, an increase in the duration of remission. Conducted clinical, laboratory and immunological studies allow us to recommend Lazolex for active use in dental practice for viral diseases.

DENTAL FLUOROSIS PREVALENCE, SEVERITY AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN PRE-SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN RESIDING IN FLUORIDE DEFICIENT REGIONS OF GEORGIA.

The aim of study was to assess prevalence, severity, and associated risk-factors for Dental Fluorosis in Pre-School children (1-6 years) in Fluoride deficient regions (1) Tbilisi (F=0.08-0.22 mg/l) and (2) Akhaltsikhe, (F<0.4 mg/l) Georgia, having different geographic location and socio-economic conditions. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 570 pre-school aged children (1-6 years) attending public kindergartens of Tbilisi and Akhaltsikhe region. Descriptive analysis was performed for Dental Fluorosis prevalence and severity using Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index (TFI). Correlative analysis was done to assess information about possible acquired risk-factors through questionnaire including biological and social variables. To differentiate genuine Dental fluorosis from other non-carious resembling defects ECEL method was introduced. For Fluoride concentration determination in potable water (2) ISO 10359-1:1992 Electrochemical probe as ion-selective electrode method was used. Information about F concentration in Tbilisi tap water (1) was obtained by GWP. (Georgian Water and Power, 2019). The overall Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in study group was 6.3% (36 Children) (95% CI;(4.3 - 8.3)). There was no statistically significant difference in the level of Dental Fluorosis prevalence between rural and urban residents (P>0.05). Dental Fluorosis prevalence was similar in both gender groups. 6.0% of girls had dental fluorosis (95% CI 2.2% - 8.8%), whereas DF prevalence in boys was 6.5% (95% CI3.7% - 9.3%), respectively. Regular brushing and dentifrices ingestion were not effecting DF prevalence and severity (p>0.05). Indoor coal-burning environment increasing airborne Fluoride absorption during pregnancy was recognized as a risk-factor for dental fluorosis occurrence in children (OR=5.8 (95% CI; 2.1-15.9)). High tea consumption (≥2 cups/day) was increasing Odds of DF occurrence (OR=17.3 (95% CI; 7.4-40.7)). Exposure to diverse fluoride sources like indoor coal-burning and high tea consumption in non-fluoridated areas is a risk-factor of Dental Fluorosis in study community.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTION AMONG PATIENTS TOWARDS CROSS-INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES IN DENTAL CLINICS IN GEORGIA BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Problem of cross-infection and infection in dental practice has become a matter of public concern. Changing public expectations for cross-infection control could improve safety precautions of dental care. Goal of the study was to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) of Georgian patients attending dental clinics regarding cross-infections and infection control measures in dentistry. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 570 participants from all 10 regions of Georgia and Tbilisi (the capital city) during 2019. A standardized, confidential, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was used to assess respondents' knowledge, attitudes, self-reported practices, perception and behaviors toward cross-infection control measures in dental clinics. 71.4% (n 407) of participants were females and 28.6% (n 163) were males. 72.6%, 63.2%, and 62.5% of respondents agreed that they can catch during dental treatment HCV, HBV and AIDS/HIV respectively, while 50.5% and 55.8% mentioned about TB and respiratory infectious (RI) diseases respectively. 80% of participants are concerned about the risk to be infected during the dental treatment. 62.5% of participants responded that they would not receive treatment in dental clinic where HIV and HBV/HCV patients are being treated. Overall, the study suggests that participants' knowledge, attitude and perception regarding cross-infection control in dentistry need some improvements. This study will assist in planning more effective interventions to enhance public awareness about infection control in dentistry in Georgia.

Hepatitis C prevalence and risk factors in Georgia, 2015: setting a baseline for elimination.

BACKGROUND: The country of Georgia launched the world's first Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Elimination Program in 2015 and set a 90% prevalence reduction goal for 2020. We conducted a nationally representative HCV seroprevalence survey to establish baseline prevalence to measure progress toward elimination over time. METHODS: A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted in 2015 among adults aged ≥18 years using a stratified, multi-stage cluster design (n = 7000). Questionnaire variables included demographic, medical, and behavioral risk characteristics and HCV-related knowledge. Blood specimens were tested for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA. Frequencies were computed for HCV prevalence, risk factors, and HCV-related knowledge. Associations between anti-HCV status and potential risk factors were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: National anti-HCV seroprevalence in Georgia was 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.7, 8.9); HCV RNA prevalence was 5.4% (95% CI = 4.6, 6.4). Testing anti-HCV+ was significantly associated with male sex, unemployment, urban residence, history of injection drug use (IDU), incarceration, blood transfusion, tattoos, frequent dental cleanings, medical injections, dialysis, and multiple lifetime sexual partners. History of IDU (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 21.4, 95% CI = 12.3, 37.4) and blood transfusion (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI = 2.8, 7.2) were independently, significantly associated with testing anti-HCV+ after controlling for sex, age, urban vs. rural residence, and history of incarceration. Among anti-HCV+ participants, 64.0% were unaware of their HCV status, and 46.7% did not report IDU or blood transfusion as a risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Georgia has a high HCV burden, and a majority of infected persons are unaware of their status. Ensuring a safe blood supply, implementing innovative screening strategies beyond a risk-based approach, and intensifying prevention efforts among persons who inject drugs are necessary steps to reach Georgia's HCV elimination goal.

IMPACT OF ACCESS TO DENTAL SERVICES ON DENTAL CARIES RISK IN ADULT POPULATION OF GEORGIA.

The objectives of the present paper are to outline the oral disease burden globally and to describe the influence of major socio-behavioral risk factors and the deficit of dental services, associated with the oral health in Georgian population. One thousand and twenty-seven subjects from 6 regions of Georgia were examined. Caries prevalence and oral hygiene status was assessed among the five age groups: I- (35-44), II-(45-54), III-(55-64), IV- (65-74), V- (75-84). A questionnaire was used to evaluate general health condition, alcohol and tobacco consumption, oral hygiene habits and dental service accessibility. High prevalence (100%) of the dental caries and intensity of DMF=10.96 were recorded. There is high prevalence of the dental caries in the investigated areas of Georgia. Positive correlation between the dental caries and accessibility to dental services was noted.

CORRELATION OF ORAL HEALTH STATUS WITH GENERAL HEALTH IN ELDERLY LIVING AT RESIDENTIAL HOMES IN GEORGIA.

The aim of the study was to assess oral health status and its correlations with the general health in older adults living in residential houses in Georgia. The study was conducted in 2017-2018 years based on WHO recommendations. The study got approval from bioethical council of National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, protocol #2017-039, 28.06.2017y. 300 voluntary residents from various residential houses for older people (aged 65 years and more) were observed in regions of Georgia: "Basiliada" (Tbilisi), residential home of municipality of Samtredia, (Imereti), residential home "Carefree old age" (Kakheti). Age groups were divided as following: 65-74; 75-84; 85<. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. DMFT was assessed to be 28.74. Significantly high prevalence of needs of prosthetic treatment 91.1% (p=0.0005), full edentulism 36.2% (p=0.0049), participants with the extraction of more than 20 teeth 81.3% (p=0.0000) and unsatisfactory oral hygiene 39.3% (p=0.0003) were observed. Prevalence of systemic diseases was assessed as the following: cardiovascular disease - 56%, gastroenterologycal diseases - 6%, diabetes - 2.9%, respiratory disease - 8.4%, oncological disease - 6.7%, dementia - 24.2 %.( p<0.005). Cardiovascular system diseases appeared to be one of the most commonly encountered diseases in dental practice. Based on the study results new program was created "Improve of oral hygiene of older adults living in residential homes in Georgia" in order to increase their access to the dental care, including preventive dental care and improve oral health related quality of life.

A STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF NON-CARIOUS DENTAL LESIONS RELATED TO PRODUCTION FACTORS IN RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF PENZA.

The aim of the study was to study the current problems of non-carious dental lesions in residents of Penza, depending on the influence of production factors. In the structure of non-carious lesions, there is a large group of diseases (and injuries) of the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel, dentin, cement), which have their various clinical manifestations, the occurrence and development of which is not directly related to the microbial factor, unlike carious lesions. Such diseases are enamel and dentin hypoplasia, fluorosis, wedge-shaped defect, etc. All these diseases can be manifested by spotting, expressed to varying degrees on permanent and temporary teeth, which sometimes complicates the differential diagnosis with the initial stages and causes a significant aesthetic defect. Thus, the identification and treatment of non-carious lesions in practical dentistry is undoubtedly an urgent task. The team of authors conducted a dental examination of 350 patients from among adult residents of Penza and the Penza region aged from 20 to 60 years of the main professional groups of the region (working at enterprises of heavy and medium machinery, in the timber processing industry, engaged in agriculture). As a result of the study it was revealed that the Penza region is endemic for fluorosis, in connection with which there are high prevalence rates of fluorosis and hypoplasia of teeth. At the same time, respondents working in the machine-building and timber processing industries have a slightly lower prevalence, which is associated with large proportions of the foreign population (persons born and raised in other regions). At the same time, the influence of production factors on the incidence of different types of non-carious dental pathology in respondents working in the machine-building and timber processing industries of the Penza region was established. This mainly concerned non-carious diseases that occur after teething-pathological abrasion of teeth, wedge-shaped defect, multiple cracks of enamel.

Generalized Procrustes analysis of an ontogenetic series of modified crania: Evaluating the technique of modification in the Migration Period of Europe (4th-7th century AD).

OBJECTIVES: The arrival of the Huns into Europe in the fourth century AD increased the occurrence of intentional cranial modification among European nomads. It has been postulated that the Huns used a two-bandage cranial binding technique to differentiate themselves from surrounding nomadic groups, including those from Georgia. This study examines this hypothesis by comparing Migration Period (4th to 7th century AD) juvenile crania, which retain strong impressions of bindings, with adult modified crania from Hungary and Georgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve surface landmarks and 251 semi-landmarks were used to study ontogenetic trajectories in 9 juvenile and 16 adult modified skulls from 8 Hungarian sites and 21 adult skulls from two Georgian sites. Generalized Procrustes analysis, linear regression of Procrutes distance on dental age and log centroid size, and warping the principal components (PCs) in shape space helped to identify cranial shape changes. RESULTS: The PCs provide significant separation of the juvenile and adult groups from Georgia and Hungary. Variation in modified cranial shape was limited in Hungary compared to Georgia. There was stronger correlation between juvenile and adult modified cranial shape in Hungary than in Georgia. Warping along the first axis reveals the trajectory from marked flattening of the frontal and occipital regions in juveniles to diminished flattening in the same regions in adult crania, corresponding with one binding. Another depression extending from the post-bregmatic region to the temporal region, similarly strong in juveniles but diminishing in adults, marks the second binding. DISCUSSION: Hungarian crania were modified with two bindings with limited shape variation, whereas the Georgian crania had greater variation in shape being also modified with antero-posterior bindings. The findings from this study alongside contemporary historical sources help to understand the role of intentional cranial modification as a mark of social identity among nomads in the Migration Period of Europe.

[EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DENTAL CARIES, DENTAL STATUS AND CORRECTION PROSPECTS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN OF ADJARA REGION KOBULETI AND KHELVACHAURI MUNICIPALITIES].

The epidemiological research was conducted among school children of 6-7, 12, 15 ages (According to the WHO nomenclature) in the municipalities of Kobuleti and Khelvachauri of Ajara region in order to study the spread of major dental diseases and determine further prophylactic measures. The research involved 246 children, of whom 129 were residents of Kobuleti and 117 residents of Khelvachauri. Studies have shown that in all age groups the level of caries distribution is high; the median intensity index is also high in all age groups compared to the median indexes established for residents of Georgia. A particularly difficult situation was observed when reviewing the components of the DMFT structure. The number of teeth damaged by caries was prevailing in all age groups and the number of filled teeth was insignificant. The study of the hygiene skills of the research target group revealed a low sanitary culture. Consequently, in order to improve the dental status in the target group of the research, the following was determined: 1. Need to increase the scope and quality of dental care; 2. Necessity of implementing sanitary-educational works for increasing sanitary culture and the motivation of oral hygiene.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMULATION AND TECHNOLOGY OF HYDROGEL, CONTAINING ADJARA REGION SULFIDE SILT PELOID.

In the world today, the demand for the preparations and cosmetics, made of peloids is increasing significantly, which is explained by the increased interest of the community to the ecologically clean raw materials of natural origin, it often replaces expensive chemical preparations, which are often accompanied by some contraindications. The increased interest in peloids in the world put on the agenda the question of rational use of acting mud mines as well as the problem of cosmetic and medicinal preparations, developed on their basis. It is noteworthy that the development of ready-made, soft drug forms from the Adjara region sulfide silt peloids is one of the most topical and important issues, as at present there is not available the form of ready-made drugs containing the sulfide silt peloids of this region. Therefore, the aim of the research was to develop the formulation and technology of the hydrogel, containing the Adjara region sulfide silt peloid. The sulfide silt peloid of the Ardagani lake have been used for preparing the hydrogel compositions, as it is distinguished by its advantageous physical-chemical properties and content of biologically active ingredients compared with other studied peloids. The main physical-chemical and technological characteristics of hydrogels compositions have been studied using the following methods: uniformity, pH, the colloidal stability, thermal stability , osmotic activity - by dialysis method using semiconductor membrane (Kruvichinski method), release of active ingredient was studied by using Franz diffusion cells, viscosity was determined by Viscometer RVDV-1 T (Dongguan Zhongli Instrument Technology Co., China), the structure of hydrogel composition - by microscopic (ROW Rathenow, Germany) examination. Based on the conducted studies have been established, that the hydrogel composition N6 is distinguished by its best properties compared to other hydrogel compositions, in which the carboxymethylcellulose was used as a base.The conducted studies became the basis for the development of the formula and technological scheme of production for the hydrogel of Ardagani lake sulfide silt peloid of Adjara region. The results of determining the main characteristics of the given gel provide the desired quality and efficiency of the product.

CORRELATION BETWEEN THE ORAL HYGIENIC CONDITION AND PSYCHO-SOCIAL FACTORS IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION OF IMERETI.

The purpose of the study is to determine the correlation between the oral hygienic condition and the psycho-social factors in the elderly population of Imereti. The research was based on the findings of 374 persons who were older than 50 years of age from the contingent of Kutaisi Regional Dental Center and From the contingent of the boarding house of the Kutaisi elderly and disabled people. The oral hygienic level was determined by the method of GreeneVermilion, and we used the E. Ambjornsen method to evaluate hygienic conditions of removable prostheses. The difference between the groups was determined by F Fischer's criterion; The relationship between the factors was determined by the correlation analysis - the Spearerman's Rank Test. Correlation analysis shows the level of hygiene and behavioral factors that show positive correlation with good hygienic levels of the mouth: self-efficiency r=0.113; P=0.029; Self control r=0.104; P=0.045; Optimism r=0.144; P=0.005; Social opportunities r=.144; P=0.005; Psychosocial function r=0.227; P=0.000; Self-service r=0.127; P=0.014; Motor function r=0.128; P=0.013; Reliable positive correlation with a bad hygienic level - the need for other medical assistance - r=0.327; P=0.000; Disorders of behavior - r=0.378; P=0.000; Chronic pain - r=0.484; P=0.000; Decreased mobility - r=0.492; P=0.000; Inconvenience - r=0.533; P=0.000; Physical weakness - r=0.487; P=0.000; Disorientation - r=0.403; P=0.000; Bad memory - r=0.417; P=0.000; Psychological weakness - r=0.462; P=0.000; Lack of support - r=0.318; P=0.000; The oral hygienic level in elderly persons correlates with psycho-social and behavioral factors.

Skull 5 from Dmanisi: Descriptive anatomy, comparative studies, and evolutionary significance.

A fifth hominin skull (cranium D4500 and mandible D2600) from Dmanisi is massively constructed, with a large face and a very small brain. Traits documented for the first time in a basal member of the Homo clade include the uniquely low ratio of endocranial volume to basicranial width, reduced vertex height, angular vault profile, smooth nasal sill coupled with a long and sloping maxillary clivus, elongated palate, and tall mandibular corpus. The convex clivus and receding symphysis of skull 5 produce a muzzle-like form similar to that of Australopithecus afarensis. While the Dmanisi cranium is very robust, differing from OH 13, OH 24, and KNM-ER 1813, it resembles Homo habilis specimens in the "squared off" outline of its maxilla in facial view, maxillary sulcus, rounded and receding zygomatic arch, and flexed zygomaticoalveolar pillar. These characters distinguish early Homo from species of Australopithecus and Paranthropus. Skull 5 is unlike Homo rudolfensis cranium KNM-ER 1470. Although it appears generally primitive, skull 5 possesses a bar-like supraorbital torus, elongated temporal squama, occipital transverse torus, and petrotympanic traits considered to be derived for Homo erectus. As a group, the Dmanisi crania and mandibles display substantial anatomical and metric variation. A key question is whether the fossils document age-related growth and sex dimorphism within a single population, or whether two (or more) distinct taxa may be present at the site. We use the coefficient of variation to compare Dmanisi with Paranthropus boisei, H. erectus, and recent Homo sapiens, finding few signals that the Dmanisi sample is excessively variable in comparison to these reference taxa. Using cranial measurements and principal components analysis, we explore the proposal that the Dmanisi skulls can be grouped within a regionally diverse hypodigm for H. erectus. Our results provide only weak support for this hypothesis. Finally, we consider all available morphological and paleobiological evidence in an attempt to clarify the phyletic relationship of Dmanisi to Homo species evolving >2.0 to 1.0 Ma.

PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY OF PREDICTORS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PEGYLATED INTERFERON IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATITIS C IN GEORGIA.

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive values of virological response at 4th and 12th weeks after treatment initiation on sustained virological response by HCV genotype in patients with hepatitis C in Georgia. Local, non-interventional, prospective, cohort study was conducted in 2011-2016. A cohort of adult peginterferon treatment naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C were observed during the complete active treatment period with PEGASYS®/COPEGUS® and 24 weeks after the end of treatment. HCV RNA titers were assessed prior to treatment, after 4, 12 weeks of treatment, at the end of treatment and 24 weeks after the end of treatment.530 men and women aged ≥18 years with serologically proven CHC (all genotypes) were enrolled in this study. Enrolles study subjects were treated with PEGASYS® 180mkg (peginterferon alfa-2a) in combination with COPEGUS® 200mg (ribavirin) according to the current standard of care and in line with current summary of product characteristics. All clinical information for this cohort study was collected from the patient's medical records. All laboratory parameters which were collected for this observational study according to the protocol were performed in study centers. All data were analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistics. Our analysis demonstrated that the early achievement of viral response predicts the higher probability of achieving sustainvirul response. The viral response itself was strongly associated with baseline liver fibrosis quantitive HCV RNA level. Early starting of treatment determines the probability of achievement higher osustain viral response.

Comparative analysis of dentognathic pathologies in the Dmanisi mandibles.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the scarcity of the fossil record, in vivo changes in the dentognathic system of early Homo are typically documented at the level of individual fossil specimens, and it remains difficult to draw population-level inferences about dietary habits, diet-related activities and lifestyle from individual patterns of dentognathic alterations. The Plio-Pleistocene hominin sample from Dmanisi (Georgia), dated to 1.77 million years ago, offers a unique opportunity to study in vivo changes in the dentognathic system of individuals belonging to a single paleodeme of early Homo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyze dentognathic pathologies in the Dmanisi sample, and in comparative samples of modern Australian and Greenlander hunter-gatherer populations, applying clinical protocols of dentognathic diagnostics. RESULTS: The Dmanisi hominins exhibit a similarly wide diversity and similar incidence of dentognathic pathologies as the modern human hunter-gatherer population samples investigated here. Dmanisi differs from the modern population samples in several respects: At young age tooth wear is already advanced, and pathologies are more prevalent. At old age, hypercementosis is substantial. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that dentognathic pathologies and disease trajectories are largely similar in early Homo and modern humans, but that the disease load was higher in early Homo, probably as an effect of higher overall stress on the dentognathic system. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:229-253, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Traumatic dental injuries among 12- and 15-year-old adolescents in Georgia: results of the pathfinder study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are a widespread pathology with serious dental public health concerns. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pathfinder study was to collect initial epidemiological data on oral health in Republic of Georgia. As part of this study, the prevalence and severity of TDI in permanent teeth among seventh- and tenth-grade schoolchildren were evaluated. METHODS: Schoolchildren were examined in four schools in the capital city of Tbilisi, two schools in two other major cities, and one school in four additional villages. In addition to demographical data, the following parameters were collected and recorded: Overjet (OJ), lip competence, number and type/location of the teeth with TDI and Type of TDI. The study population comprised of children aged 12 (seventh grade) and 15 years old (10th grade). RESULTS: A total of 823 7th- and 10th-grade schoolchildren were examined. The overall prevalence of TDI among Georgian population was found to be 10.4% (86 children). The prevalence of TDI was greater in the older age cohort (P < 0.05). Lip posture did not seem to have a marked effect on TDI. Children with an OJ greater than 5 mm were more likely to present with dental injuries compared to children with an OJ equal to or smaller than 5 mm (P < 0.05). Children from rural areas presented with greater prevalence of TDI compared to their urban counterparts (P < 0.05). The maxillary central incisors were the most common teeth to be affected by trauma accounting for 85.2% of the TDI cases. Enamel fracture was the main type of TDI (91.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of TDI in Georgian schoolchildren, as presented in this survey, population was found to be rather moderate and involved mainly minor superficial injuries. Rural communities have shown in this report substantial higher rates; thus, educational program might be directed mostly to these regions to children, teachers, and healthcare providers.