Dental autotransplantation: a viable solution for preserving oral health and function.

DESIGN: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on dental autotransplantation (DAT). AIM: To provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on prognostic factors, outcomes, and complications of DAT by synthesizing the evidence. METHODS: A comprehensive search of six databases was conducted for systematic reviews and meta-analyses published up to June 30, 2022. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Raw data from primary studies were analyzed using a random effects meta-analysis, and meta-regression was performed to investigate the effect of open and closed apices on the outcomes. RESULTS: Ten systematic reviews, of which nine included meta-analyses, were examined. The overall success rate of the studies was 89.4%, and the survival rate was 96.1%. The main complications were ankylosis (4.6%) and root resorption (7.4%). The analysis showed that a closed apex increased the proportion of ankylosis, resorption, and reduced survival but had no effect on success. The quality of the systematic reviews included varied, with 20% scoring moderate, 60% scoring low, and 20% scoring critically low on the AMSTAR 2 scale. CONCLUSIONS: Dental implant therapy is a reliable solution for replacing lost or damaged teeth, with high success and survival rates. However, it is a procedure that requires precision and attention to detail, along with careful selection of suitable candidates, comprehensive planning, and consideration of factors that may impact outcomes. To improve results and reduce potential complications, it is essential to establish standard clinical guidelines and conduct further extensive research.

The Impact of Technology Teaching in the Dental Predoctoral Curriculum on Students' Perception of Digital Dentistry.

The goal was to assess dental students' perception of digital technologies after participating in a CAD/CAM exercise for scanning, designing, and manufacturing computer-aided provisional fixed dental restorations. A survey was conducted among second- (pre-D2 and post-D2), first- (D1, negative control), third-, and fourth-year dental students (D3 and D4, positive controls). Only OSU College of Dentistry students who completed the activity and completed the surveys were included. Seven questions were rated, which evaluated changes in knowledge, skill, interest, the importance of technology availability in an office, patients' perception of technology, the importance of having the technology, and the expected frequency of clinics utilizing the technology. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 0.05. A total of 74 pre-D2 and 77 post-D2 questionnaires were completed. Additionally, 63 D1, 43 D3, and 39 D4 participants responded to the survey. Significant differences were found for "knowledge" and "skill" between the pre-D2 and post-D2 and pre-D2 and control groups (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the post-D2 participants and all the controls in terms of "interest" (p = 0.0127) and preference for in-practice technology availability (p < 0.05). There were significant results between the post-D2 participants and all the controls regarding the importance of technology availability in an office (p < 0.001) and the expected frequency of clinics utilizing the technology (p = 0.01). No significance was found for "value of technology to patients" and "the importance of having the technology". The presence of technology in practice and in educational academic environments significantly improved students' interest and perception of their knowledge and skill.

A Synergic Strategy: Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids Seeded on 3D-Printed PLA/CHA Scaffolds Implanted in a Bone Critical-Size Defect Model.

Bone critical-size defects and non-union fractures have no intrinsic capacity for self-healing. In this context, the emergence of bone engineering has allowed the development of functional alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of ASC spheroids in bone regeneration using a synergic strategy with 3D-printed scaffolds made from poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and nanostructured hydroxyapatite doped with carbonate ions (CHA) in a rat model of cranial critical-size defect. In summary, a set of results suggests that ASC spheroidal constructs promoted bone regeneration. In vitro results showed that ASC spheroids were able to spread and interact with the 3D-printed scaffold, synthesizing crucial growth factors and cytokines for bone regeneration, such as VEGF. Histological results after 3 and 6 months of implantation showed the formation of new bone tissue in the PLA/CHA scaffolds that were seeded with ASC spheroids. In conclusion, the presence of ASC spheroids in the PLA/CHA 3D-printed scaffolds seems to successfully promote bone formation, which can be crucial for a significant clinical improvement in critical bone defect regeneration.

Artroplastia em Gap com Interposição de Fáscia de Temporal para o Tratamento de Anquilose de Articulação Temporomandibular: Relato de Caso / Gap Arthroplasty with Temporalis Fascia Interposition for the Treatment of Temporomandibular

A anquilose da articulação temporomandibular (ATM) é caracterizada pela união intracapsular do complexo disco-côndilo à superfície do osso temporal, podendo gerar restrição dos movimentos mandibulares e limitação de abertura bucal. São descritas ainda alterações como restrição da capacidade mastigatória, dificuldade de fonação e de uma adequada higiene bucal, além de dificuldade de interação social. O presente caso retrata um paciente feminino, 27 anos, com histórico de fratura de parassínfise e côndilo mandibular bilateral após trauma em 2014, evoluindo com anquilose da ATM direita, com abertura máxima de 13,27 mm. Para o tratamento do caso descrito, foi utilizado o acesso de Al-Kayat, coronoidectomia ipsilateral e ressecção de massa anquilótica em gap com interposição de retalho da fáscia do músculo temporal no lado direito. Após seis meses do procedimento cirúrgico, foi realizada uma nova tomografia da face na qual se observa ausência de lesões e de sinais de recidiva da anquilose e também foi observada a manutenção do espaço de lacuna feita pela ressecção óssea. O resultado satisfatório da técnica foi atribuído pela obtenção e estabilização de uma abertura bucal adequada, melhora da capacidade mastigatória e da fonação. Além do sucesso clínico, uma vantagem da técnica utilizada foi o baixo custo do procedimento por utilizar apenas interposição do músculo temporal sem uso de materiais aloplásticos. Além disso, a coronoidectomia ipsilateral associada foi suficiente para auxiliar na manutenção da abertura alcançada, não sendo necessária a coronoidectomia contralateral, o que minimizou o tempo operatório e a morbidade de mais um sítio cirúrgico acessado.

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is characterized by the intracapsular union of the condyle- disc complex to the surface of the temporal bone, which can cause restriction of the mandibular movements and a limitation of a mouth opening. Alterations are also described as a restriction of masticatory capacity, difficulty in phonation and suitable oral hygiene, as well as difficulty in social interaction. A 27-year-old female patient with a bilateral history of parasymphysis and mandibular condyle fracture after a trauma in 2014, which evolved to an ankylosis of the right TMJ, with a maximum mouth opening of 13.27 mm. For the treatment of the described case, it was used the Al- Kayat approach, ipsilateral coronoidectomy and resection of the ankylotic mass in gap with interposition of temporalis muscle fascia flap on the right side. After six months of the surgical procedure, it was made a new computed tomography of the face in which it was possible to notice the absence of lesions and signs of recurrence of the ankylosis. It was also observed the maintenance of the gap space made by the bone resection. The satisfactory result of the technique was attributed to the achievement and stabilization of an adequate mouth opening, improved chewing ability and phonation. Besides the clinical success, an advantage of the technique used was the low cost of the procedure by using only temporal muscle interposition without the use of alloplastic materials. In addition, the associated ipsilateral coronoidectomy was sufficient to help maintaining the achieved mouth opening, and the contralateral coronoidectomy was not necessary, as a result it was minimized the surgical time and morbidity of one more accessed surgical site.

Saúde bucal e condições sistêmicas em idosos da Baixada Fluminense: coorte retrospectivo / Oral health and systemic conditions in elderly people from Baixada Fluminense: retrospective cohort

O equilíbrio sistêmico e a saúde bucal são condições clínicas que estabelecem entre si uma relação multidimensional capaz de exercer grande impacto sobre o bem-estar cotidiano do indivíduo. As disfunções metabólicas associadas ao estado nutricional e a perda da capacidade muscular geram uma maior necessidade de cuidados em pessoas idosas. Sob o ponto de vista odontológico a presença de dentes naturais bem como o grau de doença periodontal, estão associados a competência mastigatória e, desta forma, são fatores determinantes na saúde da população acima dos 60 anos de idade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, através da análise retrospectiva dos últimos 05 anos, a relação entre a saúde bucal e as condições sistêmicas de indivíduos acima de 60 anos residentes na Baixada Fluminense (Rio de Janeiro/Brasil) com evidente crescimento demográfico populacional. Para isso foram analisados 11.390 prontuários de pacientes usuários da Clínica Odontológica da Universidade Iguaçu/RJ sendo selecionados 1.125 que atendiam aos critérios de inclusão. Os resultados destacam a presença de doença periodontal em cerca de 56% dos indivíduos diabéticos, além de 43% com quadro hipertensivo no momento do atendimento apontando para uma importante relação entre a atenção com a saúde bucal da população assistida nessa região e suas condições sistêmicas.

Systemic balance and oral health are clinical conditions that establish a multidimensional relationship capable of having a great impact on the individual's daily well-being. Metabolic dysfunctions associated with nutritional status and loss of muscle capacity generate a greater need for care in the elderly. From the dental point of view, the presence of natural teeth, as well as the degree of periodontal disease, are associated with masticatory competence and, thus, are determining factors in the health of the population over 60 years of age. The present study aimed to describe descriptively, through the retrospective analysis of the last 05 years, the relationship between oral health and the systemic conditions of individuals over 60 years old living in the Baixada Fluminense (Rio de Janeiro / Brazil) with evident population demographic growth. For that purpose, 11,390 medical records of patients who were users of the Clínica Odontológica of Universidade Iguaçu / RJ were analyzed, 1,125 who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The results highlight the presence of periodontal disease in about 56% of diabetic individuals, in addition to 43% with the hypertensive condition at the time of care, pointing to an important relationship between the attention to the oral health of the assisted population in this region and their systemic conditions.

Advances in surface treatment of dental implants: a literature review

Amplamente utilizados para substituir dentes perdidos, os implantes dentários nos últimos anos vêm apresentando tecnologias como superfícies com micro e nanotopografia e ajustes nas composições químicas, dentre outros, para melhorar a osseointegração e reduzir o prazo de tratamento, permitindo, assim, carga funcional imediata ou precoce em pacientes com densidade óssea reduzida. Vários métodos são aplicados com intuito de modificar a superfície do implante, como jateamento com areia, corrosão ácida, oxidação anódica, tratamento com flúor, usinagem, pulverização de plasma de titânio e revestimento de fosfato de cálcio; esses métodos podem aumentar notavelmente a área de superfície quando operada a técnica adequadada de modificação, quer por procedimento de adição ou subtração. Tais modificações promovem superfícies rugosas, as quais aumentam a porcentagem de contato osso-implante (BIC) durante o processo de cicatrização óssea inicial. Os principais benefícios da modificação da superfície são melhorar a molhabilidade (hidrofilicidade), adesão e fixação de células a implantes e proliferação celular. Dentre os tratamentos de superfície de implantes dentários destaca-se o jateamento de areia com granulação grossa e ataque-ácido com HCL/H2SO4 (SLA) em altas temperaturas, o revestimento de superfície do implante com hidroxiapatita, oxidação anódica e o duplo ataque ácido. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma revisão de literatura discutindo a importância e eficácia desses métodos para a osseointegração e, por conseguinte, para a redução do período de tratamento.

Widely used to replace lost teeth, dental implants have been presenting technologies such as surfaces with micro and nano topography and adjustments in chemical compositions, among others, to improve osseointegration and reduce treatment time, thus allowing immediate or early functional load in patients with reduced bone density. Several methods are applied to modify the implant surface, such as sandblasting, acid corrosion, anodic oxidation, fluoride treatment, machining, titanium plasma spraying, and calcium phosphate coating; these methods can notably increase the surface area when the appropriate modification technique is operated, either by the addition or subtraction procedure. Such modifications promote rough surfaces, which increase the percentage of bone-implant contact (BIC) during the initial bone healing process. The main benefits of surface modification are to improve wettability (hydrophilicity), adhesion and attachment of cells to implants, and cell proliferation. Among the surface treatments for dental implants, sandblasting with large grit and acid-etching with HCL/H2SO4 (SLA) stands out at high temperatures. The surface coating of the implant with hydroxyapatite, anodic oxidation, and double acid-etching. This work aims to conduct a literature review discussing the importance and effectiveness of these methods for osseointegration and, therefore, for reducing the treatment period.

Purinergic signaling in cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

About 10 million new cases of dementia develop worldwide each year, of which up to 70% are attributable to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to the widely known symptoms of memory loss and cognitive impairment, AD patients frequently develop non-cognitive symptoms, referred to as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs). Sleep disorders are often associated with AD, but mood alterations, notably depression and apathy, comprise the most frequent class of BPSDs. BPSDs negatively affect the lives of AD patients and their caregivers, and have a significant impact on public health systems and the economy. Because treatments currently available for AD are not disease-modifying and mainly aim to ameliorate some of the cognitive symptoms, elucidating the mechanisms underlying mood alterations and other BPSDs in AD may reveal novel avenues for progress in AD therapy. Purinergic signaling is implicated in the pathophysiology of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as AD, depression and sleep disorders. Here, we review recent findings indicating that purinergic receptors, mainly the A1, A2A, and P2X7 subtypes, are associated with the development/progression of AD. Current evidence suggests that targeting purinergic signaling may represent a promising therapeutic approach in AD and related conditions. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Purinergic Signaling: 50 years".

Whole bone subcutaneous transplantation as a strategy to study precisely the bone marrow niche.

Hematopoietic stem cells are maintained in a specialized microenvironment, known as the 'niche', within the bone marrow. Understanding the contribution of cellular and molecular components within the bone marrow niche for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells is crucial for the success of therapeutic applications. So far, the roles of crucial mechanisms within the bone marrow niche have been explored in transgenic animals in which genetic modifications are ubiquitously introduced in the whole body. The lack of precise tools to explore genetic alterations exclusively within the bone marrow prevents our determination of whether the observed outcomes result from confounding effects from other organs. Here, we developed a new method - 'whole bone subcutaneous transplantation'- to study the bone marrow niche in transgenic animals precisely. Using immunolabeling of CD45.1 (donor) vs. CD45.2 (recipient) hematopoeitic stem cells, we demonstrated that hematopoeitic stem cells from the host animals colonize the subcutaneously transplanted femurs after transplantation, while the hematopoietic stem cells from the donor disappear. Strikinlgy, the bone marrow niche of these subcutaneously transplanted femurs remain from the donor mice, enabling us to study specifically cells of the bone marrow niche using this model. We also showed that genetic ablation of peri-arteriolar cells specifically in donor femurs reduced the numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in these bones. This supports the use of this strategy as a model, in combination with genetic tools, to evaluate how bone marrow niche specific modifications may impact non-modified hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, this approach can be utilized for genetic manipulation in vivo of specific cell types only within the bone marrow. The combination of whole bone subcutaneous transplantation with rodent transgenic models will facilitate a more precise, complex and comprehensive understanding of existing problems in the study of the hematopoietic stem cell bone marrow niche.

Retinal organoids from human-induced pluripotent stem cells: From studying retinal dystrophies to early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have provided new methods to study neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to their wide application in neuronal disorders, hiPSCs technology can also encompass specific conditions, such as inherited retinal dystrophies. The possibility of evaluating alterations related to retinal disorders in 3D organoids increases the truthfulness of in vitro models. Moreover, both Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) have been described as causing early retinal alterations, generating beta-amyloid protein accumulation, or affecting dopaminergic amacrine cells. This review addresses recent advances and future perspectives obtained from in vitro modeling of retinal diseases, focusing on retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Additionally, we depicted the possibility of evaluating changes related to AD and PD in retinal organoids obtained from potential patients long before the onset of the disease, constituting a valuable tool in early diagnosis. With this, we pointed out prospects in the study of retinal dystrophies and early diagnosis of AD and PD.

Biomarkers in Hypertension and Hypertension-related Disorders.

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a major risk factor for several secondary diseases, especially cardiovascular and renal conditions. SAH has a high prevalence worldwide, and its precise and early recognition is important to prevent the development of secondary outcomes. In this field, the study of biomarkers represents an important approach to diagnosing and predicting the disease and its associated conditions. The use of biomarkers in hypertension and hypertension-related disorders, such as ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack, acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and chronic kidney disease, are discussed in this review. Establishing a potential pool of biomarkers may contribute to a non-invasive and improved approach for their diagnosis, prognosis, risk assessment, therapy management and pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention to improve patients' quality of life and prevent unfavorable outcomes.

Regulatory mechanisms of stem cell differentiation: Biotechnological applications for neurogenesis.

The world population's life expectancy is growing, and neurodegenerative disorders common in old age require more efficient therapies. In this context, neural stem cells (NSCs) are imperative for the development and maintenance of the functioning of the nervous system and have broad therapeutic applicability for neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, knowing all the mechanisms that govern the self-renewal, differentiation, and cell signaling of NSC is necessary. This review will address some of these aspects, including the role of growth and transcription factors, epigenetic modulators, microRNAs, and extracellular matrix components. Furthermore, differentiation and transdifferentiation processes will be addressed as therapeutic strategies showing their significance for stem cell-based therapy.

Strategic use of organoids and organs-on-chip as biomimetic tools.

Organoid development and organ-on-a-chip are technologies based on differentiating stem cells, forming 3D multicellular structures resembling organs and tissues in vivo. Hence, both can be strategically used for disease modeling, drug screening, and host-pathogen studies. In this context, this review highlights the significant advancements in the area, providing technical approaches to organoids and organ-on-a-chip that best imitate in vivo physiology.

Organoids as a novel tool in modelling infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases worldwide affect human health and have important societal impacts. A better understanding of infectious diseases is urgently needed. In vitro and in vivo infection models have brought notable contributions to the current knowledge of these diseases. Organoids are multicellular culture systems resembling tissue architecture and function, recapitulating many characteristics of human disease and elucidating mechanisms of host-infectious agent interactions in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, the central nervous system and the skin. Here, we discuss the applicability of the organoid technology for modeling pathogenesis, host response and features, which can be explored for the development of preventive and therapeutic treatments.

Tissue-resident glial cells associate with tumoral vasculature and promote cancer progression.

Cancer cells are embedded within the tissue and interact dynamically with its components during cancer progression. Understanding the contribution of cellular components within the tumor microenvironment is crucial for the success of therapeutic applications. Here, we reveal the presence of perivascular GFAP+/Plp1+ cells within the tumor microenvironment. Using in vivo inducible Cre/loxP mediated systems, we demonstrated that these cells derive from tissue-resident Schwann cells. Genetic ablation of endogenous Schwann cells slowed down tumor growth and angiogenesis. Schwann cell-specific depletion also induced a boost in the immune surveillance by increasing tumor-infiltrating anti-tumor lymphocytes, while reducing immune-suppressor cells. In humans, a retrospective in silico analysis of tumor biopsies revealed that increased expression of Schwann cell-related genes within melanoma was associated with improved survival. Collectively, our study suggests that Schwann cells regulate tumor progression, indicating that manipulation of Schwann cells may provide a valuable tool to improve cancer patients' outcomes.

Does Melatonin Associated with Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Improve Alveolar Bone Repair?

Background and objectives: Calcium phosphates have been widely used as bone substitutes, but their properties are limited to osteoconduction. The association of calcium phosphates with osteoinductive bioactive molecules has been used as a strategy in regenerative medicine. Melatonin has been studied due to its cell protection and antioxidant functions, reducing osteoclastic activity and stimulating newly formed bone. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical application of melatonin associated with nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres in the alveolar bone repair of Wistar rats through histological and histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats (300 g) were used, divided randomly into three experimental groups (n = 10), G1: nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres associated with melatonin gel (CHA-M); G2: nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA); G3: blood clot (without alveolar filling). The animals were euthanized after 7 and 42 days of the postoperative period and processed for histological and histomorphometric evaluation. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-test were applied to investigate statistical differences between the groups at the same time point for new bone and connective tissue variables. Mann-Whitney was used to assess statistical differences between different time points and in the biomaterial variable. Results: Results showed a greater volume of residual biomaterial in the CHA-M than the CHA group (p = 0.007), and there were no significant differences in terms of newly formed bone and connective tissue between CHA and CHA-M after 42 days. Conclusions: This study concluded that both biomaterials improved alveolar bone repair from 7 to 42 days after surgery, and the association of CHA with melatonin gel reduced the biomaterial's biodegradation at the implanted site but did not improve the alveolar bone repair.

Guia prático de coleta de sangue venoso para obtenção da fibrina rica em plaquetas / Practical guide for collecting venous blood for obtaining platelet rich fibrin

A Fibrina Rica em Plaquetas (PRF) é caracterizada por sua abrangente aplicabilidade na Odontologia. Neste sentido, a venopunção é uma etapa fundamental para sua obtenção. Tal procedimento consiste na identificação das veias superficiais, localizadas na região da fossa antecubital dos membros superiores, para que através da utilização do sistema a vácuo de coleta seja obtido o sangue venoso do paciente. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar um guia prático abordando cada etapa que compreende a coleta sanguínea para produção do PRF permitindo sua reprodutibilidade de forma segura e eficiente.

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) is characterized by its wide applicability in Dentistry. In this sense, venipuncture is a fundamental step towards obtaining it. Such procedure consists of the identification of superficial veins, located in the region of the antecubital fossa of the upper limbs, so that through the use of the vacuum collection system, the patient's venous blood is obtained. The objective of this work is to carry out a practical guide covering each step that comprises the blood collection for the production of the PRF allowing its reproducibility in a safe and efficient way.

Guia prático de uso da centrífuga IntraSpin® para a obtenção de fibrina rica em plaquetas / Practical guide for using the IntraSpin® centrifuge to obtain platelet-rich fibrin

Obter corretamente a Fibrina Rica em Plaquetas (PRF) depende da execução de cada etapa de maneira protocolada. Nesse sentido, no Laboratório Associado de Pesquisa Clínica (LPCO), da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal Fluminense (FO-UFF) é utilizado o sistema IntraSpin® de centrifugação do sangue coletado, que caracteriza o segundo passo para preparo deste material autólogo. O objetivo do presente trabalho é realizar uma descrição prática do correto manuseio da Centrífuga IntraSpin para garantir a obtenção do PRF e sua efetiva aplicabilidade clínica.

Obtaining Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) correctly depends on the execution of each step in a protocol manner. In this sense, at the Associated Clinical Research Laboratory (LPCO), of the Faculty of Dentistry in the Federal Fluminense University (FO-UFF) the IntraSpin® centrifugation system is used in the collected blood, that characterizes the second step to prepare this autologous material. The objective of this present work is to make a practical description of the correct handling of the IntraSpin Centrifuge to guarantee the PRF's biocompatibility and its effective clinical applicability.