New insights on collagen structural organization and spatial distribution around dental implants: a comparison between machined and laser-treated surfaces.

BACKGROUND: One of the main factors for the osseointegration of dental implants is the development of an adequate soft tissue barrier, mainly composed by collagen, which protects the implant from bacterial development. The structural features of the peri-implant collagen are influenced by the implant components and, in particular, by the type of the surface. In the clinical practice, healing abutments are characterized by smooth surfaces, named machined. Recently, a new laser technique, Synthegra, has been developed to obtain a topography-controlled surface with micrometric regular pores that seems reducing the risk of peri-implantitis. Based on this background, this study aims investigating the structural organization and spatial distribution of collagen surrounding healing abutments characterized by laser-treated and machined surfaces. METHODS: Gingiva portions surrounding custom-made healing abutments (HA), characterized by alternated laser-treated and machined surfaces, were collected and analyzed by combining Fourier Transform InfraRed Imaging (FTIRI) spectroscopy, a non-invasive and high-resolution bidimensional analytical technique, with histological and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Masson's trichrome staining, specific for collagen, highlighted a massive presence of collagen in all the analyzed samples, evidencing a surface-related spatial distribution. The nature of collagen, investigated by the FTIRI spectroscopy, appeared more abundant close to the laser-treated surface, with a perpendicular disposition of the bundles respect to the HA; conversely, a parallel distribution was observed around the machined surface. A different secondary structure was also found, with a higher amount of triple helices and a lower quantity of random coils in collagen close to the laser treated surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: FTIRI spectroscopy demonstrates that the use of a laser treated transmucosal surface can improve the morphological organization of the peri-implant collagen, which presents a distribution more similar to that of natural teeth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (Registration Number: NCT05754970). Registered 06/03/2023, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT05754970 .

Effect of temperature on presepsin pre-analytical stability in biological fluids of preterm and term newborns.

OBJECTIVES: Thermostability is one of the pre-requisites for the reliability of analytes in clinical practice and biomedical research. Although presepsin represents a promising new biomarker for the early diagnosis of sepsis in newborns, data on its stability under different storage conditions are lacking. We aimed to investigate presepsin thermostability in blood, urine and saliva samples after thawing at 4 predetermined monitoring time-points in a cohort of preterm and term infants. METHODS: We conducted an observational study, where each case served as its own control, in 24 preterm and term infants. Blood, urine and saliva samples were stored at -80 °C for 18 months, and presepsin measured in different biological fluids at thawing (T0), 24 (T1), 48 (T2) and at 72 (T3) hours after thawing. RESULTS: No significant differences (p>0.05, for all) in presepsin levels were observed at T0-T3 in the different biological fluids. Furthermore, no differences at T0-T3 were observed in presepsin levels between blood and saliva fluids, whilst urine levels were significantly higher (p<0.05, for all) than blood and saliva at T0-T3. CONCLUSIONS: Results on presepsin pre-analytical thermo-stability in different biological fluids after long-term refrigeration support the reliability of this biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of perinatal sepsis.

A systematic review on removal of osseointegrated implants: un update.

BACKGROUND: Today dental implants represent an effective therapy in case of partial or total edentulism, with an excellent success rate. Despite the results obtained, there may be biological or mechanical complications during the therapy, which lead to the loss of the implant. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current state of the art in the literature on techniques used for the removal of dental implants. Various aspects will be analyzed, such as the success of the technique, any complications, and the advantages and disadvantages of their use. METHODS: Two reviewers conducted a literature analysis (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) of the last 20 years (2003-2023). The main criterion analyzed was the success of the technique, while secondary outcomes such as complications and risks of the technique were also analyzed. 258 articles were identified in the various search databases. 42 eligible articles were subsequently identified after an article screening. Only 18 full texts were subsequently included in the review. RESULTS: A total of 18 articles were selected and 1142 implants and 595 patients were included. The main techniques used were the Counter-Torque Ratchet Technique (CTRT), Piezoelectric bone surgery (PBS), trephine drills, carbide burs, Erbium, Chromium, Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium, Garnett (Er:Cr:YSGG) laser and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Combined uses of techniques have been identified such as: PBS and trephine burs or carbide burs, trephine burs with the use of a 3d-printed guide, CTRT and trephine burs. The technique with the highest success rate, less morbidity for the patient, and less removal of bone appears to be the CTRT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of conservative techniques, especially CTRT, in bone removal is useful to allow for immediate implant placement in the removal area. However, further studies with a high sample size are needed to be performed on all techniques, particularly new randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that allow for the analysis of the success of alternative techniques such as Laser and Piezosurgery, which appear to be very promising.

Long-Term Efficacy of Chlorhexidine Gel in Single-Crown Implant Rehabilitation: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study.

Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) has shown the ability to significantly reduce inflammation and marginal bone loss (MBL) at the 1-year follow-up but limited data exist regarding its long-term efficacy in peri-implant stability. The objective was to compare the long-term effects (5 years of follow-up) of a placebo gel (16 patients in Group A) or a 0.20% CHX gel (15 patients in Group B) used at each previous surgical and prosthetic stage. Control visits were conducted in 2022, investigating the long-term effects by biological, radiological, and clinical evaluation. The data were statistically analyzed. The research achieved a 96.7% implant success rate over five years, but 41.9% of patients did not attend annual oral hygiene check-ups. The average MBL was 1.04 ± 0.39 mm, with no significant differences between the two groups. Notably, patients who attended regular periodontal check-ups experienced significantly less MBL than those who did not (p < 0.05). At five years, direct effects of CHX were absent, with both groups showing moderate bone loss. However, the results suggest that early disinfection could enhance both short- and long-term outcomes. In fact, patients with initial minor MBL due to use of CHX, preserve this advantage also after 5 years of follow-up. Additionally, the data underscore the importance of annual check-ups in early detection and management of biological complications.

Clinical Applications and Mechanical Properties of CAD-CAM Materials in Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry: A Systematic Review.

Clinical outcomes of dental restorations depend primarily on the choice of materials used, and nowadays, dental CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing) materials have strongly changed daily clinical practice. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze CAD-CAM dental materials according to their mechanical properties and in relation to their clinical applications. A literature review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library. Articles addressing at least one of the following topics regarding dental materials for CAD-CAM systems: manufacturers, mechanical features, materials' composition, optical properties, clinical indications, and/or outcomes were included in the review. A flowchart was performed as described in the PRISMA guidelines. Among the 564 articles found, 63 were analyzed and evaluated. Within the limitations of this systematic review, it can be concluded that CAD-CAM materials present a wide range of clinical applications due to their improved mechanical properties. Specifically, in addition to materials that have been in use for a long time (such as feldspathic ceramics), resin block composites can also be used for permanent restorations.

Impact on peri-implant connective tissue of laser treated versus traditional healing abutments: a human clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Dental implant is the principal treatment for edentulism and the healthiness of the peri-implant tissue has a pivotal role for its longterm success. In addition, it has been shown that also the topography of the healing abutment can influence the outcome of the restoration. The objective of this human clinical trial was to assess the impact of a novel laser-treated healing abutment on peri-implant connective tissue and extracellular matrix proteins compared to the conventional machined surface, which served as the control group. METHODS: During second surgical stage a customized healing abutment were inserted on 30 single dental implants. Healing abutments were realized with two alternated different surface (two side laser-treated surfaces and two side machined surfaces) in order to be considered both as test and control on the same implant and reduce positioning bias. Following the soft tissue healing period (30 ± 7 days) a 5 mm circular biopsy was retrieved. Immuno-histochemical and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analyses were performed on Collagen, Tenascin C, Fibrillin I, Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor (TIMPs). 15 were processed for qPCR, while the other 15 were processed for immunohistochemical analysis. Paired t-test between the two groups were performed. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Results revealed that the connective tissue facing the laser-treated surface expressed statistically significant lower amount of MMPs (p < 0.05) and higher level of TIMPs 3 (p < 0.05), compared to the tissue surrounding the machined implant, which, in turn expressed also altered level of extracellular matrix protein (Tenascin C, Fibrillin I (p < 0.05)) and Collagen V, that are known to be altered also in peri-implantitis. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the laser-treated surface holds promise in positively influencing wound healing of peri-implant connective tissue. Results demonstrated that topographic nature of the healing abutments can positively influence mucosal wound healing and molecular expression. Previous studies have been demonstrated how laser treatment can rightly influence integrity and functionality of the gingiva epithelium and cell adhesion. Regarding connective tissue different molecular expression demonstrated a different inflammatory pattern between laser treated or machined surfaces where laser treated showed better response. Targeted interventions and preventive measures on peri- implant topography could effectively minimize the risk of peri-implant diseases contributing to the long-term success and durability of restoration. However, new studies are mandatory to better understand this phenomenon and the role of this surface in the peri-implantitis process.  TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (Registration Number: NCT05754970 ). Registered 06/03/2023, retrospectively registered.

TNFα, IL-6, miR-103a-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-15a-5p and miR-223-3p in the crevicular fluid of periodontopathic patients correlate with each other and at different stages of the disease.

Periodontitis is one of the main frequent intraoral diseases. Pathogenesis triggers are the immune responses with pro-inflammatory cytokines production and non-coding RNAs expression. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the involvement of selected miRNAs in various stages of periodontitis and their relationship with the levels of inflammatory mediators in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). For this study, 36 subjects (21 with periodontal disease, 15 healthy controls) were selected with an age mean of 59.1 ± 3.7 years. Clinical parameters included plaque index, gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. The GCF samples were taken using capillary paper. The levels of miRNAs in GCF were estimated using a Real-Time PCR and TNFα and IL-6 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated that the miRNA-103a-3p, miRNA-23a-3p, miRNA-15a-5p, and miRNA-223-3p were significantly upregulated with respect to healthy controls. Significant differences were observed for miRNA-23a-3p, miRNA-103a-3p and miRNA-423-5p levels in accord with the disease stages. Inflammatory mediators evaluated in GCF correlate well with the clinical parameters and the severity of the periodontal disease. miRNAs can represent biomarkers of disease stage and can be investigated as a possible therapeutic target, as well as levels of TNFα and IL-6 may drive the disease progression by acting as prognostic markers.

Hypoxia: molecular pathophysiological mechanisms in human diseases

Hypoxia, a low O2 tension, is a fundamental feature that occurs in physiological events as well as pathophysiological conditions, especially mentioned for its role in the mechanism of angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, and cell proliferation/survival. The hypoxic state through the activation of specific mechanisms is an aggravating circumstance commonly noticed in multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, and in inflammatory bowel disease. On the other hand, hypoxia could play a key role in tissue regeneration and repair of damaged tissues, especially by acting on specific tissue stem cells, but their features may result as a disadvantage when it is concerned for neoplastic stem cells. Furthermore, hypoxia could also have a potential role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its capacity to improve the performance of biomaterials. The current review aims to highlight the hypoxic molecular mechanisms reported in different pathological conditions to provide an overview of hypoxia as a therapeutic agent in regenerative and molecular therapy. (AU)

Microplastics Affect the Inflammation Pathway in Human Gingival Fibroblasts: A Study in the Adriatic Sea.

The level of environmental microplastics in the sea is constantly increasing. They can enter the human body with food, be absorbed through the gut and have negative effects on the organism's health after its digestion. To date, microplastics (MPs) are considered new environmental pollutants in the air sea and they are attracting wide attention. The possible toxic effects of MPs isolated at different sea depths of 1, 24 and 78 m were explored in an in vitro model of human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs). MPs isolated from the sea showed different size and were then divided into different sample groups: 1, 24 and 78 m. The results obtained revealed that MPs are able to activate the inflammatory pathway NFkB/MyD88/NLRP3. In detail, the exposure to MPs from 1 and 78 m led to increased levels of inflammatory markers NFkB, MyD88 and NLRP3 in terms of proteins and gene expression. Moreover, cells exposed to MPs showed a lower metabolic activity rate compared to unexposed cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that the inflammation process is stimulated by MPs exposure, providing a new perspective to better understand the intracellular mechanism.

Hypoxia: molecular pathophysiological mechanisms in human diseases.

Hypoxia, a low O2 tension, is a fundamental feature that occurs in physiological events as well as pathophysiological conditions, especially mentioned for its role in the mechanism of angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, and cell proliferation/survival. The hypoxic state through the activation of specific mechanisms is an aggravating circumstance commonly noticed in multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, and in inflammatory bowel disease. On the other hand, hypoxia could play a key role in tissue regeneration and repair of damaged tissues, especially by acting on specific tissue stem cells, but their features may result as a disadvantage when it is concerned for neoplastic stem cells. Furthermore, hypoxia could also have a potential role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its capacity to improve the performance of biomaterials. The current review aims to highlight the hypoxic molecular mechanisms reported in different pathological conditions to provide an overview of hypoxia as a therapeutic agent in regenerative and molecular therapy.

Accuracy of DICOM-DICOM vs. DICOM-STL Protocols in Computer-Guided Surgery: A Human Clinical Study.

Guided implant surgery can enhance implant placement positioning, increasing predictability and decreasing postoperative complications., To date, the best protocol to be used for template realization is still unknown. Thus, the aim herein was to clinically compare the accuracy of two different protocols. A total of 48 implants were divided into Group A (24 implants), in which a stereolithographic template was realized using the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data arrived from cone beam computer tomographies (CBCTs) (patients and prothesis alone), and Group B (24 implant), in which a standard intraoral stent with a standardized extraoral support was used for patients' intraoral impressions and CBCT. The preimplant virtual planning and postsurgery CBCT images of both groups were superimposed, and differences were registered in terms of average deviations at the platform (a) and implant apex (b), mean depth change (c), and angular deviation (d). The results demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences between groups (p = 0.76) for the parameters measured. However, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between maxillary and mandible implant surgery, as the latter showed greater accuracy. Additional studies are necessary to further reduce discrepancies between planning and surgical procedures.

Lithium disilicate and zirconia reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramics for CAD/CAM dental restorations: biocompatibility, mechanical and microstructural properties after crystallization.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to define the impact of heating rate on the crystal growth, the mechanical properties, and the biocompatibility of three different kinds of CAD/CAM glass-ceramics treated with a conventional furnace. METHODS: Lithium disilicate (IPS EMax-CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) (LS2) and two zirconia reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramics (Vita Suprinity PC, VITA Zahnfabrik; Celtra Duo, Dentsply Sirona) (ZLSS; ZLSC) were used. The mechanical properties and the crystal growth were evaluated on 42 specimens (n = 14 per group). The thermal treatments recommended by the manufacturers were carried out. All groups were tested for fracture toughness (Ft) and Vickers hardness (Hv). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken after a slight surface etching with hydrofluoric acid solution (1% for 20 s). Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) was performed and cellular adhesion with human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) culture was qualitatively assayed. Data were analyzed with Repeated Measurements ANOVA and ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: The crystals' mean size (±SD) after heat treatment was 1650.0 (±340.0) nm for LS2, 854.5 (±155.0) nm for ZLSS and 759.9 (±118.4) nm for ZLSC (p < 0.05 among the groups). As consequence of crystallization, the Hv was 6.1 ± 0.3 GPa for LS2, 7.6 ± 0.7 GPa for ZLSS and 7.1 ± 0.5 GPa for ZLSC (p < 0.05 for LS2 vs ZLSS and ZLSC), while the Ft was 2.2 ± 0.1 MPa m1/2 for LS2, 4.7 ± 0.8 MPa m1/2 for ZLSS and 3.8 ± 0.6 MPa m1/2 for ZLSC (p < 0.05 among the groups). The DTA curves showed a crystallization process for LS2, ZLSS and ZLSC at a temperature range 810-840 °C. The amount of adherent hPDLSCs was superior on LS2 than on ZLS. CONCLUSIONS: All the CAD/CAM materials can be properly crystallized if heat treated following the manufacturers' instructions. The crystallization process highly depends on temperature. ZLS glass ceramics show significantly inferior crystals dimensions and higher fracture toughness and Vickers hardness than LS2 ceramic. hPDLSCs cultured on LS2 have a superior adhesion than those cultured on ZLS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The value of this study relies on the demonstration that a proper heat-treatment of CAD/CAM lithium disilicate and ZLS glass ceramics generates products that are suitable for clinical use . The differences highlightable in mechanical properties and biocompatibility behavior do not affect their successful clinical application.

Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of genes involved in keratinization in the tears of COVID-19 patients.

Recent studies have focused their attention on conjunctivitis as one of the symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, tear samples were taken from COVID-19 patients and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 was evidenced using Real Time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The main aim of this study was to analyze mRNA expression in the tears of patients with COVID-19 compared with healthy subjects using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The functional evaluation of the transcriptome highlighted 25 genes that differ statistically between healthy individuals and patients affected by COVID-19. In particular, the NGS analysis identified the presence of several genes involved in B cell signaling and keratinization. In particular, the genes involved in B cell signaling were downregulated in the tears of COVID-19 patients, while those involved in keratinization were upregulated. The results indicated that SARS-CoV-2 may induce a process of ocular keratinization and a defective B cell response.

Water-Airborne-Particle Abrasion as a Pre-Treatment to Improve Bioadhesion and Bond Strength of Glass-Ceramic Restorations: From In Vitro Study to 15-Year Survival Rate.

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of water-airborne-particle abrasion (WAPA) as pre-etching procedure for tooth surfaces to increase bond strength, and to compare the survival rate of WAPA vs. non-WAPA glass-ceramic restorations with a 15-year follow-up. The occlusal surfaces of 20 human molars were sectioned and flattened. The prepared surfaces areas were subdivided into two parts: one received WAPA treatment (prophy jet handpiece with 50 µm aluminium oxide particles) followed by acid etching (37% phosphoric acid for 20 s/3-step etch-and-rinse); the other one was only acid-etched. In total, 108 specimens were obtained from the teeth, of which 80 were used to measure the micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) in the WAPA (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups, while the remaining specimens (n = 28) were investigated via SEM to evaluate the micromorphology and roughness (Ra) before and after the different treatment steps. The survival rate (SR) was performed on 465 glass-ceramic restorations (131 patients) comparing WAPA treatment (n = 183) versus non-WAPA treatment (n = 282). The bond strength was 63.9 ± 7.7 MPa for the WAPA group and 51.7 ± 10.8 MPa for the control group (p < 0.001). The Ra was 98 ± 24 µm for the enamel control group, 150 ± 35 µm for the enamel WAPA group, 102 ± 27 µm for the dentin control group and 160 ± 25 µm for the dentin WAPA group. The Ra increase from the WAPA procedure for enamel and dentin was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Under SEM, resin tags were present in both groups although in the WAPA they appeared to be extended in a 3D arrangement. The SR of the WAPA group (11.4 years) was 94%, while the SR of the non-WAPA group (12.3 years) was 87.6% (p < 0.05). The WAPA treatment using aluminium oxide particles followed by a 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system significantly improved bioadhesion with an increased bond strength of 23.6% and provided superior long-term clinical performance of glass-ceramic restorations.

Collagen Fibres Orientation in the Bone Matrix around Dental Implants: Does the Implant's Thread Design Play a Role?

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of different thread shapes of titanium dental implant on the bone collagen fibre orientation (BCFO) around loaded implants. Twenty titanium dental implants, divided for thread shapes in six groups (A-F) were analysed in the present study. All implants were immediately loaded and left in function for 6 months before retrieval. The parameters evaluated under scanning electron microscope were the thread width, thread depth, top radius of curvature, flank angle, and the inter-thread straight section. Two undecalcified histological sections were prepared from each implant. Birefringence analysis using circularly polarized light microscopy was used to quantitively measure BCFO. For groups A-F, respectively, transverse BCFO was 32.7%, 24.1%, 22.3%, 18.2%, 32.4%, and 21.2%, longitudinal BCFO was 28.2%, 14.5%, 44.9%, 33.1%, 37.7%, and 40.2%. The percentage differences between transverse and longitudinal orientation were 4.50% (A), 9.60% (B), -22.60% (C), -14.90% (D), -5.30% (E), and -19.00% (F). Following loading, the amount of transverse and longitudinal BCFO were significantly influenced by the thread shape. The greater flank angles and narrower inter-thread sections of the "V" shaped and "concave" shaped implant threads of groups A and B, respectively, promoted the predominance of transverse BCFO, compared to groups C-F (p < 0.05). A narrow inter-thread straight section promotes transverse BCFO, as do "V" shaped and "concave" shaped threads, which can thus be considered desirable design for implant threads.

Effects of Natural Ventilation and Saliva Standard Ejectors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quantitative Analysis of Aerosol Produced during Dental Procedures.

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has renewed attention to aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Dental-care workers are at high risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard saliva ejectors and natural ventilation in reducing particulate matter (PM) concentration during different routine dental procedures in the pandemic period. The DustTrak monitor was used to measure PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and breathable (<4 microns) total dust during 14 procedures performed with and without the presence of natural ventilation in a dental unit. Moreover, measurements were performed near the practitioners or near the standard saliva ejectors during the different procedures. In the latter condition, reduced levels of PM10 were recorded (82.40 ± 9.65 µg/m3 vs. 50.52 ± 0.23 µg/m3). Moreover, higher levels of PM (53.95 ± 2.29 µg/m3 vs. 27.85 ± 0.14 µg/m3) were produced when the dental unit's windows were open. At the same time, the total level of PM were higher during scaling than during other procedures (data suggest not to adopt natural ventilation-both window and door opened-during dental procedures). It was also demonstrated that the use of standard saliva ejectors can considerably reduce the total released amount of PM10.

Assessment of the Vanillin Anti-Inflammatory and Regenerative Potentials in Inflamed Primary Human Gingival Fibroblast.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory responses have been associated with delayed oral mucosal wound healing and the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease. The invasion of microbes into the tissues and the establishment of a chronic infection may be due to impaired healing. The protracted inflammatory phase may delay wound healing and probably support tissue fibrosis and reduce tissue regeneration. Vanillin is a well-known natural compound with potential anti-inflammatory capacity. Hence, we hypothesized that Vanillin could accelerate wound healing reducing inflammation and especially cytokine production making the oral tissue repair process easier. METHODS: Our hypothesis was tested using primary human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cell pretreated with Vanillin and primed with IL-1ß, as inductor of proinflammatory environment. After 24 hours of treatments, the gene expression and production of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, COX-2, iNOS, and nitric oxide (NO) generation and the wound healing rate were determined. RESULTS: In IL-1ß-primed cells, preincubation with Vanillin reduced IL-6, IL-8, COX-2, and iNOS expression and NO release, compared to IL-1ß-primed cells. Moreover, Vanillin determines the increased gene expression of nAChRα7, leading us to hypothesize a role of Vanillin in the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Furthermore, in presence of mechanical injury, the Vanillin preincubation, wound closure may be reducing the expression and release of IL-6 and TNF-α and upregulation of COX-2 and IL-8. CONCLUSION: Together, the results of this study highlight the anti-inflammatory and tissue repair ability of Vanillin in IL-1ß-primed HGF. Therefore, Vanillin shows a potential therapeutic interest as an inflammatory modulator molecule with novel application in periodontal regeneration and oral health.

Mechanical Pull-Out Test of a New Hybrid Fixture-Abutment Connection: An In Vitro Study.

Implant abutment connection was described among the main causes of peri-implant bone resorption. The aim of this in vitro study was to test the coupling capacity, the surface modification of a new hybrid connection and the influence of repeated connection activations caused during the main clinical and laboratory phases. A total of 40 implant-abutment screw retained systems with 10°-conical and internal hexagon connection were tested. The connection was screwed, fixed to the universal test machine, removed the screw and a pull-out test was performed. Test was repeated five times in succession. Also Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to detect microscopically surface modification. Analysis of variance and Tukey tests were used for the statistical analysis. Pull-out test reveals a mean value of 131.35 ± 16.52 Newton Centimeter (N·cm). For each single activation, results from first to fifth were: 113.9 ± 13.02, 126.1 ± 12.81, 138.11 ± 15.15, 138.8 ± 11.90 and 140 ± 12.99 N·cm. A statistically significant difference between the measurements and an increase in the removal force was shown. The collected data supports the use of this new type of connection, resulting in a very strong interface between implant and abutment. Also, repeated activation of connection can promote a better coupling of the implant-abutment interface.

Access to Dental Care-A Survey from Dentists, People with Disabilities and Caregivers.

The literature highlights differences in the dental conditions of people with disabilities compared with the general population. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the dental health of people with disabilities in order to understand if their needs are met and to identify their most critical issues as per dentists. A paper and a Google Form platform were used in conducting a survey in Central Italy (the Abruzzo region), by performing an analysis on different points of view as reported by people with disabilities and dentists. The results showed that only 69.2% of dentists treat persons with disabilities. Of these, 73.5% treat less than 10 patients with physical disabilities per year. However, 54% of dentists do not treat people with cognitive impairment and a poor ability to collaborate during treatment. More than 80% of respondent dentists report that people with disabilities do not have good oral hygiene. On the other hand, 49.1% of people with disabilities (or their caregivers in cases where the patient was unable to answer) report that they rarely or never go to the dental office. Moreover, when they do go, it is mainly for emergencies. Despite this, respondents are well aware of their dental problems. However, they have difficulties in communicating their dental problems to their dentist. The 50% of dentists who treat people with cognitive impairment do not include them in follow-up, while only 20% of these patients reported being regularly recalled. This illustrates the importance of the implementation of follow-up. In addition, training courses could help clinicians to reduce this gap and create barrier-free dental offices.

What Happens at a Dental Surgery When the Patient is a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder? An Italian Study.

Oral health care can be a difficult experience for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), for their family and for the dentist. The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the challenges experienced by the three aforementioned figures during oral care treatment. A cohort of 275 parents of typical development children (TD), 57 parents of children with ASD (3-15 years old) and by 61 dentists, completed two different multiple choices questionnaires. The data obtained show a great difficulty in the treatment of children with ASD as seen by the dentists and by the parents. This is due to: caregivers' demographic issues; difficulties encountered before and during the dental examination; scarce presence of experts in ASD treatment.