Concentration of Fluoride in Saliva After Fluoride Gel Application: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomised clinical trial (RCT) was to assess the concentration of fluoride ions in saliva after applying fluoride gel and to examine the extent to which rinsing the mouth with water affects the content of fluoride ions in saliva as opposed to no rinsing after brushing teeth with gel. METHODS: This single-blind RCT was conducted amongst a group of students (N = 103) and consisted of a questionnaire, clinical examination, saliva collection, and laboratory analysis. After saliva samples were collected, the students brushed their teeth for 2 minutes with Elmex Gelée (Colgate-Palmolive). Next, saliva was collected after 15 and 60 minutes from Group A (spitting out saliva after brushing) and from Group B (spitting out and rinsing with water after brushing). Statistical analysis was performed using a t test to compare the means between the groups. RESULTS: Fifteen minutes after brushing, the level of fluoride increased in Group A about 15-fold to 15.33 ± 14.73 ppm and in Group B about 6-fold to 6.19 ± 5.97 ppm (P < .001). After 60 minutes, in Group A it decreased to 1.68 ± 0.83 ppm and in Group B to 0.60 ± 0.37 ppm (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of fluoride gel in the absence of mouth rinsing produced significantly higher level and a concentration of fluoride in saliva. A post-gel brushing without rinsing might be suitable for patients at high risk for caries. Hence fruther research on the effect of a mouth rinse after use of fluoride gels is eesential to confirm our findings, and to promulgate evidence-based recommendations.

Effect of pearl guinea fowl eggshell ultrastructure and microstructure on keets hatchability.

Variability in shell structure is an evolutionary mechanism in birds that enables them to adapt to specific environmental conditions. This variability may also occur within the same species under the influence of individual indicators, such as the age or health status of females. While interspecies variation is quite obvious and easy to interpret, the reasons for intraspecies variation remain unclear. In this study, we examined the ultra- and microstructure of guinea fowl eggshells to identify the association between variations in shell structure and hatchability outcomes. We analyzed the visual differences between shells with low (L), intermediate (I), and high (H) external porosity using scale invariant feature transform analysis with NaturePatternMatch software. We found that the external pore image was closely related to the overall porosity of the shell before incubation. The total pore area, total porosity, and diffusion index (GH2O) were highest in group H shells (P < 0.001). Posthatching shells were characterized by an increased diameter and total surface area, decreased pore number (P < 0.001), as well as shortened mammillary layer (P < 0.001) and decreased total consumption of mammillary knobs (P < 0.001). The porosity indices of posthatching H shells had intermediate values between L and I. Although the effect of shell structure parameters on hatching was not confirmed, we assumed that all categories (L, I, and H) of shells were ideal for incubation. This suggests that the shell structure adapts to the metabolic rate of developing embryos; however, differences in shell structure affect the duration of incubation and synchronization of hatching. Both L and H shells showed delayed and prolonged hatching. Therefore, we recommended that guinea fowl eggs with different external porosity parameters should be incubated separately for better hatching synchronization. Differences in GH2O between L, I, and H eggs suggest that the shell porosity characteristics of guinea fowl eggs may be a key determinant of the rate of water loss during storage before incubation.

The association of maternal smoking and other sociobehavioral factors with dental caries in toddlers: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a form of dental caries in toddlers, which can strongly affect general health and quality of life. Studies on factors that can contribute to the development of caries immediately after tooth eruption are sparse. The aim of this study was to assess the role of sociobehavioural factors and pre- and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke in the aetiology of dental caries in children up to 3 years old. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2011 and 2017 to assess oral health and teething in urban children 0-4 years of age. The number of teeth and surfaces with white spot lesions (d1,2), as well as decayed (d), missing (m), and filled (f) teeth classified according to ICDAS II was evaluated in a dental office setting. d1,2dmft and d1,2dmfs were calculated. Severe early childhood caries was diagnosed for d1,2dmfs > 0. Parents completed a self-administered questionnaire on socioeconomic factors, maternal health, course of pregnancy, child's perinatal parameters, hygiene and dietary practices, as well as maternal smoking during and after pregnancy. Data on children aged 12-36 months were collected and analysed statistically using the t-test, Spearman rank correlations and Poisson regression. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Dental caries was found in 46% of 496 children aged 12-36 months. Mean d1,2dmft and d1,2dmfs were 2.62 ± 3.88 and 4.46 ± 8.42, respectively. Tobacco smoking during and after pregnancy was reported by 8.9% and 24.8% of women, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation analysis confirmed a relationship between S-ECC and parental education, maternal smoking, bottle feeding, avoiding springy foods, number of meals, and the age of tooth brushing initiation. Pre- and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke increased the risk of S-ECC especially in children in age 19-24 months. Maternal smoking was correlated with the level of education and dietary practices. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that prenatal smoking is associated with increased risk of severe-early childhood caries (S-ECC) while the association with post-natal smoking is also evident, the increase in risk is not statistically clear. Both maternal smoking and the child's tooth decay are associated with poor parental education and other improper oral health behaviours. The positive impact of quitting smoking on the oral health in children should be part of anti-smoking advice.

Developmental enamel defects and their relationship with caries in adolescents aged 18 years.

Randomly selected 1,611 individuals aged 18 years formed a nationally representative sample from all provinces of Poland. Developmental defects of the enamel (DDE) and caries were assessed using the modified DDE index, molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) Treatment Need Index (MIH-TNI), FDI and WHO criteria by 22 trained and calibrated dentists. T-test was used for comparing group means. A simple and multiple logistic regression tests were used to assess the relationship between DDE and caries severity expressed as DMFT (p < 0.05). The prevalence of DDE was 13.7%. Demarcated opacities (DEO) were the most frequent (9.65%); 4% had diffuse opacities (DIO) and 1.5% had hypoplasia. MIH was diagnosed in 0.6% patients. The prevalence of caries was 93.2%, with mean DMFT of 6.50 ± 4.22. The DMFT value was 7.52 ± 4.77 in the group of patients with demarcated opacities (DEO); 7.85 ± 4.74 with diffuse opacities (DIO) and 7.56 ± 4.57 with enamel hypoplasia, respectively. There was a significant relationship between caries severity and DDE (p < 0.001), DEO (p = 0.001) and DIO (p = 0.038), and between DDE and DMFT index (p < 0.001). The results obtained in the study proved the significant relationship between DDE and DMFT in 18-year-olds, the assessment of which was the aim of the study.

Analysis of the Impact of Environmental and Agronomic Variables on Agronomic Parameters in Soybean Cultivation Based on Long-Term Data.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a species of relatively little economic importance in Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland. Due to its popularity for the production of soybean oil, livestock feed, and human food, soybeans are a widely cultivated agricultural crop in the world. The aim of the presented research is to determine the most important agronomic and environmental variables in soybean production in Central and Eastern Europe. This work used a dataset from the Polish Post-Registration Variety Testing System in multi-environmental trials from the years 2012-2021. Variables classified for crop management included doses of mineral fertilizers (N, P, and K) and herbicides, sowing, and the type of previous crops. The environment was also included in the analysis through soil and weather characteristics using climatic water balance (CWB). The analysis was performed using multiple linear regression models and regression trees. It found that the variability of the soybean yield depended mainly on water available to plants and physical soil properties. This means that environmental variables have a stronger effect in comparison to crop management variables. The effect of the nutrients applied in the fields was relatively weak and only important in the case of phosphorus. Other variables which characterize crop management (including sowing date, previous crop, and plant protection using pesticides) have a weak effect on grain yield and yield-related traits variability. As there are not many studies on soybean cultivation in Poland, this work might be used as an introduction to research on soybean management in a hemiboreal climate.

Vitamin D Supplementation, Characteristics of Mastication, and Parent-Supervised Toothbrushing as Crucial Factors in the Prevention of Caries in 12- to 36-Month-Old Children.

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC), defined as any sign of smooth-surface caries in a child younger than three years of age, remains a serious health issue. The aim of this study was to indicate oral health behaviours related to S-ECC. The study surveyed parents (socio-economic and medical factors, oral health behaviours) and clinically examined children including non-cavitated d1,2/cavitated d ≥ 3 lesions. %S-ECC, and caries indices (d1,2 d ≥ 3 mft and d1,2 d ≥ 3 mfs) were calculated. Spearman's correlation and simple and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the relationships between various factors and S-ECC. A total of 496 children were examined. S-ECC occurred in 44.8%: d1,2 d ≥ 3 mft = 2.62 ± 3.88, d1,2 d ≥ 3 mfs = 4.46 ± 8.42. S-ECC was correlated with socio-economic factors, vitamin D supplementation, breastfeeding and using formula after the 18th month, and toothbrushing. Supplementation of vitamin D and toothbrushing tended to decrease the odds of S-ECC (OR = 0.49 (0.27−0.87); p = 0.016, OR = 0.46 (0.24−0.86) p = 0.015, respectively). Feeding exclusively with formula was observed to increase the odds of S-ECC (OR = 2.20 (1.29−3.76); p = 0.004). Consuming > three snacks daily (OR = 1.39 (0.97−1.98); p = 0.072) and the reluctance to eat resilient foods (OR = 1.63 (1.05−2.51); p = 0.028) were nullified by the confounding factors. Vitamin D supplementation, mastication of resilient food, breastfeeding in the first six months of a baby's life, and parent-supervised toothbrushing are factors in the prevention of caries in toddlers. Breast- and bottle-feeding after the 18th month of life, the reluctance to eat solids, lack of vitamin D supplementation, hygienic neglect, and delay in introducing oral health behaviours may contribute to the development of caries in toddlers.

Seasonally Dependent Change of the Number of Fractures after 50 Years of Age in Poland-Analysis of Combined Health Care and Climate Datasets.

Aim: The incidence of fractures correlates with many independent and interrelated factors. The aim of the study was to examine trends in fracture incidence and to find possible reasons for changes. Materials and methods: A complete dataset of Polish population aged above 50 from the National Heath Fund­which is a single, state-owned payer for the health service procedures in Poland­covering the years between 2010 and 2015 was analyzed along with climate dataset. Results: The analysis indicated that there was a substantial and statistically significant decrease in the incidence of forearm and hip fractures (p = 0.007 and 0.007, respectively). On the other side, there was a statistically significant increase in incidence of humerus and lumbar fractures (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). The observed changes (especially decrease in forearm and hip fracture incidence) happened mostly in the cold season and were correlated to mean-temperature changes during the assessed time period. Conclusion: In the analysis based on the dataset obtained from fracture-related database collected in Poland in the years 2010−2015 in the population of patients over 50 years of age, we observed that the changes of fracture incidence during the observation period are associated with and may be dependent on the season (warmer versus colder) and on mean temperature increase during the observation period.

Developmental Abnormalities of Teeth in Children With Nephrotic Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment with glucocorticoids in children with nephrotic syndrome can be the cause of developmental disorders of the masticatory organ and bone or teeth abnormalities. The aim was to assess the frequency and type of dental abnormalities and the correlation of their occurrence with a dosage of glucocorticoids and treatment time in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: The study group consisted of 31 patients aged 5 to 17 diagnosed with idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome and 33 overall healthy children. The studies included clinical evaluation of dentition, radiologic diagnostics, and statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the study group, 77.4% of patients were diagnosed with abnormalities in dental development. Tooth number disorders, presence of persistent deciduous teeth and impacted teeth, abnormal crown or root shape, developmental defects of enamel, pulp stones, and bone structure disorders were identified. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the average treatment time of glucocorticoids in patients without and with tooth developmental abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term use of glucocorticoids in children with nephrotic syndrome promotes the occurrence of developmental abnormalities of the teeth, calcification of the pulp, and disorders of bone tissue metabolism. For this reason, patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome should be under the constant care of a dentist.

Effect of Tooth Agenesis on Mandibular Morphology and Position.

Congenital missing teeth (OMIM #106600) is the most common dental abnormality. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of tooth agenesis on the total mandibular length, length of the mandibular body and alveolar process, and the mandibular anteroposterior position. The material was obtained from the Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Warsaw. The study group included 116 patients aged 9-18 years with a congenital absence of at least two permanent tooth buds in the maxilla and/or mandible (mean: 6.2 teeth missing/patient). All patients were Caucasians: 68 (59%) females and 48 (41%) males. The control group included 115 patients without tooth agenesis matched with the age and gender of the study group. A cephalometric analysis was performed, and it was focused on assessing anteroposterior mandibular measurements. This assessment was based on 17 measurements (12 linear and 5 angular). Statistical analysis of the cephalometric measurements between the study group and the control group showed significant changes regarding selected mandibular measurements. Tooth agenesis does not affect the total length of the mandible and the length of the mandibular body, but it might reduce the length of the mandibular arch length and result in a more retrusive mandibular position.

Effect of different rearing system on eggs production, hatchability, and offspring quality in layer breeders.

This study analyzed the influence of an aviary system, in comparison with battery cages, on rearing and reproduction of parent-stock (PS) laying-type chickens. ISA Brown PS chicks were reared for 16 wk in battery cages or in an aviary system. Chickens reared in cages were kept there throughout the rearing period, whereas those reared in the aviary were released after 7 wk. The remaining housing conditions were similar in cages and the aviary. Body weight (BW, g), feed intake (FI, g/birds/d), and mortality (%) of birds were monitored during rearing. After the rearing period, the chickens were transferred to 4 litter poultry houses: flock C (in cages) to poultry houses C1 and C2 (total: 2,076 cockerels and 20,450 pullets); flock A (in aviary) to poultry houses A1 and A2 (total: 1,542 cockerels and 16,962 pullets). During the period of reproduction (48 wk), egg production (%), hatching egg production (%), waste egg (%) and litter egg production (%), feed conversion ratio (FCR, g) and water intake (mL) per laid egg, hatching egg, and hatched chick, mortality (week/%), and BW at 17 wk and after reaching 50% laying performance were monitored. Furthermore, during incubation, fertilization rate (%), hatchability (%), and chick quality were recorded. The results showed that aviary rearing was associated with lower FI and higher mortality of chicks up to 16 wk of age. The following effects were also observed for aviary rearing during reproduction: the average egg and hatching egg production were higher, while waste and litter egg production were lower; FCR per laid egg, hatching egg, and the number of hatched chicks were poorer; and water intake for the production of 1 hatching egg and 1 hatched chick was lower. In the case of flocks A, higher mortality and BW at 17 wk of age were recorded for both sexes. They were characterized by higher relative egg fertilization, but lower hatchability due to the higher share of unhatched eggs. No influence of PS flock rearing system on chick quality was observed. The obtained results indicate that the aviary rearing system can be recommended for PS laying-type flocks. However, future research should consider the impact of a different diet having higher energy concentration on PS flocks reared in aviaries and develop methods for counteracting higher mortality in these systems. This is particularly significant for roosters because too few roosters in flock may contribute to lower egg fertilization and higher embryonic mortality.

Protective Factors for Early Childhood Caries in 3-Year-Old Children in Poland.

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) remains highly prevalent in preschool children worldwide. Dental caries affects every second 3-year-olds in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess protective factors for ECC in 3-year-olds. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017 among 3-year-olds attending kindergartens in all 16 provinces of Poland. The questionnaire included socioeconomic factors, and oral health behaviors. Decayed, missing due to caries and filled teeth and surfaces were assessed. Caries indices (dmft and dmfs), percentage of caries-free and severe ECC (S-ECC) were calculated. The Student's t-test, Spearman correlation, univariate and multivariate logistic regression (the odds ratios (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR): confounding factors: socioeconomic conditions, oral health behaviors) were performed; p < 0.05. Results: A total of 1,638 children were included. ECC was confirmed in 41.1%; S-ECC in 23.4%. The dmft index was 1.85 ± 3.14, dmfs = 2.99 ± 6.56. Spearman correlation [socioeconomic factors, especially mother's education (r = -0.148, p < 0.001) and family's economic status (r = -0.071, p = 0.004)], despite were statistically significant, indicate very weak relationships with dmft index. After 12th month of life not giving any beverages before bedtime and at night, but water or unsweetened milk only, healthy snacking (sandwiches, fresh fruit), or water on a daily basis decreases the probability of caries development (for S-ECC: OR = 0.37, AOR = 0.47, AOR2 = 0.37; p < 0.01), even if inappropriate dietary behaviors or hygiene practices were simultaneously present. Brushing of a child's teeth twice a day lowered the odds of caries (for S-ECC: OR = 0.78, p = 0.031; AOR = 0.81, p = 0.081; AOR2 = 0.84, p = 0.131), but this effect was less intense when inappropriate dietary behaviors were accounted for. Children of parents with good self-assessment of their teeth were more often caries-free (61.4 vs. 42.9%; p = 0.006) and had lower dmft indices (1.67 vs. 2.93; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Preventing a child after 12th month of life from getting any beverages before bedtime, water or unsweetened milk only, sandwiches and fresh fruit as snacks, or water given to on a daily basis, tooth brushing twice a day decrease the odds of caries in 3-year-olds. Diet appears to have primary significance in the etiology of ECC, since tooth brushing can only partly attenuate the impact of inappropriate dietary behaviors on dental caries. Children are more often caries-free and have lower severity of caries if their parents' dentition is self-assessed as healthy.

Association of parental-reported vitamin D supplementation with dental caries of 3-year-old children in Poland: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the association between parental-reported vitamin D supplementation and caries in a national sample of 3-year-olds in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1900 children, representing all provinces of Poland, were invited. The questionnaires concerned vitamin D supplementation, socio-demographics, and oral health behaviours. Based on dental examination, caries scores (dmft/dmfs), prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) were calculated. The Spearman's correlation, linear regression and logistic regression were used to assess the association between various factors and caries (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 1638 children were tested. Of this number, 99.1% infants were supplemented with vitamin D. Supplementation had been continued seasonally in 55.2% children. ECC/S-ECC prevalence were significantly lower in children receiving vitamin D (ECC 38.3% vs. 44.7%, OR = 0.77; S-ECC 20.5% vs. 27.1%, OR = 0.69; p < 0.05). Mean dmft/dmfs were lower in those with supplementation (1.54 ± 2.72 vs. 2.24 ± 3.55; 2.40 ± 5.56 vs. 3.72 ± 7.56, respectively; p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding factors, supplementation was not significantly associated with caries; only dt/ds were still associated. Maternal education, sweetened beverages before bedtime, bottle use were significantly associated with S-ECC. CONCLUSIONS: Lower caries prevalence was observed in those with vitamin D supplementation. The association between parental-reported vitamin D and ECC/S-ECC was not significant in Polish children. Decayed teeth and supplementation were still associated. Dietary habits can modify the association with caries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There may be an association between vitamin D supplementation and lower caries in children. Parents should supplement their children during periods of significant growth and development.

Effect of the Application Date of Fertilizer Containing Silicon and Potassium on the Yield and Technological Quality of Sugar Beet Roots.

Water shortage and drought are a growing problem in Europe. Therefore, effective methods for limiting its effects are necessary. At the same time, the "field to fork" strategy adopted by the European Commission aims to achieve a significant reduction in the use of plant protection products and fertilizers in the European Union. In an experiment conducted in 2018-2020, the effect of the method of foliar fertilization containing silicon and potassium on the yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots was assessed. The fertilizer was used in seven combinations, differing in the number and time of application. The best results were obtained by treating plants during drought stress. The better soil moisture for the plants, the smaller the pure sugar yield increase was observed. It is difficult to clearly state which combination of silicon and potassium foliar application is optimal, as their effects do not differ greatly.

Clinical Effect of Two Fluoride Varnishes in Caries-Active Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The prevention of dental caries in preschool children is a priority for dental services. The aim of the study was to investigate the caries-preventive effect of 2 fluoride varnishes in caries-active preschool children, and then compare the outcome with a non-varnish control group. After screening, 180 preschool children aged 36-71 months, with at least 1 noncavitated lesion, were enrolled and randomly allocated into 3 parallel groups, namely A: 1.5% ammonium fluoride varnish (Fluor Protector S), B: 5% NaF varnish (Duraphat), and C: professional tooth-cleaning. All children were recalled every third month for intervention and their parents were instructed to have them brush their teeth with a 1,000-ppm fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Caries were recorded at baseline and after 12 months by a calibrated examiner and the incidence was scored on noncavitated (d2) and cavitated (d3) level. We tested differences between the groups with the χ2 and two-sided t tests. One hundred and seventy-two children (95.6%) completed the trial and 56 (32.6%) and 35 (19.2%) developed new d2 and d3 lesions, respectively. Both varnishes reduced the incidence of caries compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference between group A and group B. Compared with group C, the relative risk for developing cavitated lesions was 0.39 (95% CI 0.22-0.62) in group A and 0.26 (95% CI 0.14-0.50) in group B. The total prevented fraction (Δd2d3mft) for group A and group B was 19.9 and 22.5% (p < 0.05), respectively. No adverse effects were observed or reported during the study period. In conclusion, the 2 fluoride varnishes demonstrated an equal capacity to reduce the incidence of caries in caries-active preschool children over a 12-month period in comparison with a control group.

Reproductive performance and quality of offsprings of parent stock of layer hens after rearing in open and closed aviary system.

In this study, we analyzed the parent stock of ISA Brown hens reared in closed and open aviary (CA and OA, respectively) sections with regard to the productive performance of hens, hatchability, and quality of chicks. The flocks were reared (1,570 cocks and 17,515 hens) for 16 wk in a three-level aviary system. On the 7th wk of rearing, half of the birds (OA group of birds) were allowed to leave the section and use half of the area of the poultry house and to use all levels. The remaining half of the birds were kept in the CA section for the entire duration of rearing. After the duration of rearing, the birds were moved to 2 neighboring production poultry houses (OA = 680 cocks and 8,126 hens; CA = 685 cocks and 8,133 hens). Reproduction was performed in a litter system in accordance with the norms for parent stock of laying hens. During the production cycle (53 wk), laying performance, feed conversion ratio, water consumption, and mortality were analyzed. On 27th, 37th, and 49th wk of production, the following analysis was performed: rate of fertilization (%), rate of hatching (%), and quality of chick. In accordance with the results, birds in OA flock required less amount of feed (P < 0.001) and water (P = 0.020) to produce a laid egg, a hatching egg (respectively: P < 0.001; P = 0.009), and a chick (both P < 0.001) in comparison with the birds in CA flock. In addition, a lower number of litter eggs were found in the OA flock (P < 0.001). Mean laying production, production of hatching eggs, and number of waste eggs did not depend on the flock rearing system (P > 0.05); however, a combined analysis of all these parameters using multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated a better (P < 0.001) result for OA flock than that of CA flock. Rate of fertilization, rate of hatching, and quality of chicks did not depend on the flock rearing system (P > 0.05). In summary, it is possible to rear parent ISA Brown hens in open sections of aviary system without the fear of subsequent deterioration of indicators of future egg production.

Clinical study on resin composite and glass ionomer materials in II class restorations in permanent teeth.

BACKGROUND: Glass ionomer cements (GIC) used for restoration of missing dental structures have high biocompatibility and remineralization potential. However, low mechanical resistance excludes their use for long-term restorations of extensive lesions, particularly on approximal surfaces in permanent dentition. GIC with increased viscosity have much better physical properties, which involves better bonding and wear resistance, so they can be considered as an alternative to composite resin materials. The aim of this study was to perform a clinical and radiological assessment of restorations in permanent teeth, made with an increased viscosity GIC - Equia Fil (Ivoclar Vivadent) with Equia Coat (Ivoclar Vivadent) and composite material - Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar Vivadent) in young patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 cavities on approximal surfaces were filled with the composite material or GIC in 49 patients aged from 12.08 to 19.58 years. During control examinations, the condition of each restoration was assessed with criteria acc. to Hickel et al. Bitewing radiographs had been taken before fillings were placed and after 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: After two years of observations, two GIC restorations were replaced due to loss of retention and staining. The other 96 restorations were given a satisfactory grade. The clinical efficacy of Equia Fil after 24 months was assessed at 95.83%, the Tetric EvoCeram at 100%. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.145). When GIC was used, there was a higher risk of marginal adaptation deterioration and the occurrence of staining and erosion. Radiographic efficacy of the Equia Fil material for cavity restoration after 24 months was assessed at 93.75%, for the Tetric EvoCeram material at 100%. Differences were not significant statistically (P=0.073). CONCLUSIONS: Tetric EvoCeram and Equia Fil used for the restoration of approximal lesions in premolars and permanent molars have similar efficacy in a 2-year period of observation. Key words:Dental restoration, permanent, composite resins, glass ionomer cements, clinical study.

Effect of salt stress in urban conditions on two Acer species with different sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of trees in urban areas include the following: an increase in ecosystem health, an increase in human health, the mitigation of the effects of heat and drought at microclimate level, the storage and sequestration of carbon, and a reduction in air pollution and noise. These ecosystem services can be provided only by trees that are in good health. The main cause of salt stress in urban environments is the use of de-icing salts on the streets in winter. Salt stress is a complex process that includes changes in plants on the physiological, histological, cellular and molecular levels, leading to limitations in nutrient uptake, disrupting the ionic balance of trees and resulting in the death of roadside trees. In response to salinity, trees have developed a variety of defence mechanisms that allow them to minimize the effects of stress and maintain homeostasis. METHODOLOGY: The reactions of two species Acer species: A. platanoides and A. campestre, which have different sensitivities to the unfavourable conditions of the urban environments (mainly salt stress), were investigated. The research included two experiments: a field experiment with city trees and a controlled pot experiment with young trees treated with increasing doses of salt. In both experiments, the following were performed: an assessment of the health condition of the trees and the content of macroelements as well as the Cl and Na in leaves and a qualitative and quantitative analysis of polyprenols. RESULTS: A. campestre had a more specific strategy than A. platanoides for dealing with Na and Cl, which resulted in undamaged leaves. Under the same conditions, A. platanoides leaves contained more Cl and Na and were severely damaged. The disruption of the ion balance due to salt stress was lower in A. campestre than in A. platanoides. Compared with A. platanoides, A. campestre synthesized more polyprenols in the field experiment. This ability was acquired during the process of acclimation, because it occurred only in the mature trees in the field experiment and not in the young trees in the pot experiment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of two experimental methods (i.e., the field and pot experiments) allowed for a more complete assessment of tree strategies to mitigate salt stress. A. campestre displayed a more specific strategy than A. platanoides. This strategy was based on several elements. A. campestre limited Cl and Na transport to the leaves, which resulted in a lack of damage to those organs. Under the same conditions, A. platanoides individuals contained more Cl and Na in their leaves and were seriously damaged. A. campestre synthesized larger amounts of polyprenols, which probably have the ability to mitigate salt stress. This ability was acquired during the process of acclimation, because it occurred only in the mature trees in the field experiment and was not observed in the young trees in the pot experiment.

Structural and proteomic analyses of vitelline membrane proteins of blackbird (Turdus merula) and song thrush (Turdus philomelos).

In this study, we aimed to perform structural and proteomic analysis of the vitelline membrane (VM) of two species birds belonging to the family Turdidae: blackbird (Turdus merula) and song thrush (Turdus philomelos). We performed structural analyses using scanning electron microscopy. The VM proteins were identified and compared to the best-known chicken VM proteins. According to our results, VM of both species has a typical three-layered structure: the outer layer, inner layer, and the continuous membrane between them. An unusual observation was the finding of "convexity" formed by the inner layer in blackbird. The role of these convex structures is not known, but they can be typical for the species and can be used in their identification. In addition, we identified two proteins in the VM of both species of birds, of which U3KEZ1 FICAL was not previously identified in any other bird species, and the U3JXV8 FICAL protein was confirmed only once in cockatiel parrot VM. The function of these proteins is not exactly known, but their structure shows similarities to the SERPIN proteins that are involved in microbiological defense, i.e., they are immune proteins. This study contributes to the current knowledge about the structure and composition of proteins of VM, especially because similar analyses have never been performed for Turdidae family. Knowledge of the structure and specific proteins of blackbird and song thrush VM can be beneficial in research on ecology and bird biology and also helpful in developing noninvasive and nongenetic identification methods.

Factors Associated with Early Childhood Caries in Polish Three-Year-Old Children.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and associated factors with early childhood caries (ECC) in a Polish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 656 three-year-old preschool children of both sexes. Data were collected through oral examination of the children and a questionnaire self-reported by their parents. The questionnaire contained information on sociodemographic aspects, feeding and oral hygiene practices, dental care utilisation and dental health knowledge. Associations between ECC and caries-related factors were analysed with use of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: ECC was diagnosed in 64.0% children from the rural area and 46.6% from the urban one, more often in boys (57.7%) compared to girls (49.5%) and S-ECC in 37.1%, 24.2%, 31.5% and 27.5%, respectively. The associations between caries experience and living in a rural area, male sex, education level and oral health-related knowledge of a parent, tooth brushing frequency, nocturnal bottle-feeding and feeding with sweet beverages at the age over 12 months, consumption of sweetened within the first 2 years of age and drinking of sweet beverages once a week at bivariate level were found. In the final model of the logistic multivariate regression analysis, seven variables were associated with ECC experience. They revealed the probability in decreasing order: living in a rural area (odds ratios (OR) = 1.90); feeding the child during the first 2 years with sweetened food (OR = 1.77); nocturnal drinking of sweet beverages by the >12-month-old child (OR = 1.73); education level of parent (OR = 1.53); gender - male (OR = 1.48); nocturnal bottle-feeding of the over-12-month child (OR = 1.44); and frequency of tooth brushing (OR = 1.41). CONCLUSION: The most prominent risk factors for ECC were living in a rural area, consumption of sweetened foods within the first 2 years of age and nocturnal drinking of sweet beverages by the over 12-month-old child.

Self-Reported Oral Health Knowledge and Practices During Pregnancy and Their Social Determinants in Poland.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of sociodemographic and pregnancy-related factors on oral health attitudes during pregnancy, as well as the main predictors of proper oral practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic survey consisting of 47 (single or multiple-choice) questions was conducted in women up to 3 years after childbirth in 2017. Sociodemographic data, as well as information on the course of pregnancy and delivery, oral knowledge and basic behaviours during pregnancy were collected. The Chi-square test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Odds ratios were determined. A statistical significance level of 0.05 was used. RESULTS: A total of 2480 questionnaires completed by women aged between 13 and 45 years who were up to 3 years after delivery, were analysed. Correct answers to all questions regarding basic oral health and oral practices were obtained by 20.8% and 19.6% of respondents, respectively. Proper health behaviours were more strongly correlated with the level of knowledge (r = 0.155; odds ratio (OR) = 2.44; CI:1.93-3.07; p <0.001) and the use of dental care before pregnancy (r = 0.187; OR = 2.88; CI:2.29-3.63; p <0.001) rather than age (r = 0.144), good or very good financial status (r = 0.110), high level of education (r = 0.081), urban residence (r = 0.058) or occupational activity (r = 0.049). Attending dental visits depended on the conviction about their safety (r = 0.195; OR = 2.47; CI: 2.09-2.93; p <0.001) as well as gynaecologist's referral in the case of general conditions in pregnancy (r = 0.052) and the risk of premature birth (r = 0.053). No effects of other parameters associated with pregnancy or delivery were confirmed. CONCLUSION: Health attitudes during pregnancy are modified by sociodemographic factors. The main predictors of proper health behaviours include high level of knowledge on oral health and the use of dental care before conception. Furthermore, dental attendance among pregnant women depends on the awareness of the safety of dental visits and a gynaecologist referral in case of general condition and risk of premature birth.