Horizontal ridge augmentation through ridge expansion via osseodensification, guided bone regeneration and ridge­split: Systematic review and meta­analysis of clinical trials.

The aim of the present systematic review was to compare three ridge augmentation procedures in order to assist clinicians in finding the ideal surgical method relative to the horizontal bone gain needed and the width of the alveolar ridge available. An electronic and hand literature search was performed in the online databases PubMed-Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register and Web of Science, and various specialized journals, between January 2017 and December 2022. The included studies were evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies score and Cochrane's RoB tool. The primary variable studied in the meta-analysis was the final bone gain. The implant survival rate and initial ridge width were the secondary variables. Then four studies on ridge expansion via osseodensification (OD), seven on guided bone regeneration (GBR) and seven on the ridge-split technique (RS) were included in the review; 17 out of 18 were selected for meta-analysis. The mean horizontal bone gain for OD was 2.151 mm [1.327-2.975 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI)], for GBR was 4.036 mm (3.351-4.772 mm 95%CI) and for RS was 3.661 mm (2.991-4.399 mm 95%CI). The results were statistically significant (P=0.002). GBR reported the most bone gain horizontally, followed closely by RS and then OD. OD is a recent technique that should be taken into account when discussing the protocols of horizontally atrophied ridge rehabilitation.

Improved synthesis and application of an alkyne-functionalized isoprenoid analogue to study the prenylomes of motor neurons, astrocytes and their stem cell progenitors.

Protein prenylation is one example of a broad class of post-translational modifications where proteins are covalently linked to various hydrophobic moieties. To globally identify and monitor levels of all prenylated proteins in a cell simultaneously, our laboratory and others have developed chemical proteomic approaches that rely on the metabolic incorporation of isoprenoid analogues bearing bio-orthogonal functionality followed by enrichment and subsequent quantitative proteomic analysis. Here, several improvements in the synthesis of the alkyne-containing isoprenoid analogue C15AlkOPP are reported to improve synthetic efficiency. Next, metabolic labeling with C15AlkOPP was optimized to obtain useful levels of metabolic incorporation of the probe in several types of primary cells. Those conditions were then used to study the prenylomes of motor neurons (ES-MNs), astrocytes (ES-As), and their embryonic stem cell progenitors (ESCs), which allowed for the identification of 54 prenylated proteins from ESCs, 50 from ES-MNs, and 84 from ES-As, representing all types of prenylation. Bioinformatic analysis revealed specific enriched pathways, including nervous system development, chemokine signaling, Rho GTPase signaling, and adhesion. Hierarchical clustering showed that most enriched pathways in all three cell types are related to GTPase activity and vesicular transport. In contrast, STRING analysis showed significant interactions in two populations that appear to be cell type dependent. The data provided herein demonstrates that robust incorporation of C15AlkOPP can be obtained in ES-MNs and related primary cells purified via magnetic-activated cell sorting allowing the identification and quantification of numerous prenylated proteins. These results suggest that metabolic labeling with C15AlkOPP should be an effective approach for investigating the role of prenylated proteins in primary cells in both normal cells and disease pathologies, including ALS.

The Role of Cytokines and Molecular Pathways in Lung Fibrosis Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Physiopathologic (Re)view.

SARS-CoV-2 infection is a significant health concern that needs to be addressed not only during the initial phase of infection but also after hospitalization. This is the consequence of the various pathologies associated with long COVID-19, which are still being studied and researched. Lung fibrosis is an important complication after COVID-19, found in up to 71% of patients after discharge. Our research is based on scientific articles indexed in PubMed; in the selection process, we used the following keywords: "lung fibrosis", "fibrosis mediators", "fibrosis predictors", "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2 infection", and "long COVID-19". In this narrative review, we aimed to discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms of initiation and progression of post-COVID-19 lung fibrosis (PC-19-LF) and the risk factors for its occurrence. The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis involves various mediators such as TGF-ß, legumain, osteopontin, IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, TNF-α, Gal-1, Gal-3, PDGF, and FGFR-1. The key cellular effectors involved in COVID-19 lung fibrosis are macrophages, epithelial alveolar cells, neutrophils, and fibroblasts. The main fibrosis pathways in SARS-CoV-2 infection include hypoxemia-induced fibrosis, macrophage-induced fibrosis, and viral-fibroblast interaction-induced fibrosis.

Experimental study on dimensional variations of 3D printed dental models based on printing orientation.

This research investigates the trueness and precision of 3D printing technology in dental applications, specifically focusing on dimensional variations observed in models printed at different angles. The methodology involved importing a dental model into slicing software, adjusting its orientation, and implementing support structures for stability. Subsequently, the model underwent 3D printing five times for each orientation using appropriate equipment and underwent post-processing steps, including cleaning, washing, and UV-light post-curing. The printed models were then scanned using a specialized desktop scanner for further analysis. Accuracy assessment was carried out using dedicated software, employing an algorithm for precise alignment by comparing the scanned files. Color deviation maps were utilized to visually represent variations, aiming to evaluate how positioning during printing influences the trueness and precision of 3D-printed dental models. Trueness and precision analyses involved the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and a one-way ANOVA to compare means of three independent groups, with statistical analyses conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics software. The color maps derived from 3D comparisons revealed positive and negative deviations, represented by distinct colors. Comparative results indicated that models positioned at 0° exhibited the least dimensional deviation, whereas those at 90° showed the highest. Regarding precision, models printed at 0° demonstrated the highest reproducibility, while those at 15° exhibited the lowest. Based on the desired level of precision, it is recommended that printed models be produced at an inclination angle of 0°.

A new technique to transfer the upper maxillary arch position using a facebow, a transfer table, and a reference block with a CAD application.

This paper presents a method for the digital transfer of the upper maxillary arch position using a facebow, a transfer table, and a reference block with a CAD application without requiring physical casts mounted with articulating gypsum. This technique facilitates the prosthetic digital workflow when the impression is made via intraoral scanning, to obtain the placement of the maxillary arch in the anatomical reference planes and in relation to the axes of rotation of the mandibular movements.

Thinking outside the CaaX-box: an unusual reversible prenylation on ALDH9A1.

Protein lipidation is a post-translational modification that confers hydrophobicity on protein substrates to control their cellular localization, mediate protein trafficking, and regulate protein function. In particular, protein prenylation is a C-terminal modification on proteins bearing canonical motifs catalyzed by prenyltransferases. Prenylated proteins have been of interest due to their numerous associations with various diseases. Chemical proteomic approaches have been pursued over the last decade to define prenylated proteomes (prenylome) and probe their responses to perturbations in various cellular systems. Here, we describe the discovery of prenylation of a non-canonical prenylated protein, ALDH9A1, which lacks any apparent prenylation motif. This enzyme was initially identified through chemical proteomic profiling of prenylomes in various cell lines. Metabolic labeling with an isoprenoid probe using overexpressed ALDH9A1 revealed that this enzyme can be prenylated inside cells but does not respond to inhibition by prenyltransferase inhibitors. Site-directed mutagenesis of the key residues involved in ALDH9A1 activity indicates that the catalytic C288 bears the isoprenoid modification likely through an NAD+-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, the isoprenoid modification is also susceptible to hydrolysis, indicating a reversible modification. We hypothesize that this modification originates from endogenous farnesal or geranygeranial, the established degradation products of prenylated proteins and results in a thioester form that accumulates. This novel reversible prenoyl modification on ALDH9A1 expands the current paradigm of protein prenylation by illustrating a potentially new type of protein-lipid modification that may also serve as a novel mechanism for controlling enzyme function.

Sequencing and Partial Molecular Characterization of BAB-TMP, the Babeș Strain of the Fixed Rabies Virus Adapted for Multiplication in Cell Lines.

The rabies virus is a major zoonosis that causes severe nervous disease in humans, leading to paralysis and death. The world's second anti-rabies center was established in 1888 by Victor Babeș, in Bucharest, where an eponymous strain of rabies was isolated and used to develop a method for immunization. The Babeș strain of the rabies virus was used for over 100 years in Romania to produce a rabies vaccine for human use, based on animal nerve tissue, thus having a proven history of prophylactic use. The present study aimed to sequence the whole genome of the Babeș strain and to explore its genetic relationships with other vaccine strains as well as to characterize its relevant molecular traits. After being adapted for multiplication in cell lines and designated BAB-TMP, 99% of the viral genome was sequenced. The overall organization of the genome is similar to that of other rabies vaccine strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the BAB-TMP strain is closely related to the Russian RV-97 vaccine strain, and both seem to have a common ancestor. The nucleoprotein gene of the investigated genome was the most conserved, and the glycoprotein showed several unique amino acid substitutions within the major antigenic sites and linear epitopes.

The portrait of a stranger: the hypereosinophilic syndrome with cardiac involvement.

INTRODUCTION: Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a rare clinical condition, and cardiac involvement confers a poor prognosis. Hypereosinophilic myocarditis is a medical emergency and targeted treatment should be started promptly even before a definitive diagnosis could be made. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old female patient is hospitalized for exertional dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue for the past 2 weeks. She also describes left leg paresthesias. Clinical examination was in normal limits. ECG showed sinus tachycardia, QS pattern in V1-V4, and diffuse flattened T waves. Laboratory tests revealed increased inflammatory markers, hypereosinophilia, elevated cardiac enzymes, high NT-proBNP. Echocardiography revealed LV dysfunction (EF 31%), while cardiac MRI showed diffuse delayed enhancement with predominant subendocardial disposition. The electromyogram was suggestive of left tibial nerve neuropathy. We interpreted the case as eosinophilic myocarditis with an urgent requirement of therapy and initiated high-dose glucocorticoid therapy and the GDMT 4-pillar heart failure treatment. We excluded common infectious, myeloproliferative syndromes, and frequent associated autoimmune diseases. With prednisone, the eosinophil count rapidly normalized and we gradually tapered the dose by 5 mg per week, however continuing with heart failure therapy. At monthly follow-up visits, there was a significant clinical improvement, with normalization of the eosinophilic count, and a near-normalization of myocardial function. The only symptom that persisted was paresthesias linked to left tibial neuropathy. CONCLUSION: The surprisingly rapid and favorable course of the disease offers a high index of suspicion for a toxic or a reactive transitory etiology, however still unidentified. In our case, the cause of eosinophilia remained unknown, although we managed to narrow down the possible etiologies. A surprisingly good clinical response was obtained with non-specific treatment targeting mainly hyperosinophilic myocarditis.

Methods of postural analysis in connection with the stomatognathic system. A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to identify the main tools used to analyze the relationship between the postural and stomatognathic systems. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines, and data were collected from Science Direct and PubMed databases to identify articles published until December 2022. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 articles were selected from the initial 903 articles. The selected articles were full-text studies in English or Romanian, examining the relationship between dental occlusion and posture, measuring postural parameters using various tools, implementing occlusal changes, evaluating patients with permanent dentition, or analyzing the connection between occlusion and posture in a unidirectional manner. The findings indicate that orthognathic surgery and orthodontic mouthguards can significantly enhance postural balance and athletic performance. In addition, 63% of the studies concluded that varying modifications and occlusal conditions impact posture. Notable differences exist concerning posture and Angle dental occlusion classes, and different occlusal devices used to simulate malocclusion can affect patients' postural systems in response to external stimuli. The stabilometry platform is the predominant method for measuring postural parameters; however, other researchers have employed raster stereography, photogrammetry, mobile phone apps, and the Fukuda-Unterberger test. Consequently, interventions targeting the stomatognathic system should consider potential variations in the postural system.

Biosynthesis and Bioapplications of Nanomaterials from Mushroom Products.

The production of nanoparticles (NPs) from chemical and physical synthesis has ended due to the involvement of toxic byproducts and harsh analytical conditions. Innovation and research in nanoparticle synthesis are derived from biomaterials that have gained attention due to their novel features, such as ease of synthesis, low-cost, eco-friendly approach, and high water solubility. Nanoparticles obtained through macrofungi involve several mushroom species, i.e., Pleurotus spp., Ganoderma spp., Lentinus spp., and Agaricus bisporus. It is well-known that macrofungi possess high nutritional, antimicrobial, anti-cancerous, and immune-modulatory properties. Nanoparticle synthesis via medicinal and edible mushrooms is a striking research field, as macrofungi act as an eco-friendly biofilm that secretes essential enzymes to reduce metal ions. The mushroom-isolated nanoparticles exhibit longer shelf life, higher stability, and increased biological activities. The synthesis mechanisms are still unknown; evidence suggests that fungal flavones and reductases have a significant role. Several macrofungi have been utilized for metal synthesis (such as Ag, Au, Pt, Fe) and non-metal nanoparticles (Cd, Se, etc.). These nanoparticles have found significant applications in advancing industrial and bio-medical ventures. A complete understanding of the synthesis mechanism will help optimize the synthesis protocols and control the shape and size of nanoparticles. This review highlights various aspects of NP production via mushrooms, including its synthesis from mycelium and the fruiting body of macrofungi. Also, we discuss the applications of different technologies in NP high-scale production via mushrooms.

Digital Workflow for Producing Hybrid Posts and Cores.

A novel and straightforward digital workflow is described to aid clinicians in producing in-office hybrid posts and cores. The method is based on scanning and using the basic module of a computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD-CAM) software program for dental applications. The applicability of the technique in a digital workflow is the simplicity of in-office production of a hybrid post and core that can be delivered to the patient in the same day.

Fully digital workflow for retrofitting a new crown to an existing removable partial denture.

A fully digital technique for retrofitting a new crown to a removable partial denture (RPD) is presented. The conventional crown preparation was followed by intraoral scanning of the preparation, the antagonists, and the occlusal relationship and by scanning the RPD both in situ and outside the oral cavity. All the standard tessellation language (STL) files were indexed in a design software program, and the new crown was designed. After conventional dynamic adaptation against the antagonist teeth in the software program, the existing RPD was designated as the antagonist cast, and a second regular static adaptation was performed. This straightforward approach produced a crown which fit the occlusal rest and reciprocating arm without sending the existing prosthesis to the dental laboratory.

Modular Digital and 3D-Printed Dental Models with Applicability in Dental Education.

Background and Objectives: The ever more complex modern dental education requires permanent adaptation to expanding medical knowledge and new advancements in digital technologies as well as intensification of interdisciplinary collaboration. Our study presents a newly developed computerized method allowing virtual case simulation on modular digital dental models and 3D-printing of the obtained digital models; additionally, undergraduate dental students' opinion on the advanced method is investigated in this paper. Materials and Methods: Based on the digitalization of didactic dental models, the proposed method generates modular digital dental models that can be easily converted into different types of partial edentulism scenarios, thus allowing the development of a digital library. Three-dimensionally printed simulated dental models can subsequently be manufactured based on the previously obtained digital models. The opinion of a group of undergraduate dental students (n = 205) on the proposed method was assessed via a questionnaire, administered as a Google form, sent via email. Results: The modular digital models allow students to perform repeated virtual simulations of any possible partial edentulism cases, to project 3D virtual treatment plans and to observe the subtle differences between diverse teeth preparations; the resulting 3D-printed models could be used in students' practical training. The proposed method received positive feedback from the undergraduate students. Conclusions: The advanced method is adequate for dental students' training, enabling the gradual design of modular digital dental models with partial edentulism, from simple to complex cases, and the hands-on training on corresponding 3D-printed dental models.

Compressive and Flexural Strength of 3D-Printed and Conventional Resins Designated for Interim Fixed Dental Prostheses: An In Vitro Comparison.

A provisionalization sequence is essential for obtaining a predictable final prosthetic outcome. An assessment of the mechanical behavior of interim prosthetic materials could orient clinicians towards selecting an appropriate material for each clinical case. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the mechanical behavior-with compressive and three-point flexural tests-of certain 3D-printed and conventional resins used to obtain interim fixed dental prostheses. Four interim resin materials were investigated: two 3D-printed resins and two conventional resins (an auto-polymerized resin and a pressure/heat-cured acrylic resin). Cylindrically shaped samples (25 × 25 mm/diameter × height) were obtained for the compression tests and bar-shaped samples (80 × 20 × 5 mm/length × width × thickness) were produced for the flexural tests, observing the producers' recommendations. The resulting 40 resin samples were subjected to mechanical tests using a universal testing machine. Additionally, a fractographic analysis of failed samples in bending was performed. The results showed that the additive manufactured samples exhibited higher elastic moduli (2.4 ± 0.02 GPa and 2.6 ± 0.18 GPa) than the conventional samples (1.3 ± 0.19 GPa and 1.3 ± 0.38 GPa), as well as a higher average bending strength (141 ± 17 MPa and 143 ± 15 MPa) when compared to the conventional samples (88 ± 10 MPa and 76 ± 7 MPa); the results also suggested that the materials were more homogenous when produced via additive manufacturing.

Biologic and Esthetic Outcome of CAD/CAM Custom Ceramic Implant Abutment: A Clinical Report.

A prerequisite of a functional and esthetical implant-supported crown is a proper surgical planning and an abutment with a design and color that maintain the initial soft-tissue contour. This clinical report describes the use of a custom ceramic implant abutment designed with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. A zirconia framework was milled and cemented extra orally to a prefabricated titanium base, the new custom abutment being both precise and esthetic.

A cascade reaction of cinnamyl azides with vinyl sulfones directly generates dihydro-pyrrolo-pyrazole heterocycles.

This report describes the direct synthesis of dihydro-pyrrolo-pyrazole heterocycles from allylic azides and methyl vinyl sulfone. The product results from a complex cascade reaction that is operationally straightforward, with aromatization being the result of a concomitant elimination step. A variety of azides could participate in this reaction (12 examples) and the isolated yields of the desired product ranged from 51%-72%. Lastly the ethylene sulfone group could be removed by heating the product in pyrrolidine.

Potassium Channels Kv1.3 and Kir2.1 But Not Kv1.5 Contribute to BV2 Cell Line and Primary Microglial Migration.

(1) Background: As membrane channels contribute to different cell functions, understanding the underlying mechanisms becomes extremely important. A large number of neuronal channels have been investigated, however, less studied are the channels expressed in the glia population, particularly in microglia. In the present study, we focused on the function of the Kv1.3, Kv1.5 and Kir2.1 potassium channels expressed in both BV2 cells and primary microglia cultures, which may impact the cellular migration process. (2) Methods: Using an immunocytochemical approach, we were able to show the presence of the investigated channels in BV2 microglial cells, record their currents using a patch clamp and their role in cell migration using the scratch assay. The migration of the primary microglial cells in culture was assessed using cell culture inserts. (3) Results: By blocking each potassium channel, we showed that Kv1.3 and Kir2.1 but not Kv1.5 are essential for BV2 cell migration. Further, primary microglial cultures were obtained from a line of transgenic CX3CR1-eGFP mice that express fluorescent labeled microglia. The mice were subjected to a spared nerve injury model of pain and we found that microglia motility in an 8 µm insert was reduced 2 days after spared nerve injury (SNI) compared with sham conditions. Additional investigations showed a further impact on cell motility by specifically blocking Kv1.3 and Kir2.1 but not Kv1.5; (4) Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of the Kv1.3 and Kir2.1 but not Kv1.5 potassium channels on microglia migration both in BV2 and primary cell cultures.

Biochemical Interaction between Materials Used for Interim Prosthetic Restorations and Saliva.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the oxidative stress level and inflammatory status of saliva in the presence of certain materials used for obtaining interim prosthetic restorations. Four types of interim resin materials were investigated: a pressure/heat-cured acrylic resin (Superpont C+B, SpofaDental a.s Czech Republic, /KaVo Kerr Group), a milled resin (Telio CAD polymethyl methacrylate, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Liechtenstein), a 3D printed resin (NextDent C&B MFH, NextDent by 3D Systems, the Netherlands), and a pressure/heat-cured micro-filled indirect composite resin (SR Chromasit, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Liechtenstein). The disk-shaped resin samples (30 mm diameter, 2 mm high) were obtained in line with the producers' recommendations. The resulting resin specimens were incubated with saliva samples collected from twenty healthy volunteers. In order to analyze the antioxidant activity of the tested materials, certain salivary parameters were evaluated before and after incubation: uric acid, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), oxidative stress responsive kinase-1 (OXSR-1), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); the salivary levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (inflammatory markers) were measured as well. The obtained results are overall favorable, showing that the tested materials did not cause significant changes in the salivary oxidative stress level and did not influence the inflammatory salivary status.

A novel experimental approach to evaluate guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the rat femur using a 3D-printed CAD/CAM zirconia space-maintaining barrier.

INTRODUCTION: Obtaining a certain bone volume is an important goal in implantology or orthopedics. Thus, after tooth extraction, quite a lot of horizontal and vertical alveolar bone is lost in time and can be detrimental to the implant treatment outcome, while the treatment of critical bone defects is a considerable challenge for surgery. OBJECTIVES: In this study we designed a new in vivo model as an useful experimental tool to assess guided bone regeneration (GBR) using a computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD-CAM) space-maintaining barrier. METHODS: The barrier was 3D printed with three progressive heights, surgically placed on rat femur, and GBR results were analyzed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks by X-ray and bone mineral density analysis, histology/morphometry and by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry for osteogenesis and angiogenesis evaluation. RESULTS: The obtained results show that the proposed experimental model provides a real-time useful information on progressive bone tissue formation, which depends on the volume of isolated space created for GBR and on molecular events that lead to satisfactory vertical and horizontal bone augmentation and osteointegration. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the proposed customized three-dome space-maintaining barrier is suitable as an experimental tool to assess the potential of using the designed barriers in dentistry and orthopedics to promote the formation of new bone and determine their space- and time-dependent limitations. Meanwhile, guided bone augmentation for dentistry requires subsequent evaluation on an alveolar bone preclinical model followed by clinical implementation.

Elderly Patients' Perception of Previewing the Prosthetic Treatment Outcome.

The demographic statistics indicate that, with the industrial development and the advances in the medical field, the average life of the population has started to increase significantly; consequently, the needs of treatments in geriatric dentistry are becoming more and more significant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients' perception of diverse techniques used to obtain previews for final fixed prosthetic restorations: digital smile design (DSD), wax-up, indirect mock-up, temporary restorations, Computer-Aided Design (CAD). A focus group that included 11 participants, all of them geriatric patients, was formed; patients were invited to respond to a set of seven questions before and after various previsualization methods were applied. The focus-group report indicated that the indirect mock-up and the temporary restorations were considered by the geriatric patients as the best methods for obtaining good prosthetic previews. Comparing to the other tested methods, the use of indirect mock-up increased the acceptance of the prosthetic treatment plan and offered the most influential visual impact for 72.7% of participants. In addition, all tested previews allowed excellent communication with patients, the best results being obtained with the temporary prosthetic restorations (for 54.5% of participants). This approach represented a tool for better decisions regarding final dental restoration and has had a positive influence on patients' acceptance of the treatment plan as well, making the final restoration more predictable.