Areas of Interest in Dental Education: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Last Decade.

This study aimed to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of journals focused on dental education (Journal of Dental Education and European Journal of Dental Education) from 2014 to 2023. An ISI Web of Science Search was performed in October 2023 with no filters for language or keywords. Published articles between 2014 and 2018, 2019 and 2023, and 2014-2023, along with the top 100 cited articles published within this period were exported as txt files. Keyword and title word network maps and occurrences were generated using VOS Viewer software. Author-affiliated countries with the most publications were tabulated from the Web of Science. Dental education and dental students and education were consistently in the top six keywords and title word occurrences in all periods and top 100 cited articles. Similar trends were observed for keyword and title word network maps with an emphasis on dental education and students. However, the 2019-2023 period saw the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019, three-dimensional printing, virtual reality, and education technology, with the earlier period (2014-2018) showing clusters around students, perceptions, dental hygiene education, and assessment. The United States ranked top of the list for most published author-affiliated countries, with England, Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia in the top six for all periods analyzed. In conclusion, within the limitations of this study, areas of interest in dental education journals in the last decade were identified along with the countries with most publications.

Titanium corrosion products from dental implants and their effect on cells and cytokine release: A review.

INTRODUCTION: Titanium is considered to be an inert material owing to the ability of the material to form a passive titanium oxide layer. However, once the titanium oxide layer is lost, it can lead to exposure of the underlying titanium substructure and can undergo corrosion. SUMMARY: The article explores the role of titanium ions and particles from dental implants on cells, cytokine release, and on the systemic redistribution of these particles as well as theories proposed to elucidate the effects of these particles on peri-implant inflammation based on evidence from in-vitro, human, and animal studies. Titanium particles and ions have a pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic effect on cells and promote the release of pro-inflammatory mediators like cytokines. Three theories to explain etiopathogenesis have been proposed, one based on microbial dysbiosis, the second based on titanium particles and ions and the third based on a synergistic effect between microbiome and titanium particles on the host. CONCLUSION: There is clear evidence from in-vitro and limited human and animal studies that titanium particles released from dental implants have a detrimental effect on cells directly and through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Future clinical and translational studies are required to clarify the role of titanium particles and ions in peri-implant inflammation and the etiopathogenesis of peri-implantitis.

Association of adipokine levels with obesity in periodontal health and disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and salivary adipokines and their possible relationship with periodontitis and obesity. An electronic search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed/ Medline, Scopus, and EBSCOhost through February 2023. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full text of all the studies. Studies comparing the levels of adipokines in GCF, serum, and/or saliva in subjects with obesity and periodontitis (group 1), subjects with normal weight and periodontitis (group 2), and subjects with obesity and gingival health (group 3) were included. Meta-analyses and meta-regression were performed on the data from included studies. Seventeen studies with study participants ranging from 30 to 120 were included with subjects in each group ranging from 10 to 40. There was a significant increase in levels of serum TNF-α, leptin, IL-6, and CRP between groups 1 and 2 (p < .05). In GCF, TNF-α and resistin levels were significantly higher (p < .05) in Group 1 vs. 2. Serum level of leptin was higher for group 1 vs. 3 (p < .05). Meta-regression analysis revealed that the obesity definition (body mass index (BMI) cut-off value >25 or >30) was significant for serum resistin (p < .05) and GCF resistin (p < .05) between group 1 and 2. The current analysis indicates that both periodontitis and obesity can modulate the pro-inflammatory cytokines at systemic and local levels. This bidirectional interaction of periodontitis and obesity via the inflammation pathway seems likely plausible. Further studies are required to elucidate this mechanism in more detail.

Association of F. alocis and D. pneumosintes with Periodontitis Disease Severity and Red Complex Bacteria.

Oral biofilms are considered the principal etiological agent in the development of periodontitis. Novel species that may contribute to periodontitis and dysbiosis have been identified recently. The study aims to evaluate the presence of F. alocis and D. pneumosintes in healthy and diseased patients and their association with clinical parameters and with red complex bacteria. The study included 60 subjects, with 30 patients each in the healthy and periodontitis groups. The clinical parameters were noted, and samples were subjected to DNA extraction followed by a polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed using the Graph Pad Prism software. Results: F. alocis and D. pneumosintes were detected at a significantly higher percentage in the periodontitis group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.05). D. pneumosintes was significantly associated with T. forsythia in the periodontitis group (p < 0.05). Both of these organisms were present in sites with higher clinical attachment loss (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that both F. alocis and D. pneumosintes were detected at a significantly higher percentage in periodontitis subjects and were detected more frequently in sites with a greater clinical attachment loss. It was also evident that both F. alocis and D. pneumosintes can be present independently of other putative periodontal pathogens.

Bibliometric Analysis of Dental Implantology Journals from 1991-2023.

Dental implants are an established treatment options for varying edentulous conditions and has grown in popularity since the 1990's. This increased clinical application has evidenced a parallel increase in dental implant related research. The objective of this paper was to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of five dental implantology journals from 1991-2023. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a search in the ISI Web of Science database between 1991 and 2023 in 5 journals with a focus on dental implantology: Clinical Oral Implant Research, Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, Implant Dentistry, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, and International Journal of Oral Implantology. Results marked as correction, retraction notices, retracted articles, meeting abstract, withdrawn publications were removed from the analysis. The time period analyzed was divided into 4 decades: 1991-2000, 2001-2010, 2011-2020, 2021-2023. Additionally, the top 100 cited papers were also exported separately. Authors and countries with most publications were tabulated from the Web of Science database. VOS Viewer software was used to create network maps of keywords and title word occurrences for each of the time periods. Histcite software was used to analyze number of publications and citation counts. RESULTS: Network maps of keywords and title word occurrences suggested an early focus on osseointegration and titanium implants between 1991-2000. Publications between 2001-2010 saw a focus on in-vivo studies, implant surface and peri-implantitis. Publications post 2011 saw a focus on bone regeneration, complications and zygomatic implants. USA ranked highest in total number of publications in all time periods analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, we reported a comprehensive bibliometric analysis from 1990-2023. We identified trends in keywords and titles of dental implant publications in these journals which mirrored the trends seen in clinical practice.

Treatment of Periodontitis Affecting Human Primary Teeth-A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review is to report the treatment options (Intervention) and outcomes (O) for primary teeth affected by periodontitis (Population) and if the treatment of primary teeth can prevent the spread of periodontitis to permanent teeth (Outcomes). The following databases were searched for papers published before December 2022: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Ebscohost. Studies on children affected by periodontitis involving the primary teeth were included and those on children who presented with periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease were excluded. Narrative synthesis and methodological quality assessments were performed for the included studies. Three interventional studies (without a control group) that evaluated treatments involving scaling and root planing (SRP with antibiotics) and extraction were included (total n = 60 patients). Additionally, twelve case reports/case series articles (n = 19 patients) were identified. The diagnoses ranged from aggressive periodontitis to juvenile periodontitis and pre-pubertal periodontitis. Based on a limited number of published studies, it was found that the early treatment of periodontitis affecting the primary teeth using SRP and systemic antibiotics resulted in favorable improvements in PD and CAL. Limited evidence suggests that SRP and the extraction of the primary teeth involved have the potential to prevent periodontitis affecting permanent teeth. Future trials are required to standardize the treatment protocols and to confirm these findings.

Accuracy of mechanical torque-limiting devices for implant screw tightening: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A consensus is lacking on the accuracy of torque value on different types of mechanical torque-limiting devices. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the accuracy of unused mechanical torque-limiting devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted until October 2021 in 6 electronic databases. Relevant articles were manually screened in 5 journals from January 2000 to October 2021. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts and extracted the data independently. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the weighted mean difference in torque value deviation from target torque between spring-style and friction-style devices as a primary outcome. Deviations of output torque value from target value in spring-style or friction-style devices were also analyzed as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 11 595 articles were identified, and 16 articles were included for final statistical analysis. Meta-analysis of the included articles showed that torque value deviation in the spring-style was significantly lower than in the friction-style devices (-0.99 Ncm, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-1.89, -0.09], P=.030). Deviations of output torque value from target value was -0.54 Ncm in the spring-style group (CI: [-1.23, 0.15], P=.122) and -0.18 Ncm in the friction-style group (95% CI: [-1.40, 1.04], P=.770). Meta-regression analysis indicated that target value was significantly associated with the mean deviation from target value only in the spring-style group. High heterogeneity was found, suggesting more studies with standardized research design are required. CONCLUSIONS: Both spring- and friction-style mechanical torque-limiting devices can produce relatively accurate torque values; however, unused spring-type devices tend to have lower deviation from target torque value than unused friction-type devices.

Titanium as a Possible Modifier of Inflammation Around Dental Implants.

PURPOSE: The exact etiopathogenesis of peri-implant diseases remains unclear. While significant information on molecular markers is available, studies on biomarkers related to possible biocorrosion are sparse. This study aimed to evaluate periimplant crevicular fluid (PICF) for possible titanium (Ti) contamination and explore associations between clinical findings, inflammatory mediators, and Ti levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with implant-supported restoration (≥ 1 year in function) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Demographics, systemic, and periodontal health history were recorded. Clinical evaluations were conducted to reach peri-implant/periodontal diagnoses and grade severity of peri-implant soft tissue inflammation. Crevicular fluid (CF) was collected from both implants and adjacent teeth (PICF, gingival crevicular fluid [GCF]) and analyzed for Ti (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and inflammatory mediators (V-plex assays). Multiple regression analysis with a linear mixed effect model was used to analyze possible associations between clinical diagnosis, PICF/GCF cytokine, and Ti concentrations. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (aged 62 ± 2 years; 39 male) with 117 implants (9 ± 1 years in function) were recruited. Diabetes, positive periodontitis history, and current/former smoking were reported by 8%, 39%, and 39% of subjects, respectively. Seventy-nine implant sites (63 patients) were included in CF cytokine analysis, and 45 of these sites (42 patients) were paired with Ti analysis. Statistically significant increases from health to disease were noted in log-transformed PICF concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and INF-γ (P ≤ .05). Also, statistically significant increases from health to severe clinical inflammation were detected in log-transformed PICF concentrations of IL-8, IL-13, and TNF-α (P ≤ .05). Ti was detected in the majority (82%) of PICF and GCF samples. There was no statistically significant difference in log-transformed Ti concentration based on disease status. However, log-transformed Ti concentration was positively correlated to IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, and INF-γ concentrations when data were adjusted for site-specific health (P ≤ .05). CONCLUSION: Ti was detectable in PICF and adjacent GCF, even in health. Specific inflammatory mediator concentrations were increased in peri-implant disease and significantly associated with Ti concentrations, even when data were adjusted for peri-implant health status. Increased GCF inflammatory mediator concentrations were also associated with increased Ti concentrations. Ti effects on peri-implant as well as periodontal tissues require additional longitudinal investigations.

A Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Toughness of Composite Resin vs Protemp 4 for Use in Strip Crowns: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the fracture toughness of pedo shade packable composite resin (Z100, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, USA) vs Protemp 4 (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) when used inside a strip crown to restore primary incisors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six exfoliated noncarious human primary central and lateral incisors were randomly divided into two equal groups. The teeth were prepared to standardized dimensions to receive a strip crown. All the teeth were etched, rinsed, and dried following which bonding agent was applied and light cured. In group I, pedo shade packable composite resin (Z100, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, USA) was packed into strip crowns, placed on the prepared tooth, and light cured. In group II, the strip crowns were filled with Protemp 4 (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany), placed on the prepared tooth, and left to autopolymerize for 10 minutes. The strip crowns were removed, and the teeth were tested using the universal testing machine until fracture. Fracture toughness of the two groups was recorded and analyzed statistically using Student's "t" test. RESULTS: The mean force required to fracture strip crowns restored with Protemp 4 (416.89 ± 124.58 N) was higher when compared with pedo shade packable composite resin (338.27 ± 130.99 N). However, statistical analysis did not show a significant difference in the fracture toughness between the two groups (p = 0.074), based on Student's "t" test results. CONCLUSION: The fracture toughness of teeth restored with Protemp 4 was comparable with pedo shade packable composite resin when used inside a strip crown. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of Protemp 4 is a possible alternative to pedo shade packable composite resin in restoring the primary anterior teeth, when used inside the strip crowns. The data also showed that the fracture toughness of Protemp 4 was comparable with pedo shade packable composite resin. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Vignesh KC, Kandaswamy E, Muthu MS. A Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Toughness of Composite Resin vs Protemp 4 for Use in Strip Crowns: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):57-60.

Effects of Pre-Hospital Antiplatelet Therapy on the Incidence of ARDS.

BACKGROUND: Clinical observations on the potential of pre-hospital antiplatelet therapy in preventing ARDS have been inconsistent. To further the correlation between antiplatelet therapy and ARDS, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of pre-hospital antiplatelet therapy on subjects with ARDS. METHODS: A literature search in major data banks was performed. We included prospective and retrospective cohorts, case-control trials, and randomized controlled trials that compared the ARDS incidence in subjects with or without pre-hospital antiplatelet agents. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 7 studies (a total of 30,291 subjects) showed significantly lower odds of ARDS in the pre-hospital antiplatelet therapy group compared with subjects with no pre-hospital antiplatelet therapy (odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.56-0.83; P < .001). However, ARDS mortalities in the hospital and ICUs were not affected. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that pre-hospital antiplatelet therapy was associated with a reduced rate of ARDS but had no effect on the mortality in the subjects at high risk.

Role of ROS and Nutritional Antioxidants in Human Diseases.

The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the development of various chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer, respiratory, neurodegenerative, and digestive diseases. Under physiological conditions, the concentrations of ROS are subtlety regulated by antioxidants, which can be either generated endogenously or externally supplemented. A combination of antioxidant-deficiency and malnutrition may render individuals more vulnerable to oxidative stress, thereby increasing the risk of cancer occurrence. In addition, antioxidant defense can be overwhelmed during sustained inflammation such as in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and aging. Certain antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin D, are essential in regulating biochemical pathways that lead to the proper functioning of the organs. Antioxidant supplementation has been shown to attenuate endogenous antioxidant depletion thus alleviating associated oxidative damage in some clinical research. However, some results indicate that antioxidants exert no favorable effects on disease control. Thus, more studies are warranted to investigate the complicated interactions between ROS and different types of antioxidants for restoration of the redox balance under pathologic conditions. This review highlights the potential roles of ROS and nutritional antioxidants in the pathogenesis of several redox imbalance-related diseases and the attenuation of oxidative stress-induced damages.

Recent Advances in Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease: Role of Science and Technology.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. In the last decade, significant advancements in CAD treatment have been made. The existing treatment is medical, surgical or a combination of both depending on the extent, severity and clinical presentation of CAD. The collaboration between different science disciplines such as biotechnology and tissue engineering has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies such as stem cells, nanotechnology, robotic surgery and other advancements (3-D printing and drugs). These treatment modalities show promising effects in managing CAD and associated conditions. Research on stem cells focuses on studying the potential for cardiac regeneration, while nanotechnology research investigates nano-drug delivery and percutaneous coronary interventions including stent modifications and coatings. This article aims to provide an update on the literature (in vitro, translational, animal and clinical) related to these novel strategies and to elucidate the rationale behind their potential treatment of CAD. Through the extensive and continued efforts of researchers and clinicians worldwide, these novel strategies hold the promise to be effective alternatives to existing treatment modalities.

Dentists' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Treating Patients Taking Oral Antithrombotic Medications - A Survey.

INTRODUCTION: India lists high on patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, stroke and myocardial infarction. Hence, a large proportion of the population is on long term Oral Antithrombotic Medications (OAM). Though several guidelines exist on dental management of these patients, previous surveys have shown variation among the dentists. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of dentists in Chennai, India, towards dental management of patients taking OAM using a questionnaire survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was conducted among 256 dentists in Chennai, India using a printed questionnaire containing 16 questions, at their university location. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Of the final population of dentists who were included in the survey (n =212), majority of them were aware about drugs such as warfarin and aspirin compared to other newer drugs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban). Most participants took physician's opinion before proceeding with any invasive dental procedure and thromboembolic events were their major concern while treating patients on OAM. CONCLUSION: The survey revealed dentists are knowledgeable about management of patients on OAM. However, they tend to overestimate the bleeding risk, thus being cautious in their treatment approach. Based on the results of the study, the authors suggest that continuing dental education programs and further training on management of such medically complex patients will be beneficial in order to provide optimum dental care to people taking OAM.