Impressive Short-Term Improvement in Functional Outcome and Quality of Life after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) in the Orthogeriatric Patient in a Prospective Monocentric Trial.

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) represents the most frequent chronic joint disease worldwide. Facing an aging population, resulting from the demographic change, the number of primary total hip arthroplasties (THA) will further increase. Although the geriatric patient strongly differs from the younger one, the current literature on elective orthopedic surgery in the geriatric patient is scarce. This work analyses, whether geriatric patients receiving primary THA significantly improve in terms of their (1) mobility and functional outcome and (2) health-related quality of life at four to six weeks as well as three months postoperatively. Methods: In a prospective study design, we analyzed 101 geriatric patients with osteoarthritis of the hip receiving primary THA. The study is part of the ongoing "Special Orthopaedic Geriatrics" (SOG) trial, which is funded by the German Federal Joint Committee (GBA). In addition to a preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the EQ5D-5L were imposed preoperatively (t0), at four to six weeks (t1), and at three months (t2) postoperatively. Results: The 101 enrolled patients had a mean age of 78.1 ± 4.9 years. The total WOMAC score and almost all subcategories significantly improved at four to six weeks as well as three months postoperatively in comparison to the preoperative results (p < 0.001). The same was observed for the EQ-5D-5L, showing significant improvement in overall health at both time points (p < 0.001) and all subcategories (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study implies that a geriatric patient benefits as much from elective primary THA as a younger patient. However, the preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment with screening for risk factors is of utmost importance. Regarding the aging population, a lot of effort is needed to obtain more knowledge about geriatric patients receiving elective orthopedic surgery.

Investigation of the precision of a novel jaw tracking system in recording mandibular movements: A preliminary clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This preliminary study aimed to clinically assess the precision of a novel optical jaw tracking system (JTS) in registering mandibular movements (MMs) of protrusion and mediotrusion. METHODS: Twenty healthy participants underwent recordings using Cyclops JTS (Itaka Way Med) for functional MMs of protrusion and laterotrusion by two trained clinicians. Each subject performed five registrations at different times according to a standardized pattern within one-month period. The angulations of protrusive and mediotrusive functional paths within the first 2 mm from the maximal intercuspal position (MIP) were calculated for each trace, using a data software for angle measurements. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the repeatability of the recordings for each participant and MM. Additionally, inferential statistics were carried out on standard deviation values obtained (α=0.05). RESULTS: The overall precision for all the patients was 7.07±3.37° for the protrusion angle, 5.24±2.24° for right laterotrusion and 5.14±3.06° for left laterotrusion angles. The protrusion angle ranged from 3.08° to 13.57°, while the right and left laterotrusion ranged from 1.82° to 9.42° and from 1.58° to 10.59°, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between different functional MM types and gender (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Recordings functional MMs of mediotrusion and protrusion using Cyclops JTS showed consistent repeatability, regardless of gender and functional MM type. The results revealed non-negligible variations that may be due to the patients' abilities to precisely reproduce jaw movements or to the operator's ability to consistently connect the kinesiograph. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Capturing functional MMs digitally and importing the data into dental CAD software is essential for virtual waxing in prosthetic rehabilitations to design a functionalized adapted occlusion. Establishing the repeatability of MM recordings by a JTS is a crucial step in better understanding this novel JTS in the market. This process could facilitate the interpretation of cusp angles, aid in CAD dynamic technical modeling, and enhance clinical data communication between clinicians and technicians in a modern workflow.

[Risk and complication profiles of orthogeriatric patients in elective hip and knee joint replacement]. / Risiko- und Komplikationsprofil orthogeriatrischer Patienten bei elektivem Hüft- und Kniegelenkersatz.

BACKGROUND: The care of geriatric patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery is becoming increasingly more important due to demographic trends. Compared to geriatric traumatology, however, there are still no established orthogeriatric care models in Germany and therefore hardly any scientific data. The aim of this study was to describe the risk and complication profiles in older patients with elective hip and knee replacements. METHODS: In a prospective study data were collected from orthogeriatric patients with indications for elective hip and knee replacement surgery who fulfilled defined inclusion and exclusion criteria between January 2021 and August 2023 in the orthopedic department of a German university hospital for the descriptive analysis of risk and complication profiles. In addition to a preoperative and perioperative data analysis, a follow-up was conducted 4-6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The surgical risk profile of the patient population analyzed was characterized by advanced age (78.4 ± 4.8 years), preobesity/obesity (76%), multimorbidity (7.4 ± 3.1 comorbidities), polypharmacy (7.5 ± 3.8 medications), immobility (short physical performance battery 7.1 ± 2.6), prefrailty/frailty (87%), frequent anticoagulation (22%) and a high number of potentially inappropriate medications (64%). Complication events mainly occurred within the first 7 days postoperatively and 90% of the events within this recording period were minor complications. The overall complication rate significantly decreased in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Due to the high risk and complication profiles the routine use of orthogeriatric co-management models for elective orthopedic surgery should be considered in the future.

Systematic Review of Zinc's Benefits and Biological Effects on Oral Health.

BACKGROUND: This review was based on the following question: "What is the state-of-the-art regarding the effect of zinc exposure in the oral cavity on a population of adults and children, compared to dental products containing materials other than zinc, considering in vivo (clinical trials and observational studies) and in vitro studies?" according to a PICOS strategy format. This study aims to analyze zinc application in dental materials, with different compositions and chemical formulations, considering how mechanical and biological properties may influence its clinical applicability. METHODS: In vivo (clinical trials: controlled clinical trials (CCTs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs); and observational studies: case control and cohort studies) trials or in vitro studies published in English or Italian during the last 10 years on children and adult patients with zinc exposure were included by three different reviewers using the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases. RESULTS: Titles and abstracts were evaluated following the eligibility criteria. The full texts of eligible studies were then reviewed against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Scientific and technical information of the 33 included studies were collected into evidence tables, reporting data on in vivo and in vitro studies. A narrative approach was adopted. CONCLUSIONS: Antibacterial activity was found to be the most studied property of zinc, but further investigations are needed to establish adjuvant zinc therapies in patients with oral disease.

Acute and chronic cannabidiol treatment: In vitro toxicological aspects on human oral cells.

Cannabidiol is gaining increasing interest for its potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antineoplastic effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biological effects of acute and chronic CBD administration on gingival fibroblasts and oral keratinocytes. Viability, morphology, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle, and expression of related genes (p53, BCL2, p21, and BAX) and of endocannabinoid system receptors (CB1, CB2 and GPR55) with real-time PCR and DNA damage with phospho-γ-H2AX immunofluorescence detection were analyzed. Concentrations between 100 µM and 0.001 µM were used: 50 µM (toxic dose), 25 µM (viability promoter), and 1 µM (nontoxic), were selected for subsequent chronic analysis. Acute treatment reveals significant effects than chronic, in particular in fibroblasts: concentrations ≥50 µM are highly cytotoxic, with increased apoptosis and reduced migration. Cell death correlates with increased p53 and BAX, followed by arrest in G0/G1 phase, with elevated p21 levels, suggesting a time- and dose-dependent damage. An increase in H2AX phosphorylation was observed with 25 µM and 50 µM, while 1 µM was biocompatible. Keratinocytes showed less cytotoxic effect than fibroblasts. Induced cell damage was dose- and time-related, with less damage after chronic treatment. Further investigations are needed with longer time frames to evaluate CBD dose- and time-dependent effects to identify an effective therapeutic dose.

[Navigation and robotics-current status and future implications]. / Navigation und Robotik ­ status präsens und zukünftige Implikationen.

INTRODUCTION: Both navigation systems and robotics enable greater precision in the implantation of an artificial knee joint. However, they do not improve clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that although implantation of a total knee arthroplasty results in reconstruction of the alignment in the coronal plane, the variable rotational tibial and variable translational femoral and tibial component positioning lead to a change in the remaining alignment parameters of the lower extremity. However, these parameters could be determined using a navigation system or robot and could represent future implications for these systems. METHODS: The kinematics and the position between femur and tibia before and after implantation of a total knee arthroplasty were determined using a navigation system in nine healthy knee joints of Thiel-fixed whole-body cadavers. RESULTS: After arthroplasty, there was no change in the natural coronal alignment. In extension and the early degrees of flexion, the rotational position of the femur relative to the tibia was altered. This also led to a change in the positioning of the medial and lateral epicondyle in relation to the tibia; while both epicondyles were positioned more laterally in relation to the tibia after arthroplasty, the lateral epicondyle was significantly more lateral in relation to the tibia up to 20° of flexion. DISCUSSION: Following arthroplasty of a knee joint using the established technique, a good reconstruction of the coronal alignment was achieved with simultaneous changes in the alignment in both the rotational and translational directions between the femur and tibia. Using navigation as well as robotics, we would be able to quantify all alignment parameters and could achieve an alignment of the components or a reconstruction of the overall alignment in all six degrees of freedom. We might also be able to achieve a clinical advantage or increase the service life even further.

An evaluation of the Invisalign® Aligner Technique and consideration of the force system: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Since its introduction 25 years ago, the Invisalign® system has undergone multiple digital and biomechanical evolutions and its effectiveness is often compared to traditional systems without considering the many differences which characterize them. The main aim of this systematic review is to look at the literature dealing with studies on teeth movements using the Invisalign® system and the management of these movements through digital planning and artificial intelligence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, and CENTRAL. Unpublished studies were searched on ClinicalTrials.gov, the National Research Register, and Pro-Quest Dissertation Abstracts and Thesis database. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies (15 retrospective, 5 prospective, 2 pilot, and 2 case-control) were included. The results of the analysis carried out on the available literature show that the Invisalign® system is recognized to be a valid alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment in no-extraction cases. The results are influenced by the methods for assessing the effectiveness of this technique and by the comparison bias of the traditional system with the innovative digital system. CONCLUSIONS: Since the introduction of SmartForce and SmartTrack material, the efficacy of the treatment has improved. There is still a shortage of high-quality evidence concerning the treatment modality. In order to make the treatment with the aligners more efficient, a correct management of the ClinCheck® software and a proper use of the biomechanics are necessary. The aligned force-driven system should be taken into account when developing the digital planning.

[Navigated or conventional acetabular surgery : Comparison of positional accuracy exemplified by the infra-acetabular screw]. / Navigiert oder konventionell in der Acetabulumchirurgie : Vergleich der Positionsgenauigkeit am Beispiel der infraazetabulären Schraube.

BACKGROUND: The principle of joint-preserving treatment of acetabular fractures is the anatomic reduction of joint-bearing elements and internal osteosynthesis. For stabilization of the anterior and posterior columns against each other, the infra-acetabular screw (IAS) is regularly used in the clinical routine. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the position of the IAS in the infra-acetabular corridor after navigated placement and after freehand placement. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The position of the screw was evaluated in 42 patients using multiplanar reconstructions. The screw was placed freehand in 30 patients and using image-guided navigation in 12 patients. In addition to measurement of the position of the screw, demographic data, operating time, radiation exposure and blood loss were recorded. RESULTS: The vast majority of the patients were male (86%), the median age was 67 years and the median body mass index (BMI) was 25 kg/m2. The median operating time was 166 min and the median blood loss was 900 ml. The adjusted values in the whole sample considering the position of the screw were: distance of screw to cartilage mean value (m) = 3.8 mm, distance of screw to corridor center m = 3.5 mm and angle of screw to corridor m = 1.4°. There were no differences between the groups in the demographic parameters and the accuracy of positioning of the screw (p-value > 0.05). There was a longer irradiation time and a higher radiation dose in the navigated group compared to the group without navigation (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: With appropriate experience both procedures are comparable taking into account the accuracy. Taking into consideration other perioperative parameters, such as radiation exposure and planned operating time, patient-related factors should be taken into consideration.

Arthrosis diagnosis and treatment recommendations in clinical practice: an exploratory investigation with the generative AI model GPT-4.

BACKGROUND: The spread of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to transformative advancements in diverse sectors, including healthcare. Specifically, generative writing systems have shown potential in various applications, but their effectiveness in clinical settings has been barely investigated. In this context, we evaluated the proficiency of ChatGPT-4 in diagnosing gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis and recommending appropriate treatments compared with orthopaedic specialists. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted using anonymized medical records of 100 patients previously diagnosed with either knee or hip arthrosis. ChatGPT-4 was employed to analyse these historical records, formulating both a diagnosis and potential treatment suggestions. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the concordance between the AI's conclusions and the original clinical decisions made by the physicians. RESULTS: In diagnostic evaluations, ChatGPT-4 consistently aligned with the conclusions previously drawn by physicians. In terms of treatment recommendations, there was an 83% agreement between the AI and orthopaedic specialists. The therapeutic concordance was verified by the calculation of a Cohen's Kappa coefficient of 0.580 (p < 0.001). This indicates a moderate-to-good level of agreement. In recommendations pertaining to surgical treatment, the AI demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 80%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that the variables reduced quality of life (OR 49.97, p < 0.001) and start-up pain (OR 12.54, p = 0.028) have an influence on ChatGPT-4's recommendation for a surgery. CONCLUSION: This study emphasises ChatGPT-4's notable potential in diagnosing conditions such as gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis and in aligning its treatment recommendations with those of orthopaedic specialists. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that AI tools such as ChatGPT-4 are not meant to replace the nuanced expertise and clinical judgment of seasoned orthopaedic surgeons, particularly in complex decision-making scenarios regarding treatment indications. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, further research with larger patient populations and more complex diagnoses is necessary to validate the findings and explore the broader potential of AI in healthcare. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence.

The impact of elective total hip and knee arthroplasty on physical performance in orthogeriatric patients: a prospective intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition in older adults that leads to reduced physical function in many patients and ultimately requires hip or knee replacement. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of hip and knee arthroplasty on the physical performance of orthogeriatric patients with osteoarthritis. METHODS: In this prospective study, we used data from 135 participants of the ongoing Special Orthopaedic Geriatrics (SOG) trial, funded by the German Federal Joint Committee (GBA). Physical function, measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), was assessed preoperatively, 3 and 7 days postoperatively, 4-6 weeks and 3 months after hip and knee arthroplasty. For the statistical analysis, the Friedman test and post-hoc tests were used. RESULTS: Of the 135 participants with a mean age of 78.5 ± 4.6 years, 81 underwent total hip arthroplasty and 54 total knee arthroplasty. In the total population, SPPB improved by a median of 2 points 3 months after joint replacement (p < 0.001). In the hip replacement group, SPPB increased by a median of 2 points 3 months after surgery (p < 0.001). At 3 months postoperatively, the SPPB increased by a median of 1 point in the knee replacement group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Elective total hip and knee arthroplasty leads to a clinically meaningful improvement in physical performance in orthogeriatric patients with osteoarthritis after only a few weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is part of the Special Orthopaedic Geriatrics (SOG) trial, German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00024102. Registered on 19 January 2021.

The Role and Efficiency of an AI-Powered Software in the Evaluation of Lower Limb Radiographs before and after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging analysis has significantly impacted musculoskeletal radiology, offering enhanced accuracy and speed in radiograph evaluations. The potential of AI in clinical settings, however, remains underexplored. This research investigates the efficiency of a commercial AI tool in analyzing radiographs of patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. The study retrospectively analyzed 200 radiographs from 100 patients, comparing AI software measurements to expert assessments. Assessed parameters included axial alignments (MAD, AMA), femoral and tibial angles (mLPFA, mLDFA, mMPTA, mLDTA), and other key measurements including JLCA, HKA, and Mikulicz line. The tool demonstrated good to excellent agreement with expert metrics (ICC = 0.78-1.00), analyzed radiographs twice as fast (p < 0.001), yet struggled with accuracy for the JLCA (ICC = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.72-0.84), the Mikulicz line (ICC = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.32-0.90), and if patients had a body mass index higher than 30 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). It also failed to analyze 45 (22.5%) radiographs, potentially due to image overlay or unique patient characteristics. These findings underscore the AI software's potential in musculoskeletal radiology but also highlight the necessity for further development for effective utilization in diverse clinical scenarios. Subsequent studies should explore the integration of AI tools in routine clinical practice and their impact on patient care.

Bony Sacral Volume after Sacro-Iliac Screw Fixation of Pelvic Fractures Is Dependent on Reduction of the Anterior Pelvic Ring.

Pelvic ring injuries are uncommon but serious injuries. Percutaneous sacro-iliac screw fixation (SSF) is the standard treatment for posterior stabilization of pelvic fractures. Compression forces of the SSF might cause deformity of the sacrum and the pelvic ring. The aim of this radio-volumetric study is to evaluate the morphometry of the sacrum and pelvic ring in SSF for posterior pelvic fractures. (1) Methods: We conducted a radio-volumetric study measuring the bony sacral volume before and after SSF for a pelvic fracture based on a three-dimensional reconstruction of the pre- and postoperative computed tomography scan of 19 patients with a C-type pelvic fracture. In addition to the bony sacral volume, we assessed the pelvic deformity and the load bearing axis. We compared the results of patients without anterior stabilization (Group A) to patients who had additional ORIF of the anterior pelvic ring. (2) Results: Median age of the patients was 41.2 years (±17.8). All patients received percutaneous SSF with partially threaded 7.3 mm screws. The sacral volume decreased from 202.9 to 194.3 cm3 in group A (non-operative treatment anterior, n = 10) and an increase of sacral volume from 229.8 to 250.4 cm3 in group B (anterior ORIF; n = 9). Evaluation of the pelvic deformity also reflected this trend by a decrease of the ipsilateral load-bearing angle in group A (37.0° to 36.4°) and an increase of this angle in group B (36.3 to 39.9°). (3) Conclusions: Bony sacral volume and pelvic deformity after sacro-iliac screw fixation in pelvic fractures depend on treatment of the anterior pelvic ring. Reduction and fixation of the anterior fracture shows an increase of the bony sacral volume and the load bearing angle leading to a closer to normal reconstruction of the pelvic anatomy.

Delay of total joint replacement is associated with a higher 90-day revision rate and increased postoperative complications.

PURPOSE: Delay of elective surgeries, such as total joint replacement (TJR), is a common procedure in the current pandemic. In trauma surgery, postponement is associated with increased complication rates. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of postponement on surgical revision rates and postoperative complications after elective TJR. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of 10,140 consecutive patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) between 2011 and 2020, the effect of surgical delay on 90-day surgical revision rate, as well as internal and surgical complication rates, was investigated in a university high-volume arthroplasty center using the institute's joint registry and data of the hospital administration. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounding variables. RESULTS: Two thousand four hundred and eighty TJRs patients were identified with a mean delay of 13.5 ± 29.6 days. Postponed TJR revealed a higher 90-day revision rate (7.1-4.5%, p < 0.001), surgical complications (3.2-1.9%, p < 0.001), internal complications (1.8-1.2% p < 0.041) and transfusion rate (2.6-1.8%, p < 0.023) than on-time TJR. Logistic regression analysis confirmed delay of TJRs as independent risk factor for 90-day revision rate [OR 1.42; 95% CI (1.18-1.72); p < 0.001] and surgical complication rates [OR 1.51; 95% CI (1.14-2.00); p = 0.04]. CONCLUSION: Alike trauma surgery, delay in elective primary TJR correlates with higher revision and complication rates. Therefore, scheduling should be performed under consideration of the current COVID-19 pandemic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

In Vitro effects of alternative smoking devices on oral cells: Electronic cigarette and heated tobacco product versus tobacco smoke.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological effects of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) and heated tobacco product extracts respect to tobacco smoke extract on human gingival fibroblasts and human oral keratinocytes analysing cell viability, morphology, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). DESIGN: Human gingival fibroblasts and human oral keratinocytes viability was analysed by MTT assay, cell morphology using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and cell migration by Scratch assay, a method that mimics the cell migration during wound healing in vivo. Apoptosis and cell cycle were analysed with flow cytometry and the related-gene expression of TP53, BCL2, CDKN2A and CDKN1A was indagated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. EMT process was analysed through expression of specific markers: CDH1, SNAI2, TWIST1, MMP2, FN1 and VIM. All investigations were evaluated after 24 h an in vitro exposure. RESULTS: Undiluted tobacco smoke extract induced significant inhibition of cell viability and cell migration, caused morphological alterations and induced an increase in cell death. No alterations or damage were observed after treatment with e-cigarette extracts. Heated tobacco product extract induced proliferation as highlighted by an increase of cell viability, cell migration and alterations of cycle analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the different cigarette extracts, tobacco smoke turns out to be the most harmful, e-cigarette did not determine morphological and functional alterations and heated tobacco product must be carefully investigated for its possible clinical effects on oral cell populations.

Estimating the 18-Year Threshold with Third Molars Radiographs in the Southern Italy Population: Accuracy and Reproducibility of Demirjian Method.

The estimation of the age of the majority of living subjects is widely required nowadays due to the presence of unidentifiable individuals, without documents and general information, involved in migration or legal procedures. Dental age estimation (DAE) is a valid method for investigating the age of subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Demirjian method in a limited age group (16-24 years) in differentiating between older and younger than 18 years. From an initial sample of 17,594 radiographs, 460 were selected meeting the inclusion criteria. Two dentists provided the age estimate according to the Demirjian method, with a simplified approach based on the development of the third molars. The presence of a developmental stage of H for at least one third molar allowed to establish the major age if the other third molars, inferior or superior, have reached a stage equal or superior to F, with an accuracy of 90.2% and a predictive positive value of 91.6%. Thirty-three patients showed the development of at least one third molar (Stage H) before the age of 18 years while six patients showed the development of all four third molars with root completion (stage H) before the age of 18 years. When all third molars reached stage H an individual was over 18 years old in 97.4% of cases. In presence of one third molar on stage H and a stage equal or superior to F for the other third molars the probability of being of major age was 91.6%.

Mechanical properties of 3D-printed prosthetic materials compared with milled and conventional processing: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing (AM) is an evolving technology in dentistry, proposed as an alternative to subtractive milling manufacture (MM) or conventional processing. However, a systematic review of the use of AM technology instead of milling or conventional processing is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the mechanical properties of 3D-printed prosthetic materials compared with MM and conventional techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search of the literature was conducted on the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The inclusion criteria were in vitro studies published in the last 5 years, in English or Italian, and with 3D AM printed dental prosthetic materials. Data extraction was focused on dental prosthetic materials (ceramics, polymers, and metals) and their mechanical properties: flexural strength, fracture load, hardness, roughness, removable partial denture (RPD) fit accuracy, trueness, marginal discrepancy, and internal fit. Data considered homogenous were subjected to meta-analysis using the Stata17 statistical software program (95% confidence interval [CI]; α=.05). Since all variables were continuous, the Hedge g measure was calculated. A fixed-effects model was used for I2=0%, while the statistical analysis was conducted using a random-effects model with I2>0%. RESULTS: From a total of 3624 articles, 2855 studies were selected, and 76 studies included after full-text reading. The roughness of AM-printed ceramics generally increased compared with that of conventional processing while the marginal discrepancy was comparable both for ceramics and polymers. The flexural strength, hardness, and fracture load of AM-printed polymers were statistically lower than those of the conventional group (P<.05). No significant difference was detected in terms of hardness, roughness, marginal discrepancy, fracture load, trueness, or internal fit between the AM and MM techniques (P>.05). Milling techniques showed significantly higher values of flexural strength (Hedge g=-3.88; 95% CI, -7.20 to -0.58; P=.02), also after aging (Hedge g=-3.29; 95% CI, -6.41 to -0.17; P=.04), compared with AM printing. CONCLUSIONS: AM is comparable with MM in terms of mechanical properties, in particular with polymeric materials. The flexural strength of AM-printed prostheses is lower than with conventional and MM techniques, as are the parameters of hardness and fracture load, while the marginal discrepancy is similar to that of MM and conventional techniques. AM prostheses are commonly used for interim crowns and fixed partial dentures, as their rigidity and fracture resistance cannot support mastication forces for extended periods. More comparative studies are needed.

Biological effects of cannabidiol on human cancer cells: Systematic review of the literature.

This systematic review examine the biological effects of CBD, a major component of therapeutic Cannabis, on human pathological and cancer cell populations of integumentary, gastro-intestinal, genital and breast, respiratory, nervous, haematopoietic and skeletal districts in terms of cell viability, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, inflammation, metastasis, and CBD receptor expression. The included studies were in English, on human cell lines and primary culture from non-healthy donors with CBD exposure as variable and no CBD exposure as control. Quality assessment was based on ToxRtool with a reliability score ranging from 15 to 18. Following the PRISMA statement 4 independent reviewers performed an electronic search using MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. From 3974 articles, 83 studies have been selected. Data showed conflicting results due to different concentration exposure, administrations and time points. CBD inhibited cell viability and proliferation in most cellular districts except the integumentary apparatus. Also a significant inhibition of migration was observed in all cell types, while an increase in apoptosis at both high and low doses (greater and less than 10 µM respectively). Considering inflammation, CBD caused an anti-inflammatory effect on nervous cells at low doses and on gastro-intestinal cells at high doses, while metastatic power was reduced even at low doses, but in a skeletal cell line there was an increased angiogenesis. CB1 receptor has been related to viability effects, CB2 to apoptosis and TRPV1 to inflammation and invasiveness. A detailed insight into these aspects would allow therapeutic use of this substance without possible side effects.

Bone metabolism in patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis: key role of sun exposure and physical activity.

Bone metabolism has been rarely investigated in children affected by Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Aim of the present study was to assess bone mineral metabolism in children and adults NF1 patients, to determine the relevant factors potentially involved in the development of reduced bone mineral density (BMD), and provide possible therapeutic intervention in NF1 patients. 114 NF1 patients and sex and age matched controls were enrolled into the study. Clinical and biochemical factors reflecting bone metabolism were evaluated. Factors potentially affecting BMD were also investigated including: physical activity, sun exposure, vitamin D intake. Whenever the presence of vitamin D deficiency was recorded, cholecalciferol supplementation was started and z-score data obtained at Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) during supplementation were compared with previous ones. NF1 patients showed lower Z-scores at Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry DXA than controls. Physical activity was significantly reduced in NF1 patients than in controls. Sun exposure was significantly lower in NF1 compared to control subjects. At linear regression analysis vitamin D was the most predictive factor of reduced z-score at DXA (p = 0.0001). Cholecalciferol supplementation significantly increased BMD z-score (p < 0.001). We speculated that a combination of different factors, including reduced sun exposure, possibly associated with reduced serum vitamin D levels, and poor physical activity, concur to the impaired bone status in NF1 patients. We also demonstrated that treatment with vitamin D can be effective in improving z-score value in NF1 patients, including children. In conclusion, the findings of the current study are expected to have important implications for the follow-up and prevention of osteopenia/osteoporosis in this common genetic disease.

Systematic Review of the Literature on Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Individuals.

Dental caries and periodontal disease represent a health problem and a social cost for the entire population, and in particular for socio-economically disadvantaged individuals who are less resistant to disease. The aim of this review is to estimate the prevalence and severity of the two dental pathologies, caries and periodontal disease, in the different classes of socio-economically disadvantaged subjects and to understand which of them are most affected. A systematic search of the literature was performed in MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE and Web of Science after establishing a suitable search strategy for each database, using keywords related to socio-economically vulnerable classes and health outcomes. Socio-economically disadvantaged individuals are more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease (with relative tooth loss) than non-vulnerable people. Additionally, when multiple vulnerabilities are combined in the same subject, these oral diseases worsen. There is no type of vulnerability more affected by caries and periodontitis than others, since overall they all have severe disease indices. The data from this systematic literature review might be useful for health policy makers looking to allocate more resources and services to socially disadvantaged individuals, resulting in making them more resilient to oral disease due to their social marginalization.

RASopathies and hemostatic abnormalities: key role of platelet dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding anomalies have been reported in patients affected by Noonan syndrome. No study has been performed in patients with molecularly confirmed RASopathy. We aimed to characterize the frequency and types of bleeding disorders in patients with RASopathies and evaluate any significant association with laboratory findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine individuals (PTPN11, n = 27; SOS1, n = 7; RIT1, n = 3; SPRED1, n = 1; LZTR1, N = 3; RAF1, n = 2; BRAF, n = 4; MEK1, n = 1; MEK2, n = 1), and 49 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. The "Paediatric Bleeding Questionnaire Scoring Key" was administered to patients and families. Laboratory screening tests including clotting factors dosing, platelet count, Prothrombin Time and Partial Thromboplastin Time, were employed both in patients and controls to characterize the bleeding diathesis. A subgroup of 29/49 patients and 29/49 controls was also tested for platelet function. RESULTS: Regardless of the gene involved, pathological paediatric bleeding scores were recorded in 14/49 (28.5%) patients. Indeed, 7 were mutated in PTPN11, 3 in SOS1, 2 in RIT1, 1 in BRAF, and 1 in MEK1. Compared to patients with normal bleeding scores, those with pathologic bleeding score showed higher prevalence of splenomegaly (p = 0.006), prolonged aPTT (p = 0.04), lower levels of coagulation factor V (FV, p = 0.001), FVII (p = 0.003), FX (p = 0.0008) and FXIII (p = 0.002), higher vWAg (p = 0.04), and lower platelet sensitivity to Ristocetin (p = 0.001), arachidonic acid (AA) (p = 0.009) and collagen (p = 0.01). The presence of hematomas inversely correlated with factor V (p = 0.002), factor VII (p = 0.003), factor X (p = 0.002) and factor XIII (p = 0.004) levels, and directly correlated with platelet response to collagen (p = 0.02) and AA (p = 0.01). The presence of splenomegaly directly correlated with the presence of hematoma (p = 0.006), platelet response to Ristocetin (p = 0.04) and AA (p = 0.04), and inversely correlated with factor V levels (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RASopathies and a bleeding tendency exhibit multiple laboratory abnormalities, including platelet-related disorders. Splenomegaly is frequently detected and might be a suggestive sign for qualitative platelet dysfunction. A comprehensive clinical assessment should be carried out at diagnosis, during the follow-up and before any surgical procedures. Since there is currently no consensus on management of bleeding complications, it is important that physicians closely monitor these patients.