High dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for salvage therapy of relapsed /refractory germ cell tumors; a single center experience.

PURPOSE: The optimal management of relapsed/refractory germ cell tumors remains unsettled. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as salvage therapy in patients who progressed after at least one line of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reported the results of 133 patients who underwent HDCT and ASCT as salvage therapy from 2016 to 2021. Patients received 3 cycles of paclitaxel, ifosfomide and cisplatin (TIP) regimen as induction and 1 cycle of carboplatin 700 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3 plus etoposide 750 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3, followed by ASCT. Demographic and clinicopathological features of patients, the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) risk group at diagnosis, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels before HDCT, treatment related complications and survival outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 31 (range 18-62). The median follow-up was 31.1 months (95% CI, 28.9 to 33.3 months). During the median follow-up period, 74 of the 133 patients were still alive, and 63 of these were in complete remission. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 25.8 months (95% CI, 8.1-43.4 months). The 2-year PFS rate was 50.3% and the 2-year overall survival rate was 60.8%. Variables that remained statistically significant in multivariable analysis and were associated with poor prognosis were mediastinal primary tumor location, presence of brain metastases, and higher AFP and HCG levels at baseline. CONCLUSION: One course of HDCT and ASCT after induction with TIP is an effective and feasible treatment option for salvage treatment of relapsed/refractory germ cell tumors, with cure rates of up to 60%.

Efficacy of first-line CDK 4-6 inhibitors in premenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer and the effect of dose reduction due to treatment-related neutropenia on efficacy: a Turkish Oncology Group (TOG) study.

The only phase 3 study on the effectiveness of CDK 4-6 inhibitors in first-line treatment in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer is the MONALEESA-7 study, and data on the effectiveness of palbociclib is limited. Data are also limited regarding the effectiveness of CDK 4-6 inhibitors in patients whose dose was reduced due to neutropenia, the most common side effect of CDK 4-6 inhibitors. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of palbociclib and ribociclib in first-line treatment in patients with premenopausal metastatic breast cancer and the effect of dose reduction due to neutropenia on progression-free survival. Our study is a multicenter, retrospective study, and factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS) were examined in patients diagnosed with metastatic premenopausal breast cancer from 29 different centers and receiving combination therapy containing palbociclib or ribociclib in the metastatic stage. 319 patients were included in the study. The mPFS for patients treated with palbociclib was 26.83 months, and for those receiving ribociclib, the mPFS was 29.86 months (p = 0.924). mPFS was 32.00 months in patients who received a reduced dose, and mPFS was 25.96 months in patients who could take the initial dose, and there was no statistical difference (p = 0.238). Liver metastasis, using a fulvestrant together with a CDK 4-6 inhibitor, ECOG PS 1 was found to be a negative prognostic factor. No new adverse events were observed. In our study, we found PFS over 27 months in patients diagnosed with premenopausal breast cancer with CDK 4-6 inhibitors used in first-line treatment, similar to post-menopausal patients. We did not detect any difference between the effectiveness of the two CDK 4-6 inhibitors, and we showed that there was no decrease in the effectiveness of the CDK 4-6 inhibitor in patients whose dose was reduced due to neutropenia.

Comparison of computer controlled local anesthetic delivery and traditional injection regarding disruptive behaviour, pain, anxiety and biochemical parameters: a randomized controlled trial.

The study herein evaluated the effects of infiltrative anesthesia administered via different ways. Resultantly, the pain and anxiety were monitored using psychometric, physiological and biochemical methods. Sixty children aged 7-11 years (8.73 ± 1.38) were included in the study. They were divided into 2 groups (n = 30): Traditional injection (control group), and computer controlled local analgesic delivery (CCLAD) (study group). Pulse, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and salivary cortisol levels were recorded, and the scales data (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Wong-Baker Faces Rating Pain Scale (WBS), Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS) and Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability Behavioral Pain Assessment Scale (FLACC)) were evaluated. The data were statistically analyzed. Age and gender had not much impact on the measured parameters (p > 0.05). SpO2 values in both groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Pulse, VAS, WBS, MCDAS, FLACC and salivary cortisol values were increased after the anesthesia in control group (p < 0.05). WBS, MCDAS, FLACC and salivary cortisol values were decreased after the anesthesia in study group compared to the control (p < 0.05). It was inferred that computer controlled local analgesic delivery system could be preferred in pediatric patients because of reduced pain and anxiety.

Visualization of etching cycles efficacy at the resin infiltration into artificial enamel caries: in-vitro study on bovine teeth.

This study evaluated the effect of repeated etching cycles on resin infiltrant penetration. Enamel samples measuring 4 × 4 × 3 mm3 were obtained from the facial aspect of 50 extracted bovine teeth. Samples were immersed in a demineralization solution for 21 days to create artificial lesions and divided into five equal groups (n = 10). A 15% hydrochloric acid gel was administered to each group. The acid etching application time differed between groups: Group 1; 2 min, Group 2; 2 × 2 min, Group 3; 3 × 2 min, Group 4; 4 × 2 min, and Group 5; 5 × 2 min. Resin infiltration was visualized using a confocal laser scanning microscopy. The lesion, penetration and erosion depth (µm) were calculated, and data were statistically analyzed. The highest penetration depth (75.59 ± 9.42 µm) was seen in Group 5, followed by Groups 4, 3, 2 and 1. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the penetration depths between Groups 4 and 5 and between Groups 2, 3 and 4 (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a repeated etching cycle enhanced resin infiltrant penetration.

Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of mutations in nonsyndromic tooth agenesis candidate genes : Analysis of a Turkish cohort.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess genes known to be associated with tooth agenesis with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and analyze the relationship between these mutations and tooth agenesis phenotypes. METHODS: The study included 49 individuals aged between 6 and 13 years. A total of 14 genes related to nonsyndromic tooth agenesis were selected for targeted NGS. Mutations in Msh homeobox 1 (MSX1), Wnt family member 10A (WNT10A), axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2), keratin 17 (KRT17), lipoprotein receptor 6 (LRP6), and secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium-binding protein 2 (SMOC2) genes were investigated. RESULTS: Mutations in six genes were detected in 12 of 49 subjects. Fifteen variants were identified, including the unknown variants c.657G > C in MSX1, c.2029C > T in AXIN2, and c.1603A > T in LRP6. Second premolar tooth agenesis was observed in 43.3% of all tooth agenesis cases with mutations, and it was the predominant phenotype observed for each mutated gene, followed by tooth agenesis of the lateral incisors (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Variations in MSX1, WNT10A, AXIN2, KRT17, LRP6, and SMOC2 may be a risk factor for hypodontia or oligodontia in the Turkish population.

Antimicrobial effect of natural kinds of toothpaste on oral pathogenic bacteria.

INTRODUCTION: Because of the adverse effects on human health of some antimicrobial ingredients in traditional toothpaste, consumers are increasingly turning to toothpastes with natural ingredients. This study evaluates the antimicrobial effect of toothpastes containing different natural active agents against three oral pathogens: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Enterococcus faecalis. METHODOLOGY: This study tested one traditional toothpaste and seven different natural toothpastes containing theobromine, aloe vera, miswak, propolis, chitosan, enzymes and probiotics. The agar-well diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial effect. Inhibition zones formed around toothpastes after 24 hours of incubation were measured and the data collected were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Toothpastes containing theobromine and chitosan and the traditional toothpaste showed antimicrobial efficacy for all tested bacteria. Toothpastes containing aloe vera, miswak, and propolis were only effective on S. mutans, while toothpastes containing probiotics and enzymes did not show any antimicrobial effect on the bacteria. Among toothpastes with natural ingredients, the theobromine-containing toothpaste showed the highest efficacy on S. mutans, while the aloe vera- and propolis-containing toothpastes had the lowest efficacy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Theobromine- and chitosan-containing toothpastes, which showed antimicrobial activity against all bacteria, can be recommended as alternatives to traditional toothpastes.

Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and Er,Cr:YSGG laser-activated irrigation on dentinal tubule penetration of MTA-based root canal sealer: a confocal microscopy study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and laser-activated irrigation (LAI) are adjunctive therapies developed to enhance the effectiveness of root canal disinfection. Sealer penetration into dentinal tubules is significant for preventing re-infection, and the sealer's penetration ability is affected by the chemo-mechanical preparation of the root canal. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aPDT and LAI on dentinal tubule penetration of MTA-based root canal sealer. METHODS: Forty single-rooted mandibular premolars were divided into four groups (n = 10): control, methylene blue 50 mg/L (MB50), curcumin 500 mg/L (C500), and Er,Cr:YSGG and sodium hypochlorite (LAI). The smear removal efficiency of the groups on intraradicular dentin was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was performed to determine the depth of penetration of MTA Fillapex into dentinal tubules. Data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The maximum penetration depth of the C500 group was significantly higher than that of the other groups in all three levels of root sections (p<0.05). Regarding mean penetration depth, the highest values were obtained from the C500 group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the C500 and MB50 groups in the middle and coronal thirds of the root (p>0.05). The LAI group showed the lowest penetrated area percentage in the middle and coronal third of the root (p<0.05). The C500 and LAI groups were more effective in removing the smear layer than the control and MB50 groups. CONCLUSION: aPDT could enhance the penetration of MTA-based root canal sealer into dentin tubules.

Fracture Resistance of Teeth Restored with Bulk-Fill and Fiber-Reinforced Composites in Class II Cavities / Resistencia a la fractura de dientes restaurados con resinas de relleno y resinas reforzadas con fibra en cavidades clase II

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of teeth restored with conventional, bulk-fill, and fiber-reinforced composite materials regarding intact teeth. Standard cavities were prepared on 70 sound third molar teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into six groups: intact teeth, conventional Bis-GMA based composite, fiber-reinforced composite, Bis-GMA based bulk-fill composite, ormocer based bulk-fill composite, glass containing resin-based bulk-fill composite. The data was obtained by a Universal Testing Machine and analyzed statistically. Fracture resistance of the teeth restored with conventional composite was significantly lower than the other groups (p0.05). The obtained data showed that restoring teeth with bulk-fill and fiber-reinforced composites could be recommended in Class II cavities.

RESUMEN: El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la resistencia a la fractura de los dientes restaurados con materiales compuestos convencionales, de relleno y reforzados con fibras, en relación con los dientes intactos. Se prepararon cavidades estándar en 70 dientes de terceros molares sanos. Los dientes se dividieron al azar en seis grupos: dientes intactos, compuesto convencional basado en Bis-GMA, compuesto reforzado con fibra, compuesto de relleno a base de Bis-GMA, compuesto de relleno a base de ormocer, compuesto de relleno a base de vidrio que contiene resina. Los resultados fueron obtenidos utilizando una máquina universal de pruebas y analizados estadísticamente. La resistencia a la fractura de los dientes restaurados con el composite convencional fue significativamente menor que la de los otros grupos (p0,05). Los datos obtenidos mostraron que la restauración de dientes con composites de relleno y reforzados con fibra podría ser recomendada en cavidades de Clase II.

Clinical presentation and course of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with various types of cancer: A retrospective case-control analysis of an experienced cancer center in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Cancers have been reported to worsen the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We aimed to demonstrate the real-life data on health outcomes in COVID-19-infected cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the data of 43 COVID-19-infected cancer patients in our COVID-19 clinics between March 25, 2020, and May 9, 2020, retrospectively. RESULTS: We determined that 1051 patients were followed up with COVID-19 infection and 43 (4%) of them were cancer patients. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 ± 12.3 years. Lung cancer is the most common cancer type among the patients (23.2%). Dyspnea (51.2%) was the most common symptom in the first admission. Typical ground-glass consolidation or patchy appearance with peribronchial thickening resembling bronchopneumonia on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was present in 29 (67.4%) patients. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 14 (32.5%) patients based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of nose-throat swab samples without any sign of lung involvement on HRCT. Total mortality of the COVID-19 infection was 46.5% (n = 20). Presence of heart disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-9.4), previous surgeries to the respiratory system (HR: 6.95; 95% CI: 1.29-27.7), and presence of dyspnea at admission (HR: 4; 95% CI: 1.31-12.3) were statistically significantly associated with death (P = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our practices supported that cancer patients were more affected by COVID-19 disease than the normal population. However, our findings can not be generalized due to being retrospective and single centered study, Also, we did not compare the findings with noncancer patients with COVID19 disease.

Use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate with or without a Collagen Sponge as an Apical Plug in Teeth with Immature Apices.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the apical plug performed using MTA with or without collagen sponge in immature anterior maxillary teeth with necrotic pulp. STUDY DESIGN: The study included apical obturation of 20 upper incisor teeth from 18 patients and outcomes of 12-month follow-up. The teeth were divided into 2 groups with 10 cases in each group according to the apexification protocol (Group 1; apical plug with MTA, Group 2; collagen sponge and apical plug with MTA). The artificial apical barrier, approximately 4-mm-thick, was created with MTA in each group. Based on clinical and radiographic criteria, the outcome was assessed using the periapical index (PAI) by 2 calibrated investigators. RESULTS: In this study, 3 of the 6 teeth (50%) in Group 1 and 5 of the 8 teeth (62.5%) in Group 2 healed at the 12-month follow-up. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the post-treatment follow-up times. CONCLUSION: The use of collagen as an apical matrix prior to the MTA plug can be suggested due to favorable clinical outcomes.

Bond strength of Ion-releasing Restorative Materials to Sound and Caries-affected Dentin.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of ion-releasing restorative materials to sound and caries-affected dentin (CAD). STUDY DESIGN: 60 teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups (sound dentin, CAD) and 5 subgroups of 6 samples each: conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), resin-modified GIC (RMGIC), glass hybrid reinforced GIC (EQ), giomer (BII), and bioactive restorative material (ACT). µTBS analyses were performed and data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The ACT group bonded to sound dentin and the BII group bonded to CAD showed the highest µTBS (p<0.05). The GIC, RMGIC, and ACT groups, showed significantly lower µTBS when bonded to CAD compared with sound dentin (p<0.05). However, in the BII group, there were no statistically significant differences between the samples bonded to sound and CAD (p>0.05). All groups except EQ that bonded to sound dentin showed predominantly adhesive failure. CONCLUSION: The use of the giomer can be recommended due to its more stable bond durability.

Bonding of an ion-releasing restorative material to caries-affected dentin disinfected with photodynamic therapy, Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and chemical disinfectants.

AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of giomer, an ion-releasing restorative material, to caries-affected dentin (CAD) when different cavity disinfectant protocols were applied before the restoration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty extracted non-carious human third molars were embedded in acrylic resin. The occlusal portions of the samples were excised using an IsoMet saw. After creating artificial caries, samples were divided into six groups (n = 12): sound dentin with no disinfection (Group SD), CAD with no disinfection (Group CAD), CAD disinfected with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (Group CHX), CAD disinfected with 6% NaOCl (Group NaOCl), CAD disinfected with photodynamic therapy with methylene blue photosensitizer (Group PDT), and CAD disinfected with Er,Cr:YSGG (Group ECYL). Following disinfection protocols, the universal adhesive was applied, and all samples were restored using giomer. Subsequently, µTBS analyses were performed, and data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The highest µTBS values were obtained from the SD and CAD groups, which exhibited no statistical differences (p > 0.05). The PDT and ECYL groups had higher µTBS values compared with the CHX and NaOCl groups (p < 0.05), and all disinfection protocols decreased the bond strength to CAD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The microtensile bond strength of disinfected CAD was greater with Er,Cr:YSGG laser and photodynamic therapy treatment than with chemical disinfectants. Giomer may enhance the bond strength to CAD, which has a weaker bonding potential than sound dentin due to structural differences. However, disinfection protocols adversely affect adhesion between the restorative material and CAD.

Self-Report Measurement of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic in Senior Undergraduate Dental Students

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on senior undergraduate dental students' psychological health by measuring depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Material and Methods: 259 fifth-year dental students participated in this study, including 156 females (60.2%) and 103 males (39.8%), aged 20-25. An online-based questionnaire was created, including a few questions about learning, post-graduation challenges, and fear of the virus exposure. Students were asked to define their acute anxiety state by visual facial anxiety scale (VFAS) and depression, anxiety, and stress levels by The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42). All data were analyzed statistically. Results: Participants stated online learning platforms were insufficient for clinical competence (91.5%), the COVID-19 pandemic changed post-graduation career perspectives (29.3%), and they feared exposure to COVID-19 while performing their profession (82.6%). Acute anxiety levels of the students were recorded as 95.4% mild to highest. Mild to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress scores of the participants were 82.1%, 79.6%, and 72.9%, respectively. Higher mean values for all depression, anxiety, and stress parameters were obtained in females than males (p<0.05). Conclusion: Data showed that the psychological health of senior undergraduate dental students had been affected adversely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dental Rehabilitation of a Rare Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome with Olygodontia: A Case Report / Rehabilitación dental de un caso raro de Síndrome de HallermannStreiff con Oligodoncia: Reporte de un caso

Abstract Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a rare oculomandibulofacial discephaly with hypotrichosis that occurs as a sporadic mutation. It is characterized by abnormal findings especially in head and face. Dental anomalies occur in 50-80% of the patients. In this case report, facial-oral findings and the existing dental anomalies of the syndrome in a 6-year-old male patient diagnosed with HSS were identified. Dental rehabilitation and a 12-month follow-up of the patient were reported. Each case presented with this rare syndrome may contribute to the literature to determine the prognosis of the disease and to take protective and preventive measures.

Resumen El síndrome de Hallermann-Streiff (HSS) es una discefalia oculomandibulofacial rara con hipotricosis que ocurre como una mutación esporádica. Se caracteriza por hallazgos anormales, especialmente en cabeza y cara. Las anomalías dentales ocurren en 50-80% de los pacientes. En este reporte de caso, se identificaron los hallazgos faciales-orales y las anomalías dentales existentes del síndrome en un paciente masculino de 6 años diagnosticado con HSS. Se informó la rehabilitación dental y un seguimiento de 12 meses del paciente. Cada caso presentado con este síndrome raro puede contribuir a la literatura para determinar el pronóstico de la enfermedad y tomar medidas de protección y prevención.

Relationship between plasma YKL-40 levels and endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease

Background/aim: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between YKL-40 and endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease. Materials and methods: Twenty-nine hemodialysis patients, 101 patients with nondialytic (stage 2, 3, 4, and 5 ND) chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 38 healthy individuals as a control group were included. YKL-40 levels were measured by ELISA. Endothelial dysfunction was indirectly measured by flow-mediated dilatation percentage (FMD) in the brachial artery.YKL-40 levels were higher in CKD patients than controls and highest in HD patients (P = 0.001). FMD values were lower in nondialytic CKD patients and lowest in HD patients (P = 0.001). YKL-40 negatively correlated with eGFR and FMD values (r = ­0.674 and r = ­0.471, respectively).This study shows that YKL-40 increases with CKD stage and is negatively correlated with FMD measurements

Thermal conductivity of different colored compomers.

BACKGROUND: Compomers are mostly used in primary dentition. The thermal conductivity properties of traditional or colored compomers have not been investigated in detail so far. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the thermal conductivities of traditional and colored compomers. METHOD: Two sets of compomers - namely, Twinky Star (available in berry, lemon, green, silver, blue, pink, gold and orange shades) and Dyract Extra (available in B1, A3 and A2 shades) - were included in this study. All of the traditional and colored compomers were applied to standard molds and polymerized according to the manufacturers' instructions. Three samples were prepared from each compomer. Measurements were conducted using a heat conduction test setup, and the coefficient of heat conductivity was calculated for each material. The heat conductivity coefficients were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Duncan tests. Uncertainty analysis was also performed on the calculated coefficients of heat conductivity. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found (p<0.05) between the thermal conductivity properties of the traditional and colored compomers examined. Among all of the tested compomers, the silver shade compomer exhibited the highest coefficient of heat conductivity (p<0.05), while the berry shade exhibited the lowest coefficient (p<0.05). Uncertainty analyses revealed that 6 out of 11 samples showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The silver shade compomer should be avoided in deep cavities. The material properties could be improved for colored compomers.