Fabrication, characterization, and in vivo biocompatibility evaluation of titanium-niobium implants.

In this study, biocompatible titanium-niobium (Ti-Nb) alloys were fabricated by using powder metallurgy methods. Physical, morphological, thermal, and mechanical analyses were performed and their in vivo compatibility was evaluated. Besides α, ß, and α″ martensitic phases, α+ß Widmanstätten phase due to increasing sintering temperature was seen in the microstructure of the alloys. Phase transformation temperatures of the samples decreased as Nb content increased. The ratio of Nb in the samples affected their mechanical properties. No toxic effect was observed on implanted sites. This study shows that Ti-Nb alloys can be potentially used for orthopedic applications without any toxic effects.

The effects of ozone therapy on periodontal therapy: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized split-mouth clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of ozone therapy on clinical and biochemical parameters of moderate to severe generalized periodontitis patients after non-surgical periodontal therapy. METHODS: A total of 36 moderate to severe generalized periodontitis patients were included in the study. The patients were systemically healthy and 18 to 64 years of age. Periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), percentage of bleeding on probing, percentage of pockets deeper than 5 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL), and percentage of ≥3 mm CAL, were evaluated at baseline and 3 months following periodontal therapy. All participants were treated non-surgically. Topical gaseous ozone was applied into periodontal pockets twice a week for 2 weeks during active periodontal therapy. Gingival crevicular fluid pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) were evaluated. All statistical data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Total of 36 participants completed the study (18 males, 18 females). PI, GI, PD, percentage of bleeding on probing, percentage of pockets deeper than 5 mm and CAL, and percentage of ≥3 mm CAL were improved, and there were no significant differences between the two sides. All inflammatory parameters, PTX-3, Hs-CRP, and IL-1, were reduced at 3-month follow-up. Only the decrease in PTX-3 levels between baseline and 3-month follow-up was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Ozone therapy did not have any additional effect on periodontal parameters. All cytokines were reduced after periodontal therapy. Only PTX-3 levels were significantly lower at ozone sites compared to those at the control sites.

The effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid stress hormone levels: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment (PT) on anxiety/depression scale scores and on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cortisol (COR) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels. METHODS: Fifty-five participants with generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP group, n: 21), with localized chronic periodontitis (LCP group, n: 19) and with gingivitis or healthy (control group, n: 15) subjects were treated and followed up for 6 months. Clinical periodontal parameters include plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and attachment level; psychosocial measurements include Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 1-2) psychometric instruments; hormone levels in GCF including COR and DHEA were evaluated. RESULTS: All clinical parameters were significantly decreased (except attachment loss) after PT (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups for STAI-1-2 and BDI scores, either at baseline or at 6 months (p > 0.05). COR levels were statistically lower following PT in GCP and LCP groups when compared to the baseline levels (p < 0.05). DHEA values at baseline and 6 months did not show significant differences. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the study, decreased GCF COR and unchanged GCF DHEA levels were determined in nonsurgically treated patients regardless of the extent and severity of periodontitis.

Effects of Local and Systemic Zoledronic Acid Application on Titanium Implant Osseointegration: An Experimental Study Conducted on Two Surface Types.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local and systemic zoledronic acid (ZA) applications on titaniumoksit ceramic blasted (TiO-CB)- and sandblasted large acid-grit (SLA)-surfaced titanium implant osseointegration. Twelve New Zealand White rabbits were used in the study, divided into 6 groups: the TiO-CB (TiO-CB-CNT) (n = 2) and SLA (SLA-CNT) (n = 2) control groups in which TiO-CB- and SLA-surfaced titanium implants were surgically inserted into rabbit tibias but no treatment was applied; the TiO-CB (TiO-CB-LZA) (n = 2) and SLA (SLA-LZA) (n = 2) local ZA groups in which 1 mL of normal saline solution containing 2 mg of ZA was injected into sockets and after this the implants were integrated; and the TiO-CB (TiO-CB-SZA) (n = 2) and SLA (SLA-SZA) (n = 2) systemic ZA groups in which a single infusion of 0.1 mg/kg of ZA was administered during surgical implant insertion. Following a period of osseointegration, bone implant contact (BIC) was recorded as a proportion of the total implant surface length in direct contact with the bone. Results of this study indicate that BIC was greater in the systemic ZA application groups than in the local ZA application groups, and BIC was greater in the local ZA groups than in the controls. Statistically significant differences in BIC were not detected between the TiO-CB- and SLA-surfaced implants in all the groups. Furthermore, this study did not reveal significant differences between the 2 types of surfaces due to similar average roughness values. Overall, systemic ZA application was found to be more effective in increasing BIC than local ZA application based on the results obtained by testing 2 implant surfaces.

Guided bone regeneration with local zoledronic acid and titanium barrier: An experimental study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on new bone formation of autogenous blood alone or in combination with zoledronic acid (ZA), a ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) graft or ZA plus a ß-TCP graft placed under titanium barriers. For this purpose, eight adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used in the study, each with four titanium barriers fixed around four sets of nine holes drilled in the calvarial bones. The study included four groups, each containing 2 rabbits. In the autogenous blood (AB group), only autogeneous blood was placed under the titanium barriers. The three experimental groups were the AB+ZA group, with autogenous blood plus ZA, the AB+ß-TCP group, with autogeneous blood plus a ß-TCP graft, and the AB+ß-TCP+ZA group, with autogeneous blood plus a ß-TCP graft and ZA mixture under the titanium barriers. The animals were sacrificed after 3 months. The amounts of new bone formation identified histomorphometrically were found to be higher after 3 months than at the time of surgery in all groups. The differences between the groups were examined with histomorphometric analysis, and statistically significant differences were identified at the end of the 3 months. The bone formation rate in the AB+ß-TCP+ZA group was determined to be significantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.05). In the AB+ZA and AB+ß-TCP groups, the bone formation rate was determined to be significantly higher than that in the AB group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference in bone formation rate was observed between the AB+ß-TCP and AB+ZA groups. Local ZA used with autogeneous blood and/or graft material appears to be a more effective method than the use of autogeneous blood or graft alone in bone augmentation executed with a titanium barrier.

Gingival crevicular fluid and saliva stress hormone levels in patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis.

AIM: This cross-sectional study aims to analyse cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) and generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) patients, as well as in periodontally healthy individuals (C). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 92 patients (31 C, 34 GCP and 27 GAP) were included in the study. Clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level; psychosocial measurements including Beck depression inventory and state-trait anxiety inventory; and hormone levels in GCF and saliva including cortisol and DHEA were evaluated. RESULTS: Gingival crevicular fluid cortisol and GCF/saliva DHEA values were significantly higher in the GAP group when compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). The lowest values were in the C group and the difference between the GCP and GAP groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Salivary cortisol levels were comparable for the GAP and GCP groups (p > 0.05), and the C group had the lowest values in comparison with the other two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, salivary/GCF cortisol and DHEA levels were suggested to be related with more severe and aggressive forms of periodontal disease.

The effects of amlodipine and platelet rich plasma on bone healing in rats.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of calcium channel blocker (CCB) amlodipine (AML), platelet rich plasma (PRP), and a mixture of both materials on bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: group A, tibia defect model with no treatment; group B, tibia defect model treated with AML, 0.04 mg daily by oral gavage; group C, tibia defect model treated with local PRP; group D, tibia defect model treated with local PRP and AML, 0.04 mg daily by oral gavage. RESULTS: At day 21, bone healing was significantly better in groups C and D compared to group A (P<0.05), but comparisons showed no statistically significant difference in group B (P>0.05). At day 30, groups B and C showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) compared to group A, but bone healing in group D was significantly better than in group A (P<0.05). Statistically, AML did not affect alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 21 and 30 days (P>0.05), but PRP and AML + PRP increased ALP activity statistically (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that AML had neither a positive nor a negative effect on bone healing, but when used in combination with PRP, it may be beneficial.

Relationship Between Psychological Factors and Oral Health Status and Behaviours.

PURPOSE: To examine oral health related behaviours in relation to anxiety, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 364 subjects (195 female, age range 19-65 years; 169 male, age range 18-64 years). A psychological evaluation was performed using Beck's anxiety, Beck's depression and ADHD scales. A separate questionnaire covering oral health behaviours, including parafunctional habits, dental visits and toothbrushing frequency, was given to the subjects and completed before the clinical examination. The numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth were recorded and the status of the subject's periodontal health was determined clinically using periodontal probes and panoramic radiographs. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the gender, level of education, level of income, household size, parafunctional habits and number of missing teeth in those with anxiety and depression (p<0.05) vs those without. Females and subjects with parafunctional habits and lower education and income level presented higher anxiety and depression scores. ADHD was associated negatively with household size and positively with dental visits and toothbrushing frequency (p<0.05). The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that anxiety, depression and ADHD were indirectly related to missing teeth and periodontal status: subjects with higher depression and anxiety scores had more missing teeth and worse periodontal health. However, there was no association between psychological factors and decayed teeth or toothbrushing frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety, depression and ADHD can result in poor oral hygiene, thereby having indirect, adverse effects on the periodontal health status of affected individuals. Although the frequency of dental visits seemed to be related to anxiety and ADHD, the frequency of toothbrushing showed no such association.

An ignored cause of inflammation in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: periodontal problems.

AIM: We aimed to assess whether there is a significant relation between periodontal health status and inflammation in uremic patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and also to reveal the efficiency of periodontal treatment in patients with various degrees of periodontal problems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, 68 patients undergoing CAPD were included in the study. Clinical indices and measurements were obtained at baseline and panoramic radiographies were used for the diagnosis. According to the baseline values, patients were stratified into four groups according to the severity of periodontal problems as follows: healthy/gingivitis, slight-to-moderate, and severe periodontitis. A control examination was performed 3 months after the periodontal treatment for only 43 patients. Clinical and laboratory parameters before and after treatment were compared. RESULTS: The frequency of periodontal disease was found to be high in uremic patients on CAPD. The frequency and severity of periodontitis was also found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in patients with high sensitive C-reactive protein levels and longer duration of peritoneal dialysis (p < 0.01). In addition, the periodontitis rate was found to be higher in patients with cardiovascular disease (p < 0.05) and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A meticulous periodontal examination should be a routine part of management of the uremic patients on CAPD because periodontal disease could be one of the hidden sources of unexplained inflammatory status.

Association of gingival crevicular fluid cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone levels with periodontal status.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to examine whether anxiety and depression scale scores change with regard to clinical periodontal status and to investigate the association between the levels of stress-related hormones in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and extent/severity of periodontal disease. METHODS: One hundred twenty participants who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria were chosen. Patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and those with healthy periodontal tissues/mild gingivitis were included. The clinical examinations were performed on the day after the psychologic evaluations which included anxiety and depression measurements. GCF sampling was undertaken the following day. Commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine GCF cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels. Study groups were assigned as follows: group 1, non-periodontitis; group 2, localized CP; and group 3, generalized CP. RESULTS: There were no significant differences with respect to age, sex, education, income level, occupation, or smoking history among the groups (P >0.05). There were no significant differences between the non-periodontitis and CP groups for any of the psychosocial scales (P >0.05). Group 3 had significantly higher mean DHEA scores compared with group 1 (P <0.05); however, the median cortisol scores showed no statistically significant differences among the three groups (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety/depression scores and GCF cortisol levels did not show any difference with regard to clinical periodontal status. However, a significant association was found between elevated levels of GCF DHEA and the severity of periodontitis.

OPG and RANKL levels around miniscrew implants during orthodontic tooth movement.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid receptor activator of nuclear factor-кB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels around loaded and unloaded miniscrew implants at different time intervals. METHODS: Twenty loaded and 16 unloaded miniscrew implants were included in this study. All miniscrew implants were placed bilaterally between the maxillary second premolars and first molars as anchorage units for canine distalization. Peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid was taken from the mesiobuccal aspects of the loaded and unloaded miniscrew implants before loading; at 24, 48, and 168 hours; and on day 30 after force application. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine RANKL and OPG levels in the peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid samples. Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation tests were used for statistical evaluations at the P <0.05 level. RESULTS: Although the total amount of OPG was not different between the groups, the total amount of RANKL was significantly elevated in the loaded miniscrew implant group (P <0.05) at all time periods. Peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid volume was the highest at 48 hours in the loaded group. Also, the OPG/RANKL ratio in the peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid was significantly decreased in the loaded miniscrew implant group. CONCLUSIONS: The OPG and RANKL levels vary around loaded and unloaded miniscrew implants as a result of force application.

Aflatoxin M1 in white cheese and butter consumed in Istanbul, Turkey.

We studied the occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 183 sample of white cheese and butter in Istanbul, Turkey in 2001. The incidence of AFM1 in white cheese and butter samples was as high as 65 and 81, respectively. The particularly high AFM,concentrations imply that more importance should be given to routine analysis of these dairy products.