Titanium functionalized with polylysine homopolymers: In vitro enhancement of cells growth

In oral implantology, the success and persistence of dental implants over time are guar-anteed by the bone formation around the implant fixture and by the integrity of the peri-implant mucosa seal, which adheres to the abutment and becomes a barrier that hinders bacterial penetration and colonization close to the outer parts of the implant. Research is constantly engaged in looking for substances to coat the titanium surface that guarantees the formation and persistence of the peri-implant bone, as well as the integrity of the mucous perimeter surrounding the implant crown. The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro the effects of a titanium surface coated with polylysine homopolymers on the cell growth of dental pulp stem cells and keratinocytes to establish the potential clinical application. The results reported an increase in cell growth for both cellular types cultured with polylysine-coated titanium compared to cultures without titanium and those without coating. These preliminary data suggest the usefulness of polylysine coating not only for enhancing osteoinduction but also to speed the post-surgery mucosal healings, guarantee appropriate peri-implant epithelial seals, and protect the fixture against bacterial penetration, which is responsible for compromising the implant survival

Postwar Kosovo: global and local dimensions of interethnic reconciliation processes

This article examines how Kosovo’s postwar struggle for statehood intersected withinterethnic reconciliation processes from 1999 to 2008. It argues that, among other fac-tors, it was the ensuing governance in postwar Kosovo that made it difficult, if not im-possible, for any kind of meaningful interethnic reconciliation to take place. Drawingon primary sources and personal interviews, the article focuses on groups that can becalled ‘reconciliation agents’ and that were among the main actors dealing with the leg-acy of the Kosovo war. They were typically multiethnic actors, both in terms of theirstaff members and their declared agendas, and they were exceptionally creative andcourageous in their efforts to promote interethnic reconciliation. They were, however,not seen as postconflict forces by much of the population and were often perceived asagents continuing the conflict over the status of Kosovo by other means. The samewas true for their international donors and other relevant international governmentalactors that were supporting interethnic reconciliation activitie

Evaluation of student and faculty perceptions of the PBL curriculum at two dental schools from a student perspective : a cross-sectional survey

Problem-based learning (PBL) research has primarily highlighted issues related to medical education and less evaluation has been reported from the field of dental education. Furthermore, literature reports tend to focus mainly on PBL from a pedagogic and curriculum constructional view and up to this date, studies from a student perspective are lacking. The aim of this study was to approach the evaluation of student and staff perceptions of PBL curricula from a student perspective at two separate schools: the Faculty of Odontology at the University of Malmö, Sweden and the dental school of the University of Southern California, School of Dentistry (USCSD), Los Angeles, CA, USA. The study was initiated and conducted by two of the authors, at the time senior students at the Faculty of Odontology in Malmö, Sweden. The study was comprised of a literature search, a 2 week field trip to USCSD, USA, survey distribution to students and faculty in both schools, analysis of the data and a written report for oral defence. The results from the survey were intended to provide feedback on student and faculty perceptions regarding the PBL curriculum. The results indicate a general student and faculty satisfaction with the PBL curriculum. Perhaps, surprisingly their perceptions did not differ significantly despite differences in geography, culture and implementation of PBL pedagogy

Proteomics analysis of human serum of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer reveals proteins as diagnostic biomarker candidates

Non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and it has a poor prognosis, because overall survival after 5 years is 20–25% for all stages. Thus, it is extremely important to increase the survival rate in the early stages NSCLC by focusing on novel screening tests of cancer identifying specific biomarkers expression associated with a more accurate tumor staging and patient prognosis. In this study, we focused our attention on quantitative proteomics of three heavily glycosylated serum proteins: AMBP, α2 macroglobulin, and SERPINA1. In particular, we analyzed serum samples from 20 NSCLC lung adenocarcinoma cancer patients in early and advanced stages, and 10 healthy donors to obtain a relative quantification through the MRM analysis of these proteins that have shown to be markers of cancer development and progression. AMBP, α2 macroglobulin, and SERPINA1 were chosen because all of them possess endopeptidase inhibitor activity and play key roles in cancer. We observe a variation in the expression of these proteins linked to the stage of the disease. Therefore, we believe that proteins like α2 macroglobulin, αmicroglobulin/bikunin, and SERPINA1 could be useful biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer and in monitoring its evolution

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Hormones in Controlling Obesity

The accumulation of adipose tissue in the body occurs because the energy introduced with food and drink exceeds that expense, but to understand why this imbalance is established and why it is maintained over time, it is important to consider the main causes and risk factors of excess weight. In this review, we will refer to the main factors linked to obesity, starting from oxidative stress to hormonal factors including the role of obesity in breast cancer. Among the many hypotheses formulated on the etiopathology of obesity, a key role can be attributed to the relationship between stress oxidative and intestinal microbiota. Multiple evidences tend to show that genetic, epigenetic, and lifestyle factors contribute to determine in the obese an imbalance of the redox balance correlated with the alteration of the intestinal microbial flora. Obesity acts negatively on the wound healing, in fact several studies indicate morbid obesity significantly increased the risk of a post-operative wound complication and infection. Currently, in the treatment of obesity, medical interventions are aimed not only at modifying caloric intake, but also to modulate and improve the composition of diet with the aim of rebalancing the microbiota-redox state axis.The accumulation of adipose tissue in the body occurs because the energy introduced with food and drink exceeds that expense, but to understand why this imbalance is established and why it is maintained over time, it is important to consider the main causes and risk factors of excess weight. In this review, we will refer to the main factors linked to obesity, starting from oxidative stress to hormonal factors including the role of obesity in breast cancer. Among the many hypotheses formulated on the etiopathology of obesity, a key role can be attributed to the relationship between stress oxidative and intestinal microbiota. Multiple evidences tend to show that genetic, epigenetic, and lifestyle factors contribute to determine in the obese an imbalance of the redox balance correlated with the alteration of the intestinal microbial flora. Obesity acts negatively on the wound healing, in fact several studies indicate morbid obesity significantly increased the risk of a post-operative wound complication and infection. Currently, in the treatment of obesity, medical interventions are aimed not only at modifying caloric intake, but also to modulate and improve the composition of diet with the aim of rebalancing the microbiota-redox state axis

Toothache and brain: Any connections?

Orofacial pain is a universal predicament, afflicting millions of individuals worldwide. Research on the molecular mechanisms of orofacial pain has predominately focused on the role of neurons underlying nociception. Orofacial pain can arise from different regions and etiologies. Temporomandibular disorders are the most prevalent orofacial pain conditions for which patients seek treatment. Pain on weak tactile stimulation is expected if dentinal terminate synaptically on trigeminal brainstem neurons that deliver a pain message to higher brain centers. Further studies are needed

Early functional orthodontic treatment of bad oral habits with AMCOP® bio-activators

Genetic and environmental factors influence craniofacial growth. The presence of bad habits such as fingeror pacifier sucking, atypical swallowing, oral breathing, nail-biting and abnormal postures play an essential rolein developing malocclusions. The severity and type of malocclusion are related to the age of the patient and thefrequency, duration and intensity of the spoiled habit. The most common malocclusions are: posterior crossbite,transverse contraction of the palate, anterior open bite, and augmented overjet. Eliminating oral habits withan interceptive functional treatment allows for restoring the correct development of the bone bases and normalocclusion. Elastodontic devices represent a valid tool to correct neuromuscular dysfunctions and re-educaterespiratory, swallowing, speech and masticatory functions, performing a functional, orthopaedic action

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cervical spine: is there any relationship between them?

Many studies supported the clinical, anatomical and functional relationship between the cranial region, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the cervical spine; however, the mechanism of this relationship remains unclear, and the relation between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and the head and neck posture changes are still controversial. The understanding of the complex interrelations between the stomatognathic system, cervical spine, pain and dysfunctions in other areas of the body is useful in order to be able to treat patients more efficiently and effectively at the initial stage, when painful symptoms appear, and to cure them much swifter and in a more efficient way. On the other hand, the increased severity of temporomandibular disorders also could lead to a compensatory or antalgic posture of the neck. The function of the masticatory system should be evaluated in patients with neck complaints to rule out the possible involvement of the masticatory system. In addition, to be able to make successful therapeutic interventions, dental surgeons should cooperate in an interdisciplinary fashion with neurologists, orthopedists or neurosurgeons