Use of Mini-Implant Anchorage For Second Molar Mesialization: Comprehensive Approach For Treatment Efficiency Analysis

Objective: To approbate the complex approach for assessment of second molar mesialization outcomes with the use of orthodontic mini-implants. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 62 patients, divided into study (n=32) and control group (n=30). Mesialization procedure in the study group was conducted with the use of braces system and orthodontic mini-implants as additional anchorage devices, while in control group mesialization was provided only with the use of the brace system. Dynamic registration of bone level changes and the entire range of tooth movement were carried out on digital orthopantomograms obtained with the use of Planmeca ProMax 2D. Results: Findings of orthopantomographic (OPG) analysis have shown that cases of second molar mesialization with the use of mini-implants as temporary anchorage characterized with more stable conditions of bone levels around displaced teeth compare to cases, where mesialization was provided only with the use of braces systems without  any  additional anchorage. The terms of treatment in the study group with the use of dental mini-implants as the anchorage was reduced by 8.8 ± 0.12 months compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The use of orthodontic mini- implants as anchorage constructions during  the mesialization  of the mandibular second molars contributes to the reduction of treatment duration and support the more prognostic movement of teeth, that does not provoke significant pathological changes in the levels of the surrounded alveolar ridge and minimize the risk of associated periodontal complication occurrence

Analysis of Tongue Color-Associated Features among Patients with PCR-Confirmed COVID-19 Infection in Ukraine

Objective: To evaluate and systematize tongue color-related manifestations among patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included analysis of tongue images obtained from patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Evaluation of coronavirus disease severity (mild, moderate, severe, critical) was provided, considering clinical symptomatology and results of laboratorial and instrumental diagnostic methods. Each picture was analyzed considering the parameters of color of the tongue and color of the tongue plaque by two dental specialists. Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to evaluate associations between the tongue color and tongue plaque color, and coronavirus disease severity. Results: The most prevalent tongue colors were pale pink, red and dark red (burgundy color). A total of 64.29% of patients with mild disease demonstrated pale pink color of the tongue. Patients with moderate coronavirus disease were characterized with the adverse trend: 62.35% of them presented with red-colored tongue, while in 37.64% of cases, the tongue was pale pink. Severe COVID-19 patients, almost in 90% of the cases, had either red or burgundy color of the tongue. Conclusion: SARS-COV-2 infection is not manifested by tongue-targeted or tongue-specific signs and features; however, coronavirus disease itself provokes changes within the tongue color and tongue plaque color similar to those registered during other internal pathologies

Gingival Recession Treatment with the Use of Xenogeneic Matrix: Optimization of Patient-Centered Outcomes by the Digital Soft Tissue Design

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the originally-developed approach aimed at pre-treatment graphical modelling of soft-tissue changes (digital soft tissue design) for the optimization of patient-centered outcomes after Class I and Class II single gingival recessions treatment with the use of a xenogeneic dermal matrix. Material and Methods: Patients enrolled in the study group received single gingival recession treatment via CAF+XDM method supported by pre-treatment graphical modelling of potential soft-tissue changes (digital soft tissue design), while patients enrolled in the control group received single gingival recession treatment via CAF+CTG method with no pre-treatment graphical modeling of gingival level changes. Patient-centered outcomes were measured by visual analogue scale, OHIP-14, and Mahajan’s scales. Results: Realization of pre-treatment graphical modelling of soft-tissue changes supported the achievement of better patient-centered outcomes, such as root coverage (p<0.05), surgical phase (p<0.05), post-surgical phase (p<0.05), cost-effectiveness (p<0.05) and diagnostics and patient-orientation (p<0.05) based on patient's personal perception grades. Conclusion: Patient-centered results were found to be more successful within the group using the xenogeneic type of graft accompanied with the implementation of pre-treatment graphical modeling of soft tissue changes, which helped to balance patients’ pre-operative expectations and post-operative satisfaction with the received results, reduce post-operative morbidity and improve oral health-related quality of life

Does the Use of Surface Electromyography Could Improve Quality of Life among Patients Rehabilitated by Mandibular Overdentures on Different Attachments?

Objective: To analyze and compare changes of quality of life parameter among dental patients rehabilitated by the implant-supported overdentures with different attachment systems. Material and Methods: Forty-eight patients were recruited as a study cohort. The implant placement procedure was based on the results obtained by CBCT scanning and individualized surgical templates manufactured for correct implant placement. Each individual received two k3Pro Implants (Sure Type with 4.0 or 4.5 mm in diameter) at the intraforaminal area due to standard protocol of implantation provided by the manufacturer under local anesthesia. All patients were distributed between two groups based on the fact of using either Locator- or ball-attachments. Rank correlation was measured using Spearman correlation coefficient, while linear correlation was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: No statistically meaningful differences were noted regarding patients’ distribution among groups considering age (p>0.05) and gender (p>0.05). Provided patient-level analysis demonstrated that increase of conventional full denture service time was positively correlated with escalation of OHIP-EDENT scores. The most prominent inter-correspondences were noted specifically between longevity of denture service and elevation of scores within “Functional limitation” (r=0.61; p<0.05), “Physical pain” (r=0.51; p<0.05) and “Physical disability” (r=0.57; p<0.05) subdomains. No statistically argumented regressions were noted between increase tendency of OHIP-EDENT scores and gender (p>0.05) or age (p>0.05) parameters. Conclusion: Significant improvements of quality of life measured with OHIP-EDENT were noted for both types of attachments compared to the pre-treatment situation independently of additionally provided surface electromyography-based alignment

Comparison of Bacterial Load Parameters in Subgingival Plaque during Peri-implantitis and Periodontitis Using the RT-PCR Method

Svrha rada: Željelo se procijeniti stvarne parametre bakterijskog opterećenja u subgingivnom plaku metodom RT-PCR (lančanom reakcijom polimeraze u stvarnom vremenu) u slučaju parodontitisa i periimplantitisa te njihovu povezanost s kliničkim parodontološkim pokazateljima. Materijali i metode: Prema postavljenom studijskom dizajnu složeno je pet skupina ispitanika – s blagim/umjerenim parodontitisom, s teškim parodontitisom, s periimplantitisom, zdravim parodontom i zdravim periimplantatnim tkivom. Uzorci subgingivnog plaka uzeti su papirnatim štapićima koji su 30 sekunda bili umetnuti u džep/sulkus. Proveden je standardni test ParodontoScreen za identifikaciju ciljnih oportunističkih patogena (A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, P. intermedia, T. denticola) RT-PCR metodom. Rezultati: Parametri bakterijskog opterećenja pokazali su značajnu tendenciju porasta pri progresiji parodontitisa i periimplantitisa. Univarijantnom analizom svaka ciljna srednja razina bakterijskog opterećenja statistički je bila povezana s parodontitisom ili periimplantitisom (p < 0,05) kada su parametri bakterijskog opterećenja na zdravim mjestima korišteni kao referentni podatci. Najveće korelacijske vrijednosti ustanovljene su između parametara dubine sondiranja i bakterijskog opterećenja bakterijama A. actinomycetemcomitans (r = 0,37; p < 0,05) i P. gingivalis (r = 0,28; p < 0,05) te također između gubitka kliničkog pričvrstka i bakterijskog opterećenja bakterijama A. actinomycetemcomitans (r = 0,38; p < 0,05) i P. gingivalis (r = 0,24; p < 0,05). Zaključak: Parodontitis i periimplantitis povezani su s istim mikrobnim patogenima, iako su se obrasci distribucije bakterijskog opterećenja i parametri zabilježeni s pomoću RT-PCR-a mogli razlikovati i povezati s individualnim stanjima povezanima s pacijentima i uznapredovalošću patologije.Objective: To estimate the actual parameters of bacterial load in subgingival plaque during periodontitis and peri-implantitis pathologies using the RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) method and evaluate their associations with clinical periodontal indicators. Materials and Methods: Five different groups of subjects were selected according to a formulated design of the study: with mild/moderate periodontitis, with severe periodontitis, with peri-implantitis, healthy periodontal group and healthy peri-implant group. Subgingival plaque samples were formed with paper points inserted in the pocket/sulcus area for 30 seconds. A standardized test the “ParodontoScreen” was provided for identification of target opportunistic pathogens (A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, P. intermedia, T. denticola) by the RT-PCR. Results: Bacterial load parameters demonstrated a significant tendency towards an increase within periodontitis progression and during the presence of peri-implantitis pathology. Each targeted mean bacterial load level was statistically associated with periodontitis or peri-implantitis pathology (p < 0, 05) according to the provided univariate analyses and upon condition that bacterial load parameters of healthy sites were used as reference for equiparation. The highest correlation values were found between periodontal probing depth and bacterial load parameters of A. actinomycetemcomitans (r=0, 37; p < 0, 05) and P. gingivalis (r=0, 28; p < 0, 05); and also between clinical attachment loss and bacterial load values of A. actinomycetemcomitans (r=0, 38; p < 0, 05) and P. gingivalis (r=0, 24; p < 0, 05). Conclusions: Periodontitis and peri-implantitis are associated with the same microbial pathogens even though the distribution pattern of their bacterial load and detection frequency parameters registered with RT-PCR could be distinct and linked to the individual patient-related conditions and the severity stage of pathology

Physical Health of Males Residents from the Lowland Districts of Ukrainian Transcarpathia During the Post-Pubertal Period Depending on the Component Body Composition

Objective of the research was to determine the aerobic and anaerobic productivity of males from the lowland districts of Ukrainian Transcarpathia during the post-pubertal period, depending on the component composition of body weight. Physical health status of 112 subjects was assessed by indicators of aerobic and anaerobic productivity depending on the component composition of the body, which was determined by impedance measurements. Physical health status was assessed by indicators of the aerobic productivity of the body, namely, the maximum oxygen consumption was measured (VО2 max) using the bicycle ergometry method. To evaluate the level of aerobic productivity, the Pyarnat’s rating scale was used. Indicators of anaerobic productivity of the body were studied by: the power of anaerobic alactic energy supply processes by the Peak Power Output in 10 s (WAnT10); the power of anaerobic lactic energy supply processes by the Peak Power Output in 30 s (WAnT30), using the Wingate anaerobic test described by Yu.M. Furman et al. The highest level of aerobic productivity in terms of the relative value of maximal oxygen consumption was found in young males who have normal body weight with a very high relative content of skeletal muscle, a low relative content of fat, and a normal level of visceral fat. An increase in the fat component has a negative effect on the body's aerobic energy supply among young males from lowland districts of Ukrainian Transcarpathian region. On the contrary, the growth of the muscle component of the body weight helps to increase the aerobic capacity of the body. Among all examined males, no individuals with «excellent» or «good» level of aerobic productivity of the body were found

Bibliometric Analysis of the Journal Acta Stomatologica Croatica: 2009-2018

Cilj: Analiza bibliometrijskog profila znanstvene proizvodnje objavljenog u časopisu Acta Stomatologica Croatica (ASCRO). i metode: Istraživanja su provedena na temelju članaka objavljenihod ožujka 2009. Do prosinca 2018. godine. Informacije su prikupila četiri educirana ispitivača zanimali su ih podatci o godini objavljivanja, o području stomatologije, vrsti i dizajnu studije, metodi analize podataka, randomizaciji, broju autora i njihovoj razvrstanosti prema zemljama. Podatci su analizira-ni s pomoću opisne statistike. Rezultati: Ukupno je ocijenjeno 328 članaka, uglavnom su se istraživalizubni materijali (16,5 %), a izvornih je članaka bilo najviše (74,1 %). Među promatranim istraživanjimabilo je 52,4 % onih u kojima su se koristili statistički podatci, o infekciji ih je bilo 83,2 %, a nerando-mizirane eksperimentalne studije činile su 66,1 %. Presječna istraživanja češća su za područja bihevi-oralnog, epidemiološkog i zdravstvenog osiguranja (86,3 %), zatim kad je riječ o slučajevima kranio-facijalne biologije (54,0 %) i oralnim zdravstvenim istraživanjima (53,1 %), a studije in vitro češće suu područjima stomatoloških materijala (90,7 %), mikrobiologije/imunologije (70,0 %) i kariološkihistraživanja (66,7 %). Većinu članaka pisala su zajednički četiri autora (24,1 %), a suradnja sa stranim stručnjacima zabilježena u 53,0 % istraživanja. Zaključak: Profil znanstvene proizvodnje ASCRO-a pokazuje dominaciju izvornih studija provedenih u područjima stomatoloških materijala i istraživanja o ponašanju, epidemiologiji i zdravstvenim uslugama, uz sve veće sudjelovanje stranih istraživačaObjective: To analyze a bibliometric profile of scientific production published in Acta Stomatologica Croatica (ASCRO). Material and methods: Scientific papers published from March 2009 to December2018 were analyzed. Information on the year of publication was collected by four trained examiners. Dentistry area, study type and design, data analysis method, presence of randomization, number of authors and corresponding author affiliation were investigated. Data were analyzed descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 328 articles were evaluated, with a predominance of research in the field of Dental Materials (16.5%), with original article being the most frequent (74.1%). Observational studies accounted for 52.4%, using inferential statistics (83.2%) and non-randomized experimental studies (66.1%). Cross-sectional studies were more common in areas of Behavioral, Epidemiologic & Health Services Research (86.3%), case reports in Craniofacial Biology (54.0%) and Oral Health Research (53.1%), while in vitro studies were more common in the areas of Dental Materials (90.7%),Microbiology / Immunology (70.0%) and Cariology Research (66.7%). Most articles were written by four authors (24.1%), while foreign affiliation was observed in 53.0% of studies. Conclusion: The profile of ASCRO scientific production shows a predominance of original studies carried out in the are as of Dental Materials and Behavioral, Epidemiologic & Health Services Research, with growing participation of foreign researchers

Bibliometric Analysis of the Journal Acta Stomatologica Croatica: 2009-2018

Cilj: Analiza bibliometrijskog profila znanstvene proizvodnje objavljenog u časopisu Acta Stomatologica Croatica (ASCRO). i metode: Istraživanja su provedena na temelju članaka objavljenihod ožujka 2009. Do prosinca 2018. godine. Informacije su prikupila četiri educirana ispitivača zanimali su ih podatci o godini objavljivanja, o području stomatologije, vrsti i dizajnu studije, metodi analize podataka, randomizaciji, broju autora i njihovoj razvrstanosti prema zemljama. Podatci su analizira-ni s pomoću opisne statistike. Rezultati: Ukupno je ocijenjeno 328 članaka, uglavnom su se istraživalizubni materijali (16,5 %), a izvornih je članaka bilo najviše (74,1 %). Među promatranim istraživanjimabilo je 52,4 % onih u kojima su se koristili statistički podatci, o infekciji ih je bilo 83,2 %, a nerando-mizirane eksperimentalne studije činile su 66,1 %. Presječna istraživanja češća su za područja bihevi-oralnog, epidemiološkog i zdravstvenog osiguranja (86,3 %), zatim kad je riječ o slučajevima kranio-facijalne biologije (54,0 %) i oralnim zdravstvenim istraživanjima (53,1 %), a studije in vitro češće suu područjima stomatoloških materijala (90,7 %), mikrobiologije/imunologije (70,0 %) i kariološkihistraživanja (66,7 %). Većinu članaka pisala su zajednički četiri autora (24,1 %), a suradnja sa stranim stručnjacima zabilježena u 53,0 % istraživanja. Zaključak: Profil znanstvene proizvodnje ASCRO-a pokazuje dominaciju izvornih studija provedenih u područjima stomatoloških materijala i istraživanja o ponašanju, epidemiologiji i zdravstvenim uslugama, uz sve veće sudjelovanje stranih istraživačaObjective: To analyze a bibliometric profile of scientific production published in Acta Stomatologica Croatica (ASCRO). Material and methods: Scientific papers published from March 2009 to December2018 were analyzed. Information on the year of publication was collected by four trained examiners. Dentistry area, study type and design, data analysis method, presence of randomization, number of authors and corresponding author affiliation were investigated. Data were analyzed descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 328 articles were evaluated, with a predominance of research in the field of Dental Materials (16.5%), with original article being the most frequent (74.1%). Observational studies accounted for 52.4%, using inferential statistics (83.2%) and non-randomized experimental studies (66.1%). Cross-sectional studies were more common in areas of Behavioral, Epidemiologic & Health Services Research (86.3%), case reports in Craniofacial Biology (54.0%) and Oral Health Research (53.1%), while in vitro studies were more common in the areas of Dental Materials (90.7%),Microbiology / Immunology (70.0%) and Cariology Research (66.7%). Most articles were written by four authors (24.1%), while foreign affiliation was observed in 53.0% of studies. Conclusion: The profile of ASCRO scientific production shows a predominance of original studies carried out in the are as of Dental Materials and Behavioral, Epidemiologic & Health Services Research, with growing participation of foreign researchers

Systemic Manifestations, Tooth Eruption and Enamel Defects in Children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome: 36-Month Follow-up Case Series

Objective:&nbsp;To describe systemic manifestations, the characteristics related to tooth eruption, and the occurrence of enamel defects in children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZS).&nbsp;Material and Methods:&nbsp;Prospective case series based on nine children with confirmed CZS diagnosis assisted at a reference center in a municipality in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Through a structured interview directed to mothers, information related to prenatal, delivery, and postpartum periods was collected. Tooth eruption was monitored through clinical examinations for 36 months. The modified developmental defect of enamel index (DDE) was used to identify opacities and hypoplasia. Data were presented using descriptive statistics.&nbsp;Results:&nbsp;A high proportion (77.8%) had microcephaly, and 55.5% had low birth weight. Musculoskeletal disorders, swallowing difficulty, and self-injury practices were present in all children. Among the systemic findings, visual impairment (77.8%) and seizures (77.8%) were widely reported. Concerning disorders related to the stomatognathic system, bruxism (66.7%) and difficulty in sucking (33.3%) were present. For most children (77.8%), the deciduous right lower central incisor was the first tooth to erupt (minimum 8 months and maximum 17 months). Enamel defects were diagnosed in only two children (22.2%).&nbsp;Conclusion:&nbsp;A wide range of systemic manifestations was observed in children with CZS, including visual impairment and musculoskeletal disorders. Delayed eruption of the first deciduous tooth was also observed. Enamel defects were present in a small proportion of children