The Role of Cytokines in Orthodontic Tooth Movement

One of the most important breakthroughs in the understanding of biological features of bones is the explanation of the role of cytokine in reshaping of the bone (remodeling) including the alveolar tooth bone exposed to the effect of the mechanical force during the orthodontic treatment. Since remodeling of the bone initiated by orthodontic forces is connected during its early stage with the inflammation of the surrounding tissue, the assumption was presented about the role of the pro-inflammation cytokine in the process of remodeling of the bone, primarily IL-1β, IL-б, and TNF. These cytokines are mediators in the reactions of the acute stage of inflammation, as well as in the processes of metabolism, stimulation of resorption, and inhibition of bone creation. In this chapter, we aimed to review the existing knowledge about the roles and dynamics of the change in these three cytokines simultaneously during the early stage of the orthodontic tooth movement

Compliance and approach to voluntary HIV testing in a high-risk region for HIV transmission in Europe

Background: The Kosovo province is being considered as a high-risk region for the spread of HIV. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with HIV testing in a sample of university students from the Serbian northern Kosovo province. Material and Methods: A questionnaire examining socio-demographic characteristics, HIV–related knowledge, attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV testing was used in data collection. A total of 1,017 students from the University of Priština temporarily seated in Kosovska Mitrovica completed the questionnaire. Results: Only 5.4% of students have previously been tested for HIV, even though the majority (70.9%) had a positive approach to HIV testing. Factors associated with having been tested for HIV were being male and younger, having interest in HIV testing and having previous contact with PLHIV. Being more knowledgeable about HIV and having stronger positive attitude towards PLHIV, being older, receiving information about HIV through friends and special educational programs, using condom at last sexual intercourse, having positive opinion on gays/lesbians and previous contact with PLHIV were associated with positive approach to HIV testing. Conclusion: Having a positive approach to HIV testing does not suggest that students would take the HIV test. However, students who have low HIV-related knowledge, negative approach or lack of interest in HIV testing (believing that there is no need to take it) would likely never take the HIV test. Increasing HIV-related knowledge, acceptance of PLHIV and access to testing facilities should be public health priorities to raise HIV testing rates. Keywords: HIV testing; attitude; knowledge; University students