Background and Aims: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of partial pulpotomy treatments using different biocompatible materials which were Biodentine^®, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and calcium hydroxide (CH) in cariously exposed pulp tissue in immature permanent molars. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four teeth of 50 patients, which had cariously pulp exposures were randomly divided into Biodentine^®, MTA, and CH groups for partial pulpotomy treatments and finally restored with stainless steel crowns at the same appointment. Clinical and radiographical success was evaluated by the absence of any clinical and radiographical signs and symptoms for 12 months. Also, Image J was used for the quantitative assessment of length developments for mesial and distal roots. P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Partial pulpotomy treatments showed high overall success rate (87%). On the other hand, Biodentine and MTA showed higher success rates compared to CH without any statistical significance (P = 0.09). Besides, mesial and distal root lengths displayed a continuous and significant increase in each group at sixth month follow-up (P = 0.01; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Favorable results demonstrated that Biodentine, MTA, and CH might be recommended as suitable agents for partial pulpotomy treatment in cariously exposed immature molars with clinical diagnosis of normal pulp or reversible pulpitis.

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Background and Aim: Dental caries is one of the most common diseases seen in the oral cavity in all periods of deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentition. A comprehensive study of the oral microbiome is required to understand its polymicrobial etiology. The aim of this study was to reveal the plaque microbiome of caries-active and caries-free adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 samples were collected from 26 caries-active patients and 26 caries-free controls. Dental supragingival plaque samples were collected from each subject and the bacterial 16S rDNA, expanded V3–V4 region, was amplified using next generation sequencing. Results: The core microbiome was defined with 235 shared bacteria in genus level, and among all microbiome 14.8% of all bacteria showed significant difference (P < 0.05). The bacteria responsible of caries may be listed as Anaeroglobus, Atopobium, Bifidobacterium, Centipeda, Cryptobacterium, Desulfobulbus, Filifactor, Howardella, Lactobacillus, Leptotrichiaceae (unclassified), Megasphaera, Mycoplasma, Olsenella, Phocaeicola, Propionibacterium, Pseudoramibacter, Scardovia, Schwartzia, Treponema, and Veillonellaceae (unclassified). Conclusion: The present study provides comprehensive knowledge of the microbiological etiology of caries in permanent dentition.

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Application of topical powdery substances to the wound is an age old practice. Talc containing powdery substances are however commonplace and predominant in our environment. This insoluble mineral has been linked to chronic granulomatous reaction particularly in the lungs. We present a case report of a fifty-year-old man with prolonged application of talc containing powdery substances to the left thumb wound and excitation of exuberant granuloma mimicking squamous cell carcinoma. He had complete excision of the mass and satisfactory first dorsal metacarpal artery flap coverage of the soft tissue defect.

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Hydatid cyst is an endemic disease especially in underdeveloped and developing countries, affecting mostly the liver and lungs. However, a wide range of unusual anatomical sites in the abdomen have been reported, including the spleen, pancreas, kidney, and ovaries as well as dissemination within the abdominal and pelvic cavities. The location of hydatid disease in the colon is very infrequent, and very few cases have been presented so far. The hydatid cysts located in other sites are mostly due to rupture or extrusion of primary liver or splenic cysts. In this article, we present a case of primary left-sided colon hydatid cyst, resected laparoscopically with the affected intestinal segment. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made by macroscopic and microscopic examinations.

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Aims: To investigate consequences of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) on the ocular anterior and posterior segment parameters. Materials and Methods: Forty healthy participants (mean age: 25.90 ± 5.7 years, 20 females, 20 males) and 40 patients with SAC (mean age: 26.20 ± 5.7 years, 20 females, 20 males) were included in this prospective study. The anterior segment parameters including central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured by Scheimpflug imaging system. Axial length (AL) was measured by optical biometry. The posterior segment parameters, including retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), subfoveal choroidal thickness, and central macular thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography. Results: Similar values of the ACD, AL, RNFL as well as central macular thickness between healthy participants and patients with SAC were revealed. Despite the CCT being thinner in SAC, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. On the other hand, SAC was found to be associated with an increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness, the condition of which may be attributed to the inflammatory nature of the disease. Conclusion: The present study has managed to demonstrate non-significant alterations in the ocular anterior and posterior segment parameters of patients with SAC. Yet, the increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness may be linked to the accompanying inflammation of both the conjunctiva and other ocular tissues, particularly the choroidal layer.

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Aims: Gelatin-thrombin matrix (GTM) is a hemostatic agent with applications in maxillofacial surgery consisting of human-derived thrombin and bovine-derived gelatin matrix. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of GTM alone or with freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) in improving early bone healing. Materials and Methods: Forty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. All animals were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 4) and three study groups (n = 14). Each group was divided into two subgroups for histomorphometric and histological analyses at weeks 1 and 4. The new bone formation, inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis, foreign body reaction, and bone healing scores were evaluated based on the histopathological findings. Multiple comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Variables that were not normally distributed were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: At 1 week, the GTM + FDBA group showed less bone formation (mean ± SD: 0.08 ± 0.03 mm²), compared with the study and control groups (FDBA: 0.15 ± 0.06 mm²; GTM: 0.13 ± 0.06 mm²). At 4 weeks, the GTM group (0.48 ± 0.1 mm²) showed more bone formation than the GTM + FDBA group (0.33 ± 0.17 mm²). Foreign body reactions were observed at weeks 1 and 4 in all GTM-containing groups. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, GTM group did not show a significant difference in bone formation compared with the control group. GTM did not inhibit bone healing at 1 and 4 weeks, and no significant difference was observed compared with the control groups. GTM was more effective for bone healing when administered without FDBA. GTM is considered safe when bone hemorrhage is encountered.

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Aim: To assess and compare ophthalmologic and morphologic outcomes between school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm and those born at term. Patients and Methods: Fifty children born moderate-to-late preterm (gestational age 32 weeks + 0 days to 36 + 6 days, age range 5-10 years) at a tertiary university hospital were age- and sex-matched to full-term controls. Visual acuity, refractive errors, ocular biometry, macular, and optic nerve assessments with optical coherence tomography were investigated and compared between cases and controls. Results: No differences in visual acuity or refraction were detected between the study groups. The difference in refractive error was not significant between the groups. Marked differences were observed in the anterior chamber depth, which was shallower in the preterm group (P = 0.044); however, no difference in total axial length was observed. The preterm and control groups significantly differed in terms of central macular thickness (247 ± 19 μm versus 235 ± 22 μm; P = 0.005 right eye); however, the groups did not significantly differ in foveal thickness. Central subfield thickness was also markedly greater in the preterm than in the control children (246.89 ± 19.1 μm versus 236.12 ± 23.3 μm, P = 0.015). No significant differences in mean parafoveal/perifoveal thicknesses or optic nerve parameters were observed between both groups. Conclusion: Significant differences between moderate to late preterm and full-term groups in regards to anterior chamber depth, central macular thickness, and central subfield thickness were found. It is important to recognize that being born preterm might have an impact on some ocular structures. Larger population-based studies should be conducted to study the long-term sequelae of moderate-to-late prematurity in our children.

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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has modified the way, plastic surgeons treat their patients. This article depicts how we as a plastic surgery department in a tertiary care setup handled the pandemic with an emphasis on infection control policy. Methods: Data was collected from hospital records and quality assurance cell from March 21, 2020 to June 19, 2020 in terms of patient triaging, consultations, perioperative protocols, duty rosters, and academic activities. The changes on these with the impact of COVID-19 were studied with the same period of previous year. Results: Outpatient clinics were closed and emergency consultations were reduced. Number of consultations reduced from 2591 to 75 and surgeries from 320 to 46 during the same period in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Though tele-consultations were helpful, the overall benefits were subpar. Emergency services continued with the guidelines of institute's infection control committee, such as area specific personal protective equipment, allotment of operating rooms, minimizing the crowd in operating room. There was some compromise in using accessories for microsurgical procedures. Duty rosters were designed to maintain uninterrupted services. Academic activities were continued with virtual platforms. Conclusion: Adequate preparation of health care setup and nation-wide lockdown has helped to handle emergency cases and in reduction of trauma-surgeries respectively. Though there were obstacles for some patients in accessing health care, our institutional response made us to render maximum possible care. Advancements in virtual platform helped in consultations and academics. Delayed conservative approach was used in most cases at the expense of cosmetic compromise.

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Background: Disfigurements in the lung parenchyma due to capitonnage methods may lead to long-term atelectasis. The aim of the present study was to examine whether there are any complication differences between the capitonnage applied via interrupted suture or purse-string suture. Method: Of the total of 120 cases that underwent hydatid cyst surgery during 2007 and 2020, those that were subject to capitonnage were included in the study. The preoperative and postoperative findings were analyzed for 76 cases subject to purse-string capitonnage (Group I) and 24 interrupted capitonnage (Group II). Results: While the number of cases with complication in Group I was 16 (21.1%), there were only 2 (8.3%) complications in Group II; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.23). Bronchopleural fistula (n = 1) and prolonged air leak (n = 2) were observed in Group I, there was no bronchopleural fistula or prolonged air leak in Group II. Atelectasis was the most frequently observed complication observed in 12 (15.8%) cases in Group I and 2 (8.3%) cases in Group II (P = 0.53). The duration of hospitalization was lower for the patients in Group II. The number of days was 7.3 ± 2.7 for Group I and 5.3 ± 2.1 for Group II (P < 0.01). Conclusion: This study is the first to compare whether there are any complication differences between the capitonnage methods via interrupted suture or purse-string suture. The results of the study put forth that the duration of hospitalization is lower in the interrupted capitonnage group. Parenchymal anatomy may be preserved better in interrupted capitonnage method.

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Aim: This study aimed to profile the clinical features and demographics of patients with endophthalmitis in a tertiary care center, Western region, Saudi Arabia. We used a retrospective cross-sectional case series at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Materials and Methods: Endophthalmitis was diagnosed in a total of 14 eyes of 14 patients treated in our hospital between 2002 and 2018. The patients' medical records were reviewed to gather demographic and clinical data. Results: The mean age of patients was 52.8 ± 19.2 years, and 50% of patients were male. The majority of endophthalmitis cases were post-ophthalmic surgery (50%), 35.7% were of endogenous origin, 7.2% were associated with corneal ulcer with perforation, and 7.2% were post open globe injury. Patients' admission to the hospital ranged from 2 to 10 days from symptoms occurrence with a median of 5 days. Half of the patients presented with no light perception vision, counting fingers in 14.2%, hand motion in 14.2%, light perception in 7.2%, and 20/300 in 7.2%. The final visual outcome improved in four cases (28.5%) with best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 reached in one patient. Conclusion: Post- ophthalmic surgery and endogenous endophthalmitis were the most common causes of endophthalmitis among our patients, with late presentation to the hospital and poor vision at presentation also being common findings. These findings highlight the necessity of proper patient education, after care and adherence to sterile techniques in ensuring that patients recover successfully from ophthalmic surgery.

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Background: Nasal septum perforation (NSP) is an anatomical defect of the mucosa, cartilage/bone of nasal septum and septoplasty is the most common cause of it. A perforated septum rarely heals on its own, it is more likely to get worse. The success for large perforations is approximately 78%, it is harder to be successful in vertically larger perforations. We introduce a new technique to close large perforations by the fascia lata and costal cartilage sandwich graft (FLSG). The main advantage of this technique is that the fascia lata eliminates the opening between the septal mucosal flaps in case the septal mucosal flaps may not meet each other. Patients and Methods: 16 cases presenting with nasal septum perforation were repaired with the FLSG technique. Grafts were harvested, the perforation was accessed through open rhinoplasty approach, FLSG is inserted and sutured. Results: 16 cases consisting of 9 males (56.25%) and 7 females (43.75%) were operated. The age range was between 20 and 43 years (mean 32.6 ± 6.94). 3 cases (18.75%) had medium and 13 cases (81.25%) had large NSP. 8 cases (50%) were smokers. Nine month postoperatively, all medium NSP were closed. During this period, 14 NSP (87.5%) medium size NSP achieved complete closure, while the remaining two NSP that were yet to close had large defects (>2 cm) and smokers. Conclusion: FLSG is an effective, easy, and novel technique in NSP repair and the postoperative controls have proven a high success rate even in large NSP.

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Background: Despite the reports of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) being commonplace in Saudi Arabia, there is scarcity of cross-sectional or prospective studies detailing the profile of nerve conduction study (NCS) findings in patients with CTS. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the neurophysiologic profile of CTS with the view to finding the determinant of abnormal findings in clinically diagnosed cases of CTS in a population of Saudis. Methods: Nerve conduction study was performed on consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed CTS. Median sensory, ulnar sensory, radial sensory median motor and ulnar motor nerves were assessed. The nerve conduction parameters measured were median and ulnar sensory peak latency, amplitude and velocity. Median conduction velocity, distal latency, and amplitude were also measured. Comparative median-ulnar and median-ulnar-digit 4 studies were done and the severity of CTS was determined. Data was analyzed using STATA software version 12. Results: A total of 152 patients, comprising 59 males and 93 females (mean age of 42.7 years) with clinically diagnosed CTS were seen during the study period. About 72.4% patients had numbness and paresthesia in the affected fingers, 66.5% had pain in the hands, and 10.5% had weakness in the affected hands. Majority of the patients (62%) had bilateral clinical features. Carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed with NCS in 84 (55.26%) patients. Presence of weakness in the affected hand, positive Phalen' sign, and positive Tinel's sign in patients appear to predict [6.1 (1.2—30.7), 3.9 (1.2-30.2), and 4.9 (1.4-17.0) respectively] abnormal NCS findings after adjustment for age, gender and the presence of DM. Conclusion: The study revealed that over half of the patients with CTS had NCS/ Electromyography (EMG) abnormalities. Presence of hand muscles weakness, positive Phalen and Tinel's signs predict abnormal findings on NCS/EMG in patients with CTS.

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Background: Dental treatment of anxious patients induces stress due to the patients' expectation of pain. This may prolong treatment due to such patients' inability to cooperate during treatment. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of dental anxiety on surgical time of mandibular third molar (M3) disimpactions at a Nigerian hospital. Subjects and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Oral Surgery clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, between October 2016 and September 2017 to assess the effect of dental anxiety on surgical time of M3 disimpactions using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). The Patients' biodata, clinical and M3 radiologic data were recorded. Surgical durations were also recorded. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows (IBM statistics 23 software). Results: One hundred and sixteen subjects (64 males, 52 females) were studied. Forty-two subjects (36.2%) were mildly anxious, 67 (57.8%) were moderately anxious, and 7 (6.0%) were highly anxious. The females were more anxious and the overall surgical time (OST) of disimpaction correlated with the anxiety levels of the subjects. The OST increased by approximately 0.8 min with every unit rise in the anxiety score. Other factors that affected OST in the study were M3 depth, type of impaction, and root curvature. Conclusion: The patients' dental anxiety increased the surgical time of M3 disimpactions. Clinicians should consider the patients' anxiety among the factors that affect the surgical time of M3 disimpactions. Verbally soothing anxious patients and administering anxiolytic when necessary, may help to reduce the patients' anxiety, and hence, prevent surgical time prolongation.

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Background: Orthodontic appliances elicit the secretions of some cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors which further have some significances in the remodeling of periodontium tissues. The significant differential forces applied on the periodontium by different types of orthodontic appliances. The secretion of these factors is indirectly responsible for the proper resorption of bones of the periodontal region through molecular signaling, which further supports to facilitate organized movement of the teeth. Objective: In the present study, we carried out the assessment and comparative analysis of the growth factors and chemokines present in the saliva samples of the human subjects of orthodontic treatment with two different treatment modalities: conventional lingual and labial fixed orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: Total 40 saliva samples were collected of which 20 subjects were treated with the conventional lingual appliances and 20 subjects with the labial fixed appliances. All the salivary samples were acquired from the subjects after 21 days treatment. Cytometric bead array was performed to assess the growth factors and chemokines in the saliva on the flow cytometer. Results: No significant differences were seen in the growth factor secretion in the saliva of both types of subjects. The same trend was observed for the chemokine secretion in the saliva except CXCL8, CCL11, CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL9. Conclusion: The similarity in chemokine and growth factor profile between labial and lingual fixed orthodontic appliances indicates that their molecular mechanisms and overall effect on the periodontium are analogous.

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Background: Residual monomers released from composite resins have cytotoxic, mutagenic, and estrogenic effects. Mode of polymerization and application thickness are important for monomer release. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different modes of a third-generation light-curing unit (LCU) and layer thickness on residual monomer released from two different bulk-fill composite resins. A total of 80 samples were prepared for each bulk-fill composite using a mold. Each bulk-fill composite was divided into four groups according to polymerization mode (standard and extra power) and layer thickness (2 and 4 mm). In addition, four groups were divided into four subgroups according to time periods (1 h, 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days). Methods and Material: The samples were polymerized with VALO LED device. The amount of residual monomer was measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). All statistical analyses were processed using SPSS Version 23.0. The normal distribution of data was confirmed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov Normal Distribution Test and Shapiro-Wilk Normal Distribution Test. When the distribution was normal, parametric tests, Student's t test and one-way ANOVA, were used. When the distribution was not normal, non-parametric tests, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis testwere used. Results: It was found that the standard mode of LCU produced lower amounts of TEGDMA, Bis-GMA, and UDMA in both composite materials. In addition, when the layer thickness increased, TEGDMA, Bis-GMA, and UDMA releases increased, too. Conclusions: This study revealed that the amount of residual monomers released from bulk-fill composites was affected by layer thickness and polymerization time.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors, such as the developmental stage of second permanent molar (SPM), the angulation of SPM, and presence/absence of the third molar associated with the spontaneous space closure after the mandibular first permanent molars (FPM) extraction. Material and Methods: A total of 177 mandibular SPMs were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The prognostic factors determining successful space closure such as SPM developmental stage, SPM angulation, and presence/absence of the third molar were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of extraction of SPM was 9.4 years and post-extraction assessment at the time of the study was 12.7 years. Of the total 177 mandibular SPMs, 36 SPMs (20.3%) were at Demirjian stage D, 63 (35.6%) at stage E, 60 (34%) at stage F, 18 (10.1%) at stage G. 18 SPMs (10.1%) had distal angulation, 23 SPMs (13.0%) had mesial angulation and 136 SPMs (76.9%) had upright angulation. At the time of radiographic assessment, 79.1% of the mandibular quadrants showed evidence of third molar formation. Of the 177 mandibular SPMs, 93 (52.5%) exhibited successful space closure in the mandibular arch. Conclusions: There is no statistical significance between the chronological age and the developmental stage of the mandibular SPM with regard to the successful spontaneous space closure at the time of the dental extraction of FPMs. The presence of the mandibular third molar may be a consideration for spontaneous space closure in the mandibular arch.

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Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect on condylar guidance values with casts mounted by facebow transfer (Guichet's point as the third point of reference), Bonwill's, and radiographic method. Materials and Methods: The dentulous subject's casts were mounted to a semi-adjustable articulator (Artex Type AR) after facebow transfer with Guichet's point as the third point of reference and also by Bonwill's method. Protrusive records made earlier were utilized to program the right and left side condylar guidance value. Two digital lateral cephalograms were made, one in centric relation, and one in protrusion and the condyles were traced and overlapped. The condylar guidance readings obtained by Bonwill's method, facebow transfer, and lateral cephalometric tracings were compared in this study using the SPSS (Version 17.0 Illinois, Chicago, USA) software. Results: The condylar guidance values obtained from Bonwill's and the facebow transfer method (p < 0.001) was lesser than the radiographic method. The values obtained by casts mounted to the Bonwill's method differed significantly (p < 0.001) from the other two methods. Conclusion: The values obtained by facebow transfer were closer to the radiographic values whereas the values obtained by Bonwill's method mounting differed markedly.

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Background: Modern innovative education approaches are crucial to be incorporated into nursing education that leads to improving evidence-based teaching strategies, and closes the gap between theory and practice, as well as to prepare the nursing students to their future workplaces. Aim: Aim of the study was evaluation the effectiveness of the flipped classroom method among nursing students regarding VTE basic knowledge, risk factors, and prophylaxis. Subjects and Methods: This study was implemented in a Faculty of Nursing in Northern Cyprus at Nicosia, and used pre-test and post-test, and interventional design. A total of 100 bachelor-degree nursing students were composed the sample of the study. The Implementation of the study was conducted in three phases including pre-test, educational intervention, and post-test. Data were evaluated using the independent-sample t test. Results: The findings of the study showed statistically significant improvement in the overall mean scores of all VTE after the educational intervention through flipped classroom. Students classified the strength points with four themes; deep motive learning, technology support, team-based learning, and satisfaction. Conclusions: Our results support the effectiveness of the flipped classroom method in nursing education; the method may be useful for developing of educational strategies in nursing.

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Background and Aim: Generation defines as a group of people who were born in a same interval of year and shares similar life events at critical developmental stages, values, behaviors, and significant reactions. The aim of this clinical study was to assess self-awareness of dental health of X, Y, and Z generations in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Total of 239 individuals were divided into three homogenous groups X Generation (X Gen; n = 80), Y Generation (Y Gen; n = 80), and Z Generation (Z Gen; n = 79) by their date of birth 1965–1980; 1981–2000; 2001–2013, respectively. Self-rated caries status, frequency of tooth brushing, frequency of dental visits, and actual caries status were recorded. Self-awareness was calculated as the extraction of the numbers of actual caries and self-rated caries and coded as △ Caries. Results: Mean Dental caries status was recorded using the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth (dft/DMFT) was 4.92 for X Gen; 4.68 for Y Gen; 3.66/3.51 for Z Gen individuals, respectively. Actual caries and self-rated caries were significantly incompatible with each other in all study groups (<0.001). △Caries were insignificant in X, Y, and Z Generations (>0.05); nevertheless, self-awareness (self-rated caries = actual caries) of Z Gen were found numerically more (23%) compared to other groups. Tooth-brushing habits of all individuals were mostly once-a-day (>0.05). Mean frequency of dental visits were once in a 3.5; 2.9; 1.5 years for X, Y, and Z Gens, respectively. Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between frequency of dental visits and self-awareness measures. Oral health education should urgently point out for all generations by dental professionals, media, and governmental authorities including preventive methods, oral hygiene instructions all aimed at preventing caries and raising self-awareness.

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Background: In Turkey, dental caries is a disease which still has been considering as a real public health problem. School children of lower socioeconomic status had greater caries experience and higher caries severity in both primary and permanent dentitions. Aims: To determine the frequency of dental caries and its related factors among boarding school children. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study. We examined 1307 boarding school children aged 7–14 for caries status and its related factors. Data on dental health and its related factors were obtained from the archive of Ege Oral Health and Dentistry Association. Comparisons of caries severity (as decayed/missing/filled primary teeth, dmft/decayed/missing/filled permanent teeth, DMFT and significant caries index,) and examination years were made. Caries trend were also identified. Correlations between caries severity and its related factors were also performed. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: DMFT and SiC for DMFT of all children were 2.35 and 5.04, respectively. 70-year-old had the highest dmft, whereas 14-year-olds had the highest DMFT. No correlation was found between decreased dmft and tooth brushing frequency, regular dental check-ups, and oral hygiene status. There was a weak correlation between decreased DMFT and increased number of dental visits in 2008 and 2009. In children received more than one examination and/or treatment (n = 269), the SiC index for dmft was 10.52 in 2002. In 2004, the index decreased to 3.57. The SiC for DMFT was 4.09 in 2002 and 2004. No correlation was identified between decreased dmft and DMFT and tooth brushing frequency, regular dental check-ups, and oral hygiene status both for the years of 2002 and 2004. The mean dmft of 32 children had prophylaxis for dental caries in 2002 was significantly decreased in 2004. Conclusion: Caries prevalence and severity of boarding school children were high even they were followed-up regularly.

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Background and Aims: Bisphosphonates (BPs), the antiresorptive drugs, can cause osteonecrosis of the jaws. Having adequate knowledge about BPs and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is very important to prevent complications. In this study, we aimed to determine the level of knowledge of dentists about BPs and BRONJ in Turkey and also aimed to share the results with health authorities to plan new education strategies. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions and two parts was used to determine the knowledge level, attitude, and training needs of the dentists. Answers to all questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and using Pearson Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 620 general and specialist dentists working in three different sectors and four different cities agreed to participate in the study. Statistically, more knowledge about BPs and BRONJ was observed in dentists who have less than 10 years of experience than those who have over 10 years, specialist dentists than general dentists, and those who working in university hospitals than in other sectors. In general, the rate of those who know BPs is 16.8%, the rate of those who know BRONJ is 20.2%. Conclusions: Although the use of BPs increases day by day, the awareness of BPs and BRONJ among the dentists is insufficient. However, periodically organizing postgraduate training programs on this subject will increase the awareness and level of knowledge.

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Background: Pulpal involvement, secondary to dental caries, is not uncommon and is a challenging task for pediatric dentists. Morphological differences in root canal of deciduous teeth increases the complexity of management. The aim of this study was to compare two rotary file systems and hand instrumentation for root canal preparation in regard to canal transportation, centering ability ratio, and dentin thickness using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: A total of 72 canals from 24 freshly extracted mandibular deciduous second molars were divided into a set of 8 teeth, then prepared using 2 rotary files systems: the Kedo-S pediatric file system (Group A) and Pro AF Baby Gold file system (Group B) were compared to hand instrumentation (Group C). CBCT scans before and after root canal preparation were used to evaluate tested parameters. Instrumentation time for all three techniques was also measured using a chronometer. Results: Although rotary file systems have shown superior results in root canal preparation as compared to hand instrumentation, no significant differences were observed between all the groups for canal transportation and dentin thickness at all three levels of prepared canals. A comparison of centering ability ratio between all the groups was found to be statistically significant only at the cervical level. A significant difference was observed between hand instrumentation using K-files (117.3 s) and both rotary systems (Kedo-S (81 s) and Pro AF Baby Gold (81.5 s)) in terms of canal preparation time (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Both tested rotary systems and hand instrumentation demonstrated comparable canal preparation results, with differences that were statistically non-significant in most tested parameters, without shaping errors. However, both the rotary systems were more efficient and faster than hand instrumentation.

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Background and Aims: Composite resins are among the most popular restorative dental materials because of the strength and esthetic properties. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of commonly consumed beverages on microhardness and color stability of microhybrid (MH) and nanofilled NF) composite resins. Material and Methods: 240 samples were prepared from the composite material [MH = 120 (material I) and NF = 120 (material II)] and allocated into eight groups of 30 samples. In each group, half of the samples were tested for microhardness and another-half for color stability. After baseline measurements, the samples were immersed in test media, that is, distilled water and beverages (tea, cola, and coffee) for 15 days. Microhardness and color stability measurements were carried out after 15 days to assess the effect of beverages. The color stability and microhardness values were compared and evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Tukey's alteration test. Results: It was reported that the microhardness decreased for both the materials after immersion in all the beverages. Percentage change in microhardness was considerably higher in material II in comparison to the material I in cola drink. Color change was significantly higher in material II compared to material I in water and coffee. Cola drink caused the maximum change in microhardness among all the beverages and coffee caused the maximum color change among all the beverages. Conclusion: Both composite materials (I and II) showed a reduction in microhardness and change in color after immersion in a different type of test media.

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Aim: The aim of this study is to compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements in healthy eyes using ultrasonic pachymetry (UP) with values obtained using anterior segment spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), the Scheimpflug camera system, and noncontact specular microscopy. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five eyes of 117 healthy individuals (56 women, 61 men) were included. All patients underwent consecutive CCT measurement with UP, the Scheimpflug camera, anterior segment SD-OCT, and specular microscopy. The four devices could be read. Measurements from the four devices were classified in pairs and compared using the paired t-test. Relations between the devices were analyzed using the Pearson test. An alpha error level of P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the healthy individuals included in the study was 34.75 ± 14.55 years (20–76). Mean CCT values were 541.21 ± 29.24 μm with UP, 539.26 ± 29.27 μm with the Scheimpflug camera system, 532.21 ± 29.53 μm with SD-OCT, and 534.45 ± 29.20 μm with specular microscopy. The differences in measurements at the paired t-test were statistically significant (P < 0.001 for all). However, measurements using the four devices exhibited significant mutual correlation (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: CCT can be measured using different devices. Noncontact methods have now begun replacing UP, regarded as the gold standard. Although CCT values obtained from different devices were correlated, the difference between these measurements was statistically significant. Therefore, the same device should be used for measurement in the diagnosis and follow-up of diseases such as corneal ectasia and glaucoma where corneal thickness is important.

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This review summarizes the development of digital technology in the field of head and neck surgeries. Advances in digital technology assist surgeons during preoperative planning, where they can simulate their surgeries with improvement in the resulting accuracy of the surgery. In addition to digital technologies having many applications in the surgical field, they can be used in medical devices, surgical and educational models, and tissue engineering.

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