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Background Studies on photodynamic inactivation against microorganisms had a great development in recent years. The aim of this work was to test the application of different laser wavelengths with or without different photosensitizing dyes on Candida albicans cells in vitro and in photodynamic therapy protocols in vivo in larvae of Galleria mellonella . Methods Laser application was realized on C. albicans cells suspended in saline solution or cultured on solid medium for the in vitro study, and in a model of G. mellonella candidal infection for the in vivo study. Three wavelengths (650, 405, and 532 nm) were used in continuous mode with different values of applied fluences: 10, 20 and 30 J/cm 2 for the in vitro study and 10 J/cm 2 for the in vivo study, without and with photosensitizing dyes. Results No growth inhibition was obtained on yeast cells in saline solution without photosensitizers. The maximum inhibition of growth (100%) was obtained with 405 nm diode laser and curcumin at any used fluence. No growth inhibition was observed for yeast cells cultured on solid medium after laser application without dyes. An inhibition was observed after laser application when curcumin and erythrosine were added to the medium. The survival curves of G. mellonella larvae infected with C. albicans with or without the different dyes and after laser application showed a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.001) in comparison with the proper control groups. Conclusions These results show the efficacy of photodynamic inactivation exploiting a suitable combination of light and dyes against C. albicans and the potential of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of candidal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis was first reported in 2003 and is getting common. Size of lesions, symptoms, and duration of time between starting bisphosphonates and the development of bone necrosis vary. There is currently no effective treatment. We describe our preliminary results with 19 patients affected by bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws who were treated conventionally with surgical or medical treatment alone or in combination with neodimium: yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Clinical variables such as symptoms, presence of pus, and closure of mucosal flaps before and after treatment were evaluated to establish the effect of the laser irradiation. We treated nine patients with laser biostimulation with or without surgical treatment, and in this group there were eight clinical successes and one symptomatic improvement, with a clinical finding better than ones without laser biostimulation (ten patients, five clinical successes, and one symptomatic improvement). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Although other immunosuppressive agents have been recently introduced (e.g., tacrolimus), it has been calculated that in the next decade about 1 million people will still be taking cyclosporin (CsA). The association between gingival overgrowth (GO) and the use of CSA is still not clear. In the present study we evaluated the prevalence and the degree of GO in a group of Italian renal transplant patients and the possible relationship between gingival lesions and demographic, oral, systemic, and pharmacological variables. Methods: One hundred twenty-one renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy with CsA were evaluated in this study. Patients were classified in two groups. In the first (screening group), we included all those patients referred by the Parma University Renal Transplant Center for a general oral checkup, with no specific indications for GO. The second group (non-screening group) included all those patients who specifically had been referred to the Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine Unit because of GO. We considered the following variables: gender, daily CsA dose, duration of immunosuppressive treatment, CsA plasma concentration, concomitant use of another immunosuppressive agent (azathioprine), use of other GO inducers (calcium channel blockers, anti-epileptic drugs), oral hygiene scores, and other drugs taken at the time of oral examination. Results: Fisher's exact test and chi square test demonstrated that in the screening group, duration of immunosuppressive treatment and oral hygiene scores were associated both with the prevalence and the high GO scores (P1DIT <0.0001; P2DIT = 0.0084; P2hyg = 0.0068). In the screening group, concomitant use of CsA and azathioprine is related to a low development degree of GO (P = 0.0088). In the non-screening group, we found a significant association between poor oral hygiene and high degree of GO (P = 0.0349). Conclusion: In addition to a probable genetic predisposition, duration of immunosuppressive treatment and oral hygiene status are the most important variables related to development and degree of GO during the use of CsA in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Quantic molecular resonance is a new technique that applies high frequency waves suitable for many surgical fields. It is a remarkable advance from conventional electrosurgery, and consists of non-traumatic cutting of tissue and gentle coagulation. The cut is achieved by the explosion of infracellular and intracellular liquids, that resonate with a special frequency. The temperature of the cut area and surrounding tissues is less than 45°C, so no thermal injury results. Coagulation is by denaturation of fibrinogen at 63°C, and not at (conventional) higher temperatures. The result is the elimination of scar tissue or keloid, with considerable aesthetic benefits and reduction in postoperative swelling and pain. The quantic molecular resonance scalpel is a device that is suitable for oromaxillofacial surgery and related specialist areas (such as periodontology, implantology, and paediatric oral surgery). Other specialties (such as ear, nose, and throat, dermatology, aesthetic surgery, and veterinary surgery) could also benefit from this new technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Introduction Candida in endodontic infections has been investigated in a large number of studies, but its role as an endodontic pathogen is still debatable. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the prevalence of Candida species in root canal infections. Methods Extensive literature research was performed in the most important electronic biomedical databases, and additional studies have been identified from references from relevant articles. Studies were critically appraised using a modified version of the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results From 2225 unique records, 2118 were excluded on the basis of title and abstract. Of the remaining 107 studies, 50 were excluded after full-text review, and 57 were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The overall prevalence of Candida spp. in root canal infections was 8.20% (95% confidence interval, 5.56%–11.21%). Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species. Significant heterogeneity among studies was observed (P <.001, I2 = 86.07%). Subgroup analyses revealed a higher prevalence of Candida spp. from African samples. All studies considered, a high or unclear risk of bias was prevalent regarding 6 out of the 8 items considered in the critical appraisal. Conclusions Candida spp. occurred in a small proportion of root canal infections. Further and better designed research is needed to investigate the real contribution of Candida spp. to the microbial ecology in infected root canals. Highlights • Candida species occurred in a small proportion of endodontic infections (<10%). • Candida albicans is the most frequently detected species. • The prevalence of Candida does not significantly differ between primary and secondary infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We report a case of orofacial granulomatosis successfully treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Study design: LLLT was delivered through a diode laser device (Lasemar Eufoton, Trieste, Italy) with the use of a 4-cm defocalized lens and power of 1 W. Treatment was administered in sessions of 5 irradiations of 1 minute each, with a 1-minute interval between 2 subsequent irradiations (power density 0.08 W/cm2; fluence/application: 4.8 J/cm2; fluence/session: 24 J/cm2). Laser therapy was repeated 12 times (3 times per week). Results: After 2 weeks of LLLT applications, the patient reported an improvement of symptomatology as well as a decrease of labial swelling. Complete healing was observed after 1 month. The patient was followed for 2 years. No recurrence of swelling was observed during the follow-up. Conclusions: Advantages of the LLLT approach include an absence of side effects, analgesic properties (usually reported after first application), and good patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botulism is a rare neuroparalytic disease caused by a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. There are different clinical types of botulism. Early diagnosis of the condition is essential for effective treatment. We report a case of food-borne botulism in identical twins characterized by severe initial oral involvement and a review of the literature about the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of third molars is one of the most common operations performed in oral surgery. A well recognized serious complication of mandibular third molar extraction is injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). We describe a case of an unusual nerve passage discovered after the extraction of a completely erupted third molar. The likelihood of direct damage to the IAN can be predicted with more specific information obtained by the use of a preoperative computerized tomography scan when conventional radiography does not clearly show the nerve canal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]