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PurposeThe objective of this study was to explore the attitudes, practices, supports, and barriers of academic leaders regarding the use of Evidence-Based Health Professional Education (EBHPE).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 79 faculty members in leadership positions, from four different undergraduate colleges at Qassim University. A pre-validated questionnaire was distributed electronically. The e-questionnaire was comprised of 38 questions regarding participants' demographics, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers/supports towards EBHPE. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic characteristics and responses to survey items. The frequency distribution of the subjects was analyzed, and the median and means were calculated. Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparison of the means between the demographic groups. Spearman correlation was utilized to determine any relationships between the questionnaire's three sections.ResultsOf the 79 participants, 24 were Department Heads and 48 were female. The mean±SD values for Attitude, Practices and Support/Barriers were found to be 3.47±0.40, 2.72±0.84 and 3.34±0.43, respectively. The mean value of Attitude Score was > 3.41, therefore, it was interpreted that respondents had positive attitude towards EBHPE. Conversely, the values for Practices and Support/Barriers were interpreted as neutral (range = 2.61-3.40), neither good nor bad. The correlation coefficients between 'attitudes' and 'supports and barriers' (0.388) and 'practices' and 'supports and barriers' (0.388) indicated the weak association between these factors. The Cronbach's α value for questionnaire was found to be 0.887 indicating its reliability.ConclusionsThis study concludes that the respondents had positive attitude towards EBHPE. However, this positive attitude was not reflected in their practices. Healthcare professionals should be committed to educational excellence, and endeavour to rely on evidence-based literature regarding the planning and review of learning, teaching, and assessment strategies.

Pre-etching ceramic restorations in dental laboratories is preferred by numerous dentists due to the potential health concerns associated with handling hydrofluoric acid (HF) if not managed correctly. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) between lithium disilicate ceramics and self-adhesive resin cement. For this study, a total of 60 IPS e. max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) lithium disilicate specimens were prepared. Specimens were randomly divided into six groups, with 10 specimens per each. Different surface treatments were applied (1: Control group no surface treatment (C); 2: 10% hydrofluoric with silane coupling agent (HFS); 3: 10% hydrofluoric acid only (HF); 4: Sandblasting with 50 μm aluminum-oxide powder (AO); 5: Sandblasting with 30 μm silica-coated aluminum-oxide powder (SC), and 6: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (L). SBS tests were performed, and data analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons. The difference between the mean average of SBS was statistically significant among all different surface treatments (p ≤ 0.05) except for the L group with a (p = 1.00). The highest mean value was observed in the HFS followed by the HF group. Whereas the L group showed no statistical significance in comparison with the C group (p > 0.05). Hydrofluoric acid etching in combination with a silane coupling agent was the most effective surface treatment for bonding lithium disilicate ceramics with resin cement. In contrast, laser irradiation was the least effective among all other groups.

Development of the craniofacial skeleton requires interactions between progenitor cells and the collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM). The mediators of these interactions are not well-defined. Mutations in the discoidin domain receptor 2 gene (DDR2), which encodes a non-integrin collagen receptor, are associated with human craniofacial abnormalities, such as midface hypoplasia and open fontanels. However, the exact role of this gene in craniofacial morphogenesis is not known. As will be shown, Ddr2-deficient mice exhibit defects in craniofacial bones including impaired calvarial growth and frontal suture formation, cranial base hypoplasia due to aberrant chondrogenesis and delayed ossification at growth plate synchondroses. These defects were associated with abnormal collagen fibril organization, chondrocyte proliferation and polarization. As established by localization and lineage-tracing studies, Ddr2 is expressed in progenitor cell-enriched craniofacial regions including sutures and synchondrosis resting zone cartilage, overlapping with GLI1 + cells, and contributing to chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages during skull growth. Tissue-specific knockouts further established the requirement for Ddr2 in GLI +skeletal progenitors and chondrocytes. These studies establish a cellular basis for regulation of craniofacial morphogenesis by this understudied collagen receptor and suggest that DDR2 is necessary for proper collagen organization, chondrocyte proliferation, and orientation.

Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) is a collagen-activated receptor kinase that, together with integrins, is required for cells to respond to the extracellular matrix. Ddr2 loss-of-function mutations in humans and mice cause severe defects in skeletal growth and development. However, the cellular functions of Ddr2 in bone are not understood. Expression and lineage analysis showed selective expression of Ddr2 at early stages of bone formation in the resting zone and proliferating chondrocytes and periosteum. Consistent with these findings, Ddr2+ cells could differentiate into hypertrophic chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteocytes and showed a high degree of colocalization with the skeletal progenitor marker, Gli1. A conditional deletion approach showed a requirement for Ddr2 in Gli1-positive skeletal progenitors and chondrocytes but not mature osteoblasts. Furthermore, Ddr2 knockout in limb bud chondroprogenitors or purified marrow-derived skeletal progenitors inhibited chondrogenic or osteogenic differentiation, respectively. This work establishes a cell-autonomous function for Ddr2 in skeletal progenitors and cartilage and emphasizes the critical role of this collagen receptor in bone development.

Delivering quality education to students with fair assessment strategies is a key indicator of an excellent educational institution. The present study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the academic performance of dental students in terms of the evaluations/grades awarded to them before and during the pandemic. The targeted groups were dental students, studying in the third year of 2018–2019 and 2020–2021 academic years. The sample size included all male and female students who enrolled and completed the following courses: pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics (SDS333), pre-clinical removal prosthodontics (SDS323), clinical operative dentistry-1 (RDS313), and pre-clinical endodontics (RDS323). Evaluations for students who did not complete the requirements were not included in the statistical analysis. Paired sample statistics were used for comparisons between the different groups at p < 0.05. Results revealed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) for all the course pairs. It was found that students’ grades for all the courses during the pandemic year were higher compared to the grades before the pandemic. While female students demonstrated the highest mean difference (6.13) before and during the pandemic year for RDS323, males demonstrated the highest mean difference (8.14) for SDS323. However, both male and female students demonstrated the lowest mean difference (0.25 and 2.03, respectively) for SDS333. The grades were higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, female students achieved higher grades than male students.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes, practices, supports, and barriers of academic leaders regarding the use of Evidence-Based Health Professional Education (EBHPE). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 79 faculty members in leadership positions, from four different undergraduate colleges at Qassim University. A pre-validated questionnaire was distributed electronically. The e-questionnaire was comprised of 38 questions regarding participants' demographics, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers/supports towards EBHPE. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic characteristics and responses to survey items. The frequency distribution of the subjects was analyzed, and the median and means were calculated. Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparison of the means between the demographic groups. Spearman correlation was utilized to determine any relationships between the questionnaire's three sections. Results: Of the 79 participants, 24 were Department Heads and 48 were female. The mean±SD values for Attitude, Practices and Support/Barriers were found to be 3.47±0.40, 2.72±0.84 and 3.34±0.43, respectively. The mean value of Attitude Score was > 3.41, therefore, it was interpreted that respondents had positive attitude towards EBHPE. Conversely, the values for Practices and Support/Barriers were interpreted as neutral (range = 2.61–3.40), neither good nor bad. The correlation coefficients between 'attitudes' and 'supports and barriers' (0.388) and 'practices' and 'supports and barriers' (0.388) indicated the weak association between these factors. The Cronbach's α value for questionnaire was found to be 0.887 indicating its reliability. Conclusions: This study concludes that the respondents had positive attitude towards EBHPE. However, this positive attitude was not reflected in their practices. Healthcare professionals should be committed to educational excellence, and endeavour to rely on evidence-based literature regarding the planning and review of learning, teaching, and assessment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-etching ceramic restorations in dental laboratories is preferred by numerous dentists due to the potential health concerns associated with handling hydrofluoric acid (HF) if not managed correctly. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) between lithium disilicate ceramics and self-adhesive resin cement. For this study, a total of 60 IPS e. max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) lithium disilicate specimens were prepared. Specimens were randomly divided into six groups, with 10 specimens per each. Different surface treatments were applied (1: Control group no surface treatment (C); 2: 10% hydrofluoric with silane coupling agent (HFS); 3: 10% hydrofluoric acid only (HF); 4: Sandblasting with 50 μm aluminum-oxide powder (AO); 5: Sandblasting with 30 μm silica-coated aluminum-oxide powder (SC), and 6: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (L). SBS tests were performed, and data analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons. The difference between the mean average of SBS was statistically significant among all different surface treatments (p ≤ 0.05) except for the L group with a (p = 1.00). The highest mean value was observed in the HFS followed by the HF group. Whereas the L group showed no statistical significance in comparison with the C group (p > 0.05). Hydrofluoric acid etching in combination with a silane coupling agent was the most effective surface treatment for bonding lithium disilicate ceramics with resin cement. In contrast, laser irradiation was the least effective among all other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of the craniofacial skeleton requires interactions between progenitor cells and the collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM). The mediators of these interactions are not well-defined. Mutations in the discoidin domain receptor 2 gene (DDR2), which encodes a non-integrin collagen receptor, are associated with human craniofacial abnormalities, such as midface hypoplasia and open fontanels. However, the exact role of this gene in craniofacial morphogenesis is not known. As will be shown, Ddr2-deficient mice exhibit defects in craniofacial bones including impaired calvarial growth and frontal suture formation, cranial base hypoplasia due to aberrant chondrogenesis and delayed ossification at growth plate synchondroses. These defects were associated with abnormal collagen fibril organization, chondrocyte proliferation and polarization. As established by localization and lineage-tracing studies, Ddr2 is expressed in progenitor cell-enriched craniofacial regions including sutures and synchondrosis resting zone cartilage, overlapping with GLI1 + cells, and contributing to chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages during skull growth. Tissue-specific knockouts further established the requirement for Ddr2 in GLI +skeletal progenitors and chondrocytes. These studies establish a cellular basis for regulation of craniofacial morphogenesis by this understudied collagen receptor and suggest that DDR2 is necessary for proper collagen organization, chondrocyte proliferation, and orientation.

Background: Dental extraction can initiate a sequence of biological events that may lead to an insufficient bone volume, which can compromise implant placement. To minimize bone loss, alveolar ridge preservation procedures were developed. However, smoking has been shown to adversely affect the outcomes of the procedures. Hence, this clinical study aimed to assess the ability of platelet-rich fibrin to maintain ridge volume and its ability to generate vital bone in smokers. Methods: Eighteen current heavy smokers with a total of forty upper molars indicated for extraction and implant placement were randomly allocated to four different groups: an advanced platelet-rich fibrin group (A-PRF) (n = 10), a factor-enriched bone graft matrix covered by A-PRF group (A/S-PRF) (n = 10); a freeze-dried bone allograft covered by a crosslinked collagen membrane group (FDBA/CM) (n = 10), which served as a positive control; and a negative-control resorbable collagen plug group (RCP) (n = 10). Two consecutive high-resolution CBCT images were taken for each augmented socket to evaluate the bone volume, one at baseline and the other after six months, and four different measurements (vertical height, horizontal 1 mm H1, horizontal 3 mm, and horizontal 5 mm) were taken for each image. To evaluate the bone vitality, three bone samples were harvested for each group and were analyzed histologically using H and E staining. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 through the Wilcoxon sign rank test and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: In terms of preserving bone volume, A/S-PRF showed no significant reduction in bone after six months, while A-PRF showed a significant loss according to two measurements (vertical and horizontal 5 mm), and the last two groups showed a significant loss in all four measurements. For vital bone formation, three groups (A-PRF, A/S-PRF, and RCP) showed the generation of only vital bone, while the fourth group (FDBA/CM) showed the generation of a mixture of vital and non-vital bone. Conclusions: Based on the outcomes of this study, PRF was able to minimize bone loss following dental extraction and generate vital bone in smokers.

Background: Dental extraction can initiate a sequence of biological events that may lead to an insufficient bone volume, which can compromise implant placement. To minimize bone loss, alveolar ridge preservation procedures were developed. However, smoking has been shown to adversely affect the outcomes of the procedures. Hence, this clinical study aimed to assess the ability of platelet-rich fibrin to maintain ridge volume and its ability to generate vital bone in smokers. Methods: Eighteen current heavy smokers with a total of forty upper molars indicated for extraction and implant placement were randomly allocated to four different groups: an advanced platelet-rich fibrin group (A-PRF) (n = 10), a factor-enriched bone graft matrix covered by A-PRF group (A/S-PRF) (n = 10); a freeze-dried bone allograft covered by a crosslinked collagen membrane group (FDBA/CM) (n = 10), which served as a positive control; and a negative-control resorbable collagen plug group (RCP) (n = 10). Two consecutive high-resolution CBCT images were taken for each augmented socket to evaluate the bone volume, one at baseline and the other after six months, and four different measurements (vertical height, horizontal 1 mm H1, horizontal 3 mm, and horizontal 5 mm) were taken for each image. To evaluate the bone vitality, three bone samples were harvested for each group and were analyzed histologically using H and E staining. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 through the Wilcoxon sign rank test and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: In terms of preserving bone volume, A/S-PRF showed no significant reduction in bone after six months, while A-PRF showed a significant loss according to two measurements (vertical and horizontal 5 mm), and the last two groups showed a significant loss in all four measurements. For vital bone formation, three groups (A-PRF, A/S-PRF, and RCP) showed the generation of only vital bone, while the fourth group (FDBA/CM) showed the generation of a mixture of vital and non-vital bone. Conclusions: Based on the outcomes of this study, PRF was able to minimize bone loss following dental extraction and generate vital bone in smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 15% of the edentulous population has dentures made each year. However, there are many challenges surrounding conventional denture fabrication. By using CAD/CAM systems, it may be possible to reduce the fabrication time and cost. This is a clinical report of an edentulous patient that had CAD/CAM complete dentures fabricated with the Dentca system, which requires only two visits. The first visit includes Dentca trays selection, final impression, vertical dimension and centric relation record. A try-in visit is an optional step. The final visit is for delivery of complete dentures. The time required for processing dentures is 5 days. The CAD/CAM denture systems may save chair time, increase production, and result in an acceptable, complete denture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen signaling is critical for proper bone and tooth formation. Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) is a collagen-activated tyrosine kinase receptor shown to be essential for skeletal development. Patients with loss of function mutations in DDR2 develop spondylo-meta-epiphyseal dysplasia (SMED), a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by short stature, short limbs, and craniofacial anomalies. A similar phenotype was observed in Ddr2-deficient mice, which exhibit dwarfism and defective bone formation in the axial, appendicular, and cranial skeletons. However, it is not known if Ddr2 has a role in tooth formation. We first defined the expression pattern of Ddr2 during tooth formation using Ddr2-LacZ knock-in mice. Ddr2 expression was detected in the dental follicle/sac and dental papilla mesenchyme of developing teeth and in odontoblasts and the periodontal ligament (PDL) of adults. No LacZ staining was detected in wild-type littermates. This Ddr2 expression pattern suggests a potential role in the tooth and surrounding periodontium. To uncover the function of Ddr2, we used Ddr2slie/slie mice, which contain a spontaneous 150-kb deletion in the Ddr2 locus to produce an effective null. In comparison with wild-type littermates, Ddr2slie/slie mice displayed disproportional tooth size (decreased root/crown ratio), delayed tooth root development, widened PDL space, and interradicular alveolar bone defects. Ddr2slie/slie mice also had abnormal collagen content associated with upregulation of periostin levels within the PDL. The delayed root formation and periodontal abnormalities may be related to defects in RUNX2-dependent differentiation of odontoblasts and osteoblasts; RUNX2-S319-P was reduced in PDLs from Ddr2slie/slie mice, and deletion of Ddr2 in primary cell cultures from dental pulp and PDL inhibited differentiation of cells to odontoblasts or osteoblasts, respectively. Together, our studies demonstrate odontoblast- and PDL-specific expression of Ddr2 in mature and immature teeth, as well as indicate that DDR2 signaling is important for normal tooth formation and maintenance of the surrounding periodontium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are often associated with development of osteoarthritis-like changes in the mandibular condyle. Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a collagen receptor preferentially activated by type I and III collagen found in the TMJ and other fibrocartilages, has been associated with TMJ degeneration, but its role in normal joint development has not been previously examined. Using Ddr2 LacZ-tagged mice and immunohistochemistry, we found that DDR2 is preferentially expressed and activated in the articular zone of TMJs but not knee joints. To assess the requirement for Ddr2 in TMJ development, studies were undertaken to compare wild-type and smallie ( slie) mice, which contain a spontaneous deletion in Ddr2 to produce an effective null allele. Analysis of TMJs from newborn Ddr2slie/slie mice revealed a developmental delay in condyle mineralization, as measured by micro-computed tomography and histologic analysis. In marked contrast, knee joints of Ddr2slie/slie mice were normal. Analysis of older Ddr2slie/slie mice (3 and 10 mo) revealed that the early developmental delay led to a dramatic and progressive loss of TMJ articular integrity and osteoarthritis-like changes. Mutant condyles had a rough and flattened bone surface, accompanied by a dramatic loss of bone mineral density. Mankin scores showed significantly greater degenerative changes in the TMJs of 3- and 10-mo-old Ddr2slie/slie mice as compared with wild-type controls. No DDR2-dependent degenerative changes were seen in knees. Analysis of primary cultures of TMJ articular chondrocytes from wild-type and Ddr2slie/slie mice showed defects in chondrocyte maturation and mineralization in the absence of Ddr2. These studies demonstrate that DDR2 is necessary for normal TMJ condyle development and homeostasis and that these DDR2 functions are restricted to TMJ fibrocartilage and not seen in the hyaline cartilage of the knee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Studying dentists' knowledge of dry mouth management is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes and oral health. This study aimed to evaluate their knowledge and awareness of dry mouth and its predictors.A pre‐validated online survey was administered to a convenience sample of dentists across six countries. The questionnaire evaluated knowledge in various domains, including predisposing factors, diagnosis, clinical signs and symptoms, and management of dry mouth.A total of 884 dentists participated. Knowledge and awareness of dry mouth management varied significantly between countries (p < 0.05). Overall, 34.3% of participants demonstrated good knowledge, while 53.7% had moderate knowledge. Regarding management awareness, 55.4% had good awareness and 35.5% had moderate awareness. A majority (69.2%) showed good knowledge of common signs, symptoms, and consequences of dry mouth. Significant predictors of better knowledge and awareness included the country of practice and attendance at continuing education courses on dry mouth.The findings suggest that dentists in the surveyed countries require improved education on dry mouth and its management. Dental educators and healthcare planners can use this data to design targeted continuing education activities to enhance knowledge and awareness of dry mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endodontically treated molar rehabilitation is still challenging. Molars lose their mechanical properties after endodontic therapy. As a result of the pulp and surrounding dentin tissues being removed, they actually became brittle. A single one-piece restoration called an endodontic crown might be a viable alternative for crown restoration on molars with huge coronal damage presenting difficulties for endodontic treated teeth. This case report explains the successful restoration of an extensively damaged molar in a young individual using an endocrown. The decision to use this technique was guided by the patient's age, the desire to maintain natural tooth structure, and the restrictions of traditional post-and-core restorations. The endocrown, fabricated from lithium disilicate glass, offered advantages such as minimal tooth preparation, a simplified restoration process, and extraordinary esthetic and functional outcomes. Long-term research is still required, but this particular case strengthens the argument for endocrowns as a beneficial restorative alternative, especially when more conventional methods could jeopardize the tooth's long-term health., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Binrayes et al.)