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The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, P, Zn, Na, K, Cu, Cr, Mo, Co, Se) analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and fluorides (F

Background: Personality traits are one of the major factors influencing the behavior and functioning of an individual, and they play a crucial role in the development of psychosomatic disorders and diseases. This paper aimed to evaluate the importance of personality traits in temporomandibular disorder (TMDs) development using the NEO-FFI Personality Inventory by Paul Costa and Robert McCrae (the Five-Factor Model of Personality, known as the Big Five). Moreover, the relationship between personality type and the intensity of dysfunctional changes in the stomatognathic system was assessed using the NEO-FFI Personality Inventory by Paul Costa and Robert McCrae (the Five-Factor Model of Personality, known as the Big Five). Material and Methods: The study included a group of 75 adult participants (aged 19–52) with TMD diagnosed according to DC/TMD criteria and a control group of 75 participants without symptoms of dysfunction. The study consisted of a questionnaire and clinical study; the questionnaire included the NEO-FFI psychological questionnaire and a self-authored one. The clinical part consisted of extra- and intraoral dental examinations. Results: Participants who clenched their teeth showed a greater degree of conscientiousness than those who did not exhibit this symptom (p = 0.048). Presence of headaches was correlated with greater severity of neuroticism (p = 0.001). Moreover, participants with enamel cracks showed a lower intensity of extraversion (p = 0.039), and those with worn hard dental tissues showed a higher intensity of neuroticism (p = 0.03), a lower intensity of conscientiousness (p = 0.01), and a lower intensity of extroversion (p = 0.046). Acoustic symptoms during mandibular movements were found to be linked with a higher level of neuroticism (p = 0.020), a lower level of extraversion (p = 0.035), and a lower level of conscientiousness, whereas pain upon mandibular movements were linked to a lower level of conscientiousness (p = 0.025). Participants with pain upon palpation of the masticatory muscles showed a lower level of conscientiousness (p = 0.01) compared to those without pain symptoms. Episodes of mandibular blockage or problems with its adduction depend on the intensity of conscientiousness (p = 0.007). Moreover, people from the study group with high levels of neuroticism showed lower protrusion values (p = 0.016). Conclusion: The intensity of individual personality traits was found to be associated with some TMDs in comparison to healthy controls.

Introduction: With age, there are many pathologies in the organs of our body. The sedentary lifestyle in specific professional groups cause the emergence and intensification of functional and structural defects of the spine. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the frequency of pelvic and lumbar spine disorders (measured using functional tests and imaging tests) affecting the frequency of pain. Material and Methods: The study involved 114 patients with lumbosacral pain (75 women, 39 men, 24-85 years of age, average age of the respondent 53 years). It was carried out between July 2017 and September 2019 at SP ZOZ SW in Szczecin. In the study group, the author’s questionnaire was used, functional tests were carried out and imaging analysis was performed. Results: The frequency of occurrence of pain episodes depends statistically significantly on the age (p

Study Design. Data were obtained from PubMed, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, ProQuest, Scopus, Medline (EBSCO), and ScienceDirect databases. Literature search was performed from 1 December 2017 through 12 January 2018. The titles and abstracts from electronic search results were screened for keywords and evaluated by two observers, with the following inclusion criteria: published since 1997, written in English, and encompassing human research. Exclusion criteria were as follows: articles published earlier than 1997, not written in English, animal studies, studies with the use of medicaments, and articles examining receptor interactions. Objectives. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) may be an efficient approach to screen and evaluate orofacial pain. However, the results of previous PPT studies have varied greatly. The aim of this paper was to determine whether the PPT is an efficient approach for screening and evaluating orofacial pain. Methods. The search yielded 123 articles. After removal of duplicates and screening of abstracts, 32 articles were selected for further evaluation. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias was used for the evaluation of the studies. Results. The studies covered a total of 4403 adult patients, aged 16-62, and 30 children. The studies investigated the reliability and validity of the PPT (measured by a pressure algometer) in TMD patients. The PPT was investigated in relation to headache, menstrual cycle, oral contraception, occlusal interference, and occlusal appliances. Generally, the risk of bias was low to unclear. Some structural limitations were inherent in the studies, such as small samples and short duration of the testing involved. Also, the analyzed studies lacked consistency in study design and patient management. Pressure increase values differed from 20 kPa/s to 50 kPa/s and from 0.5 kg/cm2/s to 2 kg/cm2/s. Descriptions of the PPT examination points also varied, from very precise and repeatable to a simple listing of anatomical points. The number of measurements varied from 1 to 5 at each visit. The intervals ranged from 5 seconds to 15 minutes. However, some studies confirmed that the pressure algometer is an effective tool for determining the source of orofacial pain. Conclusions. Based on the analyzed articles, the authors argue that the PPT is not an efficient approach for screening and evaluating orofacial pain. What is more, it should not be used as the only diagnostics tool for patients with orofacial pain. Importantly, however, additional factors should be considered in the future for the evaluation of the PPT, including body symmetry and posture, hormone levels and the menstrual phase in women, and the use of medications and its influence on the PPT. Further clinical trials should also be performed on the PPT, examining head and neck pain patients, with more precise study design and larger samples.

Borreliosis (Lyme disease) is a chronic multisystem infectious disease transmitted by Ixodes ticks. The etiological agent of borreliosis is the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. The symptoms of borreliosis can vary depending on the attacked system and length of infection. Diagnosis is based mainly on clinical symptoms and immunoserological tests. The clinical symptoms of borreliosis also include dysfunction in the tissues and organs of the stomatognathic system. This paper describes a case of a female patient who had experienced a long-term dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). After careful analysis, the symptoms were found to be caused by a chronic form of neuroborreliosis with exacerbations. The findings in this case study show that borreliosis should be considered by doctors and dentists in the differential diagnosis of pain in the area of the TMJ.

Background: Despite a growing interest in the types of human circadian activity, different chronotypes and personality-related issues have been rarely studied. It has already been emphasized that ‘stress personality’ is considered a risk factor for certain psychosomatic diseases and may be a temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) predictor. Therefore, an attempt has been made to analyze the chronotypes, stress levels, stress factors, and the occurrence of depression and TMDs in students with type D personalities. People with this personality trait tend to experience negative emotions more—depression, anxiety, anger, or hostility—yet may have a negative image of themselves and report somatic complaints. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the importance of the chronotype profile for the level of stress perceived, as well as for the occurrence of depression and TMDs in people with type D personalities. Material and Methods: The study has been conducted on a group of 220 physical therapy students. The study group G1 consisted of 110 participants with type D personalities, the control group G2 consisted of the same number of participants without the stress personality. All participants have been analyzed for the chronotype (MEQ), stress perception (PSS10), the occurrence of depression (Beck scale-BDI), the occurrence of TMDs symptoms and have completed the stress factor assessment questionnaire during the study, followed by DS14 questionnaire—a tool for assessing the prevalence of type D personality. Results: In students with type D personalities (G1), the definitely evening and evening chronotypes have been significantly more predominant than in the control group (G2). A significantly higher number of stressors and TMDs symptoms have been observed in the respondents from the G1 group than in the control group (

Background: A person’s response to stressors is largely dependent on their personality traits that affect the way stress is controlled and relieved. This article is a quantitative analysis assessing the importance of the distressed personality in the development of stomatognathic system disorders (SSDs) in physiotherapy students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The goal of the research was to assess the presence of type D personality in students with symptoms of stomatognathic system disorders. Material and Method: The research was carried out among 300 physiotherapy students. The data were collected using the form of the occurrence of symptoms of SS disorders developed for the purpose of the study and the standardized psychological DS14 questionnaire. Results: In a group of 300 students, the presence of type D personality was found in 160 people (53.3%). People with type D personality had symptoms of SS disorders more often than the group without stressful personality traits. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding all the examined symptoms. In the group of people with type D personality, the most frequently reported symptoms of SS disorders included: headache (51.3%), pain in the neck and shoulder girdle (43.1%), and teeth clenching (35.6%). As many as 70% of the respondents in the group with symptoms of SS disorders (P1) had type D personality, whereas in the asymptomatic group (P2) this result was 23.3%. There was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.00). Statistically significantly higher values of both D personality dimensions were observed in women than in men with symptoms of SS disorders. In people reporting symptoms of SS disorders, higher average values were observed in both dimensions of type D personality. There were significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: type D personality may contribute to the development of symptoms of stomatognathic disorders.

Numerous reports describe the association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12722 and rs13946 in the COL5A1 gene and injuries, such as Achilles tendon pathology, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and tennis elbow. Hence, there were no studies investigating COL5A1 and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between COL5A1 rs12722 and rs13946 SNPs and TMJ articular disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR). In this case-control study, the study group consisted of 124 Caucasian patients of both sexes. Each patient had a history of ADDwoR no more than 3 months prior. The control group comprised 126 patients with no signs of TMD according to DC/TMD. Genotyping of the selected SNPs was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. The significance of the differences in the distribution of genotypes was analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test. Logistic regression modeling was performed to analyze the influence of the 164 investigated SNPs on ADDwoR. The COL5A1 marker rs12722 turned out to be statistically significant (p-value = 0.0119), implying that there is a difference in the frequencies of TMJ ADDwoR. The distribution of rs12722 SNPs in the study group TT(66), CC(27), CT(31) vs. control group TT(45), CC(26), CT(51) indicates that patients with CT had an almost 2.4 times higher likelihood of ADDwoR (OR = 2.41) than those with reference TT (OR = 1), while rs13946 genotypes were shown to be insignificant, with a p-value of 0.1713. The COL5A1 rs12722 polymorphism is a risk factor for ADDwoR in the Polish Caucasian population.

Cel pracyCelem pracy było określenie zmian czynności elektrycznej mięśni żucia u osób przyjmujących substancje psychoaktywne.MetodaBadanie Elektromiograficzne zostało przeprowadzone za pomocą urządzenia Zebris EMG-8 Bluetooth (Zebris Medical GmbH, Niemcy). Elektrody zostały umieszczone na brzuścach mięśni żwaczy, a następnie pacjent wykonywał ruchy: lateralnie prawo/lewo, protruzyjny, zwarcie zębów, rejestracja w spoczynku oraz MVC. Następnie elektrody były umieszczane na przednich częściach m. skroniowych, a wszystkie ruchy powtórzone.WynikiMięśnie w spoczynku Wzmożona aktywność elektryczna została zaobserwowana u pacjentów z grupy A w stosunku do grupy kontrolnej oprócz mięśnia żwacza po stronie prawej (RM). Ruch protruzyjny Wystąpiła wzmożona aktywność EMG wszystkich mięśni grupy A oprócz RM, lecz istotność statystyczna wystąpiła tylko dla mięśni skroniowych. Laterotruzja w prawą stronę Obie grupy pacjentów wykazały większą aktywność elektromiograficzną (A>O oprócz LM, w grupie O RM niższe nieznacznie od grupy kontrolnej) zgodną ze wzorcem skurczu dla laterotruzji. Laterotruzja w lewą stronę Podczas tego ruchu obie grupy pacjentów wykazały większą aktywność elektromiograficzną (A>O, w grupie O RM nieznacznie niższe od grupy kontrolnej) zgodną ze wzorcem skurczu dla laterotruzji.Wnioski1. Podczas ruchów żuchwy, w zapisie EMG stwierdzono wzmożoną czynność elektryczną mięśni żwaczy i przednich brzuśców mięśni skroniowych u osób uzależnionych od alkoholu, w porównaniu do grupy kontrolnej. 2. Podczas ruchów żuchwy, w zapisie EMG nie stwierdzono istotnej statystycznie różnicy w napięciu mięśni żwaczy i przednich brzuśców mięśni skroniowych u osób uzależnionych od opiatów, w porównaniu do grupy kontrolnej.

Background: This study is a quantitative analysis examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of stress and stomatognathic system disorders (SSDs) among students of physiotherapy. Objective: To assess stress severity, strategies of coping with stress and the presence of type D personality among physiotherapy students including those with symptoms of stomatognathic system disorders. Material and Methods: The research was conducted from October to December 2020 on a sample of 188 students of physiotherapy. The data were collected using a survey form related to the occurrence of SS disorders symptoms and standardized psychological questionnaires, such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10, Mini-Cope, and the type-D Scale (DS14), developed for the purpose of this study. Results: Women experiencing at least one of the SS disorder-related symptoms were characterized by a significantly higher level of stress and a type D personality (p < 0.05). Among men, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). On the basis of the strategies of coping with stress, i.e., positive self-reevaluation, discharging and blaming oneself, and taking psychoactive substances, it is possible to predict the intensity of stress during the pandemic in the group of the examined students. Among the reported symptoms of SS, headache was a significant predictor of stress, which was accompanied by an increase in the intensity of stress by nearly 0.2 measurement points. Students with higher levels of stress showed more symptoms of type D personality, and those with more severe symptoms of SS showed higher levels of stress. Conclusions: People prone to stress and having type D personality traits should be assessed for the presence of SS disorders.

This randomized, parallel, controlled trial assessed the effect of fluoride varnish, ozone and octenidine on white spot lesions (WSLs) and caries during orthodontic treatment. Patients were enrolled between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2020 at initiation of orthodontic treatment in Department of Interdisciplinary Dentistry Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. All participants were randomly assigned to four study and one control groups using number random generator. However, investigators were not blinded due to the nature of the study. Groups I, II, III, IV had professional cleaning and varnishing (5% NaF) every 4 weeks. Groups II and IV had in-office ozone therapy before varnishing, groups III and IV received domestic octenidine mouthrinse. Group K had no professional hygienic or prophylactic procedures. WSLs were assessed at T0 and then every 4 weeks (T1–T4) and caries—at T0 and T4. The specific objective was to assess the influence of fluoride varnish, ozone and octenidine on the incidence of white spot lesions and caries during orthodontic treatment. The primary outcome of this report was the highest number of WSLs in group K and the lowest percentage of patients with WSLs in group IV. Each group comprised 30 randomized participants; they were all analyzed. No WSLs were found at T0, but they were stated in all groups at T4. The numbers of patients with WSLs significantly increased between T0-T4 in groups I and K. Group IV had the lowest percentage of patients with WSLs in T1-T4. WSLs in group IV were found no earlier than at T2. Group K had the highest percentage of WSLs at T4: 26%. At T0 all the groups had DMFs above 0 with a significant increase at T4. No side effects of the introduced prophylaxis were observed in any group. Caries is an important problem of fixed orthodontic treatment. Even an extremely intensive prophylaxis could not completely prevent WSLs and caries. Simultaneous application of fluoride varnish, ozone gas exposure and octenidine appears to have a beneficial effect in limiting the development of WSLs.Trial registration: NCT04992481.

Data delivered by Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy (MFLSP) prove the growing scale of economic immigration to Poland from culturally and geographically close countries. Increased inflow of employees from other countries, mainly from Ukraine, is also noticeable in Lubuskie voivodship. The purpose of the article is to identify the scale and structure of the phenomenon of economic immigration in the aforemen-tioned region according to selected features.In the study data of Statistics Poland, Statistical Office in Zielona Góra, MFLSP and Voivodship Labour Office in Zielona Góra were used for the period 2014—2017.In particular, the ethnic structure of immigrants andthe structure of industries was examined,in which labour demand is satisfied on the basis of foreign labour force.The conducted analysis confirmed both the intensified need forsup-plementingthe labour demand of immigrants in Lubuskie voivodship and the changed structure of their distribution on the Polish labour market. Foreigners employed in Lubuskie voivodship work mainly in transport and storage, manufacturing, as well as in adminis-trative activitiesand construction. In turn, the largest deficits of employees concern machine operators and assemblers, industrial workers, craftsmen and employees performing simple works. The conclusion from the analysis of secondary data was consistent with the results of the unstructured interview carried out in January 2018 with representatives of thejob agency from Lubuskie voivodship.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) may affect up to 25% of the population, with almost 70% of these TMD cases developing malpositioning of the disc over time in what is known as internal derangement (ID). Despite significant efforts, the molecular mechanism underlying disease progression is not yet very well known. In this study, the role of COL12A1 rs970547 and rs240736 polymorphisms as potential genetic factors regulating ID was investigated. The study included 124 Caucasian patients of both sexes after disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) in either one or two temporomandibular joints (TMJs), either of which meet the criteria for this condition. All patients underwent clinical examination and 3D digital imaging. The COL12A1 rs970547 and rs240736 polymorphisms were evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences in the chi-square test between the study group and healthy controls. The examined COL12A1 rs240736 and rs970547 polymorphisms do not contribute to DDwoR in Polish Caucasians.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ESR1 rs1643821 and TNF-α rs1800629 as potential genetic factors regulating anterior disc displacement without reduction-mediated inflammatory pathway. Background. The temporomandibular joint is a complex synovial joint that allows mandibular movement in three directions. Although temporomandibular disorders are widespread, limited data is available on the biochemical characteristics of the displaced disc and quality of the surrounding soft tissue. Changes in degenerative tissue provoke disc displacement which involves secretion of inflammatory markers and sequential conversion of fibroblast-like cells into chondrocyte-like cells. Due to the high occurrence in female adolescents, the potential role of sex hormones in temporomandibular joint disorders has been speculated. Furthermore, anterior disc displacement without reduction severely affects the quality of life. Methods. 124 Caucasian patients with a history of at least one anterior disc displacement without reduction within 3 months were enrolled. Anterior disc displacement without reduction was diagnosed based on clinical examination, diagnostic criteria (DC)/TMD, and cone-beam computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CBCT/MRI). The control group consisted of 126 patients with no temporomandibular joint disorders. Genotyping of two single nucleotide polymorphisms, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) rs1643821, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) rs1800629 was performed. Results. ESR1 rs1643821 showed significant P values (using chi-square analysis) revealing the difference in anterior disc displacement without reduction frequencies while TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism was found to be statistically insignificant when compared to the control group. Furthermore, patients with a genotype of ESR1 rs1643821 showed a decreased probability ( OR = 0.412 ) against anterior disc displacement without reduction when compared to the GG genotype ( OR = 1 ). Conclusion. ESR1 rs1643821 with A allele frequency was lower in patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction compared to the control group. Thus, the rs1643821 variant is significantly associated with susceptibility to the anterior disc displacement without a reduction in European Caucasians. Conversely, TNF-α rs1800629 was a statistically insignificant factor against anterior disc displacement without reduction when compared to the control group.

(1) In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the availability of denture adhesives for stabilizing removable dentures. The aim of the present study was to assess the cytotoxicity of three denture adhesives on human fibroblasts. (2) Methods: Three denture adhesives were analyzed. Fibroblast cultures were established for the study and control groups in order to assess the incidence of necrosis and to evaluate the microscopic intracellular alterations induced. Following incubation with (study groups) or without adhesives (control group), trypan blue dye exclusion assay was used to determine the number of viable and/or dead cells. Microscopic specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, scanned, digitally processed and then analyzed by a histopathologist. (3) Results: All three denture adhesives analyzed demonstrated various toxic effects in vitro on human fibroblast: quantitative evaluation—45.87–61.13% reduction of cell viability (p = 0.0001) and slight to moderate cytotoxicity in qualitative evaluation. (4) Conclusions: Denture adhesive creams demonstrated a toxic effect on human fibroblasts in vitro in quantitative and qualitative evaluation. In vivo observations are needed to find out if denture adhesives present a cytotoxic effect in patients.

The financial well-being of people in mature and old age in selected countries of the European UnionThe dynamic nature of demographic changes taking place on the European continent implies the necessity of their analysis, both in the context of causes and effects. The scope of the analysis of these works will take into account first of all the consequences of changes in the age structure of the population, as a result of which the percentage of older people increases. This, in turn, determines that the socio-economic effects of these changes may be on the one hand a barrier to development, and on the other, a chance for new development opportunities. The purchasing power of people in mature and old age, combined with their growing share in the overall population structure, may inspire and cause the emergence of new industries and market segments focused primarily on meeting the needs of older people. The aim of the article is a comparative analysis of financial well-being of older people as a factor affecting the quality of life. The analysis will cover the situation of older Poles in the context of the situation of citizens of other EU Member States. The research will use the method of desk research, data from international statistics, in particular from Eurostat, will be used. In addition, the research methods used in the work will be the description method and critical analysis of domestic and foreign literature.

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of factors with regard to the treatment outcome of direct pulp capping using Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France), in permanent teeth in which the pulps were exposed during caries removal. Methods Between 2010 and 2014, 112 teeth with deep carious lesions underwent direct pulp capping. The patients were followed up at 2–3 months and 1–1.5 years with a routine examination on both recall visits. Periapical radiographs were taken at 1–1.5 years. Lack of patient complaints, positive reactions to cold and electric testing, no sensitivity to percussion, and no widening of the periapical ligament indicated success. The Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was P = .05. Results Eighty-six teeth were available for 1–1.5 years follow-up. The overall success rate was 82.6%. Only age had a significant effect on the pulpal survival rate: the success rate was 90.9% in patients younger than 40 years and 73.8% in patients 40 years or older (P = .0480). Sex, initial or secondary caries treatment, occlusal or cervical/proximal caries, delayed placement of permanent filling, tooth position, and arch type did not influence the outcome. Conclusions A patient’s age influenced the outcome of direct pulp capping using this new calcium silicate cement. Clinical relevance Asymptomatic vital permanent teeth with cariously exposed pulp can be treated successfully by direct pulp capping using Biodentine.

Objective: The purpose of the present review was to demonstrate the utility of articulator systems and link instrumentation in determining the occlusal plane. The impact of the natural head position and anatomical landmarks on the occlusal plane location has been reported in the literature. Properly chosen instrumentation and management methods eliminate errors in determining the occlusal plane.Methods: The PubMed and the Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (through EbscoHost) databases were searched for ways to minimize the occurrence of errors when registering and determining the occlusal plane location, with or without the use of face-bows. A hand search and citation mining supplemented the results.Results: Overall, 11 original approaches to occlusal plane determination were identified.Discussion: Identified methods of occlusal plane transfer are based on real or virtual solutions. Owing to the large variety of devices, additional comparative studies are needed.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ESR1 rs1643821 and TNF-α rs1800629 as potential genetic factors regulating anterior disc displacement without reduction-mediated inflammatory pathway. Background The temporomandibular joint is a complex synovial joint that allows mandibular movement in three directions. Although temporomandibular disorders are widespread, limited data is available on the biochemical characteristics of the displaced disc and quality of the surrounding soft tissue. Changes in degenerative tissue provoke disc displacement which involves secretion of inflammatory markers and sequential conversion of fibroblast-like cells into chondrocyte-like cells. Due to the high occurrence in female adolescents, the potential role of sex hormones in temporomandibular joint disorders has been speculated. Furthermore, anterior disc displacement without reduction severely affects the quality of life. Methods 124 Caucasian patients with a history of at least one anterior disc displacement without reduction within 3 months were enrolled. Anterior disc displacement without reduction was diagnosed based on clinical examination, diagnostic criteria (DC)/TMD, and cone-beam computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CBCT/MRI). The control group consisted of 126 patients with no temporomandibular joint disorders. Genotyping of two single nucleotide polymorphisms, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) rs1643821, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) rs1800629 was performed. Results ESR1 rs1643821 showed significant P values (using chi-square analysis) revealing the difference in anterior disc displacement without reduction frequencies while TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism was found to be statistically insignificant when compared to the control group. Furthermore, patients with a genotype of ESR1 rs1643821 showed a decreased probability (OR = 0.412) against anterior disc displacement without reduction when compared to the GG genotype (OR = 1). Conclusion ESR1 rs1643821 with A allele frequency was lower in patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction compared to the control group. Thus, the rs1643821 variant is significantly associated with susceptibility to the anterior disc displacement without a reduction in European Caucasians. Conversely, TNF-α rs1800629 was a statistically insignificant factor against anterior disc displacement without reduction when compared to the control group.

Introduction The constantly rising number of skin malignancies and increasing cancer awareness encourage more people to visit outpatient clinics in order to have various skin lesions removed. Despite the fact that scarring is a physiological response to any excision procedure, minimizing the size of it is a goal of every good practitioner. Therefore the question arises whether different techniques used to remove skin lesions may impact the formation and quality of skin scars. Aim To perform an evaluation of skin scars formed by laser and surgical incisions and their influence on lymphatic outflow in rats. Material and methods Five male rats were used. Using methylene blue, the migration of dye through lymphatic channels of the lower extremity was measured. Afterwards, transverse incisions were made distally using laser and a surgical blade. Wounds were left to heal by secondary intention. After 4 weeks dye migration assessment was repeated and tissue samples were obtained for microscopic evaluation. Results Wounds after surgical incisions healed entirely. Wounds after laser treatment had not healed, with a visible area of granulation tissue and hair loss. Significantly worse dye migration was observed in rat extremities after laser therapy than after surgical incision (p = 0.007). Conclusions The results of the study show that the size of the scar can depend on the incision technique used. Larger scars after laser therapy limit the lymphatic flow of the skin, which may have an adverse effect on mapping sentinel lymph nodes. However, this hypothesis requires further research.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition causing restriction of the airflow through the upper airways during sleep, despite preserved inspiratory muscle activity. This may lead to the development of secondary hypertension, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia. Moreover, the prevalence of OSA is on the rise. Methods: Comparison of scores from the Berlin Questionnaire, modified Mallampati scores (MMP), pulse oximetry readings and Upper Airway Volume (UAV) data obtained from CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography). The study group of 129 patients of both sexes reporting sleep-related breathing problems completed the Berlin Questionnaire, had their oxygen saturation (SpO2) measured with a PO40 pulse oximeter, and oropharyngeal tissues assessed according to MMP. CBCT scans were put into 3D Amira TM 3D computer analysisto obtain UAV values. Results: Snoring was associated with significantly higher BMI compared to non-snoring patients. Furthermore, snoring patients had higher heart rate, modified Mallampati score, and lower UAV than the non-snoring group. The multifactorial analysis showed MMP as a useful indicator of the risk of snoring (OR = 7.468 (3863–14, 507, p < 0.001)). Conclusions: The composition of MMP together with UAV and the Berlin questionnaire might be reliable indicators to assess the risk of snoring.

Currently, SARS-CoV-2 is the primary pathogen worldwide, disrupting most of our everyday activities. The study aim was to evaluate its impact on the Polish dental community, standards of care, health, and welfare. Methods: A Google Forms survey was conducted among 303 dental practitioners. Results: Of respondents, 54.93% curbed the number of patients in the last six months, 34.21% declared no changes, and 10.86% reported an increase, whereas 70.7% of the respondents reported a treatment price increase within the same period (27.96% and 1.32% reported no changes and a decrease, respectively). Of the respondents, 15.5% did not close their businesses during the first wave of the pandemic. Most declared 1 or 2 month break, 30.7% and 34.7%, respectively. Some reported 3, 4, or 5 month breaks (15.84%, 1.32%, and 0.99%, respectively), and only two respondents (0.66%) did not admit patients at all. Headache episodes were more frequent among female dentists before the pandemic, after the pandemic, headache frequency increased among both sexes. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were more frequent among women (p = 0.017). Conclusions: Most Polish dentists followed SARS-CoV-2 recommendations and restricted their practices to admitting only patients with pain or incomplete treatment. Decreased sleep parameters, head, back, and neck pain, were observed. This situation may affect dental health conditions in Polish society over time.

Background. Occlusal appliances are still widely used instruments in the management of orofacial pain in dentistry, yet alone or as a part of multimodal therapy. However, some of those modalities have been lacking thorough randomized assessment, and there is a conflicting evidence available. It is hypothesized that pain symptoms might improve faster and in more tangible way due to combined therapy. Also, to our best knowledge, nimesulide was never examined in this aspect, too. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare early effectiveness of routine intervention methods in patients with myofascial pain (MP) after 3 weeks’ notice. Three modalities were evaluated: occlusal appliance (OA) with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy (nimesulide), occlusal appliance with dry needling (DN), and occlusal appliance (OA-control group) therapy. Design. Randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) in which ninety patients with MP, who met the inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups. Sealed, opaque envelopes were used. Methods. For evaluation, each patient completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Sleep and Pain Activity Questionnaire (SPAQ) twice, first at the beginning of the study and again after 3 weeks (0–3). Results. Posttreatment test comparison between the control group and both treated groups reveal significant differences between the control and the NSAID + occlusal appliance groups. There were also differences reported between the control and the DN + occlusal appliance groups, but these differences were, however, not statistically significant. Conclusions. Occlusal appliances in conjunction with NSAID showed better orofacial pain relief after 3 weeks of therapy, compared to the use of occlusal appliances alone or in conjunction with dry needling. Additionally, differences between pain perception and quality of life between OA and DN + OA groups were not found to be statistically significant.

STRESZCZENIEWstęp: Celem pracy było przedstawienie diagnostyki i terapii pacjentki z dysfunkcją stawu skroniowo­‍-żuchwowego spowodowane zmianami o charakterze dysplazji włóknistej głowy wyrostka kłykcia żuchwy po stronie prawej.Materiał i metody: W procesie diagnostycznym struktur kostnych wykorzystano technikę radiografii cyfrowej – system Digora, natomiast ruchomość żuchwy oceniano za pomocą techniki aksjograficznej. Pomiary przeprowadzono za pomocą urządzenia Cadiax (Diagnostic) Gamma.Wnioski: Zastosowane metody diagnostyczne pozwoliły potwierdzić diagnozę i ustalić plan leczenia, który obejmował zastosowanie aparatu terapeutycznego. Przeprowadzone procedury przyniosły pozytywny efekt terapeutyczny.

TW niniejszym opracowaniu zwrócono uwagę na występowanie dolegliwości bólowych odcinka lędźwiowo-krzyżowego u pracowników szczecińskich uczelni, będących pacjentami Poradni Fizjoterapii w Samodzielnym Publicznym Zakładzie Opieki Zdrowotnej Szkół Wyższych w Szczecinie. Przedstawiono zagadnienia dotyczące anatomii funkcjonalnej, patomechanizmu powstawania bólu tego odcinka kręgosłupa oraz diagnostyki i wybieranych form leczenia, ze zwróceniem szczególnej uwagi na zabiegi fizjoterapeutyczne. Zagadnienia te stanowią wprowadzenie do cyklu doniesień, które zostały opracowane na podstawie wyników uzyskanych podczas 2-letnich badań prowadzonych wśród pracowników szczecińskich szkół wyższych, u których zdiagnozowano zmiany w obrębie dolnego odcinka kręgosłupa. W przeprowadzonych badaniach zwrócono uwagę na następujące zaburzenia: zmiany krzywizny lędźwiowej (opublikowane w Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences), zaburzenia ze strony stawów krzyżowo-biodrowych, zmiany zwyrodnieniowe, uszkodzenia krążka międzykręgowego, zespół mięśnia gruszkowatego oraz otyłość – które zostaną szczegółowo przedstawione w kolejnych doniesieniach.

TWstęp: Nanotechnologia na dobre zagościła w poszczególnych specjalizacjach stomatologicznych jako nowatorska metodologicznie idea wdrażania materiałów o zarówno podwyższonych parametrach mechanicznych, jak i posiadających olbrzymi potencjał antymikrobiologiczny. Praca przedstawia obecny postęp, perspektywy, potencjalne przyszłe zastosowania oraz ograniczenia nanocząstek w aspekcie wytrzymałości określonych materiałów stomatologicznych oraz ich odporności na biofilm jamy ustnej.Celem niniejszego przeglądu piśmiennictwa była rzetelna analiza potencjalnych korzyści i zagrożeń wynikających z zastosowania nanocząsteczek w jamie ustnej w świetle medycyny opartej na dowodach, zarówno obecnie, jak i w niedalekiej przyszłości.Metody: Przeszukano bazy danych Medline (PubMed) i ISI Web of Science.Wyniki: Nanomateriały posiadają znaczący potencjał hamujący agregację płytki bakteryjnej, mogą przeciwdziałać procesom demineralizacji, remineralizować tkanki zębów oraz zwalczać określone typy drobnoustrojów. Jednakże ich zdolność do znoszenia dodatkowych obciążeń, a tym samym zwiększania wytrzymałości mechanicznej, nie znajduje potwierdzenia w obecnie dostępnym piśmiennictwie i wymaga dalszych badań. Również odległe skutki ich użycia, z potencjalną toksycznością włącznie, nakazują zachować dalece idącą ostrożność w stosowaniu.

The aim of the paper is to present the diagnostic procedure and treatment of a female patient with dysfunction of the right temporomandibular joint, caused by fibrous dysplasia of the head of the right mandibular condyle.In the diagnostic process of bony structures digital radiography (Digora) was used. To examine the mobility of the mandible axiographic measurements were performed using the Cadiax (Gamma Diagnostic) device.These methods allowed the confirmation of the diagnosis and the determination of a treatment plan which included the use of a therapeutic appliance. The performed procedures had a positive therapeutic effect.

Patologie stawu krzyżowo-biodrowego oraz więzadeł pośrednich i bezpośrednich tego stawu są jedną z przyczyn dolegliwości w obrębie odcinka lędźwiowo-krzyżowego kręgosłupa, pośladka i kończyn dolnych. Dolegliwości bólowe pochodzące z zablokowania stawu krzyżowo-biodrowego mylone są często zobjawami pochodzenia korzeniowego. Zastosowanie odpowiednich testów funkcjonalnych umożliwia postawienie właściwej diagnozy.

Introduction : Nanotechnology has been established in dental specialities as a novel methodology for developing materials with enhanced physical properties and antimicrobial potential. In this review we discuss the current progress, prospects, and possible future applications of functional nanoparticles contained in nanomaterials as useful strategies for refining their ability to resist occlusal forces, as well as oral biofilm management. We also provide an overview of the suggested antimicrobial mechanisms for these nanoparticles. The purpose of this study was to use an evidence-based approach to assess the possible applications of nanomaterials in various fields in contemporary and potential future dentistry. Methods : A comprehensive database search was implemented by using Medline (PubMed) and ISI Web of Science. Results : Nanomaterials have significant potential for decreasing bacterial biofilm accumulation, inhibiting the demineralization process, remineralising tooth tissues, and combating caries-related bacteria. However, their ability to withstand intraoral forces needs to be further improved. Conclusions : The results reviewed in this work present a bright outlook and open doors for future clinical studies that will allow the admission of the therapeutic value of nanotechnology-based dental materials.

Zmiany w obrębie lordozy lędźwiowej stanowią bardzo poważny problem zdrowotny w każdym przedziale wiekowym. Dolegliwości bólowe towarzyszące tym zmianom wpływają na upośledzenie sprawności funkcjonalnej, a co za tym idzie – naobniżenie jakości życia.Bóle kręgosłupa i otaczających struktur związane są z rodzajem patomechanizmu. Leczenie zależy od rodzaju patologii oraz jej zaawansowania i zwykle jest procesem złożonym.

Celem artykułu jest wskazanie roli innowacji społecznych i możliwości ich wpływu na kształtowanie wizerunku regionu jako źródła przewagi konkurencyjnej. Ich ilość, rodzaj, unikatowość i specyfika pozwala na odróżnienie określonego regionu od innych poprzez wrażenia, które on wywiera na podmioty otoczenia. Praca ma charakter teoretyczny i powstała w oparciu o źródła wtórne. Realizując cel pracy autorzy najpierw wyjaśniają pojęcie wizerunku podmiotu i innowacji społecznych w świetle literatury światowej i podają własną definicję. Następnie prezentują funkcje innowacji społecznych, które współcześnie mogą odegrać ważną rolę w kształtowaniu wizerunku jako źródła przewagi konkurencyjnej regionu. Podają przykłady wdrożonych innowacji społecznych, które dokumentują wykonanie założonego celu pracy.

Demographic trends in developed countries require focus on the problem of aging populations. These trends are directly related to structural changes within the economy. Modifications of economic models imply a need for the creation of a new regional development concept. An example of such a concept is the silver-economy strategy implemented at the regional level. This article attempts to identify the existing potential and the main barriers to the introduction of the silver-economy concept in the region. Investigations will be carried out by a case study of Lubusz Province.

The study involved research related to the selection of the material with improved functional properties that can be used for dental prostheses. An innovative system of nanofillers, that differ in shape, by means of gelatin-modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-g) along with silane-coupled aluminum trihydrate (ATH-sil) was prepared, in order to observe a synergistic improvement of acrylic material (methyl methacrylate with methyl methacrylate monomer (MM/mMM)). Selected mechanical properties of manufactured nanocomposites, along with utilitarian properties, like hardness, buffer solution absorption, and abrasion resistance, along with a fall test from the height of finished products have been discussed. Moreover, the study of the biofilm formation on the surface of dental prostheses confirmed the occurrence of a synergistic improvement of properties and the legitimacy of using modified mineral nanofillers in the form of a hybrid system.

Introduction: This article presents the results of research based on the feelings and responses of members of a sports club, in relation to a fitness programme offered by Fitness World.Material and methods: The study consisted of a group of 58 participants chosen at random. Statistically, the analysed results of the research show that the biggest group attending Fitness World consists of men between 31 and 50 years of age with higher education, and women between 18 and 30 with, mostly, higher education. In general, men prefer to participate in aerobics group sessions and gym sessions, and women choose to take part in any activities.Conclusion: The most preferred time was between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., usually after work, and with a frequency of twice a week. It was not possible to determine the main reasons for motivation, although 93% prefer to practise regularly.