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Purpose: To examine if there are differences in smile esthetic evaluation scores by orthodontists and prosthodontists and if there are changes in those scores when two evaluations are performed, when the time of observation is increased, and when the lips are present or absent from the images. Materials and Methods: In total, 12 individuals participated in this pilot study. Two digital images were taken from each individual. The first digital image was a smile view, and the second image was an intraoral view. Two presentation files were prepared, with two images for each individual. The smile and dental attractiveness ratings were obtained from 10 specialists. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA was applied including all four within-subject factors, the evaluator (E), the repetition (R), the time of observation (T), and the presence or not of lips (L). Factors E, T, and L each had a statistically significant main effect. E and R had a statistically significant combined effect. In particular, the esthetic score for the view with smile was overall higher than for the intraoral view. The same results were obtained when the analysis was repeated with the 10 evaluators grouped to prosthodontists and orthodontists, and the prosthodontists tended to score higher than the orthodontists. Conclusions: The evaluator and the presence of lips have a statistically significant effect. The present pilot study has found that three (E, L, R) out of four factors (T) are important for the evaluation of dental esthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the biocompatibility of silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-doped Ti-6Al-4V surfaces by evaluating the viability and proliferation rate of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs)--as the dominant cells of peri-implant soft tissues-- seeded on the modified surfaces. Materials and Methods: AgNPs (sizes 8 nm and 30 nm) were incorporated onto Ti-6Al-4V specimen surfaces via electrochemical deposition, using colloid silver dispersions with increasing AgNP concentrations of 100 ppm, 200 ppm, and 300 ppm. One control and six experimental groups were included in the study: (1) control (Ti-6Al- 4V), (2) 8 nm/100 ppm, (3) 8 nm/200 ppm, (4) 8 nm/300 ppm, (5) 30 nm/100 ppm, (6) 30 nm/200 ppm, and (7) 30 nm/300 ppm. HGF cell primary cultures were isolated from periodontally healthy donor patients and cultured in direct contact with the group specimens for 24 and 72 hours. The cytotoxicity of AgNP-doped Ti-6Al-4V specimens toward HGF was assessed by the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine) assay tests. Calcein AM and ethidium homodimer (EthD-1) fluorescent stains were used to determine the live and dead cells. The morphology and attachment properties of the HGFs were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of AgNPs on the specimens. The MTT test revealed that AgNPs of both sizes and all concentrations presented a decreased cellular metabolic activity compared to the control discs. All concentrations of both sizes of AgNPs affected the cell proliferation rate compared to the control group, as revealed by the BrdU assay. Overall, cytotoxicity of the modified Ti-6Al-4V surfaces depended on cell exposure time. Observation via confocal microscopy confirmed the results of the MTT and BrdU assay tests. Specifically, most cells remained alive throughout the 72-hour culture period. SEM images revealed that adjacent cells form bonds with each other, creating confluent layers of conjugated cells. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicate that Ti-6Al-4V surfaces modified with 8 nm and 30 nm AgNPs at concentrations of 100 ppm, 200 ppm, and 300 ppm do not produce any serious cytotoxicity toward HGFs. The initial arrest of the HGF proliferation rate recovered at 72 hours. These results on the antibacterial activity against common periodontal pathogens, in combination with the results found in a previous study by the same research group, suggest that AgNP-doped Ti-6Al-4V surfaces are potential candidates for use in implant abutments for preventing peri-implant diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 59-year-old woman presented with flushing attacks accompanied by tachycardia and hypotension, which lasted approximately 30 to 60 minutes, underwent 18 years ago a gastrointestinal tumor resection. The histologic examination revealed a poorly differentiated mixed neuroendocrine/adenocarcinoma located in the caecum with regional metastases. Postoperatively, the patient received combined chemotherapy of 5-fluorouracil with interferon for six months and since has remained asymptomatic. Her examination revealed positivity for chromogranin A (CgA) and a-Fetoprotein (aFP) (580 ng/24 h, normal range 27–94, and 10 IU/mL, normal range 0–6, respectively). Urinary 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid excretion was remarkably high (41.8 mg/24 h, normal range 2–10 mg/24 h). An abdominal Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan revealed multiple focal loci in the liver whose histological examination revealed a carcinoid tumor confirmed by an Octreoscan. Additional uptake was noted on the right shoulder and the right sternum-clavicle joint confirmed by Tc-99m MDP scan. The patient received somatostatin analogue therapy followed by long-acting release octreotide analogue therapy (30 mg/month) showing a partial improvement of relevant biomarkers. Two years later, carcinoid syndrome symptoms reappeared and due to the tumors expression of somatostatin receptors the patient received peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE that resulted in both clinical and biochemical improvements.

Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, exerting many positive effects in the human body. Its action has been widely studied, placing it into the metabolic health beneficial products of the adipose tissue. Nevertheless, adiponectin has been shown to exert some extra beneficial non metabolic actions, as well. Adiponectin levels can be related to reduced incidence of cancer in obese patients. Moreover, adiponectin has been shown to be implicated in the positive fertility outcomes of women. Some new studies have also indicated that adiponectin has a potential effect in the control of appetite, which raises a question, whether adiponectin could be accredited to be useful in the endocrine evaluation of obesity. Could these additional non-metabolic actions prove its helpfulness?