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Abstract There is a critical need to understand how aging visual systems contribute to age-related increases in vehicle accidents. We investigated the potential contribution of age-related detriments in steering based on optic flow, a source of information known to play a role in navigation control. Seventeen younger adults (mean age: 21.1 years) and thirteen older adults (mean age: 57.3 years) performed a virtual reality steering task. The virtual environment depicted movement at 19 m/s along a winding road. Participants were tasked with maintaining a central lane position while experiencing eight repetitions of each combination of optic flow density (low, medium, high), turn radius (35, 55, 75 m), and turn direction (left, right), presented in random order. All participants cut corners, but did so less on turns with rotational flow from distant landmarks and without proximal optic flow. We found no evidence of an interaction between age and optic flow density, although older adults cut corners more on all turns. An exploratory gaze analysis revealed no age-related differences in gaze behavior. The lack of age-related differences in steering or gaze behavior as a function of optic flow implies that processing of naturalistic optic flow stimuli when steering may be preserved with age.

Perceptual learning is the process by which experience alters how incoming sensory information is processed by the brain to give rise to behavior—it is critical for how humans educate children, train experts, treat diseases, and promote health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Knowledge of perceptual learning requires basic and applied research in humans and nonhuman animal models, which informs strategic targets for advancing applications. Commercial products to induce perceptual learning are proliferating rapidly with limited regulation (e.g., for rehabilitation), while at the same time basic science is increasingly restricted by changing regulations (such as new granting-agency definitions of clinical trials). Realizing the full potential of perceptual learning requires balancing basic and translational science to advance new knowledge, while serving and protecting consumers. Reforms can promote open, accessible, and representative research, and the translation of this research to applications across different sectors of society.

Background: The safety of oral hygiene products is a growing concern, particularly regarding the toxicity of specific ingredients used in their formulations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of dentists, physicians, pharmacists, and the general public regarding ingredients in oral hygiene products, especially fluoride. Additionally, this study aimed to identify which ingredients may exhibit potential toxicity based on historical records of any adverse effects being induced by a material/component. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used in an online cross-sectional observational study to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of fluoride in dental medicine, fluoride usage practices in oral hygiene products, opinions on ingredient toxicity in oral hygiene products, and personal experiences of adverse reactions to products and their components. The collected data underwent descriptive and regression analyses to reveal patterns and relationships within the dataset. Results: The study found a moderate overall knowledge level regarding fluoride usage in dentistry among participants (Md = 5.00, IQR 2.50–7.00). Healthcare professionals exhibited significantly higher knowledge scores compared to the general population (p ≤ 0.001), with dental professionals displaying the highest scores. Regarding concerns about the usage of fluoride, the majority of respondents (77.0%) did not express any concerns. Minor concerns included the risk of ingestion (6.0%) and dental fluorosis (4.6%). Among the other ingredients in oral hygiene products, respondents named alcohol as the most toxic ingredient (70.3%), followed by artificial colors (53.1%), artificial sweeteners (50.4%), and parabens (50.1%). It is noteworthy that the majority of participants (61.6%) stated that they had never experienced any side effects associated with the use of oral hygiene products. Conclusion: This study underscores disparities in fluoride knowledge between healthcare professionals and the general population in Croatia, with dental experts exhibiting a superior understanding. Despite lingering misconceptions about fluoride content and potential toxicity, the majority of participants acknowledge its oral health benefits and use fluoride products regularly.

Background: Compared to the general population, individuals with special needs tend to have worse oral health, potentially diminishing their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of parents and caregivers regarding the effect of oral health on the quality of life of individuals with special needs who received dental treatment under general anaesthesia, as well as the impact on their and their families’ quality of life. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study involved participants with special needs who had undergone a dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Before the intervention, an oral examination was conducted to count the number of teeth affected by caries. Parents or caregivers filled out a specially designed questionnaire that included sociodemographic information, details about the children’s oral hygiene and dietary habits, and questionnaires on the impact of their child’s oral health on their quality of life (P-CPQ) and the influence of the oral health of children with psychophysical difficulties on the family (FIS). The data collected were analysed both descriptively and using the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman’s correlation analysis. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: This study involved 42 children (24 females and 18 males) with an average age of 21.14 ± 8.34 years. The average number of carious teeth per participant was 9.74 ± 5.63. About 66% of respondents reported that their children performed oral hygiene with their help, while 9.5% of them did not do so at all. Individuals with a higher number of caries had statistically significantly higher scores on the emotional well-being (p = 0.004) and social well-being (p = 0.033) subscales of P-CPQ, as well as on the parental emotions subscale of FIS (p = 0.020). Also, there was a difference in the number of carious teeth in participants due to unhealthy habits (drinking sweetened beverages, p = 0.030) and due to comforting with food (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The increase in the number of carious teeth in individuals with special needs has been associated with the quality of life of their families. To address this, it is crucial to promote the prevention of oral health issues by educating individuals with special needs and their caregivers on proper oral hygiene techniques and diets tailored to their specific requirements.

Abstract Background Dysmetria, the inability to accurately estimate distance in motor tasks, is a characteristic clinical feature of cerebellar injury. Even though subjective dysmetria can be quickly detected during the neurological examination with the finger-to-nose test, objective quantification of reaching accuracy for clinical assessment is still lacking. Emerging VR technology allows for the delivery of rich multisensory environmental stimuli with a high degree of control. Furthermore, recent improvements in the hand-tracking feature offer an opportunity to closely examine the speed, accuracy, and consistency of fine hand movements and proprioceptive function. This study aims to investigate the application of virtual reality (VR) with hand tracking in the rapid quantification of reaching accuracy at the bedside for patients with cerebellar stroke (CS). Methods and results Thirty individuals (10 CS patients and 20 age-matched neurologically healthy controls) performed a simple task that allowed us to measure reaching accuracy using a VR headset (Oculus Quest 2). During this task, the participant was asked to reach for a target placed along a horizontal sixty-degree arc. Once the fingertip passed through the arc, the target immediately extinguished. 50% of the trials displayed a visible, real-time rendering of the hand as the participant reached for the target (visible hand condition), while the remaining 50% only showed the target being extinguished (invisible hand condition). The invisible hand condition isolates proprioception-guided movements by removing the visibility of the participant’s hand. Reaching error was calculated as the difference in degrees between the location of the target, and where the fingertip contacted the arc. Both CS patients and age-matched controls displayed higher average reaching error and took longer to perform a reaching motion in the invisible hand condition than in the visible hand condition. Reaching error was higher in CS than in controls in the invisible hand condition but not in the visible hand condition. Average time taken to perform each trial was higher in CS than in controls in the invisible hand conditions but not in the visible hand condition. Conclusions Reaching accuracy assessed by VR offers a non-invasive and rapid approach to quantifying fine motor functions in clinical settings. Furthermore, this technology enhances our understanding of proprioceptive function in patients with visuomotor disabilities by allowing the isolation of proprioception from vision. Future studies with larger cohorts and longitudinal designs will examine the quantitative changes in reaching accuracy after stroke and explore the long-term benefits of VR in functional recovery.

Orthodontic therapy is associated with a more significant accumulation of dentobacterial plaque and impaired oral hygiene, which increase the risk of developing dental caries and periodontal disease. Therefore, it is crucial to educate orthodontic patients about proper oral hygiene maintenance and oral health before and during treatment. The aim of this pilot study was to implement evidence-based best practices related to oral hygiene in adult orthodontic patients and improve compliance. In addition to evaluating oral hygiene practices, another goal of the project was to assess the knowledge of orthodontic patients regarding oral health. Questionnaires with seven pre- (before) and post-test criteria (90 day after implementation) were developed based on the best evidence available. This project was conducted in a private dental clinic in Split, Croatia, and included 45 patients. The baseline audit showed a gap between clinical practice and the best evidence. Three criteria achieved a high compliance baseline, while after implementation, there were substantial improvements in compliance for all. The everyday use of mouthwash improved from 17.8% at baseline to 66.7% at follow-up, as did the use of interdental aids, which increased from 55.6% to 91.1%. Statistically significant differences were found in the total score for oral health knowledge between the baseline (6.67 ± 1.74) and the follow-up audit (7.78 ± 0.56, p ≤ 0.001). The strategies developed in this project were effective in providing essential information to adult orthodontic patients and improving compliance with evidence. Guidelines on this topic should be designed to assist orthodontists and patients in maintaining oral health and oral hygiene.

Abstract Objectives Self-esteem plays a crucial role during adolescence in a shaping of an individual’s overall well-being and confidence. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the self-esteem in adolescents and their smile aesthetics, as well as to assess the alignment of opinions on this matter between adolescents and dentists. Methods Sample included 413 students in Split-Dalmatia County, aged 13 to 18 (60% females). Data on demographic issues, orthodontic history, and desire for orthodontic treatment were collected by the self-administrated questionnaire. Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory was also used. Smile aesthetics was assessed by each participant and dentist independently using an Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN AC). Results Self-esteem was higher in adolescents who rated their smile aesthetics equally to the dentist than in those who considered their aesthetics to be worse than the dentist (18.5 vs. 16; P = 0.011). The multiple linear regression revealed that the self-esteem of adolescents was positively related to undergone previous orthodontic treatment (β = 1.286, P = 0.020) while negatively related to the female gender (β = −2.531, P ≤ 0.001) and IOTN AC assessed by dentist (β = −0.356, P = 0.015). It was not related to educational level or desire for orthodontic treatment. Conclusion The self-esteem in adolescence is influenced the most by gender, but the orthodontic treatment and better smile aesthetics might also contribute.

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) was the third most lethal cancer in 2022 worldwide. Tumor budding (TB) and poorly differentiated clusters (PDC) are prognostic factors. However, the lack of standardization in the assessment and reporting of TB and PDC can hinder their application in the pathologist’s daily practice. This study aims to address these challenges by determining the interobserver variability and the applicability of TB and PDC in CRC. In a 93-patient series, two independent pathologists assessed both variables according to ITBCC guidelines on H&E and AE1/AE3 slides. The overall concordance rate and kappa coefficient were 89.2% and 0.81 for both variables on H&E; for IHC, the results were 69.9% and 0.55 – 88.2% and 0.81 for TB and PDC, respectively. Concluding, H&E analysis had excellent agreement results for TB and PDC, indicating their reproducibility and applicability in the pathologist's daily practice, while AE1/AE3 IHC can still be used in specific situations.

Aims/Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to investigate cytogenetic damage to the buccal mucosa in non-smokers and consumers of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives. Methods: A total of 160 participants were divided into four groups according to the type of product used, including non-smokers, users of conventional combustible tobacco (cigarettes), heated tobacco, and electronic, tobacco-free vapor products (e-cigarettes). Buccal mucosa samples were analyzed using the micronucleus cytome assay to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic damage. Results: E-cigarette users showed significantly higher values for all tested parameters in the micronucleus test compared to non-smokers (p < 0.05). Similarly, users of tobacco heating products showed an increase in all parameters (p < 0.05), with the exception of the number of cells with micronuclei. Conventional cigarette smokers showed a notable increase in the number of binucleated cells and cells with karyorrhexis and karyolysis (p ≤ 0.05). When assessing the differences between users of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives, these did not appear to be significant, except for e-cigarette users, who had significantly more cells with condensed chromatin (p ≤ 0.001), while users of tobacco heating products had more pyknotic cells (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study underscore the heightened occurrence of cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in users of both conventional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives compared to non-smokers, emphasizing the detrimental impact of these products on the oral mucosa.

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists’ awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283). The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of antibiotic use, including knowledge, prescribing practices, awareness of guidelines, and demographic and professional information about dentists. Data analysis included the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall score for the participants’ knowledge of antibiotics was 6.40 ± 1.40 out of a maximum of eight points, which indicates a generally good level of knowledge among dentists. Factors such as gender, specialty, and practice location significantly influenced the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). However, actual prescribing practice was a cause for concern. Only 66.1% of Croatian dentists felt they had received adequate training during their studies, and even fewer in Serbia (48.4%) and Bosnia (46.6%). It is noteworthy that 9.7% of dentists in Bosnia and Herzegovina prescribe antibiotics at the request of patients, while 22.3% of Croatian and 25.4% of Serbian dentists do so. Many dentists prescribe no or only one antibiotic per week. In addition, 50.9% of Croatian dentists reported adverse effects related to the use of antibiotics, while only 31.3% of Bosnian and 33.6% of Serbian dentists reported similar experiences. Conclusions: While the study results indicate that dentists in the region generally possess good knowledge of antibiotic use, there are significant discrepancies between this knowledge and actual prescribing practices. This highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and awareness initiatives focused on proper antibiotic guidelines to improve prescribing behaviors.

Objectives: Work–family conflict is a growing problem worldwide, because of changing work–family demographic trends and the spread of technology. Empathy, as the ability to understand and share the feelings of other people, is the essential component of emotional intelligence that plays a crucial role in healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the level of emotional empathy and investigate its relationship with work–family role conflicts among dental medicine doctors. Materials and methods: In this study participated 589 doctors of dental medicine from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The questionnaire included general and demographic data, the Emotional Empathy Scale questionnaire and the Work and Family Role Conflict Assessment Scale questionnaire. Results: The research results indicate no significant association between empathy and conflict between work and family roles (R = 0.032, p = 0.435). Women have achieved significantly higher scores in Emotional Empathy Scale (p ≤ 0.001), while there was no difference in Work and Family Role Conflict Assessment Scale according to gender (p = 0.194). A difference in emotional empathy was observed depending on where the respondents were employed (p = 0.045) and depending on the specialisation of the dental medicine (p = 0.021). Conclusion: Female doctors of dental medicine demonstrated higher emotional empathy while the work–family role conflict is experienced equally by both genders.

Abstract NTRK1, 2, and 3 fusions are important therapeutic targets for NSCLC patients, but their prevalence in South American admixed populations needs to be better explored. NTRK fusion detection in small biopsies is a challenge, and distinct methodologies are used, such as RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS), immunohistochemistry, and RNA-based nCounter. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and concordance of positive samples for NTRK fusions using a custom nCounter assay in a real-world scenario of a single institution in Brazil. Out of 147 NSCLC patients, 12 (8.2%) cases depicted pan-NTRK positivity by IHC. Due to the absence of biological material, RNA-based NGS and/or nCounter could be performed in six of the 12 IHC-positive cases (50%). We found one case exhibiting an NTRK1 fusion and another an NTRK3 gene fusion by both RNA-based NGS and nCounter techniques. Both NTRK fusions were detected in patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, with no history of tobacco consumption. Moreover, no concomitant EGFR, KRAS, and ALK gene alterations were detected in NTRK-positive patients. The concordance rate between IHC and RNA-based NGS was 33.4%, and between immunohistochemistry and nCounter was 40%. Our findings indicate that NTRK fusions in Brazilian NSCLC patients are relatively rare (1.3%), and RNA-based nCounter methodology is a suitable approach for NRTK fusion identification in small biopsies.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anxiety, its association with self-reported oral health, and sociodemographic factors in adults that are critical for improving oral health and well-being. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted via social media, with 1551 adults (76.5% women, 23.5% men) participating nationwide. Data collected included demographic data, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) scores, and associations between dental anxiety, negative experiences, and self-reported oral health. The analysis included psychophysiological, behavioural, and emotional responses and avoidance of dental visits, using descriptive and generalised linear regression models. Results: This study found that the mean score of the MDAS was 9.70 ± 5.11 out of 25, 19.1% of the participants reported no dental anxiety, and 7.8% suffered from dental phobia. Gender, age, and socioeconomic status had no significant effect on the prevalence of anxiety. Although more than half of the participants reported negative dental experiences, particularly in childhood, anxiety levels were unaffected. However, those who rated their oral health as excellent or very good had lower anxiety scores (p = 0.008, p = 0.024). Among the dental procedures, oral surgery (58.7%) and prosthetic (restorative) dental treatments (15.2%) caused the most anxiety. Avoidance behaviour correlated with increased anxiety (p ≤ 0.001), as did postponing dental visits until severe pain occurred (p = 0.011). Conclusions: These results emphasise the significant prevalence of dental anxiety in adults, particularly for surgical procedures and drilling, posing challenges in patient management. Tailored strategies are essential to reduce anxiety, improve patient well-being, and optimise dental service delivery and treatment efficacy.

Aim: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the reasons why adults seek orthodontic treatment, their perceived treatment risks, oral hygiene habits, and awareness of oral health. Materials and Methods: This study, which involved 246 adults, used a self-report questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data and examine the participants’ understanding of oral health, self-assessment of oral health status, adherence to oral hygiene routines, and use of oral hygiene products. In addition, the reasons for opting for orthodontic treatment, negative associations, and expected outcomes were examined. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis, including descriptive and regression methods. Results: The results showed that factors such as previous oral health education and regular use of specialized toothbrushes, including rotary toothbrushes, were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels (p < 0.05). However, daily oral hygiene practices were suboptimal, with the low utilization of aids: only 58.9% reported using interdental brushes, and 36.6% used dental floss regularly. Commonly reported dental problems included food debris between teeth (46.3%), tartar (35.4%), and tooth sensitivity to cold (26.4%). The primary motivations for orthodontic treatment were aesthetic improvement (63.8%), enhancements in oral function (49.6%), and addressing psychosocial concerns (42.7%). In contrast, the most frequently mentioned negative aspects associated with fixed orthodontic treatment were aesthetic concerns (30.9%), treatment duration (27.6%), and mouth ulcers (24.0%). Conclusions: Based on the research findings, regular oral hygiene education is recommended for adult patients considering fixed orthodontic therapy, including the use of additional tools such as interdental brushes and floss to improve oral health and reduce the risk of complications during treatment. The importance of chemical compounds in dentifrices and mouthwashes cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in addressing various dental issues. In addition, it is crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons of therapy and to visit a dentist regularly to maintain oral health and monitor progress during treatment.

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can help to reduce its incidence and mortality. Noninvasive strategies, such as plasma analysis of epigenetic alterations, can constitute important biomarkers of CRC detection. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the plasma methylation status of SEPT9 and BMP3 promoters as biomarkers for detection of CRC and its precursor lesions in a Brazilian population. Methods Plasma samples from 262 participants of the CRC screening program of Barretos Cancer Hospital who had a positive fecal occult blood test and underwent colonoscopy and cancer patients were analyzed. Participants were grouped according to the worst lesion detected in the colonoscopy. Cell‐free circulating DNA (cfDNA) was bisulfite treated followed by the analysis of SEPT9 and BMP3 methylation status using a droplet digital PCR system (ddPCR). The best methylation cutoff value for group discrimination was calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results Among the 262 participants, 38 were diagnosed with CRC, 46 with advanced adenomas 119 with nonadvanced adenomas, three with sessile serrated lesions, and 13 with hyperplastic polyps. In 43 participants, no lesion was detected in the colonoscopy and were used as controls. The CRC group showed the highest cfDNA concentration (10.4 ng/mL). For the SEPT9 gene, a cutoff of 2.5% (AUC = 0.681) that discriminates between CRC and the control group resulted in CRC sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 90%, respectively. Concerning the BMP3 gene, a cutoff of 2.3% (AUC = 0.576) showed 40% and 90% of sensitivity and specificity for CRC detection, respectively. Combining SEPT9, BMP3 status, and age over 60 years resulted in a better performance for detecting CRC (AUC = 0.845) than the individual gene models, yielding 80% and 81% of sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Conclusion The present study suggests that a combination of SEPT9 and BMP3 plasma methylation, along with age over 60 years, showed the highest performance in detecting CRC in a Brazilian population. These noninvasive biomarkers can potentially serve as useful tools for CRC screening programs.

Stereovision is the ability to perceive fine depth variations from small differences in the two eyes' images. Using adaptive optics, we show that even minute optical aberrations that are not clinically correctable, and go unnoticed in everyday vision, can affect stereo acuity. Hence, the human binocular system is capable of using fine details that are not experienced in everyday vision. Interestingly, stereo acuity varied considerably across individuals even when they were provided identical perfect optics. We also found that individuals' stereo acuity is better when viewing with their habitual optics rather than someone else's (better) optics. Together, these findings suggest that the visual system compensates for habitual optical aberrations through neural adaptation and thereby optimizes stereovision uniquely for each individual. Thus, stereovision is limited by small optical aberrations and by neural adaptation to one's own optics.

While the pathology of acute hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) has been widely researched, details on the chronic HFRS sequelae remain mainly unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 30 convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the disease contraction, mainly emphasizing several endothelial dysfunction parameters. Convalescent HFRS patients exhibited significantly higher serum levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, von Willebrand factor, uric acid, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin A when compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, 24 h urine analyses revealed significantly lower sodium and potassium urine levels, as well as significantly higher proteinuria, microalbumin levels and β2-microglobulin levels when compared to healthy individuals. First morning urine analysis revealed significantly higher levels of hematuria in convalescent HFRS patients. None of the additional analyzed endothelium dysfunction markers were significantly different in post-HFRS patients and healthy individuals, including serum and urine P-selectin, E-selectin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, binary logistic regression revealed a weak association of serum sVCAM-1 and urine VEGF levels with HFRS contraction. Generally, our findings suggest mild chronic inflammation and renal dysfunction levels in convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the disease contraction.

The interference of weeds in coffee cultivation is one of the factors contributing to losses and impairments in crop growth and productivity. Consequently, it becomes necessary to employ strategies aimed at mitigating this stress and facilitating optimal crop development through enhanced nutritional practices. This study aimed to assess the impact of various sources and modes of release of enhanced-efficiency phosphate fertilizers on the initial growth of Coffea arabica L. plants in competition with the weed Bidens pilosa in a greenhouse. The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri – Diamantina MG, Brazil, employing a block design in a 4 x 6 factorial arrangement with four replications. The factors corresponded to four levels of B. pilosa infestation and six phosphorus sources (Super Single, Conventional, MAP, Granulated Organomineral, Pelleted Organomineral, MAP Coated with Polymer, and a control treatment without fertilization). The findings suggest that under the experimental conditions of this research, the escalating density of weed competition from B. pilosa negatively impacts the initial growth of coffee plants. However, this effect is dependent on the source of phosphate fertilization. Fertilizers with slow-release phosphate sources are recommended for coffee plantations, as they contribute to reduced weed growth in comparison to coffee plants.

The FLEXGRID project develops a digital platform designed to offer Digital Energy Services (DESs) that facilitate energy sector stakeholders (i.e. Distribution System Operators - DSOs, Transmission System Operators - TSOs, market operators, Renewable Energy Sources - RES producers, retailers, flexibility aggregators) towards: i) automating and optimizing the planning and operation/management of their systems/assets, and ii) interacting in a dynamic and efficient way with their environment (electricity system) and the rest of the stakeholders. In this way, FLEXGRID envisages secure, sustainable, competitive, and affordable smart grids. A key objective is the incentivization of large-scale bottom-up investments in Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) through innovative smart grid management. Towards this goal, FLEXGRID develops innovative data models and energy market architectures (with high liquidity and efficiency) that effectively manage smart grids through an advanced TSO-DSO interaction as well as interactions between Transmission Network and Distribution Network level energy markets. Consequently, and through intelligence that exploits the innovation of the proposed market architecture, FLEXGRID develops investment tools able to examine in depth the emerging energy ecosystem and allow in this way: i) the financial sustainability of DER investors, and ii) the market liquidity/efficiency through advanced exploitation of DERs and intelligent network upgrades.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the biocompatibility of modern composite and amalgam dental fillings. Material and Methods: The research was conducted on 150 healthy patients between the ages of 10 and 20 who had amalgam and composite fillings between 6 and 12 months. Under in vivo conditions, a swab of buccal cells near the fillings was taken, and the cytotoxic and genotoxic impact of composite and amalgam fillings on these cells was analyzed using the extended micronucleus test (cytomeassay). Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the groups of subjects with amalgam and composite fillings and subjects without fillings for the following parameters: number of micronuclei (p=0.006), number of buds (p

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tooth whitening and the effects on satisfaction with whitening treatment and esthetic self-perception of over-the-counter tooth whitening products. Materials and methods: Fifty-six participants were randomly allocated to three groups based on the whitening product they used (toothpaste, pencil, or a combination of both). In this prospective study, alterations in tooth color were assessed using a spectrophotometer at three distinct time intervals (initial measurement, seven days, and 14 days after commencing the use of the whitening product). Simultaneously, the respondents were given the PIDAQ questionnaire to complete. Patient satisfaction with treatment characteristics (5-point Likert scale), and perception of side effects were assessed at the end of the study. Results: Participants who used the whitening pen either alone or in combination with whitening toothpaste showed significant improvements in tooth color and whiteness index at seven and 14 days compared to those who used whitening toothpaste alone (p≤0.001). No significant differences were found between products in overall satisfaction with treatment, perception of final tooth color, and treatment comfort. Furthermore, with the exception of the psychological influence factor after 14 days (p≤0.001), there were no significant differences in the PIDAQ questionnaire scores between the whitening products at the different time points. However, many respondents (16.6%) reported oral mucosal sensitivity and a higher percentage (27.8%) reported tooth sensitivity during whitening pen application. Conclusion: The combination of whitening toothpaste and whitening pen, as well as the whitening pen alone, showed effective objective color change results, but home whitening procedures did not significantly affect participants’ self-perceived satisfaction or psychosocial outcomes depending on the product used.

Measuring satisfaction can be an essential method for evaluating and improving healthcare quality. Therefore, this survey aimed to determine university students’ satisfaction with dental care at the primary healthcare level and the factors that influence students’ decisions when choosing a dental provider. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered electronic questionnaire that assessed satisfaction with various aspects of dental care (patient–staff interaction, professional and technical competence, and administrative efficiency) on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 806 students participated in the survey, of whom 56.6% were from a biomedical science background, and 43.4% from other scientific fields. Near-minimal differences were found between respondents studying in biomedical fields and those from other scientific fields, when evaluating satisfaction with dental services. More significant differences were found in the factors influencing their choice of dentist. The dentist’s experience (p = 0.031), cost of service (p ≤ 0.001), office location (p = 0.034), waiting time (p = 0.029), qualifications (p = 0.033), and gender (p = 0.007) were more important for students pursuing one of the non-health-related majors. Overall, respondents were very satisfied with their dentists and the services provided. The highest satisfaction score was found on the “professional and technical competence” and “administrative efficiency” subscales, while the lowest satisfaction score was found on the “patient–staff interaction” subscale.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the accuracy of minor labial salivary gland (MLSG) biopsy in the diagnosis of primary Sjögren' s disease (pSD); to study the correlation between the focus score (FS) and anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La, anti-SSA and -SSB antibodies, unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS); to determine the role of UWS and SWS in the clinical evaluation of pSD patients and patients with sicca symptoms. Methods. A total of 37 subjects were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: the test group consisted of 15 patients diagnosed with pSD; the control group consisted of 22 patients who had sicca symptoms but did not meet the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) diagnostic criteria. Clinical and laboratory tests, including saliva collection, MLSG biopsy, autoantibody titers, were performed in all patients. Results. The median of the FS was 1.00 [IQR=1.00-1.50] in the test group, whereas in the control group, it was 0.00 [IQR=0.00-0.00] (p< 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MLSG biopsy were 86.7%, 100.0%, and 94.6%, respectively. The results showed a correlation between the FS and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (p=0.002). In addition, Pearson’s correlation showed a weak negative correlation between UWS (r=-0.058, p=0.73) and SWS (r=-0.022, p=0.90) and the FS. In the test group, 73.3% of patients had abnormal UWS values, while 86.7% had abnormal SWS values; among them, values of 0.00 ml/min for UWS and SWS were found in 60.0% and 26.7% of patients, respectively. Conclusions. Although MLSG biopsy has great diagnostic value and accuracy in diagnosing pSD, it is not always definitive. Our study found a statistically significant association between the FS and ANA, and the greater utility of SWS in diagnosing pSS.

Background and Objectives: Dental pain is a common problem that often leads to unscheduled dental visits and requires a comprehensive understanding of analgesics, including their indications and contraindications. The aim of this study was to investigate dentists’ knowledge, self-reported confidence levels, and prescribing patterns of analgesics in dentistry. Materials and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted, resulting in 379 responses. Of these, 68.6% were general dentists, and 31.4% were specialists. The collected data included sociodemographic information, levels of knowledge, and prescription patterns. The survey questionnaire explored self-perceived practices, patient information during prescription, and guiding factors. Descriptive statistics and a generalized linear model for regression were used for data analysis. Results: Higher levels of knowledge were observed in specific contexts such as secondary/tertiary healthcare (p = 0.022), specialization in endodontics (p = 0.003), and a higher number of working hours with patients (p = 0.038). Conversely, increased self-confidence was observed among endodontists (p = 0.008), oral surgeons (p = 0.011), and dentists with more than 6 h of patient interaction (p ≤ 0.001). Orthodontists and prosthodontists demonstrated lower knowledge levels, while specialists in family dentistry exhibited lower self-confidence. Self-confidence and knowledge displayed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.039, p < 0.001). The most frequently prescribed medication was ibuprofen (97.9%), primarily for surgical (83.9%) and endodontic procedures (60.9%), with the main indications being pulpal (85.8%), periradicular (57.3%), and postoperative pain (40.1%). Conclusions: This study reveals significant knowledge and confidence gaps among dentists, including limited awareness of the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for odontogenic pain, a lack of time for effective counseling, and perceived deficits in pharmacology education. To address these issues, targeted educational interventions are recommended to improve analgesic prescribing practice, close knowledge gaps, and increase dentists’ confidence in more effective pain management.

OBJECTIVE:Impaired expansion of peripheral fat contributes to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). We aimed to identify novel disease-gene interactions during adipocyte differentiation. METHODS:Genes in disease-associated loci for T2D, adiposity and insulin resistance were ranked according to expression in human adipocytes. The top 125 genes were ablated in human pre-adipocytes via CRISPR/CAS9 and the resulting cellular phenotypes quantified during adipocyte differentiation with high-content microscopy and automated image analysis. Morphometric measurements were extracted from all images and used to construct morphologic profiles for each gene. RESULTS:Over 107 morphometric measurements were obtained. Clustering of the morphologic profiles accross all genes revealed a group of 14 genes characterized by decreased lipid accumulation, and enriched for known lipodystrophy genes. For two lipodystrophy genes, BSCL2 and AGPAT2, sub-clusters with PLIN1 and CEBPA identifed by morphological similarity were validated by independent experiments as novel protein-protein and gene regulatory interactions. CONCLUSIONS:A morphometric approach in adipocytes can resolve multiple cellular mechanisms for metabolic disease loci; this approach enables mechanistic interrogation of the hundreds of metabolic disease loci whose function still remains unknown.

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists' awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283). The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of antibiotic use, including knowledge, prescribing practices, awareness of guidelines, and demographic and professional information about dentists. Data analysis included the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall score for the participants' knowledge of antibiotics was 6.40 ± 1.40 out of a maximum of eight points, which indicates a generally good level of knowledge among dentists. Factors such as gender, specialty, and practice location significantly influenced the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). However, actual prescribing practice was a cause for concern. Only 66.1% of Croatian dentists felt they had received adequate training during their studies, and even fewer in Serbia (48.4%) and Bosnia (46.6%). It is noteworthy that 9.7% of dentists in Bosnia and Herzegovina prescribe antibiotics at the request of patients, while 22.3% of Croatian and 25.4% of Serbian dentists do so. Many dentists prescribe no or only one antibiotic per week. In addition, 50.9% of Croatian dentists reported adverse effects related to the use of antibiotics, while only 31.3% of Bosnian and 33.6% of Serbian dentists reported similar experiences. Conclusions: While the study results indicate that dentists in the region generally possess good knowledge of antibiotic use, there are significant discrepancies between this knowledge and actual prescribing practices. This highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and awareness initiatives focused on proper antibiotic guidelines to improve prescribing behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The safety of oral hygiene products is a growing concern, particularly regarding the toxicity of specific ingredients used in their formulations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of dentists, physicians, pharmacists, and the general public regarding ingredients in oral hygiene products, especially fluoride. Additionally, this study aimed to identify which ingredients may exhibit potential toxicity based on historical records of any adverse effects being induced by a material/component. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used in an online cross-sectional observational study to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of fluoride in dental medicine, fluoride usage practices in oral hygiene products, opinions on ingredient toxicity in oral hygiene products, and personal experiences of adverse reactions to products and their components. The collected data underwent descriptive and regression analyses to reveal patterns and relationships within the dataset. Results: The study found a moderate overall knowledge level regarding fluoride usage in dentistry among participants (Md = 5.00, IQR 2.50–7.00). Healthcare professionals exhibited significantly higher knowledge scores compared to the general population (p ≤ 0.001), with dental professionals displaying the highest scores. Regarding concerns about the usage of fluoride, the majority of respondents (77.0%) did not express any concerns. Minor concerns included the risk of ingestion (6.0%) and dental fluorosis (4.6%). Among the other ingredients in oral hygiene products, respondents named alcohol as the most toxic ingredient (70.3%), followed by artificial colors (53.1%), artificial sweeteners (50.4%), and parabens (50.1%). It is noteworthy that the majority of participants (61.6%) stated that they had never experienced any side effects associated with the use of oral hygiene products. Conclusion: This study underscores disparities in fluoride knowledge between healthcare professionals and the general population in Croatia, with dental experts exhibiting a superior understanding. Despite lingering misconceptions about fluoride content and potential toxicity, the majority of participants acknowledge its oral health benefits and use fluoride products regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge and practices of family physicians (general practitioners) and pediatricians concerning children’s oral health. Materials and Methods: This research involved a cross-sectional survey with 446 respondents, consisting of 77.8% women and 22.1% men, with 81.6% being general (family) practitioners and 18.4% pediatricians. The survey comprised five sections, gathering information on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, routine oral cavity examination in clinical practice, knowledge about dental caries and its prevention, teething symptoms, and alternatives to fluorides for preventing dental caries. Results: The findings revealed an overall poor understanding of dental caries and its prevention, with an average score of 5.1 ± 1.6 out of a possible 10 points. Notably, practitioners with fewer pediatric patients during the workday, no training on oral health, and uncertainty about physicians’ active role in oral health prevention exhibited lower knowledge levels (p ˂ 0.05). Over 90% of participants conducted dental and oral mucosal examinations on their patients. About 25% had received continuing education on children’s oral health, and 70.6% expressed interest in further education on the subject. Conclusions: This study highlights insufficient knowledge among physicians regarding dental caries and its prevention. With most participants eager to learn and actively promote children’s oral health, providing training is essential to boost their knowledge and support children’s oral health.

Objectives/Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate oral health knowledge, and the incidence of self-reported dental injuries incidence, the frequency of mouthguard use, oral hygiene habits, and oral health status among professional water polo players. Materials and Methods: During the 2022/2023 season, 114 water polo players from the Croatian First League participated in a questionnaire-based online survey. The data collected included sociodemographic and professional attributes, oral health knowledge questions, dental injury experiences, and practices related to mouthguard use. Respondents also rated their own oral health status and oral hygiene habits. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a regression analysis. Results: The respondents demonstrated inadequate knowledge of oral health, with a mean score of 6.4 ± 2.6 out of 12. Better knowledge correlated positively with older age (p ˂ 0.05) and consistent flossing (p = 0.014). Additionally, 27.2% (31 of 114) of reported dental injuries were related directly to incidents which occurred while participating in water polo. These injuries occurred more frequently during games (54.8%) and often involved the anterior maxillary incisors (71.0%) due to player contact (87.1%). Awareness of mouthguards was high (93.9%), whereas their actual use was low (7.0%) because 35.1% of respondents reported discomfort wearing them. The respondents’ self-assessments revealed widespread dental problems, including tooth sensitivity (13.3%), erosion (15.8%), calculus (28.1%), and pigmentation (7.9%). Conclusions: The research results indicate a lack of adequate knowledge among the respondents regarding oral health. This deficit was not associated with oral hygiene habits or oral cavity conditions. These findings highlight the disparities in oral health awareness and practices associated with water polo participation and emphasize the importance of education and prevention efforts.

Objectives: Swelling, pain and trismus after the surgical removal of the mandibular third molars are the most common and expected postoperative complications. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association of those postoperative complications and BMI after surgical removal of the mandibular third molars. Material and methods: 84 patients who required the surgical removal of their lower third molar were enrolled in this study and were divided into 4 groups dependent on their BMI. Data were tested by one-way analysis of variance (Welch’s ANOVA). The differences were tested by the intragroup using the Games-Howell test. Results: The effect of BMI on pain had a statistically significant difference within the first 24 postoperative hours: 4 hours (p=0.014), 6 hours (p=0.034, p=0.049), 12 hours (p= 0.00.P=0.023), and 24 hours (p=0.010). For swelling and trismus in the exception on first postoperative day between underweight and normal weight groups (p=0.026), and underweight and overweight groups (p=0.014) no statistically significant correlation was found Conclusion: BMI has an impact on a patient’s early postoperative recovery.

Objectives: Although titanium-based implants are considered bioinert, it has been found that they are subject to corrosion and wear. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of two implant systems in gingival epithelial cells. Material and methods: Gingival swabs were taken three times from 91 subjects. The first swab was taken before dental implant placement, the second swab 90 days after dental implant placement and the third swab 21 days following the healing abutment placement. DNA damage was analyzed using the micronucleus test. Tested dental implants with corresponding healing abutments were Ankylos and Dentium SuperLine. Results: Of all scored forms of cytogenetic damage in gingival cells of individuals after implementation of tested dental implant systems, only an increase in the number of binucleated cells (P ≤ 0.001) was significant in contrast to control values for both tested implant systems, 90 days after dental implant placement and 21 days following the healing abutment placement. Conclusion: It may be concluded that there are no titanium-based implant dependent cytogenetic damage in gingival epithelial cells. A slight increase in cytogenetic damage has been observed but it is of no biological relevance and might be associated with healing abutment induced effect.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of reciprocating instruments in removing gutta-percha and bioactive-based (BioRoot RCS and MTA Fillapex) and epoxy resin-based (AH Plus) sealers from root canals based on filling residues and the time required for root canal revision. Material and methods: Root canals of 90 teeth were instrumented with Reciproc R40. All root canals were obturated using the single-cone technique with Reciproc R40 gutta-percha and with one of the selected sealers. Samples with oval, straight canals were used and randomly divided into three groups: (i) filled with AH Plus sealer and gutta-percha (n=30); (ii) filled with MTA Fillapex and gutta-percha (n=30); (iii) filled with BioRoot RCS and gutta-percha (n=30). Each group was divided into two subgroups (n=15) according to the retreatment instrument used (Reciproc M-Wire R25/R40 or Reciproc blue RB25/RB40). Root canals were longitudinally split and analyzed with a stereomicroscope at 15 × magnifications in the coronal, middle, and apical third. Computational analyses were performed with the Image J software. Data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: While no statistically significant differences in the residual material surface were found for Reciproc Blue, Reciproc M-Wire showed significantly higher residual material surface for AH Plus and MTA Fillapex compared to BioRoot RCS. For AH plus. Residual material surface was significantly lower for Reciproc Blue than for Reciproc M-Wire. In contrast, BioRoot RCS showed a significantly higher residual material surface for Reciproc Blue. Conclusions: Calcium silicate-containing sealers were more retrievable compared to AH Plus, with fewer sealer remnants and shorter retreatment time. Retreatment with Reciproc M-Wire instruments was superior to Reciproc blue instruments in retreatment of BioRoot RCS. However, none of the sealers were removed completely.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and quality of arabica coffee seedlings produced in tubes under different sources of phosphorus. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a randomized block design with eleven treatments and four replications, three plants per plot. The dose of organomineral, MAP and MAP coated was based on the recommendation of P2O5 for the formation of coffee seedlings.. For Osmocote, the manufacturer's recommendation was used depending on the amount, in dm³, of substrate. After 180 days of transplanting, the growth characteristics of the plants (leaf dry matter, stem and roots) were evaluated, and the aerial part and root system ratio and Dickson's quality index were calculated, as well as regression equations were adjusted for the evaluated parameters. For the growth and quality of seedlings, it was observed that in fertilizations with pelleted and branched organomineral, coated MAP and Osmocote, the highest averages were obtained for the contents of dry matter, height, diameter of the collection and quality indexes, when compared to the other sources of P2O5.. The dose that provides the maximum growth and quality of coffee seedlings for the treatments with organomineral was calculated, this being equal to 6 g/dm³ of P2O5 for bran and pelleted organomineral. According to the results, the sources that promoted the formation of a vigorous seedling, with an adequate supply of nutrients and a good quality standard are pelleted organonineral fertilization and MAP, reducing the risk of losses and consequently the need to discard the seedlings in the nursery.

Abstract Importance Cognitive training with components that can further enhance the transferred and long-term effects and slow the progress of dementia is needed for preventing dementia. Objective The goal of the study is to test whether improving autonomic nervous system (ANS) flexibility via a resonance frequency breathing (RFB) training will strengthen the effects of a visual speed of processing (VSOP) cognitive training on cognitive and brain function, and slow the progress of dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Design Stage II double-blinded randomized controlled trial. The study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, with registration approved on 21 August 2020 (No. NCT04522791). Setting Study-related appointments will be conducted on-site at University of Rochester Medical Center locations. Data collection will be conducted from August 2020 to February 2025. Participants Older adults with MCI (n = 114) will be randomly assigned to an 8-week combined intervention (RFB+VSOP), VSOP with guided imagery relaxation (IR) control, and a IR-only control, with periodical booster training sessions at follow-ups. Mechanistic and distal outcomes include ANS flexibility, measured by heart rate variability, and multiple markers of dementia progress. Data will be collected across a 14-month period. Discussion This will be among the first RCTs to examine in older persons with MCI a novel, combined intervention targeting ANS flexibility, an important contributor to overall environmental adaptation, with an ultimate goal for slowing neurodegeneration. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04522791 . Registered on 21 August 2020 Protocol version: STUDY00004727; IRB protocol version 2, approved on 30 July 2020.

Objective: This randomized, single-blind controlled study aimed to investigate the QoL and satisfaction of patients wearing complete dentures with lingualized (LO) and bilaterally balanced occlusion (BBO). Participants were stratified based on their prior experience with complete dentures. Methods: The study involved 131 complete denture wearers who were categorized into four groups: G1—first-time prosthesis wearers treated with LO (n = 33); G2—first-time prosthesis wearers treated with BBO (n = 31); G3—participants with prior prosthesis experience treated with LO (n = 34); G4—participants with prior prosthesis experience treated with BBO (n = 33). After wearing the prosthesis for one month, all participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. A statistical analysis was conducted using the χ2 test, Kruskal–Wallis analysis and Mann–Whitney test, with significance determined at p < 0.05. Results: After dividing the respondents into two groups, a statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of scores for three questions related to oral pain severity, anxiety, and difficulty relaxing. However, the distribution of scores for all other questions did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups studied (p < 0.05). The total OHIP-14 score was also not statistically different (z = 0.469; p = 0.639). However, when respondents were divided into four groups, the median score for first-time denture wearers was 3.9 points higher in respondents who received dentures with BBO compared to those with LO (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the median score for first-time denture wearers who received BBO was higher than for those in the second group who received BBO (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Patients wearing complete dentures for the first time demonstrated significantly higher satisfaction with the LO scheme compared to the BBO scheme. In contrast, satisfaction levels between occlusal schemes did not significantly differ among patients with prior denture-wearing experience. Novice denture wearers reported heightened sensations of oral discomfort, anxiety, and difficulty relaxing regardless of the occlusal scheme compared to experienced wearers, likely due to the unrealistic expectations that first-time wearers often have about complete dentures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compared to the general population, individuals with special needs tend to have worse oral health, potentially diminishing their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of parents and caregivers regarding the effect of oral health on the quality of life of individuals with special needs who received dental treatment under general anaesthesia, as well as the impact on their and their families' quality of life. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study involved participants with special needs who had undergone a dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Before the intervention, an oral examination was conducted to count the number of teeth affected by caries. Parents or caregivers filled out a specially designed questionnaire that included sociodemographic information, details about the children's oral hygiene and dietary habits, and questionnaires on the impact of their child's oral health on their quality of life (P-CPQ) and the influence of the oral health of children with psychophysical difficulties on the family (FIS). The data collected were analysed both descriptively and using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman's correlation analysis. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: This study involved 42 children (24 females and 18 males) with an average age of 21.14 ± 8.34 years. The average number of carious teeth per participant was 9.74 ± 5.63. About 66% of respondents reported that their children performed oral hygiene with their help, while 9.5% of them did not do so at all. Individuals with a higher number of caries had statistically significantly higher scores on the emotional well-being (p = 0.004) and social well-being (p = 0.033) subscales of P-CPQ, as well as on the parental emotions subscale of FIS (p = 0.020). Also, there was a difference in the number of carious teeth in participants due to unhealthy habits (drinking sweetened beverages, p = 0.030) and due to comforting with food (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The increase in the number of carious teeth in individuals with special needs has been associated with the quality of life of their families. To address this, it is crucial to promote the prevention of oral health issues by educating individuals with special needs and their caregivers on proper oral hygiene techniques and diets tailored to their specific requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]