Factors associated with tobacco use among Saudi Arabian youth: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Introduction: The epidemic of tobacco use poses one of the most severe public health challenges globally, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This study investigates the factors associated with tobacco use among Saudi Arabian youth using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework.

Methods: A cross-sectional study used the 2022 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) to assess tobacco use among 5610 Saudi students aged 13-15 years.

Factors influencing engagement in oral cancer prevention activities among dental students and professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Oral cancer is a pressing health concern in the Saudi Arabia (SA), with rising incidence and mortality rates. Despite the efforts in raising awareness, gaps persist in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to oral cancer prevention (OCP) among dental health professionals. This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing engagement in oral cancer prevention activities among dental students and professionals in Saudi.

Effects of Thermocycling with Two Different Curing Techniques on Enamel Micro-Cracks Formation, Debonding, and Failure Modes of Ceramic Brackets: An In Vitro Study.

Despite the rise in popularity of ceramic braces for adults, the risk of enamel microcracks (EMCs) upon removal remains a significant drawback for both dental professionals and patients. Our study aimed to assess the effects of thermocycling, pre-curing, and co-curing techniques with different bonding agents on the enamel surface of teeth after the removal of ceramic brackets. We also examined the incidence, quantity, length, and direction of EMCs on tooth surfaces.

Incorporation of Plant Extracted Hydroxyapatite and Chitosan Nanoparticles on the Surface of Orthodontic Micro-Implants: An In-Vitro Antibacterial Study.

In our study, the structural and morphological applications of hydroxyapatite and chitosan nanoparticles and coated micro-implants were assessed for their ability to combat oral pathogenic bacteria. The hydroxyapatite, as well as chitosan nanoparticles, were synthesized from the plant. The crystal morphology, phase composition, particle size, and surface functional groups of the nano-samples were analyzed via classical examinations and energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

Assessment of Severity of Malocclusion and Orthodontic Treatment Need Using the Dental Esthetic Index and Angle's Classification: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Angle's classification is the most widely used instrument for evaluation of malocclusion. The dental esthetic index (DAI) is a reliable, valid, and universally accepted cross-cultural index adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) that links objective, clinical, and subjective esthetic factors to produce a single score that reflects the severity and the treatment needs of the malocclusion. The present study aims to evaluate Angle's classification and DAI to assess the severity of malocclusion and treatment needs.

Factors associated with the use of fashion braces of the Saudi Arabian Youth: application of the Health Belief Model.

Background: In spite of the fact that fashion braces (FBs) have been in the spotlight in recent years among both orthodontists and the general public in several countries, there is still limited evidence regarding FBs. The aim was to identify health-related behaviors in using FBs by considering the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Methods: A cross-sectional study with a random sampling technique was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Correlation of spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion stages with a hand-wrist skeletal maturity index: A cone beam computed tomography study.

Objectives: To examine the correlation between spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion stages and the hand-wrist skeletal maturity index.

Materials And Methods: Digital records of 164 individuals (77 males, 87 females) aged 10 to 18 years old were examined. Three-dimensional CBCT scans and hand-wrist two-dimensional radiographs were scored for the spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion stages and hand-wrist skeletal maturity index, respectively.

Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning for prediction of oral cancer risk.

Background: Oral cancer requires early diagnosis and treatment to increase the chances of survival. This study aimed to develop an artificial neural network model that helps to predict the individuals' risk of developing oral cancer based on data on risk factors, systematic medical condition, and clinic-pathological features.

Methods: A popular data mining algorithm artificial neural network was used for developing the artificial intelligence-based prediction model.

Advanced diagnostic aids for oral cancer.

Oral cancer, a universal malady, has become a stumbling block over the years due to its significant morbidity and mortality rates. The greater morbidity associated with this deadly disease is attributed to delay in its diagnosis / its presentation in advanced stage. Being multifactorial, Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the outcome of genetic and epigenetic instability.

Association between Maxillary Sinus Dimensions and Midface Width: 2-D and 3-D Volumetric Cone-beam Computed Tomography Cross-sectional Study.

Aim: Evaluating the association of maxillary sinus dimensions and the maxillary arch dimensions may help to understand the interrelationship between the maxillary sinus and the anatomical facial features. The study aimed to investigate the correlation of the 2-D and 3-D maxillary sinus dimensions with the linear measurement of the maxillary arch width (MAW) in adult individuals.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using 54 cone-beam computed tomography scans obtained from patients starting their treatment in dental clinics of dental college, Jazan University.

Comparing case-based and lecture-based learning strategies for orthodontic case diagnosis: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Case-based learning (CBL), in contrast to traditional lecture-based learning (LBL), is an andragogical method carrying an earnest teaching approach that uses demonstration of clinical cases as an active learning tool.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of knowledge delivery and student satisfaction between CBL and LBL strategies to diagnose orthodontic cases.

Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was performed.

Microbial profile in different orthodontic appliances by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization: An in-vivo study.

Introduction: The design of the orthodontic bracket or appliance is 1 of the most important factors for creating retentive areas for biofilm formation. In orthodontics, this would be the first study to compare the microbial level changes in 3 different types of orthodontic appliances using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the extent of appearance of orange and red microbial complexes in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment using aligners, conventional metallic fixed labial appliances, and lingual fixed appliances.

Cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic treatment with aligners compared to conventional labial fixed appliances: a 3-week clinical study.

To test the hypothesis that the levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α increased more and IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 increased less, after 3 weeks of treatment with conventional labial fixed appliance and with aligners. Forty patients who were treated either with labial brackets ( = 20) or aligners ( = 20). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and after 21 days.

Exploring Drug-Related Problems in Diabetic Patients during Ramadan Fasting in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Study.

This study aimed to identify any drug-related problems (DRPs) in diabetic patients during Ramadan fasting in Saudi Arabia. The study used a mixed-methods approach consisting of two phases and was conducted in Makkah, Saudi Arabia from December 2017 to March 2018. The first phase of the study involved qualitative semi-structured individual interviews with diabetic patients.

Correction: Timing and rate of spheno-occipital synchondrosis closure and its relationship to puberty.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Timing and rate of spheno-occipital synchondrosis closure and its relationship to puberty.

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) closure and puberty onset in a modern American population. It also investigates the timing and the rate of SOS closure in males and females.

Materials And Methods: The sample includes cross-sectional and longitudinal 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of 741 individuals (361 males and 380 females) aged 6-20 years.