Endodontic malpractice litigations in the United States from 2000 to 2021.

Background/purpose: Little is known regarding the outcomes and distinguishing characteristics of lawsuits related to endodontic procedures. This study used a verdict-based data from United States of America to analyze the factors associated with endodontic malpractice lawsuits and mitigate the risk of litigation.

Materials And Methods: The LexisNexis legal database was used to search for endodontic malpractice cases from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2021 using the terms "medical malpractice" and (I) "endodontist" (II) "endodontics" (III) "root canal" (IV) "dental pulp.

Phenytoin induces connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) production through NADPH oxidase 4-mediated latent TGFβ1 activation in human gingiva fibroblasts: Suppression by curcumin.

Objective And Background: Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a common side effect of some drugs such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressant, and calcium channel blockers. Among them, the antiepileptic agent phenytoin is the most common agent related to this condition due to its high incidence. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) importantly contributes to the pathogenesis of GO.

Severity of periodontitis and salivary interleukin-1β are associated with psoriasis involvement.

Background/purpose: Both psoriasis and periodontal diseases are characterized by an exaggerated immune response to the microbiota residing on epithelial surfaces. This study aimed to explore the associations between the severity of psoriasis and periodontal destruction in patients with psoriasis.

Methods: Thirty-three patients diagnosed with psoriasis were referred from the dermatology clinic of National Taiwan University Hospital.

Court decisions in criminal proceedings for dental malpractice in Taiwan.

Background/purpose: Malpractice claims place heavy economic and emotional burdens on both dentists and patients. Recently, medical malpractice lawsuits are decreasing in prevalence but increasing in severity. The percentage of dental malpractice payments is also growing among the health profession.

Significant association of rheumatoid arthritis-related inflammatory markers with non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Background/purpose: Chronic periodontitis (CP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and their immunopathogenesis is similar. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on the serum levels of RA-related inflammatory markers in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods: Thirty-one Taiwanese adults with CP were included.

Arecoline activates latent transforming growth factor β1 via mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in buccal fibroblasts: Suppression by epigallocatechin-3-gallate.

Background/purpose: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a premalignant condition caused by the chewing of areca nut (AN). Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of OSF. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF or CCN2) and early growth response-1 (Egr-1) are important mediators in the fibrotic response to TGFβ in several fibrotic disorders including OSF.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in oral cancer cells and xenografts.

Objectives: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been regarded as a promising candidate for cancer therapy. However, most of oral cancer cell lines are resistant to the TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) to sensitize TRAIL-induced apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant oral cancer cells and xenografts.

β2-Glycoprotein I-Dependent Anti-Cardiolipin Antibodies Associated With Periodontitis in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Background: It was reported that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibited increased levels of anticardiolipin (anti-CL) antibodies, a class of antiphospholipid antibodies associated with thrombosis. β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) has been considered as the actual target antigen for anti-CL antibodies. This study investigates the association of periodontal infection with anti-CL antibodies in patients with SLE.

Cyclosporine A induces connective tissue growth factor expression in human gingival fibroblasts: suppression by epigallocatechin-3-gallate.

Background/purpose: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth (GO). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) acts as a cofactor with TGF-β to induce the maximal profibrotic effects of TGF-β. We investigated the effects of CsA on CCN2 expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and the potential chemopreventive agent for CsA-induced GO.

Effect of glutaraldehyde on the humoral immunogenicity and structure of porcine dermal collagen membranes.

Objectives: Our previous studies showed that the biodegradation rate of cross-linked porcine dermal collagen membrane (PDCM) could be retarded without changing its biocompatible character. The purpose of this study was to assay the humoral immune response of PDCM reconstitute with glutaraldehyde (GA) and observe their surface architectures.

Methods: PDCM reconstituted with GA (0, 0.