Predictors of perceived stress and quality of life amongst dental master and doctoral students.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify predictors of perceived stress and quality of life (QoL) amongst dental master and doctoral students.

Materials And Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with Brazilian students as participants (n = 707). The following instruments were administered: Perceived stress scale (PSS), the WHOQOL-BREF and a socio-demographic questionnaire.

Virulence modulation of Streptococcus mutans biofilms by metal ions released from orthodontic appliances.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of metal ions commonly shed from orthodontic appliances on the virulence of Streptococcus mutans ATCC®25175™ biofilms.

Materials And Methods: Biofilms were grown in the presence of Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Cr(3+), Co(2+), and a metal ion pool at concentrations similar to those released in saliva of orthodontic patients for 72 hours. Once mature, biofilms were treated for up to 12 hours with 5% glucose.

Insertion torque, pull-out strength and cortical bone thickness in contact with orthodontic mini-implants at different insertion angles.

This study aimed to evaluate biomechanical behaviour of inclined orthodontic mini-implants by analyzing its insertion torque (IT), axial pull-out strength (APS), and cortical bone thickness in contact with mini-implant (CBTC). A total of 102 mini-implants were inserted at 90 degree, 60 degree, and 45 degree to the surface of synthetic bone. Peak IT was measured, and the mini-implants were aligned with the mechanical testing machine to record the APS.

Virulence modulation of Candida albicans biofilms by metal ions commonly released from orthodontic devices.

The installation of metal devices leads to an increase in the salivary concentration of metal ions and in the growth of salivary Candida spp. However, the relationship between released metal ions and Candida virulence has not been previously examined. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether metal ions affect fungal virulence.