A Three-Month Probiotic (the M18 Strain) Supplementation Decreases Gingival Bleeding and Plaque Accumulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

M18 administration has been proven to provide positive effects on periodontal health; however, there is still no consensus on the optimum duration of probiotic administration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three months of probiotic supplementation on bleeding on probing, signs of gingival inflammation, and dental biofilm. Sixty-two eligible individuals with gingivitis were enrolled in this placebo-controlled, double-blind trial and randomly allocated to the M18 or control groups.

The Effect of Oral Care Foams and a Spray on Salivary pH Changes after Exposure to Acidic Beverages in Young Adults.

Soft drinks may have a deleterious effect on dental health due to a high titratable acidity and a low pH that could be sufficient to induce tooth demineralization. The use of oral care products immediately after acidic challenge may diminish the erosive potential of soft drinks. We assessed the effect of oral care foams and a spray on salivary pH changes after exposure to Coca-Cola in young adults.

The Effect of Different Compositions and Concentrations of Etidronate-Containing Irrigants on the Antibacterial Activity of Sodium Hypochlorite against and .

We assessed the effect of different compositions and concentrations of two etidronate-containing irrigants on the antibacterial activity of sodium hypochlorite (SH) against and in vitro. Pure cultures of and were isolated from root canal samples. The disc diffusion method was used to compare the antibacterial effect of pure SH and SH mixed with 9%, 15%, and 18% etidronate of two manufactures (dual rinse (DR); IsraDent (ID)) and EDTA.

Antigingivitis and Antiplaque Effects of Oral Probiotic Containing the M18 Strain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

We aimed to assess the effect of oral probiotic containing the M18 strain on gingival inflammation, bleeding on probing, and oral biofilm. Sixty-one consenting participants aged between 18 and 25 with gingivitis were recruited in this double-blind, parallel-group study and randomly divided into the probiotic group ( = 31) and the placebo group ( = 30). Fifty-seven participants completed the entire study protocol, 27 in the probiotic group and 30 in the placebo group.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Chelating Agents in Endodontic Treatment among Dental Practitioners.

The use of chelating agents (CAs) in the endodontic irrigation protocol is required to dissolve the inorganic components of the smear layer. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental professionals regarding the use of CAs during root canal treatment. A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted among specialized endodontists and general dentists who routinely perform endodontic treatment and work in government-funded or private clinics in Moscow.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Probiotics among Dental Students and Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

This cross-sectional survey assessed the knowledge of and the attitude towards probiotics of dental students and academics at Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia. Our questionnaire consisted of 15 questions divided into 3 sections: respondents' sociodemographic data, knowledge on probiotics, and attitude towards probiotics. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Antigingivitis, Desensitizing, and Antiplaque Effects of Alkaline Toothpastes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Gingivitis is a widespread disease commonly associated with dentin hypersensitivity, that, in turn, may complicate routine dental care, leading to plaque accumulation. We aimed to assess the antigingivitis, desensitizing, and antiplaque effects of a fluoride-containing (TWF) alkaline toothpaste and a fluoride-free (TW) alkaline toothpaste. Eighty-four consenting patients aged 20-25 years with diagnosed gingivitis and dentin hypersensitivity (DH) were recruited in this double-blind, parallel-group study and randomly divided into two groups (each = 42).

Association of Family Income With Morbidity and Mortality Among US Lower-Income Children and Adolescents.

Importance: Family income is known to be associated with children's health; the association may be particularly pronounced among lower-income children in the US, who tend to have more limited access to health resources than their higher-income peers.

Objective: To investigate the association of family income with claims-based measures of morbidity and mortality among children and adolescents in lower-income families in the US enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This cross-sectional analysis included 795 000 participants aged 5 to 17 years enrolled in Medicaid (Medicaid Analytic eXtract claims, 2011-2012) living in families with income below 200% of the federal poverty threshold (American Community Survey, 2008-2013).

Translucency and Color Stability of a Simplified Shade Nanohybrid Composite after Ultrasonic Scaling and Air-Powder Polishing.

We aimed to assess the influence of professional dental prophylaxis on the translucency and color stability of a novel simplified shade nanohybrid composite material. Sixty composite disks (5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) of light ( = 30) and dark ( = 30) shades were prepared. The specimens were randomly divided into the following three groups ( = 10) according to the prophylaxis procedure used: ultrasonic scaling, air-powder polishing with sodium bicarbonate, and controls.

Analysis of Publicly Funded Reinsurance-Government Spending and Insurer Risk Exposure.

This analysis compares the design of section 1332 reinsurance policies across states based on their potential for reducing insurer risk exposure and likely level of government spending.

The Effect of Toothpastes Containing Hydroxyapatite, Fluoroapatite, and Zn-Mg-hydroxyapatite Nanocrystals on Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite (nHAP), Zn-Mg-hydroxyapatite (nZnMgHAP), and fluorapatite (nFAP) nanocrystals on dentin hypersensitivity (DH) associated with noncarious cervical lesions.

Materials And Methods: Thirty consenting volunteers aged 35-45 years with DH were enrolled in a double-blind, parallel study, randomly assigned to the nHAP group ( = 10), the nZnMgHAP group ( = 10), or the nFAP group ( = 10), and instructed to use the toothpaste twice daily for one month. The primary outcome was Schiff scores at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks.

The Effect of Oral Probiotics (Streptococcus Salivarius k12) on the Salivary Level of Secretory Immunoglobulin A, Salivation Rate, and Oral Biofilm: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

We aimed to assess the effect of oral probiotics containing the K12 strain on the salivary level of secretory immunoglobulin A, salivation rate, and oral biofilm. Thirty-one consenting patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, parallel-group study and randomly divided into probiotic ( = 15) and placebo ( = 16) groups. Unstimulated salivation rate, concentration of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, Turesky index, and Papillary-Marginal-Attached index were assessed after 4 weeks of intervention and 2 weeks of washout.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Patients with a First Psychotic Episode.

The search for the most effective methods of therapy for mental disorders is a priority for modern psychiatry. An approach to the early diagnostics and rehabilitation of patients experiencing psychotic episodes for the first time is proposed in the present article. The proposed approach is based on the combination of drug therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) characterized by the development of the patient's psychological flexibility, rather than controlling the disease symptoms.

The Effect of Ultrasonic Scaling and Air-Powder Polishing on the Roughness of the Enamel, Three Different Nanocomposites, and Composite/Enamel and Composite/Cementum Interfaces.

We aimed to assess the effects of ultrasonic scaling and air-powder polishing on the roughness of enamel, three nanocomposites (Premise, Herculite Ultra, Harmonize), and composite/enamel and composite/cementum interfaces. Class V cavities were restored in 99 extracted third molars with one of the three nanocomposites and treated with ultrasonic scaler or air-powder polishing device (calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate powders). The roughness (Ra) of the investigated surfaces was measured with contact profilometer before and after treatment.

Racial Disparities In Excess All-Cause Mortality During The Early COVID-19 Pandemic Varied Substantially Across States.

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been starkly unequal across race and ethnicity. We examined the geographic variation in excess all-cause mortality by race and ethnicity to better understand the impact of the pandemic. We used individual-level administrative data on the US population between January 2011 and April 2020 to estimate the geographic variation in excess all-cause mortality by race and Hispanic origin.

Does medicine run in the family-evidence from three generations of physicians in Sweden: retrospective observational study.

Objective: To examine occupational heritability in medicine and changes in heritability over time, with Swedish population wide administrative data that allowed mapping family trees of physicians spanning up to three generations.

Design: Retrospective observational study.

Setting: Individual level administrative registry data from Sweden.

Initial economic damage from the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States is more widespread across ages and geographies than initial mortality impacts.

The economic and mortality impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been widely discussed, but there is limited evidence on their relationship across demographic and geographic groups. We use publicly available monthly data from January 2011 through April 2020 on all-cause death counts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and employment from the Current Population Survey to estimate excess all-cause mortality and employment displacement in April 2020 in the United States. We report results nationally and separately by state and by age group.

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Remineralizing Effect of Prophylactic Toothpaste Promoting Brushite Formation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Currently various studies are conducted to improve the effect of existing and developing new remineralizing agents. One of the trends in remineralizing therapy is the development of toothpaste allowing brushite crystals formation in the demineralized lesions of hard tooth tissues.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of toothpaste, forming a brushite, on the functional acid resistance of enamel and the speed of its remineralization.

The Effect of Finishing and Polishing Sequences on The Surface Roughness of Three Different Nanocomposites and Composite/Enamel and Composite/Cementum Interfaces.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of final surface treatment and dental composite type on the roughness of the composite surface, composite/enamel interface, and composite/cementum interface, as well as on the polishing time. Class V cavities prepared in extracted teeth ( = 126) were restored using one of the three nanohybrid composites with different filler sizes. The specimens were randomly assigned to three different finishing and polishing sequences.

Subsidy Design in Privately Provided Social Insurance: Lessons from Medicare Part D.

The efficiency of publicly-subsidized, privately-provisioned social insurance programs depends on the interaction between strategic insurers and the subsidy mechanism. We study this interaction in the context of Medicare's prescription drug coverage program. We find that the observed mechanism is successful in keeping "raise-the-subsidy" incentives relatively low, acts much like a flat voucher, and obtains a level of welfare close to the optimal voucher.

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Application of Foams with False Xerostomia.

Aims: Xerostomia syndrome is a significant medical and social problem. It is manifested by objective and subjective symptoms of a "dry mouth" and a decrease in sialometry. The aim of the study was to determine the dental status of students of different nationalities, to identify xerostomia induced on a background of stress, and to assess the effectiveness of the use of moisturizing foams in alleviating xerostomia.

Local Area Variation in Morbidity Among Low-Income, Older Adults in the United States: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Recent studies have reported that low-income adults living in more affluent areas of the United States have longer life expectancies. Less is known about the relationship between the affluence of a geographic area and morbidity of the low-income population.

Objective: To evaluate the association between the prevalence of chronic conditions among low-income, older adults and the economic affluence of a local area.

Machine-Based Expert Recommendations And Insurance Choices Among Medicare Part D Enrollees.

Choosing a health insurance plan is difficult for many people, and patient-centered decision support may help consumers make these choices. We tested whether providing a patient-centered decision-support tool-with or without machine-based, personalized expert recommendations-influenced decision outcomes for Medicare Part D enrollees. We found that providing an online patient-centered decision-support tool increased older adults' satisfaction with the process of choosing a prescription drug plan and the amount of time they spent choosing a plan.

Private provision of social insurance: drug-specific price elasticities and cost sharing in Medicare Part D.

We explore how private drug plans set cost-sharing in the context of Medicare Part D. While publicly-provided drug coverage typically involves uniform cost-sharing across drugs, we document substantial heterogeneity in the cost-sharing for different drugs within privately-provided plans. We also document that private plans systematically set higher consumer cost sharing for drugs or classes associated with more elastic demand; to do so we estimate price elasticities of demand across more than 150 drugs and across more than 100 therapeutic classes.

ACA Marketplace premiums and competition among hospitals and physician practices.

Objectives: To examine the association between annual premiums for health plans available in Federally Facilitated Marketplaces (FFMs) and the extent of competition and integration among physicians and hospitals, as well as the number of insurers.

Study Design: We used observational data from the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight on the annual premiums and other characteristics of plans, matched to measures of physician, hospital, and insurer market competitiveness and other characteristics of 411 rating areas in the 37 FFMs.

Methods: We estimated multivariate models of the relationship between annual premiums and Herfindahl-Hirschman indices of hospitals and physician practices, controlling for the number of insurers, the extent of physician-hospital integration, and other plan and rating area characteristics.