Impact of BRAF and MEK Inhibitors on Gingival Hyperplasia in Melanoma Patients-A Case Report.

: Although BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, produce a marked response in patients with advanced melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation, they eventually develop resistance to this treatment. To address this issue, vemurafenib is increasingly combined with the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib, leading to improved response rates and enhanced survival. However, this treatment modality is associated with numerous side effects.

A Rare Case of Peripheral Osteoma of the Alveolar Bone of the Maxilla in a 13-Year-Old Boy.

This report aims to augment the presently limited knowledge on the characteristics of jawbone osteomas in children by presenting an exceptionally rare case of this tumor located on the buccal aspect of the alveolar process of the maxilla in a 13-year-old boy. A well-defined, painless, bony, hard, spherical enlargement on the maxillary alveolar ridge was identified and thoroughly evaluated through clinical examination, panoramic radiographs, CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scans, and histopathological analysis. The tumor was surgically removed, and the patient participated in postoperative clinical follow-ups for eight years.

The impact of social media on the selection of dentists based on their social media presence among residents of Vojvodina, Serbia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Considering the widespread use of social media, it is unsurprising that dentists are increasingly drawn to these platforms as a means of connecting with patients and sharing valuable insights. The aim of this research is to examine the influence of social media on the selection of dentists among residents of the Vojvodina province in the Republic of Serbia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed residents of Vojvodina, Serbia, aged 18 years and above, with an account on at least one social media platform.

Pathogenic Mechanisms That May Link Periodontal Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-The Role of Oxidative Stress.

Given the posited role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of both periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it may also serve as a link between these highly prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases. This view is supported by an ample body of evidence indicating that the severity and progression of periodontitis is in part driven by diabetes, while periodontal infection may hinder the attainment of adequate glycemic control in diabetic patients. Thus, this review focuses on the potential synergistic interactions along the oxidative stress-inflammation pathway characterizing both conditions.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Self-Confidence in Patient Treatment in the Endodontic and Restorative Procedures of Dentistry Students at the University of Novi Sad.

(1) : The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a change in the concept of teaching with the introduction of online lectures and "distance learning." The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the confidence and both theoretical and practical knowledge of dental students regarding the courses in conservative dentistry and endodontics. (2) : The study was conducted using an originally created online questionnaire consisting of 30 questions that the students used to make a subjective assessment of their confidence in performing both endodontic and conservative procedures using numerical scales.

Evaluating the influence of dental aesthetics on psychosocial well-being and self-esteem among students of the University of Novi Sad, Serbia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: A person's smile has been identified as one of the first observed facial characteristics. Even minor deviations from societal beauty standards, especially among younger individuals, can have a negative effect on their self-esteem. The aim of this research is to evaluate the self-perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and self-esteem among respondents and their association, as well as to determine the main factors contributing to dissatisfaction with dental appearance.

Influence of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate on the surface topography and composition of nickel-titanium archwires during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

Purpose: To investigate the surface topography and nickel content of nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires exposed to either routine oral hygiene or a prophylactic regimen with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) during orthodontic treatment.

Methods: This in vivo study involved 40 orthodontic patients with fixed appliances, who were randomly assigned to either a routine oral hygiene group or a CPP-ACP supplementary regimen group. Twenty new NiTi archwires served as controls.

Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment on Salivary and Plasma Superoxide Dismutase Levels of Patients Suffering from Periodontitis.

Antioxidant capacity is frequently measured by evaluating superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration in body fluids. The aim of this study was to compare SOD concentrations in the saliva and plasma of patients with periodontitis to those measured in a group of patients with healthy periodontium, as well as to evaluate the influence of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on salivary and plasma SOD in periodontitis patients. For this purpose, 40 systemically healthy patients aged 30-70 years who had at least 20 teeth were recruited, 20 of whom had periodontitis, and 20 served as healthy periodontitis-free controls.

A New Mechanical Mouth Opener for Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint.

(1) Background: During the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), it is necessary to scan the joints in the closed- and open-jaw position, as well as in the maximally open-jaw position. In order to examine both joints in these positions, an MRI compatible mouth opener is required, which allows the articular surfaces to maintain their position stably. (2) Methods: In this study, we included 200 patients aged 18 to 65, with various levels of clinical severity.

Awareness of physicians and dentists in Serbia about the association between periodontitis and systemic diseases: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Strong evidence supports the association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of a group of physicians and dentists in Serbia regarding this topic and assess their professional actions to prevent and control both periodontal and systemic diseases.

Methods: An anonymous self-administered structured questionnaire was sent to the available e-mail addresses of randomly selected healthcare providers working in Serbia.

High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint Low Agreement with Clinical Diagnosis in Asymptomatic Females.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between a clinical diagnosis based on research diagnostic criteria/temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) and high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) in asymptomatic females. (2) Methods: A prospective study on 100 females (200 TMJs) was performed, using clinical examinations (RDC/TMD) and same-day MRIs of TMJs on a 3T MR unit. The inclusion criteria were as follows: females, age > 18, the presence of upper and lower incisors, and an understanding of the Serbian language.

The Participation of Pediatric Dentists in Oral Health Promotion and Education in Serbia.

Objectives: To identify the involvement of Serbian paediatric dentists in oral health promotion and education, and to propose further actions for the improvement of these activities.

Methods: This is an analysis of data collected by a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey of 445 dentists involved in the provision of dental health services to children at the primary healthcare level. We explored dentists' involvement in oral health education and promotion and the cooperation with other health professionals at the healthcare centre and the community level as well as their attitudes towards the importance of some factors influencing their work.

Pathological tumor volume as a simple quantitative predictive factor of survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the eighth most common type of cancer in the world. Knowledge of prognostic factors of survival in OSCC is key. Several clinical and pathological prognostic factors have been investigated to develop a prognostic model of survival for patients with oral cancer.

Evaluation of Lipid Peroxidation in the Saliva of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients with Periodontal Disease.

As oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and periodontitis, it may serve as a link between these conditions. Therefore, as a part of the present study, salivary lipid peroxidation (LP) in periodontitis patients with and without diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) was evaluated, along with the periodontal therapy effectiveness. The study sample comprised of 71 DM2 patients with periodontitis and 31 systemically healthy controls suffering from periodontitis of comparable severity.

Effects of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Salivary 8-Hydroxy-Deoxyguanosine Levels and Glycemic Control in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients.

Diabetes and periodontitis are complex chronic diseases that are potentially interrelated, as well as associated with oxidative stress. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on salivary 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and glycemic control in patients suffering from both diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and periodontitis. The study sample included 53 DM2 patients, while 31 systemically healthy patients served as controls.

Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Saliva and Plasma of Patients Suffering from Periodontitis.

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) participates in the development of various diseases, including periodontitis, and malondialdehyde (MDA) is its terminal product. Therefore, in the present study, salivary and plasma MDA levels in 30 periodontitis patients were compared to those in 20 healthy controls, as well as in relation to periodontal therapy in order to assess its effectiveness. Periodontal status was assessed via plaque index, gingival index, papilla bleeding index, probing depth and clinical attachment level, while salivary and plasma MDA levels were determined by the ELISA method.

Performance Evaluation of Dental Flosses Pre- and Post-Utilization.

Dental floss is an oral hygiene product used to remove food and plaque in places where toothbrushes cannot reach. Even though over the years since its introduction some research in suitable materials has been performed, thread cracking and wear can still compromise efficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the morphological properties of four different commercially available dental floss types before and after use.

Meta-Analysis of In-Vitro Bonding of Glass-Ionomer Restorative Materials to Primary Teeth.

Restoration of primary teeth is among the main clinical applications of glass-ionomer cements (GIC). The aim of the study was to review and summarize existing evidence of bond strength of glass-ionomer (GI) restoratives to enamel and dentin of primary teeth. A literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies published until April 2021.

Bone spoons for prehistoric babies: Detection of human teeth marks on the Neolithic artefacts from the site Grad-Starčevo (Serbia).

Around 8000 years ago, throughout the Neolithic world a new type of artefact appeared, small spoons masterly made from cattle bone, usually interpreted as tools, due to their intensive traces of use. Contrary to those interpretations, the small dimensions of spoons and presence of intensive traces of use led us to the assumption that they were used for feeding babies. In order to test that assumption we compared 2230 marks on three spoons from the Neolithic site of Grad-Starčevo in Serbia (5800-5450 cal BC) with 3151 primary teeth marks produced experimentally.

Possible synergistic effect of apoE and LRP1 genotypes on metabolic syndrome development in Serbian patients.

The modern way of life contributes to the higher frequency of a complex state medically called metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is an inevitable consequence of several most common diseases of modern civilization. Patients with MetS have three times higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or a stroke and twice higher possibility to die from them. Serbia holds the infamous third place in Europe in mortality from heart disease, just behind Russia and Ukraine.

Glass-ionomer fissure sealants: Clinical observations up to 13 years.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to clinically examine the retention and caries-preventive effect of a glass-ionomer material for fissure sealing in newly erupted permanent molars.

Methods: A total of 1736 newly erupted permanent molars were sealed in 480 children aged 5-15 years. Sealants were evaluated yearly and recorded as "completely retained", "partially retained", or "completely lost".

Unmet oral health needs among persons with intellectual disability.

The aim of this study was to examine the factors affecting oral health status among intellectually disabled individuals in Serbia. The sample population was categorized according to age, sex, living arrangements, general health and the level of intellectual disability (ID). The diagnosis of dental caries was performed using the DMFT/dmft criteria.

Efficacy of pastes containing CPP-ACP and CPP-ACFP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) containing pastes among individuals with Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Materials And Methods: Thirty patients were randomised into three groups: CPP-ACP, CPP-ACFP, and 0.05 % NaF to be used two times a day during a 28-day experimental period.