Medicine in Evolution is a recognized, peer-reviewed, open access publication dedicated to the dissemination of original theoretical research across the interdisciplinary spectrum of medicine and healthcare, encompassing a wide array of topics within the realms of human life science, medical community, dental medicine and pharmacology. Original research papers, communications, letters, short notes, case reports, and reviews are all warmly welcomed for submission. Its commitment lies in conducting thorough peer reviews, facilitating swift publication of groundbreaking research. We strongly encourage authors to present their experimental and theoretical findings with meticulous detail. The submission of theoretical papers should include comprehensive proofs to facilitate verification, while experimental papers should provide thorough experimental procedures to ensure reproducibility. Authors are also encouraged to deposit supplementary materials such as electronic files or software containing detailed calculations and experimental procedures alongside their publications. The objectives of the journal are aligned with the vision of the World Health Organization, the International Dental Federation, fitting seamlessly into the research strategy of Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara and the Translational and Experimental Clinical Research Centre in Oral Health, Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health. Topics of interest include, without being limited to, the following areas: medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutics. Detailed information about each topic can be found here. Indexing The journal is indexed by several organizations like Index Copernicus and Romanian UEFISCDI (B+).
Frequency analysis of Bolton’s discrepancy in a group of patients with orthodontic treatment need
Objectives: This study evaluates the frequency of the Bolton discrepancy in a group of patients with orthodontic treatment need, establishing the existence or the absence of any correlations between this discrepancy and its location as well as the sex of the patient. Materials and method: A total of 40 patients were included in the present study. Measurement of the mesiodistal widths (between contact points) located at the equator of the dental crown, have been performed using a precision digital caliper. The measurements were taken on the study models. Results and conclusions: The measurements performed on the study models, before the orthodontic treatment was applied, identified that 15 (37.5%) of the 40 participants in the study have Bolton discrepancy. No significant differences were reported when comparing the arches or the anterior and overall ratio.
Teachers' perception of oral hygiene of children aged 8 to 12 years old. Case study in the rural area of the Timis county.
Our social approach is to evaluate in rural areas important dental hygiene activities and their effects. This analysis is carried out through stakeholders present in rural areas and more specifically teachers who work with children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. the research method used was a quantitative method, the tool used to be a questionnaire that consisted of 14 questions. In order to carry out this study, 20 teachers were interviewed, in grades 1-4 in rural schools in Timis County.
Clinical comparative study between the classical and the digital wax-up and indirect mock-up
Obtaining functional and aesthetically pleasing dental restorations is the main goal of prosthetic treatments. A patient’s smile should be in harmony with her/his facial features, reflect her/his personality and give her/him self-confidence. Nowadays, the vision that the doctor has in mind when designing a treatment plan can be materialised by means of a wax-up and subsequently by an indirect mock-up. Wax-ups can be made using the conventional method, i.e., by the addition of wax on a cast, or digitally, by creating 2D or 3D options of future dental restorations.
Autofluorescence evaluation of oral keratotic lesions
Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the value of tissular fluorescence visualization for the diagnosis of oral white lesions. Material and method: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine of the UMF Carol Davila and included 25 patients with the preliminary clinical diagnosis of oral keratotic lesions. The lesions were evaluated using tissue autofluorescence and the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Results: In this study for tissue autofluorescence, a sensitivity of 0.57 and a specificity of 0.72 were obtained. Conclusion:According to the data analyzed in the present study, this adjuvant investigation does not bring superior benefits in the assessment of oral keratotic lesions, although this method is convenient, easy to use for patients who need long term follow-up, it requires caution because benign lesions can mimic suspicious disorders.
Characteristics of the technical steps required to obtain a ceramic restoration in the frontal and posterior area
Aesthetics is one of the main factors of success for a dental restorations. Nowadays patients claim more and more -besides longevity – to receive esthetic restorations that blend harmoniously with the surrounding teeth and tissues. The successful application of different all-ceramic materials is dependent upon clinicians’ ability to match the ceramic materials to the manufacturing techniques and cementation or bonding procedures. The aim of our study was to present the technical steps for a special clinical case due to bruxism, for which the choice of restoration was metallic post-cores in order to insure optimal mechanical properties and with milled zirconia crowns.
Non-syndromic relative generalized microdontia
The dental anomalies of volume occur during the stages of morphological differentiation or during the organic matrix apposition and include micro and macrodontia. Relative generalized microdontia is characterized by the disproportion between the normal-sized teeth and the overdeveloped jaws, as a result of crossed inheritance. This case report describes the treatment approach using fixed orthodontic appliances and the evolution in the case of a young male patient diagnosed with spacing (diastemata and tremata), Class I malocclusion and deep bite. The treatment objectives were to obtain a good static and dynamic occlusion and optimal esthetics. At the end of the treatment all the functions of the dento-maxillary system were improved, with adequate intra and inter-arch relationships. When localized in the anterior region, microdontia affects the aesthetic function and, consequently, the patient's psychosocial behavior, which often dictates his treatment choice – orthodontic, restorative or multidisciplinary treatment.
A model of experiential learning for teenagers’ caries-protective diet
Teenagers’ reluctance to learning in general and their demand for non-traditional, interactive leaning methods, on one hand, and the difficulties in changing the oral health-related behaviors, on the other hand, represent a permanent challenge for oral health educators. Experiential learning was developed by David Kolb and promotes the concept of learning by doing, and with better chances for teenagers to get engaged in the educational process using as learning cycle: concrete experience (“Do”), observation and reflection (“Observe”), forming abstract concepts (“Think”), testing in new situation (“Plan”). As part of the “Com4You” oral health promotion program, Department of Oral Heath and Community Dentistry from Faculty of Dentistry, UMF “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, designed educational lessons using experiential learning and applied them in small groups of teenagers in schools. The present article describes the two activities used in Com4You program for promotion of caries-preventive diet for adolescents, that conducted to a decrease in the consumption of cariogenic food compared to control group (traditional learning) as shown by the results of a 2 -year longitudinal study. The activities performed in small groups (5-10 subjects) and with a medium duration of 15 minutes each, aimed to raise the awareness on the proper eating behavior in preventing dental caries and to offer a better understanding of the food products characteristics that makes them cariogenic/caries-protective.
Comparative technical steps in obtaining implant supported reconstructions using computer aided manufacturing and ceramic layering
SLS is an additional technique that allows generating a complex three-dimensional structure, by consolidating and successively selecting the layers of metal powder, and bonding layer by layer one above the other, using thermal energy provided by a focused laser beam. Our study presents the technical steps in manufacturing the metallic part of the implant supported over-structures in two different clinical situations, both using SLM for obtaining the frameworks and is highlighting the differences between the followed technological stages in each case. The presented clinical situations have specific features, depending on the type of used materials (alloy and ceramics), on the characteristics of each clinical case, as well as on the habit and custom technical skills developed over time by each technician. Both cases met the targeted aesthetical and functional features and enhanced re-establishing the morphologic and functional integrity of the arches.
Myoepithelial cells of the lacrimal gland
Myoepithelial cells (MECs) are found in different exocrine glands, which include the lacrimal gland. However, although the MECs are functionally relevant for the function of this gland, few studies characterised them by means of immunohistochemistry. We therefore aimed at checking the molecular phenotype of the MECs in the lacrimal gland. For this study were used archived paraffin-embedded samples of lacrimal glands. Primary antibodies were applied: D2-40, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Ki67, the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMM), cytokeratin 5 (CK5), and CD117/c-kit. MECs of the lacrimal gland expressed D2-40 (podoplanin), α-SMA, SMM, CK5 and, scarcely, c-kit. Ki67, the proliferative marker, and c-kit, were scarcely expressed in basal cells of the secretory units. Therefore, podoplanin should be added to the specific panel of markers specifically identifying the MECs of the lacrimal gland.
podoplanin; immunohistochemistry; exocrine gland; orbit; markers.
Is ultrasound screening after tomosynthesis justified in patients with a personal history of breast cancer?
Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the added value of breast ultrasound to screening tomosynthesis in women previously treated for breast cancer. Material and Method: In the study were included 100 patients with previously diagnosed and treated breast cancer. The patients were examined with tomosynthesis and breast ultrasound. BI-RADS assements were made after tomosynthesis and ultrasound and compared with the final assesment. Results: On tomosynthesis, 97% of the patients were normal or had benign changes (BI-RADS 1 or 2) and only 3 patients (3%) had highly suspicious for malignancy lesions (BI-RADS 5). On ultrasound, 97 patients (97%) had no pathological or benign finfindings, one had possible malignant finding (BI-RADS 4) and 2 had highly suspicious for malignancy lesions (BI-RADS 5). The major differencies between tomosynthesis and ultrasound were observed in BI-RADS 1 and 2 cases. Conclusion: if the screeing is performed with tomosynthesis, supplimentary ultrasound examination is of no benefit. Even in patients previously treated for breast cancer, ultrasound does not bring informations that would change the manegement of these patients.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). A case report and review of literature.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a disease that produces neural demyelination in the central nervous system caused by reactivation of a DNA virus that remains dormant in immunocompetent individuals, known as John Cunningham virus (JCV) occasioned by a prior HIV infection with immunosuppression. We present the case of a 21 years old HIV positive individual with diffuse muscular weakness, dysarthria and severe ataxia and impossibility of maintaining neck and head upward position. Magnetic resonance imagery revealed in the white substance of bilateral cerebellar hemispheres and brainstem extensive T1 hypointense and T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions, accompanied by discrete water restriction diffusion of water restriction and insignificant contrast substance outlet. Thus, a PML diagnosis was established on radioimagistic grounds.
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Microscopic and macroscopic features of 91 basal cell carcinoma patients, observed throughout a 2 year-period
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent skin malignancy, which has been linked over time to multifactorial causes of which the most important is prolong solar exposure. The study aims to find a link between certain age groups, sex and basal cell carcinoma subtypes, both on a microscopic and macroscopic level. The present paper relies on a group of 91 patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, whom were registered in the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital’s Pathological Anatomy laboratory database between March 2016, through Fabruary 2018. Values were extrapolated using Microsoft Office Excel 2013. Within certain age groups, it has been observed that basal cell carcinoma, almost regardless of subtype and patient sex, has a tendency of appearing on sun-exposed areas in people with fair skin. The nodular and ulcerated subtypes are the most common. Basal cell carcinoma is an important source of morbidity with a major impact in modern society requiring a better pathological understanding and a new approach regarding screening opportunities.
Digital vs conventional workflow in fixed prosthodontic restorations
Aim and objectives: This study will try to emphasize the differences between different materials and technologies currently used for dental crown manufacturing. Materials and methods: We performed 4 different types of dental crowns, using different materials and technologies, on the same preparation, on 4 different duplicate models, and we examined the marginal adaptation and the surface quality, using a HD camera. Results: The worst results, both in marginal adaptation and surface quality, were found to be present in the crowns manufactured in the traditional casting and waxing manner. Discussions: The traditional procedures, which involve casting and waxing, are many times subject to human error and are also affected by many physical factors, which are harder to control. Conclusion: Regardless on the material chosen – metal, ceramic or zirconia, the CAD-CAM technology offers better properties to the final restorations and, thus, more safety to the clinician and to the dental technician.
Effects of Topical Fluoride Applications on Caries Risk In Patients With Fix Orthodontic Appliances
The outcome of orthodontic treatment is usually aesthetically and functionally satisfactory. Caries is an undesirable side-effect of treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. So pathogenic microbes like streptococcus mutants and lactobacillus gather, multiply and ferment the carbohydrates and sucrose. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how orthodontic treatment and different professional fluoride treatment affect caries risk and individual risk factors.
A model of experiential learning for teenagers’ oral hygiene habits
While regarding oral hygiene remain the most important habit in preventing carious disease, teenagers might represent a vulnerable group because of tendency to adopt risky behaviors and neglect their health. On the other hand, teenagers represent a challenging group for educators involved in oral health educational program because of the difficulties for adolescence to respond to traditional learning methods. Aiming to educate adolescents through interactive and active participation regarding not only the basic tooth brushing but also the secondary means for oral hygiene, Com4You oral health educational program designed and applied activities using experiential learning. Accordingly, to this concept developed by David Kolb, participants learn by doing using the cycle: concrete experience (“Do”), observation and reflection (“Observe”), forming abstract concepts (“Think”), testing in new situation (“Plan”). The Department of Oral Heath and Community Dentistry from Faculty of Dentistry, UMF “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, started applying the oral health lessons using experiential learning in a pilot longitudinal study between 2014 and 2017, in 3 public schools in Bucharest, with small working groups of 5-10 teenagers and a working time of 10-15 minutes per activity. The results of the research showed a proper feedback from participants and a significant improvement regarding oral hygiene-related knowledge and behavior.
Geographic tongue is a benign oral condition with a migratory pattern of the dorsal tongue. Aim and objectives: This paper aims to emphasize the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and associated factors of geographic tongue, in an effort to improve the means of misdiagnosed and overtreated cases in adults and children. The variable clinical features of this condition are described. Moreover, geographic tongue can be an oral manifestation of psoriasis, thus further investigations are necessary. Recent data on oral microbiota, salivary changes and treatment strategy are also presented.
Prognosis evaluation in dental aesthetic rehabilitations using 2 types of ceramic veneers in a Romanian study group
Aims and Objectives. The objectives of this study are the comparaison of survival rate of feldspathic and pressed lithium-disilicate ceramics veneers, survival analysis, failure types, clinical factors that may influence their lifespan in a Romanian study group. Materials and methods The materials used were VITA VM7 (VITA Zahnfabrik, Germany) and E.max (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Liechtenstein). Patient demographics, treatment and any subsequent failure dates were recorded. 170 patients with 507 veneer-treated teeth were divided into 2 groups: patients with and without therapeutic failures. Results 48 veneers failed. Most failures were fractures (35.36%), followed by debonding and chipping. The most affected veneers in general were the feldspathics (19.9%) compared to lithium disilicate (8.8%) at 10 years. Conclusion Regardless of their superior aesthetics, feldspathic veneers are less mechanically resistant than pressables, but other clinical parameters must also be considered such as the age of the prosthetic rehabilitation or the number of teeth involved. Since study results are consistent with current literature data, Romanian patients can be considered in the international context of veneer treatments.
Biomimetic restoration of dental trauma in the frontal area
Aim and objectives: Dental trauma to the anterior teeth may involve only enamel or enamel and dentin, and in more severe cases may be found pulpal involvement which complicates the initial treatment. In these situations the affected teeth require an extended period of regular monitoring Material and methods: A 12-year-old patient presented to the dental office with coronary fracture class II Ellis at the level of the left upper central incisor. The relevant history of the etiology of the injury was accidental fall during recreational activities. Taking into account the fact that the patient was a 12-year-old child and the fractured coronary fragment was recovered, it was decided as a treatment solution to reattach the fractured fragment to the remaining coronary tooth. Results: The technique of reattaching the recovered dental fragment respects the principles of biomimicry and allows obtaining a natural result, in terms of the optical characteristics of the future restoration Conclusions: In the recall session, after a week, it was found that the restoration fits perfectly in the remaining dental tissues, requiring only minimal finishing touches in order to individualize the relief and surface texture, in accordance with those of the intact analog tooth and application of polishing operations
Oral health status of kindergarten children with special needs
The purpose of this retrospective study is to find out in what extent disabilities may have an effect on the oral health, in contrast to healthy children between three to six years of age from. Leverkusen, Germany. Three children enter the treatment room at the same time, this procedure being the most efficient. The evaluation of the patients made use of the dmft-index according to its definition. The specific dmft value that was found, is represented in percentage compared to all the others. Out of the total of disabled children, 16 showed the dmft value of 0, compared to the 82 children without disabilities found with a dmft of 0 However, comparing those two values in percentage, it is clear that the overall expectancy is rather different, since 44.44% of all disabled children in this study were caries free, compared to 63.57% in the healthy group of children. Furthermore, it is evident that extreme values are more frequent to be found in the group among disabled children. The results of this study show, that the average tooth of a child with special needs affected by the dmft index was always higher than compared to healthy children.
Biomaterials currently used in pulp capping treatments
Dental pulp capping is a treatment for deep carious lesions that affect a great part of the enamel and dentin structure, although the pulp remains vital. Failure of pulp capping leads to loss of pulp vitality and endodontic treatment. Therefore, the need for dental materials that can induce tertiary dentin formation, are biocompatible and can obtain an efficient seal, is obvious. A material that has all these properties can lead to a greater success rate for pulp capping treatments. Does it exist? What does the scientific literature say about this topic? This article provides information about 4 modern biomaterials used for pulp capping treatments: Calcium Hydroxide, TheraCal LC, MTA and Biodentine, aiming to aid the practitioner in choosing wisely between materials.
Smoking behaviour among a group of adolescents. A 2-year longitudinal study
Aim. The aim of the study was the assessment of the changes in smoking frequency during a twoyear monitoring program among a group of adolescents. Material and method. The 2-year longitudinal study evaluated a group of 61 schoolchildren, 13-16 years-old, enrolled in the Com4You Oral Health Promotion Program in Bucharest, Romania. The behaviour assessment was performed using a self-administered questionnaire regarding oral hygiene, diet, dental services utilisation and smoking, applied every 8 months, 4 times in total. The subjects were delivered during the program 3 oral health educational lessons using experiential learning, with different oral health-related aspects approached at each lesson and smoking was part of the last one, with the final assessment at 2 weeks after the last lesson. Results: The frequency of smokers increased gradually from 11,5% at baseline to 41% at the end of the monitoring period. When the sample was divided by age, results showed that the increase in frequency of smokers was greater among the 15-16 years-old group, from 19,4% at baseline to 48,4% at the final assessment, who also increased with time the number of cigarettes used per day, compared to 13-14 year-olds, from 3,3% to 33,3% and who kept smoking only occasionally during the study. Moreover, boys were more attracted by smoking than girls, the increase in frequency of smokers among boys was from 12,5% at baseline to 62,5% after two years, compared to girls: from 11,5% to 33,3%. Conclusion: in the studied group, adolescents smoked already from 13 years old, and the frequency of smokers increased fast with age, around 15 years they already smoked daily, with boys being more prone to smoke than girls.
Teachers and oral health education in ROMANIA: a questionnaire based study
Teachers and schools have the opportunity to play an essential role in developing healthy habits in students. Their purpose is to determine behavioral patterns at this stage of a child's development. Many oral health problems can be prevented, and their early onset can be reversible. However, a considerable number of children, parents and teachers have limited knowledge of the causes and prevention of oral diseases. Oral health can be promoted by improving education and correct information about risk factors, as well as encouraging the population to adopt healthy behaviors and lifestyles.
Dentoalveolar compensation assessment using PA cephalograms in orthodontic asymmetry patients
Asymmetry patients have various degrees of discrepancy between skeletal and dental relationships that are subject to the observation and correction of orthodontic or interdisciplinary teams of specialists. Dentoalveolar compensation is a system that helps maintain a state of occlusal balance in the maxillo-facial segment. Aim: The purpose of the present study is to assess the degree of dental compensation through dental midline shifting in patients with facial asymmetry. Material and Methods: 20 postero-anterior cephalograms of orthodontic patients with clinically visible facial asymmetry were studied using the Svanholt and Solow analysis. Results: Six of the patients included in this study presented both a maxillary and mandibular skeletal midline shift. Dentoalveolar compensation, defined by the shifting of the dental midlines was observed both in the upper and in the lower arch. Conclusion: Dentoalveolar compensation assessment is a necessary step of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
The correlation between soft tissue biotype and cortical bone thickness as succes factors in mini-implant placement – Pilot study
The aim of this study is to correlate two of the factors that influence the success rate of orthodontic mini-implants and establish the correlation between soft tissue biotype and the underlying cortical bone thickness. Material and methods: 2 patients (one with a thick and one with a thin biotype, according to TRAN technique) were selected. Clinical and radiological measurements were performed in order to determine the soft tissue and cortical bone thickness. The soft tissue thickness was measured using a periodontal probe with an endodontic stopper, and the cortical bone thickness was measured using a CBCT scan. Results: The thin biotype was correlated with thin cortical bone, while the thick biotype was correlated with a thicker cortical bone. Conclusion: The correlation between the gingival biotype and cortical bone thickness would allow the clinician to select the optimal mini-implant design and to ensure a more predictable outcome.
Quality of life evaluation of symptomatic TMJ patients during and after occlusal split therapy
Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders is a pathology that involve temporomandibular joint and masticator muscle. Numerous studies showed that TMJ pain is the second most common chronic musculoskeletal condition after chronic low back pain. In patients with TMJ pathology splint are used very often to release the pain and to put the mandible in centric relation. Materials and methods: For evaluation of the impact of splint therapy in the patient’s quality of life we have investigated 26 adult patients. We decided to use the qualitative statistical approach to evaluate the changes in the patient’s quality of life, since it is a qualitative perception rather than a quantitative one. Results: We compute the mean value m1 of the patient’s evaluation at question number 1 at each appointment. This parameter allows as to check the progress of the treatment and consequently the improvement of patient condition. We noticed a significant improvement of symptomatology. Conclusion: Patients that experience moderate pain at the beginning of the treatment are wearing the splint for more than 16 hours per day (grade 7 average), and those with severe pain for more than 20 hours per day (grade 9average). The most important thing is that on 90% of these cases, with severe and moderate pain, the pain disappears completely after 8 weeks.
The CBCT evaluation of the resorption caused by impacted canines
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides precise information regarding the position of the impacted canines, the presence and the degree of root resorption in adjacent teeth. This information is extremely important for surgeons and orthodontists in order to determine the correct diagnosis and the optimal interdisciplinary treatment plan. The main goal of this study was the tridimensional evaluation of the position of impacted canines, as well as the frequency of the implicated factors in the root resorption of adjacent teeth. Using CBCTs, 20 impacted canines were diagnosed in 16 subjects. For the statistical analysis we used the Spearman rank correlation. In these patients, 10 canines had a palatal position (50%), 2 had a labial position (10%) and 8 had a medial position (40%). Root resorption was found in 11 lateral incisors (55%), 5 central incisors (25%), 1 first premolar (5%). Most statistically significant correlations were found in the central incisor resorption, dependent on the transversal position (-0.651 negative correlation, p=0.002). The second statistically significant correlation was found between the status of the deciduous canine and the central incisor resorption (0.457 positive correlation, p=0.043); the greater the lack of resorption of the deciduous canine, the higher the risk of resorption in the central incisor.
Self-evaluation of oral health: A questionnaire based survey
Aim and objectives: The aim of this study is to get an insight of how patients perceive oral health and to propose possible new methods of enhancing dental prevention methods and new models of education. Materials and methods: the questionnaire was created on google forms and shared through google dive Results: Through the patient eyes the absence of symptoms and the increase costs of dental treatments are the most important factors taking in account while they are considering their visit to the dental cabinet. Conclusions: Despite being largely preventable dental caries are the most prevalent health condition and is rarely seen as a priority in health policy. The current direction of oral health programs needs to be re-evaluated adding more resources and creating educative programs for kids, adolescents and adults so we can change the patient’s mindset from a young age.
Factors that can determine children’s oral health behaviour
The purpose of our article is to highlight the factors that determine a higher frequency of brushing teeth among children in grades 1-4. In this sense, a questionnaire was applied on a number of 1014 of pupils from Timiș County studying in urban and rural schools. To analyse the incidence of the factors on the frequency of teeth brushing in children, we performed the linear regression analysis constructed in a progressive manner. Based on a sample of more than 1000 interviewed children, our study makes an important contribution to the development of literature in the field. Based on our results we can say that girls they are much more likely than boys to have a sanogenic behaviour in relation to oral hygiene. At the same time, once again our research highlights the importance of information and prevention.
Treatment of white spot lesions by resin infiltration
If the tooth decay is not identified in its early stages, the restoration treatment may require complex methods of treatment which weakens the teeth and therefore the long-term prognosis of the tooth. Icon represents a relatively new product, with micro-invasive technology, whereby dental treatments can be applied without requiring anaesthesia. The purpose of this trial is to verify the effectiveness in the treatment of white spot lesions which appear following a fixed orthodontic treatment, with the help of ICON. The clinical trial was conducted for 4 months and included a group of 8 patients, i.e. 4 women and 4 men aged 19-30, from Timisoara municipality. The persons enrolled in the clinical trial have chalky white spots (demineralisations) identified after removal of brackets, located on the vestibular surfaces of the teeth.
Correlations between echocardiographic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors for stroke incidence in non-valvular AF
Our retrospective, cross-sectional study was aimed to determine a general profile of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) ambulatory patients, by identifying echocardiographic parameters and risk factors associated with cardioembolic stroke. 156 patients with previously diagnosed NVAF were selected from an Ambulatory Cardiology Praxis database. We applied the CHA2SDS2_VASC and HASBLED scores and analyzed 3 echocardiographic parameters (LAV, LVEDV and LVEF%), the presence of carotid atheromatosis and coronary artery disease and evaluated the lipidic profile and HbA1c. LAV, LVEDV and LVEF% were associated with cardioembolic stroke in NVAF (especially LVEDV), and also with ischemic heart failure (LAV in particular). Altered lipidic profile, presence of coronary artery disease and diabetes were also important indicators for incident stroke in NVAF. Further large cohort studies are necessary to develop a risk stratification chart for cardioembolic stroke based on these parameters in patients with NVAF.