To date, no instrument with demonstrated structural validity has been available to assess dentists' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding the core concepts of Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID). Therefore, this st...To date, no instrument with demonstrated structural validity has been available to assess dentists' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding the core concepts of Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID). Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a self-administered instrument designed to measure Brazilian dentists' knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards MID. A cross-sectional study was conducted among dentists practicing in the Federal District of Brazil to evaluate the psychometric properties of the instrument. Item generation was followed by expert review by Brazilian MID specialists. Subsequently, two focus groups and a pre-test were conducted to assess item wording, sequence, and comprehensibility. After the necessary revisions, the instrument was administered to 454 dentists. Exploratory Factor Analysis, combined with parallel analysis, was performed (p < 0.05). A total of 404 dentists comprised the final sample for the psychometric analyses. Parallel analysis indicated a two-factor solution as the most representative, corresponding to knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Composite reliability was adequate for all factors (≥ 0.40). The factorial structure showed acceptable model fit indices, except for the RMSEA (RMSEA = 0.092). Unidimensionality was rejected, as UniCo = 0.939 (0.907-0.975) and ECV = 0.762 (0.719-0.830) did not reach the recommended thresholds. The findings suggest that the instrument presents an appropriate structure and satisfactory reliability for measuring dentists' knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to MID. This is the first study in the field of MID competencies to comprehensively report the steps involved in constructing, adapting, and psychometrically evaluating an instrument for dentists.
This study aimed to conduct an in vitro evaluation of the antierosive potential of a solution and an experimental toothpaste enriched with natural antioxidants derived from cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) on eroded dentin. Co...This study aimed to conduct an in vitro evaluation of the antierosive potential of a solution and an experimental toothpaste enriched with natural antioxidants derived from cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) on eroded dentin. Cocoa beans underwent fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding, and freeze-drying to obtain an aqueous cocoa extract. The extract was analyzed for total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity using the oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assay. A control toothpaste was then formulated and enriched with the concentrated cocoa extract. Eighty bovine dentin specimens were pre-eroded in citric acid and randomized into four groups (n = 20): G1 (negative control) - toothpaste without active ingredients; G2 - concentrated cocoa polyphenol solution; G3 - experimental toothpaste enriched with cocoa polyphenols; and G4 (positive control) - Elmex Protect commercial toothpaste (Colgate). Specimens underwent 3 days of erosive cycling. Surface loss (dSL-eroded) was measured by optical profilometry; collagen degradation (dColl) was calculated after collagenase exposure; and calcium release (CaR) was quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. Surface morphology was qualitatively assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The cocoa extract showed higher levels of total polyphenols than did the enriched toothpaste (p = 0.037). Antioxidant activity decreased after toothpaste manipulation (p = 0.025). G2 exhibited significantly lower dSL-eroded, dColl, dSL-total, and calcium release compared with the other groups (p<0.05). SEM analysis of G3 revealed partially or totally occluded dentinal tubules. In conclusion, cocoa extract exhibited a higher polyphenol content and significant antierosive effects, leading to reduced dentin surface loss and enhanced tubule occlusion.
This study was aimed at comparatively evaluating the relationship between temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and subjective tinnitus, as well as the effects of TMD treatment on masticatory muscle activity, tinnitus symptom...This study was aimed at comparatively evaluating the relationship between temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and subjective tinnitus, as well as the effects of TMD treatment on masticatory muscle activity, tinnitus symptoms, and patient perception. In this prospective cohort study, patients diagnosed with both TMD and tinnitus were divided into groups with or without bruxism. The inclusion criteria were confirmed diagnosis of TMD and tinnitus. The exclusion criteria were history of prior TMD treatment, neurological disorders, or systemic diseases affecting muscle function. The primary outcome measures were electromyographic (EMG) assessments of masseter muscle maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and the percentage of overlapping coefficient (%POC), determined via surface EMG (sEMG). The secondary outcomes included changes in tinnitus symptoms, assessed with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and pain levels, evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A total of 70 eligible participants were evenly distributed between groups. Tinnitus symptoms resolved in 35.7% of patients and did not significantly differ between groups (p > 0.05). Masseter MVC values decreased numerically but non-significantly after treatment (p > 0.05). In contrast, significant post-treatment improvements were observed in %POC, VAS, and THI scores (p < 0.05). Pre- and post-treatment comparisons of MVC, %POC, VAS, and THI revealed no significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). TMD treatment appeared to effectively decrease subjective tinnitus symptoms and improve quality of life. Our findings suggest that TMD management might play an important role in tinnitus treatment and indicate that tinnitus is more associated with underlying internal disorders than with masticatory muscle activity directly influenced by bruxism.
This study aimed to identify misinformation related to dental caries in Brazilian Portuguese on Instagram, analyzing factors associated with its dissemination and corresponding engagement metrics. Two independent investi...This study aimed to identify misinformation related to dental caries in Brazilian Portuguese on Instagram, analyzing factors associated with its dissemination and corresponding engagement metrics. Two independent investigators conducted a qualitative analysis of 500 posts published between August 2018 and August 2022. Posts were selected using the CrowdTangle tool and assessed for author's profile, content, motivation, facticity, format, and sentiment. Data were evaluated using descriptive analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, and path analysis through generalized structural equation modeling. Topic modeling analysis was also performed using QDA Miner software with the WordStat module to identify underlying topics in dental caries-related information and misinformation. The findings indicated that 21.8% of the analyzed posts contained misinformation, primarily on content shared by regular users regarding dental caries treatment. No significant relationship was observed between misinformation and user engagement; however, posts with misinformation showed a significantly higher median total interaction than those without. Overperformance scores were positively correlated with business and health-related profiles, as well as higher total interaction levels. Financial motivation was less frequently associated with treatment-related posts, reflecting the tendency of promotional content to focus on preventive technologies. Lastly, whereas the misinformation predominantly addressed dental caries treatment, diet, microorganisms, and oral hygiene, the accurate information mainly covered prevention, treatment, and oral hygiene. Although these findings were not associated with higher user engagement, they underscore concerns regarding the dissemination of misleading information about dental issues online. Business and health professional profiles demonstrated good potential to disseminate reliable information with higher engagement metrics.
Despite evidence regarding the severity of occupational accidents involving biological material (OAIBM) during dental instrument cleaning, these risks remain underestimated by many workers. Few studies, however, have foc...Despite evidence regarding the severity of occupational accidents involving biological material (OAIBM) during dental instrument cleaning, these risks remain underestimated by many workers. Few studies, however, have focused on the epidemiology of OAIBM during dental instrument cleaning. Thus, this study aimed to identify, analyze, and estimate the incidence rate of OAIBM during dental instrument cleaning by dental care professionals in Brazil. Notifications registered between January 2015 and July 2020 were then extracted from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), a Brazilian government agency responsible for reporting and investigating infectious diseases. Reports of OAIBM were analyzed by dental care professionals (dentists, oral health assistants [OHA], and oral health technicians [OHT]) from all 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District. The mean incidence rate of OAIBM among dental care professionals in Brazil during dental instrument cleaning was 314.5 cases per 100,000 professionals. Of these cases, 88.2% involved OHTs, and most affected individuals were female (94.4%). Serum, blood, or plasma accounted for most exposures (71.8%), and 85.1% of exposures were percutaneous. Gloves were the most commonly used personal protective equipment (PPE) at the time of the accidents. Therefore, this study highlights the role of the dentist as the leader and technical authority, responsible for providing resources, standardizing processes, training the team, and supervising performance to ensure occupational safety, quality processing, and contributions to patient safety.
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of dental implants placed in alveolar ridges augmented with collagenated xenogeneic bone blocks (CXBB) or autogenous bone blocks (ABB). In this non-interventional study...This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of dental implants placed in alveolar ridges augmented with collagenated xenogeneic bone blocks (CXBB) or autogenous bone blocks (ABB). In this non-interventional study, 20 patients (CXBB: n = 11; ABB: n = 9) from a previous randomized controlled clinical trial were followed for four years. These patients had undergone lateral alveolar ridge augmentation with either CXBB or ABB, with implants placed after a 30-week healing period. The following parameters were assessed: implant survival and success rates, peri-implant clinical parameters, Pink Esthetic Scores (PES), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Both groups demonstrated high implant survival rates, with only one late failure occurring in the ABB group. There were no statistically significant differences between the CXBB and ABB groups regarding implant survival and success rates (p > 0.05). Peri-implant clinical assessments indicated healthy tissue surrounding the implants in both groups, with no significant differences between CXBB- and ABB-grafted sites. While overall PES scores were similar, the ABB group showed significantly higher scores for soft tissue level and contour (p < 0.05). Patient-reported outcomes, accessed via the OHIP-14 questionnaire, indicated comparable satisfaction levels between the two groups. Both CXBB and ABB groups exhibited comparable long-term outcomes for implant survival and success. Although the ABB group demonstrated slightly better esthetic results, CXBB showed comparable clinical and patient-reported results, suggesting it may be a feasible alternative for staged lateral alveolar ridge augmentation. These findings should, however, be interpreted with caution given the limited number of patients.
The goal of this study was to evaluate, in vivo, the synthesis of inflammatory and repair mediators in dental pulp after capping with a reparative bioactive material. Pulp capping was performed with mineral trioxide aggr...The goal of this study was to evaluate, in vivo, the synthesis of inflammatory and repair mediators in dental pulp after capping with a reparative bioactive material. Pulp capping was performed with mineral trioxide aggregate (n = 20) and gutta-percha (n = 10) on mandibular first molars of C57Bl6 mice. After 7 and 70 days, tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological, histometric, and immunohistochemical evaluation to investigate the synthesis of ALP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, PECAM-1, and VEGF. Data regarding measurement of the area of newly formed mineralized tissue, number of inflammatory cells in dental pulp, and intensity of immunostaining were compared using Student's t-test at a significance level of 5%. At 7 days, an inflammatory response was found in contact with MTA and gutta-percha, while at 70 days, inflamation was reduced in both groups. However, mineralized tissue formation was observed only with MTA. IL-1β, VEGF, and PECAM-1 were detected in cells in close contact with MTA at 7 days, which reduced overtime. On the other hand, synthesis of ALP, IL-4, and IL-6 was mild at 7 and 70 days without difference between the periods. Mineralized tissue formation was observed only with MTA. IL-1β, VEGF, and PECAM-1 were synthesized by dental pulp and inflammatory cells in close contact with the material, whereas IL-4, IL-6, and ALP synthesis were scarcely found. Understanding the molecular and cellular responses elicited by MTA can enhance the development of more effective treatments, potentially leading to improved long-term outcomes for patients with dental pulp injuries or diseases.
The study aimed to validate a questionnaire for the Brazilian adolescent population assessing patient's perceptions of orthodontic treatment and to verify whether its original psychometric properties were preserved durin...The study aimed to validate a questionnaire for the Brazilian adolescent population assessing patient's perceptions of orthodontic treatment and to verify whether its original psychometric properties were preserved during the transcultural adaptation process. A total of 160 adolescents, assessed before and after orthodontic treatment at two different orthodontic clinics,answered a self-administered questionnaire translated into Portuguese. Patients were equally assigned to two groups: non-treated adolescents (NTA) and adolescents receiving orthodontic treatment (AOT). Both male and female adolescents were selected (age range: 12 to 17 years). A trained orthodontist examined all patients to record the aesthetic dental index (ADI) and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The adolescents' legal guardians answered a socioeconomic questionnaire. Reliability was assessed by evaluating the instrument's internal consistency and stability, using Cronbach's alpha, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). Construct validity was assessed through cross-cultural validation and hypothesis testing. Cronbach's alpha was 0.7 for the NTA group and 0.9 for the AOT group. The instrument demonstrated excellent stability for the NTA group, yielding an ICC > 0.9. The k values showed a strong to almost perfect correlation (between 0.701 and 0.999) for the AOT group. The Brazilian version of the QPAOT proved to be a reliable and stable instrument, with good psychometric properties and can therefore be considered an appropriate instrument for assessing adolescents' perceptions and expectations regarding orthodontic treatment.
This study analyzed the frequency and distribution of biopsied oral and maxillofacial lesions in a Brazilian geriatric population. Biopsy records of patients aged ≥60 years diagnosed over the last 45 years were retrospec...This study analyzed the frequency and distribution of biopsied oral and maxillofacial lesions in a Brazilian geriatric population. Biopsy records of patients aged ≥60 years diagnosed over the last 45 years were retrospectively reviewed. Data on sex, age, anatomical site, and histopathological diagnosis were collected. Absolute and relative frequencies and their associations with clinicopathological variables were evaluated using the chi-square test and the two-proportions Z test. Among 21,367 lesions diagnosed between 1978 and 2023, 2,794 (13.1%) occurred in patients aged ≥60 years, predominantly in the 60-79 age group (90.6%) and in females (54.6%). The most frequent diagnostic categories were reactive lesions (56.6%), neoplasms (25.1%), and cysts/pseudocysts (8.5%). Fibrous hyperplasia (32.9%) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (15%) were the most common individual diagnoses. Females showed higher proportions of reactive lesions, immunological diseases, and bone lesions, with male-to-female ratios of 1:1.7, 1:2.2, and 1:5.7, respectively. The frequency and profile of oral and maxillofacial lesions in older Brazilians are consistent with previous reports. The high burden of inflammatory and neoplastic lesions reflects the cumulative effects of poor oral health and limited healthcare access. These findings highlight the need for strengthened preventive, diagnostic, and long-term oral healthcare strategies, particularly focusing on the aging population.
This study aimed use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to compare the maxillary sinus volume and transverse dimensions between sides with and without palatally impacted maxillary canines. The CBCT records of 47 patien...This study aimed use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to compare the maxillary sinus volume and transverse dimensions between sides with and without palatally impacted maxillary canines. The CBCT records of 47 patients with unilateral palatally impacted canines (18 males, 29 females; mean age: 22.19 ± 7.71 years) were included. The maxillary sinus volume was measured using semiautomatic segmentation, and transversal maxillary dimensions were assessed in the posterior region. Deviation of the nasal septum and alveolar pneumatization were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 with a significance level set at p < 0.05. As compared with the nonimpacted side, the maxillary and molar basal widths were significantly smaller and the septum deviation angle was greater on the impacted side (p < 0.05). A one-unit increase in the septal deviation angle increased the probability of impaction by 1.177 times. A negative correlation was detected between the maxillary sinus intensity and zygomatic width, molar basal width, and molar alveolar width (r = 0.431, 0.316, and 0.351, respectively). The incidence of pathological sinus findings did not differ significantly between sides (38.3% vs. 51.06%). Similarly, the rates of alveolar pneumatization were comparable (51.06% vs. 48.94%). The mean sinus volumes were 13,147.96 voxels on the impacted side and 13,194.38 voxels on the nonimpacted side, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). In conclusion, although palatally impacted maxillary canines are associated with narrower posterior maxillary transverse dimensions and increased septal deviation, they do not have a considerable effect on the maxillary sinus volume. These findings provide clinically relevant information for orthodontic diagnosis and surgical planning.
This study compared oral hygiene and prognostic scores in intensive care unit patients who were either exposed or not exposed to an antimicrobial oral rinse. Both the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS 3), and Seque...This study compared oral hygiene and prognostic scores in intensive care unit patients who were either exposed or not exposed to an antimicrobial oral rinse. Both the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS 3), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score - recorded on the day of admission (D1) and on the day of the oral examination (Dv) - were retrieved from electronic medical records. Oral data obtained through intraoral examination were used to calculate the Critical Patient Oral Hygiene Index (CPOHI). Eighty-four patients were included in the group exposed to the oral rinse containing chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, and propolis extract (CCPG), whereas 42 patients were assigned to the reference group (RefG). Gingival inflammation (47.6% vs. 16.7%; p < 0.001) and spontaneous bleeding (9.5% vs. 0%; p = 0.004) were more frequent in the RefG than in the CCPG, respectively. Oral hygiene was satisfactory in 53.2% of patients, with no difference between groups. Median SAPS3 and SOFA Dv were worse in the RefG. Patients in CCPG with poor oral hygiene (6.0 (0-14)) showed worse SOFA Dv scores than those with good oral hygiene (1.0 (0-13), p=0.001). Intubation was the only variable negatively associated with all prognostic scores in the multivariate analysis. Critically ill patients exposed to the antimicrobial oral rinse showed better prognostic scores and a lower frequency of gingival inflammation and spontaneous bleeding, supporting the indication of the antimicrobial rinse in oral hygiene protocols for critically ill patients.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of immersion in an acidic (butyric acid - BA; pH 4.1) or neutral (phosphate-buffered saline - PBS; pH 7.0) environment on the physical behavior of Bio-C Sealer (BCS) or AH...The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of immersion in an acidic (butyric acid - BA; pH 4.1) or neutral (phosphate-buffered saline - PBS; pH 7.0) environment on the physical behavior of Bio-C Sealer (BCS) or AH Plus Jet (AHPJ) after filling oval root canals with different thicknesses of sealer. Thirty-two oval root canals were prepared and filled with BCS or AHPJ (n = 16), using the single-cone technique. Greater, middle, and smaller thicknesses of sealer were established in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the root canals, respectively. Then, the samples were immersed in BA or PBS (n = 8) for time intervals of 7 and 30 days. Micro-CT scans were performed after the materials set and after the experimental time intervals ended. Volumetric change and the percentage of voids and gaps at the material/dentin interface were evaluated. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn, Friedman, Wilcoxon paired, and ANOVA/Tukey tests were performed (α = 0.05). Significant volumetric change and percentage of voids and gaps at the interface of BCS and AHPJ were observed in BA after 30 days (p < 0.05). Both materials showed a higher percentage of voids and volumetric loss in the greater sealer thickness (p < 0.05). Baseline showed a lower percentage of voids and gaps at the interface when compared with the experimental periods (p < 0.05). An acidic environment harms the properties of endodontic sealers after 30 days. The greater sealer thickness negatively affected the volumetric change and presence of voids in oval root canals.
Social capital plays a key role in health outcomes, including oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). With increased digital interactions, online social capital has emerged as a potential determinant of adolescent...Social capital plays a key role in health outcomes, including oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). With increased digital interactions, online social capital has emerged as a potential determinant of adolescent well-being. This study aimed to explore the relationship between online social capital, associated factors, and OHRQoL among adolescents. This cross-sectional study was nested within a cohort study initiated in 2010 with a representative sample of preschool children from Santa Maria, Brazil. Individuals were re-evaluated from 2022 to 2023 (n = 406), when they were between 14 and 18 years of age. OHRQoL was assessed using the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ 11-14). Online social capital was measured using two proxy indicators (frequency of social media use and perceived online trust) based on prior literature. Offline social capital and demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and clinical variables were considered confounders. Poisson regression was used to assess associations. Results are reported as rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Most adolescents (95.3%) used social media daily, and 62.9% reported having trusted online contacts. Adolescents with low online social trust had CPQ11-14 scores 8% higher (RR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1.01-1.15), indicating poorer OHRQoL. Low offline social capital was also associated with poorer OHRQoL, whereas moderate and high sense of coherence (SOC) were associated with lower impacts on OHRQoL. Social media usage frequency showed no significant association with OHRQoL. Our findings suggest that online social trust, offline social capital, and SOC are positively associated with adolescents' OHRQoL.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents' perceptions of their children's oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). This longitudinal study was performed in two stages: ba...The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents' perceptions of their children's oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). This longitudinal study was performed in two stages: baseline (T1), before the pandemic, and follow-up (T2), from August to November 2021. Children aged eight to eleven years and their parents who were seeking dental care or were referred to the Pediatric Dental Clinic of the School of Dentistry, residing in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) were included. OHRQoL served as the primary outcome measure and was assessed using the Brazilian short-form of the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ) at T1 and T2. Child's sex and age, caries status (dmft/DMFT), parents' education, and household income were collected at T1. Variables related to COVID-19 were collected at T2: fear of COVID-19 and of family virus transmission, job loss, and children's dental pain in the past 4 weeks. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare OHRQoL. Changes in OHRQoL over time were analyzed using a multilevel negative binomial regression model. The random intercept and fixed effects model considered repeated measurements (level 1) grouped into individuals (level 2). The level of significance was set at 5%. There was no statistically significant difference between the median for total score and for each domain. In the multilevel analysis, fear of COVID-19 was linked to poorer OHRQoL perceptions. Having dental pain and younger children also negatively impacted these perceptions. Emotional and psychological factors and non-normative parameters significantly influenced parental perceptions of OHRQoL during the pandemic.
Bone regeneration is a critical area in tissue engineering because of the increasing incidence of bone defects resulting from trauma, degenerative diseases, and congenital disorders. The focus of this study is the synthe...Bone regeneration is a critical area in tissue engineering because of the increasing incidence of bone defects resulting from trauma, degenerative diseases, and congenital disorders. The focus of this study is the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp) from two natural calcium-rich biowastes: Anadara granosa (blood cockle) and Achatina fulica (snail). The shells were calcined at 900 °C to form calcium oxide (CaO) and then converted into HAp via the wet precipitation method using a Ca/P molar ratio of 1.67. The synthesized HAp powders were evaluated for their chemical properties and biological performance. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of phosphate and hydroxyl functional groups, and among the samples, An 100 showed the highest crystallinity. MC3T3-E1 cell viability was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay at 24, 48, and 72 hours. At 72 hours, An 100, An 75, and An 50 maintained a viability above 70%, indicating good biocompatibility. In contrast, An 25 and Ac 100 exhibited significant cytotoxicity (p < 0.05). Only the noncytotoxic concentrations were used for the in vitro scratch wound-healing assay, where An 100 demonstrated the most rapid wound closure, indicating increased osteoblast migration. Furthermore, in this study, the elemental composition and structural integrity of Hap was analyzed to understand the factors affecting its stability and performance in biological environments. These findings suggest that naturally derived HAp is a promising, sustainable, and effective biomaterial for bone tissue engineering and has favorable effects on cell viability and migration.
Open science aims to promote more transparent, collaborative, and accessible practices in the scientific process. However, barriers such as fear of exposure or reluctance to share data and methods make researchers hesita...Open science aims to promote more transparent, collaborative, and accessible practices in the scientific process. However, barriers such as fear of exposure or reluctance to share data and methods make researchers hesitant to amply engage with this movement. This study analyzes the global open science movement and the persistent gap between its discourse and practice. Based on a critical narrative review of historical milestones, the analysis demonstrates that although open science promotes transparency, collaboration, reproducibility, and stronger connections among science, society, and policy, its adoption remains uneven and limited. Individual barriers, such as a lack of training and fear of misuse, along with institutional obstacles related to publishing models, evaluation metrics, and financial constraints, hinder the full implementation of open practices. Contrastingly, significant benefits are evident, including cost reduction, acceleration of scientific progress through data reuse, and reinforcement of evidence-based public policies. Worldwide experiences highlight both the advances and inequalities in access and infrastructure, demonstrating that the global impact of open science depends on more equitable participation. In conclusion, bridging the gap between discourse and practice requires structural changes in research evaluations, cultural shifts that prioritize collective knowledge, and stronger integration between researchers, policymakers, and society. Implementing open science is essential to ensure that knowledge production truly serves global development and social equity.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progressive destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, primarily driven by a dysregulated host immune response to subgingival biofilms. Toll-like receptors (...Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progressive destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, primarily driven by a dysregulated host immune response to subgingival biofilms. Toll-like receptors (TLR-2 and TLR-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are key mediators of immune signaling and tissue breakdown, making them potential biomarkers of periodontal disease activity. This prospective, non-randomized interventional study evaluated TLR-2, TLR-4, and TNF-α levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) for periodontal disease monitoring and assessed the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on clinical parameters. Forty systemically healthy individuals were enrolled and assigned to either periodontitis or healthy groups. Clinical indices-gingival index, plaque index, clinical attachment loss, and probing pocket depth-were recorded at baseline and 8 weeks after NSPT. GCF samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine biomarker concentrations. At baseline, TNF-α and TLR-2 levels were significantly higher in periodontitis patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). Following therapy, marked clinical improvements were observed, accompanied by significant reductions in TNF-α and TLR-4 levels (p < 0.05), while TLR-2 levels remained stable. receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that TNF-α and TLR-2 reliably distinguished disease from health. In conclusion, NSPT effectively improved clinical outcomes and reduced TNF-α and TLR-4 levels in GCF, reflecting a decreased local inflammatory burden. The persistence of TLR-2 expression post-treatment suggests a stable role in immune surveillance rather than acute inflammatory response.
Dental Specialty Centers (CEOs in Portuguese) are health facilities that offer services of medium complexity in oral health, enabling comprehensive care. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sociodemographic an...Dental Specialty Centers (CEOs in Portuguese) are health facilities that offer services of medium complexity in oral health, enabling comprehensive care. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sociodemographic and accessibility characteristics that may be associated with the degree of satisfaction of CEO users. A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the second cycle of the Program to Improve Access and Quality of CEOs (PMAQ-CEO), available in the public domain on the Ministry of Health website, from 2020. The outcome (satisfaction) was measured by the question "In general, the service you receive in this CEO is?" and Poisson regression analysis was performed using a robust estimator. In total, 10,391 users and 1,042 CEOs were interviewed. More than half of the participants (58.4%) rated the CEO's service as very good, and 38.2% as "good." In the final model, greater satisfaction with the CEO was associated (p<0.05) with White individuals who received more than one minimum wage, who did not reside in the same municipality where the establishment operated, who did not want to change the CEO, and with hours of operation compatible with the demands of users. A high percentage of users were satisfied with Brazilian CEOs' services. By analyzing the literature and data from the previous cycle of the PMAQ-CEO, an improvement in service delivery can be seen, which may have influenced user satisfaction.
This study investigated socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical factors directly and indirectly associated with subjective happiness among recruits from southern Brazil. This cross-sectional study included...This study investigated socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical factors directly and indirectly associated with subjective happiness among recruits from southern Brazil. This cross-sectional study included a sample of recruits performing mandatory military service at two military bases in southern Brazil. Questionnaires were administered to collect socioeconomic data (mother's education, family income, and participant education level), behavioral habits (toothbrushing frequency and flossing), and psychosocial variables, such as sense of coherence (SoC-13 scale), oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and degree of happiness (Subjective Happiness Scale). A clinical dental examination was performed by a single trained and calibrated examiner to determine the gingival bleeding index and dental caries experience (DMFT, number of decayed, missing due to caries, or filled permanent teeth). Pathway analysis was conducted to test the direct and indirect paths linking socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical factors to happiness (Stata software). Results are presented as beta coefficients (β) and p values. A total of 499 recruits aged 18-19 years were evaluated. High levels of SoC were directly associated with greater happiness (β = 0.49, p < 0.001), whereas higher OHIP-14 scores, indicating poorer OHRQoL, were directly associated with lower happiness (β = -0.09, p < 0.05). Untreated dental caries was indirectly associated with lower happiness (β = -0.03, p < 0.05) via OHRQoL. No significant paths were observed from socioeconomic or behavioral variables to happiness. In conclusion, psychosocial and clinical factors were associated with happiness levels among Brazilian Army recruits.
The expression of hBD-3 and quantification of immune and inflammatory response cells (non-degranulated and degranulated mast cells, mature and immature plasmacytoid dendritic cells, mature and immature Tregs, T lymphocyt...The expression of hBD-3 and quantification of immune and inflammatory response cells (non-degranulated and degranulated mast cells, mature and immature plasmacytoid dendritic cells, mature and immature Tregs, T lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes) were evaluated in the radicular cysts (epithelium/capsule) of primary and permanent teeth. The relationship between the size of the radiographic lesion and expression of hBD-3 was also evaluated. Radicular cysts were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis to quantify the immune and inflammatory response cells and to evaluate hBD-3 staining and its relationship with radiographic lesion size. The results were analyzed using the D'Agostino & Pearson, Mann-Whitney, t-test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn's post-tests (5%). hBD-3 was expressed in cysts of primary and permanent teeth. In primary teeth, hBD-3 expression was higher in small lesions than in large lesions (p < 0.05). All the evaluated cell types were detected in all radicular cysts. Cysts of primary teeth showed a higher expression of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, B lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes (p < 0.05), whereas those of permanent teeth showed a higher expression of T lymphocytes, immature plasmacytoid dendritic cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes (p < 0.05). hBD-3 was expressed in the epithelium/capsule of primary and permanent teeth radicular cysts. Immature plasmacytoid dendritic cells were the predominant cells in radicular cysts of primary teeth, whereas T lymphocytes were more abundant in permanent teeth.