Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi

Prof. Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi

University of Prishtina, Pristina, Kosovo
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 January 2021 in Case Reports in Dentistry
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
FDFatmir Dragidella
Fatmir Dragidella
DDDonika Kastrati Dragidella
Donika Kastrati Dragidella
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is a viral infection with multiorgan manifestations that may affect the oral mucosa. The full range of oral manifestations of COVID‐19 are unknown, and there are limited reports describing the features of oral manifestations of COVID‐19, including taste loss, oral lesions, and xerostomia. The aim of this study is to report a case of oral erythema multiforme (EM) manifesting as oral, lip, and skin lesions in a COVID‐19 patient. The presence of oral lesions in the late stage of COVID‐19 could be related to weak patient immunity or related therapies.

1 July 2022 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
FDFatmir Dragidella
Fatmir Dragidella
Periodontal disease is a complex disease that involves an imbalance between the oral microbiota and an individual’s inflammatory response. Moreover, the inflammatory response contributes to further imbalance; if left untreated, periodontal disease may result in tooth loss. Vitamin D is intricately involved in the regulation of calcium–phosphate homeostasis and bone mineral metabolism; considering that periodontal surgery usually includes regenerative therapy, adequate vitamin D and calcium levels are essential. The benefits of vitamin D and calcium supplementation have been demonstrated in situations where deficiency is associated with adverse outcomes, such as periodontal disease and maternal health. However, knowledge and attitudes about supplementation, as well as the actual levels of supplementation, vary greatly in the general population; they also differ between men and women. The aim of this review is to discuss how vitamin D and calcium supplementation affect oral and periodontal health, especially in women. Additionally, this review provides suggestions for public health strategies regarding vitamin D and calcium supplementation, as well as the effects of both types of supplementation on maternal oral health.

9 December 2025 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Mirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
EDEtleva Droboniku
Etleva Droboniku
GBGramos Begolli
Gramos Begolli
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
Background: Periodontitis is associated with systemic inflammation; however, the relationship between disease severity and systemic inflammatory biomarkers remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis stage and grade with systemic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and assess changes following standardized non-surgical periodontal therapy. Methods: Patient records from the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo were reviewed. Periodontitis was classified using the 2018 staging and grading system. Periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, plaque index, and gingival index) were assessed at six sites per tooth (excluding third molars). Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and high-sensitivity CRP were measured before and after therapy using high-sensitivity ELISA. Blood samples were centrifuged, and serum was stored at −20 °C. All patients underwent standardized non-surgical periodontal therapy, including full-mouth scaling and root planning, without systemic antibiotics. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22.0. Results: Among the patients, 28.0% had Stage I–II, 40.0% Stage III, and 32.0% Stage IV periodontitis; 29.3% were Grade A, 45.3% Grade B, and 25.3% Grade C. At baseline, all systemic inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were significantly higher in periodontitis patients compared with the control group, indicating an increased systemic inflammatory burden before therapy. After therapy, significant reductions in CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were observed across all stages and grades (all p < 0.01), indicating a decrease in systemic inflammatory burden. Conclusions: Non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly lowers systemic inflammatory biomarkers regardless of periodontitis severity, supporting their role as indicators of disease activity and treatment response.

10 March 2025 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
LDLinda J. Dula
Linda J. Dula
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
MKMirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Mirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
Background/Objectives: The rising popularity of e-cigarette use is creating new challenges for oral healthcare. Factors such as targeted marketing, appealing flavors, and the perception that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional smoking have contributed to their widespread adoption. This trend is particularly prevalent among young adults and teenagers, many of whom turn to e-cigarettes despite having no prior history of regular cigarette use. This study aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge and perceptions regarding e-cigarettes, focusing on their health effects, regulatory status, and potential risks to oral health. Assessing dentists’ knowledge of e-cigarette risks is important, as they guide patients on the potential oral health dangers of vaping. E-cigarette use has been linked to several oral health problems. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 189 dentists in Kosovo, comprising both general dentists and specialists. The questionnaire assessed participants’ awareness of e-cigarettes’ FDA approval status, their perceptions of health impacts, and their understanding of e-cigarettes’ association with oral conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 74.1% of respondents being uncertain about the FDA approval status of e-cigarettes and 82.0% recognizing their harmful effects on general and oral health. Nearly half (49.7%) of the participants identified e-cigarettes as a potential risk factor for caries, while 66.1% and 64.6% associated their use with oral cancer and periodontal disease, respectively. Gender and professional specialization did not significantly influence these perceptions. Conclusions: Dentists need better education on the risks of e-cigarette use, including their harmful effects on oral health. Incorporating this knowledge into dental curricula and professional training is essential to give dentists the information needed to advise patients effectively. Raising public awareness through dental health professionals can help mitigate the oral health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

1 January 2023 in Clinical Medicine Insights: Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MKMirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Mirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
DDDonika Kastrati Dragidella
Donika Kastrati Dragidella
LKLabinota Kondirolli
Labinota Kondirolli
Orofacial granulomatosis is a condition that manifests clinically as painless labial enlargement, perioral and mucosal edema, oral ulcers, and gingivitis. It is characterized by non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation of the oral and maxillofacial region. When the swelling only affects the lips, the pathology is called Miescher’s granulomatous cheilitis; however, when it also causes facial paresis and lingua plicata, it is known as Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. We report a case that was successfully treated with a combination of a local (intralesional) steroid, a systemic antibiotic, and a systemic steroid. After 6 months of therapy, we observed improvement in gingival hyperplasia and buccal mucosa and lip edema.

26 January 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
DSDonika Bajrami Shabani
Donika Bajrami Shabani
LDLinda J. Dula
Linda J. Dula
Z-Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
Zana Sllamniku -Dalipi
MKMirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Mirlinda Sopi Krasniqi
Aida MetoAida Meto
Aida Meto
Background and Objectives: The growing prevalence of e-cigarette use presents new challenges for oral health care. This study aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge and perceptions regarding e-cigarettes, focusing on their health effects, regulatory status, and potential risks to oral health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 189 dentists in Kosovo, comprising both general dentists and specialists. The questionnaire assessed participants’ awareness of e-cigarettes’ FDA approval status, their perceptions of health impacts, and their understanding of e-cigarettes’ association with oral conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 74.1% of respondents uncertain about the FDA approval status of e-cigarettes and 82.0% recognizing their harmful effects on general and oral health. Nearly half (49.7%) of the participants identified e-cigarettes as a potential risk factor for caries, while 66.1% and 64.6% associated their use with oral cancer and periodontal disease, respectively. Gender and professional specialization did not significantly influence these perceptions. Conclusions: Dentists need better education on the risks of e-cigarette use, including their harmful effects on oral health. Incorporating this knowledge into dental curricula and professional training is essential to give dentists the information needed to advise patients effectively. Raising public awareness through dental health professionals can help mitigate the oral health risks associated with e-cigarettes.