Hardan L, et al. J Adv Prosthodont. 2023 Dec;15(6):315-332. https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2023.15.6.315

In this study, a comparative evaluation of the physicochemical properties of Cention N and other direct restorative materials was performed. Three restorative materials—a resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC), an alkasite-based resinous material (Cention N), and a resin composite (Tetric N Ceram)—were characterized in terms of degree of conversion, Knoop hardness number (KHN) ratio, flexural strength, elastic modulus, water sorption, water solubility, microshear bond strength to dentin, immediate microleakage, and radiopacity.

The global spread of COVID-19 forced schools at all educational levels to close, which was repeated in more than 60 countries. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of dental students world wide. This study hypothesizes that the prevalence of depression in dental students from El Salvador is higher than that reported in studies from Europe, Asia, and North America. This study was an online cross-sectional survey performed at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Salvador. The PHQ-9 questionnaire was applied to know the level of depression of the students, and a questionnaire focused on learning the opinion of the students on the hybrid teaching model adopted. Approximately 450 students participated in both questionnaires. Regarding the levels of depression present in the students, 14% had minimal depression, 29% had medium depression, 23% had moderate depression and, 34% had severe depression. The students had an excellent opinion regarding the hybrid learning model. The prevalence of depression in dental students in El Salvador seems to be higher than that reported in studies in non-Latin American countries. Therefore, universities must generate care plans for mental health to avoid these harmful effects on students during future contingencies.

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common chronic disease in young children, influenced by multiple factors, including the activity of bacteria and other microorganisms, diet, and immune response. Pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-8 (IL-8) and anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 (IL-10) play crucial roles in the inflammatory process of caries. However, their relationship with ECC severity remains unclear. This study aimed to compare salivary IL-8 and IL-10 levels in children with and without ECC and analyze their association with caries severity using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Children with and without central obesity were included to evaluate the potential influence of nutritional status on cytokine expression. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to December 2023 in San Luis Potosí, México, including 76 children aged 3 to 5 years (40 with ECC and 36 caries-free). Anthropometric measurements were taken to classify children as centrally obese or non-centrally obese. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and IL-8 and IL-10 levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis included the Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and binary logistic regression analysis, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: IL-8 levels were higher in the ECC group (85 ± 119 pg/mL) than in the control group (45 ± 74 pg/mL), but this difference was not significant (p = 0.3613). IL-10 levels were lower in the ECC group (3 ± 2 pg/mL) than in the control group (11 ± 44 pg/mL; p = 0.6481). The difference between IL-8 and IL-10 levels was greater in the ECC group (27 ± 41 pg/mL) than in the control group (17 ± 33 pg/mL; p = 0.1709). No significant correlation was found between cytokine levels and ICDAS scores (p > 0.05), and binary logistic regression did not show an association between IL-8, IL-10, WHtR, and cavitated caries lesions. Conclusions: Although IL-8 tended to be elevated and IL-10 reduced in children with ECC, the differences were not statistically significant. The observed trend suggests a possible local immunological imbalance in children with caries, which may contribute to disease progression independently of bacterial activity or behavioral influences.