Assessment of Dimensional Changes in Submandibular Glands in Head-Neck Radiotherapy Patients by Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVES

The present study investigated the dimensional changes in the submandibular glands following radiotherapy using ultrasonography.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients planned to receive head-neck radiotherapy were included in this study. The anteroposterior, superoinferior, mediolateral length, and volumes of 46 submandibular glands were measured by ultrasonography at 3 different time periods (before radiotherapy and in the second and sixth months after the radiotherapy onset) and evaluated in terms of dimensional changes and the effect of the radiation dose on these changes. The data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and 2-factor repeated measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

Before radiotherapy and in the second and sixth months after the radiotherapy onset, mean anteroposterior length of the submandibular glands was 32.39 ± 4.55, 30.38 ± 4.80, and 31.50 ± 3.68 mm, respectively; mean superoinferior length was 9.96 ± 1.54, 8.76 ± 1.26, and 9.08 ± 1.01 mm, respectively; mean mediolateral length was 24.66 ± 3.77, 22.03 ± 3.73, and 21.76 ± 4.01 mm, respectively; and mean volume was 4.21 ± 1.01, 3.08 ± 0.77, and 3.32 ± 0.63 cm³ , respectively. Moreover, there were significant differences in the anteroposterior (P < .01), superoinferior (P < .001), and mediolateral lengths (P < .001), as well as the volumes (P < .001) of the submandibular glands measured at the 3 different time periods.

CONCLUSION

In the second and sixth months after the radiotherapy onset, the sizes of the submandibular glands were markedly reduced, but it partially recovered to normal as more time elapsed after radiotherapy.

Evaluation of saliva glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde levels in head-neck radiotherapy patients

Background/aim

It is believed that radiotherapy has important effects on oxidant/antioxidant systems. Oxidative stress occurs when the balance between oxidant formation and antioxidant defense is disrupted in favor of oxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the biochemical changes in saliva pre- and postradiotherapy in head-neck radiotherapy patients and to find out the effects of radiation on glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in saliva.

Materials and methods

This study included 16 patients undergoing head-neck radiotherapy in Atatürk University Research Hospital. The levels of GSH, GSH-Px, and MDA were measured in saliva samples taken from the patients pre- and postradiotherapy. The same biochemical parameters were also measured in saliva samples from 30 healthy individuals who did not undergo head-neck radiotherapy. The data obtained were analyzed using the paired t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

When the levels of GSH (P > 0.05), GSH-Px (P > 0.05), and MDA (P < 0.05) in saliva were compared pre- and postradiotherapy in the patient group, the only significant increase was detected in the MDA level postradiotherapy. When the pre- and postradiotherapy levels of saliva GSH (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively), GSH-Px (P > 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively), and MDA (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively) were compared with those of the control group, it was revealed that the GSH level was significantly lower and the MDA level was significantly higher in both pre- and postradiotherapy compared to the control group. Also, only the postradiotherapy saliva GSH-Px level was found to be significantly lower than the control group.

Conclusion

These findings show that the changes in saliva GSH, GSH-Px, and MDA levels in patients with head-neck malignity intensified due to radiation.

Correction to: Comparative cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of the osseous morphology of the temporomandibular joint in temporomandibular dysfunction patients and asymptomatic individuals

In the original publication of the article in "Abstract", the sentence that reads as "The present analyses suggest that a steeper articular eminence inclination may be risk factor" should read as "As a result of our analysis, we concluded that a low eminence angle may be risk factor".

A stereological study of the effects of mercury inhalation on the cerebellum

Mercury in the environment that arises from organic and inorganic sources can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system. Toxicity may be direct or may arise from interactions with other metals in the environment. We evaluated the possible effects of mercury vapor on rat cerebellum. Twelve adult female rats were divided into control and experimental groups. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to mercury vapor for 9 h/day for 45 days. Cerebellar tissue samples were evaluated using stereology and for histopathology. The total number of Purkinje cells was estimated using a physical disector method. We found that in the experimental group, overall volume decreased and the number of Purkinje cells was reduced. We also found cellular damage including pycnotic nuclei, eosinophilic cytoplasm and vacuolization; these features were absent in the control group. We found that chronic exposure to inorganic mercury vapor is toxic to the cerebellum.

Effect of mercury vapor inhalation on rat ovary: Stereology and histopathology

AIM

Mercury, an environmental contaminant, is a risk factor for health in whole living organisms. In this study, we investigated whether mercury vapor (HgO) inhalation has an effect on rat ovary.

METHODS

Twelve Wistar albino rats were divided equally into experimental (Hg) and control groups (n = 6). Animals in the Hg group were exposed to HgO for 45 days at a dose 1 mg/m(3)/day, after which, histological and stereological assessment were carried out.

RESULTS

Ovaries exposed to HgO had histo-morphometric alterations. HgO inhalation resulted in reduction of the total number of primordial, primary and Graaf follicles. Also, mean volume of ovary, medulla and cortex, corpus luteum (c. luteum) and Graaf follicles was decreased in the Hg group. Moreover, there was a significant increase in total volume of the atretic follicles. On light microscopy, thickening of tunica albuginea, increase of fibrils within the connective tissue, congestion of the capillaries and venous vessels, thinned walls and fibrin deposition in some large blood vessels, and edema were seen. Also, irregular follicle and oocyte borders, and hydropic degeneration in follicular granulosa cells were detected.

CONCLUSION

Structural alterations could be attributed to the toxic influence of HgO on rat ovary. The use of Hg should therefore be more controlled to minimize its toxic effect.

A stereological and histopathological study of the effects of exposure of male rat testes to mercury vapor

Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment; it is an occupational pollutant and a potential toxicant. We investigated the effects of exposure of rat testes to mercury vapor (Hg(0)). Twelve male rats were divided into two groups of six: the rats of the Hg(0) group were exposed to mercury (1 mg/m(3)/day) in a chamber for six weeks; the control group rats were housed under the same conditions without exposure to Hg(0). After the experimental period, the testes were removed, sections of testis were evaluated histopathologically after hematoxylin and eosin staining, and stereologically using the Cavalieri principle and optical fractionator methods. We found significant decreases in the total volume of testis, diameters of seminiferous tubules and total volume of seminiferous tubules. Significant decreases were detected in the numbers of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids of the Hg(0) group compared to the control group. In the Hg(0) exposed group, spermatogenic cells were degenerated and seminiferous tubules were atrophied.

Radiological examination of the articular eminence morphology using cone beam CT

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the articular eminence inclination and height according to age and gender in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and healthy controls using cone beam CT (CBCT).

METHODS

The measurements were performed on CBCT records of 52 TMJ dysfunction patients (11 males and 41 females) and 41 control patients (17 males and 24 females). The eminence inclination and height were measured on the CBCT images.

RESULTS

The eminence inclination and height values were higher in males than in females in both TMJ dysfunction patient and control groups; however, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). While no statistically significant differences were found in the eminence inclination and height values between the age groups (p>0.05) in the TMJ dysfunction patient group, there were statistically significant differences in the control group. The eminence inclination was highest between the ages of 21 and 30 years and showed a decrease after the age of 30 years. Additionally, the eminence inclinations of the control patients were statistically higher than those of the TMJ dysfunction patients.

CONCLUSION

There were no statistically significant differences in eminence inclination and height according to gender. The eminence inclination reaches its highest value between the ages of 21 and 30 years and shows a decrease after the age of 31 years in healthy patients. The eminence inclination was steeper in healthy control patients than in patients with TMJ dysfunction.

Prevalence of the types of the petrotympanic fissure in the temporomandibular joint dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Petrotympanic fissure (PTF) is a fissure in the temporal bone that runs from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to the tympanic cavity (TC). In PTF, the discomallear ligament (DML) connects the malleus in the tympanic cavity and the articular disc and capsule of the temporomandibular joint. PTF with the DML is a possible cause of aural symptoms related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence of different types of PTF in TMD using dental volumetric tomography (DVT) and determine whether PTF type correlates with age.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

DVT scans in the sagittal planes of PTFs of 134 patients with TMD were examined for the types of PTF present. Three main PTF types were described: wide, tunnel-shaped structure (type 1); tunnel-shaped structure that is wide open in the PTF entrance to the mandibular fossa and gradually thins out in the tympanic cavity (type 2), tunnel-shaped structure that is wide open in the entrance of the mandibular fossa, with a middle region with a flat-shaped tunnel structure and a narrow exit in the tympanic cavity (type 3).

RESULTS

In DVT scans, PTF types 1, 2 and 3 were seen in 67.2%, 1.5%, and 31.3% of cases, respectively. We found no significant relationship between age or gender and PTF type.

CONCLUSION

The low percentage of type 2 PTF and high percentage of type 1 PTF must be taken into consideration during pre-surgical planning related to TMD. However, future well-designed clinical studies involving larger numbers of subjects will be necessary to confirm the findings of this study.

Comparison of diode laser and Er:YAG lasers in the treatment of ankyloglossia

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the tolerance of lingual frenectomy with regard to a local anesthesia requirement and comparison of postsurgical discomfort experienced by patients operated on with both diode and erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) lasers.

BACKGROUND

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is a congenital oral anomaly characterized by a short lingual frenulum. A short lingual frenulum may contribute to feeding, speech, and mechanical tongue problems.

METHODS

Sixteen referred patients with tongue mobility complaints were included in this study. A GaAlAs laser device with a continuous wavelength of 808 nm was used in the diode group. Frenulums were incised by applying 2 W of laser power. The Er:YAG laser device with a continuous wavelength of 2940 nm was used in the Er:YAG group. Frenulums were incised by applying 1 W of laser power. The acceptability of the lingual frenectomy without local anesthesia and the degree of the postsurgical discomfort were evaluated.

RESULTS

Although the majority of patients (six) could be operated on without local anesthesia in the Er:YAG group, all patients could not be operated on without local anesthetic agent in the diode group. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to pain, chewing, and speaking on the first or seventh day after surgery, whereas patients had more pain in the Er:YAG group than in the diode group the first 3 h after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that only the Er:YAG laser can be used for lingual frenectomy without local anesthesia, and there was no difference between the two groups regarding the degree of the postsurgical discomfort except in the first 3 h. In conclusion, these results indicate that the Er:YAG laser is more advantageous than the diode laser in minor soft-tissue surgery because it can be performed without local anesthesia and with only topical anesthesia.

Effectiveness of surface protection for glass-ionomer, resin-modified glass-ionomer and polyacid-modified composite resins

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of several surface protectors for a glass-ionomer, a resin-modified glass-ionomer, and a polyacid-modified resin cement by determining dye uptake spectrophotometrically. 378 samples, made up of Ionofil U, Vitremer, and Dyract, were prepared and divided into groups of seven each. Positive and negative control specimens remained unprotected while the experimental specimens were protected with Finishing Gloss, Protect-It, LC Varnish, Adper Single Bond, or a nail varnish. The experimental groups and positive controls were immersed in 0.05% methylene blue solution, while the negative controls were immersed in deionized water. Results were evaluated using variance analysis. Of the Ionofil U group, Adper Single Bond exhibited the least effective surface coating among the materials tested, while the best surface protection was obtained with LC Varnish in the Dyract group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the Vitremer group.

Relationship between mandibular nutrient canals and hypertension

This study was undertaken to investigate the correlation between the presence of nutrient canals in the mandibular anterior region and hypertension. Periapical radiographs taken from the mandibular anterior region of 139 normotensive and 76 hypertensive edentulous patients were examined. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of nutrient canals between normotensive and hypertensive patients, suggesting that the presence of nutrient canals is not indicative of the existence of hypertension.

Evaluation of the mandible as an alternative autogenous bone source for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction

The objective of this study was to quantify the amount of bone graft material present in the different regions of the mandible while avoiding the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle, mental foramen and tooth injury. The study was carried out on 16 samples of dry, cadaverous skull. The dimensions of the anterior part of ascending ramus, mandibular symphysis and mandibular body in these samples were evaluated. The osteotomy lines in the anterior part of the ascending ramus were made in front of the mandibular canal from the mandibular notch to 3 mm posterior of the root of the third molar. The osteotomy line in the mandibular body was made just medial to the external oblique ridge from the ascending ramus to approximately 3 mm posterior to the mental foramen. Vertical osteotomy lines were then made from the cut ends of the first osteotomy down to the lower border of the mandible. The osteotomy lines in the mandibular symphysis were performed on the mandible with 5-mm safety margins caudal to the expected position of the mandibular dentition, anterior to the position of the mental foramen, and cephalad to the inferior border of the mandible. It was determined that the dimensions of the anterior part of the ascending ramus were 37.60 mm x 33.17 mm x 22.48 mm x 9.15 mm, and the thickest part of the graft material was 12.23 mm. The average horizontal length of the mandibular body bone was 35.10 mm, and the average vertical length was 19.13 mm. The dimensions of the bone graft obtained from the mandibular symphysis were 45.36 mm x 10.31 mm, and the average thickness was 9.63 mm. Based on the results of this study, it is apparent that the different regions of the mandible can reliably be selected as the harvest site in a variety of oral and maxillofacial reconstructive procedures.

Generalized gingival hyperplasia occurring during pregnancy

In this report, we present a case of generalized gingival hyperplasia related to pregnancy causing chewing, speaking, breathing and cosmetic problems. The patient was a 26-year-old woman in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, with generalized gingival hyperplasia affecting both buccal and lingual aspects of the maxilla and mandible. The hyperplastic tissues, together with mobile teeth, were excised completely; no recurrence was observed for the remainder of the pregnancy. Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy have long been known to be associated with generalized gingival hyperplasia. Pregnancy does not cause the condition, but altered tissue metabolism in pregnancy accentuates the response to local irritants. This case was of clinical interest because of the extent of tissue proliferation, with the teeth in both the upper and lower jaw completely submerged.