Anthropometric measures and obstructive sleep apnea in children and adolescents: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anthropometric measurements can be used to identify children at risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study aimed to assess which anthropometric measurements (AMs) are most associated with an increased predisposition to develop OSA in healthy children and adolescents.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO #CRD42022310572) that searched eight databases and gray literature.

RESULTS

In eight studies with low-to-high risk of bias, investigators reported the following AMs: body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, neck-to-waist ratio, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and facial AMs. The meta-analysis showed that the OSA group had an average of 1.00 cm greater for the neck circumference (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 2.26 [0.72, 5.23]), 3.07 cm greater for the waist circumference (p = 0.030; Cohen's d = 0.28 [0.02, 0.53]), 3.96 cm greater for the hip circumference (p = 0.040; Cohen's d = 0.28 [0.02, 0.55]), 5.21° greater for the cervicomental angle (p = 0.020; Cohen's d = 0.31 [0.03, 0.59]), and 1.23° greater for maxillary-mandibular relationship angle (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.47 [0.22, 0.72]) than the control group. The mandibular depth angle had a reduction of 1.86° (p = 0.001; Cohen's d = -0.36° [-0.65, -0.08]) in control than in patients with OSA. The BMI (p = 0.180), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.280), neck-to-waist ratio (p = 0.070), maxillary depth angle (p = 0.250), and upper/lower face height ratio (p = 0.070) showed no significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the control group, the OSA group exhibited a greater mean difference in neck circumference, the only anthropometric measurement with high certainty of evidence.

Surgically assisted maxillary expansion with or without pterygoid disjunction alters maxillomandibular positioning

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyze alterations in mandibular positioning after surgically assisted maxillary expansion (SARME) with and without pterygoid disjunction (PD).

METHODS

Cone-beam computed tomography scans of 24 healthy individuals (18-45 years old) with transverse deficiency, superior to 5 mm, underwent SARME with or without PD. The aspects prospectively assessed were (1) alignment and position of the head (ITK-Snap and 3D Slicer software); (2) McNamara's and Steiner-Tweed-Wits' cephalometric analysis (Dolphin Imaging®); and (3) colorimetric evaluation based on 3D correspondence analysis (3D Slicer software).

RESULTS

A decrease in 1-NA and 1-SN angles as well as an increased occlusal plane in both groups was observed. Superior-inferior and anteroposterior spatial displacements of the chin were statistically significant in the PD group. Altered colorimetric patterns were also observed in the PD group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found more evident tooth inclination in the group without PD; mandibular alterations were more evident in the PD group. Further studies with 3D analysis are strongly recommended for more comprehensive results.

Is jaw fractal dimension a reliable biomarker for osteoporosis screening? A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the evidence on the feasibility of maxillomandibular imaging exams-related fractal dimension (FD) in screening patients with osteoporosis.

METHODS

This registered systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy statement. High sensitivity search strategies were developed for six primary databases and grey literature. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) items evaluated the risk of bias, and the GRADE approach assessed the evidence certainty.

RESULTS

From 1034 records initially identified through database searching, four studies were included (total sample of 747 patients [osteoporosis, 136; control group, 611]). The meta-analysis showed that the overall sensitivity and specificity of the FD were 86.17 and 72.68%, respectively. In general, all studies showed low RoB and applicability concern. The certainty of the evidence was very low to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review showed that the jaw-related FD presented sensitivity and specificity values higher than 70%, and its sensitivity in osteoporosis screening was a better parameter than specificity.

Bruxism in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

This study aims to summarize the existing evidence from primary studies in order to answer the following question: "are children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently affected by bruxism?". For such, databases Web of Science, Medline (via PubMed), Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus and Wiley Online Library were used, with the keywords “Cerebral Palsy” and “Bruxism” alone and in combination, without the restriction of the publication date. The search included all articles published until May 2020. A total of 229 publications were found, of which 12 were selected, after careful analysis. Retrospective data analyses, cross-sectional studies and observational case-control studies published in English and with samples composed of children and/or adolescents were included. Case reports, literature reviews and studies whose sample consisted of adults-only were excluded. In the evaluated studies, bruxism was present in all samples with cerebral palsy. However, oral signs and symptoms resulting from this parafunction were reported only in three studies, in which the presence of dental wear and pain was evaluated. Therefore, bruxism in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy is a frequent oral condition, however, knowledge about the associated and risk factors for the occurrence of this problem in these patients remains limited.

Salivary immunoglobulins (A, G, and M) in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients: A PROSPERO-registered systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the difference in the salivary levels of immunoglobulins between patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and healthy controls.

DESIGN

This systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42020159198) database. All references were cross-checked and the risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to appraise the quality of evidence. The standardized mean difference and Cohen's d as the effect size were used in the meta-analysis. I-square statistics was used to estimate heterogeneity. Analysis was performed using the RevMan® software (p < 0.05) with a 95 % confidence interval.

RESULTS

Of the total 92 articles, 9 were selected for this study. The meta-analysis included 333 DM1 patients and 325 healthy controls. DM1 patients showed a significant reduction in salivary flow (p = 0.0008; Cohen's d= -0.19, CI 95 %= -0.33, -0.05), although not significant enough to modify the IgA concentration (p = 0.120; Cohen's d = 0.58, CI 95 %= -0.15, 1.32). However, DM1 increased IgA concentration by reducing salivary flow (Cohen's d = 0.84; CI 95 % = 0.36, 1.32), with a strong estimate of effect (p = 0.0006). Regarding IgG, no significant change was noted with DM1 in the patient's saliva (p = 0.420). Furthermore, there was no significant variation in the salivary IgM levels (p = 0.300).

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that the salivary levels of the evaluated immunoglobulins do not seem to be altered in DM1 patients when compared to that in healthy controls. However, the increase in IgA salivary concentration was dependent on total protein estimation.

Defining dysmorphic facial features in congenital Zika syndrome

Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) constitutes a recently identified malformation caused by Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Limited data is available to date on the facial dysmorphic features of these patients. This study evaluated the facial dysmorphisms of children with CZS, compared with clinically healthy children, using clinical examination and standardized photographic images. Sixty-three children with CZS (9.70 ± 3.2 months-age), and 31 Controls (8.67 ± 6.2 months-age) joined the study. Seven out of 15 indices differed between groups: midfacial height (MFH)/horizontal facial reference (HFR) (p = .0003), interalar distance/HFR (p = .0027), nasal root depth/MFH (p = .0030), posterior nasal length/MFH (p = .0002), vertical position of the ear/MFH (p <.0001), ear length/MFH (p = .0005), chin height/total facial height (CH/TFH) (p <.0001). A CH/TFH of 0.229 showed 93.9% sensitivity and 80.6% specificity in diagnosing CZS. Children with CZS had broad, short faces, decreased intercanthal distance, short posterior nasal length, prominent nasal root, broad nasal wings, and high-set and long ears. Increased chin height index provided the most accurate diagnostic potential.

Microtomographic analysis of the effect of sodium alendronate on orthodontic movement in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of sodium alendronate on orthodontic tooth movement in rats using microtomographic analysis.

SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Thirty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into three groups of 10 rats and administered saline (control), 1 mg/kg sodium alendronate or 6 mg/kg sodium alendronate, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The drug was administered once per week for 5 weeks by gavage. Orthodontic movement was induced during the last 2 weeks of medication administration by inserting a closed nickel-titanium spring between the left upper first molar and central incisors. The opposite side served as the control. Tooth movement and bone trabeculation in the furcation region were evaluated by microtomographic analysis in the first (moved) and third (static) molars. The data were subjected to one-way or two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (P < .05).

RESULTS

The microtomographic images of the group that received 6 mg/kg sodium alendronate demonstrated significantly less tooth movement (P = .048), less space between the trabeculae (P = .031) and greater number of bone trabeculae (P = .033) compared to the other groups. There were no statistically significant differences in bone volume and mean trabecular thickness between the three groups. The static teeth did not show the same alterations (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Sodium alendronate treatment reduced tooth movement in rats.

Pharmacological Characterization and Raman Spectroscopy Evaluation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery-Related Carnoy´S Solution Modified by Different Viscosity Agents

Background:

There are several lesions of odontogenic and non-odontogenic origin in the oral cavity, such as odontogenic keratocyst, as well as many treatment options for such lesions. In order to reduce recurrence due to conservative treatments and less aesthetic and functional impairment of the patient (radical therapies), Carnoy’s solution has been used as an adjuvant to surgery, showing satisfactory results. Its application is not standardized, presenting risks to adjacent tissues. Thus, we characterized the Carnoy’s solution with different viscosity agents to enhance its applicability.

Material and Methods:

All solutions prepared (Carnoy with and without chloroform) were added with viscosity agent: ethyl cellulose, propylene glycol, and glycerol totaling eight solutions. The pharmacological characterization of the solutions was performed by determining the mass density and relative density (using a clean and dry pycnometer), pH (using pH meter), and concentration of Fe³⁺ (using ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy). The analyses of the inorganic components were determined by Raman micro spectrometry. Data were analyzed with statistical program BIOESTAT 5.3.

Results:

Solutions with ethyl cellulose were discarded due to precipitate formation and suspension of the viscosity agent. In the other solutions, viscosity increase (propylene glycol solutions) and acidic pH were observed mainly in the glycerol group. The ferric chloride characterized as a hemostatic agent had its concentration increased with the use of thickening agents, theoretically favoring its action.

Conclusion:

The similarity of the propylene glycol and glycerol molecules justifies the Raman spectra of these substances to be similar and the difficulty in obtaining a “fingerprint”.

Evaluation of bone texture imaging parameters on panoramic radiographs of patients with Sheehan's syndrome: a STROBE-compliant case-control study

Sheehan's syndrome (SHS) is a rare condition related to the risk of osteoporosis and evaluation of bone texture imaging features on panoramic radiographs would be suitable for this condition, which was the aim of the present study. Fractal dimension, lacunarity, and trabecular morphologic aspects were significantly altered in these patients.

INTRODUCTION

SHS is an important public health problem particularly in developing countries. It is characterized as postpartum hypopituitarism secondary to obstetric complications-related ischemic pituitary necrosis that shows significant systemic metabolic repercussions. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate bone texture parameters in digital panoramic radiographs of patients with SHS.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted with 30 SHS patients from an Endocrinology and Diabetology Service of reference in Brazil, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. A custom computer program measured fractal dimension, lacunarity, and some morphologic features in the following mandibular regions of interest (50 × 50 pixels): below the mental foramen (F1), between the first and second molars (M1), and at the center of the mandibular ramus (R1).

RESULTS

The fractal analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the studied groups in all regions of interest. The fractal dimension in F1 (p = 0.016), M1 (p = 0.043), and R1 (p = 0.028) was significantly lower in SHS group, as well as lacunarity in R1 (p = 0.008). Additionally, several morphologic features were statistically significant in the SHS group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Therefore, individuals with SHS showed altered imaging texture parameters on panoramic radiographs, which reflect a smaller spatial organization of the bone trabeculae and, possibly, a state of reduced mineral bone density.

Dental alterations on panoramic radiographs of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta in relation to clinical diagnosis, severity, and bisphosphonate regimen aspects: a STROBE-compliant case-control study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental findings on panoramic radiographs (PRs) of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and correlate these results with epidemiologic and medical data.

STUDY DESIGN

A case-control study was conducted with 24 patients with OI and 48 sex- and age-matched controls. Demographic, clinical, and bisphosphonate regimen-related data were recorded. The outcome variables were the presence or absence of dental alterations in PRs. Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's χ² test, and multinomial logistic regression analysis (95% confidence interval) were used (significance level of 5%).

RESULTS

OI type 4 demonstrated a high prevalence (62.5%), followed by type 1 (37.5%). With regard to prevalence associated with severity, the moderate form was the most prevalent (P = .028). The mean time of intravenous pamidronate regimen was 6.6 ± 4.4 years. Dentinogenesis imperfecta was observed in 75% of patients with OI, and this group showed a high prevalence of dental abnormalities in comparison with controls (P < .05). Bisphosphonate therapy was associated with ectopic teeth (P = .007) and tooth impaction (P = .033). Pulp obliteration was significant with bisphosphonate treatment over a period of 7 years (P = .026).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a significant prevalence of dental alterations in patients with OI, and certain alterations were associated with bisphosphonate therapy, indicating its influence on the dentin-related physiopathology.

Evaluation of different therapeutic Carnoy's formulations on hard human tissues: A Raman microspectroscopy, microhardness, and scanning electron microscopy study

PURPOSE

To evaluate different therapeutic Carnoy's solution formulations on hard human tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An in vitro study was performed with human teeth (n = 36) and bone fragments (n = 18), randomly divided into two experimental groups (Group I = Carnoy solution with chloroform; Group II = Carnoy solution without chloroform) and a control group (saline solution). The groups were subdivided into pre-conditioning, post-conditioning, and post-conditioning with saline washing. Raman microspectroscopy, Knoop microhardness test, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used.

RESULTS

There was demineralization of dental structures regarding mineral/matrix and carbonate/phosphate ratios (GI versus GII, p < 0.05). The presence of chloroform resulted in a statistically significant reduction of the teeth surface microhardness (p = 0.036), but not exceeding 0.01 μm. Both GI and GII showed significant structural changes by using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

CONCLUSION

Carnoy's solution altered the organic and inorganic matrix of the human calcified specimens analyzed in vitro, and its effect was more pronounced when chloroform was present.

Lingual Frenulum Phenotypes in Brazilian Infants With Congenital Zika Syndrome

Objective:

The present study aimed to evaluate lingual frenulum in children affected by congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and to analyze the association of lingual frenulum phenotypes with other variables.

Design:

This present work had a cross-sectional, descriptive study design.

Setting:

This study was carried out in Fortaleza (Brazil). The health professionals provided tertiary level of care. Data collection occurred during a multidisciplinary task force for evaluating infants affected by CZS in December 2 to 3, 2016.

Patients:

Fifty-four patients with CZS (1-12 months old; 32 girls and 22 boys) were recruited from a population of 70 infants.

Interventions:

A multidisciplinary group comprised of speech-language pathologist/audiologists and pediatric dentists evaluated all patients through an intraoral examination and a specific tongue maneuver protocol for infants.

Main Outcome Measures:

Lingual frenulum visibility was the primary outcome measure. Before initiating the study, we hypothesized that children with CZS had an absent lingual frenulum.

Results:

Lingual frenula were visible in 34 (63%) infants, whereas in 20 (37%) infants lingual frenula visibility required a specific maneuver to retract the tongue. Six of 20 infants presented posteriorly positioned lingual frenula that were visible after maneuver. Lingual frenula were covered by mucous tissue in 14 infants. Presence of posterior frenulum was associated with dysphagia ( P = 0.038). However, the presence of dysphagia in a multivariate model did not associate with the presence of a posterior lingual frenulum ( P = .069) or neurologic symptoms ( P = .056).

Conclusion:

Children with CZS showed predominance of a posterior lingual frenula covered by an overlapping curtain-like mucous membrane.

Implicações da Adição de Própolis nas Propriedades Físico-Mecânicas do Cimento de Ionômero de Vidro

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre as propriedades físico-mecânicas do cimento de ionômero de vidro (CIV) adicionado de própolis. Para essa finalidade, foi efetuada busca no banco de dados Medline/Pubmed, utilizando os descritores “propolis”, “glass ionomer cements” e “dental materials”, na língua inglesa, no período de 2009 a 2017. Foi encontrado um total de 7 artigos, dos quais foram selecionados 6 após leitura de títulos e resumos, considerando o idioma, o período e o grau de envolvimento do artigo com o tema em questão como critérios de inclusão/exclusão. Como resultados, verificou-se que, embora os estudos apontem melhora dos efeitos antimicrobianos a partir da associação entre a própolis e o CIV, seus efeitos sobre as propriedades físico-mecânicas do cimento ainda não são totalmente conhecidos. Nos artigos selecionados foram avaliadas propriedades como resistência à compressão, solubilidade e sorção de água, com alguns resultados controversos. Tendo em vista que o cimento de ionômero de vidro é um material muito útil e versátil na Odontologia e que a própolis tem sido cada vez mais adicionada a ele    em situações como no tratamento restaurador atraumático e na cimentação de bandas ortodônticas a fim de potencializar a ação antimicrobiana dos CIVs, ainda são necessárias pesquisas adicionais para melhor compreensão dessas peculiaridades.Palavras-chave: Propolis. Glass Ionomer Cements. Dental Materials.

Aplicabilidade de Óleos Essenciais em Materiais Dentários: uma Revisão de Literatura

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre as propriedades terapêuticas dos óleos essenciais (OEs) em Odontologia visando sua aplicabilidade em materiais dentários com ação antimicrobiana. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados eletrônicas MEDLINE e BVS, utilizando os descritores Oils, Volatile, Dental Materials e Anti-Infective Agents em português e inglês. Foram encontrados 51 artigos publicados no período de 2007 a 2017 e 15 foram selecionados através de leitura de títulos e resumos, excluindo-se relatos de casos. Durante a análise dos artigos, destacaram-se os OEs de Lippia sidoides, timol, carvacrol e Rosmarinus officinalis que, além de serem de fácil obtenção, apresentaram atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica significativa contra S. Mutans, C. Albicans e E. Faecalis. Essas propriedades apresentadas pelos OEs propiciaram potenciais aplicabilidades em dentifrícios, enxaguatórios bucais, condicionadores de tecido, aplicações intracanal, adesivos e vernizes conferindo-lhes características antimicrobianas importantes no controle dos patógenos orais agindo de forma versátil em diferentes sítios a depender do local de aplicação do material. Importante destacar que a validação científica, clínica e comercial da atividade terapêutica dos OEs em materiais dentários são essenciais para possibilitar avanços na odontologia preventiva e restauradora, possibilitando, alternativas naturais, com poucos efeitos colaterais e que possam melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.Palavras-chave: Oils. Volatile. Dental Materials. Anti-Infective Agents.

Efeito Antibacteriano do Carvacrol e Timol nos Materiais Dentários: uma Revisão de Literatura

O objetivo desta revisão é descrever a atividade antimicrobiana dos Óleos Essenciais (OE’s) carvacrol e timol e suas aplicações  nos materiais dentários.Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura, utilizando-se as bases de dados “Medline”, “Lilacs” e “SciELO”, os descritores “Anti-infecciosos”, “Thymol”, “Oils, Volatile”, tendo sido encontrados 571 artigos e selecionados 25 publicados entre 2007 e 2017, escritos em inglês, português e/ou espanhol. Relatos de casos foram excluídos. As pesquisas com materiais dentários contendo produtos naturais aumentaram devido à busca por novas substâncias com maior atividade farmacológica, menor toxicidade e maior biocompatibilidade. Dentre os estudos levantados, os OE’s carvacrol e timol se mostraram mais prevalentes. A atividade antibacteriana destes compostos pode ocorrer pela desestabilização da parede celular, aumento da permeabilidade da membrana citoplasmática e pela alteração de vários sistemas enzimáticos, incluindo aqueles envolvidos na produção de energia celular e na síntese de componentes estruturais. Entre as possibilidades de aplicações, estes OE’s foram empregados em soluções irrigadoras para canais radiculares, dentifrícios, exaguatórios bucais e vernizes, demonstrando eficácia antibacteriana. Portanto, estudos desses produtos naturais na odontologia são realizados, visando à obtenção de materiais dentários com agentes antimicrobianos que possibilitem a prevenção e tratamento de doenças bucais, com poucos efeitos colaterais indesejáveis e fácil acesso à população.Palavras-chave: Anti-Infecciosos. Thymol. Oils. Volatile.

Educational Utilization of Microsoft Powerpoint for Oral and Maxillofacial Cancer Presentations

Electronic presentations have become useful tools for surgeons, other clinicians and patients, facilitating medical and legal support and scientific research. Microsoft® PowerPoint is by far and away the most commonly used computer-based presentation package. Setting up surgical clinical cases with PowerPoint makes it easy to register and follow patients for the purpose of discussion of treatment plan or scientific presentations. It facilitates communication between professionals, supervising clinical cases and teaching. It is often useful to create a template to standardize the presentation, offered by the software through the slide master. The purpose of this paper was to show a simple and practical method for creating a Microsoft® PowerPoint template for use in presentations concerning oral and maxillofacial cancer.

Plasma mepivacaine concentrations in patients undergoing third molar surgery

BACKGROUND

Local anaesthetic-related systemic toxicity mainly results from elevated plasma concentrations of these drugs. We hypothesized that intraoral injection of submaximal doses of mepivacaine does not lead to toxic levels of this drug in blood. This study evaluated the plasma levels of mepivacaine in third molars surgeries.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients were randomly assigned into two groups: group I (two unilateral third molars; submaximal dose of mepivacaine 108 mg with epinephrine 54 μg) and group II (four third molars; submaximal dose of mepivacaine 216 mg with epinephrine 108 μg). Blood samples were collected before anaesthesia, and 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 90 and 120 min after anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Individual peak plasma concentrations ranged 0.77-8.31 μg/mL (group I) and from 2.36-7.72 μg/mL (group II). An increase in the average dose of mepivacaine from 1.88 ± 0.12 mg/kg (group I) to 3.35 ± 0.17 mg/kg (group II) increased the mean mepivacaine peak plasma levels from 2.33 ± 0.58 to 4.01 ± 0.69 μg/mL, respectively. Four patients obtained plasma levels of mepivacaine above the threshold for toxicity (5 μg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Toxic levels of mepivacaine are possible, even when a submaximal dose is used. A twofold increase in the dose of mepivacaine caused the mean peak plasma concentration to increase proportionally, indicating that they may be predicted based on the relation of dose per bodyweight.

Does the Preemptive Use of Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Reduce Postoperative Pain in Surgical Removal of Third Molars? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of preemptive analgesia with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in third-molar surgery. A PubMed literature search was conducted for articles restricted to the English language using the following terms (DeCS/MeSH) or combinations: analgesia, third molar, and preemptive. From a total of 704 articles, 6 (n=420 subjects) were selected. All studies presented a low risk of bias (Cochrane criteria) but exhibited high heterogeneity of methods. Two studies were excluded from the meta-analysis because they did not have adequate numeric values (dichotomous data) for the calculations. Preemptive analgesia showed no significant benefit (n=298, P=.2227, odds ratio: 2.30, 0.60-8.73) in reducing postoperative pain after removal of lower impacted third molars. However, there was a probable direct relationship between the effectiveness of NSAIDs in preemptive analgesia for removal of third molars and its selectivity for the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Preemptive analgesia did not have a significant effect in reducing postoperative pain after removal of lower impacted third molars. More homogeneous and well-delineated clinical studies are necessary to determine a possible association between NSAIDs' selectivity for COX-2 and treatment effectiveness.

A split-mouth, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study to analyze the pre-emptive effect of etoricoxib 120 mg on inflammatory events following removal of unerupted mandibular third molars

Pain after third molar extraction has been considered the most suitable pharmaceutical model to evaluate acute pain. This study aimed to evaluate the pre-emptive analgesic/anti-inflammatory efficacy of etoricoxib 120 mg following mandibular third molar surgery. A split-mouth, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with patients undergoing the surgical removal of mandibular third molars. All volunteers were allocated randomly to receive either etoricoxib 120 mg or placebo 1h preoperatively, and inflammatory events were evaluated. An estimated sample of 18 surgical units per group was required based on a pilot study (95% confidence level and 80% statistical power). Rescue medication was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method through log-rank Mantel-Cox test and Pearson linear correlation (P<0.05). Pre-emptive etoricoxib reduced postoperative pain scores significantly in comparison to placebo (P<0.001), with a pain score peak at 6h after surgery (P<0.001). The mean rescue medication consumption was lower in the etoricoxib group compared to the placebo group over the study period (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups related to swelling and trismus. The pre-emptive administration of etoricoxib 120 mg significantly reduced the postoperative pain intensity and the need for rescue medication, but did not reduce swelling or trismus.

Enamel and dentin mineralization in familial hypophosphatemic rickets: a micro-CT study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to analyse the mineralization pattern of enamel and dentin in patients affected by X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR) using micro-CT (µCT), and to associate enamel and dentin mineralization in primary and permanent teeth with tooth position, gender and the presence/absence of this disease.

METHODS

19 teeth were collected from 5 individuals from the same family, 1 non-affected by XLHR and 4 affected by XLHR. Gender, age, tooth position (anterior/posterior) and tooth type (deciduous/permanent) were recorded for each patient. Following collection, teeth were placed in 0.1% thymol solution until µCT scan. Projection images were reconstructed and analysed. A plot profile describing the greyscale distance relationship in µCT images was achieved through a line bisecting each tooth in a region with the presence of enamel and dentin. The enamel and dentin mineralization densities were measured and compared. Univariate ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests were used for all comparisons.

RESULTS

Teeth of all affected patients presented dentin with a different mineralization pattern compared with the teeth of healthy patients with dentin defects observed next to the pulp chambers. Highly significant differences were found for gray values between anterior and posterior teeth (p < 0.05), affected and non-affected (p < 0.05), as well as when position and disease status were considered (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the mineralization patterns of dentin differed when comparing teeth from patients with and without FHR, mainly next to pulp chambers where areas with porosity and consequently lower mineral density and dentin defects were found.

Red blood cell and leukocyte alloimmunization in patients awaiting kidney transplantation

Objective

To determine the rates of red blood cell and leukocyte alloimmunization in patients with chronic kidney disease awaiting kidney transplantation.

Methods

In this cross-sectional and prospective study, the serum of 393 chronic kidney disease patients on a transplant waiting list in Ceará, Northeastern Brazil were tested for red cell and leukocyte antibodies. In addition, demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected.

Results

The average age in the sample of 393 patients was 34.1 ± 14 years. Slightly more than half (208; 52.9%) were male. The average numbers of transfusions and gestations were 3.1 ± 3.3 and 1.6 ± 6, respectively. One third (33.6%) were alloimmunized: 78% with leukocyte antibodies, 9.1% with red cell antibodies and 12.9% with both. Red cell antibodies were detected in 29 cases (7.4%), 17 of whom were women, who had received more transfusions than the males (p-value < 0.0001). The most frequently detected red cell antibodies belonged to the Rh (24.1%) and Kell (13.8%) blood group systems. Leukocyte antibodies were detected in 30.5% of cases, 83 of whom were women, who had received more transfusions than the males (p-value < 0.0001) and were more reactive to panel reactive antibodies (p-value < 0.0001). The mean alloreactivity to panel reactive antibodies was 47.7 ± 31.2%.

Conclusion

Chronic kidney disease patients on the transplant waiting list in Ceará, Brazil, display high rates of red cell (7.4%) and leukocyte (30.5%) alloimmunization. In this sample, alloimmunization was significantly associated with the number of transfusions and gender.

Salivary peptide profile and its association with early childhood caries

BACKGROUND

As dietary management during early childhood is a great barrier in caries control, there is a need for the identification of intrinsic risk factors, capable of allowing the use of a more cost-effective approach to early childhood caries (ECC).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the salivary peptide profile of children with and without ECC and its association with caries experience.

METHODS

One hundred and six 10- to 71-month-old children participated in the study. Caries experience was determined through the visual/tactile method, based on the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, and surface scores (dmft/dmfs). Whole saliva was collected for mutans streptococci (MS) detection and peptide analysis.

RESULTS

Chromatograms from CF (children without caries experience, n = 58) and CE (children with caries experience, n = 48) saliva pools expressed different patterns. Identification of molecular masses suggested the presence of nine peptides. Three of them were significantly related with caries experience. HNP-3 (α-defensin 3) (P = 0.019) and HBD-3 (β-defensin 3) (P = 0.034) reduced the chances of experiencing ECC. Proline-rich peptides IB-4 significantly increased caries experience (P = 0.035). Age (P = 0.020) and MS counts (P = 0.036) increased caries experience; however, gender was not associated with dental caries (P = 0.877).

CONCLUSION

Specific salivary peptides of CF or CE children in early childhood predispose to a higher or lower risk of caries experience.

Antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide/camphorated paramonochlorophenol on infected primary molars: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare via a split-mouth randomized clinical trial the efficacy of 1% chlorhexidine gel, calcium hydroxide/camphorated paramonochlorophenol (Callen PMCC), and a one-visit endodontic treatment against mutans streptococci and anaerobic bacteria found in primary molars with necrotic pulps and to assess clinical success rates after 12 months.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Pre- and posttreatment intracanal samples were collected from 37 teeth (from 21 children) for analysis of the number of mutans streptococci and anaerobic bacteria. Clinical and radiographic criteria were analyzed to determine treatment outcome.

RESULTS

Chlorhexidine gel significantly reduced mutans streptococci levels (P = .010), whereas Callen PMCC significantly reduced the levels of anaerobic bacteria (P = .002). No differences in the reduction of mutans streptococci (P = .187) and anaerobes (P = .564) were observed between groups. The clinical success rates were 85.71% (Callen PMCC), 78.57% (chlorexidine gel), and 77.77% (one-visit treatment).

CONCLUSION

Teeth treated with Callen PMCC presented the highest clinical success rate. The 1% chlorhexidine gel, as well as calcium hydroxide/camphorated paramonochlorophenol, presented limited efficacy in reducing bacteria from necrotic primary root canals.

Clinical approach in familial hypophosphatemic rickets: report of three generations

Familial hypophosphatemic rickets is a hereditary disease characterized by the involvement of several family members, transmitted in most cases as an X-linked dominant trait. Oral manifestations can be the first evidences for an adequate and early diagnosis of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR). The present report describes the main systemic manifestations, oral findings and dental management in three generations of an affected family. Oral exams, laboratorial and histologic evaluations, cone-beam computed tomographies, panoramic and periapical radiographs were performed to properly institute the most adequate treatment strategy. The knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms of XLHR is essential for the correct diagnosis of this disease, and for the establishment of preventive and comprehensive dental care.

Growth inhibition of Walker carcinosarcoma 256 with alcoholic extract of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis)

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antitumor activity of alcoholic extracts of green tea (Camella sinensis). METHODS: Four groups of six Wistar rats were inoculated intramuscularly with 10(6) Walker tumor cells/mL. During 10 days, the animals received by gavage either 0.9% saline solution (Group I; negative control), solution containing 20 mg/Kg of tamoxifen (Group II; positive control), solution containing 0.07 g/Kg alcoholic extract of C. sinensis (Group III), or solution containing 0.14 g/Kg alcoholic extract of C. sinensis (Group IV). Following euthanasia on the tenth day, the tumor, liver, kidneys and spleen were excised and weighed, and tumor volume and tumor growth inhibition were quantified. RESULTS: The average weight of the animals was greater in Group IV than in Group II (p=0.0107). Tumor weight was smaller in Group IV than in Group I (p=0.0062), but did not differ from Group II. Tumor volume was smaller in Groups II and IV than in Group I (p=0.0131). Tumor growth inhibition was observed in Groups II (44.67% ± 32.47), III (16.83% ± 53.02) and IV (66.4% ± 25.82) (p>0.05). The groups did not differ with regard to the weight of the excised organs. CONCLUSION: Alcoholic extracts of green tea have antitumor activity.

Biomechanical analysis of titanium plate systems in mandibular condyle fractures: a systematized literature review

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematized review of the literature about the main methodologies used to evaluate the biomechanical fixation systems with titanium plates in fractures of the mandibular condyle. METHODS: A systematized review of literature was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS and MEDLINE without restriction of the publication date. The eligibility criteria were laboratory studies involving mandibular condyle fractures, studies using titanium plates, biomechanical studies, in vitro and computational studies involving the finite element method (FEM). RESULTS: Eleven articles that met the eligibility criteria were selected, including seven articles involving in vitro studies and four studies with biomechanical analysis by using FEM. CONCLUSION: Although few articles have used the finite element method, the results of in vitro studies were similar to those found in computational studies, regarding to the stable use of two titanium miniplates.

[Fibrous dysplasia of the skull: neurologic manifestations]

The neurological manifestations of eight patients with osseous fibrous dysplasia of skull were retrospectively studied. In this series, the frontal bone was involved in 75% of the patients, the sphenoid or temporal bones in 37.5%, and the parietal in 25%. It was observed that cranial deformities occurred in all but one case, headache was present in 87.5% of the patients, visual disturbances in 50%, proptosis in 25%, and auditive symptoms in 12.5%. Six out of the eight patients were operated on: three of the four who presented progressive visual loss had postoperative improvement. In their follow up, none presented, until now, evidence of recurrence or worsening of symptoms, confirming the benign nature of fibrous dysplasia.

Spontaneous umbilical fistula from ventriculoperitoneal shunt drainage. Report of two cases

Two cases of spontaneous fluid fistula through the umbilicus connected with the drainage from a ventriculoperitoneal shunt are described. In neither case was it necessary to remove the shunt.