Benign fibro-osseous lesions of the maxillas: analysis of 11 cases

Introduction: A study is made of the principal characteristics of the oral lesions biopsied in our Service of Oral Surgery and histologically diagnosed as corresponding to fibro-osseous lesions of the maxillas. Patients and methods: A retrospective review was made of all the biopsies made in a Service of Oral Surgery between 1996 and 2003. The reason for consultation was analyzed, along with patient age, sex, clinical and radiological characteristics, tentative diagnosis, histological diagnosis and treatment provided. Results: A total of 1238 biopsies were performed during the study period. Of these, only 11 corresponded to benign fibro-osseous lesions (7 women and 4 men). The mean patient age was 44 years (range 19-72 years). The most frequent location was the mandible (8 of the cases). In 7 patients the lesions constituted casual radiological findings; 4 presented bulging of the vestibular cortical bone, though only one of them reported pain. The histological diagnoses comprised 7 cemento-ossifying fibromas and 4 fibrous dysplasias. In 9 cases surgical resection was carried out, while in one case an incisional biopsy was performed, and in the remaining case curettage was decided. Discussion: These lesions are more frequent in women than in men, and the age at presentation is variable. In terms of lesion location, fibrous dysplasia is more common in the upper maxilla, while cemento-ossifying fibroma is more frequently found in the mandible. The diagnosis of such lesions is established upon contrasting the data obtained from the anamnesis, physical examination, the radiological characteristics, the intraoperative findings and the histological study, since both disorders have similar clinical and histological features- despite the fact that they constitute distinct disease conditions.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor. Imaging findings in a series of nine cases

Es presenta un estudi retrospectiu descrivint les característiques radiològiques en una sèrie de nou casos de tumor fibrós solitari que affecta partes toves. Aquests resultats es comparen amb els resultats d’anatomia patològica i amb l’evolució clínica dels pacients

Caracterització de la fibra Henequén per ser utilitzada com a reforç en materials compostos

La generació massiva de residus plàstics constitueix actualment un gravíssim problemamediambiental. Una de les estratègies desenvolupades per pal•liar-lo consisteix en el reciclatge delsresidus plàstics i la seva posterior utilització en diferents aplicacions en sectors com la construcció.La incorporació de reforços en el material reciclat millora les seves propietats mecàniques. Unpossible reforç són les fibres d'origen vegetal o biofibres, que, a més de millorar tècnicament elproducte, presenten avantatges econòmics i ambientals. Les biofibres són un bon competidor contrales fibres reforçants tradicionals com la fibra de vidre ja que presenten un baix cost, baixa densitat i,per tant, bones propietats específiques, menys equip de processament, alta suavitat,biodegradabilitat i són ecològicament sostenibles, ja que es produeixen a partir de recursos naturals.En aquest treball es fan servir fibres provinents de la pinya de Henequén. Aquestes fibres són unsubproducte del procés per a l’obtenció del licor de Henequén i es volen fer servir com a reforç enmaterials compostos.Ja s’han fet estudis sobre la fibra de Henequén que creix a Mèxic. Aquest projecte s’emmarca dinsuna col•laboració entre la Universitat de Girona i la Universitat Cubana de Holguin, per tal d’estudiarla fibra de Henequén que creix a Cuba

Mean intrinsic tensile properties of stone groundwood fibers from softwood

Stone groundwood (SGW) is a fibrous matter commonly prepared in a high yield process, and mainly used for papermaking applications. In this work, the use of SGW fibers is explored as reinforcing element of polypropylene (PP) composites. Due to its chemical and superficial features, the use of coupling agents is needed for a good adhesion and stress transfer across the fiber-matrix interface. The intrinsic strength of the reinforcement is a key parameter to predict the mechanical properties of the composite and to perform an interface analysis. The main objective of the present work was the determination of the intrinsic tensile strength of stone groundwood fibers. Coupled and non-coupled PP composites from stone groundwood fibers were prepared. The influence of the surface morphology and the quality at interface on the final properties of the composite was analyzed and compared to that of fiberglass PP composites. The intrinsic tensile properties of stone groundwood fibers, as well as the fiber orientation factor and the interfacial shear strength of the current composites were determined

Tensile strength characteristics of polypropylene composites reinforced with stone groundwood fibers from softwood

The behavior of stone groundwood / polypropylene injection-molded composites was evaluated with and without coupling agent. Stone groundwood (SGW) is a fibrous material commonly prepared in a high yield process and mainly used for papermaking applications. In this work, the use of SGW fibers was explored as a reinforcing element of polypropylene (PP) composites. The surface charge density of the composite components was evaluated, as well as the fiber’s length and diameter inside the composite material. Two mixing extrusion processes were evaluated, and the use of a kinetic mixer, instead of an internal mixer, resulted in longer mean fiber lengths of the reinforcing fibers. On the other hand, the accessibility of surface hydroxyl groups of stone groundwood fibers was improved by treating the fibers with 5% of sodium hydroxide, resulting in a noticeable increase of the tensile strength of the composites, for a similar percentage of coupling agent. A new parameter called Fiber Tensile Strength Factor is defined and used as a baseline for the comparison of the properties of the different composite materials. Finally the competitiveness of stone groundwood / polypropylene / polypropylene-co-maleic anhydride system, which compared favorably to sized glass-fiber / polypropylene GF/PP and glass-fiber / polypropylene / polypropylene-co-maleic anhydride composite formulations, was quantified by means of the fiber tensile strength factor

Pycnodysostosis. A report of 3 clinical cases

Pycnodysostosis is a rare clinical entity, first described in 1962 by Maroteaux and Lamy. It is a genetic disorder, usually diagnosed at an early age. However, the diagnosis is sometimes late, made as a result of bone fracture, given the severe bone fragility resulting from increased bone density. Oral and maxillofacial manifestations of this disease are very clear. The head is usually large, the nose beaked, the mandibular angle obtuse, and both maxilla and mandible hypoplastic. Dental abnormalities and impaction are observed, as well as alterations in eruption and frequent dental crowding. The differential diagnosis is established with osteopetrosis, cleidocranial dysplasia and idiopathic acro-osteolysis. This article reviews the clinical and radiographic characteristics of pycnodysostosis based on three clinical cases of patients with this disease.

Treatment of oral mucocele - scalpel versus C02 laser

Objective: To compare the results obtained after oral mucocele resection with the scalpel versus the CO2 laser, based on the complications and recurrences after surgery Patients and Methods: Of the 68 patients we studied who have mucocele, 38 were resected with a scalpel and the remaining 30 with the CO2 laser (5-7 W). Patient sex and age were documented, along with location of the lesion as well as size, symptoms, duration, etiological factors, type of treatment, complications and recurrences after surgical removal. Results: The sample comprised 40 males and 28 females, aged between 6-65 years. The histological diagnosis was extravasation mucocele in 95% of the cases. The most frequent location was the lower lip (73.5%). The mean lesion diameter was 9 mm , and in most cases no evident etiological factor was recorded. The mean duration of the lesion was 4 months. Among the cases of conventional surgical removal of mucocele, recurrence was recorded in 8.8% of the cases, and 13.2% of the patients suffered postoperative complications - the most frequent being the presence of fibrous scars. There were no complications or relapses after a minimum follow-up of 12 months in the cases subjected to CO2 laser treatment. Conclusions: Oral mucocele ablation with the CO2 laser offers more predictable results and fewer complications and recurrences than conventional resection with the scalpel

Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome. Case report and literature review

Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a genetic disorder that was first described by Richard Ellis and Simon van Creveld in 1940. The four principal characteristics are chondrodysplasia, polydactyly, ectodermal dysplasia and congenital heart defects. The orofacial manifestations include multiple gingivolabial musculofibrous fraenula, dental anomalies, hypodontia and malocclusion. The disease can be diagnosed at any age, even during pregnancy. The differentiation should be made between Jeune syndrome and other orofaciodigital syndromes

Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome. Case report and literature review

Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a genetic disorder that was first described by Richard Ellis and Simon van Creveld in 1940. The four principal characteristics are chondrodysplasia, polydactyly, ectodermal dysplasia and congenital heart defects. The orofacial manifestations include multiple gingivolabial musculofibrous fraenula, dental anomalies, hypodontia and malocclusion. The disease can be diagnosed at any age, even during pregnancy. The differentiation should be made between Jeune syndrome and other orofaciodigital syndromes

Meat characteristics of chickens from an F1 cross of two improved Spanish breeds depending on slaughter age

The present study analysed the meat characteristics of i) improved Castellana Negra chickens slaughtered at 18 weeks (CN-18) and ii) F1 crossbred chickens from improved Castellana Negra hens and improved Penedesenca Negra cocks (CNPN) slaughtered at 12 weeks and 18 weeks of age (young and adult animals, respectively). Purebred and crossbred specimens were compared at similar weights (CN-18 and CNPN-12) and ages (CN-18 and CNPN-18). The protein content of the meat was similar for the three types of animals; heavier animals (CNPN-18) had more fat than those slaughtered at lower weights (CNPN-12 and CN-18). Adults had a higher saturated fatty acid content and the young CNPN chickens had more monounsaturated fatty acids than CN chickens. In the CNPN adults, less water was lost during cooking, which is directly related to the juiciness of the meat. With regard to sensory analysis, a darker colour was observed in the meat as much as the internal fat of adult animals, in addition to greater colour uniformity. The meat of young CNPN birds was juicier, whereas that of the CN chickens was more fibrous. Therefore, we conclude that meat from CNPN chickens presents chemical, physical, and sensorial characteristics that make these animals a genetic base for alternative poultry production.

Supernumerary premolars. Report of 10 cases

Supernumerary premolars are 'extra' teeth morphologically belonging to the premolar group. Hyperdontia affecting premolars can be single (when only one supernumerary tooth is found), multiple (if several teeth are involved) or related to a syndrome such as cleidocranial dysplasia. Supernumerary premolars are the third most frequent group of supernumerary teeth, following mesiodens and fourth molars; the prevalence among the general population ranges from 0.09-0.64%. The present study describes 10 cases of supernumerary premolars treated in our Service of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Dental Clinic of the University of Barcelona. A late onset was demonstrated in one case, contrasting the present pantomograph with another obtained 5 years before. In only one case did the presence of a supernumerary premolar alter normal tooth eruption. Two supernumerary premolars were affected by follicular cysts

Further insights in trichothiodistrophy: a clinical, microscopic, and ultrastructural study of 20 cases and literature review

Background: Trichothiodistrophy (TTD) is a rare autosomal recessive condition that is characterized by a specific congenital hair shaft dysplasia caused by deficiency of sulfur associated with a wide spectrum of multisystem abnormalities. In this article, we study clinical, microscopic, and ultrastructural findings of 20 patients with TTD with the aim to add further insights regarding to this rare condition. Additionally, analyses of our results are compared with those extracted from the literature in order to enhance its comprehensibility. Materials and Methods: Twenty cases of TTD were included: 7 from Mexico and 14 from Spain. Clinical, microscopic, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies and X-ray microanalysis (XrMa) were carried out in all of them. Genetic studies were performed in all seven Mexican cases. Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and xeroderma pigmentosum/TTD-complex were excluded. Results: Cuticular changes and longitudinal crests of the hair shaft were demonstrated. These crests were irregular, disorganized, following the hair longest axis. Hair shaft sulfur deficiency was disposed discontinuously and intermittently rather than uniformly. This severe decrease of sulfur contents was located close to the trichoschisis areas. Only five patients did not show related disturbances. Micro-dolichocephaly was observed in five cases and represented the most frequent facial dysmorphism found. It is also remarkable that all patients with urologic malformations also combined diverse neurologic disorders. Moreover, three Mexican sisters demonstrated the coexistence of scarce pubic vellus hair, developmental delay, onychodystrophy, and maxillar/mandibullar hypoplasia. Conclusions: TTD phenotype has greatly varied from very subtle forms to severe alterations such as neurologic abnormalities, blindness, lamellar ichthyosis and gonadal malformations. Herein, a multisystem study should be performed mandatorily in patients diagnosed with TTD.

Further insights in trichothiodistrophy: a clinical, microscopic, and ultrastructural study of 20 cases and literature review

Background: Trichothiodistrophy (TTD) is a rare autosomal recessive condition that is characterized by a specific congenital hair shaft dysplasia caused by deficiency of sulfur associated with a wide spectrum of multisystem abnormalities. In this article, we study clinical, microscopic, and ultrastructural findings of 20 patients with TTD with the aim to add further insights regarding to this rare condition. Additionally, analyses of our results are compared with those extracted from the literature in order to enhance its comprehensibility. Materials and Methods: Twenty cases of TTD were included: 7 from Mexico and 14 from Spain. Clinical, microscopic, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies and X-ray microanalysis (XrMa) were carried out in all of them. Genetic studies were performed in all seven Mexican cases. Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and xeroderma pigmentosum/TTD-complex were excluded. Results: Cuticular changes and longitudinal crests of the hair shaft were demonstrated. These crests were irregular, disorganized, following the hair longest axis. Hair shaft sulfur deficiency was disposed discontinuously and intermittently rather than uniformly. This severe decrease of sulfur contents was located close to the trichoschisis areas. Only five patients did not show related disturbances. Micro-dolichocephaly was observed in five cases and represented the most frequent facial dysmorphism found. It is also remarkable that all patients with urologic malformations also combined diverse neurologic disorders. Moreover, three Mexican sisters demonstrated the coexistence of scarce pubic vellus hair, developmental delay, onychodystrophy, and maxillar/mandibullar hypoplasia. Conclusions: TTD phenotype has greatly varied from very subtle forms to severe alterations such as neurologic abnormalities, blindness, lamellar ichthyosis and gonadal malformations. Herein, a multisystem study should be performed mandatorily in patients diagnosed with TTD.

Analysis of the tensile modulus of polypropylene composites reinforced with stone groundwood fibers

One of the most relevant properties of composite materials to be considered is stiffness. Fiberglass has been used traditionally as a fibrous reinforcing element when stiff materials are required. However, natural fibers are been exploited as replacements for synthetic fibers to satisfy environmental concerns. Among the different natural fibers, wood fibers show the combination of relatively high aspect ratio, good specific stiffness and strength, low density, low cost, and less variability than other natural fibers of such those from annual crops. In this work, composites from polypropylene and stone groundwood fibers from softwood were prepared and mechanically characterized under tensile loads. The Young’s moduli of the ensuing composites were analyzed and their micromechanics aspects evaluated. The reinforcing effect of stone groundwood fibers was compared to that of conventional reinforcement such fiberglass. The Halpin-Tsai model with the modification proposed by Tsai-Pagano accounted fairly for the behavior of PP composites reinforced with stone groundwood fibers. It was also demonstrated that the aspect ratio of the reinforcement plays a role in the Young’s modulus of injection molded specimens

Research on the suitability of organosolv semi-chemical triticale fibers as reinforcement for recycled hdpe composites

The main objective of this research was to study the feasibility of incorporating organosolv semi-chemical triticale fibers as the reinforcing element in recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE). In the first step, triticale fibers were characterized in terms of chemical composition and compared with other biomass species (wheat, rye, softwood, and hardwood). Then, organosolv semi-chemical triticale fibers were prepared by the ethanolamine process. These fibers were characterized in terms of its yield, kappa number, fiber length/diameter ratio, fines, and viscosity; the obtained results were compared with those of eucalypt kraft pulp. In the second step, the prepared fibers were examined as a reinforcing element for recycled HDPE composites. Coupled and non-coupled HDPE composites were prepared and tested for tensile properties. Results showed that with the addition of the coupling agent maleated polyethylene (MAPE), the tensile properties of composites were significantly improved, as compared to non-coupled samples and the plain matrix. Furthermore, the influence of MAPE on the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was studied. The contributions of both fibers and matrix to the composite strength were also studied. This was possible by the use of a numerical iterative method based on the Bowyer-Bader and Kelly-Tyson equations