The 434(G > C) polymorphism in the eosinophil cationic protein gene and its association with tissue eosinophilia in oral squamous cell carcinomas

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)-gene polymorphism 434(G > C) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and its association with tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE), demographic, clinical, and microscopic variables. Methods: The ECP genotypes of 165 healthy individuals and 157 OSCC patients were detected by PCR-RFLP analysis after cleavage of the amplified DNA sequence with enzyme PstI. TATE was obtained by morphometric analysis. Chi-square test or Fisher`s exact test was used to analyze the association of ECP-gene polymorphism 434(G > C) with TATE, demographic, clinical, and microscopic variables in OSCC patients. Disease-free survival and overall survival were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier product-limit actuarial method and the comparison of the survival curves were performed using log rank test. Results: Most of healthy individuals (53.33%) and OSCC patients (57.97%) were heterozygous for the ECP 434(G > C) polymorphism. Based on numerical differences, our results showed that OSCC patients with intense TATE and at least one C allele had a higher frequency of bilateral neck dissection, local recurrence, vascular embolization, involved resection margins, and postoperative radiotherapy. No statistically significant differences on survival rates were found in OSCC patients presenting different ECP 434(G > C) genotypes. Conclusions: These results suggest a tendency towards a poor clinical outcome in OSCC patients with intense TATE and 434GC/CC genotypes, probably due to an ECP genetic variant with altered cytotoxic activity.

Prevalence of Upper Cervical Vertebrae Anomalies in Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Noncleft Patients

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of upper cervical vertebrae anomalies in patients with isolated cleft lip, isolated cleft palate, and complete cleft lip and palate, as well as to compare the prevalence of these anomalies between groups, between genders, and with noncleft patients. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study of randomly selected patients. Setting: Radiology Section, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies and Department of Orthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Participants: The sample comprised 300 lateral cephalograms of cleft patients, aged 12 to 13 years, of both genders, from the files of the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies-University of Sao Paulo and 300 lateral cephalograms from noncleft patients of the Department of Orthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry. Cephalograms of patients with syndromes were not included. Method: Radiographs were interpreted on a film viewer by a single examiner; the profiles of vertebrae were traced on acetate paper, and cervical vertebrae anomalies were registered and categorized into posterior arch deficiencies, fusion, and association of both. Main Outcome Measures: Statistical comparison of groups using the chi-square test. Results: In the cleft group, 38.67% of the patients had cervical vertebrae anomalies. Of those in the noncleft sample, 31% showed anomalies of the cervical spine. This difference was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference when the types of clefts were compared with each other or when both genders were compared in both samples. Conclusions: This study confirms the association between clefts and cervical anomalies. Additional research on this topic is necessary.

Agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors and associated dental anomalies

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies in patients with agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors and to compare the findings with the prevalence of these anomalies in the general population. Methods: A sample of 126 patients, aged 7 to 35 years, with agenesis of at least 1 maxillary lateral incisor was selected. Panoramic and periapical radiographs and dental casts were used to analyze other associated dental anomalies, including agenesis of other permanent teeth, ectopia of unerupted permanent teeth, microdontia of maxillary lateral incisors, and supernumerary teeth. The occurrence of these anomalies was compared with prevalence data previously reported for the general population. Statistical testing was performed with the chi-square test (P<0.05) and the odds ratio. Results: Patients with maxillary lateral incisor agenesis had a significantly increased prevalence rate of permanent tooth agenesis (18.2%), excluding the third molars. The occurrence of third-molar agenesis in a subgroup aged 14 years or older (n = 76) was 35.5%. The frequencies of maxillary second premolar agenesis (10.3%), mandibular second premolar agenesis (7.9%), microdontia of maxillary lateral incisors (38.8%), and distoangulation of mandibular second premolars (3.9%) were significantly increased in our sample compared with the general population. In a subgroup of patients aged 10 years or older (n = 115), the prevalence of palatally displaced canines was elevated (5.2%). The prevalences of mesioangulation of mandibular second molars and supernumerary teeth were not higher in the sample. Conclusions: Permanent tooth agenesis, maxillary lateral incisor microdontia, palatally displaced canines, and distoangulation of mandibular second premolars are frequently associated with maxillary lateral incisor agenesis, providing additional evidence of a genetic interrelationship in the causes of these dental anomalies. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;137:732.e1-732.e6)

Relationship between breastfeeding duration and prevalence of posterior crossbite in the deciduous dentition

Introduction: This cross-sectional retrospective epidemiologic study assessed the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding duration and the prevalence of posterior crossbite in the deciduous dentition. Methods: Clinical examinations were performed in 1377 Brazilian children (690 boys, 687 girls), 3 to 6 years old, from 11 public schools in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Based on questionnaires answered by the parents, the children were classified into 4 groups according to the duration of exclusive breastfeeding: G1, never (119 subjects); G2, less than 6 months (720 subjects); G3, 6 to 12 months (312 subjects); and G4, more than 12 months (226 subjects). The statistical analyses included the chi-square test (P < 0.05) and the odds ratio. Results: The posterior crossbite was observed in 31.1%, 22.4%, 8.3%, and 2.2% of the children, in groups G1, G2, G3, and G4, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding duration and the prevalence of posterior crossbite. Conclusions: Children who were breastfed for more than 12 months had a 20-fold lower risk for the development of posterior crossbite compared with children who were never breastfed and a 5-fold lower risk compared with those breastfed between 6 and 12 months. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010; 137:54-8)

Relationship between malocclusion severity and treatment success rate in Class II nonextraction therapy

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment success rate of Class II malocclusion without extractions, according to initial severity. Methods: Class II subjects (n = 276) were divided into 2 groups according to the severity of the malocclusion. Group 1 comprised 144 patients with bilateral half Class II malocclusion at the initial mean age of 12.27 years. Group 2 comprised 132 patients who initially had bilateral complete Class II malocclusion at the initial mean age of 12.32 years. The patients` initial and final study models were evaluated with Grainger`s treatment priority index. Chi-square tests were used to test for differences between the 2 groups for categorical variables. Variables regarding occlusal results were compared with independent t tests. Results: Group 1 had a significantly better final occlusal result, a shorter treatment time, and a higher treatment efficiency index. Conclusions: Based on these results, it was concluded that bilateral half Class II malocclusion has a better treatment success rate than bilateral complete Class II malocclusion when treatment is conducted without extractions. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2009; 135: 274.e1-274.e8)

Oral mucositis in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: analysis of 169 paediatric patients

Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis is a frequent therapeutic challenge in cancer patients. The purpose of this retrospective study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of oral mucositis in 169 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients treated according to different chemotherapeutic trials at the Darcy Vargas Children`s Hospital from 1994 to 2005. Demographic data, clinical history, chemotherapeutic treatment and patients` follow-up were recorded. The association of oral mucositis with age, gender, leucocyte counts at diagnosis and treatment was assessed by the chi-squared test and multivariate regression analysis. Seventy-seven ALL patients (46%) developed oral mucositis during the treatment. Patient age (P = 0.33), gender (P = 0.08) and leucocyte counts at diagnosis (P = 0.34) showed no correlation with the occurrence of oral mucositis. Multivariate regression analysis showed a significant risk for oral mucositis (P = 0.009) for ALL patients treated according to the ALL-BFM-95 protocol. These results strongly suggest the greater stomatotoxic effect of the ALL-BFM-95 trial when compared with Brazilian trials. We concluded that chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis should be systematically analysed prospectively in specialized centres for ALL treatment to establish the degree of toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs and to improve the quality of life of patients based on more effective therapeutic and prophylactic approaches for prevention of its occurrence. Oral Diseases (2008) 14, 761-766

Influence of root parallelism on the stability of extraction-site closures

Introduction: In premolar extraction cases, root parallelism is recommended to preserve the stability of space closures. The influence of the degree of root parallelism on relapse of tooth extraction spaces has been a controversial topic in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the angle between the long axes of the canine and the second premolarin patients with and without stability of extraction-space closures. Methods: A sample of 56 patients, treated with 4 premolar extractions, was divided into 2 groups: group 1, consisting of 25 patients with reopening of extraction spaces; and group 2, consisting of 31 patients without reopening of extraction spaces. Panoramic radiographs of each patient were analyzed at the posttreatment and 1-year posttreatment stages. The data were statistically analyzed by using chi-square tests, t tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: The results showed that the groups did not differ regarding the angle between the canine and the second premolar, and there was no correlation between angular changes and reopening of extraction spaces, showing that dental angular changes are not determining factors for relapse, and other factors should be investigated. Conclusions: The final angle and the posttreatment changes observed in the angle between the long axes of the canine and the second premolar showed no influence on the relapse of extraction spaces. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2011; 139: e505-e510)

Occlusal outcomes and efficiency of 1-and 2-phase protocols in the treatment of Class II Division 1 malocclusion

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the occlusal outcomes and the efficiency of 1-phase and 2-phase treatment protocols in Class II Division 1 malocclusions. Treatment efficiency was defined as a change in the occlusal characteristics in a shorter treatment time. Methods: Class II Division 1 subjects ( n = 139) were divided into 2 groups according to the treatment protocol for Class II correction. Group 1 comprised 78 patients treated with a 1-phase treatment protocol at initial and final mean ages of 12.51 and 14.68 years. Group 2 comprised 61 patients treated with a 2-phase treatment protocol at initial and final mean ages of 11.21 and 14.70 years. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken at the pretreatment stage to evaluate morphological differences in the groups. The initial and final study models of the patients were evaluated by using the peer assessment rating index. Chi-square tests were used to test for differences between the 2 groups for categorical variables. Variables regarding occlusal results were compared by using independent t tests. A linear regression analysis was completed, with total treatment time as the dependent variable, to identify clinical factors that predict treatment length for patients with Class II malocclusions. Results: Similar occlusal outcomes were obtained between the 1-phase and the 2-phase treatment protocols, but the duration of treatment was significantly shorter in the 1-phase treatment protocol group. Conclusions: Treatment of Class II Division 1 malocclusions is more efficient with the 1-phase than the 2-phase treatment protocol.

The impact of stress and anxiety on the pressure pain threshold of myofascial pain patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of stress and anxiety on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of masticatory muscles and on the subjective pain report. Forty-five women, students, with mean age of 19.75 years, were divided into two groups: group 1:29 presenting with masticatory myofascial pain (MFP), according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and group 2: 16 asymptomatic controls. An electronic algometer registered the pain thresholds on four different occasions throughout the academic year. To measure levels of stress, anxiety and pain, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used. Three-way anova and Tukey`s tests were used to verify differences in PPT between groups, times and sites. Levels of anxiety and VAS were compared using Mann-Whitney test, while Friedman`s test was used for the within-groups comparison at different times (T1 to T4). The chi-squared and Cochran tests were performed to compare groups for the proportion of subjects with stress (alpha = 0.05). Differences in PPT recordings between time (P = 0.001) and sites (P < 0.001) were detected. Higher levels of anxiety and lower PPT figures were detected at T2 (academic examination) (P = 0.001). There was no difference between groups for anxiety and stress at any time (P > 0.05). The MFP group also has shown significant increase of VAS at the time of academic examination (P < 0.001). External stressors such as academic examinations have a potential impact on masticatory muscle tenderness, regardless of the presence of a previous condition such as masticatory myofascial pain.

Tissue Eosinophilia and Its Association With Tumoral Invasion of Oral Cancer

This study investigated if tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) could be associated with the process of tissue invasion in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and its influence on patient`s prognosis. Forty-three patients treated for OSCCs with or without lymph nodes involvement, at A. C. Camargo Cancer Hospital, Brazil, were selected for TATE analysis. Two degrees of tissue eosinophilia were established in OSCC: absent/mild and intense. The TATE was evaluated in relation to the clinicopathological features and prognostic value using chi(2) test and the Kaplan-Meier method. Most of the patients with OSCC in advanced clinical stage presented Muscular infiltration and significantly intense TATE whereas those with tumors in early stage frequently showed absent/mild eosinophilia (P = .009). The TATE showed no prognostic value for 5-year and 10-year survival rates of the OSCC. These findings suggest that intense TATE seems to reflect the stromal invasion of the OSCCs that occur in advanced clinical stage.

Clinical evaluation of two packable posterior composites A five-year follow-up

Background. Research has suggested that packable resin-based composites inserted with a placement technique similar to amalgam condensation can reduce the sensitivity associated with posterior restorations. The authors evaluated the clinical performance, including associated sensitivity, of two packable composites in a randomized five-year clinical trial. Methods. A single operator randomly placed two restorations in each of 33 patients: one restoration consisting of Alert (Jeneric/Pentron, Wallingford, Conn.) and the other consisting of SureFil (Dentsply/Caulk, Milford, Del.). There were 30 Class I and 36 Class II restorations. Two independent evaluators evaluated the restorations by using modified U.S.; Public Health Service criteria. The authors analyzed data by means of the Fisher, chi(2) and McNemar tests at P < .05. Results. Of 60 restorations evaluated at five years, two Class II restorations (one SureFil, one Alert) failed. All other restorations received the highest score possible for sensitivity and vitality. The only difference between the composites at the five-year recall was the significantly better surface texture of SureFil. The authors observed significantly different scores between the baseline and at five years for marginal discoloration (Alert and SureFil), surface texture (Alert and SureFil) and color (SureFil). Conclusions. Both packable resin-based composites showed excellent durability during the five-year follow-up. Clinical Implications. The investigated resin-based composites are suitable for posterior restorations.

Evaluation of the buccal vestibule-palatal diffusion of 4% articaine hydrochloride in impacted maxillary third molar extractions

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vestibular-palatal diffusion of 4% articaine with epinephrine 1: 100,000 and 1: 200,000, in impacted maxillary third molar extractions, without palatal injection. Materials and Method: Two hundred teeth were selected from patients age 15 to 46. Patients were divided into 4 groups: 1A, were anesthetized with 4% articaine 1: 100,000 and the surgery was initiated 5 minutes following anesthesia. 1B, used 4% articaine 1: 100,000 but the surgery was started 10 minutes after anesthesia. 2A, used 4% articaine 1: 200,000 the surgery was started 5 minutes after. 2B, used 4% articaine 1: 200,000 but 10 minutes was allowed for anesthetic diffusion before the initiation of in groups (50 extractions each) only buccal vestibule anesthesia was initially administered (i.e. no palatal injections were used). Results: The rate of sufficient vestibule-palatal diffusion, as determined by the lack of necessity of supplemental palatal anesthesia, was: 1A(84%), 1B(98%), 2A(78%), 2B(82%). Chi-square (X2) and residual analyses showed that a higher vestibule-palatal diffusion was obtained using 4% articaine 1: 100,000 with a period of 10 minutes (p<0.05). Conclusions: Most of the extractions could be performed only with vestibule anesthesia. However, vasoconstrictor concentration and the time interval between administration of the anesthetic and initiation of surgery did influence buccal vestibule-palatal diffusion of 4% articaine in the extraction models used.

Dental Erosion in a Group of 12- and 16-year-old Brazilian Schoolchildren

Purpose: This study`s purpose was to assess the prevalence of dental erosion in adolescents and to investigate the association between erosion and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: This study consisted of a single center cluster random sample of 414 adolescents (12 and 16 years old) of both genders from private and public schools in Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Two previously calibrated examiners (kappa=0.85) used the O`Brien (7994) index for assessment of dental erosion on the buccal and palatal surfaces of the permanent maxillary incisors and on the occlusal surfaces of the permanent first molars. Data on gender, type of school, and mean family income were collected by a questionnaire completed by the adolescents. Descriptive statistics were applied to the data, and the associations between erosion and sociodemographic variables were investigated by chi-square test (P<0.05). Results: The prevalence of dental erosion was 20% (N=83), with only enamel being involved (score 1). The labial surface was the most affected (16%). There were no significant differences between the presence of erosion and gender, type of school, and mean family income. Conclusions: The results indicate that dental erosion restricted to enamel was observed among adolescents in Bauru/Brazil, and there was no correlation between this condition and sociodemographic factors. (Pediatr Dent 201733:23-8) Received August 7, 2009 1 Last Revision October 13, 2009 I Accepted October 14, 2009

Microtensile vs Microshear Bond Strength of All-in-One Adhesives to Unground Enamel

Purpose To determine the bond strength to unground enamel of all in one adhesives in comparison with an etch and rinse system and to compare the reliability of microtensile and microshear methods in providing such measurements Materials and Methods The bonding procedure was performed on enamel of 64 extracted molars The tested all in one adhesives were Bond Force (Tokuyama), AdheSE One (Ivoclar Vivadent) and Xeno V (Dentsply) Prime&Bond NT (Dentsply) served as control Microtensile specimens were obtained from 4 teeth per group Twelve teeth per group were used for microshear testing Microtensile specimens that failed prior to testing were included in statistical calculations, they were assigned the lowest value measured in the respective group Failure modes were observed under light microscope and classified (cohesive within substrates, adhesive mixed) Statistically significant differences in bond strength were assessed among the adhesives within each testing method and between microshear and microtensile data for each adhesive Failure mode distributions were compared using the chi square test Results All in-one adhesives had similar microshear and microtensile bond strengths In both testing methods, the etch and rinse system achieved the strongest bond For all adhesives significantly higher bond strengths were measured with the microshear test In microtensile testing specimens bonded with the etch and rinse adhesive exhibited a significantly different distribution of failure modes The coefficients of variation were extremely high for microtensile bond strength data, particularly of all in one adhesives Conclusion The adhesive potential to intact enamel of recently introduced all in-one adhesives was inferior to that of an etch and rinse system When testing bond strength to enamel of all in one adhesives, microshear testing may be a more accurate method than microtensile

Craniocervical posture and hyoid bone position in children with mild and moderate asthma and mouth breathing

Introduction The objective of the present study was to assess the craniocervical posture and the positioning of the hyoid bone in children with asthma who are mouth breathers compared to non-asthma controls. Methods The study was conducted on 56 children, 28 of them with mild (n = 15) and moderate (n = 13) asthma (14 girls aged 10 79 +/- 1 31 years and 14 boys aged 9 79 +/- 1.12 years), matched for sex, height, weight and age with 28 non-asthma children who are not mouth breathers The sample size was calculated considering a confidence interval of 95% and a prevalence of 4% of asthma in Latin America. Eighteen variables were analyzed in two radiographs (latero-lateral teleradiography and lateral cervical spine radiography), both obtained with the head in a natural position The independent t-test was used to compare means values and the chi-square test to compare percentage values (p < 0 05) Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify reliability. Results. The Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) was found to be significantly smaller in asthma than in control children (106.38 +/- 766 vs. 111 21 +/- 7.40. p = 0 02) and the frequency of asthma children with an absent or inverted hyoid triangle was found to be significantly higher compared to non-asthma children (36% vs 7%, p = 0.0001). The values of the inclination angles of the superior cervical spine in relation to the horizontal plane were significantly higher in moderate than in mild asthma children (CVT/Hor 85 10 +/- 725 vs. 90 92 +/- 6.69, p = 0 04 and C1/Hor. 80 93 +/- 5.56 vs 85 00 +/- 4 20, p = 0 04) Conclusions These findings revealed that asthma children presented higher head extension and a higher frequency of changes in hyoid bone position compared to non-asthma children and that greater the asthma severity greater the extension of the upper cervical spine. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.