Journal of Applied Oral Science最新文献

Objective: This study aimed to describe and compare morphofunctional orofacial aspects between subjects with and without Zika virus-related microcephaly.

Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, case-control study with both qualitative and quantitative components. All subjects were born between 2015 and 2016, during the Zika virus outbreak in the Northeast region of Brazil. A total of 48 children were included: 24 with Zika-related microcephaly (MG) and 24 without the condition (CG). We performed the Preliminary Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E) for all subjects. Orofacial anthropometric measurements were obtained from 36 of the 48 participants, including 18 from the MG and 18 from the CG.

Results: We found lower swallowing efficiency scores in children with microcephaly aged 13-18 months. Significant differences (p<.001) were found between the MG and CG for scores related to the face, cheeks, and total stomatognathic functions. When stratified by age group, differences (p<.001) were found in total scores between MG and CG subjects in the age groups up to 24 months. We found lower scores in the 13-18-month group with microcephaly for swallowing efficiency: 1.3 (SD: .8) versus 5.3 (SD: 1.2); and in the 19-24-month group; for bite: 1 (SD: 0) and 3.9 (SD: .3), and 1.9 (SD: 2.7) and 9.5 (SD: .9); in addition to facial changes: 9.8 (SD: 1.2) and 11.8 (SD: .6). Differences were found in anthropometric orofacial measurements for the upper third of the face (d=-1.215, p<.001) (MGCG) (d=-.679, p<.001).

Conclusion: Subjects with microcephaly had altered orofacial myofunction, especially related to swallowing and chewing difficulties in early ages.

Background: Pharmaceutical agents targeting distinct therapeutic pathways can differently influence bone metabolism, notably exemplified by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and glucocorticoids.

Objective: This investigation sought to elucidate the effects of a low-dose administration of zoledronate (ZL) and dexamethasone (DX) on post-tooth extraction sockets healing in a murine model.

Methodology: In total, 40 young male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to four distinct groups by weight-stratified randomization: Control (C) - 0.9% saline solution, ZL - 0.05 mg/kg ZL, DX - 5 mg/kg DX, and ZL+DX - combined regimen of 0.05 mg/kg ZL and 5 mg/kg DX. All substances were intraperitoneally delivered on a weekly basis from four weeks before right upper incisor extraction and up to seven and 30 days after it, when blood was collected for biochemical analysis of bone markers and the maxillae were removed and prepared for microcomputed analysis of the trabecular architecture of the healing sockets and to set histological slices to be stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry for TRAP and Runx2.

Results: Histopathology and microCT showed that DX administration correlated with impaired bone formation, manifesting as reduced bone volume/total volume and trabecular thickness. Conversely, ZL exposure disrupted bone viability. However, the combination of both showed enhanced maturation in bone remodeling at day 30. Notably, DX treatment notably reduced serum calcium and phosphate levels and total TRAP. Runx-2+ cells significantly increased in the Control group at day seven when compared to ZL and DX-ZL and at day 30 when compared to ZL.

Conclusions: Our findings showed that co-administering low doses of ZL and DX in young male mice augmented the recuperative processes of their post-extraction sockets when juxtaposed with either agent in isolation. Nevertheless, further comprehensive inquiries are needed to delineate the precise underlying mechanisms in a more controlled experimental context.

Background: Molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) significantly impacts children's quality of life due to dental hypersensitivity, anxiety, and aesthetic concerns. Few studies have investigated these factors within the same sample, comparing varying levels of MIH severity to MIH-free controls.

Objectives: This study evaluated dental hypersensitivity, anxiety, and aesthetic self-perception in children with mild MIH, severe MIH, and controls, and explored correlations between the studied variables.

Methodology: A total of 605 students from a single school were evaluated: 110 children with MIH and 214 controls matched by age and sex. MIH severity was clinically assessed using the Ghanim criteria. Hypersensitivity was measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCASS). Anxiety and aesthetic concerns were assessed using the CFSS-DS and CQATA questionnaires, respectively.

Results: Overall, 78 children had mild MIH and 32 had severe MIH. Median for dental hypersensitivity (p<0.001) and aesthetic self-perception (p=0.002) were significantly higher in the severe MIH group compared to both the control and mild MIH groups. No differences were found for anxiety. Elevated VAS-measured dental hypersensitivity levels and impaired self-perceived aesthetics were significantly correlated with greater MIH severity (p<0.05). Spearman's correlation analysis further revealed significant positive correlations between anxiety/fear and VAS scores (p=0.023, r=0.239), between anxiety/fear and aesthetic self-perception scores (p=0.007, r=0.282), and between dental appearance classification and VAS hypersensitivity scores (p=0.035, r=0.222). In contrast, SCASS hypersensitivity scores did not significantly correlate with either anxiety/fear or dental appearance classification (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Children with severe MIH showed higher dental hypersensitivity and greater perceived aesthetic impairment than children with mild MIH or without MIH.

Objective: this study aims to evaluate the sexual dimorphism of the morphometric features of the frontal sinus via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstructions, using a predictive formula and an artificial neural network (ANN).

Methodology: the morphometric features of the frontal sinuses obtained from 1,000 CBCT scans, equally distributed by sex, were assessed by two examiners. The frontal sinus morphometric features from 800 CBCT scans were analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests and a multivariate logistic regression model to identify key morphometric features for sex determination and to develop the predictive formula. These features were subsequently used to validate the predictive formula and the machine learning-based classification system. The predictive formula was evaluated using a set of 200 CBCT scans. The machine learning-based classification system consisted of a three-layer ANN trained with 80% of the CBCT scans and tested with the remaining 20%.

Results: Except for the higher frontal sinus index in females, males exhibited higher numerical values for height, width, and anteroposterior (AP) length. The significance level for all statistical tests was set at 0.05. Multivariate logistic regression identified the following four essential morphometric features: sinus height, anteroposterior length (depth) of the sinus, sinus width, and total sinus width. Both the predictive formula and the ANN demonstrated sexual dimorphism. The accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, precision, and F1- score values were 73.50%, 74.00%, 73.00%, 73.74%, and 73.37% for the regression model, and 76.00%, 84.00%, 68.00%, 80.95%, and 73.91% for the ANN, respectively. Except for sensitivity, the ANN outperformed the predictive formula regarding maximum specificity, accuracy, precision, and F1 score.

Conclusion: both methods, particularly the ANN, can potentially support sex estimation in the Brazilian forensic context.

Objective: To evaluate whether the presence of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is associated with a greater number of decayed teeth in schoolchildren.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 347 children aged from seven to ten years in the Brazilian city of Diamantina. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria were used to determine the number of teeth with moderate/extensive caries (ICDAS codes 3-6). MIH was assessed according to the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD). Sociodemographic data and data regarding children's habits were obtained via a questionnaire sent to parents/guardians. Descriptive analyses, Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests, and Poisson regression were performed.

Results: The prevalence of MIH was 20.5% and that of moderate/extensive caries was 39.2%. The mean number of teeth with moderate/extensive caries was 1.80 (SD±2.67). The mean number of decayed permanent teeth was 0.69 (SD=1.21), and the mean number of decayed primary teeth was 1.11 (SD=1.89). The number of teeth with moderate/extensive caries was associated with the presence of MIH in children (PR=1.45; 95% CI=1.03-2.04; p=0.031). Furthermore, the number of teeth with moderate/extensive caries was associated with lower monthly family income, high frequency of sugar consumption, and visible plaque (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The presence of MIH is associated with a greater number of decayed teeth in schoolchildren.

Clinical relevance: This study suggests that children with MIH are at higher risk of developing caries, emphasizing the importance of specific preventive care and early treatments for this condition. This can influence clinical practices, public health policies, and parental education.

[This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/1678-775720150393ar].

Background: This study evaluated the altered expression levels of genes and cytokines associated with M1 and M2 macrophages during the development of periapical lesion (PL).

Methodology: PL was induced in the lower first molars of 96 mice. After the experimental periods of two, seven, 14, 21, and 42 days, the animals were euthanized and their jaws were dissected and submitted to the following analyses: microscopic descriptive analysis and fluorescence microscopy morphometry of PL size (mm2); quantitative gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR for M1 (Cxcl10, Cxcl9, and Nos2) and M2 phenotypes (Arg1, Fizz1, Ym1, and Mrc1); and M1- (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and M2- (IL-4, IL-13, and IL- 10) related cytokines quantification by Luminex. Data were statistically compared by ANOVA, Tukey post-test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn post-test (α=5%).

Results: PL area and inflammatory infiltrate increased over experimental periods. From a contextual view, a pro-inflammatory profile and a higher activation of M1 phenotype markers in the initial periods of two and seven days could be observed. On day 21, microscopic features and M2 subtype predominance indicated a repair attempt. However, on day 42, an acute exacerbation of immunoinflammatory process and return to the M1 macrophage profile were evidenced.

Conclusion: M1 and M2 macrophage polarization-related markers were expressed alternately throughout the experimental periods, according to the stage of PL progression.

Objectives: Deproteinized bovine bone minerals (DBBMs) are effective for bone regeneration. However, their limited plasticity can hinder extensive bone defects treatment. This study aimed to develop a composite bone grafting material that is easy to deploy surgically and promotes robust bone regeneration.

Methodology: DBBM particles were mixed with a clinical-grade gelatin-based hemostatic gel (w/v ratio of 2/3) to create a composite material referred to as synthetic sticky bone (SSB). Structural properties were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To evaluate bone regenerative capacity, 20 male Sprague Dawley rats (eight to ten weeks old) with critical-size jawbone defects were treated with SSB, DBBM, or gelatin gel alone, with an empty defect as a control. Samples were collected at two and four weeks for microcomputed tomography (μCT) analysis of bone volume/total tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb. Th), trabecular number (Tb. N), and trabecular separation (Tb. Sp). Histological analyses were conducted to examine material remnants and bone formation.

Results: SSB showed a binary paste-like composite property with enhanced injectability and plasticity. μCT and histological assessments confirmed that the SSB-treated group had significantly greater new bone formation compared to the DBBM-treated group after four weeks.

Conclusions: SSB, which is a paste-like composite of DBBM particles, and a clinical-grade gelatin-based hemostatic gel demonstrated improved structural plasticity and enhanced bone regeneration, offering a promising solution for treating extensive irregular bone defects.

Objective: This study analyzed the synergistic effect between a recombinant Maquiberry (MaquiCPI-3) protein, sodium fluoride (NaF), and stannous chloride (SnCl2) against initial dental erosion in vitro.

Methodology: A total of 98 bovine enamel samples were prepared and allocated to seven treatment groups (n=14/group) as follows: deionized water (Water); commercial solution, 800 ppm Sn+2, 500 ppm F-, ElmexTM, Erosion, GABA, Therwil, BL, CH (Elmex); 500 ppm of fluoride (F-) from NaF (NaF); 500 ppm of F- from NaF and 800 ppm of tin (Sn+2) from SnCl2 (NaF+SnCl); 0.5 mg/mL MaquiCPI-3 (MaquiCPI-3); combination of MaquiCPI-3 and NaF (Maqui+NaF) and; combination of MaquiCPI-3, NaF and SnCl (Maqui+NaF+SnCl). Samples were treated with the respective solutions (250 μl, 2 min, 37°C, 250 rpm). After forming the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) by adding human saliva from nine volunteers (250 μl, 1 h, 37°C, 250 rpm), the samples underwent acid challenge (1 mL, 1% citric acid, pH 3.6, 1 min, 25°C, 250 rpm). All procedures were performed in triplicate. Surface microhardness change percentage (%SMC) and relative surface reflection intensity (%SRI) were measured and analyzed by One-way ANOVA/Tukey's tests (p<0.05).

Results: The Elmex, NaF, NaF+SnCl, MaquiCPI-3, Maqui+NaF, and Maqui+NaF+SnCl groups showed significantly lower %SMC compared with Water. The NaF, Sn+2, NaF+SnCl, MaquiCPI-3, Maqui+NaF and Maqui+NaF+SnCl groups exhibited significantly greater protection compared with Elmex. Maqui+NaF+SnCl revealed better enamel protection (significant) when compared with the MaquiCPI-3 and Maqui+NaF groups. Elmex, NaF+SnCl, MaquiCPI-3, Maqui+NaF, and Maqui+NaF+SnCl had a significantly higher %SRI compared to the Water and NaF groups, which did not differ between each other.

Conclusion: All treatment solutions provided protection against initial dental erosion in vitro. Formulations containing Maqui+NaF+SnCl2 offered superior enamel protection compared with MaquiCPI-3 alone.

Background: Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) configures a histone methyl transferase enzyme that mediates the epigenetic silencing of target genes. Its overexpression has been related to tumor proliferation, metastasis, and poor prognoses. However, the study of this protein in salivary gland tumors (SGTs) remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate EZH2 expression in common intra-oral SGTs, including pleomorphic adenoma (PA), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).

Methodology: A total of 48 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples were analyzed, including 17 PA, 21 MEC, and 10 ACC cases. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using a rabbit recombinant monoclonal EZH2 antibody. EZH2 expression was described and quantified by the percentage of stained tumor cells.

Results: Nuclear EZH2 expression occurred in most malignant SGTs (90.00% of ACC and 80.95% of MEC cases), whereas only one benign case of PA (5.88%) showed positive mild staining. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the mean of percentage positive cells in SGTs (p<0.001), particularly between benign and malignant SGTs (p<0.001). However, this study observed no significant differences between MEC and ACC (p=0.457).

Conclusion: EZH2 expression significantly differed between malignant and benign SGTs, supporting its potential as a diagnostic marker for malignancy in these tumors.