Evaluating conceptual model measurement and psychometric properties of Oral health-related quality of life instruments available for older adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Older adults present a variety of oral diseases and conditions, in addition to co-morbidities and limited access to dental care, which significantly impact their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). There are many instruments published to measure OHRQoL. However, it is challenging for clinicians and researchers to choose the best instrument for a given purpose. PURPOSE: To identify OHRQoL instruments available for older adults and summarize the evidence on the conceptual and measurement model, psychometric properties, interpretability, and administration issues of OHRQoL instruments available for older adults through a systematic review. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CENTRAL up to February 2023. Articles reporting information on the concept model measurement, psychometric properties, and administration issues of an instrument measuring OHRQoL in older adults were included. Two researchers independently evaluated each instrument using the Evaluating Measures of Patient-Reported Outcomes (EMPRO) tool. The overall score and seven attribute-specific scores were calculated (range 0-100): Conceptual and measurement model, Reliability, Validity, Responsiveness, Interpretability, Burden, and Alternative forms. RESULTS: We identified 14 instruments evaluated in 97 articles. The overall score varied between 73.7 and 8.9, with only six questionnaires over the threshold score 50.0. EORTC QLQ OH-15 (cancer-specific questionnaire) achieved the highest score (73.7), followed by OHIP (generic OHRQoL questionnaire) (66.9), GOHAI (generic OHRQoL questionnaire) (65.5), and OHIDL (generic OHRQoL questionnaire) (65.2). Overall, the Conceptual and measurement model and Validity showed the best performance, while Responsiveness and Interpretability showed the worst. Insufficient information was presented for an overall evaluation of DSQ and OHAI. CONCLUSION: The evidence supports using EORTC QLQ-OH15 as a specific instrument to assess OHRQoL in cancer patients and the OHIP-49, GOHAI, or OHIDL as generic instruments to assess OHRQoL either for cross-sectional or longitudinal studies in older adults.

Frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery and the infraorbital artery in imaging studies: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infraorbital artery (IOA) courses along half of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. Risk of injury to the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA during surgical procedures has been reported. The aim of the present study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA in imaging studies (cone-beam computed tomography, spiral cone-beam computed tomography, and computed tomography). A search was carried out in the PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS. Original works were included reporting imaging studies to analyze the frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis in humans. The risks of bias were analyzed using the AQUA tool. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the frequency and the 95% CI in the meta-analysis. The variance in prevalence estimates was stabilized by logit transformation. The qualitative analysis included 49 studies with 10,837 patients. The frequency of the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA was 74% (prediction interval 0.20-0.97%). The anastomosis was most frequently located in the intraosseous region (60.0%), followed by the submembranous region (33.0%), and least frequently in an extraosseous location (5.0%). Arteries with diameter of 1.0-1.9 mm were most frequent (32.0%), followed by arteries with diameter less than 1 mm (23.0%); a small number with diameter greater than 2 mm was recorded (4.0%). These data can be used as a reference to help surgeons when planning interventions in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. Registration number: INPLASY, number 202120071.

Emergency and sequalae management of traumatic dental injuries: a systematic survey of clinical practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and consequences of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) make them a public health problem. Trustworthy TDI clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) assist clinicians in determining a diagnosis and guide them to the most appropriate therapy. The aim of this systematic survey was to identify and evaluate the quality of CPGs for the diagnosis, emergency management, and follow-up of TDIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Trip database, CPG websites, and dental societies to identify documents providing recommendations for the emergency and sequelae management of TDIs. Reviewers assessed the included guidelines independently and in duplicate, using the AGREE II instrument. ANOVA or Student's t-tests were used to determine the attributes of CPGs associated with the total score in AGREE II. RESULTS: Ten CPGs published between 2010 and 2020 were included, mostly from Europe (n = 6). The overall agreement between reviewers was very good (0.94; 95%CI 0.91-0.97). The mean scores (the higher the score, the better the domain assessment) per domain were as follows: Scope and purpose 78.0 ± 18.9%; stakeholder involvement 46.9 ± 29.6%; rigour of development 41.8 ± 26.7%; clarity of presentation 75.8 ± 17.6%; applicability 15.3 ± 18.8%; and editorial independence 41.7 ± 41.7%. The overall mean rate was 4 ± 1.3 out of a maximum score of 7. Two guidelines were recommended by the reviewers for use in practice and rated as high quality. CPGs developed by government organizations showed a significantly higher overall score. CONCLUSIONS: The overall quality of CPGs on TDI was suboptimal. CPG developers should synthesize the evidence and formulate recommendations using high-quality methodologies and standards in a structured, transparent, and explicit way.

QUALITY APPRAISAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES ON PROVISION OF DENTAL SERVICES DURING THE FIRST MONTHS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on dental services provision during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Epistemonikos, Trip databases, websites of CPG developers, compilers of CPGs, scientific societies and ministries of health to identify documents with recommendations intended to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during dental care. Reviewers independently and in duplicate assessed the included CPGs using the AGREE II instrument. We calculated the standardized scores for the 6 domains and made a final recommendation about each CPG. The inter-appraiser agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Twenty-three CPGs published were included. Most of the CPGs were from America (n = 15) and Europe (n = 6). The overall agreement between reviewers was very good (ICC = 0.93; 95%CI 0.87-0.95). The median score for each domain was the following: Scope and purpose 67% (IQR 20%); Stakeholder involvement 33% (IQR 14%); Rigour of development 13% (IQR 13%); Clarity of presentation 64% (IQR 31%); Applicability 19% (IQR 17%) and Editorial independence 8% (IQR 8%). Twenty two guidelines were not recommended by the reviewers. Only one of the CPGs was recommended with modifications. The median overall rate was 3 (IQR 1). All CPGs were classified as low quality. CONCLUSIONS: The overall quality of CPGs on dental services provision during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic was low, which makes its implementation difficult for clinicians and policy makers. Therefore, it is critical that developers are transparent and forthcoming about the difficulties that have arisen during the CPG development process.

Frequency and location of the zygomaticofacial foramen and its clinical importance in the placement of zygomatic implants.

PURPOSE: Anatomical knowledge of the zygomatic region is important, because the zygomatic nerve and its branches may suffer lesions during surgical procedures in the periorbital region. The position and frequency of zygomaticofacial foramina (ZFF) may vary between individuals, and between one side and the other in the same individual. In the present study, we analysed the presence and location of ZFF, as well as the distance between them and the orbital cavity, in macerated skulls of adult individuals. METHODS: We examined 287 macerated skulls, of individuals of both sexes, analysing the frequency and location of ZFF and the distance from the ZFF to the margin of the orbital cavity (OC). RESULTS: Zygomaticofacial foramina are very frequent structures which tend to appear singly. They are generally located in the temporal process of the zygomatic bone, but in many cases, they may be located in the mid portion of the bone. They also tend to appear at the same distance from the OC when left and right sides are compared. Sex was an important factor in determining differences in ZFF; the distance from the ZFF to the margin of the OC was greater in males than in females. Sex, age, side and skin colour did not affect the frequency and location of the ZFF. CONCLUSION: We consider that the mid portion of the zygomatic bone is the safest place to anchor zygomatic implants (ZI), since ZFF are less frequently located there than in the temporal process of the zygomatic bone.

Morphometric study of mandibular foramen in macerated skulls to contribute to the development of sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) technique.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to provide morphometric data, obtained from macerated mandibles, which might facilitate the topographic location of the mandibular foramen, considering aspects such as gender, age and ethnicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty-five macerated mandibles of adult black and white individuals of both sexes were analyzed. Initially, 5 points were established: MF, the lowest point of the mandibular foramen; S, greatest concavity of the mandibular notch; A, anterior margin of the ramus of mandible; P, posterior margin of the ramus of mandible; and Go, gonion. Then the following measurements were performed bilaterally: MF-S, MF-A, MF-P and MF-Go. RESULTS: The following mean values were found: MF-S: 21.02 mm for white females (WF) and 22.00 mm for black females (BF); 24.40 mm for white males (WM) and 24.35 mm for black males (BM); MF-A: 17.05 mm for WF and 18.09 mm for BF; 17.18 mm for WM and 18.11 mm for BM; MF-P: 11.11 mm for WF and 12.24 mm for BF; 13.10 mm for WM and 14.15 mm for BM; MF-Go: 19.00 mm for WF and 19.44 mm for BF; 23.13 mm for WM and 22.12 mm for BM. CONCLUSIONS: The values found in this study, considering gender, age and ethnic group, can be used as a parameter to carry out the sagittal split ramus osteotomy technique, making it more predictable and with less risk of complications.

Root Canal Disinfection in Permanent Molars with Apical Lesion by Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: Protocol for a Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: The proposed study aims to compare the effectiveness of conventional endodontic treatment (ET) with that of ET associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in patients with apical lesion. Methods: Controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT); superiority study with three parallel arms. Randomization will be conducted in exchange blocks of six, with allocation 1:1:1. The control group will receive conventional ET, while experimental group 1 (EG1) will receive conventional ET + aPDT with laser at 660 nm, fluence of 600 J/cm2; EG2 will receive conventional ET + aPDT with laser at 660 nm, fluence of 1200 J/cm2. The primary outcome will be canal disinfection before treatment, measured by analysis of colony formation (CFU/mL) and the success rate measured after 6 months on the clinical and radiographic evaluations. The mean and standard deviation will be calculated for continuous outcomes, and the CFU/mL mean between groups will be evaluated by ANOVA test. The Chi-squared test will be calculated for binary outcomes. A logistic regression analysis will be performed to assess differences in the success rate between groups, adjusted for the covariates. The Stata 18 software will be used, with a significance threshold of 5%. Conclusions: Few RCTs have evaluated the effectiveness of aPDT in root canal disinfection in patients with permanent dentition presenting apical lesion. New RCTs with larger numbers of participants are needed to support using aPDT as an adjuvant to conventional ET in root canal disinfection for routine use in clinical practice. The trial was registered prospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05916859).

Wound contraction rate in excised and unexcised burn wounds with laser photobiomodulation: Systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies.

INTRODUCTION: Laser photobiomodulation (laser PBM) is an effective means of accelerating burn wound contraction, however it is still unclear whether laser PBM produces greater benefit when applied directly to excised and unexcised burn wounds . The aim of this systematic review of preclinical studies was to determine the effectiveness of laser PBM in the wound contraction rate in excised and unexcised burn wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the EMBASE, MEDLINE and LILACS databases. Preclinical studies were included that analysed the effectiveness of laser PBM in burn wound contraction, and assessed wound closure. The SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used. Random effects models were used to estimate the pooled effect. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis and six in the quantitative analysis. Two weeks after the lesion, laser PBM favoured the wound contraction percentage, increasing the closure rate in excised burn wounds (SMD= 1.34, CI 95% 0.41 to 2.27, 0.41-2.27, I2=0%, =0%, low certainty of evidence. In unexcised burns, it was uncertain whether laser PBM increased or diminished the wound contraction rate (SMD=1.22(SMD=1.22 CI 95% -0.05 to 2.49, I2=68%; =68%; very low certainty of evidence). CONCLUSIONS: In the animal model, laser PBM is effective in increasing the wound contraction rate in excised burns. However, due to the low certainty of the evidence, uncertainty remains about the true magnitude of the effect of laser on wound contraction in animals; our results should therefore be interpreted with caution.

Questions and health outcomes prioritization for the development of a COVID-19 dental clinical practice guideline: A case study.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of a pandemic, the rapid development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is critical. The guideline development process includes prioritization of the guideline topic, questions and health outcomes. This case study describes the application of a new methodology to prioritize questions and rate the importance of health outcomes for a COVID-19 dental guideline. METHODS: Panel members rated the topic and the questions' overall importance, using a 9-point scale (1 = least important; 9 = most important). In addition, they rated six criteria if multiple questions received the same overall importance rating: common in practice, uncertainty in practice, variation in practice, new evidence available, cost consequences, not previously addressed. Panellists also rated the importance of each outcome, defined with health outcome descriptors, using a 9-point scale and the utility of health outcomes on a visual analogue scale. The correlation between each criterion and overall question importance was tested by Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Of seven topics, four were rated as high priority and three were rated as important, but not of high priority. Thirty-six percent of the questions (18/50) were rated as high priority to address in the guideline and 64% (32/50) were rated as an important question but not of high priority. Of the 11 outcomes, 72.7% were rated as critical for decision making. The mean utility rating was 0.57 (SD 0.32), with a minimum mean rating of 0.16 and a maximum of 0.76 (SD 0.23). CONCLUSION: This case study demonstrated that this approach provides a rigorous and transparent methodology to conduct the prioritizations of guideline topics, questions and health outcomes.

Photobiomodulation Therapy in Burn Wound Healing: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies.

Background and objective: To determine the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the burn wound healing compared with the control or with the use of antibiotics, in animal models. Materials and methods: A systematic search was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE, and LILACS databases. Preclinical studies were included that analyzed the effectiveness of PBMT in the burn wound healing, which assessed wound contraction, angiogenesis, proliferation of fibroblasts, and collagen deposition. SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used. Random effects models were used to estimate the pooled effect. Results: Thirty-eight studies were included. PBMT favored wound contraction (mean difference = -11.47, 95% confidence interval -19.87 to -3.08, I2 = 0%; moderate certainty of evidence). PBMT also favored angiogenesis at doses between 11 and 20 J/cm2, and increased the collagenization rate. Conclusions: In animal models, PBMT favored wound contraction, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition in second- and third-degree burn wounds.

Recommendations for Safe Dental Care: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the context of a pandemic, the rapid development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is critical to guide dental staff towards the safe provision of dental care; detailed knowledge of the recommendations will help to achieve the intended results. We carried out a systematic review of the recommendations in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on the provision of dental care issued during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic database search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Epistemonikos, and Trip databases to identify documents with recommendations intended to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during dental care. The selection process and data extraction were carried out by two researchers independently. The majority of CPGs recommended the use of rubber dam, high-volume evacuator, mouthwash prior to dental care, four-handed work, and mechanical barriers. The use of aerosol-generating equipment should be avoided whenever possible. In aerosol-generating procedures, the use of a N95 respirator (or similar) is recommended, in addition to a face protector, an impermeable disposable apron/gown, a cap, and gloves. The CPGs developed during the first year of the pandemic offer recommendations which guide dental staff in providing safe dental care, minimizing exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection in the clinical environment. Such recommendations must, however, be updated as new evidence arises.

Influence of Body Dissatisfaction on the Self-Esteem of Brazilian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the influence of body dissatisfaction (BD) on the self-esteem of Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1011 students at public and private schools in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. The body shape questionnaire and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were applied. Chi-square test, Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation, the odds ratio and binary logistic regression were used. RESULTS: The rate of low self-esteem was 33.8% in the adolescents; 27.8% of the adolescents presented some degree of BD, with severe BD in 5.8%. A significant low negative correlation was found between self-esteem and BD in all the adolescents. In the Odds Ratio analysis, it was observed that the odds of having low self-esteem increased in adolescents with BD as compared to adolescents without BD, being 3.85 times higher in females (CI 95%, 2.12-6.99), 2.83 times higher in males (CI 95%, 1.22-6.58), 5.79 times higher in adolescents attending public schools (CI 95% 2.06-16.26), and 2.96 times higher in adolescents attending private schools (CI 95%, 1.79-4.88). CONCLUSIONS: Low self-esteem affected one-third of the adolescents, both male and female. BD and education in public schools are predictor variables of low self-esteem in adolescents.

Increased Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Postsynergistic Treatment with Ultrasound and Photobiomodulation Therapy in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders.

Background and objective: The object of this study was to analyze the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) who were treated simultaneously with ultrasound (US) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Materials and methods: This study included 13 patients of both genders, with diagnosis of TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. The patients were treated with equipment consisting of US and PBMT in the same system. The treatment was applied to the left and right sides of the face in the masseter muscle, anterior temporalis muscle, and temporomandibular joint, two sessions per week for a total of eight sessions. The OHRQoL was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) at three moments: pretreatment (T0), after the eight treatment sessions (T1), and 30 days after termination of treatment (T2). The Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskall-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation coefficient tests were applied, with a significance threshold of 5%. Results: Psychological discomfort, physical pain, and psychological limitation were the domains where the highest scores were obtained at T0. The total OHIP-14 scores at T1 and T2 were significantly lower than at T0. No statistical differences were observed between T1 and T2. Conclusions: We conclude that synergistic treatment was effective in improving the OHRQoL of patients with TMDs, and that its beneficial effects persisted at 1 month after termination of treatment.

Influence of the Mass Media and Body Dissatisfaction on the Risk in Adolescents of Developing Eating Disorders.

Media influence may lead adolescents to internalize patterns of physical beauty, resulting in dissatisfaction with their own bodies when they are unable to match up to these patterns. In the constant search for an 'ideal body', adolescents may begin to develop risk behaviors for the development of eating disorders (ED). The object of this study was to analyze the influence of the mass media on body dissatisfaction (BD) and on ED in adolescents, comparing genders. We also analyzed the influence of BD on the risk of developing unsuitable eating behaviors, with risk of ED, comparing genders. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1011 adolescents: 527 girls and 484 boys. The BMI of each adolescent was determined, and the instruments EAT-26, Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3), and body shape questionnaire (BSQ), were applied. For statistical analysis, we used Student's t-test, the chi-square test, Pearson's correlation test, the odds ratio, and hierarchical multiple linear regression. The influence of the mass media is associated with a greater probability of adolescents presenting BD. An increase in BD is associated with an increased risk of developing ED in adolescents of both genders but is greater in girls than in boys. Furthermore, the influence of the MM and BMI are predictors of BD in both genders; and BD is a predictor of ED risk in both girls and boys.

Mandibular Canal Course and the Position of the Mental Foramen by Panoramic X-Ray in Chilean Individuals.

The object of this study was to analyse the morphology and morphometry of the mandibular canal (MC) course and the mental foramen (MF) position in relation to the inferior teeth by panoramic X-ray (PAN). Vertical linear measurements were taken of each hemimandible to obtain the length of the distances analysed. We studied the MF position in relation to inferior premolar roots and the relation between the MC and mandibular teeth roots (MCR). The MF was usually located between the apices of the first and second premolars in younger individuals and immediately below the apex of the inferior second premolar in older individuals. The MC evinced proximity to the third molar, and this relation was not affected by sex or age group. The distances analysed in this study presented a marked difference between gender, with larger values in males than in females. The variations which may occur between individuals and different populations make it essential for dentists and surgeons to plan carefully before procedures involving this region.

Study of Digastric Muscle in Brazilian Individuals / Estudio del Músculo Digástrico en Individuos Brasileños

SUMMARY: Correct detailed description of the anatomy of the digastric muscle (DM) in different populations should be carried out to improve the teaching of anatomy, avoid misinterpretations and help to avoid intercurrences during surgical procedures in the region. The aim of this study was to carry out a study of the DM in adult Brazilian individuals. The sample consisted of 50 DM from adult individuals (22 right side and 28 left side) fixed in 10 % formaldehyde. The morphology of the DM was observed, identifying possible anatomical variations; these were characterized and classified according to the number of the muscle bellies, direction of the fibre, and points of origin and insertion. The morphometric measurements were performed using a digital calliper. Student's t-test for dependent samples was used to measure differences between sides; one-way ANOVA was used to analyse the different classifications, and the chi-squared test to analyse qualitative variables, with significance threshold of 5 %. The anterior belly of the DM was classified as Type I in 28 samples (56 %), Type II in 20 (40 %) and Type III in 2 (4 %). The mean length was 37.8 mm, width 12.1 mm and thickness 5.39 mm, with no statistically significant differences found for these variables. The intermediate tendon of the DM was classified as Type I in 31 samples (62 %), Type II in 10 (20 %) and Type III in 9 (18 %); its mean total length was 45.1 mm. The posterior belly of the DM was Type I in 50 samples (100 %), with mean length 70.8 mm and width 8.15 mm. Anatomical variations of the DM, particularly its anterior belly, in Brazilian adults are very frequent. They must therefore be carefully identified to help avoid intercurrences during surgical procedures in the region, and to help correct evaluation of swollen lymph nodes in the submental triangle.

Con el propósito de ayudar en la enseñanza de la Anatomía se debe realizar una descripción correcta y detallada del músculo digástrico (MD), evitando malas interpretaciones y contribuyendo a evitar intercurrencias durante procedimientos quirúrgicos en la región. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un estudio del MD en individuos brasileños. Fueron utilizadas 50 muestras de MD de individuos adultos (22 del lado derecho y 28 del lado izquierdo) fijadas en formaldehido al 10 %. Se analizó la morfología del MD, identificando las posibles variaciones anatómicas, que fueron clasificadas según el número de vientres musculares, dirección de las fibras y lugar de origen e inserción. Para el análisis estadístico las medidas fueron realizadas con un paquímetro digital. Para el análisis estadístico fueron utilizadas las pruebas de t de Student, ANOVA de una vía para variables continuas y la prueba de chi-cuadrado con ajuste de Bonferroni para las variables categóricas. Se utilizó el software SPSS v. 28.0, considerándo umbral de significación de 5 %. El vientre anterior del MD se clasificó como Tipo I en 28 muestras (56 %), como Tipo II en 20 (40 %) y como Tipo III en 2 (4 %). El promedio de longitud fue de 37,8 mm, la anchura de 12,1 mm y el espesor de 5,39 mm, no siendo encontradas diferencias estadísticas significativas para estas variables. El tendón intermedio del MD fue Tipo I en 31 muestras (62 %), Tipo II en 10 (20 %) y Tipo III en 9 (18 %). El promedio de su longitud total fue de 45,1 mm. El vientre posterior del MD fue de Tipo I en 50 muestras (100 %), con promedio de longitud de 70,8 mm y de ancho de 8,15 mm. Las variaciones anatómicas del MD, particularmente de su vientre anterior, son muy frecuentes en brasileños adultos, por lo que deben ser identificadas detalladamente contribuyendo a evitar intercurrencias durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos en la región y también para propiciar la correcta evaluación de las adenopatías del espacio submentoniano.

Sex Determination in the Contemporary Chilean Population by Mandible Analysis in Panoramic Radiographies / Estimación Sexual de la Población Chilena Contemporánea Mediante Análisis de la Mandíbula en Radiografías Panorámicas

SUMMARY: Sex identification of a deceased human individual by means of the mandible is very important for forensic dentistry. The aim of the present study was to determine the sex of Chilean individuals by mandible analysis in panoramic radiographies. Linear and angular parameters of the mandible were analyzed from panoramic radiographies (PR). The study included PR of adult Chilean individuals, of both sexes, with optimum solution and contrast, and which allowed the angles and rami of the mandible to be viewed. Sex was determined by univariate and bivariate discriminant function analysis. The sample consisted of 594 PR of individuals aged between 18 and 84 years. The best sex predictor using univariate discriminant function analysis was the mandibular ramus height (MRH) (74.1 %), followed by the distance from the mental foramen - mandibular base (DMF-MB) (69.1 %) and the bicondylar breadth (BC) (66.7 %). The parameters that presented the lowest sex prediction were the angle of the mandible (AM) with 55.0 % and the distance between mental foramina (DMF) with 53.7 %. The best sex prediction was obtained by the step model of discriminant function analysis (80.2 %), including only three parameters: MRH, BC and DMF-MB. The parameters height of the mandibular ramus, bicondylar breadth and distance from the mental foramen - base of the mandible are good predictors of sex in Chilean individuals when used in conjunction; they are therefore indicated for sex determination in the contemporary Chilean population.

La identificación humana de un individuo fallecido a través de la mandíbula es muy relevante para la odontología forense. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar el sexo de individuos Chilenos a través del análisis de la mandíbula, utilizando radiografías panorámicas. Fueron analizados parámetros lineales y angulares de la mandíbula, a través de radiografías panorámicas (RP). Se incluyeron RP de individuos chilenos adultos, ambos sexos, con solución y contraste óptimos, y que permitían la visualización de los ángulos y ramas de la mandíbula. Se realizó análisis por función discriminante univariada y bivariada para estimación del sexo. Fueron incluidas 594 RP de individuos entre 18 y 84 años. Para el análisis de función discriminante univariado, la altura de la rama mandibular (ARM) fue el parámetro más predictivo (74,1 %), seguido de la distancia foramen mentoniano - base de la mandíbula (DFM-BM) (69,1 %) y el ancho bicondilar (ABCo) (66,7 %). Los parámetros que presentaron menor predicción sexual fueron el ángulo de la mandíbula (AM) con un 55,0 % y la distancia inter-forámenes mentonianos (DIFM), con el 53.7 %. El análisis por pasos fue el modelo de análisis de función discriminante que presentó la mayor predicción sexual (79,5 %), en el cual fueron incluidos sólo tres parámetros: ARM, ABCo y DFM-BM. Los parámetros altura de la rama de la mandíbula, ancho bicondilar y distancia desde el foramen mentoniano hasta la base de la mandíbula son buenos predictores del sexo en individuos Chilenos cuando utilizados en conjunto y están indicados para estimar el sexo en la población chilena contemporánea.

Cone Beam CT in Diagnosis and Surgical Planning of Dentigerous Cyst.

Diagnosis and preoperative planning are critical in the execution of any surgical procedure. Panoramic radiography is a routine method used in dentistry to assist clinical diagnosis; however, with this technique 3D anatomical structures are compressed into 2D images, resulting in overlapping of structures which are of interest in the diagnosis. In this study we report the case of a patient who presented with a dentigerous cyst of expressive dimensions in the body of the mandible region. The surgery was planned and executed after observing the margins of the lesion by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). We conclude that CBCT is a precise method to help diagnosis; it provides greater accuracy in surgical treatment planning through 3D image display, allowing more effective results.

Anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery and the infra-orbital artery: a review of current terminology / Anastomosis entre la arteria alveolar superior posterior y la arteria infra-orbital: una revisión de la terminología actual

SUMMARY: The posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infra-orbital artery (IOA) present intraosseous and extraosseous rami which form an anastomosis in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. This anastomosis is always present, however it has not yet been included in anatomical terminology (AT), and different terms are used in scientific communication to refer to it. The aim of this study was to carry out a review of the different terms used to name this vascular structure. A literature review was carried out on the terms used to name the anastomosis between the PSAA and IOA in imaging studies and human cadavers that assessed the presence/frequency of this anatomical structure. The search was carried out in the Medline, EMBASE and LILACS databases, in Portuguese, Spanish and English, with no date restrictions. Qualitative analysis was applied to the studies selected, analysing the terminology used to refer to the anastomosis between the PSAA and IOA. Of the 2108 original articles found, 60 were selected as potentially relevant and 54 studies were finally included for qualitative analysis. Sixteen terms were found to refer to the anastomosis between the PSAA and IOA, the most frequent being Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery (PSAA), followed by Alveolar Antral Artery (AAA). Many terms are used in the medical literature to designate the anastomosis between the PSAA and IOA, the most frequent being PSAA and AAA. There is a need to unify the terms used to designate this vascular structure, and to incorporate the selected term into anatomical terminology, in order to avoid confusion in scientific communication.

RESUMEN: La arteria alveolar superior posterior (AASP) y la arteria infra-orbital (AIO) tienen ramas intra y extra óseas que forman una anastomosis en la pared lateral del seno maxilar. Esta anastomosis está siempre presente, sin embargo, aún no ha sido incluida en la terminología anatómica (TA), por lo que en la comunicación científica se utilizan diferentes términos para referirse a ella. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión sobre los diferentes términos utilizados para nombrar esta estructura vascular. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre los términos utilizados para nombrar la anastomosis entre AASP y AIO en estudios imagenológicos y en cadáveres humanos que evaluaron la presencia/frecuencia de esta estructura anatómica. La búsqueda fue realizada en las bases de datosMedline, EMBASE y LILACS, en los idiomas portugués, español e inglés, sin restricción de fecha. Los estudios seleccionados fueron evaluados de forma cualitativa, analizando la terminología empleada para referirse a la anastomosis entre AASP y AIO. Fueron encontrados 2108 artículos originales, siendo seleccionados 60 artículos potencialmente relevantes y finalmente fueron incluidos 54 estudios para análisis cualitativo. Fueron encontrados 16 términos para referirse a la anastomosis entre AASP y AIO, siendo AASP el más frecuente seguido de arteria alveolo-antral (AAA). Son muchos los términos utilizados en la literatura médica para designar la anastomosis entre AASP y AIO, siendo AASP y AAA los más usados. La unificación de los términos utilizados para designar esta estructura vascular y su incorporación en la Terminología Anatómica contribuiría a evitar equívocos en la comunicación científica.

Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Reducing Orthodontic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing orthodontic pain after the application of orthodontic force (OF). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost databases. The study included randomized clinical trials (RCT) which analysed the effectiveness of LLLT in reducing orthodontic pain assessed at 24 and 72 hrs after the application of OF. The risk of bias of the eligible trials was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Standard mean difference was calculated and pooled by meta-analysis using random effect models. RESULTS: Of 467 identified articles, 20 RCT were finally included. In the risk of bias assessments, 13 studies presented a high risk, 5 an unclear risk, and 2 a low risk. The meta-analysis showed that in patients treated with laser versus placebo there was a difference in favour of LLLT in spontaneous pain 24 and 72 hrs after the installation of light archwires and spontaneous pain and chewing pain 24 and 72 hrs after the installation of elastomeric separators. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT proved to be effective in promoting a reduction in spontaneous and chewing pain after the application of OF; however, the poor quality of the evidence requires these results to be treated with caution.