Lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis, but Not from Porphyromonas endodontalis, Induces Macrophage M1 Profile.

Apical Lesions of Endodontic Origin (ALEO) are initiated by polymicrobial endodontic canal infection. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Porphyromonas endodontalis (Pe) lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can induce a pro-inflammatory macrophage response through their recognition by TLR2 and TLR4. However, polarization responses induced by Pg and/or Pe LPS in macrophages are not fully understood. We aimed to characterize the polarization profiles of macrophages differentiated from THP-1 cells following Pg and/or Pe LPS stimulation from reference strain and clinical isolates. A modified LPS purification protocol was implemented and the electrophoretic LPS profiles were characterized. THP-1 human monocytes differentiated to macrophages were stimulated with Pg and Pe LPS. Polarization profiles were characterized through cell surface markers and secreted cytokines levels after 24 h of stimulation. TLR2 and TLR4 cell surfaces and transcriptional levels were determined after 24 or 2 h of LPS stimulation, respectively. LPS from Pg induced a predominant M1 profile in macrophages evidenced by changes in the expression of the surface marker CD64 and pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12. Pe LPS was unable to induce a significant response. TLR2 and TLR4 expressions were neither modified by Pg or Pe LPS. Pg LPS, but not Pe LPS, induced a macrophage M1 Profile.

Identification of a Minimal Peptide Tag for in Vivo and in Vitro Loading of Encapsulin.

The encapsulation of enzymes and other proteins within a proteinaceous shell has been observed in many bacteria and archaea, but the function and utility of many such compartments are enigmatic. Efforts to study these functions have been complicated by the size and complexity of traditional protein compartments. One potential system for investigating the effect of compartmentalization is encapsulin, a large and newly discovered class of protein shells that are typically composed of two proteins: a protomer that assembles into the icosahedral shell and a cargo protein packaged inside. Encapsulins are some of the simplest known protein shell systems and readily self-assemble in vivo. Systematic characterization of the effects of compartmentalization requires the ability to load a wide range of cargo proteins. Here, we demonstrate that foreign cargo can be loaded into the encapsulin from Thermotoga maritima both in vivo and in vitro by fusion of the cargo protein with a short C-terminal peptide present in the native cargo. To facilitate biochemical characterization, we also develop a simple and rapid purification protocol and demonstrate the thermal and pH stability of the shell. Efforts to study the biophysical effects of protein encapsulation have been problematic in complex compartments, but the simplicity of assembling and loading encapsulin makes it an ideal system for future experiments exploring the effects of encapsulation on proteins.

Enhanced cell affinity of chitosan membranes mediated by superficial cross-linking: a straightforward method attainable by standard laboratory procedures.

It is well accepted that the surface modification of biomaterials can improve their biocompatibility. In this context, techniques like ion etching, plasma-mediated chemical functionalization, electrospinning, and contact microprinting have successfully been employed to promote the cell adhesion and proliferation of chitosan (CH) substrates. However, they prove to be time-consuming, highly dependent on environmental conditions, and/or limited to the use of expensive materials and sophisticated instruments not accessible to standard laboratories, hindering to a high extent their straightforward application. Filling this gap, this paper proposes the superficial cross-linking of CH as a much simpler and accessible means to modify its superficial properties in order to enhance its cellular affinity. CH membranes were prepared by solvent casting followed by a cross-linking step mediated by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of glutaraldehyde (GA). The membranes were characterized against non- and solution cross-linked membranes in terms of their mechanical/surface properties and biological performance. Among others, the CVD membranes proved (i) to be more mechanically stable against cell culture and sterilization than membranes cross-linked in solution and (ii) to prompt the adherence and sustained proliferation of healthy cells to levels even superior to commercial tissue culture plates (TCPs). Accordingly, the CVD cross-linking approach was demonstrated to be a simple and cost-effective alternative to the aforementioned conventional methods. Interestingly, this concept can also be applied to other biomaterials as long as GA (or other volatile components alike) can be employed as a cross-linker, making possible the cross-linking reaction at mild experimental conditions, neither requiring sophisticated lab implements nor using any potentially harmful procedure.

Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical resection matters to cure rhinocerebral mucormycosis: Six case reports.

Rhino-cerebral mucormycosis (RM) is a rare and opportunistic fungal infection observed in immune-compromised patients and metabolic imbalances such as Diabetes Mellitus. RM rapidly infiltrates blood vessels, leading to vascular thrombosis, subsequent tissue necrosis, and high mortality rates (23.6-60%). Due to its fast advancement, RM is a life-threatening condition requiring accurate clinical decisions by the medical and surgical teams. Based on the report of six cases, we emphasize the need for an early diagnosis and starting antifungal pharmacological therapy at the slightest suspicion of RM. Moreover, the restitution of metabolic balance and aggressive surgical debridement are vital steps to control RM, reducing the possibility of fatal outcomes.

Oral Rehabilitation as Part of a Multidisciplinary Treatment in a Case Study of Pigmentary Incontinence.

We present the clinical course of a 9-year-old female patient with Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome and severe neurological deficit that met the major (classic cutaneous signs) and minor (dental anomalies and retinal pathology) diagnostic criteria of Landy and Donnai. Longitudinal multidisciplinary follow-up was carried out from birth to adulthood. Neurological involvement was assessed with electroencephalographic (EEG) and neuroimaging tests at different times during the patient's life. Cranio-maxillofacial involvement was evaluated using lateral skeletal facial and cephalometric analyses. The right and left facial widths were measured through frontal face analysis and using the vertical zygomatic-midline distance. Oral rehabilitation was performed through orthodontic treatment and major dental reconstruction using composite resins. This treatment aimed to improve the occlusion and masticatory function, relieve the transversal compression of the maxilla, and reconstruct the fractured teeth. We believe that, due to significant neurological and cognitive impairment, orthognathic surgery was not the best option for restoring function and improving oral health-related quality of life.

How Does Orthodontic Mini-Implant Thread Minidesign Influence the Stability?-Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines are lacking for the use of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) in terms of scientific evidence referring to the choice of proper mini-design. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate to what extent orthodontic mini-implant thread design influences its stability. METHODS: Search was conducted in five search engines on 10 May. Quality assessment was performed using study type specific scales. Whenever possible, meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 118 potential articles. Twenty papers were subjected to qualitative analysis and data from 8 papers-to meta-analysis. Studies included were characterized by high or medium quality. Four studies were considered as low quality. No clinical studies considering the number of threads, threads depth, or TSF have been found in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Minidesign of OMIs seems to influence their stability in the bone. Thread pitch seems to be of special importance for OMIs retention-the more dense thread-the better stability. Thread depth seems to be of low importance for OMIs stability. There is no clear scientific evidence for optimal thread shape factor. Studies present in the literature vary greatly in study design and results reporting. Research received no external funding. Study protocol number in PROSPERO database: CRD42022340970.

The Impact of Maxillary Expansion on Adults' Nasal Breathing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal surgery fails to restore nasal breathing in some cases. Maxillary constriction is suggested as a major cause of failure. It is thought that maxillary constriction leads to the closure of the internal and external nasal valves. Moreover, it is well established in the literature that maxillary expansion, both in adults and children, increases upper airway volume. However, it is yet unclear whether maxillary expansion may improve nasal function.Review Methods: Pubmed (Medline), the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Trip Database were checked by two authors from the Rhinology Study Group of the Young Otolaryngologists section of the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies. Two authors extracted the data. The main outcome was expressed as the value (in variable units) prior to treatment (T0), after expansion procedures (T1), after the retention period (T2), and after a follow-up period (T3). RESULTS: A total of 10 studies (257 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The data pooled in the meta-analysis reveals a statistically significant reduction of 0.27 Pa/cm3/s (CI 95% 0.15, 0.39) in nasal resistance after palatal expansion As far as subjective changes are concerned, the pooled data for the change in the NOSE score shows a statistically significant mean reduction after maxillary expansion of 40.08 points (CI 95% 36.28, 43.89). CONCLUSION: The initial available evidence is too limited to suggest maxillary expansion as a primary treatment option to target nasal breathing. However the data is encouraging with regards to the effect of maxillary expansion on nasal function. Further higher quality studies are needed in order to define clearer patient selection criteria, distinguish optimal techniques, and demonstrate long-term efficacy in long term follow up studies.

In Situ Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils with and without Alcohol on Oral Biofilm: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Currently, there is little evidence on the in situ antibacterial activity of essential oils (EO) without alcohol. This study aimed to evaluate in situ the substantivity and antiplaque effect on the plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm) of two solutions, a traditional formulation that contains EO with alcohol (T-EO) and an alcohol-free formulation of EO (Af-EO). Eighteen healthy adults performed a single mouthwash of: T-EO, Af-EO, and sterile water (WATER) after wearing an individualized disk-holding splint for 2 days. The bacterial viability (BV) and thickness of the PL-biofilm were quantified at baseline, 30 s, and 1, 3, 5, and 7 h post-rinsing (Test 1). Subsequently, each volunteer wore the splint for 4 days, applying two daily mouthwashes of: T-EO, Af-EO, and WATER. The BV, thickness, and covering grade (CG) of the PL-biofilm were quantified (Test 2). Samples were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy after staining with the LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ solution. To conduct the computations of the BV automatically, a Matlab toolbox called Dentius Biofilm was developed. In test 1, both EO antiseptics had a similar antibacterial effect, reducing BV after a single rinse compared to the WATER, and keeping it below baseline levels up to 7 h post-rinse (P < 0.001). The mean thickness of the PL-biofilm after rinsing was not affected by any of the EO formulations and ranged from 18.58 to 20.19 µm. After 4 days, the T-EO and Af-EO solutions were significantly more effective than the WATER, reducing the BV, thickness, and CG of the PL-biofilm (P < 0.001). Although, both EO antiseptics presented a similar bactericidal activity, the Af-EO rinses led to more significant reductions in the thickness and CG of the PL-biofilm than the T-EO rinses (thickness = 7.90 vs. 9.92 µm, P = 0.012; CG = 33.36 vs. 46.61%, P = 0.001). In conclusion, both essential oils antiseptics had very high immediate antibacterial activity and substantivity in situ on the 2-day PL-biofilm after a single mouthwash. In the 4-day PL-biofilm, both essential oils formulations demonstrated a very good antiplaque effect in situ, although the alcohol-free formula performed better at reducing the biofilm thickness and covering grade.

Devices for In situ Development of Non-disturbed Oral Biofilm. A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to assess the types of devices used for in situ development of oral biofilm analyzed microbiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify all in situ studies of oral biofilm which used an oral device; the Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases complemented with manual search were used. Specific devices used to microbiologically analyze oral biofilm in adults were included. After reading of the selected full texts, devices were identified and classified according to the oral cavity zone and manufacturing material. The "ideal" characteristics were analyzed in every group. RESULTS: The search provided 787 abstracts, of which 111 papers were included. The devices used in these studies were classified as palatal, lingual or buccal. The last group was sub-classified in six groups based on the material of the device. Considering the analyzed characteristics, the thermoplastic devices and the Intraoral Device of Overlaid Disk-holding Splints (IDODS) presented more advantages than limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal devices were the most commonly used for the study of in situ biofilm. The majority of buccal devices seemed to slightly affect the volunteer's comfort, the IDODS being the closest to the "ideal" model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: New devices for in situ oral biofilm microbiological studies should take into account the possible effect of their design on the volunteer's comfort and biofilm formation.

Autotrasplante Dental Utilizando Simulación Virtual y un Prototipo de Modelo de Impresión 3D

RESUMEN: La técnica de autotrasplante dental se ideó como opción terapéutica ante la pérdida o ausencia de dientes por traumatismos, caries, agenesias, exfoliación temprana, iatrogenias, u otros factores. Consiste en extraer un diente desde su posición original para implantarlo en un solo acto quirúrgico en una zona edéntula, sea ésta un alveolo postextracción o alveolo confeccionado quirúrgicamente. Un resultado exitoso, requiere una meticulosa selección de candidatos, para esto, se debe considerar la ausencia de patologías y condiciones de orden local o sistémico que dificulten una adecuada cicatrización de heridas y reparación tisular. Nuevas herramientas para facilitar éxito clínico, como la planificación y simulación virtual, junto con la impresión de prototipos en tres dimensiones (3D), permitirían optimizar posibles osteotomías y una implantación del diente donante de manera fácil y en tiempos quirúrgicos mínimos, favoreciendo la disminución de la complejidad quirúrgica, además de la reparación y regeneración de tejidos pulpares y periodontales. El objetivo de este artículo es reunir una serie de consideraciones para optimizar la técnica de autotrasplante dental.

ABSTRACT: The dental autotransplantation technique was devised as a therapeutic option for the loss or absence of teeth due to trauma, caries, agenesis, early exfoliation, iatrogenesis, or other factors. It consists of extracting a tooth from its original position to implant it in a single surgical act in an edentulous area, be it a post-extraction socket or a surgically made socket. A successful result requires meticulous selection of candidates, for this, the absence of pathologies and local or systemic conditions that hinder adequate wound healing and tissue repair must be considered. New tools to facilitate clinical success,such as planning and virtual simulation, together with the printing of prototypes in three dimensions (3D), would allow possible osteotomies and an implantation of the donor tooth in an easy way and in minimal surgical times, favoring the decrease of surgical complexity, in addition to the repair and regeneration of pulp and periodontal tissues. The objective of this article is to gather a series of considerations to optimize the dental autotransplantation technique.

Medidas preventivas y consideraciones para la práctica de cirugía oral durante COVID-19 / Preventive measures and considerations for oral surgery practice during COVID-19

El SARS-CoV-2 es un tipo de coronavirus con un alto grado de contagio entre pacientes y personal de salud, por lo que ha provocado la emergencia sanitaria más grande de los últimos años. El siguiente articulo busca presentar diversas consideraciones para la práctica de la cirugía oral, a fin de disminuir la probabilidad de contagio de SARS-CoV2 en odontólogos. Entre estas destacan, la higiene y lavado de manos tanto de profesionales como de pacientes, medidas de desinfección, bioseguridad y condiciones pre-quirúrgicas, intraoperatorias y postquirúrgicas. Se debe considerar no realizar procedimientos quirúrgicos electivos y en lo posible diferir la atención odontológica en pacientes con padecimientos no urgentes y aquellos con signos y síntomas de COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 is a type of coronavirus with a high degree of contagion between patients and health personnel, which is why it has caused the largest health emergency in recent years. The following article seeks to present various recommendations for the practice of oral surgery in order to reduce the probability of contagion of SARSCoV-2 for Dental Surgeons. The most outstanding are hygiene and hand washing for both professionals and patients, disinfection measures, biosecurity and pre-surgical, intraoperative and post-surgical conditions. Consideration should be given not to perform elective surgical procedures and, where possible, defer dental care in patients with non-urgent conditions and those with signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Mouthwashes and Nasal Sprays as a Way to Prevent the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 / Enjuagues Bucales y Aerosoles Nasales como un Método de Prevenir la Propagación de SARS-CoV-2

ABSTRACT: COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions of people around the world. Due to its large accumulation in the nasopharyngeal region and transmission through respiratory fluids, its spread among people is extremely high. Considering the needed time for treatments and vaccine development, the research of preventive methods, such as the use of mouthwash and nasal spray, that could decrease the viral load in the nasopharyngeal region, and thus the spread of SARS-CoV-2, becomes fundamental. The evidence has shown that there are compounds with antiviral capacity that could be used for this purpose, among which are povidone-iodine, hydrogen peroxide, cyclodextrins, and the synthetic drug PUL-042. Currently, there is no clinical evidence that proves the effectiveness of these substances against SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, there are ongoing clinical trials to prove it and generate methods that could help to prevent or, at least, decrease its spread among the population and stop this pandemic.

RESUMEN: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha infectado a millones de personas en el mundo. Su extremadamente alta capacidad de propagación se debe a la gran acumulación en la región nasofaríngea y su transmisión vía fluidos respiratorios.Considerando el tiempo necesario para desarrollar vacunas y tratamientos, se vuelve fundamental la investigación de métodos preventivos como el uso de enjuague bucal y spray nasal, que puedan disminuir la carga viral en la zona nasofaríngea y así también la capacidad de propagación de SARS-CoV-2La evidencia presenta compuestos con capacidad antiviral como la povidona iodada, peróxido de hidrógeno, ciclodextrinas y la droga sintética PUL-042, que podrían ser usados para dicho propósito. Actualmente no existe evidencia clínica que demuestre la efectividad de estas sustancias contra SARS-Cov-2, sin embargo, se están desarrollando estudios clínicos para probarlos y generar métodos que ayuden a disminuir o prevenir su transmisión en la población, y así detener esta pandemia.

Characteristics of in situ oral biofilm after 2 and 4 days of evolution.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution of the thickness, bacterial vitality, covering grade, and the structure after 2 and 4 days of aging in "non-disturbed" plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Twenty healthy volunteers wore a specific appliance. After 2 days half of the samples were removed from the appliance. Posteriorly, after bacterial vital staining, samples were analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In the first volunteer, one of the disks was analyzed using a scanning electronic microscope. The same process was realized on the remaining disks after 4 days. RESULTS: The thicknesses of the PL-biofilm after 2 and 4 days were not significantly different. The bacterial vitality changed significantly from 72.50 ± 15.50% to 57.54 ± 15.66% over time, which was in contrast to the covering grade (53.08 ± 18.03% and 70.74 ± 19.11%). The structure changed from an irregular surface and compact deepest layer with a high predominance of the coccus shape to a complex structure with voids in the deepest layer and a great proportion of bacillus-shaped bacteria. CONCLUSION: The PL-biofilm thickness remained practically constant, decreasing the bacterial vitality and increasing the covering grade over time. Regarding the structure, differences were principally bacterial disposition in the surface and bacterial shape. Clinically, the findings show that new control strategies for combating the oral biofilm should be focused on inhibiting bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces, which would reduce biofilm formation.

Antiplaque effect of essential oils and 0.2% chlorhexidine on an in situ model of oral biofilm growth: a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in situ antiplaque effect after 4 days of using of 2 commercial antimicrobial agents in short term on undisturbed plaque-like biofilm. TRIAL DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: An observer-masked, crossover randomised clinical trial on 15 oral and systemically healthy volunteers between 20-30 years who were randomly and sequentially allocated in the same group which performed 3 interventions in different randomised sequences. INTERVENTION: The participants wore an appliance in 3 different rinsing periods doing mouthwashes twice a day (1/0/1) with essential oils, 0.2% chlorhexidine or sterile water (negative control). At the end of each 4-day mouthwash period, samples were removed from the appliance. Posteriorly, after bacterial vital staining, samples were analysed using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bacterial vitality, thickness and covering grade by the biofilm after 4 days of applying each of the mouthwashes. RESULTS: The essential oils and the 0.2% chlorhexidine were significantly more effective than the sterile water at reducing bacterial vitality, thickness and covering grade by the biofilm. No significant differences were found between the 0.2% chlorhexidine and the essential oils at reducing the bacterial vitality (13.2% vs. 14.7%). However, the 0.2% chlorhexidine showed more reduction than the essential oils in thickness (6.5 µm vs. 10.0 µm; p<0.05) and covering grade by the biofilm (20.0% vs. 54.3%; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The essential oils and 0.2% chlorhexidine showed a high antiplaque effect. Although the 0.2% chlorhexidine showed better results with regard to reducing the thickness and covering grade by the biofilm, both antiseptics showed a high and similar antibacterial activity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Daily essential oils or 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes are effective when reducing dental plaque formation in the short term. Although 0.2% chlorhexidine continues to be the "gold standard" in terms of antiplaque effect, essential oils could be considered a reliable alternative. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02124655.

Ex vivo vs. in vivo antibacterial activity of two antiseptics on oral biofilm.

AIM: To compare the immediate antibacterial effect of two application methods (passive immersion and active mouthwash) of two antiseptic solutions on the in situ oral biofilm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized observer-masked crossover study was conducted. Fifteen healthy volunteers wore a specific intraoral device for 48 h to form a biofilm in three glass disks. One of these disks was used as a baseline; another one was immersed in a solution of 0.2% Chlorhexidine (0.2% CHX), remaining the third in the device, placed in the oral cavity, during the 0.2% CHX mouthwash application. After a 2-weeks washout period, the protocol was repeated using a solution of Essential Oils (EO). Samples were analyzed for bacterial viability with the confocal laser scanning microscope after previous staining with LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™. RESULTS: The EO showed a better antibacterial effect compared to the 0.2% CHX after the mouthwash application (% of bacterial viability = 1.16 ± 1.00% vs. 5.08 ± 5.79%, respectively), and was more effective in all layers (p < 0.05). In the immersion, both antiseptics were significantly less effective (% of bacterial viability = 26.93 ± 13.11%, EO vs. 15.17 ± 6.14%, 0.2% CHX); in the case of EO immersion, there were no significant changes in the bacterial viability of the deepest layer in comparison with the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The method of application conditioned the antibacterial activity of the 0.2% CHX and EO solutions on the in situ oral biofilm. The in vivo active mouthwash was more effective than the ex vivo passive immersion in both antiseptic solutions. There was more penetration of the antiseptic inside the biofilm with an active mouthwash, especially with the EO. Trial registered in clinicaltrials.gov with the number NCT02267239. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02267239.

Calorimetric and thermomechanical properties of titanium-based orthodontic wires: DSC-DMA relationship to predict the elastic modulus.

Orthodontic treatment is strongly dependent on the loads developed by metal wires, and the choice of an orthodontic archwire should be based on its mechanical performance. The desire of both orthodontists and engineers would be to predict the mechanical behavior of archwires. To this aim, Gum Metal (Toyota Central R&L Labs., Inc.), TMA (ORMCO), 35°C Copper NiTi (SDS ORMCO), Thermalloy Plus (Rocky Mountain), Nitinol SE (3M Unitek), and NiTi (SDS ORMCO) were tested according to dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. A model was also developed to predict the elastic modulus of superelastic wires. Results from experimental tests have highlighted that superelastic wires are very sensitive to temperature variations occurring in the oral environment, while the proposed model seems to be reliable to predict the Young's modulus allowing to correlate calorimetric and mechanical data. Furthermore, Gum Metal wire behaves as an elastic material with a very low Young's modulus, and it can be particularly useful for the initial stage of orthodontic treatments.

Angular photogrammetric analysis of the soft tissue facial profile.

All medical specialties interested in improving facial appearance need to measure the face to quantify the desired facial changes. The purpose of this investigation was to obtain objective average measurements of the soft tissue facial profile to use them as a guide for aesthetic treatment goals. The analysis of the soft tissue facial profile from photographic records provides information on the morphology of the profile and its relationship with the underlying dentoskeletal tissues. In this investigation the soft tissue facial profile of a young adult European Caucasian population (212 individual, 50 males and 162 females, 18-20 years of age) was studied by means of standardized photographic records taken in the natural head position (NHP). Angular measurements were analysed digitally. Sexual dimorphism was found for several angles: nasofrontal (G-N-Prn: P < 0.01), vertical nasal (Cm-Sn/N-Prn: P < 0.01), nasal (N-Prn/TV: P < 0.01), nasal dorsum (N-Mn-Prn: P < 0.05), and mandibular contour (C-Me/G-Pg: P < 0.01). Wide individual variations in nasolabial and mentolabial angles were also observed.

Linear photogrammetric analysis of the soft tissue facial profile.

This study digitally analyzes the soft tissue facial profile of a European white population of young adults by means of linear measurements made on standardized photographic records taken in natural head position. The application of the Student t test showed sexual dimorphism in most parameters of the labial, nasal, and chin areas. In general, males had greater heights and lengths as well as greater prominences of these 3 areas. They also had greater nasal and facial depths at the level of the tragus point.