Effect of Tai Chi on adult mental health during the pandemic and factors associated: a cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess whether levels of anxiety, perceived stress, and self-perception of happiness during the Covid-19 pandemic were lower among Tai Chi (TC) practitioners. An online questionnaire was applied from September 2020 to November 2021 through email list and instant messaging application "WhatsApp". In total 368 individuals, 341 of whom did not practice TC, coming from a university and sports academies and 27 TC practitioners from the Brazilian Society of TC and Oriental Culture were included. Sociodemographic, mental health, habits related to physical activity and the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS14) and the Andrews Faces Scale were collected to assess level of state-anxiety, perceived-stress, and self-perception of happiness, respectively. Each independent variable with the outcome variables (severe anxiety level, severe stress level, moderate/severe stress level and self-perception of happiness) were analyzed for simple and multiple logistic regression model. Individuals who do not practice TC are more likely to have a severe level of anxiety (OR=3.55; CI95%CI: 1.37-9.20) and a moderate/severe level of stress (OR=2.60; 95%CI: 1.07-6.35), p<0.05. TC practitioners are more likely to perceive themselves as happy than non-practitioners (OR=3.18; 95%CI: 1.16-8.71), p<0.05. Do not practice regular physical activity (OR=2.88; 95%CI:1.50-4.34); (OR=1.7; 95%CI: 95%: 1.09-2.74) and being young were associated with high levels of stress, p<0.05. The TC practice during the pandemic promoted lower level of perceived stress, state anxiety and greater self-perception of happiness, showing the importance of TC practice and maintaining the frequency of physical activity during the pandemic.

Radiographic evaluation of mandibular third molars: an ex vivo comparative study between multilayer and conventional panoramic radiography.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the multilayer panoramic radiography (MPAN) and conventional panoramic radiography (CPAN) in the evaluation of mandibular third molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reference. METHODS: CPAN, MPAN, and CBCT scans from 33 dry human mandibles were acquired using the OP300 Maxio unit, totalizing 56 mandibular third molars to be evaluated. Three examiners evaluated each third molar according to their position, depth of impaction in the mandibular ramus, proximity between the dental root apexes and the mandibular canal, and the presence of radiographic signs of proximity to the mandibular canal. In addition, when there was a distance between the root apexes and the mandibular canal, it was measured. As a reference, these same parameters were assessed in the CBCT scans by a fourth examiner. For the statistical analysis, the weighted Kappa, Bland Altman, and Wilcoxon tests were performed (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The agreement between the assessments performed in the panoramic modalities with the CBCT ranged from 66.1% to 100.0% for the categorical variables. Overall, the agreement values of CPAN and MPAN with CBCT were similar. The distances between the dental root apex and the mandibular canal for both CPAN and MPAN were significantly underestimated compared to CBCT (p < 0.05). The intra- and interexaminer agreements of the examiners ranged from poor to almost perfect; in general, the agreements were higher in the evaluation performed in the MPAN than in the CPAN. CONCLUSIONS: The MPAN performs similarly to CPAN for evaluating mandibular third molars and their proximity relationship to the mandibular canal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preoperative evaluation of lower mandibular third molars is usually performed using CPAN. Recently, a new tool, MPAN, was developed, which has not yet been tested for the evaluation of mandibular third molars and showed similar performance to CPAN in the present study. Future studies using MPAN are encouraged to evaluate other diagnostic tasks.

Factors associated with the proportion of abnormal results in screening mammograms: ecological study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with the proportion of abnormal results in screening mammograms. METHODS: Ecological study, with data from DATASUS/SISCAN, Atlas Brasil do Desenvolvimento Humano, Fundação SEADE, and Sistema e-Gestor, from 2016 to 2019, of women aged 50 to 69 years in the 645 municipalities of São Paulo (Brazil). Independent variables were associated with the outcome: proportion of unsatisfactory coverage of abnormal test results (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System - BI-RADS® 0, 4 and 5 proportion >10% of tests performed). Multiple Poisson regression was used. RESULTS: Higher proportion of screening mammography (PR=1.20; 95%CI: 1.00;1.45), higher percentage of poor (PR=1.20; 95%CI: 1.07;1.36), low (PR=1.57; 95%CI: 1.38;1.78) and medium coverage of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) (PR=1.30; 95%CI: 1.09;1.52) were associated to the outcome. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic and FHS coverage factors mediate the proportion of mammograms with abnormal results in public health services. Therefore, they are important aspects in the fight against breast cancer.

A prática de Tai Chi na saúde de diabéticos e hipertensos: uma revisão integrativa / The Tai Chi practice on the health of diabetic and hypertensive patients: an integrative review

Este estudo teve como objetivo sistematizar os resultados das pesquisas que investigaram a relação entre a prática de TC e a saúde de indivíduos com Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) e Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa da literatura e foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO, LILACS e BVS. Foram incluídos estudos publicados nos últimos 20 anos em inglês, português e espanhol, que discorreram sobre a temática da prática de TC em indivíduos com HAS e DM. Foram excluídos estudos que não atenderam a temática proposta, não disponíveis na íntegra, duplicatas, revisões, anais de congresso, literatura cinzenta e livros. Foram identificados 21 estudos, com delineamentos diversos, realizados em sua maioria na China (n=12), que demonstraram o impacto positivo do engajamento na prática de TC na saúde de indivíduos com HAS e DM, como redução da pressão arterial, controle glicêmico e lipídico. Foram descritos também benefícios em outros aspectos físicos e psicossociais importantes para a manutenção do bem-estar e melhor qualidade de vida. Alguns estudos não descreveram resultados significantes associados à prática de TC . Em contrapartida, a maior parte dos estudos revisados relataram benefícios à saúde de indivíduos com HAS e DM associados à prática de Tai Chi.

This study aimed to systematize the results of research that investigated the relationship between the practice of TC and the health of individuals with Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This is an integrative review in whicha search was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and BVS databases. Studies published in the last 20 years, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, which discussed the theme of the practice of Tai Chi in individuals with SAH and DM, were included. Studies that did not meet the proposed theme, not available in full, duplicates, reviews, conference proceedings, gray literature and books were excluded. Twenty-one studies were identified, with different designs, carried out mostly in China (n=12), which demonstrated the positive impact of engaging in this bodily practice on the health of hypertensive and diabetic patients, such as blood pressure reduction, glycemic and lipid control. Benefits in other physical and psychosocial aspects that are important for the maintenance of well-being and better quality of life were also described. Some studies did not describe significant results associated with the practice of CT. In contrast, most of the studies reviewed reported health benefits for individuals with SAH and DM associated with the practice of Tai Chi.

Longitudinal study for dental caries calibration of dentists unexperienced in epidemiological surveys.

This study aimed to make a longitudinal analysis of interexaminer calibration reproducibility in diagnosing dental caries in posterior teeth, by examiners without previous experience in epidemiological studies. A group of 11 inexperienced examiners underwent theoretical-practical training and calibration assessments, assisted by a standard examiner. An examiner who did not participate directly in the research selected 5-year-old children with and without caries. The D3 diagnostic threshold was used to evaluate dental caries, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The initial calibration (baseline) was performed after the theoretical-practical training session, and consisted of examining 20 children; the second calibration occurred three months later, and involved evaluating another 18 children. The interexaminer agreement was obtained by kappa statistics, and by overall percentage agreement. The paired t-test was applied to compare the values for kappa means and overall percentage agreement between the time points studied. At baseline, the values for kappa (> 0.81) and overall percentage agreement (> 95.63%) were considered high. At the 3-month calibration assessment, all the examiners showed some decrease in both kappa (p < 0.0001) and overall percentage agreement (p = 0.0102). The calibration process currently proposed by the WHO is effective. However, reproducibility was not maintained over time for inexperienced examiners evaluating the posterior teeth of 5-year-old children, under epidemiological conditions.

Tamanho do efeito em estudos observacionais na área de Saúde Bucal Coletiva: importância, cálculo e interpretação / Size effect in observational studies in Public Oral Health: importance, calculation and interpretation

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a literatura científica da área de saúde bucal coletiva quanto ao cálculo, apresentação e discussão do tamanho do efeito em estudos observacionais. A literatura cientifica na área (2015 a 2019) foi analisada quanto: a) informações gerais (periódico e diretrizes aos autores, número de variáveis e desfechos), b) objetivo e coerência com o cálculo amostral apresentado; c) tamanho do efeito (apresentação, medida utilizada e coerência com a discussão dos dados e conclusão). Foram analisados 123 artigos, de 66 periódicos. A maioria dos artigos avaliados apresenta um único desfecho (74%) e não menciona a realização de cálculo amostral (69,9%). Dentre os que realizaram, para 70,3% havia coerência entre o cálculo amostral utilizado e o objetivo. Apenas 3,3% dos artigos mencionam o termo tamanho do efeito e 24,4% não o consideram na discussão dos resultados, apesar de terem calculado. A regressão logística foi a metodologia estatística mais utilizada (98,4%) e o Odds Ratio a medida de tamanho do efeito mais utilizada (94,3%), embora não tenha sido citada e discutida como uma medida de tamanho do efeito na maioria dos estudos (96,7%). Os pesquisadores, em sua maioria, restringiram a discussão dos resultados apenas à significância estatística encontrada nas associações testadas.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the scientific literature in public oral health regarding calculation, presentation, and discussion of the effect size in observational studies. The scientific literature (2015 to 2019) was analyzed regarding: a) general information (journal and guidelines to authors, number of variables and outcomes), b) objective and consistency with sample calculation presentation; c) effect size (presentation, measure used and consistency with data discussion and conclusion). A total of 123 articles from 66 journals were analyzed. Most articles analyzed presented a single outcome (74%) and did not mention sample size calculation (69.9%). Among those who did, 70.3% showed consistency between sample calculation used and the objective. Only 3.3% of articles mentioned the term effect size and 24.4% did not consider that in the discussion of results, despite showing effect size calculation. Logistic regression was the most commonly used statistical methodology (98.4%) and Odds Ratio was the most commonly used effect size measure (94.3%), although it was not cited and discussed as an effect size measure in most studies (96.7%). It could be concluded that most researchers restrict the discussion of their results only to the statistical significance found in associations under study.

Size effect in observational studies in Public Oral Health: importance, calculation and interpretation. / Tamanho do efeito em estudos observacionais na área de Saúde Bucal Coletiva: importância, cálculo e interpretação.

The objective of this study was to analyze the scientific literature in public oral health regarding calculation, presentation, and discussion of the effect size in observational studies. The scientific literature (2015 to 2019) was analyzed regarding: a) general information (journal and guidelines to authors, number of variables and outcomes), b) objective and consistency with sample calculation presentation; c) effect size (presentation, measure used and consistency with data discussion and conclusion). A total of 123 articles from 66 journals were analyzed. Most articles analyzed presented a single outcome (74%) and did not mention sample size calculation (69.9%). Among those who did, 70.3% showed consistency between sample calculation used and the objective. Only 3.3% of articles mentioned the term effect size and 24.4% did not consider that in the discussion of results, despite showing effect size calculation. Logistic regression was the most commonly used statistical methodology (98.4%) and Odds Ratio was the most commonly used effect size measure (94.3%), although it was not cited and discussed as an effect size measure in most studies (96.7%). It could be concluded that most researchers restrict the discussion of their results only to the statistical significance found in associations under study.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a literatura científica da área de saúde bucal coletiva quanto ao cálculo, apresentação e discussão do tamanho do efeito em estudos observacionais. A literatura cientifica na área (2015 a 2019) foi analisada quanto: a) informações gerais (periódico e diretrizes aos autores, número de variáveis e desfechos), b) objetivo e coerência com o cálculo amostral apresentado; c) tamanho do efeito (apresentação, medida utilizada e coerência com a discussão dos dados e conclusão). Foram analisados 123 artigos, de 66 periódicos. A maioria dos artigos avaliados apresenta um único desfecho (74%) e não menciona a realização de cálculo amostral (69,9%). Dentre os que realizaram, para 70,3% havia coerência entre o cálculo amostral utilizado e o objetivo. Apenas 3,3% dos artigos mencionam o termo tamanho do efeito e 24,4% não o consideram na discussão dos resultados, apesar de terem calculado. A regressão logística foi a metodologia estatística mais utilizada (98,4%) e o Odds Ratio a medida de tamanho do efeito mais utilizada (94,3%), embora não tenha sido citada e discutida como uma medida de tamanho do efeito na maioria dos estudos (96,7%). Os pesquisadores, em sua maioria, restringiram a discussão dos resultados apenas à significância estatística encontrada nas associações testadas.

Effect of Tai Chi on stress, anxiety, and self-perception of happiness: a longitudinal intervention study

This intervention follow-up study evaluated anxiety and stress levels and self-perceived happiness of individuals linked to the health field who did not practice Tai Chi and compared these variables before and after practicing this art. One hundred twenty-three participants were subdivided into two groups: G1) Older health professionals (n=41) and G2) Younger pre-university students interested in the health field (n=82). Participants received a 60-minute Tai Chi class. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was applied before the practice, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Andrews Face Scale were used before and after the class. Generalized linear models and the Bowker symmetry test were applied for data analysis. 46.3% and 30.5% of participants in G1 and G2 had mild stress levels, and 43.9% and 46.3% had moderate stress levels, respectively. After practicing Tai Chi, both groups presented significantly lower mean anxiety scores. In G1, 31.7% of participants went from moderate to mild anxiety levels after practice, 19.5% from severe to moderate, and 7.3% from severe to mild. In G2, 28.2% of participants went from moderate to mild anxiety levels after practice, 18.3% from severe to moderate, and 6.1% from severe to mild. Furthermore, 100.0% of individuals in G1 and 96.3% in G2 were happy after the class. Tai Chi was effective in reducing anxiety levels and improving self-perceived happiness.

Longitudinal study for dental caries calibration of dentists unexperienced in epidemiological surveys

Abstract This study aimed to make a longitudinal analysis of interexaminer calibration reproducibility in diagnosing dental caries in posterior teeth, by examiners without previous experience in epidemiological studies. A group of 11 inexperienced examiners underwent theoretical-practical training and calibration assessments, assisted by a standard examiner. An examiner who did not participate directly in the research selected 5-year-old children with and without caries. The D3 diagnostic threshold was used to evaluate dental caries, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The initial calibration (baseline) was performed after the theoretical-practical training session, and consisted of examining 20 children; the second calibration occurred three months later, and involved evaluating another 18 children. The interexaminer agreement was obtained by kappa statistics, and by overall percentage agreement. The paired t-test was applied to compare the values for kappa means and overall percentage agreement between the time points studied. At baseline, the values for kappa (> 0.81) and overall percentage agreement (> 95.63%) were considered high. At the 3-month calibration assessment, all the examiners showed some decrease in both kappa (p < 0.0001) and overall percentage agreement (p = 0.0102). The calibration process currently proposed by the WHO is effective. However, reproducibility was not maintained over time for inexperienced examiners evaluating the posterior teeth of 5-year-old children, under epidemiological conditions.

Factors associated with the proportion of abnormal results in screening mammograms: ecological study / Factores asociados a la proporción de resultados alterados en mamografías de tamizaje: estudio ecológico / Fatores associados a proporção de resultados alterados nas mamografias de rastreamento: estudo ecológico

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the factors associated with the proportion of abnormal results in screening mammograms. Methods: Ecological study, with data from DATASUS/SISCAN, Atlas Brasil do Desenvolvimento Humano, Fundação SEADE, and Sistema e-Gestor, from 2016 to 2019, of women aged 50 to 69 years in the 645 municipalities of São Paulo (Brazil). Independent variables were associated with the outcome: proportion of unsatisfactory coverage of abnormal test results (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System - BI-RADS® 0, 4 and 5 proportion >10% of tests performed). Multiple Poisson regression was used. Results: Higher proportion of screening mammography (PR=1.20; 95%CI: 1.00;1.45), higher percentage of poor (PR=1.20; 95%CI: 1.07;1.36), low (PR=1.57; 95%CI: 1.38;1.78) and medium coverage of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) (PR=1.30; 95%CI: 1.09;1.52) were associated to the outcome. Conclusion: Socioeconomic and FHS coverage factors mediate the proportion of mammograms with abnormal results in public health services. Therefore, they are important aspects in the fight against breast cancer.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los factores asociados a la proporción de resultados alterados en las mamografías de tamizaje. Métodos: Estudio ecológico, con datos de DATASUS/SISCAN, Atlas Brasil do Desenvolvimento Humano, Fundação SEADE y Sistema e-Gestor, de 2016 a 2019, de mujeres de 50 a 69 años en los 645 municipios de São Paulo (Brasil). Las variables independientes se asociaron con el resultado: proporción de cobertura insatisfactoria de resultados de pruebas alteradas (BreastImagingReporting and Data System - BI-RADS® 0, 4 y 5 proporción >10% de pruebas realizadas). Se utilizó la regresión de Poisson múltiple. Resultados: Mayor proporción de mamografía de tamizaje (RP=1,20; IC95%: 1,00;1,45), mayor porcentaje de mala (RP=1,20; IC95%: 1,07;1,36), baja (RP=1,57; IC95%: 1,38) ;1,78) y cobertura media de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia (ESF) (RP=1,30; IC95%: 1,09;1,52) se asociaron al desenlace. Conclusión: Factores socioeconómicos y de cobertura de la ESF median la proporción de mamografías alteradas en el servicio público. Por lo tanto, son aspectos importantes en la lucha contra CM.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os fatores associados aproporção de resultados alterados nas mamografias de rastreamento. Métodos: Estudo ecológico, com dados do DATASUS/SISCAN, Atlas Brasil do Desenvolvimento Humano, Fundação SEADE, e Sistema e-Gestor, de 2016 a 2019, de mulheres de 50 a 69 anos dos 645 municípios de São Paulo (Brasil).Variáveis independentes foram associadas ao desfecho: proporção de cobertura insatisfatória de resultados de exames alterados (proporção Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System - BI-RADS® 0, 4 e 5 >10% dos exames realizados). Utilizou-se regressão múltipla de Poisson. Resultados: Maior proporção de mamografia de rastreamento (RP=1,20; IC95%: 1,00;1,45), maior porcentagem de pobres (RP=1,20; IC95%: 1,07;1,36), baixa (RP= 1,57; IC95%: 1,38;1,78) e média cobertura de Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) (RP=1,30; IC95%: 1,09;1,52) foram associados ao desfecho. Conclusão: Fatores socioeconômicos e de cobertura da ESF medeiam a proporção de mamografias alteradas no serviço público. Portanto, são aspectos importantes no combate ao câncer de mama.

Effect of bleaching gels with different thickeners under normal and hyposalivation conditions: in situ study.

BACKGROUND: Bleaching gel thickeners induce important changes in tooth enamel and these changes are reversed by saliva. OBJECTIVE: This in situ study aimed to evaluate the effect of bleaching gels with different thickeners on tooth enamel under normal and hyposalivation conditions. METHODOLOGY: Of 28 participants, 14 had normal salivary flow and 14 had low salivary flow. For each salivary flow, four types of treatment were performed with different thickeners: no bleaching (negative control), bleaching with a commercial 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel with carbopol (positive control) and bleaching with experimental 10% CP gels with natrosol and aristoflex. Participants used a palatal appliance containing bovine enamel/dentin specimens for 15 days. From day 2 to day 15, specimens were bleached extraorally. The bleaching gel was applied according to the groups for four hours. When the bleaching gel was removed, the palatal appliance was inserted again in the participants' mouth until the next day for another bleaching application. This procedure was repeated for 14 days and on day 15, surface microhardness (SMH), color (ΔE*ab and ΔE00), surface roughness (Ra), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses were performed and data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Neither salivary flow nor thickeners influenced ΔE*ab and ΔE00 results. Carbopol had the lowest SMH, the highest Ra, and the lowest Ca% among all groups. For normal flow, natrosol and aristoflex had higher SMH. For low flow, aristoflex had higher SMH and natrosol and aristoflex had lower Ra. Aristoflex had higher Ca% and Ca/P and differed from carbopol for normal flow. CONCLUSION: For normal flow, 10% CP gels with natrosol and aristoflex caused fewer surface changes, and for low flow, only the 10% CP gel with aristoflex.

How Does Ambient Light Affect the Image Quality of Phosphor Plate Digital Radiography? A Quantitative Analysis Using Contemporary Digital Radiographic Systems.

The aim of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the influence of the duration of ambient light exposure on the image quality of digital radiographs obtained with contemporary phosphor plate (PSP)-based systems. Radiographs of an aluminum step-wedge were obtained using VistaScan and Express systems at five X-ray exposure times: 0.10, 0.20, 0.32, 0.40, and 0.50 s; the resulting dose-area products were, respectively, 21.93, 43.87, 70.19, 87.75, and 109.6 mGycm2. Before PSP read-out, half of the sensitive surface of the PSP plates was exposed to ambient light for 5, 10, 30, 60, and 90 s. The effect of light exposure on brightness, contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and image saturation was compared using ANOVA with the Tukey test (α = 0.05). Ambient light exposure increased brightness and contrast and reduced CNR and SNR in PSP-based radiographs of contemporary digital systems. At the longest X-ray exposure times, ambient light exposure reduced the dark saturation (mean gray values ≤ 1) observed in Express. In conclusion, the negative effects of ambient light observed on the image quality of PSP-based radiographs are directly proportional to the duration of exposure. Clinicians should be aware of such harmful effects when handling and scanning PSP plates in bright environments.

Comparative evaluation of dental pulp tests in pulpal status diagnostics / Evaluación comparativa de pruebas de pulpa dental en el diagnóstico del estado pulpar

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and compare the accuracy of pulp tests in the diagnosis of teeth pulpal health. Material and Methods: Traumatized (n=71) and non-traumatized (n=71) teeth from 42 patients were evaluated. Each tooth underwent cold, heat, electric and oximetry tests, followed by radiographic examination and calculation of the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy. Results: Clinical and radiographic examination showed no alteration for the 71 teeth from the intact contralateral group. From the traumatized group, 29 teeth presented complete endodontic treatment, 17 presented periapical alterations that required endodontic treatment and 25 teeth did not present conclusive radiographic alteration. The cold test showed a significantly higher proportion of correct results, while the electric test showed a significantly lower proportion. The data showed higher accuracy for the cold, followed by oximeter and heat tests, while the electric test presented the lowest accuracy. Cold and oximeter tests proved superior over the electric and heat tests, while the electric test showed better parameters when diagnosing diseased pulp. Conclusion: Combining two pulp tests seems reasonable for improving the pulp diagnoses using both oximeter and cold or oximeter and heat tests to detect healthy pulp; or cold and electric tests to define diseased pulp.

Introducción: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad y comparar la precisión de las pruebas pulpares en el diagnóstico de la salud pulpar de los dientes. Material y Métodos: Se evaluaron dientes traumatizados (n=71) y no traumatizados (n=71) de 42 pacientes. Cada diente se sometió a pruebas de frío, calor, eléctricas y de oximetría, seguidas de examen radiográfico y cálculo de la sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP, VPN y precisión. Resultados: El examen clínico y radiográfico no mostró alteración en los 71 dientes del grupo contralateral intacto. Del grupo traumatizado, 29 dientes presentaron tratamiento endodóntico completo, 17 presentaron alteraciones peri-apicales que requirieron tratamiento endodóntico y 25 dientes no presentaron alteración radiográfica concluyente. La prueba en frío mostró una proporción significativamente mayor de resultados correctos, mientras que la prueba eléctrica mostró una proporción significativamente menor. Los datos mostraron mayor precisión para la prueba de frío, seguida de las pruebas de oxímetro y calor, mientras que la prueba eléctrica presentó la menor precisión. Las pruebas de frío y oxímetro demostraron ser superiores a las pruebas eléctricas y de calor, mientras que la prueba eléctrica mostró mejores parámetros al momento de diagnosticar pulpa enferma. Conclusión: La combinación de dos pruebas pulpares parece razonable para mejorar los diagnósticos pulpares utilizando tanto el oxímetro como las pruebas de frío u oxímetro y calor para detectar una pulpa sana; o pruebas de frío y eléctricas para definir pulpa enferma.

Quality of life and adherence to dental treatment in adolescents: a longitudinal analytical study

The study aimed to analyze the quality of life, oral health impact on daily activities and its association with adherence to dental treatment, and other factors, among vulnerable adolescents. It is a longitudinal analytical study performed with 15- to 19-year-old adolescents in the city of Piracicaba, São Paulo, from 2014 to 2015. The sample consisted of 476 adolescents referred for the treatment of caries and/or periodontal disease in family health units (initial phase). After 18 months, 325 individuals were assessed to investigate the dental treatment provided (final phase). The response variables considered in the final phase were the Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref) and the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) questionnaires. The independent variables analyzed were sex, age, treatment adherence, and family cohesion and adaptability. A multiple regression model was used. The data on the physical (p<0.0001), social (p=0.0003), environmental (p<0.0001), and psychological (p<0.0001) domains of the WHOQOL collected in the initial phase had a positive relationship with the same domains assessed in the final phase. The WHOQOL data of the initial phase were associated with the WHOQOL data of the final phase (p=0.0341). The OIDP data of the initial phase were associated with the OIDP data of the final phase (p<0.0001). The OIDP of volunteers who did not adhere to dental treatment showed a higher impact (p=0.0234). The quality of life and impacts on daily performances of adolescents improved between the evaluation periods.

Effect of bleaching gels with different thickeners under normal and hyposalivation conditions: in situ study

Abstract Bleaching gel thickeners induce important changes in tooth enamel and these changes are reversed by saliva. Objective This in situ study aimed to evaluate the effect of bleaching gels with different thickeners on tooth enamel under normal and hyposalivation conditions. Methodology Of 28 participants, 14 had normal salivary flow and 14 had low salivary flow. For each salivary flow, four types of treatment were performed with different thickeners: no bleaching (negative control), bleaching with a commercial 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel with carbopol (positive control) and bleaching with experimental 10% CP gels with natrosol and aristoflex. Participants used a palatal appliance containing bovine enamel/dentin specimens for 15 days. From day 2 to day 15, specimens were bleached extraorally. The bleaching gel was applied according to the groups for four hours. When the bleaching gel was removed, the palatal appliance was inserted again in the participants' mouth until the next day for another bleaching application. This procedure was repeated for 14 days and on day 15, surface microhardness (SMH), color (ΔE*ab and ΔE00), surface roughness (Ra), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses were performed and data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results Neither salivary flow nor thickeners influenced ΔE*ab and ΔE00 results. Carbopol had the lowest SMH, the highest Ra, and the lowest Ca% among all groups. For normal flow, natrosol and aristoflex had higher SMH. For low flow, aristoflex had higher SMH and natrosol and aristoflex had lower Ra. Aristoflex had higher Ca% and Ca/P and differed from carbopol for normal flow. Conclusion For normal flow, 10% CP gels with natrosol and aristoflex caused fewer surface changes, and for low flow, only the 10% CP gel with aristoflex.

Repercussions of the COVID-19 epidemic on Brazilian National Health System urgent dental care in Piracicaba, Brazil, 2020. / Repercussões da epidemia de COVID-19 nos atendimentos odontológicos de urgência do Sistema Único de Saúde em Piracicaba, 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on procedures performed by a public urgent dental care service (PUDS). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, using data from the PUDS in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, prior to the pandemic (February-March 2020) and during the pandemic (March-April 2020). Differences in the care profile between the pre-COVID-19 period and the COVID-19 period, according to sex, age and dental procedures were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test. Effect size was also measured using Cramer's V. RESULTS: There was a 51% reduction in the number of visits between the pre-COVID-19 period (n=824) and the COVID-19 period (n=404). The percentage of extractions reduced from 14.7% to 8.9%, while the percentage of temporary cavity fillings increased from 22.9% to 33.2%, between the two periods. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had repercussions on the amount and pattern of procedures performed at the city's urgent dental care service.

Proporção de exodontia no estado de São Paulo e sua relação com a cobertura da Equipe de Saúde Bucal / Proportion of dental extraction in the state of São Paulo and its relation with the coverage of the Oral Health Team

Resumo Introdução O conhecimento dos fatores relacionados à perda dentária contribui para o planejamento das ações preventivas realizadas pelas Equipes de Saúde Bucal (ESBs). Objetivo Avaliar o indicador de proporção de exodontia nos municípios do estado de São Paulo e a sua relação com os indicadores socioeconômicos e cobertura das ESBs. Método Estudo ecológico com dados secundários dos 645 municípios do estado de São Paulo do ano de 2012. A variável dependente foi o percentual de exodontia mensurado pelo indicador de proporção de exodontia em relação aos procedimentos individuais realizados pelas ESBs, disponibilizado pelo Sistema de Informação da Atenção Básica. Foram considerados como variáveis independentes a cobertura populacional estimada pelas ESBs, o Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) dos municípios per capita, o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) e o Índice Paulista de Responsabilidade Social (IPRS). Foram aplicados modelos lineares generalizados, avaliados pelo p-valor do teste de Wald, AICC e grau de liberdade. Resultados Apresentaram maior proporção de extrações dentárias as cidades do estado de São Paulo com menor cobertura de ESBs (p < 0,0001), com menor valor de IDH (p < 0,0001) e com maior valor de IPRS (p = 0,0018). Conclusão A baixa cobertura de ESBs e as desigualdades socioeconômicas contribuem para aumentar as extrações dentárias no estado de São Paulo.

Abstract Background Knowledge about factors associated with tooth loss contributes to the planning of preventive actions carried out by Oral Health Teams (OHT). Objective To evaluate the proportion of dental extraction indicator in the cities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and its relationship with socioeconomic indicators and coverage of the OHT. Method Ecological study using secondary data from 654 municipalities in the state of São Paulo conducted in 2012. The dependent variable was the percentage of dental extraction measured by the proportion of this indicator in relation to individual procedures performed by the OHT provided by the Primary Health Care (PHC) Information System. The population coverage by the OHT, the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Human Development Index (HDI), and the São Paulo Social Responsibility Index (IPRS) of the municipalities were evaluated as independent variables. Generalized linear models, formulated by the Wald test p-value, Corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc), and degree of freedom, were applied. Results Higher proportions of dental extraction were found in the municipalities with lower coverage by OHT (p<0.0001), lower HDI value (p<0.0001), and higher IPRS value (p=0. 0018). Conclusion Low coverage by OHT and socioeconomic inequalities contribute to increased proportion of dental extractions in the state of São Paulo.

[Resolvability of primary care in oral health in the State of Paraíba, Brazil]. / Resolutividade da atenção básica em saúde bucal em municípios do estado da Paraíba, Brasil.

Oral health resolvability in primary care of municipalities in the State of Paraíba, Brazil, was analyzed, and a cross-sectional study was conducted, using an inductive approach, comparative procedure and indirect documentation. The Resolvability Indicator (RI) consisted of the ratio between the number of Completed Treatments and First Programmatic Dental Consultations in municipalities in Paraíba (n = 223), between 2011 and 2014, by using data collected from the DATASUS/TABNET platform. The following explanatory variables were considered: Coverage of First Programmatic Dental Consultation (CFPDC), Coverage of Primary Care Teams (CPCT), Coverage of Oral Health Teams (COHT), Coverage of Family Health Teams (CFHT), Percentage of Tooth Extraction (PTE), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) and Gini Coefficient (GC). Descriptive statistics and negative binomial multiple regression were performed (α = 0.05). The median RI in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was, respectively, 20.4, 17.5, 15.2 and 15.7. There was a positive association between RI and CFPDC (PR = 1.14, CI = 1.02-1.28), CPCT (PR = 1.02, CI = 1.01-1.03), in addition to a negative association. between RI and year (PR = 0.83; IC = 0.74-0.94). The resolvability of oral health in primary care is influenced by coverage-related factors.

Analisou-se a resolutividade da atenção básica em saúde bucal nos municípios do estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de abordagem indutiva, com procedimento comparativo e técnica de documentação indireta. O indicador de resolutividade (IR) constituiu da razão entre o número de tratamentos concluídos e primeiras consultas odontológicas programáticas dos municípios paraibanos (n = 223) entre 2011 e 2014, utilizando dados coletados da plataforma Datasus/TABNET. Foram consideradas variáveis explicativas: cobertura de primeira consulta odontoló gica programática (CPCOP), cobertura de equipes de atenção básica (CEAB), cobertura de equi pes de saúde bucal (CESB), cobertura de equipes de saúde da família (CESF), percentual de exodontia (PE), Produto Interno Bruto (PIB), Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) e coeficiente de Gini (CG). Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e regressão múltipla binomial negativa (α = 0,05). As medianas do IR em 2011, 2012, 2013 e 2014 foram, respectivamente, 20,4, 17,5, 15,2 e 15,7. Houve associação positiva do IR com CPCOP (RP = 1,14; IC = 1,02-1,28), CEAB (RP = 1,02; IC = 1,01-1,03), e negativa com ano (RP = 0,83; IC = 0,74-0,94). A resolutividade em saúde bucal na atenção básica é influenciada por fatores relacionados à cobertura.

Prevalence of Errors and Number of Retakes in Panoramic Radiography: influence of Professional Training and Patient Characteristics / Prevalencia de Errores y Número de Repeticiones en Radiografía Panorámica: influencia de la Formación Profesional y las Características de los Pacientes

Panoramic radiography has clinical importance in several dental specialties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of professionals' experience and patient characteristics (age group and dental absence) in the prevalence of errors and the number of retakes in the panoramic radiography.771 panoramic radiographs were evaluated and classified according to the group of patients (children, dentulous adults, total edentulous adults, and anterior edentulous adults) and professionals who performed the technique (novice and experienced). The association between frequency and type of error, group of patients, professionals' experience, and number of retakes was performed by the Chi-square and Fisher's exact test (a=0.05). There was no significant association between the frequency of errors or retakes of the radiograph s and the professionals' experience or patients' characteristics (p<0.05). The errors "turned head" and "tongue not against the palate," "chin tipped low", "chin not resting on the support," "patient movement during exposure," and "lead apron artifact" showed significantly higher frequency of retake (p<0.05). The most frequent type of error was due to the failure to position the tongue against the palate for all patients and both groups of professionals. The frequency of errors in the panoramic radiography occurs regardless of the professionals' experience, and age and dental absence of the patients. Error occurs mainly due to the lack of patient collaboration, and the examination is rarely repeated by the professionals.

La radiografía panorámica es de importancia clínica en varias especialidades dentales. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la experiencia de los profesionales y las características de los pacientes (grupo etario y ausencia dentaria) en la prevalencia de errores y el número de repeticiones en la radiografía panorámica.771 radiografías panorámicas fueron evaluadas y clasificadas según la grupo de pacientes (niños, adultos desdentados, adultos desdentados totales y adultos desdentados anteriores) y profesionales que realizaron la técnica (novatos y experimentados). La asociación entre frecuencia y tipo de error, grupo de pacientes, experiencia de los profesionales y número de repeticiones se realizó mediante la prueba de Chicuadrado y exacta de Fisher (a = 0,05). No hubo asociación significativa entre la frecuencia de errores o repetición de las radiografías y la experiencia de los profesionales o las características de los pacientes (p <0,05). Los errores "cabeza girada" y "lengua no contra el paladar", "mentón inclinado hacia abajo", "mentón no apoyado en el soporte", "movimiento del paciente durante la exposición" y "artefacto del delantal de plomo" mostraron una frecuencia de repetición significativamente mayor (p < 0,05). El error más frecuente se debió a la falta de posicionamiento de la lengua contra el paladar para todos los pacientes y en ambos grupos de profesionales. La frecuencia de errores en la radiografía panorámica ocurre independientemente de la experiencia de los profesionales, edad y ausencia dentaria del pacientes. El error se produce principalmente por la falta de colaboración del paciente, y los profesionales rara vez repiten el examen.

Overdentures as an alternative to conventional dentures: a micro-costing analysis for Public Health Service in Brazil.

This study aimed to estimate cost and compatibility with public financial incentives of two technologies for treating the edentulous mandible: lower complete dentures (CD) and overdentures retained by two dental implants (OD). This study consisted of a partial economic evaluation, with a micro-costing bottom-up approach for the calculation of direct costs. The estimates involved the number of consultations, proportion of materials, equipment, instruments' lifetime, and human resources, described in the price panel website of the Ministry of Economy in Brazil. Complementary information was obtained from a panel of experts. A sensitivity analysis was based on 20% variation. The estimated cost of a CD was R$ 189.89 (base scenario), and this varied between R$ 151.91 and R$ 227.89 according to sensibility analysis. The cost of an OD was R$ 663.05 (ranging from R$ 795.66 to R$ 530.44 - 1US=R$ 3.80/July 2019). The Ministry of Health covers appropriately the costs of the CD and OD. Both technologies showed costs that are within the limits of financial public incentives obtained by municipalities. The technologies are economically viable and should be induced through public policies due to their positive impacts on several functional domains of health.