The mandibular bone structure in children by fractal dimension and its correlation with pixel intensity values: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify a normal pattern of mandibular trabecular bone in children based on the fractal dimension (FD), and its possible correlation with pixel intensity (PI) values, to facilitate the early diagnosis of possible diseases and/or future bone alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 50 panoramic images were selected and divided into two groups, according to the children's age: 8-9 (Group 1; n = 25) and 6-7 (Group 2; n = 25). For FD and PI analyses, three regions of interest (ROIs) were selected, and their mean values were evaluated for each ROI, according to each group, using the t test for independent samples and the model of generalized estimation equations (GEE). Subsequently, these mean values were correlated by the Pearson test. RESULTS: Comparing the groups, FD and PI did not differ from each other for any of the measured regions (p > 0.00). It was observed that in the mandible branch (ROI1), FD and PI means were 1.26 ± 0.01 and 81.0 ± 2.50, respectively. In the mandible angle (ROI2), the means were 1.21 ± 0.02 (FD) and 72.8 ± 2.13 (PI); and in the mandible, cortical (ROI3) values of FD = 1.03 ± 0.01 and PI = 91.3 ± 1.75 were obtained. There was no correlation between FD and PI in any of the analyzed ROI (r < 0.285). The FD means of ROI1 and ROI2 did not differ from each other (p = 0.053), but both were different from ROI3 (p < 0.00). All PI values differed from each other (p < 0.00). CONCLUSION: The bone trabeculate pattern in 6-9-year-old children presented FD between 1.01 and 1.29. Besides that, there was no significant correlation between FD and PI.

Association of parenting style with the behaviour and caries prevalence of preschool children

Objective: This study aimed to associate parenting styles (democratic,authoritarian, and permissive) with the behaviour, and prevalence of caries lesionsamong preschool children submitted to dental care. Methods: At the initialconsultation, preschool children (n = 67), from two to six years of age, wereevaluated for behaviour through the Frankl scale. The parenting styles wereinvestigated through the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire - ReducedVersion (PSDQ) and the prevalence of caries lesions through the dmft index.Sociodemographic and economic data were collected. The chi-squared test wasused for association among parenting styles, dmft index, type of behaviour(dichotomised as positive and negative), and the following independent variables:socioeconomic level, single child, school attendance, and educational level of theperson in charge. ANOVA followed by the Tukey test were used to compare themean dmft and parenting styles. Results: The majority of preschoolers presentedpositive behaviour (83.6%), and the dmft mean was 4.76 (± 3.43). Of the total,49.3% were democratic, 44.8% were permissive, and 6% were authoritarian. Therewas no association between parenting styles and all variables investigated (p >0.05). Conclusion: Considering the results, it can be observed that there was noassociation among parenting styles, caries prevalence, and behaviour of thepreschool children in an initial dental consultation.

Objetivo: Objetivou-se associar os estilos parentais (democrático, autoritário epermissivo) com o comportamento e a prevalência de lesões de cárie de pré-escolaressubmetidos ao atendimento odontológico. Métodos: Em consulta inicial, pré-escolares(n = 67), de 2 a 6 anos de idade, foram avaliados quanto ao comportamento, atravésda escala de Frankl. Os estilos parentais de seus responsáveis foram averiguadosatravés do Questionário de Estilos e Dimensões Parentais ­ Versão Reduzida (PSDQ)e a prevalência de lesões de cárie através do índice ceod. Foram coletados dadossociodemográficos e econômicos. Utilizou-se o teste do Qui-quadrado para associaçãoentre os estilos parentais, o índice ceod, tipo de comportamento (dicotomizado empositivo e negativo) e as variáveis independentes: nível socioeconômico, ser filhoúnico, frequentar escola e nível educacional do responsável. ANOVA seguido de Tukeyfoi utilizado para comparar as médias ceod e os estilos parentais. Resultados: Amaioria dos pré-escolares apresentaram comportamento positivo (83,6%) e a médiado ceo-d da população estudada foi 4,76 (± 3,43). Do total dos responsáveis, 49,3%eram democráticos, 44,8% permissivos e 6% autoritários. Não houve associaçãoentre os estilos parentais e todas as variáveis investigadas (p > 0,05). Conclusão:Diante dos resultados, pode-se observar que não houve associação entre os estilosparentais avaliados, prevalência de cárie e comportamento dos pré-escolares emconsulta odontológica inicial.