Maxillary dentoskeletal outcomes of the expander with differential opening and the fan-type expander: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the maxillary dentoskeletal outcomes of the expander with differential opening (EDO) and the fan-type expander (FE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with maxillary arch constriction in the mixed dentition were randomly allocated into EDO and FE groups. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were acquired before and after expansion. Linear and angular three-dimensional changes were assessed after cranial base superimposition using the ITK-SNAP and the 3D Slicer software. T or Mann-Whitney U tests were used for intergroup comparisons (P<0.05). RESULTS: The EDO group comprised 24 patients treated with the EDO (13 female, 11 male; 7.6 years). The FE group comprised 24 patients treated with the FE (14 female, 10 male; 7.8 years). Skeletal lateral displacements were greater in the EDO group with greater expansion in the orbital, nasal cavity, zygomatic bone, and palate regions (mean intergroup differences of 0.4, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.1 mm, respectively). Intercanine expansion and canine buccal inclination were greater in the FE group, while intermolar distance changes and molar buccal inclination were greater in the EDO group. Similar changes were observed for vertical and anteroposterior displacements and palatal plane rotation. CONCLUSIONS: The EDO produced greater transverse skeletal expansion compared to the FE, with similar vertical and anteroposterior effects. Dental changes were greater in the molar region for patients treated with the EDO and in the canine region for patients treated with the FE. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The EDO and the FE are capable of producing skeletal changes in the mixed dentition. The decision between both expanders will depend on the amount of expansion required in the molar region and in the nasomaxillary complex. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , under the identifier NCT03705871.

Cleft lip and palate cause large variations in size and location of the posterior superior alveolar canal.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the posterior superior alveolar canal (PSAC) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) as compared to patients with no cleft lip and palate (NC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study based on two steps: (1) evaluating intra- and inter-calibration and (2) detecting the presence or absence of PSAC and its location, diameter, and anastomosis with anterior superior alveolar canal. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients were selected for the study, out of which 150 were categorized as CLP (75 men, 75 women; mean age: 29.8 years) and 150 were categorized as NC (75 men, 75 women; mean age: 40.3 years). PSAC in patients with CLP and NC was visible in 100% of the cases, in men and women, bilaterally. PSAC location in CLP was middle and upper third of the maxillary sinus as compared to NC (lower third) (chi-squared < 0.001). PSAC mean diameter in CLP was 1.12 mm. It was larger compared to 0.6 mm in NC (t-test < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: PSAC location in patients with CLP was predominantly in the middle and upper third of the maxillary sinus, compared with NC. PSAC mean diameter in CLP was 1.12 mm. It was larger compared to that of 0.6 mm in NC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These anatomical variations in CLP are important and should be acknowledged by surgeons for the following reasons: (1) to perform pre-surgical planning, (2) to avoid bleeding, and (3) to avoid neurosensory alterations.

Three-dimensional mandibular dental changes with aging.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the 3-dimensional (3D) mandibular dental changes over 42 years using the registration of digital models. METHODS: The sample comprised digital dental models of 8 untreated subjects (4 males and 4 females) with normal occlusion measured longitudinally at ages 17 years (T1) and 60 years (T2). Using 13 landmarks placed on the mucogingival junction, we registered the T2 model on the T1 model. Three-dimensional changes in the position of the landmarks on the buccal cusp tip of the posterior teeth and incisal edge of the central incisors were measured by 2 examiners. Registration and measurements were performed using SlicerCMF (version 3.1; http://www.slicer.org) software. Intra- and interrater agreements were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients and the Bland-Altman method. One-sample t tests were used for evaluating interphase 3D dental changes (P <0.05). RESULTS: Adequate intra- and interrater reproducibility was found. From T1 to T2, the mandibular teeth showed significant 3D positional changes. A significant dental eruption relative to the mucogingival junction was observed for the anterior and posterior teeth. Anteroposterior movements of mandibular teeth were not significant except for the right molar that drifted mesially. Transverse movements included slight lingual tipping at canines and premolars regions. CONCLUSIONS: Dental changes in untreated normal occlusion were very slight from early to mature adulthood. The eruption of the mandibular teeth was the most consistent finding. A tendency for mesial movement of molars and lingual movement of first premolars and canines was observed in the mandible during the aging process.

Dental arch changes comparison between expander with differential opening and fan-type expander: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare posterior crossbite correction frequency and dentoalveolar changes of the expander with differential opening (EDO) and the fan-type expander (FE). TRIAL DESIGN: Two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Forty-eight patients from 7 to 11 years of age were allocated into two groups. Twenty-four patients were treated with the EDO and 24 patients were treated with the FE. Block randomization was performed. The study was single blind. Digital dental models were acquired before treatment and 6 months after rapid maxillary expansion. The primary outcomes were crossbite correction rate and maxillary arch width changes. Secondary outcomes were interincisal diastema, arch perimeter, length, size and shape, and mandibular dental arch changes. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 24 patients (13 female and 11 male; mean initial age of 7.62 years) in the EDO group and 24 patients (14 female and 10 male; mean initial age of 7.83 years) in the FE group. The crossbites were corrected in 100 per cent of subjects from EDO group and in 75 per cent of patients in FE group. EDO showed greater increases in maxillary intermolar region (P < 0.001), while the FE demonstrated greater increases in the intercanine distance (P = 0.008). Increase in mandibular inter-first permanent molar distance was slightly greater in the EDO group (mean difference of 0.8 mm). Changes in arch length and perimeter were similar in both groups. Both expanders changed the maxillary arch shape. The post-treatment arch shape was larger in the anterior region for FE and in the posterior region in the EDO group. HARMS: Discomfort during activation was reported by 54 per cent of the participants. A temporary change in the nasal bridge was reported by one patient from FE group. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary arch width and shape changes were distinct between the EDO and the FE. Greater transversal increases of the anterior and posterior regions were observed for the FE and the EDO, respectively. A slightly greater mandibular spontaneous expansion was observed for the EDO only at the molar region. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03705871.

Comparison of linear and angular changes assessed in digital dental models and cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the three-dimensional (3D) linear displacements and the mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation changes after orthodontic treatment in digital dental models (DDMs) and 3D models derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Digital dental model and CBCT scans were selected from 24 adults who had undergone orthodontic treatment for mandibular anterior crowding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 3D linear displacements and changes in angular measurements (mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation) were assessed in pre- and post-treatment DDM and CBCT images using the software ITK-snap and 3D SlicerCMF. Intra- and inter-rater agreement of measurements in DDM and CBCT were tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). DDM and CBCT measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon test (P < .05), ICC and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-rater agreement varied from good (ICC > 0.75) to excellent (ICC > 0.90) for both DDM and CBCT measurements. Although no significant difference between DDM and CBCT methods was observed for linear measurements of tooth movement, the angular assessments were different for most measurements. The agreement between measurements from both assessments varied from poor to excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal assessments of tooth movements including 3D linear displacements and mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation are reproducible when using both DDM and CBCT. Changes in angular measurements due to orthodontic treatment are discordant when measured in the digital models (clinical crown) and in the CBCT images (whole tooth).

Maxillary expander with differential opening vs Hyrax expander: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this 2-arm parallel trial was to compare the dentoskeletal effects of the expander with differential opening (EDO) and the Hyrax expander in the mixed dentition. METHODS: Patients aged 7-11 years with maxillary dental arch constriction and Class I or Class II sagittal relationships were randomly allocated into 2 study groups. The experimental group comprised 22 patients (10 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 8.46 years treated with the EDO. The comparison group was composed of 24 patients (6 males, 18 females), mean age of 8.92 years treated with the conventional Hyrax expander. One complete turn per day for 6 days was performed for the posterior screw of the EDO and for the Hyrax expander. The anterior screw of the EDO was activated 1 complete turn per day for 10 days. The primary outcomes were the anterior opening of the midpalatal suture, changes on the interincisal diastema width, maxillary dental arch widths, arch perimeter, arch length, palatal depth, inclination of maxillary posterior teeth and on dental arch shape, and the amount of differential expansion in the anterior region compared with the posterior region of the maxillary dental arch. Computer-generated randomization was used. Allocation was concealed with sequentially, numbered, sealed, and opaque envelopes. Blinding was applicable for outcome assessment only. Occlusal radiographs of the maxilla were obtained at the end of the active expansion phase (T2). Intraoral photographs were obtained immediately pre-expansion (T1) and at T2. Digital dental models were obtained at T1 and 6 months after the active expansion period (T3). Intergroup comparisons of T1-T2 changes were performed using multiple linear regression analysis (P < 0.05). The independent variables were both treatment and the starting forms. Bonferroni correction for multiple tests was applied. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significantly greater opening of the anterior region of the midpalatal suture, a greater increase of the interincisal diastema width, and greater increases of the intercanine distance and inter-first deciduous molar distance than the Hyrax expander. The experimental group showed a significant differential expansion between the anterior and posterior regions, whereas the Hyrax group produced a similar expansion in the canine and molar regions. Serious harm was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The EDO was capable of promoting greater orthopedic and dental changes in the anterior region of the maxilla than the conventional Hyrax expander. Similarity between the 2 expanders was observed for changes in the posterior region width, arch perimeter, arch length, palatal depth, and posterior teeth inclination.

Murine experimental leprosy: Evaluation of immune response by analysis of peritoneal lavage cells and footpad histopathology.

This study evaluated the immune response of nude and BALB/c mice inoculated in the footpads (FP) with Mycobacterium leprae after 3, 5 and 8 months. At each timepoint peritoneal cells, peripheral blood, FP and popliteal lymph nodes (PLN) were collected. Peritoneal cell cultures were performed to measure the H2 O2 , O2- , NO, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF levels. Serum levels of anti-PGL-I antibodies were also quantified. The results showed that the infection was progressive in nude mice with bacterial multiplication, development of macroscopic lesions in the FP and presence of bacilli in the PLN at 8 months. In BALB/c mice, the infection reached a plateau of bacillary multiplication at 5 months and regressed at 8 months. Histopathological analysis of FP revealed a mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate with a large number of neutrophils at 5 months, with a higher number in nude mice. At 8 months, the number of neutrophils decreased and the infiltrate was predominantly mononuclear in both mouse strains. There was no H2 O2, O2- , IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ production in the course of infection in nude mice; however, in BALB/c, O2- and IL-12 production was higher at 5 months and NO, IFN-γ and TNF production was higher at 8 months when there was a decrease in the number of bacilli. The level of anti-PGL-I antibodies was higher in BALB/c mice. Thus, nude and BALB/c mice can be used as experimental models for the study of various aspects of leprosy.

Superimposition of maxillary digital models using the palatal rugae: Does ageing affect the reliability?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of 3-dimensional maxillary dental changes using two methods of digital model superimposition. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The Department of Orthodontics of Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo and University of Michigan Craniofacial Growth Center. Fifteen subjects with normal occlusion. MATERIAL & METHODS: The sample was composed of digital study models of 15 normal occlusion subjects taken at 13 (T1), 18 (T2) and 60 years of age (T3). Using the software SlicerCMF 3.1, superimposition (registration) was conducted using 9 landmarks placed on the incisive papilla, second and third palatal rugae and 10 mm distal to the third palatal rugae. Two registration methods were compared: landmarks (LA) and regions of interest (ROI). Three-dimensional changes of landmarks on the buccal cusp tip of posterior teeth bilaterally and the incisal edge of the right central incisor were measured by three examiners. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman method evaluated intra- and inter-examiner agreements. RESULTS: Good or excellent intra-examiner agreement was found for T1-T2 and T2-T3 measurements using both registration methods. Inter-examiner agreements were good to excellent for T1-T2 measurements and poor to fair for most T2-T3 measurements. Mean T1-T2 differences were less than 0.5 mm for most measurements. CONCLUSION: Maxillary digital dental models of patients with normal occlusion superimposed on palatal rugae showed an adequate reliability for a 5-year interval comparison using landmarks or regions of interest. Lower than acceptable reproducibility using both superimposition methods was found for a 40-year interval comparison.

Usefulness of Cone-Bean Computed Tomography Exams to Detect Foramen of Huschke in Diverse Age Group.

The foramen of Huschke (FH) is present in the early stages of the temporal bone tympanic portion development. The literature shows that FH may persist in adult individuals and several authors acknowledge its clinical importance, reporting being associated with the dissemination of diseases. Some authors believe that FH presents importance in archeology and forensic situations.Considering that the identification of FH by conventional imaging methods is extremely impaired or impossible due to overlapping bone structures and that cone-bean computed tomography presents quality in the evaluation of this structure, the authors conducted this research to determine the FH prevalence and dimensions through the Invivo5 software, and correlated its size with age.The foramen was present in 19 scans (12.7%), 6 (8.8%) were present among male and 13 (15.8%) among female. The χ test was performed, with no statistically significant difference for gender and age. Considering the age, in individuals aged 7 to 18 years, 16.4% of persistent FH was found compared with 10.5% in individuals over 18 years of age. The diameter ranged from 2.58 to 3.28 mm. No correlation was found between size and age (p between 0.25 and 0.88).The authors conclude that the cone-bean computed tomography is an examination that allows the correct evaluation of the FH and, although the persistence of this unusual anatomical variation presents different frequencies in the different populations and age groups, it can have clinical consequences, so that the professionals who work in the area must be aware of its existence.

Aging of the normal occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative occlusal changes in individuals with normal occlusion during a period of 47 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised dental models of 20 subjects with normal occlusion (8 males; 12 females) taken at 13.2 years (T1) and 60.9 years of age (T2). The occlusal features were evaluated with the objective grading system (OGS) and with the six keys to normal occlusion (SKNO). The subjects also answered a questionnaire on the aesthetic and occlusal self-perception at T2. Comparisons from T1 to T2 were performed with paired t- and McNemar tests (P less than 0.05). RESULTS: OGS analysis showed a significant improvement in the marginal ridge levelling and tooth buccolingual inclination. There was a significant deterioration of the antero-posterior occlusal relationship from T1 to T2. Subjects without tooth loss showed a dental alignment worsening between time points. The marginal ridges, buccolingual inclination, and interproximal contacts improved. The SKNO analysis showed a significant deterioration of the maxillary second molars buccolingual inclination and an improvement of the maxillary second molar angulation. All patients were satisfied with their smiles, and 60 per cent of the subjects had no complaints. Dental crowding caused dissatisfaction in 35 per cent of the sample. LIMITATIONS: A limitation of this study was the high prevalence of tooth loss in the sample from T1 to T2. Only 30 per cent of the subjects had no tooth loss in T2. CONCLUSIONS: The aging process slightly deteriorates some occlusal features of individuals with normal occlusion. However, most individuals were satisfied with their aesthetics and occlusal comfort at the sixth decade of life.

Podoplanin, ezrin, and Rho-A proteins may have joint participation in tumor invasion of lip cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Podoplanin and ezrin connection through Rho-A phosphorylation have been suggested as part of the activation pathway, in the process of tumor invasion and cell movement in oral squamous cell carcinomas. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation among podoplanin, ezrin, and Rho-A immunoexpressions in 91 squamous cells carcinomas of the lower lip and their influence in patient's prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The immunoexpressions of podoplanin, ezrin, and Rho-A were evaluated through a semi-quantitative score method, based on the capture of 10 microscopic fields at the front of tumor invasion. The association and correlation of these proteins with the clinicopathological features were verified by Fischer's exact test and Spearman's test. The prognostic values were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS: A statistically significant association between strong cytoplasmic podoplanin expression and alcohol (p = 0.024), loco-regional recurrences (p = 0.028), and lymph node metastasis (pN+) (p = 0.010) was found. The membranous (p = 0.000 and r = 0.384) and cytoplasmic (p = 0.000 and r = 0.344) podoplanin expression was statistically correlated with ezrin expression. Also, membranous podoplanin was significantly correlated with Rho-A expression (p = 0.006 and r = 0.282). The expressions of podoplanin, ezrin, and Rho-A were not significant prognostic factors for patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the lower lip. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, our results confirm a correlation among podoplanin, ezrin, and Rho-A expressions in squamous cell carcinoma of the lip suggesting a cooperative participation of these proteins in cell movement and invasion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Furthermore, strong cytoplasmic podoplanin expression could be helpful to identify patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lip and lower risk of loco-regional recurrences.

Slow versus rapid maxillary expansion in bilateral cleft lip and palate: a CBCT randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this "two-arm parallel" trial was to compare the orthopedic, dental, and alveolar bone plate changes of slow (SME) and rapid (RME) maxillary expansions in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-six patients with BCLP and maxillary arch constriction in the late mixed dentition were randomly and equally allocated into two groups. Computer-generated randomization was used. Allocation was concealed with sequentially, numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes. The SME and RME groups comprised patients treated with quad-helix and Haas/Hyrax-type expanders, respectively. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams were performed before expansion and 4 to 6 months post-expansion. Nasal cavity width, maxillary width, alveolar crest width, arch width, palatal cleft width, inclination of posterior teeth, alveolar crest level, and buccal and lingual bone plate thickness were assessed. Blinding was applicable for outcome assessment only. Interphase and intergroup comparisons were performed using paired t tests and t tests, respectively (p < 0.05). RESULTS: SME and RME similarly promoted significant increase in all the maxillary transverse dimensions at molar and premolar regions with a decreasing expanding effect from the dental arch to the nasal cavity. Palatal cleft width had a significant increase in both groups. Significant buccal inclination of posterior teeth was only observed for RME. Additionally, both expansion procedures promoted a slight reduction of the alveolar crest level and the buccal bone plate thickness. CONCLUSIONS: No difference was found between the orthopedic, dental, and alveolar bone plate changes of SME and RME in children with BCLP. Both appliances produced significant skeletal transverse gains with negligible periodontal bone changes. Treatment time for SME, however, was longer than the observed for RME. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SME and RME can be similarly indicated to correct maxillary arch constriction in patients with BCLP in the mixed dentition.

Loss of cytokeratin 10 indicates malignant transformation in actinic cheilitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship the expression of cytokeratins (CK10 and CK13) and the cell proliferation index determined by Ki-67 of lip squamous cell carcinoma and actinic cheilitis with different degrees of dysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five paraffin-embedded actinic cheilitis with and without dysplasia and 20 lip squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using anti-human anti-CK10, anti-CK13, and anti-Ki-67 antibodies. RESULTS: The majority of actinic cheilitis showed immunopositivity for CK10 and CK13 with decrease or loss of expression in dysplastic areas. In lip squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, heterogeneous expression of CK13 and immunonegativity for CK10 were observed. There was a statistically significant difference between CK10 expression in lip squamous cell carcinoma and in actinic cheilitis with or without dysplasia (p < 0.001). The cell proliferation index was higher in actinic cheilitis with dysplasia and lip squamous cell carcinoma than in actinic cheilitis without epithelial dysplasia. A significant correlation was found between the intensity of the epithelial dysplasia and the cell proliferation index (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence that there is a downregulation of CK10 expression in dysplastic areas of patients with actinic cheilitis and in those with lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and that the index of cell proliferation, determined by Ki-67, is directly correlated with the intensity of the epithelial dysplasia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Altogether, these results suggest that CK10 expression and the epithelial cell proliferation index can help to identify malignant transformation in the lip region.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Following Pharyngeal Flap Surgery for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: A Prospective Polysomnographic and Aerodynamic Study in Middle-Aged Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in middle-aged adults who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) with matched subjects who did not undergo pharyngeal flap surgery and to verify the relationship between OSA severity and internal pharyngeal dimensions. SETTING: National referral care center for cleft lip and palate. METHOD: Prospective study on 42 nonsyndromic subjects with repaired cleft palate with flap (F group, n = 22) and without flap (NF group, n = 20), aged 40 to 58 years. The main outcome measure was the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), measured by in-lab nocturnal polysomnography (PSG). The OSA-related symptoms were investigated by Pittsburgh, Epworth, and Berlin questionnaires. The nasopharyngeal or velopharyngeal (NP/VP) cross-sectional area was measured by modified anterior rhinomanometry in subgroups of the F (n = 14) and NF (n = 10) groups at rest and during speech. Differences were considered significant at P < .05. RESULTS: Questionnaire scores and frequency of self-reported symptoms of snoring, nasal obstruction, and breathing interruptions during sleep did not differ between groups. OSA was diagnosed by PSG in 60% and 77% of the NF and F subjects, respectively. The difference was not significant. No cases of severe OSA were observed. There was no correlation between AHI and NP/VP area. CONCLUSION: A significant number of middle-aged adults with repaired cleft palate had OSA and related symptoms, regardless of the presence of a pharyngeal flap. Results suggest that VPI treatment with a flap may not cause sleep-disordered breathing in the cleft population. Besides advancing age, congenital upper airway abnormalities may be involved.

Evaluating effectiveness of dynamic soundfield system in the classroom.

Research has reported on the use of soundfield amplification devices in the classroom. However, no study has used standardized tests to determine the potential advantages of the dynamic soundfield system for normally hearing students and for the teacher's voice. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of using dynamic soundfield system on the noise of the classroom, teacher's voice and students' academic performance. This was a prospective cohort study in which 20 student participants enrolled in the third year of basic education were divided into two groups (i.e., control and experimental); their teacher participated. The experimental group was exposed to the dynamic soundfield system for 3 consecutive months. The groups were assessed using standardized tests to evaluate their academic performance. Further, questionnaires and statements were collected on the participants' experience of using the soundfield system. We statistically analyzed the results to compare the academic performance of the control group with that of the experimental group. In all cases, a significance level of P < .05 was adopted. Use of the dynamic soundfield system was effective for improving the students' academic performance on standardized tests for reading, improving the teacher's speech intelligibility, and reducing the teacher's vocal strain. The dynamic soundfield system minimizes the impact of noise in the classroom as demonstrated by the mensuration of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and pupil performance on standardized tests for reading and student and teacher ratings of amplification system effectiveness.

Dentoskeletal outcomes of a rapid maxillary expander with differential opening in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate: A prospective clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this 2-arm parallel study was to evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion with differential opening (EDO) compared with the hyrax expander in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. METHODS: A sample of patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate was prospectively and consecutively recruited. Eligibility criteria included participants in the mixed dentition with lip and palate repair performed during early childhood and maxillary arch constriction with a need for maxillary expansion before the alveolar bone graft procedure. The participants were consecutively divided into 2 study groups. The experimental and control groups comprised patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion using EDO and the hyrax expander, respectively. Cone-beam computed tomography examinations and digital dental models of the maxillary dental arches were obtained before expansion and 6 months postexpansion. Standardized cone-beam computed tomography coronal sections were used for measuring maxillary transverse dimensions and posterior tooth inclinations. Digital dental models were used for assessing maxillary dental arch widths, arch perimeters, arch lengths, palatal depths, and posterior tooth inclinations. Blinding was used only during outcome assessment. The chi-square test was used to compare the sex ratios between groups (P <0.05). Intergroup comparisons were performed using independent t tests with the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. RESULTS: Fifty patients were recruited and analyzed in their respective groups. The experimental group comprised 25 patients (mean age, 8.8 years), and the control group comprised 25 patients (mean age, 8.6 years). No intergroup significant differences were found for age, sex ratio, and dentoskeletal variables before expansion. No significant differences were found between the EDO and the hyrax expander groups regarding skeletal changes. The EDO promoted significantly greater increases of intercanine width (difference, 3.63 mm) and smaller increases in canine buccal tipping than the conventional hyrax expander. No serious harm was observed other than transitory variable pressure sensations on the maxillary alveolar process in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The EDO produced skeletal changes similar to the conventional hyrax expander. The differential expander is an adequate alternative to conventional rapid maxillary expanders when there is need for greater expansion in the maxillary dental arch anterior region. REGISTRATION: This trial was not registered. PROTOCOL: The protocol was not published before trial commencement. FUNDING: This study received financial support from FAPESP (process number 2009/17622-9). As a possible conflict of interest, a patent with an EDO was submitted in March 2011 to the National Institute of Industry Property and is still in process. However, we believe that this is a natural step of translational research (bench-to-bedside), and we guarantee that the scientific results are true.

Study of murine experimental Jorge Lobo's disease by analysis of peritoneal lavage cells and footpad histopathology: early versus chronic lesions.

The murine model of Jorge Lobo's disease is characterized by histological alterations similar to those seen in human disease, including a large number of viable fungi. This study evaluated the immune response of mice with early and late macroscopic lesions (5 and 13 months post-inoculation [p.i.], respectively) by the analysis of peritoneal lavage cells and footpad (FP) histology. The FP of mice were inoculated with 1 × 10(6) fungi (viability index of 41%). At 5 and 13 months p.i., the granuloma mainly consisted of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, but a larger number of neutrophils was observed at 5 months and lymphocytes at 13 months. The number of fungi in the FP and fungal viability were 1.8 ± 1.1 × 10(6) fungi/ml and 38.5% at 5 months p.i. and 30.8 ± 11.7 × 10(6) fungi/ml and 9% at 13 months (P < .05). Higher production of H2O2, O2(-), IL-10, and TNF-α were observed at 13 months (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in the production of NO, IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ. The results showed significant differences between early and late lesions and support the use of BALB/c mice for evaluation of the different phases of infection.

Mandibular ramus length as an indicator of chronological age and sex.

Age and sex estimation is crucial in forensic investigations, whether in legal situations that involve living people or to identify mortal remains. The aim of this study was to establish reference values in a Brazilian population to estimate age and sex by measuring the length of the mandibular ramus on lateral cephalometric radiographs, and to determine the probability that an individual being is 18 years or older, based on the results that were obtained. Two hundred and eighteen scanned lateral cephalograms of individuals between 6 and 20 years of age (101 males and 117 females) were measured with reference to mandibular ramus length (the distance between Condylion superior (Cs) and Gonion (Go)) using ImageJ 1.41 software (NIH, Bethesda, MA, USA). The results showed that sexual dimorphism was not observed until 16 years and, based on the ramus length measurements in this sample, it is possible to predict sex with an accuracy of only 54 %. There was a positive correlation between age and ramus length (r = 0.90; p < 0.001). From the linear regression analysis, one formula was derived; therefore, it was possible to calculate the individual's age, given his or her ramus length. The results showed that if an individual's ramus length is 7.0 cm or more, then there is an 81.25 % chance that the individual is 18 years old or older. In conclusion, the mandibular ramus length was not effective in discriminating sex. Mandibular length is strongly related to chronological age and can be used to predict whether an individual is 18 years or older with high degree of expected accuracy.