Longitudinal study of the role of salivary proteins on radiation-related caries onset in head and neck cancer patients using 5000 ppm fluoride dentifrice up to one-year post-intensity modulated radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Longitudinal assessment of the role of specific proteins on radiotherapy caries (RC) onset in head and neck cancer patients(HNC) up to one-year post-IMRT using a 5000ppm fluoride paste daily. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental status/salivary protein data were obtained from 40 HNC patients pre-IMRT, six months (T1) and 12 months (T2) post-IMRT (ethical approval/consent). DMFT/salivary parameters were quantified, including flow rate, mucin 5B/7, Immunoglobulin A (IgA), cystatin S and α-amylase. RESULTS: 45% patients had at least one carious lesion at T2, a significant reduction in the number of remaining teeth (65% <21), salivary flow rate (< 50%) and, protein secretion (< 0.05) post-IMRT. T1 IgA concentration/secretion rate was associated with RC (p < 0.05). Finally, IgA and total protein concentration obtained at T1 could provide a predictive pattern (AUC 82.3%) for the patients more predisposed to developing RC at T2. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the significant association of RC with salivary proteins in HNC patients treated with IMRT, revealing the potential role of salivary proteins in the early diagnosis of RC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This research contributes to revealing salivary proteins association with RC, and its role in early diagnosis. Therefore, this could be the first step towards personalized medicine approaches to improve this group quality-of-life.

Relationship between oral health and depression: data from the National Health Survey 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between oral health status, self-perception of oral health, and depression. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 2953 individuals that were ≥ 18 years of age and participated in the Chilean National Health Survey (NHS), 2016-2017. Information on oral, dental, and mental health, and the presence or absence of depressive symptoms was collected. Secondary data analysis was carried out using STATA and included logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, and educational level. The analyses factored in the expansion weights to estimate representative prevalences of the entire population. RESULTS: Participants experiencing frequent dental or prosthesis-related discomfort while speaking (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.01-2.43) were related with exhibiting suspected depression. Removable upper denture users were at a higher risk of exhibiting suspected (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.11-3.74) than those not using them. Participants diagnosed with depression in the past 12 months had a similar number of teeth (median = 24) compared to those without depression (median = 25) (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.96-1.02). CONCLUSION: Experiencing dental or prosthesis-related difficulties in speaking is related to suspected depression or a diagnosis of depression. These findings highlight the importance of developing comprehensive healthcare approaches that consider mental health in the context of oral health.

Obesity is related to maternal periodontitis severity in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between obesity and periodontitis staging compared with periodontal healthy or gingivitis in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Sociodemographic, clinical, obstetric, and periodontal variables were studied. The exposure variable was obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30), and the primary outcome was periodontitis staging versus periodontal healthy/gingivitis. Data were analysed and estimated by multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: The present study screened 1086 pregnancies and analysed 972 women with a median age of 29 years; 36.8% were diagnosed as obese. 26.9% of patients were diagnosed as periodontal healthy or gingivitis, 5.5% with stage I periodontitis, 38.6% with stage II periodontitis, 24% with stage III periodontitis, and 5.1% with stage IV periodontitis. After identifying and adjusting for confounding variables (educational level and plaque index), obesity had a relative risk ratio (RRR) of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.05-2.64; p = 0.03) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09-2.27; p = 0.015) for stage III periodontitis compared to periodontal healthy/gingivitis and stage II periodontitis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Besides the already known risk indicators for periodontitis (age, smoking, and educational level), our study suggests a relationship between obesity and periodontitis staging in pregnancy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Obesity can alter host immune responses, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and overactive host immunity, which could influence the prevalence and severity of maternal periodontitis in pregnancy.

Prevalence of erosive tooth wear in Chilean adults, 2016: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, severity and distribution of erosive tooth wear lesions in adult patients at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center in the San Bernardo Metropolitan Region, Chile, during a period of 4 months in 2016. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A consecutive sample of patients from 18 to 46 years old who were receiving care at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center during a period from September 2016 to January 2017 was analysed. Basic erosive wear examinations (BEWEs) were performed by two calibrated examiners. RESULTS: A total of 535 adults were included in this study. An erosive tooth wear prevalence of 97.9% was found in which at least one surface had a BEWE score of 2 or 3 as the highest score (98.56% for females and 95.8% for males). In the sample, 75.70% and 74.77% of individuals had at least one surface with a BEWE score of 3 at the second and fifth sextant, respectively. The median of cumulative BEWE scores was 12. The median by individual of the affected percentage of tooth surfaces with BEWE scores 2 or 3 was 19.70%. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of erosive tooth wear, mainly in the anterior group of teeth. No differences were found between the sexes, but a positive correlation with age was found. The percentage of surfaces affected was low or moderate.

Vitamin E Blocks Connexin Hemichannels and Prevents Deleterious Effects of Glucocorticoid Treatment on Skeletal Muscles.

Glucocorticoids are frequently used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. However, high doses and/or prolonged use induce undesired secondary effects such as muscular atrophy. Recently, de novo expression of connexin43 and connexin45 hemichannels (Cx43 HCs and Cx45 HCs, respectively) has been proposed to play a critical role in the mechanism underlying myofiber atrophy induced by dexamethasone (Dex: a synthetic glucocorticoid), but their involvement in specific muscle changes promoted by Dex remains poorly understood. Moreover, treatments that could prevent the undesired effects of glucocorticoids on skeletal muscles remain unknown. In the present work, a 7-day Dex treatment in adult mice was found to induce weight loss and skeletal muscle changes including expression of functional Cx43/Cx45 HCs, elevated atrogin immunoreactivity, atrophy, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. All these undesired effects were absent in muscles of mice simultaneously treated with Dex and vitamin E (VitE). Moreover, VitE was found to rapidly inhibit the activity of Cx HCs in freshly isolated myofibers of Dex treated mice. Exposure to alkaline pH induced free radical generation only in HeLa cells expressing Cx43 or Cx45 where Ca2+ was present in the extracellular milieu, response that was prevented by VitE. Besides, VitE and two other anti-oxidant compounds, Tempol and Resveratrol, were found to inhibit Cx43 HCs in HeLa cells transfectants. Thus, we propose that in addition to their intrinsic anti-oxidant potency, some antioxidants could be used to reduce expression and/or opening of Cx HCs and consequently reduce the undesired effect of glucocorticoids on skeletal muscles.

Definition of aggressive periodontitis in periodontal research. A systematic review.

Since its introduction in 1999, the term aggressive periodontitis (AgP) has been the topic of many investigations. Articles supporting the International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases list several disease features, but do not offer operational criteria for identifying cases. Consequently, considerable variation in the understanding of AgP can be anticipated. AIM: To systematically assess the definitions of AgP reported in original periodontal research. METHODS: A systematic review of original research on AgP published in English. RESULTS: The electronic search yielded 833 abstracts. Of these, 472 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were appraised. In 26.5% of the publications, no information on AgP operationalization is presented, but reference is made to another article. In 12.7% of the publications, no information is provided as to how the cases were defined. Many combinations of criteria for case definition were found. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed significant heterogeneity in the understanding and use of the term AgP in original research and poor documentation of the identification of cases. The direction and magnitude of the influence of misclassification and selection bias are unknown, but ought to be considered by the critical reader, professionals and patients using this term.

Effect of two periodontal treatment modalities in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of two non-surgical periodontal treatment modalities on metabolic and periodontal clinical parameters in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and poor glycaemic control and chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety-three T2DM subjects with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7% were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving scaling with root planing in multiple sessions quadrant-by-quadrant (Q by Q) or within 24 hr (one stage). Periodontal parameters, HbA1c, glycaemia blood levels (FPG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post-therapy. RESULTS: At 6 months, HbA1c had decreased by 0.48% in the Q by Q group and by 0.18% in the one-stage group (p = 0.455). After therapy, subjects with an initial HbA1c < 9% showed an increase of 0.31% (p = 0.145), compared with a decrease of 0.88% (p = 0.006) in those with an initial HbA1c ≥ 9%. Periodontal parameters improved significantly (p < 0.0001) post-therapy, with similar results for both treatment modalities. CONCLUSION: Periodontal therapy had the greatest impact on HbA1c reduction on patients with an HbA1c > 9% regardless of treatment modality. Both modalities resulted in significant improvements in periodontal parameters.

Comparison of clinical and electromyographic rest vertical dimensions in dolichofacial and brachyfacial young adults: A cross-sectional study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Therapeutic procedures that increase occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) may have different responses in patients with different craniofacial vertical patterns. The effect on these patients of increasing their OVD is not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare measurements of vertical jaw separation (VJS) in patients with brachyfacial and dolichofacial craniofacial patterns in 2 vertical dimensions: the clinical rest/postural vertical dimension (CR/PVD) and electromyographic rest vertical dimension (EMGRVD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty healthy dental students were selected at random after a lateral skull radiograph was made. The Ricketts (VERT index) analysis was used to determine 30 brachyfacial (G1) and 30 dolichofacial (G2) types. The VJS was measured for G1 and G2 types in the 2 rest vertical dimensions specified. CR/PVD was recorded using 2 methods: swallowing (CR/PVD-P1) and the phonetic breathing method (CR/PVD-P2). The Shapiro-Wilk test was used for data distribution, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to accept or reject the null hypothesis (α=.05). RESULTS: Mean VJS in CR/PVD-P1 was 1.92 ±1.14 mm for the brachyfacial and 1.36 ±0.58 mm for the dolichofacial facial group (P=.05). The mean VJS in CR/PVD-P2 was 1.89 ±1.17 mm for the brachyfacial and 1.31 ±0.58 mm for the dolichofacial group (P=.03). The mean VJS in EMGRVD was 8.23 ±2.21 mm for the brachyfacial and 16.55 ±4.29 mm the dolichofacial group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: CR/PVD measurements in dolichofacial individuals were lower than those in brachyfacial individuals. EMGRVD measurements were higher in dolichofacial individuals than those in brachyfacial individuals. Biomechanical, physiological, and behavioral reasons might explain such diversity.

Placental biomarkers and angiogenic factors in oral fluids of patients with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to explore the feasibility of measuring endothelial and placental biomarkers in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to determine if patients with preeclampsia (PE) have a different profile of these biomarkers in oral fluids. METHOD: A case-control study was conducted, including patients with PE (n = 10) and a control group with normal pregnancies randomly selected (n = 20) admitted at the Sótero del Río Hospital in Santiago, Chile. A complete periodontal and obstetric history that involved the collection of oral fluids was performed at the same gestational age. Levels of Cd63(+) extracellular vesicles, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), placental growth factor (PlGF), and sFlt-1 levels were determined by ELISA assays. Data analysis was performed with chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables. The association was assessed using a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: sFlt-1 concentrations in saliva and GCF were significantly higher in patients with PE (p = 0.045 and p = 0.033 respectively). Concentrations of PLAP were elevated in GCF of patients with PE (p = 0.049). The PLAP/CD63(+) ratio in GCF of patients with PE was significantly higher (p = 0.0008). No differences in PlGF levels were observed. CONCLUSION(S): GCF of patients with PE concentrates higher levels of biomarkers related with the PE development. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Psychosocial distress and periodontitis in adolescents.

PURPOSE: To assess whether adolescents with periodontitis presented with higher scores for non-psychotic psychosocial disorders than control subjects without periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study (n = 160) nested in a well-defined adolescent population (n = 9,163) was performed using the 28-item Spanish version of the General Health Questionnaire. The inclusion criterion for being a case was a clinical attachment level of >= 3 mm in at least two teeth. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between periodontitis and psychosocial distress. RESULTS: The response rate was high and 94% of the participants answered all the items of the questionnaire. Similarly, the internal consistency of the instrument was high (Cronbach's = 0.91). The results of multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age and gender, suggested an association between case status and higher total scoring for psychosocial distress (OR = 1.69). Among the four subdomains of the General Health Questionnaire, the dimensions 'somatic symptoms' and 'severe depression' appeared positively associated with periodontal case status, albeit not significantly. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the association between periodontitis and dimensions of psychosocial distress can be documented early in life. This calls for awareness on the part of healthcare providers attending adolescents.

Relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors with Erosive Tooth Wear in adults: a cross-sectional study.

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors and a high cumulative score of the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) in a Chilean adult group. A cross-sectional study was performed with the Ethics Committee's approval from the Universidad de los Andes. A consecutive adult (18 to 46 years old) sampling (n = 553) from the Health Center in San Bernardo-Chile, was selected from September 2016 to January 2017. Dental exams were performed by two trained and calibrated examiners, according to the BEWE index. In order to search for potentially related factors, a hetero-applied questionnaire previously developed and evaluated was applied. Our interest was individuals with severe erosion tooth wear (BEWE ≥ 14). Logistic regression models reporting crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR by age, 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and p-values were estimated. Variables, odds ratios and 95% CI related with BEWE ≥ 14 were: age (OR 1.1 [1.07-1.14]); currently drinking alcohol (OR 1.59 [1.06-2.39]); esophagitis (OR 8.22 [1.60-42.22]); difficulty to swallow (OR 2.45 [1.10-5.44]); chest pain (OR 2.07 [1.18-3.64]); anorexia (OR 3.82 [1.07-13.68]); vitamin C intake (OR 1.92 [1.08-3.43]). Age, alcohol consumption, self-reported esophagitis, history of gastric symptoms, anorexia, and vitamin C intake were related as risk factors to high BEWE scores in this sample of Chilean adults in San Bernardo, Chile.

Knowledge and Impact of COVID-19 on Middle-Aged and Older People Living with HIV in Lima, Peru.

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented worldwide impact, and Peru has had one of the highest COVID-19 case rates despite implementation of an early strict nationwide quarantine. Repercussions on Peru's healthcare system may impact vulnerable populations, particularly people with HIV (PWH). We explored knowledge of COVID-19 and the socioeconomic and health impact of the pandemic among middle-aged and older PWH. A cross-sectional telephone survey was administered to 156 PWH age ≥40 years receiving care in one of two large HIV clinics in Lima, Peru. The majority of PWH (age 52 ± 7.7 years, 41% female, 65% completed secondary school or less) were knowledgeable regarding COVID-19 symptoms and prevention methods. Nearly half of those employed prior to the pandemic reported job loss. Female sex (unadjusted prevalence ratio [PR] 1.85 [95%CI 1.27-2.69]), low educational level (PR 1.62 [1.06-2.48]) and informal work (PR 1.58 [1.06-2.36]) were risk factors for unemployment but not in adjusted models. Increased anxiety was reported in 64% and stress in 77%. COVID-19 has had a substantial socioeconomic and mental health impact on PWH living in Lima, Peru, particularly those with lower educational levels and informal workers. Efforts are needed to ensure continued medical care and socioeconomic support of PWH in Peru.

Knowledge and Impact of COVID-19 on Middle-Aged and Older People living with HIV in Lima, Peru.

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented worldwide impact, and Peru has had one of the highest COVID-19 case rates despite implementation of an early strict nationwide quarantine. Repercussions on Peru's healthcare system may impact vulnerable populations, particularly people with HIV (PWH). We explored the knowledge of COVID-19 and the socioeconomic and health impact of the pandemic among middle-aged and older PWH. A cross-sectional telephone survey was administered to 156 PWH age ≥40 years receiving care in one of two large HIV clinics in Lima, Peru. The majority of PWH (age 52±7.7 years, 41% female, 65% completed secondary school or less) were knowledgeable regarding COVID-19 symptoms and prevention methods. Nearly half of those employed prior to the pandemic reported job loss. Female sex (unadjusted prevalence ratio [PR] 1.85 [95%CI 1.27-2.69]), low educational level (PR 1.62 [1.06-2.48]) and informal work (PR 1.58 [1.06-2.36]) were risk factors for unemployment but not in adjusted models. Increased anxiety was reported in 64% and stress in 77%. COVID-19 has had a substantial socioeconomic and mental health impact on PWH living in Lima, Peru, particularly those with lower educational levels and informal workers. Efforts are needed to ensure continued medical care and socioeconomic support of PWH in Peru.

Gingival Crevicular Placental Alkaline Phosphatase Is an Early Pregnancy Biomarker for Pre-Eclampsia.

Early and innovative diagnostic strategies are required to predict the risk of developing pre-eclampsia (PE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) concentrations to correctly classify women at risk of PE. A prospectively collected, retrospectively stratified cohort study was conducted, with 412 pregnant women recruited at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Physical, obstetrical, and periodontal data were recorded. GCF and blood samples were collected for PLAP determination by ELISA assay. A multiple logistic regression classification model was developed, and the classification efficiency of the model was established. Within the study cohort, 4.3% of pregnancies developed PE. GCF-PLAP concentration was 3- to 6-fold higher than in plasma samples. GCF-PLAP concentrations and systolic blood pressure were greater in women who developed PE (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). The performance of the multiparametric model that combines GCF-PLAP concentration and the levels of systolic blood pressure (at 11-14 weeks gestation) showed an association of systolic blood pressure and GCF-PLAP concentrations with the likelihood of developing PE (OR:1.07; 95% CI 1.01-1.11; p = 0.004 and OR:1.008, 95% CI 1.000-1.015; p = 0.034, respectively). The model had a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 72%, and positive and negative predictive values of 12% and 99%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve was 0.77 and correctly classified 72% of PE pregnancies. In conclusion, the multivariate classification model developed may be of utility as an aid in identifying pre-symptomatic women who subsequently develop PE.

Early pregnancy levels of gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinases-8 and -9 are associated with the severity of periodontitis and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide and women with a history of GDM are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes which is a risk factor for periodontitis. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and -9 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during early pregnancy with the periodontal diagnosis and the risk of GDM development. METHODS: A prospective cohort study, including 314 women, enrolled at 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy was conducted. A complete maternal/obstetric and periodontal exam was performed, and GCF samples were obtained for the MMP-8 and -9 determination by Multiplex Elisa Assays. Mann-Whitney test; Spearman's correlation and log-binomial regression model estimated the association between MMPs concentration in GCF and GDM. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the pregnancies were diagnosed with GDM. An increase in the concentration of MMP-8 and -9 in women with periodontitis stage III and IV compared to periodontitis stage I was observed (99.31 ng/mL [IQR: 85.32] versus 71.95 ng/mL [IQR: 54.04], and 262.4 ng/mL [IQR: 312.55] versus 114.1 ng/mL [IQR: 184.94], respectively). Women who developed GDM showed increased concentrations of MMP-8 and -9 in GCF since the beginning of pregnancy (P = 0.0381; P = 0.0302, respectively). MMP-8 concentration in GCF was associated with GDM (RR: 1.19; P = 0.045; CI 95% 1.00 to 1.40; and RR: 1.20; P = 0.063; CI 95% 0.99 to 1.45 in the adjusted model). CONCLUSION(S): GCF concentrations of MMP-8 and -9 at early of pregnancy are increased in women with severe periodontitis and associated with the GDM development.

Diagnostic potential of peri-implant crevicular fluid microRNA-21-3p and microRNA-150-5p and extracellular vesicles in peri-implant diseases.

BACKGROUND: To explore the diagnostic usefulness of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and their subpopulations (micro-vesicles and exosomes), and microRNAs (miRNA-21-3p, miRNA-150-5p, and miRNA-26a-5p) in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of subjects with healthy, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis implants. METHODS: A total of 54 patients were enrolled into healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis groups. PICF samples were collected, EVs subpopulations (MVs and Exo) were isolated and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of miRNA-21-3p, miRNA-150-5p and miRNA-26a-5p was quantified by qRT-PCR. Logistic regression models and accuracy performance tests were estimated. RESULTS: PICF samples show the presence of EVs delimited by a bi-layered membrane, in accordance with the morphology and size (< 200 nm). The concentration of PICF-EVs, micro-vesicles and exosomes was significantly increased in peri-implantitis implants compared to healthy implants (P = 0.023, P = 0.002, P = 0.036, respectively). miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p expression were significantly downregulated in patients with peri-implantitis in comparison with peri-implant mucositis sites (P = 0.011, P = 0.020, respectively). The reduced expression of miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p was associated with peri-implantitis diagnosis (OR:0.23, CI 0.08-0.66, P = 0.007 and OR:0.07, CI 0.01-0.78, P = 0.031, respectively). The model which included the miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p expression had a sensitivity of 93.3%, a specificity of 76.5%, a positive predictive value of 77.8%, and a negative predictive value of 92.9%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.97 and 0.09, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the model was 0.84. CONCLUSIONS: An increase concentration of EVs with a downregulation expression of miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p could be related with the peri-implantitis development.

Recommendations and guidelines for dentists using the basic erosive wear examination index (BEWE).

This paper explains how to screen tooth wear in general practice using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. It explains how stakeholders in the UK acknowledged the convenience of the BEWE and that it could be recorded at the same time as the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE). The article contains examples of anterior and posterior tooth wear for each BEWE score to help dentists in their evaluation.

Cuidados de enfermería para prevenir las úlceras por presión durante la estancia hospitalaria / Nursing care for the prevention of pressure ulcer development during hospital stay

Introducción: las úlceras por presión (UPP) son de origen isquémico y comprometen la integridad de la piel y los tejidos. Ocurren en 3-10% de los pacientes hospitalizados, y la tasa de incidencia de una nueva UPP oscila entre 7,7 y 26,9%. Objetivo: describir los cuidados de enfermería para prevenir las UPP en los pacientes durante la estancia hospitalaria. Materiales y métodos: revisión integrativa de la literatura basada en artículos de revistas de ciencias de la salud mediante bases de datos. Se seleccionaron teniendo en cuenta los términos DeCS, MeSH, filtrando por título, resumen y texto completo, organizando según nivel de evidencia y grado de recomendación. Se realizó la lectura crítica usando herramientas como CASPe y Strobe. Según la Ley 23 de 1982 este estudio se clasifica sin riesgo. Resultados: se incluyeron 43 artículos y se construyeron siete temáticas que abarcan elementos e intervenciones en la prevención de UPP cómo eventos adversos frecuentes, además de los obstáculos y complicaciones derivados de la falta de estas acciones. Conclusiones: los cuidados para la prevención de UPP en este estudio se clasifican en intervenciones de enfermería y las herramientas con las que se ejecuta el cuidado, reconociendo que 95% de las lesiones de piel son prevenibles con un manejo adecuado. Los profesionales deben reconocer y aplicar las acciones de cuidado específicas para evitarlas.

Introduction: pressure ulcers (PUs) are ischemic injuries which compromise the integrity of the skin and underlying tissue. They occur in 3-10% of in-patients, and the incidence rate of a new PU ranges from 7.7 and 26.9%. Objective: to describe nursing care for preventing PUs during hospital stay. Materials and methods: an integrative review of the literature based on health sciences journals and databases. Article search was conducted using DeCS and MeSH terms, screened by title, abstract and full text, and organized by levels of evidence and grades of recommendation. Critical Reading was completed using the CASPe and Strobe tools. This study was classified as non-risk according to Law 23 of 1982. Results: forty-three (43) articles were included, and seven topics were constructed including elements and interventions for PUs prevention, as frequent adverse events, as well as the obstacles and complications derived from the lack of these actions. Conclusions: in this study, care provided for PU prevention is classified as nursing care interventions and tools used, acknowledging that 95% of skin lesions are preventable through proper management. Professionals should be aware of and apply specific care interventions to prevent the development of PUs.

Root and canal morphology of mandibular premolars using cone-beam computed tomography in a Chilean and Belgian subpopulation: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe mandibular premolar root and canal morphology and its variability in Chilean and Belgian samples using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted. A total of 402 mandibular premolars were examined using cone-beam computed tomography images of Chilean and Belgian patients. Premolars that met the inclusion criteria were studied in relation to the number of roots, number of canals, root canal configuration, presence of C-shaped configuration, tooth length, and root length. RESULTS: The mandibular first premolar frequently presented with one root (94% Chilean; 100% Belgian), as did the mandibular second premolar (99% Chilean; 98% Belgian). One canal was present in 69% of Chilean, and 83% of Belgian mandibular first premolars, and in 95% of Chilean and 91% of Belgian second premolars. A type I root canal configuration was found in 69% of Chilean and 83% of Belgian first premolars and in 95% of Chilean and 92% of Belgian second premolars. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical parameters analyzed in the Chilean and Belgian samples are similar. However, it should be noted that there are anatomical variations in mandibular premolars.