The impact of immediate versus delayed mini-screw placement on alveolar bone preservation and bone density following tooth extraction: evidence from a canine model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of mini-screw placement on the alveolar ridge using a split-mouth design. Twelve beagles underwent bilateral extraction of their lateral teeth. In the immediate group, a mini-screw was unilaterally placed approximately 3-4 mm below the alveolar crest of the extraction site on the experimental side. The delayed group received mini-screws six weeks after tooth extraction. On average, the dogs were sacrificed after 11 weeks, and the maxillary bones were excised and scanned using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Histopathological examinations were conducted to assess inflammation and bone formation scores. The results showed that in the immediate group, bone height was significantly greater on the intervention side compared to the control side (p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in the delayed group. In both groups, there was a significant increase in bone density around the mini-screws compared to the control sides (p < 0.05). Mini-screw insertion led to a significant enhancement of bone growth in both groups (p < 0.05), with no notable differences between the two groups. The mini-screws did not have any impact on bone inflammation or width. Overall, both immediate and delayed mini-screw placement in the extraction socket positively influenced bone dimensions, density, and histological properties. However, immediate insertion was more effective than delayed placement in preserving vertical bone height, despite delayed insertion resulting in higher bone density.

Evaluation of bond strength of orthodontic brackets using light- and chemical-cure adhesive systems over time: An in-vitro study.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength of light- and chemical-cure adhesive systems over six months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 sound human maxillary first and second premolars were randomly divided into six groups according to the adhesive type (i.e., Transbond XT and Unite) and evaluation time. The groups were T0 (24-h group without thermocycling), T1 (24-h group with thermocycling), T2 (1-month group), T3 (2-month group), T4 (4-month group), and T5 (6-month group). The bond strength was then measured and the data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 23) through the independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that shear bond strength of chemical-cure orthodontic adhesive (Unite, 15.37 MPa) at all-time points was significantly 1.37 times higher than that of the Transbond XT light-cure adhesive (11.15 MPa). Moreover, shear bond strength of self-cure adhesive (Unite) 1 month after debonding showed a significant difference with the 24-h group without thermocycling (P = 0.002), 24-h group with thermocycling (P = 0.008), and 6-month group (P = 0.016). The highest shear bond strength in both adhesives was observed at one month. Furthermore, the shear bond strength of Transbond XT light-cure adhesive one month after debonding showed a significant difference with the 24-h group without thermocycling (P = 0.000) and 24-h group with thermocycling (P = 0.000), as well as with the 2-month (P = 0.008), 4-month (P = 0.000), and 6-month groups (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Unite self-cure adhesive compared to Transbond XT light-cure adhesive has higher bond strength and is recommended for rebonding brackets in patients with multiple rebonds.

Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma on the Clinical Success of Alveolar Grafts in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the clinical success of alveolar grafts in patients with cleft lip and palate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this meta-analysis, a search of the literature was conducted in Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized clinical trials using PRP or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) along with autogenous bone for alveolar ridge grafts in patients with cleft lip and palate. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using Cochrane's risk of the bias assessment tool. The extracted data underwent meta-analysis using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Of a total of 2256 articles retrieved, 12 met the eligibility criteria and were enrolled; out of which 6 did not undergo meta-analysis due to heterogeneous data. The percentage of defects filled by bone graft was 0.648% (95% confidence interval: -0.15 to 1.45), which was not statistically significant ( P =0.115). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference based on the use of PRF or PRP ( P =0.28), type of cleft (unilateral/bilateral; P =0.56), or type of radiographic modality (3D/2D; P =0.190). Meta-regression analysis showed that the duration of follow-up and the difference in the mean age of patients did not have a significant effect on the results (R=0, I2: high). CONCLUSION: The application of PRP/PRF in combination with autogenous bone graft did not have a significant effect on the percentage of alveolar cleft filled by a bone graft. Future clinical studies are required to further elucidate the effect of PRP in the regeneration of alveolar clefts.

Comparison of Nasopharyngeal Airway Volume in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients With Normal Individuals Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

This study aimed to compare nasopharyngeal airway volume in cleft lip and palate patients with normal individuals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). In this cross-sectional study, 40 CBCT scans of 9 to 12-years-old patients were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: normal individuals (n=16), unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP, n=14) and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients (BCLP, n=10). Superior and middle pharyngeal airway volumes and nasal width were measured and compared between 3 groups. ANOVA and χ 2 tests were used for statistical comparison. P <0.05 was considered significant. Superior airway volume was not significantly different between the 3 groups ( P =0.36). However, there was a significant difference between the 3 groups regarding middle pharyngeal volume ( P =0.49) and nasal width ( P =0.021). There was not a significant difference in the upper and middle pharyngeal volume and also nasal width between the 2 sexes. Considering different dimensions of evaluation of the pharyngeal airway volume of cleft lip and palate patients, the evaluation of airway volume is essential during orthodontic or orthognathic surgical treatments that expand or protect the maxilla.

Age-Dependent Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Circummaxillary Sutures Maturation in Normal Population Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: Early Childhood Through Adolescence.

INTRODUCTION: Initiation time of dentofacial orthopedics is as important as the choice of treatment protocol. Morphology and degree of fusion of circummaxillary sutures differ in various populations; hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the exact age of ossification of the most important maxillary suture using cone-beam computed tomography to find the appropriate age to start orthopedic treatment. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This cross-sectional retrospective study was performed on 517 cone-beam computed tomography images of patients aged 6 to 18 years old. Patients with obvious pathology or fractures were excluded from the study. Two independent observers scored the radiographs. The ossification stage of the zygomatico-maxillary suture (ZMS) was classified into 5 stages and each suture was classified according to age and sex of the patients. Kendall Taub, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U test, and Bayesian analysis were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at P value < 0.05. RESULTS: In this study, 517 samples consisting of 260 females (50.3%) and 257 males (49.7%) with a mean age of 12.03 ± 3.74 years old were examined. A significant difference did not exist between the 2 sexes regarding the stages of ZMS ossification except for in stage E. The ZMS transitional stage from B to C was found to occur at the age of 11.8 in boys and 12.6 in girls. CONCLUSIONS: According to the transitional age of ZMS maturation from stage B to C, it seems that orthopedic treatments of the maxilla are not much effective after the age of 12. Therefore, the authors should start orthopedic treatment of the maxilla before the age of 12 in both sexes.

Biocompatibility of several colloidal solutions containing nanoparticles on human gingival fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: There is little information concerning the biocompatibility of mouthwashes containing metal nanoparticles. This study was conducted to assess the biocompatibility of colloidal solutions containing zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles compared with chlorhexidine (CHX) in a culture of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an in vitro, experimental study. Nanoparticles, including ZnO, CuO, TiO2, and Ag, were purchased and added to a water-based solution to produce mouthwashes. The colloidal solutions and CHX were prepared at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis. Cytotoxicity was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on HGFs at the concentrations of MIC, 0.1 MIC, and 0.01 MIC. To determine apoptosis, DNA fragmentation was assessed as "sub-G1" peak on DNA content histogram. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis at P < 0.05. RESULTS: At all concentrations, the highest and lowest mean of cell viability was related to TiO2 and ZnO groups, respectively. At MIC, the mean cell viability was significantly greater in the TiO2 group than the other groups (except the Ag group) (P < 0.05). At the concentration of 0.01 MIC, the mean cell viability in the colloidal solution containing ZnO nanoparticles was significantly lower than the other solutions (P < 0.05). The CHX and CuO-containing solution displayed the highest rate of apoptosis among the groups. CONCLUSION: The TiO2-containing solution can be suggested as a suitable alternative to CHX to provide antiseptic effects with minimal toxicity.

Anthropometric Parameters of Nasomaxillary Complex in 2, 4, 6, and 12-Month-Old Children as a Reference for Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstructive Surgery.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphology of the nasomaxillary complex of Iranian healthy infants of 2, 4, 6, and 12-month-old.In this cross-sectional study, 232 healthy Fars infants of 2, 4, 6, and 12-month-old referred to Mashhad health centers were evaluated. Photographic images were taken from the infants' frontal view at rest position. Anthropometric landmarks including width of the mouth, nose, columella, width and height of the philtrum, and height of the upper lip were measured by Photoshop software.The authors did not find any considerable differences in nasolabial morphology of Fars children between boys and girls, except for columellar width and the width of superior philtrum at all intervals. The mean columellar width decreased with increasing age in both sexes. The width of the lower philtrum decreased from 2 to 4 months in both sexes, but increased from 4 to 6 months. In girls, the mean height of the right and left philtrum and height of the upper lip increased by increasing age from 2 to 4 months. But it consistently reduced from 4 months to 6 and 12-month-old. In boys, the mean height of the right and left philtrum and height of the upper lip decreased from 2 to 4 months. It showed a mild increase from 4 to 6 months, and a relatively large reduction from 6 to 12 months.This study provides useful information for reconstructive surgeries of the nasolabial region in the population studied.

Do Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate Differ From Normal Individuals in Skeletal Maturity?

Orthopedic treatment to improve deficient maxillary growth of cleft lip and palate patients is an important part of treatment. The success of this treatment is strongly dependent on the time of initiation of therapy. There has been a large controversy in the available literature regarding the skeletal age of these patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the skeletal age of cleft lip and palate patients with normal individuals.37 unilateral and 14 bilateral cleft lip and palate patients and 47 healthy individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. The patients were classified into 8 to 10 and 11 to 14-year-old individuals. Cervical vertebral maturational stage of participants was evaluated in the lateral cephalometry. The skeletal age of cleft lip and palate patients was compared with normal controls. Chi-square was used for statistical analysis. There was not a significant difference in the skeletal developmental stage of unilateral and bilateral cleft compared to their normal peers according to their age and sex. Also, significant difference in skeletal maturational stage of cleft lip and palate patients was not found between boys and girls (P = 0.8). Similarly, no significant difference was found in the skeletal age of the 3 studied groups without considering the age and sex of participants (P = 0.5). Regarding the similar skeletal maturational stage of cleft lip and palate patients with normal controls in our study, their maxillofacial orthopedic treatment can be initiated at similar time to normal peers.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment for post-surgical lip scars in cleft lip and palate patients.

Post-surgical scars of cleft lip patients can lead to abnormal lip activity, which causes deficient maxillary growth. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of laser therapy on the appearance and electrical activity of the upper lip in cleft lip and palate patients. Twelve patients with cleft lip and palate participated in this study. All patients had surgically repaired the cleft lip at the age of about 3-6 months. The lip scars underwent five fractional CO2 laser treatment sessions with a 4-week interval. Improvement of the quality of the skin texture was recorded according to quartile grading scale based on photographs taken before and 1 month after treatment. Patients' satisfaction survey was also recorded using Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) before and after laser therapy. Moreover, the EMG activity of the upper lip muscle was measured before and after treatment. According to dermatologists, the improvement of scar appearance ranged from 0.5 to 3, with a mean of 1.29 ± 0.86. Mean scores of the scar appearance (p < 0.001), symptoms (p = 0.003), and scar consciousness (p < 0.001) subscales of the PSAQ questionnaire had significantly increased after treatment. The EMG recording of the upper lip had decreased significantly after laser treatment at rest (p = 0.009) and maximum lip compression (p = 0.007). The fractional CO2 laser is an effective method for treating old scars of the cleft lip with a significant change in the opinion of patients about their scar appearance. Also, the therapy can help to reduce the EMG activity of the upper lip at rest.

Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 Combined With Autogenous Bone Graft for Reconstruction of Alveolar Cleft.

Recombinant human bone morphogenic proteins (rhBMPs) have been introduced for reconstruction of alveolar defects. The volume of the bone formed at the cleft region may be related to rhBMP-2 dose. Greater side effects have been reported with increased doses of rhBMP-2. The aim of the present study was to assess the bone at the cleft area using low dose of rhBMP-2 combined with autogenous bone graft for reconstruction of the alveolar cleft. Patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate between the 11 to 14 years old were enrolled. After palatal expansion, autogenous graft was placed at the side of cleft in the control group (n = 6). In the BMP group, the rhBMP-2 was injected into the autogenous bone graft at the defect site (n = 5). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were taken of all patients immediately and 3 months after graft surgery to compare the density, thickness, and height of the bone graft between the 2 groups. Intermolar and interpremolar widths were also measured. The authors found less diminish of density and height of the bone graft 3 months postsurgery in patients with autogenous bone graft combined with rhBMP-2. However, significant difference in the relapse tendency of transverse dimension of the arch or thickness of the bone graft was not observed between the 2 groups. Thus, low dose rhBMP-2 combined with autogenous bone graft can be promising to reach predictable results after alveolar reconstruction in cleft lip and palate patients.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of Lactobacillus acidophilus by indocyanine green and 810-nm diode laser.

This study investigated the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using EmunDo as a photosensitizer against Lactobacillus acidophilus. A gallium aluminum arsenide diode laser was used in this experiment (810 nm, CW). Standard suspensions of Lactobacillus acidophilus were divided into six groups by treatment: 1) EmunDo, 2) diode laser (100 mW, 90 s), 3) diode laser (300 mW, 30 s); 4) EmunDo + diode laser (100 mW, 90 s), 5) EmunDo + diode laser (300 mW, 30 s), 6) control (no treatment). Bacterial suspensions from each group were subcultured onto the surface of MRS agar plates immediately and 24 h after treatment, and the viable microorganisms of Lactobacillus acidophilus were counted. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and student's t-test at p < 0.05. There was a significant between-group difference in the number of Lactobacillus acidophilus colonies in cell cultures obtained at 24 h after treatment (p < 0.001). The viable counts were significantly lower in EmunDo and both PDT groups, as compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). In the control and laser-irradiated groups, the number of colonies increased significantly at 24 h compared to the immediately after treatment (p < 0.05), whereas in both PDT groups, the number of colonies showed a significant reduction after 24 h of therapy (p < 0.05). Under the conditions used in this study, L. acidophilus colonies were susceptible to PDT after sensitization with EmunDo and exposure to diode laser. These findings imply that PDT is capable to reduce cariogenic bacteria, potentially leading to more conservative cavity preparation.

Parents' Perceptions of the Oral Health-related Quality of Life of their Autistic Children in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate parents' perception of the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of autistic children in Iran, and to determine the quality of life of their families in relation to child' oral health status. STUDY DESIGN: 70 families with at least one child with autism, and 70 families with normal children were enrolled. Parents' perceptions of the OHRQoL of children were assessed using pre-validated PedsQL oral health scale questionnaire. PedsQL Family Impact Module questionnaire was also used to evaluate the impact of having an autistic child on the quality of life of their families. Both of the questionnaires were filled by parents. Parents of children with autism spectrum filled a separate questionnaire for the sibling of the autistic child. In the control families, child-reported PedsQL oral health scale questionnaire was also filled by the child himself/herself. Mann-Whitney U-test, and chi-square were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean total score of PedsQL oral health scale questionnaire between autistics and controls. Parents of normal children reported more oral problems (p<0.001). There was not a significant difference in the mean total score of PedsQL Family Impact Module questionnaire between the families of autistics and controls in the last 7 and 30 days. CONCLUSION: According to parents' point of view, oral health-related quality of life of autistic children was better than normal children. However, parents of autistic children had more problems in the social and communication issues.

The Impact of Type-D Personality on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Cleft Lip and Palate Adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the oral health-related quality of life and type-D personality in cleft lip/palate (CLP) patients and the relationship between type-D personality and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in CLP patients. Fifty patients with CLP within age range from 8 to 15 years were chosen and asked to complete both Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHI) and Type-D scale (DS14) questionnaire. Moreover, the participants of a control group matched with CLP patients were asked to complete the DS14 questionnaire. A significant difference between boys and girls on the subscale "emotional well-being" of COHIP (P = 0.001) and a positive significant correlation between "oral symptoms" and age (P = 0.029) were found among CLP patients. The prevalence of type-D personality was equal between clefts and nonclefts groups. However, there was a significant relationship between type-D personality and OHRQoL in CLP patients regarding mean scores of overall COHIP and its subscales (P < 0.05). This study has shown that the personality type remains unchanged among cleft patients and a meaningful relationship exists between type-D personality and OHRQoL.

Characteristics of surface layer proteins from two new and native strains of Lactobacillus brevis.

In this work, some important characteristics of surface layer (S-layer) proteins extracted from two new and native Lactobacillus strains, L.brevis KM3 and L.brevis KM7, were investigated. The presence of S-layer on the external surface of L.brevis KM3 was displayed by thin sectioning and negative staining. SDS-PAGE analysis were shown same dominant protein bands approximately around 48kDa for both S-layer proteins. Moreover, the S-layer reappeared when LiCl treated cells were allowed to grow again. Protein secondary structure and thermal behavior were evaluated by using circular dichroism (CD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Both S-layer proteins had high content of ß-sheet and low amount of α-helix. The thermograms of lyophilized S-layer proteins of L.brevis KM3 and L.brevis KM7 showed one transition peak at 67.9°C and 59.14°C, respectively. To determine monodispersity of extracted S-layer proteins, dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used. The results indicated that the main population of S-layer molecules in two tested lactobacillus strains were composed of monomer with an expected diameter close to 10nm. Furthermore, Zeta potential measurements were showed positive potential for both S-layer proteins, as expected. Our results could be used as the basis for biotechnological applications of these two new S-layer proteins.

The effect of intrusive orthodontic force on dental pulp of adults versus adolescents.

BACKGROUND: There is no conclusive evidence on the effect of orthodontic force application on dental pulp tissue. The aim of this study was to compare early and delayed histological effects of intrusive forces on dental pulp of adolescents and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients referred to the Department of Orthodontics of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences participated in this study. They were assigned to adult (25-32-year-old) and adolescent (13-18-year-old) Groups. A cantilever spring made of 16 × 22 steel wire was used to apply intrusive force to upper first premolars (11 teeth in adolescents and 11 teeth in adults) and the opposing teeth were considered as control group. In each group, 6 pairs of teeth were extracted after one week, and the remaining 5 pairs were extracted after one month of intrusion. Histologic changes were compared between the control and intrusive groups and also between the adults and adolescents after 7 days and 1 month. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U-tests. P ≤ 0.05 was set as statistically significant. RESULTS: Significant difference was not found in any histological parameters between intrusive and control groups 1 week and 1 month after intrusion in adolescents and adults (P > 0.05). One month after intrusion, inflammatory cell response intensity (P = 0.032) and frequency of chronic inflammation (P = 0.032) were significantly higher in adults compared to adolescents. CONCLUSION: Mild intrusive force in closed apex teeth causes no significant histologic changes in adolescents and adults. However, it seems that inflammatory-related histologic pulpal changes are more severe in adults after one month of intrusion.

Treatment Approach for Maxillary Hypoplasia in Cleft Patients: Class III Elastics with Skeletal Anchorage (Report of Two Cases).

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of cleft lip and palate patients requires a multidisciplinary plan. These patients usually have a hypoplastic maxilla due to the prior surgical scars. Orthognathic surgery to advance the maxilla in these patients is not very efficient; therefore, orthopedic interventions during an appropriate age seems to be essential. CASE REPORT: In this article, two cleft lip and palate patients have been treated with Class III elastics anchored to the maxillary posterior and mandibular anterior miniplates in order to induce maxillary advancement. CONCLUSION: Both cases showed a significant improvement in their profiles with minimal dentoalveolar compensations. A counterclockwise rotation of the mandible occurred.

Maxillary Protraction With Intermaxillary Elastics to Miniplates Versus Bone-Anchored Face-Mask Therapy in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cleft lip and palate patients usually have deficient maxilla due to postsurgical scars. The aim this study was to compare the effectiveness of miniplates-anchored face-mask therapy versus intermaxillary elastics to miniplates for maxillary traction in cleft lip and palate patients. METHODS: This clinical trial included 11 prepubertal patients with cleft lip and palate. Initially, a w-arch expander was cemented and activated 3 mm per month to overcorrect the crossbite. Then, the patients were divided into 2 groups: mini-plate-anchored face-mask (n = 5): 2 miniplates were placed in the maxilla and the patients were instructed to wear a face-mask for 12 to 14 hours/per day. Intermaxillary elastics to miniplates (n = 6): 2 miniplates were inserted in the maxilla; 1 on each side and 2 miniplates were placed in the anterior mandible on both sides. Intermaxillary elastics with a force of 250 g per side were attached to the hooks. Cephalometric parameters before treatment (T1) and after achieving positive overjet (T2) were compared between the 2 groups. Fisher exact, paired, and independent t tests were used for statistical comparison. RESULTS: At T1 or T2 there was not a significant difference between the 2 groups in the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue variables. CONCLUSION: According to results of our preliminary study, intermaxillary elastics to miniplates might have a promising effect as an alternative for face mask therapy in maxillary protraction of cleft lip and palate patients.

Can Dermatoglyphics Be Used as a Marker for Predicting Future Malocclusions?

INTRODUCTION: Dermal ridges and craniofacial structures form from the same embryonic tissues during the same embryonic period. Thus, this might indicate a possible association between dermatoglyphics and facial skeletal disorders, such as malocclusions. Early diagnosis of skeletal malocclusions sometimes can prevent future surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the dermatoglyphic characteristics of different malocclusions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 323 patients who were referred to Orthodontic Department of Mashhad Dental School were recruited. The participants were classified into three groups according to Angle's classification, i.e., Skeletal Class 1 (n = 163), Skeletal Class 2 (n = 111), and Skeletal Class 3 (n = 49). For all participants, we recorded the total ridge counts of each finger (TRC), atd angles, a-b ridge counts, and types of fingerprint patterns. Right- and left-hand asymmetry scores were calculated. The chi-squared test was used to compare the dissimilarity of the types of patterns for each finger. Asymmetry of other parameters was analyzed statistically using the ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests. P-values greater than 0.05 were considered to be significant. RESULTS: A significant difference was determined between Class I and Class III patients in terms of left a-b ridge count (p=0.049). Loop was the most frequent pattern in the three groups, whereas the arch pattern occurred with the lowest frequency. No significant difference was found in the other parameters that were studied. CONCLUSION: Although there were some slight differences in dermatoglyphic peculiarities of different skeletal malocclusions, most of the palm and fingerprint characteristics failed to indicate any significant differences.

Comparison of esthetics perception and satisfaction of facial profile among male adolescents and adults with different profiles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate esthetics perception and satisfaction of the facial profile among Iranian male adolescents and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, male subjects referred to Orthodontic Department of Mashhad Dental School were enrolled (n = 84) and were divided into two groups: Adolescents (n = 39), and adults (n = 45). They were also assigned to straight, convex, or concave profile groups based on the facial profile angle (G-Sn-Pog'). An ideal silhouette of the lower facial profile was designed in Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 software (Kansas, USA). Then, eight other silhouettes representing different relations of the maxilla and mandible were constructed. Patients were asked to use numbers 1-10 to rank the facial profiles in the order of the attractiveness, and choose a silhouette that best closely resembled their own profile. Moreover, using a questionnaire patients were asked to rank their satisfaction with their profile, and asked to assign a number (1-5) to each question as follows; one represented the least satisfaction, while five reflected the highest satisfaction. RESULTS: Adult and adolescent subjects with straight (adults: 12.0 ± 1.9, adolescents: 12.8 ± 1.05) and concave (adults: 10.0 ± 2.14, adolescents: 10.0 ± 2.08) profile showed the highest and the least satisfaction with their own profile, respectively. Both adult and adolescent group selected "retrognathic maxilla, prognathic mandible" as the least attractive profile. Overall, "straight" and "bimaxillary dentoalveolar retrusion" were chosen as the most attractive silhouettes in adolescent and adults, respectively. In comparison to a professional opinion (clinician ranking), 42.9% of adolescents and 22% of adults were able to correctly diagnose their own profiles type. CONCLUSION: Most of the male adolescents and especially adults diagnosis of their own profile differed with a professional assessment.

Assessment of Depression Prevalence and Its Relation With Interleukin 18 One Year After Renal Transplantation.

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for many patients with end-stage renal disease. Because there is little information about depression after kidney transplantation, we investigated frequency and determinant factors of depression and also its association with interleukin (IL)-18. Kidney transplant recipients were investigated between January 2011 and February 2013. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI, BDI-II). We investigated the relationship between 1-year posttransplantation depression and all-cause mortality, acute kidney injury, and serum creatinine 1, 3, and 12 months after transplantation. Furthermore, the association of depression with IL-18 biomarker was recorded 1 year after transplantation. A total of 74 patients (age: 37.06 ± 16.2 years; 59.5% male) were enrolled in this study 1 year after transplantation. Nineteen (25.6%), 2 (2.7%), and 1 (1.3%) of them experienced mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively. IL-18 biomarker (independent variable) was significantly associated with depression 1 year after transplantation. Our data suggested that IL-18 level increased significantly in renal transplant patients with depression.