Burning Mouth Syndrome Treated with Low-Level Laser and Clonazepam: A Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by intraoral burning or dysaesthetic sensation, with the absence of any identifiable lesions. Numerous treatments for BMS have been investigated, though without conclusive results. An analysis was conducted of the efficacy of treatment with a low-level diode laser and clonazepam in patients with BMS, and a study was carried out on the levels of different salivary biomarkers before and after treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was carried out involving 89 patients divided into the following groups: group 1 (laser, The Helbo® Theralite Laser 3D Pocket Probe + clonazepam) (n = 20), group 2 (sham laser placebo) (n = 19), group 3 (laser) (n = 21) and group 4 (clonazepam) (n = 18). Symptom intensity was scored based on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Sialometry was performed before and after treatment, and the Xerostomia Inventory, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaires were administered. The following markers were measured in saliva samples: interleukins (IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL1ß, IL10, IL12, IL13, IL17, IL21 and IL23), proteins (MIP-3α, MIP-1α and MIP-1ß), GM-CSF, interferon gamma (IFNγ), interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (ITAC), fractalkine and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). RESULTS: A significant decrease in the VAS scores was observed after treatment in group 1 (laser + clonazepam) (p = 0.029) and group 3 (laser) (p = 0.005). In turn, group 3 (laser) showed a decrease in the salivary concentration of fractalkine (p = 0.025); interleukins IL12 (p = 0.048), IL17 (p = 0.020), IL21 (p = 0.008), IL7 (p = 0.001) and IL8 (p = 0.007); proteins MIP1α (p = 0.048) and MIP1ß (p = 0.047); and TNFα (p = 0.047) versus baseline. Following treatment, group 1 (laser + clonazepam) showed significant differences in IL21 (p = 0.045) and IL7 (p = 0.009) versus baseline, while group 4 (clonazepam) showed significant differences in IL13 (p = 0.036), IL2 (p = 0.020) and IL4 (p = 0.001). No significant differences were recorded in group 2 (sham laser placebo). CONCLUSIONS: The low-level diode laser is a good treatment option in BMS, resulting in a decrease in patient symptoms and in salivary biomarkers. However, standardization of the intervention protocols and laser intensity parameters is needed in order to draw more firm conclusions.

Survival among treated tongue cancer patients: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To describe overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a cohort of tongue cancer patients, together with the corresponding demographic, tumor and surgical characteristics. METHODS: A retrospective study was made of 205 consecutive patients with primary tongue cancer subjected to surgery and adjuvant therapy according to the stage of the disease, in Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HUVA) (Murcia, Spain) during the period 2000-2020. Survival was evaluated based on the Kaplan-Meier method, and the existence of significant differences between the different study variables was analyzed using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed for the identification of risk factors. RESULTS: In relation to overall survival, 72.6% of the patients survived for a mean time of 14.43 years [standard error (SE) = 0.74; 95% CI: 12.98-15.87], with a cumulative survival rate of 49.8 ± 3%. Survival was reduced by the presence of tumor adjacent to resection margins [hazard ratio (HR) 2.20; 95% CI 1.09-4.43] (p = 0.028) and infiltrated resection margins (HR 3.86, 95% CI 1.56-9.57) (p = 0.004). Lymphadenectomy in turn increased survival (HR 0.15; 95% CI 0.06-0.42) (p < 0.001). In relation to disease-free survival, 55.3% of the patients suffered no relapse over a mean period of 9.91 years (SE = 0.66; 95% CI: 8.61-11.2), with a cumulative survival rate of 26.6% ± 8.4%. CONCLUSIONS: In tongue cancer patients, overall and specific survival were reduced in the presence of infiltrated resection margins. Lymphadenectomy in turn improved survival compared with patients in which this procedure was not carried out.

Experiences, perceptions, and decision-making capacity towards oral biopsy among dental students and dentists.

The dentist plays a crucial role in identifying oral lesions as it is their responsibility to conduct the clinical examination for diagnosing diseases in this anatomical region. Dentists should be able to perform simple oral biopsies when this procedure is necessary. However, several studies point out that dentists lack experience and perceive themselves incapable of performing biopsies. This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to assess participants' experiences and perceptions regarding a continuing education activity focused on the biopsy procedure. The secondary aim was to evaluate their ability to determine when a biopsy is indicated. The sample consisted of 228 individuals: 143 dentists and 85 undergraduate dental students who completed questionnaires related to a lecture held in May/2021, as part of the continuing educational activities of the "Red May" Project. Participants completed two questionnaires: the first assessed their experience and self-confidence in performing oral biopsies, whereas the second evaluated their capacity to define when the biopsy is indicated by means the evaluation of 10 clinical cases. The results reveal no significant difference in the percentage of correct answers between dental students and dentists. Regarding the frequency of performing the biopsy procedure, most respondents (69.7%) reported doing so rarely or never. Furthermore, while 31.6% of the participants stated that they perform biopsies depending on the case, 68.4% prefer to refer patients to specialists, such as professionals in Stomatology/Oral Medicine. These findings highlight limitations in the educational preparation of the study population concerning biopsy procedures, oral lesions, and their management. They also indicate a concerning tendency to overestimate knowledge in this area. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of continuing education and underscores the need to revise academic curricula and provide complementary education for all dental professionals.

Preliminary Evaluation Salivary Biomarkers in Patients with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD): A Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are lesions associated with an increased risk of transformation (MT) into cancer. OBJECTIVE: A study was made of the salivary levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA), ferritin (FRR) and total proteins (TP) in healthy individuals and in patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), assessing the potential role of saliva as a diagnostic tool. METHODS: A total of 91 subjects participated in the study, divided into two groups-59 patients with OPMD (oral leukoplakia or oral lichen planus) and 32 healthy controls-with measurements being made of salivary ADA, ferritin (FRR) and total proteins (TP). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in salivary mean ADA between the OPMD group 0.85 ± 2.18 UI/I and the controls 0.71 ± 1.72 UI/I (p = 0.934), though the levels of both FRR mean OPMD, 12.66 ± 10.50 (µg/L), versus control, 7.19 ± 4.44 (p = 0.001), and TP, 23.41 ± 17, versus control, 14.15 ± 15.19, were significantly higher in the OPMD group (p = 0.001). Patients with oral lichen planus showed significant differences in terms of FRR (p = 0.009) and TP (p = 0.003). The ferritin in LPO with a cut-off point of 8.5C showed a sensitivity and specificity of 54.3% and 82.3, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.69 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.58-0.82; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Ferritin and total proteins may constitute potential salivary biomarkers for oral lichen planus, though further studies are still needed in this field. In addition, saliva testing is a reliable and noninvasive diagnostic tool and appears to be a reliable strategy offering an interesting alternative for the screening of large populations.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves the biocompatibility of bone substitutes in dental pulp stem cells.

BACKGROUND: The Biocompatibility between osteoprogenitor cells and bone substitutes is necessary for cell differentiation and osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro effect of bovine (Geistlich BioOss®), porcine (OsteoBiol Gen-Os®) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (Cerasorb M®) bone substitutes, and their combination with polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), upon cultured dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). METHODS: The DPSCs were isolated from third molars extracted from healthy individuals and seeded with 5 mg/ml of Bio-Oss® (BO), Gen-Os® (GO) and Cerasorb® (CE) in combination with EGCG 1 µM. The effects were evaluated based on cell viability / cytotoxicity assay (MTT, cell viability staining test), cell migration, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. RESULTS: BO and CE produced negative effects upon cell viability and migration, and GO and CE resulted in deficient cell adhesion. On the other hand, all the biomaterials exerted no negative effects upon ALP activity. Interestingly, the addition of EGCG reverted the cytotoxic effect and the loss of migration capacity in the BO and CE groups, and improved cell adhesion in the GO and CE groups. Furthermore, EGCG promoted an overall increased in ALP activity. CONCLUSION: The addition of EGCG to the tested biomaterials BO, GO and CE reverts their negative impact on DPSCs, and improves their biocompatibility with cultured DPSCs. The use of EGCG, thus, appears to be a promising strategy for restoring and enhancing the osteoconductive properties of BO, GO and CE in bone regeneration treatments.

Effect of Photobiomodulation on Atrophic-Erosive Clinical Forms of Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Oral lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown origin, characterized by various clinical forms of which the atrophic-erosive causes patients the greatest symptomatology. For this reason, there are different treatments that improve the associated signs and symptoms. One of these therapies is photobiomodulation (PBM), which, although new, has a high level of acceptance in dentistry based on evidence. However, there are inconsistent results in its application against lichen planus. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation and its effectiveness as a therapeutic alternative for atrophic-erosive lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The databases PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies investigating the photobiomodulation treatment in atrophic-erosive lesions of oral lichen planus. A total of 294 articles were identified, published between 2017 and 2022, and then evaluated; 7 articles that met all the inclusion criteria were included in this study. RESULTS: The type of laser light source used in PBM was the diode laser (four cases), the Nd-YAG laser at the same wavelength of 1064 nm (two cases) and the He-Ne laser (one case). The minimum and maximum wavelengths used were 630 nm and 1064 nm, respectively. Most studies used lesions treated with topical corticosteroids as a control group. The follow-up times of the studies were highly variable. CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation is a treatment that competently combats oral lichen planus lesions by improving signs and symptoms, with no known adverse reactions so far, which makes it more beneficial compared to more conventional therapies, such as corticosteroids, for which side effects have been found.

Recurrence of Oral Leukoplakia after CO2 Laser Resection: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of CO2 laser treatment in oral leukoplakia and to analyse the recurrence rate of oral leukoplakia lesions at 18-month follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective clinical study regarding CO2 laser treatment for oral leukoplakia was conducted, in which 39 patients with a total of 53 oral leukoplakias were included. Follow-up was performed at 18 months post-surgery and the following variables were studied: sex, age, associated risk factors, clinical classification, size, location and presence of epithelial dysplasia, recurrence, and rate of malignant transformation after resection. RESULTS: In the analysis of the final results 18 months after baseline, a treatment success rate of 43.75% was observed. Oral leukoplakia recurred in 54.17% of cases, and 2.08% of leukoplakias progressed to cancer. Among all the studied variables (age, tobacco use, size, location, clinical type or histology), no significant differences were found with regard to recurrence. CONCLUSION: The use of CO2 laser therapy to treat leukoplakia lesions is sufficient to remove such lesions. However, parameters that can assess recurrence need to be sought.

Naturally-Occurring Bioactives in Oral Cancer: Preclinical and Clinical Studies, Bottlenecks and Future Directions.

Oral cancer (OC) is the eighth most common cancer, particularly prevalent in developing countries. Current treatment includes a multidisciplinary approach, involving chemo, radio, and immunotherapy and surgery, which depends on cancer stage and location. As a result of the side effects of currently available drugs, there has been an increasing interest in the search for naturally-occurring bioactives for treating all types of cancer, including OC. Thus, this comprehensive review aims to give a holistic view on OC incidence and impact, while highlights the preclinical and clinical studies related to the use of medicinal plants for OC prevention and the recent developments in bioactive synthetic analogs towards OC management. Chemoprophylactic therapies connect the use of natural and/or synthetic molecules to suppress, inhibit or revert the transformation of oral epithelial dysplasia (DOK) into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Novel searches have underlined the promising role of plant extracts and phytochemical compounds, such as curcumin, green tea extract, resveratrol, isothiocyanates, lycopene or genistein against this malignancy. However, poor bioavailability and lack of in vivo and clinical studies and complex pharmacokinetic profiles limit their huge potential of application. However, recent nanotechnological and related advances have shown to be promising in improving the bioavailability, absorption and efficacy of such compounds.

Response to Treatment with Melatonin and Clonazepam versus Placebo in Patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome.

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of melatonin and clonazepam versus placebo in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Methods: a prospective double-blind study was carried out in patients with BMS and randomized to three groups: melatonin (1 mg once a day), clonazepam (0.5 mg/twice a day), or a placebo once a day, for 8 weeks. The clinical changes were evaluated, including xerostomia, the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) score, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Oxygen saturation and heart rate were recorded, with an analysis of salivary biomarkers in the forms of oxytocin, ferritin, adenosine deaminase (ADA), total proteins, and alpha-amylase. Results: a total of 64 patients were analyzed. A significant decrease in burning sensation was recorded with melatonin (7.8 ± 1.54 pre-treatment, 5.78 ± 2.54 post-treatment; p < 0.001) and clonazepam (8.75 ± 1.2 pre-treatment, 5.5 ± 3.6 post-treatment (p < 0.01). With regard to quality of life (OHIP-14), significant improvements were observed before and after the administration of melatonin (p < 0.001) and clonazepam (p = 0.001). On the other hand, with regard to the changes in salivary biomarkers following treatment, negative correlations were found between oxytocin and drainage (r = −0.410; p = 0.009) and between the HADS-D score and ferritin (r = −0.312; p = 0.05). While salivary amylase showed positive correlation with heart rate (r = 0.346; p = 0.029) and oxygen saturation (r = 0.419; p = 0.007). Conclusions: melatonin and clonazepam were shown to be effective at reducing the burning sensation and improving quality of life. Both drugs were found to be safe, with no major adverse effects in patients with BMS. Melatonin may be regarded as an alternative treatment for patients with BMS, though further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

The Effect of an Informative Video upon Anxiety and Stress in Patients Requiring an Oral Biopsy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The use of multimedia tools improves patient understanding of surgical procedures, reduces anxiety and increases satisfaction. The present study evaluates the impact of an audiovisual intervention (video) upon anxiety and stress in patients requiring an oral biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial was carried out in patients requiring an oral biopsy. The control group (n = 60) received verbal standard information while the experimental group (n = 60) received information in the form of a video. The following data were recorded: gender, age, educational level and hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen saturation). The following questionnaires were used to assess anxiety and stress before and after the biopsy procedure: Corah's Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: The final study sample consisted of 120 patients, of which 65.8% were women and 34.2% men, with a mean age of 40.5 ± 15.3 years. At the end of the study, the experimental group presented a significantly lower MDAS score than the control group (p = 0.041). The STAI score also showed a significant decrease with respect to the control group at the end of the study (p = 0.012). There were no statistically significant changes in the hemodynamic parameters in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The video constituted a useful and easy tool for reducing anxiety among patients requiring an oral biopsy.

Natural Coumarins: Exploring the Pharmacological Complexity and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms.

Coumarins belong to the benzopyrone family commonly found in many medicinal plants. Natural coumarins demonstrated a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, antibacterial, antimalarial, casein kinase-2 (CK2) inhibitory, antifungal, antiviral, Alzheimer's disease inhibition, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, phytoalexins, ulcerogenic, and antihypertensive. There are very few studies on the bioavailability of coumarins; therefore, further investigations are necessitated to study the bioavailability of different coumarins which already showed good biological activities in previous studies. On the evidence of varied pharmacological properties, the present work presents an overall review of the derivation, availability, and biological capacities of coumarins with further consideration of the essential mode of their therapeutic actions. In conclusion, a wide variety of coumarins are available, and their pharmacological activities are of current interest thanks to their synthetic accessibility and riches in medicinal plants. Coumarins perform the valuable function as therapeutic agents in a range of medical fields.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Early Diagnosis of Oral Cancer. A Scoping Review.

The early diagnosis of cancer can facilitate subsequent clinical patient management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been found to be promising for improving the diagnostic process. The aim of the present study is to increase the evidence on the application of AI to the early diagnosis of oral cancer through a scoping review. A search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar databases during the period from January 2000 to December 2020, referring to the early non-invasive diagnosis of oral cancer based on AI applied to screening. Only accessible full-text articles were considered. Thirty-six studies were included on the early detection of oral cancer based on images (photographs (optical imaging and enhancement technology) and cytology) with the application of AI models. These studies were characterized by their heterogeneous nature. Each publication involved a different algorithm with potential training data bias and few comparative data for AI interpretation. Artificial intelligence may play an important role in precisely predicting the development of oral cancer, though several methodological issues need to be addressed in parallel to the advances in AI techniques, in order to allow large-scale transfer of the latter to population-based detection protocols.

Estimation of serum and salivary matrix metalloproteinase levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pivotal role in the cancer progression, invasion, and angiogenesis. AIM: This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the difference between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and healthy controls in the serum and salivary MMP levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four databases - Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library - were searched up to March 2019. The pooled standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained to explain the difference between the patients and controls in the salivary and serum MMP levels. Both Egger's and Begg's tests were considered as the significant publication bias. RESULTS: Thirteen case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among the analyses of serum MMP levels, the serum MMP7 (SMD = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.15-1.41; p = 0.02) and MMP9 (SMD = 1.18; 95% CI: 0.51-1.84; p = 0.0005) levels were significantly higher in the OSCC patients than in the controls. In addition, the analyses of salivary MMP levels showed that the MMP1 (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.22-0.70; p = 0.0001) and MMP9 (SMD = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.19-1.12; p = 0.005) levels were significantly higher in the OSCC patients than in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis showed that the serum MMP7 and MPP9 levels as well as the salivary MMP1 and MPP9 levels were significantly higher in the OSCC patients than in the controls.

Assembling a consensus on actinic cheilitis: A Delphi study.

AIMS: To discuss the terminology to define and classify actinic cheilitis (AC) and to build a consensus on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to AC. METHODS: Two-round Delphi study using a questionnaire including 34 closed sentences (9 on terminology and taxonomy, 5 on potential for malignant transformation, 12 on diagnostic aspects, 8 on treatment) and 8 open questions. Experts' agreement was rated using a Likert scale (1-7). RESULTS: A consensus was reached on 24 out 34 statements (73.5%) and on 5 out of 8 (62.5%) close-ended questions. The response rate was identical in both rounds (attrition of 0%). AC is the term with the highest agreement (median of 7 (strongly agree; IQR: 6-7)) and the lowest dispersion (VC = 21.33). 'Potentially malignant disorder' was the preferred classification group for AC (median of 7) and 85.6% of participants showing some level of agreement (CV < 50). Experts (66.75%) consider AC a clinical term (median: 7; IQR: 4-7) and believe definitive diagnosis can be made clinically (median: 6; IQR: 5-7), particularly by inspection and palpation (median: 5; IQR: 4-6). Histopathological confirmation is mandatory for the management of AC (median: 5; IQR: 2.5-7), even for homogeneous lesions (median: 5; IQR: 3.5-6). Consensus was reached on all treatment statements (VC < 50). CONCLUSIONS: AC is a potentially malignant disorder with a significant lack of agreement on diagnostic criteria, procedures, biopsy indications and the importance of techniques to assist in biopsy. A consensus was reached on nomenclature and management of this disorder.

Effect of mesoporous silica and its combination with hydroxyapatite on the regeneration of rabbit's bone defects: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Bone volume augmentation is a routine technique used in oral implantology and periodontology. Advances in the surgical techniques and the biomaterials field have allowed a greater accessibility to these treatments. Nevertheless, dehiscence and fenestrations incidence during dental implant procedures are still common in patients with bone loss. OBJECTIVE: The main objective is to evaluate in a pilot experimental study the biological response to mesoporous silica (MS) hybrid scaffolds and its regenerative capacity in different formulations. METHODS: Two defects per rabbit tibia were performed (one for control and other for test) and the biomaterials tested in this study have been used to fill the bone defects, prepared in two different formulations (3D hybrid scaffolds or powdered material, in 100% pure MS form, or 50% MS with 50% hydroxyapatite (HA). Euthanasia was performed 4 months after surgery for bone histopathological study and radiographic images were acquired by computerized microtomography. RESULTS: Results showed that radiographically and histopathologically pure MS formulations lead to a lower biological response, e.g when formulated with HA, the osteogenic response in terms of osteoconduction was greater. CONCLUSIONS: We observed tolerance and lack of toxicity of the MS and HA, without registering any type of local or systemic allergic reaction.

Salivary biomarkers in breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

AIM: The objective was to evaluate the diagnostic value of salivary biomarkers in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out of 91 consecutive breast cancer patients and 60 controls without neoplastic disease. Demographic data were recorded, along with the Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD), risk for development periodontal diseases questionnaire and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores, and the TNM classification and stage of the primary tumor. Unstimulated basal saliva samples were collected and stored at - 80 °C until analysis. RESULTS: The mean salivary CA125 concentration was 102.1 pg/ml in the control group and 267.6 pg/ml in the breast cancer group (p = 0.005). The soluble Fas (sFas) concentration in turn was 84.1 pg/ml and 145.9 pg/ml, respectively (p = 0.008). None of the biomarkers was related to questionnaire-assessed risk for development of periodontal diseases. The area under the ROC curve was 0.68 for CA125 (95% CI, 0.05-0.56) and 0.67 for sFas (95% CI, 0.08-0.55). CONCLUSIONS: The salivary biomarkers CA125 and sFas appear to be promising tools in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Volumetric study of the maxillary sinus in patients with sinus pathology.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is 1) to obtain the area and volumes of the maxillary sinuses in patients affected by clinically unilateral sinus pathology by comparing the results to the contralateral sinus and 2) to determine the importance of the volumetric measures when diagnosing the percentage of sinus obliteration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-centre observational retrospective clinical study was conducted in 214 patients with clinically unilateral sinus pathologies. Linear (mm), area (mm2) and volume (mm3) measurements were taken from Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of the affected sinus as well as from the contralateral ones. Histopathological study was performed using haematoxylin/eosin and PAS or Groccot stains. The lesions were classified into non-specific sinusitis, polyps, inverted papilloma, fungal sinusitis, cysts, mucocele and other lesions. Chi-squared test, ANOVA for independent samples and Pearson test were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 100 sinuses were measured in 50 patients (28 men and 22 women, with an age of 43.6 years (SD = 18.3), 50 pathological and 50 healthy contralateral sinuses. The three-dimensional occupation volume of the affected sinuses was 97.1 mm3 (62.5%) vs. 40.6 mm3 (22.8%) in the healthy ones (p<0.0001). The medial-lateral width of the sinus in the frontal plane was significantly higher in the cysts group (32.4 mm, CI: 23-41.8 mm). CONCLUSION: In medical terms, the global percentage of occupation determined using the classic manual determination method does not differ from the three-dimensional percentage calculated using specific complex software.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Reducing Anxiety in Patients with Potentially Malignant Oral Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a music intervention upon anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate in adult patients with potentially malignant oral disorders. METHODS: Eighty consecutive adults (mean age: 68.3 years) consulting a Unit of Oral Medicine (Murcia Spain) were randomized to a study group (n = 40) that listened to music through headphones during 10 minutes or to a control group (n = 40). Corah's dental anxiety score, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation (oximetry), skin temperature, and salivation were recorded at different timepoints before and after patient consultation. RESULTS: Significant pre- versus post-consultation reductions were observed in blood pressure (p < 0.001) and heart rate (p < 0.001), though not in temperature, salivation, and oxygen saturation (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the study group and the controls (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The applied music intervention had no apparent effect upon anxiety. Further studies using different music intervention strategies and/or analytic parameters are needed to explore the benefits of this approach to decreasing anxiety.