Radiographic evaluation of dental anomalies in patients with congenital Zika virus syndrome

Abstract: Numerous studies have reported abnormalities in the development of oral structures in congenital infections that also involve microcephaly. In this context, it is necessary to identify possible dental anomalies of shape and/or number in patients with Zika virus syndrome using radiography. The study population consisted of 35 children born with congenital ZIKV who underwent intraoral radiographic examinations for 24 consecutive months. A modified periapical technique was performed in an occlusal position for the maxilla and mandible. Categorical data were expressed as absolute and percentage frequencies and compared using Pearson's Chi-square test, with a 95% confidence interval. Of the entire sample, eight children (22.8%) had dental anomalies of shape and/or number, and four children (11.4%) presented with both anomalies, with agenesis of the upper and lower deciduous/permanent incisors and dental form modifications, such as microdontia and anomalous cusps. When we considered age and sex, there was no statistically significant difference between patients who presented with agenesis and those who presented with modifications. Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome were more likely to have dental modifications in the number and shape of their teeth, and it is essential to implement medium- to long-term monitoring to diagnose other possible alterations throughout the development of the mixed and permanent dentition, favoring their treatment.

Effect of homeopathy in the function and morphology of salivary parotid glands of irradiated rats / Efeito da homeopatia na função e morfologia das glândulas parótidas de ratos irradiados

Objective: To evaluate the radioprotective effect of a homeopathic solution in salivary function and parotid glands morphology of irradiated rats. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 150 rats randomly divided into 6 groups. The groups were named based on the substance administered: Control- saline solution; Irradiated Control- saline solution and 15 Gy of X radiation; Alcohol-hydroalcoholic solution dynamized at 15 CH; Irradiated Alcohol- hydroalcoholic solution dynamized at 15 CH and 15 Gy of X radiation; Homeopathy- 0.25 ml (1mL/kg) of the irradiated hydroalcoholic solution and dynamized at 15 CH; Irradiated homeopathy- homeopathic solution and 15 Gy of X radiation. Each group was subdivided into 5 different subgroups, based on the time point of euthanasia: 12 hours, 3, 10, 17, and 24 days. The medication was administered for 7 days before and 7 days after the radiation treatment. On the day of euthanasia, salivation was induced with pilocarpine and collected. The animals were then sacrificed and the parotid glands were removed. Results: Salivary function analysis showed that only group irradiated homeopathy euthanized on day 17 had a statistically significant difference when compared to other irradiated groups, presenting a higher salivation flow rate. The only group that showed a statistically significant difference in the number of acini over time was the irradiated alcohol group, which presented a tendency of reduction. Conclusion: The homeopathic solution presented a late radioprotective effect based on salivary function and morphological analysis of the parotid gland.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito radioprotetor de uma solução homeopática na função salivar e na morfologia das glândulas parótidas de ratos irradiados. Materiais e Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 150 ratos divididos aleatoriamente em 6 grupos. Os grupos foram nomeados com base na substância administrada: solução salina controle; Solução salina controle irradiada e 15 Gy de radiação X; Solução álcool-hidroalcoólica dinamizada a 15 CH; Solução hidroalcoólica de álcool irradiado dinamizada a 15 CH e 15 Gy de radiação X; Homeopatia - 0,25 ml (1mL / kg) da solução hidroalcoólica irradiada e dinamizada a 15 CH; Homeopatia irradiada - solução homeopática e 15 Gy de radiação X. Cada grupo foi subdividido em 5 subgrupos diferentes, com base no tempo da eutanásia: 12 horas, 3, 10, 17 e 24 dias. O medicamento foi administrado por 7 dias antes e 7 dias após o tratamento com radiação. No dia da eutanásia, a salivação foi induzida com pilocarpina e coletada. Os animais foram então sacrificados e as glândulas parótidas foram removidas. Resultados: A análise da função salivar mostrou que apenas a homeopatia irradiada por grupo sacrificada no dia 17 apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante quando comparada a outros grupos irradiados, apresentando maior taxa de fluxo de salivação. O único grupo que apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante no número de ácinos ao longo do tempo foi o grupo álcool irradiado, o qual apontou uma tendência de redução. Conclusão: A solução homeopática apresentou efeito radioprotetor tardio baseado na função salivar e na análise morfológica da glândula parótida.

Internal configuration of maxillary molars in a subpopulation of Brazil's Northeast region: A CBCT analysis

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the internal configuration of the maxillary molars of a population from the Northeast region of Brazil. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams from 512 patients (1501 teeth) were evaluated regarding the anatomical configuration of the root canal system, according to Vertucci's classification. The images were obtained using a Prexion 3D scanner operating at 90 kVp and 4 mA. The voxel size was 0.125 mm and the cut thickness was 1 mm. The images were then analyzed in the Prexion 3D Viewer software. The data were analyzed statistically by Pearson's chi-square test, with 5% of significance. The first and second molars presented three roots in 99.14% and 87.27% of the cases, respectively. In relation to the number of canals, the first and second molars had a significantly higher frequency of three and four root canals respectively, presenting a higher prevalence of types I and II (p < 0.001). The second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) was observed in 48.21% and 22.72% of the first and second molars, respectively (p < 0.001). The identification of the MB2 canal was greater in young and adult patients (p < 0.001), presenting a higher prevalence in male patients (p < 0.001). The internal configuration of the MB root was influenced by gender and by age, presenting a higher prevalence of the MB2 in male patients younger than 50 years of age.