Cameriere's open apices methodology for dental age estimation in children: a scoping review from a Latin American perspective.

Dental age estimation (DAE) is key to establishing an individual's identity, and this is relevant in minors. A widely used method for DAE in children is Cameriere's open apices (CAM). Despite its wide dissemination, there are no clear reports of its use in Latin American populations. A scoping review was conducted using a search strategy in the PubMed/MEDLINE database, Web of Science, and a complementary manual search. Only papers using CAM or its regression equation models for evaluating Latin American populations were included. Ten studies published between 2007 and 2020 responded to the search objective. Brazil was the country with the most studies using CAM (7/10), and the University of Macerata (Italy) was the most declared affiliation (6/10). Seven studies used the original CAM formula in populations from Brazil and Peru, while the European formula (EuCAM) was applied in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. Although the method underestimated the age values with acceptable error margins, the correction factor substantially improved the predictive power of the method. Some limitations of the method are highlighted. CAM and its variants can be useful for validation in Latin American settings, but attention to population structures and terminologies is suggested for future research.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes of dopaminergic pathways are associated with bruxism.

OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to evaluate the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dopaminergic pathway genes (DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, DRD5, and MAOB) in patients undergoing bruxism treatment and controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients submitted to bruxism treatment were classified in awake bruxism (61 patients), sleep bruxism (26 patients), and awake-sleep bruxism (43 patients). Control group included 59 patients. Association between circadian manifestations of bruxism and SNPs was investigated using Fisher's exact test, chi-squared test, and calculating the odds ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The G allele of DRD2 rs1800497 SNP was associated with a significant risk reduction of awake-sleep bruxism (p = 0.041), while the C allele of DRD3 rs6280 SNP was associated with increased risk of sleep bruxism (p = 0.02), and the C allele of DRD5 rs6283 SNP was associated with decreased risk of awake bruxism (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report exploring the contribution of genetic variants in dopaminergic pathways to bruxism development, considering all circadian manifestations. Our findings indicate a possible genetic influence in the etiology of awake, sleep, and awake-sleep bruxism. Therefore, further research is needed to increase the current understanding of bruxism physiopathology.

Radix entomolaris: A morphological variable of human dentition with anthropological relevance. A study on a Chilean population.

The existence of a third root in the mandibular first molars may have implications for certain dental treatments; however, its greatest relevance could be in anthropological and forensic sciences, because its prevalence varies significantly according to ethnic groups. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of radix entomolaris (RE) in a sample of Chilean people. A random sample of 1330 digital periapical radiographs of endodontically treated mandibular first molars (551 males and 779 females, aged between 18 and 87 years) were evaluated. The prevalence of RE, its distribution by sex and root canal lengths were determined. Evidence demonstrated that the formation of RE is associated with ancestry and its frequency is variable according to populations studied, being more frequent in Asians and Native Americans. The prevalence of RE in the studied people was 3.16%, similar to frequencies reported in European individuals (3.4%-4.2%). The 61.90% of RE were located at the right side of the mandible and 38.10% at the left side. The average working length of RE was 19.52 mm. No statistically significant differences in frequencies were observed by sex (p = 0.19). The prevalence of RE varies among continental population groups. However, due to human migration, the frequency of this physical trait could be modified in specific geographic regions. The observed prevalence of RE in the study group was similar to the prevalence ranges observed for European ancestry populations and it was considerably lower than the data reported for non-Europeans. The absence of sexual dimorphism is consistent with results of previous studies performed worldwide.

Optimal Morphometric Characteristics of a Tubular Polymeric Scaffold to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Scoping Review.

Cellular behavior in nerve regeneration is affected by the architecture of the polymeric nerve guide conduits (NGCs); therefore, design features of polymeric NGCs are critical for neural tissue engineering. Hence, the purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the adequate quantitative/morphometric parameters of the characteristics of NGC that provide a supportive environment for nerve regeneration, enhancing the understanding of a previous study. 394 studies were found, of which 29 studies were selected. The selected studies revealed four morphometric characteristics for promoting nerve regeneration: wall thickness, fiber size, pore size, and porosity. An NGC with a wall thickness between 250-400 µm and porosity of 60-80%, with a small pore on the inner surface and a large pore on the outer surface, significantly favored nerve regeneration; resulting in an increase in nutrient permeability, retention of neurotrophic factors, and optimal mechanical properties. On the other hand, the superiority of electrospun fibers is described; however, the size of the fiber is controversial in the literature, obtaining optimal results in the range of 300 nm to 30 µm. The incorporation of these optimal morphometric characteristics will encourage nerve regeneration and help reduce the number of experimental studies as it will provide the initial morphometric parameters for the preparation of an NGC.

Main Morphological Characteristics of Tubular Polymeric Scaffolds to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration-A Scoping Review.

The "nerve guide conduits" (NGC) used in nerve regeneration must mimic the natural environment for proper cell behavior. OBJECTIVE: To describe the main morphological characteristics of polymeric NGC to promote nerve regeneration. METHODS: A scoping review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria in the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases. Primary studies that considered/evaluated morphological characteristics of NGC to promote nerve regeneration were included. RESULT: A total of 704 studies were found, of which 52 were selected. The NGC main morphological characteristics found in the literature were: (I) NGC diameter affects the mechanical properties of the scaffold. (II) Wall thickness of NGC determines the exchange of nutrients, molecules, and neurotrophins between the internal and external environment; and influences the mechanical properties and biodegradation, similarly to NGC (III) porosity, (IV) pore size, and (V) pore distribution. The (VI) alignment of the NGC fibers influences the phenotype of cells involved in nerve regeneration. In addition, the (VII) thickness of the polymeric fiber influences neurite extension and orientation. CONCLUSIONS: An NGC should have its diameter adjusted to the nerve with wall thickness, porosity, pore size, and distribution of pores, to favor vascularization, permeability, and exchange of nutrients, and retention of neurotrophic factors, also favoring its mechanical properties and biodegradability.

Root Canal Treatment of Mandibular First Premolar with 3 Canals: A Case Report / Tratamiento Endodóntico de Primer Premolar Mandibular con 3 Canales: Reporte de un Caso

SUMMARY: The mandibular first premolar is commonly a single-rooted tooth with occasional presentation of radicular variations. This tooth usually has one root with only one canal (97.9 %). Presence of three canals is very rare. Anomalies may appear during odontogenesis which can lead to anatomical variations in teeth. Similarly, these variations may be associated with characteristics that can be attributed to specific population groups. Due to their low frequency, these additional canals can easily be missed. For this reason, a meticulous knowledge of tooth morphology and their possible anatomical variations are necessary, and the presence of extra roots and canals should be always considered before initiation of root canal treatment. Additionally, different radiographs and appropriated access cavity preparation is needed to ensure a success endodontic treatment. This article reports a diagnosis and endodontic treatment of a mandibular first premolar with three canals.

El primer premolar mandibular suele ser un diente unirradicular con presentación ocasional de variaciones radiculares. Este diente suele tener una raíz con un solo conducto (97,9 %). La presencia de tres canales es muy rara. Durante la odontogénesis pueden aparecer anomalías que pueden provocar variaciones anatómicas en los dientes. De manera similar, estas variaciones pueden estar asociadas con características que pueden atribuirse a grupos de población específicos. Debido a su baja frecuencia, estos canales adicionales pueden pasar desapercibidos fácilmente. Por esta razón, es necesario un conocimiento meticuloso de la morfología dental y sus posibles variaciones anatómicas, y siempre se debe considerar la presencia de raíces y conductos adicionales antes de iniciar el tratamiento de conducto. Además, se necesitan diferentes radiografías y una preparación adecuada de la cavidad de acceso para garantizar un tratamiento de endodoncia exitoso. Este artículo reporta un diagnóstico y tratamiento endodóntico de un primer premolar mandibular con tres canales.

Antibacterial Effect of Commercial Mouthwashes on Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial effect of eight different commercial (MWs) on two Streptococcus mutans (SM) strains by using the agar well diffusion method. Eight commercial MWs were selected, all of them combined several ingredients in different concentrations, the main active ingredients were: Chlorhexidine gluconate, cetylpyridinium chloride, sodium fluoride, zinc lactate, vitamin B5 and super-oxidized water. The SM strains were extracted from Cultiloops® and incubated for 24 hours at 37 °C. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. The inhibition zones were measured using an electronic digital caliper. The R© software was used to perform the statistical analysis using Kruskall-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test. Seven commercial formulas demonstrated inhibitory effect over both SM strains. Only the MW containing super-oxidized water did not exhibit antibacterial activity. Higher inhibitory effect was observed in the chlorhexidine gluconate formula (27.38 ± 0.98 mm and 31.52 ± 0.64 mm). No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing formulas containing chlorhexidine gluconate in combination with other active ingredients. Seven MWs showed antibacterial activity except super-oxidized water formula. MWs containing chlorhexidine gluconate demonstrated the best effect against SM. However, no statistically significant differences were found when comparing formulas using exclusively chlorhexidine gluconate or combined with other antiseptics. Future research must be performed, focused on developing new MWs with similar antibacterial effects to chlorhexidine, but free of side effects, particularly in long-term treatments.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el efecto antibacteriano de ocho colutorios comerciales en la proliferación de dos cepas de Streptococcus mutans (SM) mediante el método de difusión de pozos de agar. Se seleccionaron ocho colutorios comerciales, todos ellos combinados con varios ingredientes en diferentes concentraciones, los principales ingredientes activos fueron: gluconato de clorhexidina, cloruro de cetilpiridinio, fluoruro de sodio, lactato de zinc, vitamina B5 y agua superoxidada. Las cepas SM se extrajeron de Cultiloops® y se incubaron durante 24 horas a 37 °C. La actividad antimicrobiana se evaluó mediante el método de difusión de placa de agar. Las zonas de inhibición se midieron utilizando un calibre digital electrónico. Se utilizó el software R © para realizar el análisis estadístico mediante la prueba de Kruskall-Wallis y la prueba de comparaciones múltiples de Dunn. Siete fórmulas comerciales demostraron efecto inhibidor sobre ambas cepas SM. Solo el colutorio que contenía agua superoxidada no mostró actividad antibacteriana. Se observó un mayor efecto inhibidor en las fórmulas congluconato de clorhexidina (27,38 ± 0,98 mm y 31,52 ± 0,64 mm). No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar fórmulas que contienen gluconato de clorhexidina en combinación con otros ingredientes activos. Siete MW mostraron actividad antibacteriana excepto la fórmula de agua superoxidada. Los colutorios que contienen gluconato de clorhexidina mostraron el mejor efecto contra SM. Sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar fórmulas que combinaron con otros principios activos. Se deben realizar investigaciones, enfocadas en el desarrollo de nuevos colutorios con efectos antibacterianos similares a la clorhexidina, pero libres de efectos secundarios, particularmente en tratamientos a largo plazo.

Antimicrobial Activity of Bioceramic Root Canal Sealers: A Systematic Review / Actividad Antimicrobiana de los Cementos Endodónticos Biocerámicos: una Revisión Sistemática

Actually, bioceramic endodontic sealers represent an advantageous option for root canals sealing due to their multiple properties. There are several in vitro studies about their antimicrobial properties, however, their comparative antimicrobial potential, compared with other types of endodontic sealers is not entirely clear. The aim of the present research was to perform a systematic review to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of commercially available bioceramic root canal sealers against Enterococcus faecalis in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A literature search was made in four electronic databases: MEDLINE, ClinicalKey, ScienceDirect and EBSCO. Were included in vitro studies, published in English, between 2015 and 2019. The evaluation of the selected studies was performed by two authors, independently. Four studies were included in the review. EndoSequence™ (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) also available on the market as TotalFill™ (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) and BioRoot™ were the bioceramic root canal sealers evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed according to the modified CONSORT checklist for preclinical studies. Selected studies reported positive antimicrobial activity against Enterococ cus faecalis in the bioceramic sealers evaluated. The less activity was observed on BioRoot™ sealer. All studies used a planktonic form of Enterococcus faecalis and in vitro laboratory methods of evaluation. The antimicrobial activity reported varies accordi ng to the laboratory method used, even for the same sealer, so the existence of false negatives is suggested. This systematic review identified the need for more research into the antimicrobial activity of bioceramic sealers, ideally with models using bacterial biofilms and studies in humans.

En la actualidad, los cementos selladores biocerámicos son una opción ventajosa para la obturación de canales radiculares debido a sus múltiples propiedades. Existen varios estudios in vitro acerca de sus propiedades antimicrobianas, sin embargo, su potencial antimicrobiano, en comparación con otros tipos de cementos selladores endodónticos, no se está completamente claro. El propósito de la presente investigación fue realizar una revisión sistemática sobre las propiedades antimicrobianas de los cementos selladores biocerámicos disponibles en el mercado sobre Enterococcus faecalis, de acuerdo a la declaración PRIS- MA. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en cuatro bases de datos electrónicas: MEDLINE, ClinicalKey, ScienceDirect y EBSCO. Se incluyeron estudios in vitro, publicados en inglés, entre 2015 y 2019. La evaluación de los estudios seleccionados fue realizada por dos autores de forma independiente. Fueron incluidos cuatro estudios en la revisión. EndoSequence™ (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA), también comercializado en el mercado como TotalFill™ (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA), y BioRoot™ fueron los cementos selladores biocerámicos evaluados. El riesgo de sesgo se evaluó de acuerdo con la lista de verificación CONSORT modificada para estudios preclínicos. Los estudios seleccionados informaron actividadantimicrobiana positiva contra E. faecalis en los selladores biocerámicos evaluados. La menor actividad la presentó BioRootTM. Todos los estudios utilizaron una forma planctónica de E. faecalis y métodos de evaluación in vitro. La actividad antimicrobiana reportada varió en base al método de laboratorio utilizado, incluso para el mismo sellador, por lo que se sugiere la existencia de falsos negativos. Esta revisión sistemática identificó la necesidad de realizar más investigaciones sobre la actividad antimicrobiana de los selladores biocerámicos, idealmente con modelos que utilicen biopelículas bacterianas y estudios en humanos.