Relationship between non-ulcerative functional dyspepsia, occlusal pairs and masticatory performance in partially edentulous elderly persons.

OBJECTIVE: To relate occlusal state, masticatory performance and non-ulcerative functional dyspepsia. BACKGROUND: In spite of the relationship between gastric disturbances and number of present teeth being recognised, the influence of the number of occlusal pairs and masticatory performance, expressed as median particle size, has not been considered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight subjects (mean age = 71.8 ± 7.7 years) diagnosed with non-ulcerative functional dyspepsia were selected. A further 38 healthy subjects (mean age = 71.9 ± 7.0 years) acted as controls. Subjects were subdivided according to their number of occlusal pairs: (1) 0-4, (2) 5-9 and (3) 10-14. Masticatory performance was evaluated by using the sieving method. Data were analysed using 2-way anova and Bonferroni post-hoc, Chi-square and Odd ratio tests. RESULTS: Subjects presenting with non-ulcerative functional dyspepsia and 0-4 occlusal pairs showed the lowest masticatory performance (p < 0.01). No association between the dyspepsia and the number of occlusal pairs (χ(2) = 0.48, p = 0.785) was observed, however results showed association between functional dyspepsia and masticatory performance (χ(2) = 4.07, p = 0.0437) presenting an odds ratio = 3.46 (Confidence Interval = 0.99-12.10). CONCLUSION: Changes in masticatory performance were associated with the presence of non-ulcerative functional dyspepsia.

Nanoparticles vs cancer: a multifuncional tool.

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the development of different branches of science. The investigation of nanomaterials in the battle against cancer is not an exception. The main goal of this contribution is to bring an overview about the types of organic and inorganic nanomaterials that are under investigation for its applications in different aspects of cancer therapy: detection, diagnosis, contrast agents, controlled drug delivery, and hyperthermia. This review also includes fundamental aspects such as basic properties and synthesis of nanoparticles, with an emphasis on the use of selfassembed systems such as micelles, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, and liposomes.