Knowledge about emergency dental trauma management among school teachers in Colombia: A baseline study to develop an education strategy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dental trauma in school populations has a high frequency and school teachers are often close to the place where such injuries occur. However, many studies have confirmed the lack of knowledge as to how to act in these cases. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge in regard to dental trauma of school teachers in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentre, descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 251 schools using a stratified randomized sampling. A structured hard copy survey was personally delivered to 2390 school teachers in the selected schools. The survey contained questions related to work experience, teaching level and demographic data, as well as questions related to their knowledge of and attitude towards emergency dental trauma management. RESULTS: The response rate was 96%. Most of the school teachers (95%) had never received training related to dental trauma, although 35% had witnessed at least 1 case. Of 2296 school teachers surveyed, only 5.8% would have replanted an avulsed tooth. An association was found between work experience and appropriate management of an avulsed tooth. No significant differences were found in regard to school location (city), school type (private/public), gender and school teachers' education level. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of school teachers in Colombia about emergency dental trauma management is inadequate. The findings strongly suggest a need for an education strategy with the involvement of the government, dentistry schools and private organizations.

Comparison of a gelatin thrombin versus a modified absorbable polymer as a unique treatment for severe hepatic hemorrhage in swine.

There are many surgical techniques (packing, Pringle maneuver, etc.) and hemostatic agents to manage hepatic bleeding in trauma surgery. This study compares the effectiveness of two different types of hemostatic agents, one is an active flowable hemostat and the other is a passive hemostat made of modified absorbable polymers [MAP]. Both surgical technique and hemostatic agents can be used together as a means of controlling bleeding. We have hypothesized that a single hemostatic agent might be as effective as a unique hemostatic surgical technique. Twenty swine were prospectively randomized to receive either active Flowable (Floseal) or passive MAP powder (PerClot) hemostatic agents. We used a novel severe liver injury model that caused exsanguinating hemorrhage. The main outcome measure was total blood loss volume. The total volume of blood loss, from hepatic injury to minute 120, was significantly lower in the Flowable group (407.5 cm3; IqR: 195.0-805.0 cm3) compared to MAP group (1107.5 cm3; IqR: 822.5 to 1544.5 cm3) (Hodges-Lehmann median difference: - 645.0 cm3; 95% CI: - 1144.0 to - 280.0 cm3; p = 0.0087). The rate of blood loss was significantly lower in the flowable group compared with the MAP group as measured from time of injury to minutes 3, 9, 12, and 120 (except for 6 min). The mean arterial pressure gradually recovered in the flowable group by 24 h, whereas in the MAP group, the mean arterial pressure was consistently stayed below baseline values. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated similar rates of death between study groups (Logrank test p = 0.3395). Both the flowable and the MAP hemostatic agents were able to effectively control surgical bleeding in a novel severe liver injury model, however, the flowable gelatin-thrombin agent provided quicker and better bleed control.

Beyond pastures, look at plastic: Using Sentinel-2 imagery to map silage bags to improve understanding of cattle intensity.

Cattle ranching has increased globally in the last decades, and although pasture expansion is well documented across different regions, there is little understanding of the intensity at which cattle operate in these areas. With freely available Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, we mapped for the first time polyethylene silage bags used for forage conservation in a year with the Random Forest algorithm, and proposed them as a spatial indicator of cattle intensity. For this, we combined monthly silage area with land cover and climatic variables in a regression framework to understand cattle intensity metrics at regional and farm scales throughout 20 million hectares in the Dry Chaco. In addition, we explored the impact of using maize silage supplementation on productive and environmental metrics at the farm scale in a precipitation gradient. We validated our models using a spatially explicit database of cattle distribution. Our results highlight that silage bags are accurate mappable objects with Sentinel-2, which can contribute to the understanding of cattle density, and heifer and steer density in pasture contexts at farm and regional scales. Finally, our whole-farm simulations support the idea that incorporating silage supplementation in cattle ranching regional analyses conducts to significant differences on environmental or productive estimations, which should be considered. The amount of stored forage that is used in supplementation has strong implications for the performance of cattle ranching, but remains difficult to quantify at the regional level with remote sensing. Silage bag mapping is thus an opportunity to improve the overall understanding of livestock intensification and its productive and environmental impacts, particularly in highly seasonal rangelands. Following this metric could be a valuable indicator of the cattle ranching performance in terms of it resilience, production increase and impacts over natural ecosystems (related to Sustainable Development Goal 2-zero hunger and also in the 15-life on land).

CAR T cells produced in vivo to treat cardiac injury.

Fibrosis affects millions of people with cardiac disease. We developed a therapeutic approach to generate transient antifibrotic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in vivo by delivering modified messenger RNA (mRNA) in T cell­targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The efficacy of these in vivo­reprogrammed CAR T cells was evaluated by injecting CD5-targeted LNPs into a mouse model of heart failure. Efficient delivery of modified mRNA encoding the CAR to T lymphocytes was observed, which produced transient, effective CAR T cells in vivo. Antifibrotic CAR T cells exhibited trogocytosis and retained the target antigen as they accumulated in the spleen. Treatment with modified mRNA-targeted LNPs reduced fibrosis and restored cardiac function after injury. In vivo generation of CAR T cells may hold promise as a therapeutic platform to treat various diseases.

In vitro evaluation of the type of implant bed preparation with osteotomes in bone type IV and its influence on the stability of two implant systems.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To evaluate and compare the stability of two types of implants in an animal model after preparing the implant bed with various sequences of osteotomes in bone type IV. 2) To evaluate the hypothesis of whether or not the sequence of using osteotomes influences the primary implant stability. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We selected bone from cow ribs, which in its cross section (the most medullar area of the bone) would be equivalent to a type IV human bone. We used fifteen ribs, in which six implant beds were prepared in each rib block using different preparation protocols for seating three conical Swiss Plus SPB implants of 3.7 x 10 mm versus three MK III parallel wall implants of 4 x 10 mm.Three preparations, each with a diameter, were made for the implants, using osteotomes that progressively increased the diameter of the implant bed. In the first preparation, the complete sequence of osteotomes was used; in the second preparation, the last osteotome was left out; and in the third preparation, the implant was placed after only passing through the first osteotome. Once the implants were seated, we proceeded to evaluate the stability (Osstell ISQ-value). The locations were randomly chosen (by a coin toss). RESULTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We performed a statistical analysis of the ISQ values that were obtained during the different preparations carried out for the Mk III and Swiss Plus implants. The average range and standard deviation were calculated. The hypothesis was compared by a two-way variance analysis (type of implant/ different sequences of preparing the implant bed). It was considered significant for a p <0.05. The statistical results obtained for the values of the Mk III implant were significant (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this in vitro study conclude that the tapered shape provides more primary stability to the implant and suggest that a short sequence of osteotomes in bone type IV provide more primary stability than the complete sequence.

Oral lichenoid lesions related to contact with dental materials: a literature review.

Oral lichenoid lesions related to contact are defined as oral-cavity eruptions with an identifiable etiology, and are clinically and histologically similar to oral lichen planus. Within this group are found oral lichenoid lesions related to contact with dental materials (OLLC), the most common being those related to silver amalgam. Currently, it remains difficult to diagnose these lesions due to the clinical and histopathological similarity with oral lichen planus and other oral mucosa lesions of lichenoid characteristics. In the present paper, we carry out an updated review of the tests for, and the different characteristics of OLLC, which may aid the diagnosis. For this review, we made searches in the Pubmed(R) and Cochrane(R) databases. Among the literature we found several published papers, from which we have used review papers, case papers, cohort studies, case and control studies, and a meta-analysis study. After carrying out this review, we can conclude that the diagnosis of these lesions is still difficult and controversial. However, there are different aspects in the clinical presentation, pathological study and results obtained when replacing suspect materials, which, when taken together, may be useful when establishing the final diagnosis of OLLC.

Dental audit (I): Exact criteria of dental records; results of a Phase-III study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the quality of dental records in the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Seville (Spain). We attempted to collect and/or develop identifiable elements of dental care used to evaluate its appropriateness, as well as to measure its level of filling-in between 1999 and 2004 (Phase III of the record audit). METHOD: The 46 criteria used to evaluate dental care are shown, measuring--in 50 dental records randomly chosen within a 5-year-time period--their level of filling-in (Phase III of a health audit). RESULTS: A low level of filling-in was observed in all quality criteria defined. No record was found to be free from errors. A maximum of 36 criteria out of 46 was fulfilled (mean of 20.8). CONCLUSIONS: The standard of appropriate filling-in was only met in 12 criteria (75%), the results being poor, due to the importance which clearly deficient aspects related to diagnosis and treatment plan have in the process of patient care. For such reason, we suggest a remedial action (Phase IV) developing a new model of dental record and its subsequent re-evaluation (Phase V), which will be subject to analysis in the second part of this paper.

Audit of dental reports (II): first Phase-II study in a Spanish Faculty of Dentistry.

As a measure for correction of deficiencies registered through an audit of dental records in the Comprehensive Dentistry Clinic of the Dentistry Faculty of the University of Seville, we elaborated a new format for dental records which was used in 70 patients, carrying out a monitoring audit (Phase V) by applying the same quality criteria and criteria for data collection used in the initial audit (Phase III). We calculated the indices of fulfilment of 46 quality criteria, extending fulfilment percentage to 41 criteria, while statistically significant differences were found in 25 criteria. The standard prefixed as appropriate (75 %) was reached in 29 criteria (against the 12 criteria in which such standard was reached in the first dental audit). It is essential that faculties of dentistry develop systems for dental record revision which may help students achieve the competence of registering dental-care steps appropriately, teachers identify and give response to educational problems, and clinic administration prevent and correct conflicts, at the same time that they all ensure quality in service provision, ease relations with customers and protect users against legal vulnerability.

General anesthesia: as a challenge and treatment need option in pediatric dentistry.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the type and characteristics of the interventions, indications of dental treatment and procedures performed to patients treated under general anesthesia (GA) by pediatric dentistry residents, during the 1997-1999 period. METHOD: A sample of 57 hospital records of patients treated as part of the Special Pediatric Course at the Puerto Rico Pediatric Hospital were reviewed. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-square test for inferences on proportions. RESULTS: MR patients made up 59.7% and NMR patients made up 40.3% of the sample studied. Ages ranged from 2 to 35 years with a mean age of 11 years (SD=8.54). MR patients were classified into 7 categories: mental retardation (38.2%), cerebral palsy (14.7%), epileptic (5.9%), mental syndromes (26.9%), hydrocephalic (5.9%), autism (5.9%) and others (2.9%). The NMR were classified into 5 categories: early childhood caries (65.2%), cardiac patients (8.7%), maxillofacial anomalies (4.3%), organic syndromes (13.1%) and others (8.7%). The dental procedures performed were: dental extractions 84%(MR) and 68% (NMR), restorative procedures 87.3%(MR) and 12.7%(NMR). Oral prophylaxis was performed in 76.8%, fissure sealants in 10.7% and topical fluoride applications in 21.8%. CONCLUSION: Dental extraction was a frequently performed procedure in both groups. The prevalence of exodontia and restorative procedures indicates the need to design and implement prevention programs for special pediatric patients.

[Odontology in Spain: towards the integration to the European high education space]. / La Odontología en España: Hacia la Integración en el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior.

The European Higher Education Space (EHES) is a project to harmonize all the European University systems in order that all of them will posses a homogeneous structure of undergraduate, graduate and post graduate studies. The time period established to implement this project is year 2010. The present paper describes the establishment of a new career degree model in Spain, the degree in Dentistry that started twenty years ago. Also it has been stated the number of the present Departments and Schools, the access system to Public University Schools of Spain, the evaluation system, and which are the new mechanisms incorporated in the Spanish University system to implement this integration to the EHEE. This is the moment to design the new master guidelines to obtain homogeneous career degrees that may imply more accessibility and mobility of students and professionals.

A propósito de la crioanestesia dental / Apropos dental cryoanesthesia

RESUMEN Introducción: La crioanestesia es una forma de anestesia tópica utilizada en procedimientos médicos menores aprovechando el descenso o inhibición del umbral doloroso causado por el estímulo térmico. Es posible emplearla en procedimientos sobre tejidos dentales para complementar la anestesia con fármacos y combatir el fracaso anestésico. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos sobre el uso y aplicación de la crioanestesia dental en odontología. Métodos: Revisión exploratoria de la literatura científica y gris, donde se evaluó la disminución de la sensación dolorosa empleando frío sin alcanzar congelación del tejido dental. Fueron consultadas las bases de datos Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, SciELO, Elsevier y Science Direct. La búsqueda en Google Académico se realizó eliminando las entradas repetidas y limitada a los 100 primeros resultados. La investigación cubrió el periodo de 1941 hasta diciembre de 2018 y se utilizó la lista de comprobación PRISMA para ejecutar la revisión. Resultados: Cuatro artículos fueron seleccionados. Todos emplearon diferentes dispositivos, refrigerantes y escalas para valoración del dolor; sin embargo, todos reportaron ausencia de dolor en algunas de sus muestras. Conclusión: Se identificó evidencia escasa y antigua con desigualdad en las escalas de valoración, protocolos clínicos, sustancias refrigerantes y dispositivos utilizados(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cryoanesthesia is a type of topical anesthesia used in minor medical procedures. It is based on the descent or inhibition of the pain threshold caused by the thermal stimulus. Cryoanesthesia may be used in procedures performed on dental tissues to complement anesthetic drugs and combat anesthetic failure. Objective: Describe the findings about the use and application of cryoanesthesia in dental practice. Methods: An exploratory review was conducted of scientific and grey literature to evaluate pain reduction using cold temperatures without freezing the dental tissue. The databases consulted were Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, SciELO, Elsevier and Science Direct. The search in Google Scholar removed repeated entries and was limited to the first 100 results. The study covered the period extending from 1941 to December 2018, and used the PRISMA checklist to carry out the review. Results: Four papers were selected. All four used different devices, refrigerants and pain assessment scales. However, they all reported an absence of pain in some of their samples. Conclusion: Scant, outdated evidence was identified which contained discrepancies in the assessment scales, clinical protocols, refrigerant substances and devices used(AU)

Seudohipoparatiroidismo 1b / Pseudohypoparathyroidism 1b

RESUMEN El seudohipoparatiroidismo 1b se caracteriza por resistencia aislada a la parathormona, en ausencia de las manifestaciones típicas de la osteodisfrofia hereditaria de Albright; debido a alteraciones epigenéticas del locus GNAS. Puede presentarse de forma esporádica, o heredado de manera autosómico dominante por vía materna. Se presenta paciente masculino de 31 años, con antecedentes de tumores óseos y calcificaciones cerebrales diagnosticados a los 14 años; que se consulta por presentar mareo intenso, rigidez del cuello y la boca, dificultad para hablar y tragar, desorientación y trastornos de percepción; con fenotipo y somatometría normales, y signos de tetania latente (Chvostek y Trouseau positivos). Los estudios realizados mostraron: hipocalcemia, hiperfosfatemia, aumento de niveles de parathormona y múltiples calcificaciones en cerebro y cerebelo. Con tales hallazgos se emite el diagnóstico de seudohipoparatiroidismo 1b, el cual se confirma mediante pruebas moleculares con alteración en el patrón de metilación en el locus GNAS. No presentó alteraciones en el estudio de secuenciación de los 13 exones codificantes del GNAS. Se concluyó como un caso esporádico ante la ausencia de historia familiar de hipocalcemia, combinado con amplia pérdida de metilación del gen GNAS y la no evidencia de deleciones. Se presenta el primer reporte de esta enfermedad en Cuba con estudio molecular(AU)

ABSTRACT Pseudohypoparathyroidism 1b is characterized by isolated resistance to parathormone, in the absence of the typical manifestations of hereditary Albright osteodysphrophy; due to epigenetic alterations of the GNAS locus. It can occur sporadically, or inherited in an autosomal dominant way through the mother. We report the case of a 31-year-old male patient, with history of bone tumors and cerebral calcifications diagnosed at age 14. She came to consultation due to severe dizziness, stiff neck and mouth, difficulty speaking and swallowing, disorientation and perception disorders; he showed normal phenotype and somatometry, and signs of latent tetany (positive Chvostek and Trouseau). Studies have shown hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased levels of parathormone and multiple calcifications in the brain and cerebellum. These findings, pseudohypoparathyroidism 1b is diagnosed confirmed by molecular tests showing alteration in the methylation pattern in the GNAS locus. There were no alterations in the sequencing study of the 13 exons coding for GNAS. It was concluded as a sporadic case in the absence of a family history of hypocalcemia, combined with extensive loss of GNAS gene methylation and no evidence of deletions. This is the first report this disease with molecular study in Cuba(AU)

Análisis morfométrico del axis para la fijación atlantoaxial / Morphometric analysis of the axis for atlantoaxial fixation

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar de manera integral los parámetros morfométricos de la vértebra axis (C2) en la población mexicana involucrados en la realización de procedimientos quirúrgicos con el fin de proveer datos cuantitativos indispensables en su abordaje quirúrgico. Para este estudio se utilizaron un total de 576 vértebras axis (C2) de población mexicana contemporánea. Las mediciones de las vértebras se efectuaron bilateralmente utilizando un vernier digital milimétrico con una precisión de 0.01 mm (Mitutoyo Digimatic w/Absolute Encoders- Series 500). Un total de 576 vértebras axis (C2), fueron medidas de manera bilateral, todas nuestras mediciones se reportaron en mm. El promedio del ancho del pedículo fue de 8,96 mm con una DE ± 2,11 mm. El promedio de la altura del pedículo fue de 10,82 mm con una DE de ± 1,89 mm. El promedio de la altura del proceso odontoideo fue de 16,90 mm con una DE de ± 2,99 mm. El promedio del ancho del proceso odontoideo fue de 9,99 mm con una de DE de ± 0,80 mm. El promedio del diámetro de la faceta articular fue de 8,44 mm con una DE de ± 1,04 mm. El promedio del diámetro AP del cuerpo vertebral fue de 15,11 mm con una DE de ± 1,88 mm. El promedio del diámetro trasverso del cuerpo vertebral fue de 17,93 mm con una DE de ± 2,22 mm. El promedio de la altura del cuerpo vertebral fue de 18,54 mm con una DE de 2,38 mm. El promedio de la altura de las láminas fue de 11,53 mm con una DE de ± 1,39 mm. El promedio del ancho de las láminas fue de 6,10 mm con una DE de ± 1,44 mm. Los resultados obtenidos en nuestras mediciones demuestran una variación con los resultados de otros autores en diferentes estudios de piezas osteológicas y de estudios de imagen del axis (C2), lo que sugiere, con el fin de reducir los riesgo de daño a estructuras neurovasculares, utilizar técnicas y medidas especiales para la estabilización atlantoaxial de la población mexicana.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphometric parameters of the axis vértebra (C2) in the Mexican population involved in the performance of surgical procedures in order to provide essential quantitative data in their surgical approach. A total of 576 axis vertebrae (C2) of contemporary Mexican population were used for this study. The measurements of the vertebrae were made bilaterally using a millimeter digital vernier with an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters (Mitutoyo Digimatic w / Absolute Encoders - Series 500). A total of 576 axis vertebrae (C2) were measured bilaterally, all our measurements were reported in millimeters. The average width of the pedicle was 8.96 mm with a SD ± 2.11 mm. The average height of the pedicle was 10.82 mm with a SD of ± 1.89 mm. The average height of the odontoid process was 16.90 mm with a SD of ± 2.99 mm. The average width of the odontoid process was 9.99 mm with a SD of ± 0.80 mm. The average diameter of the articular facet was 8.44 mm with a SD of ± 1.04 mm. The average diameter of the AP of the vertebral body was 15.11 mm with a SD of ± 1.88 mm. The average transverse diameter of the vertebral body was 17.93 mm with a SD of ± 2.22 mm. The average height of the vertebral body was 18.54 mm with a SD of 2.38 mm. The average height of the lamina was 11.53 mm with a SD of ± 1.39 mm. The average width of the lamina was 6.10 mm with a SD of ± 1.44 mm. The results obtained in our measurements show a variation with the results of other authors in different studies of osteological pieces and studies of the axis image (C2), which suggests the use of techniques and special measures for the atlantoaxial stabilization of the Mexican population in order to reduce the risk of damage to neurovascular structures.

Medios de almacenamiento para dientes avulsionados. Una revisión / Media storage for avulsed teeth. A review

Resumen La avulsión dental es el desplazamiento completo del diente de su alvéolo que puede ser causado por un traumatismo, en el que se produce la ruptura de las fibras del ligamento periodontal; además puede estar acompañado de lesiones que comprometan el cemento, el hueso alveolar y los tejidos periodontales. Las células del ligamento periodontal, luego de la avulsión, crecen óptimamente en un pH neutro; los medios de almacenamiento deben tener características ideales para que haya crecimiento celular, como: ser líquidos estériles, poseer componentes que nutran las células del ligamento periodontal, estar disponibles en el lugar del accidente, ser de larga duración y vida útil. El índice de trauma dentoalveolar ha aumentado en nuestro país y la principal causa son los accidentes en motocicleta y deportes. Se pierden muchos dientes avulsionados por desconocimiento de colocar este diente en un medio favorable antes de que sea reimplantado por el odontólogo; existen muchos medios y cada día se experimentan más, pero ¿cuáles de estos son realmente benéficos para mejorar el pronóstico de los dientes avulsionados? El propósito de esta revisión es describir los diferentes medios de almacenamiento para dientes avulsionados investigados hasta la fecha, con el fin de determinar cuál es el medio de elección para la conservación de las células del ligamento periodontal en los dientes que serán reimplantados. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura de estudios publicados en idioma inglés y español en la bibliografía médica, utilizando el buscador Pubmed/Medline, Lilacs, BBO y Scielo. La leche fresca pasteurizada sigue siendo el medio de elección, pero teniendo en cuenta que el tiempo extraoral es importante, si no se tiene la leche, los nuevos medios, como la clara de huevo, propóleo, aloe vera y agua de coco, son una buena alternativa en casos de ser los disponibles en el lugar del accidente. Las cajas de rescate son el medio ideal y deben estar disponibles en todos los países.

Abstract Dental avulsion is the complete displacement of a tooth from its alveolus that may be caused by trauma, producing the rupture of fibers from the periodontal ligament and other lesions involving cement, alveolar bone and periodontal tissues. After the avulsion, cells from the periodontal ligament grow optimally in a neutral pH, therefore the storage media must have ideal characteristics for cellular growth, such as: Sterile liquids, periodontal ligament cell nutrients, availability at the place of the accident and long lasting life. In our country, dento-alveolar trauma index has increased and the main cause are accidents in motorcycles and sports. Many avulsed teeth are lost because of the ignorance of placing the tooth in a favorable storage media before the dentist replaces it. There are many storage media and every day other, more are experimented, so then, which of these are beneficial for the outcome of avulsed teeth? The purpose of this review of literature is to describe the different storage media for avulsed teeth to determine which is the best storage media for the conservation of periodontal ligament cells in teeth that will be re-implanted. A literature review was done of articles published in English and Spanish using Pubmed/ Medline, Lilacs, BBO and Scielo. Conclusion: Fresh pasteurized milk is still the storage media of choice, taking into consideration the importance of extraoral time. Other storage media such as egg yolk, propolis, aloe vera and coconut water should be considered as alternatives in case there's no milk available in the place of the accident. Rescue boxes should be available in every country.

MRI findings in Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome, a rare spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia.

We present the case of an 8-year-old female patient with bone dysplasia as part of Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome (DMCS). MRI was used to evaluate the case. In the spine, odontoid apophysis aplasia was found with no ossification nucleus, vertebrae with central hump, disk protrusions, hypertrophy of the posterior common vertebral ligament, and hidden spina bifida at the S4 level. Morphological anomalies were found in the hips both in the proximal femoral epiphysis, which was located excentrically and laterally to the femoral neck, and in the Y-cartilage, which was greatly enlarged. In the knees, anterior crossed ligaments were not seen, although there were some indirect signs that indicated congenital absence, including hypoplasia of the femoral trochlea and the intercondylar notch. There was bilateral medial patellar plicae and asymmetry in the height of the distal femoral and proximal tibial physes, as well as dysplasia of the facets of the patella. In comparison with radiography, MRI provides a much clearer definition of the aspects of bone dysplasia that are related to DMCS, including morphological changes in the soft tissue and cartilage of the spine, hips, and knees. MRI can enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis and evolution of deformities.

Evaluation of medical risk in dental practice through using the EMRRH questionnaire.

OBJECT: Due to the fact that the population is getting older and to new medical and dental techniques, the number of medical complications during treatment is tending to increase. In order to avoid these complications a correct clinical history should be obtained of all these patients. The search for a suitable questionnaire which would be able to take into account all these factors is therefore necessary. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this study we have used the questionnaire EMRRH which has been proposed by a group of European investigators, in order to study the prevalence of past medical problems in a population that attends a dental clinic for treatment. RESULTS: A total number of 716 patients were registered. Of these, 219 had a medical history that was of some interest to us. There were significant differences between the average age of the population with or without former medical problems (p<0.0005). Secondly, out of the 30.6% of the population with medical problems (N=219), we separated into groups those patients who would have a low, medium or high risk of complications when submitted to dental treatment. 17.31% of the patients were classified as risk ASA II; 9.49% as ASA III, and 2.51% as ASA IV. Among the diverse pathologies the highest percentage was hypertension (13.8%), followed by allergies to different drugs (8.37%), palpitations (7.82%), respiratory pathologies (5.16%) and diabetes (4.3%). CONCLUSION: We can see the obvious need for a detailed medical history to be taken because of the existing prevalence of these above pathologies taking into account that without one we could seriously harm the patient health with our dental treatment.

Lichenoid reaction associated to amalgam restoration.

Hypersensitivity to mercury associated with amalgam restorations may occur and present in one of two different ways. Most commonly it presents as an oral lichenoid reaction affecting oral mucosa in direct contact with an amalgam restoration and represents a delayed, type IV, cell mediated immune response to mercury or one of the other constituents of the dental amalgam. We report a case of oral lichenoid reaction associated to amalgam restoration. A 38 year-old woman presented a caries lesion of tooth #37. A Blacks class I preparation was performed and filled with amalgam. After 19 months, intra-oral examination revealed atrophic lesion, lightly erythematous, affecting the left buccal mucous. The lesion contacted directly with the amalgam restoration in the lower first molar. The right buccal mucosa was normal. His medical history was unremarkable, he was taking no medication and had no known allergies. However, the patient had felt certain rare sensation in that zone when eating sharp meals. Biopsy showed histological changes compatible with oral lichen planus. The patient decided not to change again the restoration, because she did not have important annoyances and she did not wish to be treated again. Other restorations were performed with composite resins, and no reaction was evidenced in the mucosa.

Incidence of barodontalgias and their relation to oral/ dental condition in personnel with responsibility in military flight.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of barodontalgias in a sample of 506 patients, all of whom are personnel with responsibility in military flight. An additional aim was to correlate this incidence with various oral pathologies and their subsequent treatment. DESIGN OF THE STUDY: The ICAO and CPITN indices in flight personnel who underwent the obligatory official examination at the Straits Air Command Hospital were investigated, in each case taking the data of the initial examination. Any effects that occurred in simulated flights, conducted in a hypobaric chamber, were also recorded. Any case of barodontalgia was investigated in depth, relating it to the pathology that caused it, and observing the result of the treatment employed. RESULTS: There were three cases of barodontalgia (2.63%). The pain was essentially of posterior localisation (92.3%), and in the majority of cases was described as acute and localised (61.5%). In a high percentage it did not disappear after landing (61.5%). The pathologies were varied, and the treatments were in keeping with these. The result after the therapeutic phase was entirely satisfactory in 69.2%. If we correlate the appearance of barodontalgias with other variables, in the patients who experienced them we record a larger number of fillings (P = 0.1617) and a smaller number of teeth missing (P = 0.6603). The Caries Index is similar in the two groups (P = 0.9187). The average ICAO is higher (P = 0.3345) in those patients who suffered from pain, though it must be pointed out that the low number of cases means it is difficult to record statistically significant results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed an incidence of barodontalgia in the study population of 2.63%, overall. In real flight the incidence was 2.4% and in the ascents conducted in the hypobaric chamber it was 0.2%. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found between the results for the Indices of Oral Health of the patients affected by barodontalgia and those not so affected, although the ICAO was greater.

Actividad antiulcerosa y toxicidad aguda oral de celulosa microcristalina suspensión al 12 por ciento / Antiulcer activity and oral acute toxicity of microcrystalline cellulose suspension 12 por ciento

La celulosa microcristalina ha sido usada recientemente en el tratamiento de la gastritis alcalina por reflujo biliar duodenogástrico. Se realizó un estudio toxicológico y se evaluó el efecto antiulceroso de celulosa microcristalina suspensión al 12 por ciento en ratas. La determinación de la toxicidad aguda oral se realizó mediante el ensayo de dosis límite, mediante la administración de una dosis de 2 000 mg/kg a animales de uno y otro sexos. El efecto protector sobre la mucosa gástrica se evaluó sobre lesiones inducidas por taurocolato de sodio y se ensayaron las dosis de 240, 360 y 540 mg/kg de la suspensión. Como resultado en el estudio toxicológico, no se produjo mortalidad para la dosis ensayada, por lo que se clasificó la sustancia como no tóxica. Mientras que las diferentes dosis empleadas para el efecto antiulceroso disminuyeron el número y la intensidad de las lesiones significativamente de manera dosis dependiente. La dosis efectiva media fue de 356,8 mg/kg. Tales hallazgos permiten sugerir que el efecto protector de celulosa microcristalina suspensión al 12 por ciento podría estar dado por una inactivación de los ácidos biliares o por una alteración en la cantidad o composición de la capa de moco que recubre la mucosa gástrica

Tratamiento odontológico bajo anestesia general ofrecido por el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario de Puerto Rico durante los años 1989-1994 / Dental treatment under general anesthesia offered at the Hospital Pediátrico Universitario de Puerto Rico during the years 1989-1994

One hundred and fourteen mentally retarded (MR) and non-mentally retarded (NMR) patients were divided into two groups and categorized according to the condition presented. Age, sex, and type of procedure performed were recorded for each patient. On the MR group 32 per cent were over 17 years of age. On the NMR group 51 per cent were under 6 years of age. The sex distribution was similar in both groups. Exodontia was the most frequently performed dental procedure. The MR group was composed of those who presented only mental retardation (42 per cent), cerebral palsy (17 per cent), epilepsy (15 per cent), syndromes (7 per cent), endocrinopathies (7 per cent), hydrocephalus (5 per cent) and other conditions (7 per cent). The NMR group was composed of those who presented cardiopathy (7 per cent), bottle syndrome (42 per cent), hemotopathy (11 per cent), maxillofacial disorders (24 per cent) and other conditions (16 per cent).