Contribution of host species and pathogen clade to snake fungal disease hotspots in Europe.

Infectious diseases are influenced by interactions between host and pathogen, and the number of infected hosts is rarely homogenous across the landscape. Areas with elevated pathogen prevalence can maintain a high force of infection and may indicate areas with disease impacts on host populations. However, isolating the ecological processes that result in increases in infection prevalence and intensity remains a challenge. Here we elucidate the contribution of pathogen clade and host species in disease hotspots caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the pathogen responsible for snake fungal disease, in 21 species of snakes infected with multiple pathogen strains across 10 countries in Europe. We found isolated areas of disease hotspots in a landscape where infections were otherwise low. O. ophidiicola clade had important effects on transmission, and areas with multiple pathogen clades had higher host infection prevalence. Snake species further influenced infection, with most positive detections coming from species within the Natrix genus. Our results suggest that both host and pathogen identity are essential components contributing to increased pathogen prevalence.

Craniofacial Cephalometric Morphology in Caucasian Adult Patients with Cleft Palate Only (CPO).

Orofacial clefts are common birth defects that affect the morphology of the skull. Cleft palate only (CPO) has a different etiology than other types of clefts, and craniofacial morphology in CPO differs from that of UCLP and BCLP. The long-term effect of the cleft and its surgery is visible after growth cessation. However, few studies exist describing cephalometric craniofacial morphology in adults with CPO. The aim of the present study was to describe the cephalometric craniofacial morphology of adult patients with CPO compared to healthy patients. The study included analysis of cephalometric lateral headfilms of 28 adults with CPO and 28 healthy subjects. It was found that the angles of SNA, ANB, 1-:NB angle (°) and Wits appraisal were significantly smaller in CPO, whereas NL-NSL (°), 1+:NA angle (°) and 1+:NA (mm) had significantly higher values in CPO compared to the control group. It has been concluded that CPO in adult patients is characterized by a sagittal jaw discrepancy due to maxillary deficiency, with a tendency for compensatory inclination of the upper and lower incisors.

Effect of primary correction of nasal septal deformity in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate on the craniofacial morphology.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term effect of primary correction of the nasal septum during lip repair in unilateral complete cleft lip and palate on the craniofacial morphology. MATERIAL, SUBJECTS, METHODS: The study material consisted of 54 lateral cephalograms made at the ages 7-22, including 28 cephalograms of patients from a study group (aged 7-14 years) after a primary correction of the nasal septum during lip closure and 26 cephalograms of patients from a control group (aged 12-22 years) operated on without septal correction. All cephalograms have been analysed with regard to skeletal, dental and soft-tissue relationships. Data distribution has been checked using Shapiro-Wilk test (α = 0.05). Student t-test was used to compare values of normal distribution and for the latter - Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The comparison of all cephalometric values between the study and control groups revealed a statistically significant (α = 0.05) difference only for H (p = 0.0267), 1+: NB angle (p = 0.0175) and 1+: NA (mm) (p = 0.0249). Each of the three cephalometric measurements mentioned were greater in the study than in the control group. CONCLUSION: No negative effect from the primary nasal septum correction on maxillary development could be found in the study group.

Prediction of the outcome of orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusions--a systematic review.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the orthodontic literature to assess the effectiveness of a prediction of outcome of orthodontic treatment in subjects with a Class III malocclusion. A structured search of electronic databases, as well as hand searching, retrieved 232 publications concerning the topic. Following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies remained. Among other data, sample ethnicity, treatment method, age at the start and completion of treatment, age at follow-up, outcome measures, and identified predictors were extracted from the relevant studies. A subjective assessment of study quality was performed. The heterogeneity of the samples and treatment methods prevented carrying out a meta-analysis. Thirty-eight different predictors of treatment outcome were identified: 35 cephalometric and three derived from analysis of study casts. Prediction models comprising three to four predictors were reported in most studies. However, only two shared more than one predictor. Gonial angle was identified most frequently-in five publications. The studies were of low or medium quality. Due to the large variety of predictors and differences among developed prediction models, the existence of a universal predictor of outcome of treatment of Class III malocclusions is questionable.

Overall and anterior Bolton ratio in Class I, II, and III orthodontic patients.

The aim of the investigation was to compare overall and anterior Bolton ratios in different malocclusion groups with Bolton's standards. The material comprised 600 pre-treatment study casts (262 males and 338 females, aged 12-25 years), selected from the models of 3088 patients who had applied for orthodontic treatment based on the following criteria: permanent dentition from the first right molar to the first left molar and no interproximal caries or restorations. There were 162 Class I, 144 Class II division 1, 155 Class II division 2, and 139 Class III patients. Statistical analysis of the data was undertaken using a Student's t-test. Statistically significant differences were found for the mean overall ratio when compared with the original Bolton norm for the whole study group, as well as for patients with Class I and III malocclusions when the mean anterior ratio was compared with the original Bolton norm. Significant differences were observed in all malocclusion groups for both genders. Discrepancies exceeding 2 SD were found in 31.2 per cent of the studied population for the anterior ratio when compared with Bolton's norm. The highest mean values for anterior ratio were in males with Class I (79.1) and Class III (80.1) malocclusions.

Patient and parent motivation for orthodontic treatment--a questionnaire study.

SUMMARY: The aims of this investigation were to examine patients' and parents/guardians' motivation for seeking orthodontic treatment and to determine the influence of age and gender in this process. The sample comprised 674 subjects (365 girls and 309 boys) aged 7-18 years and 674 of their parents/guardians, as well as 86 adult patients aged 19-42 years (57 females and 29 males). Similar questionnaires, designed to assess motivation for orthodontic treatment, were completed by all subjects. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Pearson's chi-square test. In the patient groups, a desire to improve aesthetics was the main motivational factor for undergoing treatment. With increasing age, 13 per cent more girls (P = 0.039) were more aware of their malocclusion. The influence of their surroundings on the uptake of treatment decreased with increasing age. Less than 5 per cent of the examined subjects started treatment because other children made fun of them, and only 3 per cent of older patients were motivated by future improvements in health. Between 63 and 67 per cent of parents reported pressurizing their children to seek orthodontic treatment in order to avoid possible future claims of neglect. No statistically significant dependence on gender or age of the children was found. Improvement in dental aesthetics was the principle motivational factor for the children (29-48 per cent), their parents/guardians (54 per cent), and adult patients (55 per cent) seeking orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment of a patient with severe class II malocclusion, bony fibrous dysplasia, root resorptions, and missing four premolars.

INTRODUCTION: A case of distal occlusion is presented with root resorptions and missing premolars, treated at the end of the growth period with Herbst appliance. Orthodontic treatment in non-progressive fibrous dysplasia is assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anamnesis, results of extraoral and intraoral examinations, typodonts, panoramic view, hand-wrist radiogram, and cephalogram were obtained in a 14-year-old boy with severe distal occlusion, root resorptions resulting from previous orthodontic treatment, fibrous dysplasia of bone, and missing four premolars. Successful treatment was achieved with Herbst appliance followed by fixed appliances. RESULTS: Bands were placed on upper second molars and lower first premolars and the Herbst appliance was positioned forcing the mandible forward. After three months the patient was unable to position the mandible backwards. Canine and Angle Class I were achieved, overjet and overbite were reduced to 2 mm. Lower face height was reduced and the upper lip was retracted, producing lip competence. At this point the fixed appliances were removed, an upper removable retention plate was made, and a lower flexible spiral wire retainer was bonded. Active retreatment lasted 15 months. No hypermobility of any teeth nor progression or neoplastic transformation of fibrous dysplasia were noted at the end of orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: (1) It is possible to treat distal occlusion with Herbst appliance at the end of the growth period. (2) Root resorptions are not a contra-indication to treatment if potential benefits outweigh risks. (3) Orthodontic tooth movement appears possible and safe in patients with non-progressive fibrous dysplasia.

[Fibrous dysplasia of maxilla and the orthodontic treatment. Case report]. / Dysplazja wlóknista w obrebie szczeki a leczenie ortodontyczne. Opis przypadku.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who have malocclusions caused by bone diseases come to see the dentist for the orthodontic treatment. One of these diseases is fibrous dysplasia. The aim of this study was to present the patient with the active form of fibrous dysplasia who reported to the Orthodontic Department of Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin for treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used the patient's own documentation, photos, radiological view and histopathological investigations. RESULTS: The extraoral, clinical examination revealed the asymmetry of the face on the left side, while the intraoral examination showed the convex lesion similar to an egg on the palate which crosses the medial line and clear "distension" of the alveolar bone in the direction of the oral vestibule. The dysplastic lesions are extensive and cause numerous malocclusions and disorders of the symmetry. The radiological and histopathological examinations were added to the clinical examination. The panoramic radiographs have shown the asymmetry and heterogenic structure of the bone with areas of"ground glass". Computer tomography demonstrated bumpy thickening of the zygomatic bone, maxilla, and a great wing of the sphenoid bone and almost completely filled maxillary sinus. The histopathological examination is the confirmation of the diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia. It demonstrates immature bone. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia commands the periodic observation and the postponement of the orthodontic treatment in the stage of active development of lesions, but when the overgrowth impairs the function, there is the necessity to use surgical and radical excision to remove lesions. We must pay particular attention to the possibility of malignant transformation of these lesions.

The supernumerary lateral incisors--morphology and concomitant abnormalities.

AIM: To assess the morphology of supernumerary lateral incisors and describe the concomitant malocclusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intraoral examination and analysis of panoramic views as well as study casts has been proceeded in 18 patients with supernumerary laterals. The widths of the normal and supernumerary laterals were measured. RESULTS: 20 supernumerary incisors were found (in 2 patients - bilateral). In 1 patient - the width of the supernumerary tooth was the same as this of the adjacent normal teeth and in 12 patients - the widths were lower. In cases of unilateral hyperdontia, 4 of the laterals adjacent to supernumerary teeth were of the same, 9 were of lower and 1 was of higher widths than the contralateral ones. Supernumerary teeth were causing midline shift in 10 patients, significant space deficiency - in 4, ectopic eruption - in 1 and excessive overjet - in 4. In 3 patients the permanent supernumerary incisors were not yet erupted and in 1 patient the tooth was retained. CONCLUSIONS: The supernumerary lateral incisors were smaller than the adjacent ones, whereas the normal lateral incisors adjacent to supernumerary ones were smaller than the contralateral incisors. The concomitant occlusal anomalies were: excessive overjet, crowding or ectopic eruption and midline shift.