Multipronged dental analyses reveal dietary differences in last foragers and first farmers at Grotta Continenza, central Italy (15,500-7000 BP).

This paper provides results from a suite of analyses made on human dental material from the Late Palaeolithic to Neolithic strata of the cave site of Grotta Continenza situated in the Fucino Basin of the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The available human remains from this site provide a unique possibility to study ways in which forager versus farmer lifeways affected human odonto-skeletal remains. The main aim of our study is to understand palaeodietary patterns and their changes over time as reflected in teeth. These analyses involve a review of metrics and oral pathologies, micro-fossils preserved in the mineralized dental plaque, macrowear, and buccal microwear. Our results suggest that these complementary approaches support the assumption about a critical change in dental conditions and status with the introduction of Neolithic foodstuff and habits. However, we warn that different methodologies applied here provide data at different scales of resolution for detecting such changes and a multipronged approach to the study of dental collections is needed for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of diachronic changes.

Xerostomia and Clinical Outcomes in Definitive Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) Versus Three-dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has been compared with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in randomized clinical trials for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of IMRT and 3D-CRT and identify differences in grade ≥2 xerostomia incidence and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement was applied. Random-effects models were used. Primary endpoint was xerostomia of grade 2 or worse. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and loco-regional control (LRC). RESULTS: Three randomized clinical trials representing 213 patients were identified. Global, grade ≥2 acute xerostomia and late xerostomia at 1 and 2 years after treatment were reduced with the IMRT technique (RR=0.71, 95%CI=0.59-0.86, RR=0.45, 95%CI=0.31-0.65 and RR=0.26, 95%CI=0.15-0.46, respectively). IMRT was not associated with significant OS and LRC improvement compared with 3D-CRT, with OR of 0.70 (95%CI=0.39-1.24; p=0.22) and 1.50 (95%CI=0.75-2.98; p=0.25). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis explored the value of IMRT compared to 3D-CRT and confirmed the superiority of IMRT over 3D-CRT in terms of grade ≥2 xerostomia rates, but not on clinical outcomes. Its positive impact on tumor control and survival remains to be proven.

Nanotechnology in Oral Cavity Carcinoma: Recent Trends and Treatment Opportunities.

Oral cavity carcinoma (OCC) remains an ongoing public health problem. Emerging nanotechnology provides alternative treatment approaches. This review covers the up-to-date literature in the human OCC treatment field. We explored the growing body of evidence to reveal novel and highly promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nanotechnology in this field. Various types of nanoparticles have been tested for applications in OCC. Imaging modalities in addition to nanocarriers are discussed. The encouraging contribution of lymphotropic nanoparticles contrast in the diagnosis of metastatic cervical lymph nodes needs to be confirmed. The development of the sentinel lymph node procedure and photodynamic therapy may lead to breakthrough therapies in order improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. In this perspective, cancer nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of OCC patients.

Radiotherapy Controversies and Prospective in Head and Neck Cancer: A Literature-Based Critical Review.

In treating head and neck cancer (HNC), the objectives are provided for best functional results and minimal risk of serious complications. The choice of appropriate management depends primarily on specific site and stage of primary tumor at diagnosis. Radiation therapy (RT) with or without concomitant chemotherapy represents a classical treatment option. In this review, we provide an update of recent research strategies to counteract the existing damage caused by RT and highlight clinical trials currently in progress. We discuss the challenges in the evaluation of new stage system and RT-related toxicity onset. We mainly address the deficiencies and the advantages noted in the current treatment era.

Peek polymer in orthodontics: A pilot study on children.

The purpose of the study has been making the orthodontic space maintainers in PEEK polymer (Polyetheretherketone) through a digital workflow. New digital technologies are taking hold in diagnosis, therapy and in dental laboratories. The digital world can help dentist in diagnosis and therapy: -diagnosis through the acquisition of radiographic images (CBCT) or scanners which allow the creation of 3D digital models - about therapy thanks to dental CAD CAM system. It consists of design devices through an dedicated software CAD and then realize devices through CAM system. We used digital system to improve the quality of the treatment and reduce costs. Peek polymer, subject of studies in recent years, thanking to its characteristics, resulted useful for this study. According to a nine month- follow up the devices were found comfortable, satisfying, personalized and minimally visible for the patients. These devices were found suitable to maintain the space. About material, thanks to its dimensional stability, mechanical strength but specially, thanks to its biocompatibility, PEEK was found as a very good material to build space maintainers. The workflow allowed a simulation of the treatment plan with a better collaboration and acceptance of the patient. Digital system reduced the systematic mistakes during the various phases and the production time. The digital system saved space creating a virtual plaster casts collection. Key words:PEEK, CAD/CAM system, space maintainers, orthodontic prevention.

Preventive strategies in oral health for special needs patients.

As regards to the most common oral disease in pediatric patients, intellectual disability is not a risk factor for caries disease itself, but it rather reduces the individual capability to self-care and therefore to his own oral care. Children suffering of systemic pathologies and/or with different stages of disability are to be considered at high risk for dental caries development. According to recent guidelines for oral health prevention in childhood, individual additional strategies for a preventive care should be applied for these patients. All the health providers, family and caregivers should be involved with the aim of being aware, motivated and informed on oral health issues, and a better access system to the dental care structure, both logistic, professional and economical should be assured.

Socio-demographic inequalities and teeth extraction in the last 12 months in Italy.

AIMS: Teeth loss represents a major concern for the global oral health status of a population. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of teeth extraction among the Italian adult population, analyzing the association between teeth extraction in the last 12 months and socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on the national survey 'Health Conditions and Healthcare Services Use', carried out by the Italian National Centre of Statistics (ISTAT) in 2005. A univariate analysis was performed to investigate the association between the dependent and the independent variables (teeth extraction Vs socio-demographic characteristics). Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the influence on the outcome (teeth extraction Yes/No). RESULTS: The present study highlights the relationship between teeth extraction and socio-demographic factors. Out of 128,040 individuals, the sampled population consisted of 124,677 subjects, representing 56,400,323 individuals in the Italian population. The prevalence of teeth extraction in the last 12 months was 8.2%. Subjects who underwent teeth extraction in the last 12 months were prevalent female (8.6%), smokers (10.4%), with a primary education (9.2%), married (9.2%), in poor health conditions (9.3%), age category of 55-64 years (11.1%), from Northeast of Italy (8.5%), with scarce household income (8.4%). The multivariate analysis confirmed most of the results of the univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Inequalities in health among groups of various socioeconomic status constitute one of the main challenges for public health; these inequalities might be reduced by improving educational opportunities, income distribution, health-related behaviour, or accessibility to health care.

Identification of possible factors influencing temperatures elevation during implant site preparation with piezoelectric technique.

BACKGROUND: Overheating during implant site preparation negatively affects the osseointegration process as well the final outcome of implant rehabilitations. Piezoelectric techniques seem to provide to a gentle implant preparation although few scientific reports have investigated the heat generation and its underlying factors. PURPOSE: To investigate, through a proper methodological approach, the main factors influencing temperature rise during piezoelectric implant site preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different piezoelectric tips (IM1s, IM2, P2-3, IM3, Mectron Medical Technology, Carasco, Italy) have been tested. The experimental set-up consisted in a mechanical positioning device equipped with a load cell and a fluoroptic thermometer. RESULTS: The first tip of the sequence (IM1s) generated the highest temperature increasing (ΔT). The diamond tips (IM1s and P2-3) determined higher ΔT values than the smooth tips (IM2 and IM3). Further tests with IM1s suggested that the temperature elevation during the first thirty seconds may be predictive of the maximal temperature as well as of the overall thermal impact. CONCLUSIONS: Working load, working movements management and bone features resulted to be the main factors influencing temperature rise during piezoelectric implant site preparation. Irrigant temperature and clogging effect may also synergically contribute to the heat generation.

Estrogenicity of bisphenol A released from sealants and composites: a review of the literature.

This study aims to critically summarize the literature about bisphenol A (BPA), indicate whether and how those risks are real and emphasize how it is eventually possible to prevent them. With this in mind, we should consider nature, risks and control of BPA, as well as its presence and its role in sealants and composites. It is important to note that we will focus on literature exclusively written about the possible estrogenic activity (and not about the general toxicology profile) of BPA or its possible derivatives released from composites and sealants (without mentioning, or covering just briefly, similar activities performed by their components).