Relationship between oral health and depression: data from the National Health Survey 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between oral health status, self-perception of oral health, and depression. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 2953 individuals that were ≥ 18 years of age and participated in the Chilean National Health Survey (NHS), 2016-2017. Information on oral, dental, and mental health, and the presence or absence of depressive symptoms was collected. Secondary data analysis was carried out using STATA and included logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, and educational level. The analyses factored in the expansion weights to estimate representative prevalences of the entire population. RESULTS: Participants experiencing frequent dental or prosthesis-related discomfort while speaking (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.01-2.43) were related with exhibiting suspected depression. Removable upper denture users were at a higher risk of exhibiting suspected (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.11-3.74) than those not using them. Participants diagnosed with depression in the past 12 months had a similar number of teeth (median = 24) compared to those without depression (median = 25) (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.96-1.02). CONCLUSION: Experiencing dental or prosthesis-related difficulties in speaking is related to suspected depression or a diagnosis of depression. These findings highlight the importance of developing comprehensive healthcare approaches that consider mental health in the context of oral health.

Reflexividad ética de un traspié: niñez y adolescencia migrantes no acompañadas

(analítico) El objetivo de este artículo es sistematizar un proceso de reflexividad ética surgido en un proyecto de investigación (Fondecyt) cuyo fin era conocer la situación de la niñez y la adolescencia migrantes no acompañadas en Chile. El proyecto fue aprobado con reparos éticos que hacían difícil poner en práctica métodos participativos. Este «traspié» dio paso a la reflexividad. Mediante una metodología de panel de expertos, creamos un comité de ética autoconvocado (profesionales en derecho y psicología especialistas en infancia) que capacitó al equipo y elaboró recomendaciones y protocolos. En los resultados exponemos algunos dilemas éticos (en torno al consentimiento informado, los derechos de autoría y un balance entre riesgos y beneficios) identificados en las distintas instancias evaluativas, así como los aprendizajes derivados de ello; finalizamos con futuras líneas de investigación.

(analytical) The objective of this article is to systematize a process of ethical reflexivity that emerged in a research project (Fondecyt) whose purpose was to know the situation of unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents in Chile. The project was approved with ethical qualms that made it challenging to implement participatory methods. This «stumble» gave way to reflexivity. Through a Panel of Experts methodology, we created a self-convened ethics committee (professionals in Law and Psychology specializing in childhood) that prepared entry and exit reports with recommendations and protocols and trained the team. In the results, we expose some ethical dilemmas -around informed consent, copyright, and a balance between risks and benefits- identified in the different evaluation instances and the learning derived from it. We end with future lines of research.

(analítico) O objetivo deste artigo é sistematizar um processo de reflexão ética que surgiu em um projeto de pesquisa (Fondecyt) cujo objetivo era conhecer a situação de crianças e adolescentes migrantes desacompanhados no Chile. O projeto foi aprovado com observações éticas que dificultaram a implementação de métodos participativos. Essa dificuldade inesperada impulsionou a reflexividade. Por meio da metodologia de Painel de Especialistas, foi criado um comitê de ética autoconvocado (com profissionais de Direito e Psicologia especializados na infância) que treinou a equipe e desenvolveu recomendações e protocolos. Nos resultados se expõem alguns dilemas éticos -em torno do consentimento informado, direitos autorais e o equilíbrio entre riscos e benefícios- identificados nas diferentes instâncias de avaliação, bem como as aprendizagens delas derivadas; sendo finalizado com futuras linhas de pesquisa.

Obesity is related to maternal periodontitis severity in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between obesity and periodontitis staging compared with periodontal healthy or gingivitis in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Sociodemographic, clinical, obstetric, and periodontal variables were studied. The exposure variable was obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30), and the primary outcome was periodontitis staging versus periodontal healthy/gingivitis. Data were analysed and estimated by multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: The present study screened 1086 pregnancies and analysed 972 women with a median age of 29 years; 36.8% were diagnosed as obese. 26.9% of patients were diagnosed as periodontal healthy or gingivitis, 5.5% with stage I periodontitis, 38.6% with stage II periodontitis, 24% with stage III periodontitis, and 5.1% with stage IV periodontitis. After identifying and adjusting for confounding variables (educational level and plaque index), obesity had a relative risk ratio (RRR) of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.05-2.64; p = 0.03) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09-2.27; p = 0.015) for stage III periodontitis compared to periodontal healthy/gingivitis and stage II periodontitis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Besides the already known risk indicators for periodontitis (age, smoking, and educational level), our study suggests a relationship between obesity and periodontitis staging in pregnancy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Obesity can alter host immune responses, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and overactive host immunity, which could influence the prevalence and severity of maternal periodontitis in pregnancy.

Relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors with Erosive Tooth Wear in adults: a cross-sectional study.

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors and a high cumulative score of the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) in a Chilean adult group. A cross-sectional study was performed with the Ethics Committee's approval from the Universidad de los Andes. A consecutive adult (18 to 46 years old) sampling (n = 553) from the Health Center in San Bernardo-Chile, was selected from September 2016 to January 2017. Dental exams were performed by two trained and calibrated examiners, according to the BEWE index. In order to search for potentially related factors, a hetero-applied questionnaire previously developed and evaluated was applied. Our interest was individuals with severe erosion tooth wear (BEWE ≥ 14). Logistic regression models reporting crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR by age, 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and p-values were estimated. Variables, odds ratios and 95% CI related with BEWE ≥ 14 were: age (OR 1.1 [1.07-1.14]); currently drinking alcohol (OR 1.59 [1.06-2.39]); esophagitis (OR 8.22 [1.60-42.22]); difficulty to swallow (OR 2.45 [1.10-5.44]); chest pain (OR 2.07 [1.18-3.64]); anorexia (OR 3.82 [1.07-13.68]); vitamin C intake (OR 1.92 [1.08-3.43]). Age, alcohol consumption, self-reported esophagitis, history of gastric symptoms, anorexia, and vitamin C intake were related as risk factors to high BEWE scores in this sample of Chilean adults in San Bernardo, Chile.

Relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors with Erosive Tooth Wear in adults: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors and a high cumulative score of the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) in a Chilean adult group. A cross-sectional study was performed with the Ethics Committee's approval from the Universidad de los Andes. A consecutive adult (18 to 46 years old) sampling (n = 553) from the Health Center in San Bernardo-Chile, was selected from September 2016 to January 2017. Dental exams were performed by two trained and calibrated examiners, according to the BEWE index. In order to search for potentially related factors, a hetero-applied questionnaire previously developed and evaluated was applied. Our interest was individuals with severe erosion tooth wear (BEWE ≥ 14). Logistic regression models reporting crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR by age, 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and p-values were estimated. Variables, odds ratios and 95% CI related with BEWE ≥ 14 were: age (OR 1.1 [1.07-1.14]); currently drinking alcohol (OR 1.59 [1.06-2.39]); esophagitis (OR 8.22 [1.60-42.22]); difficulty to swallow (OR 2.45 [1.10-5.44]); chest pain (OR 2.07 [1.18-3.64]); anorexia (OR 3.82 [1.07-13.68]); vitamin C intake (OR 1.92 [1.08-3.43]). Age, alcohol consumption, self-reported esophagitis, history of gastric symptoms, anorexia, and vitamin C intake were related as risk factors to high BEWE scores in this sample of Chilean adults in San Bernardo, Chile.

Ansiedad, depresión y soledad en cuidadores de personas con enfermedad crónica / Anxiety, depression and loneliness in caregivers of people with chronic illness

Objetivo principal: Determinar la relación entre ansiedad, depresión y soledad en cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores con enfermedades crónicas. Metodología: Diseño descriptivo correlacional. Se utilizó la Escala hospitalaria de ansiedad y depresión (α=.83) y la escala de Soledad (α=.95). Se hizo un cálculo de tamaño de muestra con programa G-Power 3.1.9.7 y se aplicó un muestreo a conveniencia. Se analizó con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, como Pearson y chi2. Resultados principales: Participaron 178 cuidadores familiares con una m de 45 años. Se encontró relación de la edad con la percepción de soledad (r=-.200) y el tiempo del cuidado con la puntuación de depresión (r=-.199) y ansiedad (r=-.179). Conclusión principal: Se encontró que, a mayor edad del cuidador, mayor es la percepción de soledad, y a mayor tiempo de cuidado, menor es la depresión y ansiedad, permitiendo implementar futuros programas de atención para mejorar la calidad de vida de los cuidadores.(AU)

Objective: To determine the relationship between anxiety, depression and loneliness in family caregivers of older adults with chronic diseases. Methodology: Correlational descriptive design. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (α=.83) and the Loneliness Scale (α=.95) were used. A sample size calculation was made with the G-Power 3.1.9.7 program and a convenience sample was applied. It was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, such as Pearson and chi2. Main results: 178 family caregivers with an M of 45 years participated. A relationship was found between age and perception of loneliness (r=-.200) and care time with depression (r=-.199) and anxiety (r=-.179) scores. Main conclusion: It was found that, the older the caregiver, the greater the perception of loneliness and the longer the care time, the lower the depression and anxiety, allowing the implementation of future care programs to improve the quality of life of caregivers.(AU)

Knowledge and Impact of COVID-19 on Middle-Aged and Older People Living with HIV in Lima, Peru.

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented worldwide impact, and Peru has had one of the highest COVID-19 case rates despite implementation of an early strict nationwide quarantine. Repercussions on Peru's healthcare system may impact vulnerable populations, particularly people with HIV (PWH). We explored knowledge of COVID-19 and the socioeconomic and health impact of the pandemic among middle-aged and older PWH. A cross-sectional telephone survey was administered to 156 PWH age ≥40 years receiving care in one of two large HIV clinics in Lima, Peru. The majority of PWH (age 52 ± 7.7 years, 41% female, 65% completed secondary school or less) were knowledgeable regarding COVID-19 symptoms and prevention methods. Nearly half of those employed prior to the pandemic reported job loss. Female sex (unadjusted prevalence ratio [PR] 1.85 [95%CI 1.27-2.69]), low educational level (PR 1.62 [1.06-2.48]) and informal work (PR 1.58 [1.06-2.36]) were risk factors for unemployment but not in adjusted models. Increased anxiety was reported in 64% and stress in 77%. COVID-19 has had a substantial socioeconomic and mental health impact on PWH living in Lima, Peru, particularly those with lower educational levels and informal workers. Efforts are needed to ensure continued medical care and socioeconomic support of PWH in Peru.

Cambios Clínicos e Imagenológicos en Terapias no Invasivas en Articulaciones Temporomandibulares con Alteraciones Óseas Degenerativas

RESUMEN: El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir los cambios clínicos e imagenológicos de las terapias no invasivas aplicadas a pacientes con alteraciones óseas degenerativas de las articulaciones temporomandibulares (ATM). Metodología: Se evaluaron 25 pacientes con alteraciones óseas degenerativas de las ATM, sin tratamiento previo de trastornos temporomandibulares (TTM) al momento del diagnóstico. Se realizó tratamiento no invasivo y un año después fueron evaluados según criterios clínicos e imagenológicos DC/TMD y Ahmad. Los resultados fueron presentados por medio de estadística descriptiva, odds ratio con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza, comparaciones de medianas y correlaciones. Se estudiaron 50 ATM, 72 % mujeres (32,2 años promedio). Se observó mejora significativa en los parámetros: dolor (p=0,0001), sinovitis (p=0,001) e incremento de la esclerosis del trabeculado óseo (p=0,051) a un año post-tratamiento. Después de un año del establecimiento de terapias no invasivas en pacientes con alteraciones óseas degenerativas de las ATM, se observaron cambios positivos tanto clínicos como imagenológicos, reduciéndose significativamente la sintomatología dolorosa, limitándose la progresión del daño óseo degenerativo, y observándose recuperación de los casos de sinovitis.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to describe clinical and imaging changes of non-invasive therapies applied to patients with degenerative bone disorders of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). To carry out this study, 25 patients with degenerative bone disorders of TMJ without previous treatment at the time of diagnosis, were evaluated. Non-invasive treatment was performed and one year later they were evaluated according to clinical and imaging criteria DC/TMD and Ahmad. Results were presented by descriptive statistics, odds ratio, confidence interval, comparisons of means, and correlations. 50 TMJs, 72 % women, (32.2 years mean of age) were studied. Significant improvement was observed in the parameters: pain (p=0.0001), synovitis (p=0.001), and increased sclerosis of the bone trabeculae (p=0,051) at one-year post-treatment. After one year of the establishment of non-invasive therapies in patients with degenerative joint disease of TMJ, it was observed positive changes, both clinical and imaging, reducing painful symptomatology, limiting effect on the progression of degenerative bone damage, and recovery of synovitis cases.

Knowledge and Impact of COVID-19 on Middle-Aged and Older People living with HIV in Lima, Peru.

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented worldwide impact, and Peru has had one of the highest COVID-19 case rates despite implementation of an early strict nationwide quarantine. Repercussions on Peru's healthcare system may impact vulnerable populations, particularly people with HIV (PWH). We explored the knowledge of COVID-19 and the socioeconomic and health impact of the pandemic among middle-aged and older PWH. A cross-sectional telephone survey was administered to 156 PWH age ≥40 years receiving care in one of two large HIV clinics in Lima, Peru. The majority of PWH (age 52±7.7 years, 41% female, 65% completed secondary school or less) were knowledgeable regarding COVID-19 symptoms and prevention methods. Nearly half of those employed prior to the pandemic reported job loss. Female sex (unadjusted prevalence ratio [PR] 1.85 [95%CI 1.27-2.69]), low educational level (PR 1.62 [1.06-2.48]) and informal work (PR 1.58 [1.06-2.36]) were risk factors for unemployment but not in adjusted models. Increased anxiety was reported in 64% and stress in 77%. COVID-19 has had a substantial socioeconomic and mental health impact on PWH living in Lima, Peru, particularly those with lower educational levels and informal workers. Efforts are needed to ensure continued medical care and socioeconomic support of PWH in Peru.

Gingival Crevicular Placental Alkaline Phosphatase Is an Early Pregnancy Biomarker for Pre-Eclampsia.

Early and innovative diagnostic strategies are required to predict the risk of developing pre-eclampsia (PE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) concentrations to correctly classify women at risk of PE. A prospectively collected, retrospectively stratified cohort study was conducted, with 412 pregnant women recruited at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Physical, obstetrical, and periodontal data were recorded. GCF and blood samples were collected for PLAP determination by ELISA assay. A multiple logistic regression classification model was developed, and the classification efficiency of the model was established. Within the study cohort, 4.3% of pregnancies developed PE. GCF-PLAP concentration was 3- to 6-fold higher than in plasma samples. GCF-PLAP concentrations and systolic blood pressure were greater in women who developed PE (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). The performance of the multiparametric model that combines GCF-PLAP concentration and the levels of systolic blood pressure (at 11-14 weeks gestation) showed an association of systolic blood pressure and GCF-PLAP concentrations with the likelihood of developing PE (OR:1.07; 95% CI 1.01-1.11; p = 0.004 and OR:1.008, 95% CI 1.000-1.015; p = 0.034, respectively). The model had a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 72%, and positive and negative predictive values of 12% and 99%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve was 0.77 and correctly classified 72% of PE pregnancies. In conclusion, the multivariate classification model developed may be of utility as an aid in identifying pre-symptomatic women who subsequently develop PE.

Early pregnancy levels of gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinases-8 and -9 are associated with the severity of periodontitis and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide and women with a history of GDM are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes which is a risk factor for periodontitis. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and -9 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during early pregnancy with the periodontal diagnosis and the risk of GDM development. METHODS: A prospective cohort study, including 314 women, enrolled at 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy was conducted. A complete maternal/obstetric and periodontal exam was performed, and GCF samples were obtained for the MMP-8 and -9 determination by Multiplex Elisa Assays. Mann-Whitney test; Spearman's correlation and log-binomial regression model estimated the association between MMPs concentration in GCF and GDM. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the pregnancies were diagnosed with GDM. An increase in the concentration of MMP-8 and -9 in women with periodontitis stage III and IV compared to periodontitis stage I was observed (99.31 ng/mL [IQR: 85.32] versus 71.95 ng/mL [IQR: 54.04], and 262.4 ng/mL [IQR: 312.55] versus 114.1 ng/mL [IQR: 184.94], respectively). Women who developed GDM showed increased concentrations of MMP-8 and -9 in GCF since the beginning of pregnancy (P = 0.0381; P = 0.0302, respectively). MMP-8 concentration in GCF was associated with GDM (RR: 1.19; P = 0.045; CI 95% 1.00 to 1.40; and RR: 1.20; P = 0.063; CI 95% 0.99 to 1.45 in the adjusted model). CONCLUSION(S): GCF concentrations of MMP-8 and -9 at early of pregnancy are increased in women with severe periodontitis and associated with the GDM development.

Diagnostic potential of peri-implant crevicular fluid microRNA-21-3p and microRNA-150-5p and extracellular vesicles in peri-implant diseases.

BACKGROUND: To explore the diagnostic usefulness of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and their subpopulations (micro-vesicles and exosomes), and microRNAs (miRNA-21-3p, miRNA-150-5p, and miRNA-26a-5p) in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of subjects with healthy, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis implants. METHODS: A total of 54 patients were enrolled into healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis groups. PICF samples were collected, EVs subpopulations (MVs and Exo) were isolated and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of miRNA-21-3p, miRNA-150-5p and miRNA-26a-5p was quantified by qRT-PCR. Logistic regression models and accuracy performance tests were estimated. RESULTS: PICF samples show the presence of EVs delimited by a bi-layered membrane, in accordance with the morphology and size (< 200 nm). The concentration of PICF-EVs, micro-vesicles and exosomes was significantly increased in peri-implantitis implants compared to healthy implants (P = 0.023, P = 0.002, P = 0.036, respectively). miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p expression were significantly downregulated in patients with peri-implantitis in comparison with peri-implant mucositis sites (P = 0.011, P = 0.020, respectively). The reduced expression of miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p was associated with peri-implantitis diagnosis (OR:0.23, CI 0.08-0.66, P = 0.007 and OR:0.07, CI 0.01-0.78, P = 0.031, respectively). The model which included the miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p expression had a sensitivity of 93.3%, a specificity of 76.5%, a positive predictive value of 77.8%, and a negative predictive value of 92.9%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.97 and 0.09, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the model was 0.84. CONCLUSIONS: An increase concentration of EVs with a downregulation expression of miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p could be related with the peri-implantitis development.

Vitamin E Blocks Connexin Hemichannels and Prevents Deleterious Effects of Glucocorticoid Treatment on Skeletal Muscles.

Glucocorticoids are frequently used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. However, high doses and/or prolonged use induce undesired secondary effects such as muscular atrophy. Recently, de novo expression of connexin43 and connexin45 hemichannels (Cx43 HCs and Cx45 HCs, respectively) has been proposed to play a critical role in the mechanism underlying myofiber atrophy induced by dexamethasone (Dex: a synthetic glucocorticoid), but their involvement in specific muscle changes promoted by Dex remains poorly understood. Moreover, treatments that could prevent the undesired effects of glucocorticoids on skeletal muscles remain unknown. In the present work, a 7-day Dex treatment in adult mice was found to induce weight loss and skeletal muscle changes including expression of functional Cx43/Cx45 HCs, elevated atrogin immunoreactivity, atrophy, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. All these undesired effects were absent in muscles of mice simultaneously treated with Dex and vitamin E (VitE). Moreover, VitE was found to rapidly inhibit the activity of Cx HCs in freshly isolated myofibers of Dex treated mice. Exposure to alkaline pH induced free radical generation only in HeLa cells expressing Cx43 or Cx45 where Ca2+ was present in the extracellular milieu, response that was prevented by VitE. Besides, VitE and two other anti-oxidant compounds, Tempol and Resveratrol, were found to inhibit Cx43 HCs in HeLa cells transfectants. Thus, we propose that in addition to their intrinsic anti-oxidant potency, some antioxidants could be used to reduce expression and/or opening of Cx HCs and consequently reduce the undesired effect of glucocorticoids on skeletal muscles.

Recommendations and guidelines for dentists using the basic erosive wear examination index (BEWE).

This paper explains how to screen tooth wear in general practice using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. It explains how stakeholders in the UK acknowledged the convenience of the BEWE and that it could be recorded at the same time as the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE). The article contains examples of anterior and posterior tooth wear for each BEWE score to help dentists in their evaluation.

Prevalence of erosive tooth wear in Chilean adults, 2016: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, severity and distribution of erosive tooth wear lesions in adult patients at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center in the San Bernardo Metropolitan Region, Chile, during a period of 4 months in 2016. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A consecutive sample of patients from 18 to 46 years old who were receiving care at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center during a period from September 2016 to January 2017 was analysed. Basic erosive wear examinations (BEWEs) were performed by two calibrated examiners. RESULTS: A total of 535 adults were included in this study. An erosive tooth wear prevalence of 97.9% was found in which at least one surface had a BEWE score of 2 or 3 as the highest score (98.56% for females and 95.8% for males). In the sample, 75.70% and 74.77% of individuals had at least one surface with a BEWE score of 3 at the second and fifth sextant, respectively. The median of cumulative BEWE scores was 12. The median by individual of the affected percentage of tooth surfaces with BEWE scores 2 or 3 was 19.70%. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of erosive tooth wear, mainly in the anterior group of teeth. No differences were found between the sexes, but a positive correlation with age was found. The percentage of surfaces affected was low or moderate.

Root and canal morphology of mandibular premolars using cone-beam computed tomography in a Chilean and Belgian subpopulation: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe mandibular premolar root and canal morphology and its variability in Chilean and Belgian samples using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted. A total of 402 mandibular premolars were examined using cone-beam computed tomography images of Chilean and Belgian patients. Premolars that met the inclusion criteria were studied in relation to the number of roots, number of canals, root canal configuration, presence of C-shaped configuration, tooth length, and root length. RESULTS: The mandibular first premolar frequently presented with one root (94% Chilean; 100% Belgian), as did the mandibular second premolar (99% Chilean; 98% Belgian). One canal was present in 69% of Chilean, and 83% of Belgian mandibular first premolars, and in 95% of Chilean and 91% of Belgian second premolars. A type I root canal configuration was found in 69% of Chilean and 83% of Belgian first premolars and in 95% of Chilean and 92% of Belgian second premolars. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical parameters analyzed in the Chilean and Belgian samples are similar. However, it should be noted that there are anatomical variations in mandibular premolars.

Effect of two periodontal treatment modalities in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of two non-surgical periodontal treatment modalities on metabolic and periodontal clinical parameters in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and poor glycaemic control and chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety-three T2DM subjects with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7% were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving scaling with root planing in multiple sessions quadrant-by-quadrant (Q by Q) or within 24 hr (one stage). Periodontal parameters, HbA1c, glycaemia blood levels (FPG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post-therapy. RESULTS: At 6 months, HbA1c had decreased by 0.48% in the Q by Q group and by 0.18% in the one-stage group (p = 0.455). After therapy, subjects with an initial HbA1c < 9% showed an increase of 0.31% (p = 0.145), compared with a decrease of 0.88% (p = 0.006) in those with an initial HbA1c ≥ 9%. Periodontal parameters improved significantly (p < 0.0001) post-therapy, with similar results for both treatment modalities. CONCLUSION: Periodontal therapy had the greatest impact on HbA1c reduction on patients with an HbA1c > 9% regardless of treatment modality. Both modalities resulted in significant improvements in periodontal parameters.

Periodontitis and placental growth factor in oral fluids are early pregnancy predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects around 7% to 10% of all pregnancies. Early detection of predisposition to GDM is the first step in developing efficacious preventive treatment. The objective of the present study was to establish the utility of placental proteins presents in oral fluids (gingival crevicular fluid [GCF] and saliva), and periodontal disease status as early pregnancy predictors of GDM. METHODS: A nested case control within a prospective cohort was conducted. Pregnant systemically healthy women, aged between 18 and 40 years at 11 to 14 weeks gestation were included. Samples of oral fluids were collected and a complete maternal/obstetric and periodontal history was obtained. The concentration of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a nested case control sample of the prospective cohort. Multiple logistic regression models assessed the association. The evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the biomarkers was performed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: There were recruited 212 pregnant women at 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, of these, 14 women (i.e., 6.6%) developed GDM, and displayed significant greater bleeding on probing (BOP) [P = 0.0003]; periodontal probing depth (PD) [P = 0.0028]; clinical attachment level (AL) [P = 0.0008] and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) [P = 0.0001]. Similarly, initial glycemia and GCF-PlGF concentrations were significantly greater in women with GDM [P = 0.0012, and P = 0.0019, respectively]. When data were subjected to ROC curve analysis, the combination of initial glycemia and GCF-PlGF concentration delivered an area under the ROC curve of 0.897. Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrate an association between glycemia (OR 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.38; P = 0.005) and GCF-PlGF concentrations in women who developed GDM (OR 1.68, CI 1.05 to 2.68 P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, the results support that first trimester maternal glycemia combined with GCF-PlGF concentrations could be a surrogate biomarker for the future development of GDM in pre-symptomatic women.

Comparison of clinical and electromyographic rest vertical dimensions in dolichofacial and brachyfacial young adults: A cross-sectional study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Therapeutic procedures that increase occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) may have different responses in patients with different craniofacial vertical patterns. The effect on these patients of increasing their OVD is not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare measurements of vertical jaw separation (VJS) in patients with brachyfacial and dolichofacial craniofacial patterns in 2 vertical dimensions: the clinical rest/postural vertical dimension (CR/PVD) and electromyographic rest vertical dimension (EMGRVD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty healthy dental students were selected at random after a lateral skull radiograph was made. The Ricketts (VERT index) analysis was used to determine 30 brachyfacial (G1) and 30 dolichofacial (G2) types. The VJS was measured for G1 and G2 types in the 2 rest vertical dimensions specified. CR/PVD was recorded using 2 methods: swallowing (CR/PVD-P1) and the phonetic breathing method (CR/PVD-P2). The Shapiro-Wilk test was used for data distribution, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to accept or reject the null hypothesis (α=.05). RESULTS: Mean VJS in CR/PVD-P1 was 1.92 ±1.14 mm for the brachyfacial and 1.36 ±0.58 mm for the dolichofacial facial group (P=.05). The mean VJS in CR/PVD-P2 was 1.89 ±1.17 mm for the brachyfacial and 1.31 ±0.58 mm for the dolichofacial group (P=.03). The mean VJS in EMGRVD was 8.23 ±2.21 mm for the brachyfacial and 16.55 ±4.29 mm the dolichofacial group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: CR/PVD measurements in dolichofacial individuals were lower than those in brachyfacial individuals. EMGRVD measurements were higher in dolichofacial individuals than those in brachyfacial individuals. Biomechanical, physiological, and behavioral reasons might explain such diversity.