The buccal frenum: Trends in diagnosis and indications for treatment of buccal-ties among 466 healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: The buccal frenum is connective tissue that adheres the mucosa of the cheek to the alveolar process. When restricted, this condition is commonly known as a buccal- or cheek-tie. Restrictive buccal frena are often treated during tongue- and lip-tie procedures, yet widely accepted classification, diagnostic and treatment guidelines are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Provide a scoping review on the evaluation and management of buccal-ties, including diagnosis, classification, symptoms and treatment, by surveying healthcare providers with experience evaluating and managing oral restrictions. METHODS: Literature review and IRB-approved survey to assess practice patterns among healthcare providers identified from online directories of tongue-tie release providers and associated allied health professionals. RESULTS: A multidisciplinary group of 466 providers responded. About 87% indicated that they assess buccal restrictions. Evaluation methods included finger sweep (89.1%), visual inspection (76.4%), tissue blanching (66.5%) and functional assessment (53.4%). Around 94% of providers reported that objective and subjective findings are both needed for diagnosis and that an estimated 5%-10% of infants may be affected. About 70% of providers release buccal-ties (if needed) simultaneously with tongue-ties, and 76.8% recommend post-operative stretches as necessary for optimal healing. Respondents indicated a need for further research, evidence-based assessments, a classification system and treatment protocols. CONCLUSION: Evaluating a buccal frenum to diagnose a symptomatic buccal-tie relies upon visual inspection, palpation and assessment of oral function. Survey data and clinical experience are summarized to review classification systems, diagnostic/evaluation criteria and treatment recommendations as a foundational cornerstone for future works to build upon.

An Amperometric Glucose Sensor Integrated into an Insulin Delivery Cannula: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Labeling prohibits delivery of insulin at the site of subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Integration of the sensing and insulin delivery functions into a single device would likely increase the usage of CGM in persons with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: To understand the nature of such interference, we measured glucose at the site of bolus insulin delivery in swine using a flexible electrode strip that was laminated to the outer wall of an insulin delivery cannula. In terms of sensing design, we compared H2O2-measuring sensors biased at 600 mV with redox mediator-type sensors biased at 175 mV. RESULTS: In H2O2-measuring sensors, but not in sensors with redox-mediated chemistry, a spurious rise in current was seen after insulin lis-pro boluses. This prolonged artifact was accompanied by electrode poisoning. In redox-mediated sensors, the patterns of sensor signals acquired during delivery of saline and without any liquid delivery were similar to those acquired during insulin delivery. CONCLUSION: Considering in vitro and in vivo findings together, it became clear that the mechanism of interference is the oxidation, at high bias potentials, of phenolic preservatives present in insulin formulations. This effect can be avoided by the use of redox mediator chemistry using a low bias potential.