The accuracy of Cameriere methods in Turkish children: chronological age estimation using developing teeth and carpals and epiphyses of the ulna and radius.

The aim of the present study was to develop a specific formula by measuring the developing teeth, carpal bones, and epiphyses of the ulna and radius to determine the chronological age in Turkish children. The left developing permanent mandibular teeth were evaluated, and the number of teeth with closed apex was recorded. The distance between the inner sides of open apex/apices was measured by using the ImageJ program and divided by the tooth length. The sum of the normalized open apices was also calculated. The carpal area (Ca), covering the epiphyses of ulna and radius and the carpal bones, was measured on the X-rays of left hand. The areas of each carpal bone and epiphyses of the ulna and radius were measured, and these measurements were added together to obtain the bone area (Bo). The Bo/Ca ratio between the total area of carpal bones and the carpal area was calculated to normalize the measurements. The accuracy of the equations formulated by Cameriere was evaluated, and a new regression equation was developed accordingly. The new formula showed no statistically significant difference between the chronological and the estimated age for females, males, and total sample. The new formula, which hit the age with 72.80% accuracy, was more successful in predicting chronological age than other adjusted regression equations. The new regression model, created for the Turkish children by using both developing teeth and hand-wrist bones, was considerably successful in estimating the chronological age.

Antimicrobial Activity in Chitosan-Treated Prosthetic Materials: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The antimicrobial effect of prosthetic materials treated with chitosan was systematically reviewed. METHODS: The searches were carried out on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, LILACS, Embase, and Open Grey with searches performed in March 2022. Selection of in vitro studies, data extraction and risk of bias analysis were performed following the PRISMA guidelines and registered at the Open Science Framework. The evaluated prosthetic materials corresponded to PMMA and tissue conditioner, treated with chitosan. RESULTS: After evaluating the eligibility criteria, 11 articles were included for the qualitative synthesis. The evaluated prosthetic materials corresponded to PMMA (n=8) and tissue conditioner (n=3). All studies performed the incorporation of chitosan in the tissue conditioner (n=3). Regarding PMMA, the use of chitosan as a denture cleanser was the most used (n=3), followed by incorporation (n=2), multilayers coating onto PMMA (n=2) and denture adhesive for PMMA (n=1). Chitosan has antimicrobial activity and is effective in the treatment of prosthetic materials in most studies, but it depends on some factors, such as the treatment method, the type and characteristics of the chitosan, the microorganism evaluated, and its form of organization. CONCLUSION: Chitosan showed highly antimicrobial activity and was effective when used in prosthetic materials.

Comparison of the third molar maturity index (I3M) between left and right lower third molars to assess the age of majority: a multi-ethnic study sample.

The diagnostic accuracy of the I3M to assess the legal age of 18 years has already been tested in several specific-population samples. The left lower third molar has been extensively used for discriminating between minors and adults. This research aimed to compare the usefulness of lower third molar maturity indexes, from both left and right side (I3ML and I3MR), in samples originating from four distinct continents in order to examine possible differences in their accuracy values. For this purpose, a sample of 10,181 orthopantomograms (OPGs), from Europe, Africa, Asia and America, was analysed and previously scored in other studies. The samples included healthy subjects with no systemic disorders with both third molars and clear depicted root apices. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for left and right asymmetry did not show any significant differences. Data about sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratio and accuracy were pooled together and showed similar results for I3ML and I3MR, respectively. In addition, all these quantities were high when only the I3MR was considered to discriminate between adults and minors. The present referable database was the first to pool third molar measurements using panoramic radiographs of subjects coming from different continents. The results highlighted that both I3ML and I3MR are reliable indicators for assessing the legal age of 18 years old in those jurisdictions where this legal threshold has been set as the age of majority.

The incidence of severe oral mucositis and its occurrence sites in pediatric oncologic patients.

BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer is one of the main causes of child mortality and its treatment has debilitating effects on the oral cavity. Several oral mucositis (SOM) is one of the most common and may cause undesirable symptoms such as pain and risk of systemic infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a longitudinal, retrospective, and observational study determining the incidence of severe oral mucositis (SOM) and its occurrence sites in pediatric oncologic patients, in João Pessoa, Brazil, between 2013 and 2018. Data from 56 patients aged 1 to 18 years were collected from their medical records and through an oral mucosa examination, from the 1st to 5th week of chemotherapy treatment (CT) using the modified Oral Assessment Guide, by previously calibrated examiners (Kappa index > 0.7). The data were analyzed by the Chi-square test, and Odds Ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Most patients were females (54.5%), aged 8.8 years (± 4.8), with hematologic tumors (73.2%), predominantly Acute Lymphoid Leukemia (50.0%). An increase in the occurrence of SOM was observed throughout the CT (P = 0.05), ranging from 12.5% in the 1st to 35.7% in the 5th CT week. In the 1st CT week, there was a predominance of alterations in the lips (5.5%) and saliva (5.5%), while in the 5th, the jugal / palate mucosa (21.4%) remained the most affected site by SOM. Differences in the severity of SOM in the jugal / palate mucosa (P = 0.01) and labial mucosa (P = 0.04) were observed over time. In the 5th CT week, the likelihood of developing SOM was 13.3-fold higher (95% CI: 1.5 - 105.6) in patients with hematologic tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of SOM was higher in the 5th CT week, most commonly affecting the jugal / palate mucosa, and patients with hematologic tumors were more prone to develop SOM.

Age estimation in north east Brazilians by measurement of open apices.

Dental age (DA) estimation is an extensively investigated resource used by forensic science. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Measurement of Open Apices for DA estimation in north east Brazilians. A total of 429 orthopantomographs of individuals aged 5 to 14.99 years were used. The sample was distributed according to the age groups 5-6.99, 7-8.99, 9-10.99, 11-12.99 and 13-14.99 years, and the data were analyzed descriptively and by linear regression (α= 5%). The majority of the radiographs were from females (n = 241; 56.2%), with an overall mean age of 12 years (± 2.12). A significant difference was observed between DA and chronological age (CA) in the total sample and specifically in females and males. The method underestimated CA by 0.31 year (total sample) and by 0.3 and 0.32 year in females and males, respectively. In contrast, the method overestimated CA in the groups 5-6.99 and 7-8.99 years, with a mean difference (MD) of 0.48 year (p = 0.007) and 0.17 year (p = 0.182), respectively. In the other groups, DA was predicted to be below CA, with a significant difference in the group 13-14.99 (0.75 year). Based on the regression analysis, a correction factor was proposed from the original formula for this population, thereby reaching a predictive power of approximately 80%. To conclude, this method is applicable to the study population aged 5 to 13 years as the estimates obtained did not exceed the error limit of ±1 year.

Susceptibility of cariogenic microorganisms to phytoconstituents / Susceptibilidade de microrganismos cariogênicos a fitoconstituintes

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of the phytochemicals thymol, linalool, and citronellol against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus oralis. Disk diffusion screening on solid medium and measurement of the diameter of the bacterial growth inhibition halos was the technique utilized. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the substances was determined using serial substance dilutions and microdilution technique in Brain Heart Infusion culture medium. After incubation for 24 hours in an oven at 37 °C, plate reading was completed and confirmed by visual method using 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride dye. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) was determined from MIC subcultures. Assays were performed in triplicate, and chlorhexidine was used as a positive control. The diameters in mm of the growth inhibition halos ranged between 7.3 and 10.7 for S. mutans, 7.3 and 10.0 for S. oralis, and 8.2 and 9.8 for S. salivarius. The MIC and MBC values obtained converged, ranging from maximum values in the presence of Linalool (1,250.0 mg/mL, 2,500.0 mg/mL and 2,500.0 mg/mL, respectively, for S. mutans, S. oralis, and S. salivarius); and minimum values with Thymol (312.5 μg/ml, 156.2 μg/mL and 156.2 μg/ml, respectively for S. mutans, S. oralis, and S. salivarius). All the tested phytochemicals displayed antibacterial activity, thus representing substances with potential applications in preventing tooth decay.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou avaliar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro dos fitoquímicos timol, linalol e citronelol sobre Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivaris e Streptococcus oralis. Utilizou-se a técnica de discos de difusão em meio sólido e medição do diâmetro dos halos de inibição. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) das substâncias foi determinada utilizando diluições em série das substâncias e técnica de microdiluição em meio de cultura de Brain Heart Infusion. Após incubação durante 24 horas em estufa a 37 °C, a leitura da placa foi confirmada pelo método visual usando o corante 2,3,5 trifenil cloreto de tetrazólio. A concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) foi determinada a partir de subculturas de MIC. Os ensaios foram realizados em triplicata, e clorexidina foi usada como um controle positivo. Os diâmetros dos halos de inibição do crescimento variaram entre 7,3 e 10,7 por S. mutans, 7,3 e 10,0 por S. oralis, e 8,2 e 9,8 para S. salivaris. Os valores de CIM e CBM obtidos variaram de valores máximos na presença de linalol (1.250,0 mg/mL, 2.500.0 mg/mL e 2.500.0 mg/mL, respectivamente, para o S. mutans, S oralis e S. salivaris); a valores mínimos com timol (312,5 μg/ml, 156,2 μg/mL e 156,2 μg/ml, respectivamente para S. mutans, S. oralis e S. salivaris). Todos os fitoquímicos testados apresentaram atividade antibacteriana, representando, assim, substâncias com potencial de aplicações na prevenção da cárie dentária.

Susceptibility of cariogenic microorganisms to phytoconstituents.

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of the phytochemicals thymol, linalool, and citronellol against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus oralis. Disk diffusion screening on solid medium and measurement of the diameter of the bacterial growth inhibition halos was the technique utilized. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the substances was determined using serial substance dilutions and microdilution technique in Brain Heart Infusion culture medium. After incubation for 24 hours in an oven at 37 °C, plate reading was completed and confirmed by visual method using 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride dye. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) was determined from MIC subcultures. Assays were performed in triplicate, and chlorhexidine was used as a positive control. The diameters in mm of the growth inhibition halos ranged between 7.3 and 10.7 for S. mutans, 7.3 and 10.0 for S. oralis, and 8.2 and 9.8 for S. salivarius. The MIC and MBC values obtained converged, ranging from maximum values in the presence of Linalool (1,250.0 mg/mL, 2,500.0 mg/mL and 2,500.0 mg/mL, respectively, for S. mutans, S. oralis, and S. salivarius); and minimum values with Thymol (312.5 µg/ml, 156.2 µg/mL and 156.2 µg/ml, respectively for S. mutans, S. oralis, and S. salivarius). All the tested phytochemicals displayed antibacterial activity, thus representing substances with potential applications in preventing tooth decay.

Topographical pressure pain sensitivity maps of the shoulder region in individuals with subacromial pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Topographical pain maps (TPM) are useful tools to assess deep tissue sensitivity in musculoskeletal pain conditions. There is evidence suggesting bilateral sensitivity in subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), although it is not widely accepted. No previous study has investigated TPM of the shoulder in SAPS. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether differences for TPM of the shoulder are evident among patients with unilateral SAPS and controls. METHODS: Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed 3 times at each point and there was a 20 s rest period between each one. The TPM were calculated using 29 pre-determined points on both shoulders in all groups by inverse distance weighted interpolation of PPT data. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance was applied to detect differences in PPTs between groups, sides, points (gender as covariate). RESULTS: The results revealed significant differences between points and genders (both, P < 0.001), but not between groups (P = 0.243) and sides (P = 0.812). Heterogeneous distribution of mechanical pain sensitivity was found in both groups as the PPTs were lower on the root spine of the scapula and the posterior border of the acromion (points 5-8, P < 0.05), glenohumeral joint (points 17-20, P < 0.01) and the anterior deltoid muscle (points 21-25, P < 0.001) compared to the average of the other sites on the shoulder. Women exhibited bilateral lower PPTs in all points than men in both groups (all, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed no differences for mechanical pain sensitivity in patients with SAPS experiencing lower levels of pain compared with matched controls, but showed heterogeneous distribution of PPTs in the shoulder.