Who and how in the regulation of mitochondrial cristae shape and function.

Mitochondrial adaptation to different physiological conditions highly relies on the regulation of mitochondrial ultrastructure, particularly at the level of cristae compartment. Cristae represent the membrane hub where most of the respiratory complexes embed to account for OXPHOS and energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Changes in cristae number and shape define the respiratory capacity as well as cell viability. The identification of key regulators of cristae morphology and the understanding of their contribution to the mitochondrial ultrastructure and function have become an strategic goal to understand mitochondrial disorders and to exploit as therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the known regulators of cristae ultrastructure and discusses their contribution and implications for mitochondrial dysfunction.

Periodontal maintenance following scaling and root planing. A randomized single-center study comparing minocycline treatment and daily oral irrigation with water.

Objective: Trying to limit the use of antimicrobial drugs in periodontitis is a general trend. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of daily water irrigation in comparison with subgingival minocycline in periodontal maintenance, in subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis. This was done by evaluating probing pocket depth (the primary outcome), other clinical parameters such as clinical attachment level, plaque index and bleeding on probing, and bacterial flora changes inside periodontal pockets. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, parallel, single blind, randomized clinical study, thirty subjects (12 men, mean age 56 ± 2.2 years) with moderate to severe periodontitis were randomized 1:1 into a minocycline-treated group (M-group, n=15) and a water-treated group (W-group, n=15). Clinical and microbiological parameters were measured at baseline. Scaling and root planing were carried out on all subjects, then to M-group patients minocycline was administered inside the pockets. W-group subjects had instead to daily apply oral irrigation with water. Clinical and microbiological measurements were repeated after 30 days. Results: Both water irrigation and minocycline treatment led to a significant reduction of all the clinical parameters tested at t=30 days with respect to baseline. Moreover, both procedures appeared to be able to maintain a low bacterial load inside periodontal pockets, for most of the microorganisms tested. No statistically significant differences were observed between M-group and W-group at t=30 days, concerning both clinical and microbiological parameters. However, further studies are needed to assess the long-term effect. Conclusion: Daily oral irrigation with water showed comparable efficacy to a single administration of minocycline in periodontal maintenance subjects.

Salivary levels of IgA in healthy subjects undergoing active orthodontic treatment.

It has been reported that the immune system undergoes changes due to various factors, inflammation, surgery, medication, age and gender. The aim of this study was to investigate therapy-dependent changes of salivary IgA among healthy subjects undergoing active orthodontic treatment. The levels of IgA were determined at the beginning, and after 1,4, 8,16 weeks and 32 weaks of active orthodontic treatment. A total of 100 healthy individuals (aged 15-42 years) were enrolled in the study. Two milliliters of saliva were collected from all participants, and salivary IgA levels were measured by the ELISA technique. Mean salivary IgA levels were significantly higher in subjects after 1 week as compared to subjects at the beginning of orthodontic treatment (P < 0.01).. The mean levels of salivary IgA were significantly higher after 4 and 8 weeks of therapy than those observed in the control group (P < 0.00001 and P < 0.05, respectively) and reached the highest level at 16 weeks and then remained stable during treatment. Gender had no effect on the salivary levels of IgA as any significant differences were observed between men and women. The results highlight the importance of the salivary defense mechanism, translated through the increase in the levels of IgA, once orthodontic treatment is started.

Salivary calcium levels during orthodontic treatment.

Saliva contains many defense factors and plays a key role in oral metabolism. Salivary calcium, due to its affinity to be readily taken up by plaque, is an important factor not only with regard to the onset of periodontitis but also significantly with regard to dental health. The aim of this study was to estimate the salivary concentration of calcium, in a group of adults undergoing active orthodontic treatment. The levels of salivary calcium were determined at the beginning, and after 16 weeks of active orthodontic treatment. A total of 40 healthy individuals with a mean age of 23.9 years were enrolled in the study group, while 40 subjects served as controls. Two milliliters of saliva were collected from all participants, and salivary calcium levels were measured by biochemical assay. Mean salivary calcium levels were significantly higher in subjects after 16 weeks as compared to subjects at the beginning of orthodontic treatment and to the control group (p= 0.001). A significant association between higher salivary calcium levels and orthodontic treatment has been established, therefore, monitoring salivary calcium levels might be a useful tool to establish periodontal health status during active orthodontic treatment along with other inflammatory parameters.

Blood levels of interleukins in patients with ameloblastoma.

The aim of study was to determine and compare serum concentrations of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in patients with oral ameloblastoma and healthy controls. Sixteen patients with ameloblastoma and 16 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Cytokine concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme linked immunoassay. Serum concentrations of IL-1ß were below level of detection in all but four participants. No significant differences between the groups were observed in serum concentrations of IL-6. Serum TNF-α was significantly higher in control subjects than in ameloblastoma patients. Patients diagnosed with ameloblastoma have relatively normal levels of inflammatory cytokines in their blood and thus cannot be used as indicators of disease severity or for monitoring the treatment outcomes.

Comparison between oscillating-twisting rotating of brush head vs a characteristic sweeping bristles motion on reducing oral inflammation.

Background: The aim of present study was to clinically assess and compare a sonic toothbrush versus a rotating oscillating power toothbrush on plaque removal and gingival health in reducing plaque and bleeding on probing. Methods: Patients were selected according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and they were enrolled in test group or control group using Random Allocation Software. Visual score plaque index (PI) was recorded by the same blind operator using a plaque revelator and bleeding on probing (BoP) index was recorded using a periodontal probe at baseline, 15th day and 30th day. Results: The group of patients who used sonic toothbrush showed a greater reduction of PI and BoP comparing with patients who used rotating-oscillating power toothbrush. Conclusions: Although this pilot study has several limitations, it seems to indicate that sonic toothbrushes are capable of removing plaque and reducing bleeding on probing better than electric toothbrushes.

In vivo study of titanium healing screws surface modifications after different debridment procedure.

Introduction: Over the years, several different implant systems have been introduced, and the indications for implant rehabilitation have gradually been extended 2. Although an high success rates have consistently been reported for many implant systems, complications leading to loss of osseointegration still occurs 3. Thus, oral hygiene and maintenance are imperative, because implants, as well as teeth, are susceptible to accumulation of bacterial plaque and calculus formation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the in vivo cleaning efficacy of the three systems (air powder, curette, laser) comparing at the same time the alterations of the titanium abutment surface in terms of roughness. Methods: Forthy-two patients (25 males and 17 females) were included in the study. The 42 healing abutments were treated by the same clinician (UC). Results and conclusions: The rate of debris removal by the air powder was higher than that for the laser and than that for the curettes. The SEM analysis showed that the air powder system did not induce significant differences of the abutment if compared to the curettes as well as to the laser.

The benefits of Quercitin for dentistry and maxillofacial surgery: a systematic review.

Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) is the major bioflavonoid in the human diet and belongs to an extensive class of polyphenolic flavonoid compounds almost ubiquitous in plants and plant food sources. The estimated average daily dietary intake of quercetin by an individual in the United States is 25 mg. In recent years, research about quercetin has evolved from animal studies to in vitro and in vivo studies and to human clinical studies and trials in order to establish its real properties and effects. In oral medicine, quercetin has been extensively studied, as a real increase in major diseases like cancers, periodontal disease, oral lesions, tooth decay and infections have been reported worldwide by health providers.It has been thus established that quercetin exhibits beneficial effects on oral health with its broad pharmacological properties, as preventive and therapeutic agent in dental caries with anti-inflammatory effect against oral pathogens, as well as an antioxidant and anti-cancer agent .The aim of the review is to present evidence-based aspect of treatment with quercetin in order to validate its tremendous role in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery.

Inclusion of all permanent mandibular molars and all maxillary second and third molars: a case report and review of the literature.

Simultaneous impactions of first, second, and third permanent molars on both mandibular sides together with the all maxillary second and third molars is a clinical situation never reported before in the literature and it might be a difficult challenge for maxillofacial surgeons and dentists. Early diagnosis and treatment of eruption disturbances contributes to optimal outcomes. This article reports the treatment of an adult with severe impaction of all mandibular first, second, and third molars together with all maxillary second and third molars, which limits the masticatory function and dental arch integrity. The impacted molars were surgically removed as the patients declined orthodontic treatment. The combined surgical-orthodontic approach represents a challenging treatment and the optimal one as it eliminates the need for prosthetic rehabilitation and implant replacement of the impacted molars, when accepted.

Non-traumatic unilateral bifid mandibular condyle and multiple inclusions: a case report.

Simultaneous impactions of first, second, and third permanent molars on both mandibular sides together with the all maxillary second and third molars is a clinical situation never reported before in the literature and it might be a difficult challenge for maxillofacial surgeons and dentists. Early diagnosis and treatment of eruption disturbances contributes to optimal outcomes. This article reports the treatment of an adult with severe impaction of all mandibular first, second, and third molars together with all maxillary second and third molars, which limits the masticatory function and dental arch integrity. The impacted molars were surgically removed as the patients declined orthodontic treatment. The combined surgical-orthodontic approach represents a challenging treatment and the optimal one as it eliminates the need for prosthetic rehabilitation and implant replacement of the impacted molars, when accepted.

Bimaxillary distraction osteogenesis used for treatment of crowding in non-growing individuals. Case report.

Dental crowding is frequently associated with transverse jaw discrepancies, resulting in a less-than-ideal position of the teeth in the basal bone. The classic aproach for correcting bimaxillary crowding are extractions or arch expansion. Rapid maxilla-mandibular expansion was used to treat transverse discrepancies in growing patients, but with aging, the upper and lower jaw bones become increasingly resistant to expansion. The surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) and the mandibular midsymphyseal distraction osteogenesis procedure overcome this age limitation and are of great importance for the treatment of transverse discrepancies in adults. The aim of this paper is to report a case with a severe transverse deficiency treated with SARME, mandibular midsymphyseal distraction together with orthodontic treatment in an adult patient. The case highlights the esthetic advantages of increasing the transversal dimension of both jaws in patients with severe crowding associated with constricted dental arches and recommends the maxillo-mandibular transverse distraction osteogenesis as an and effective form of surgical treatment for patients with malocclusions or dentofacial deformities featuring severe transverse discrepancies, combined with a carefully monitored orthodontic treatment.

Lateral periodontal cyst (LPC) mimicking periodontal socket in a young patient: report of a case and review of the literature.

Background: Lateral Periodontal cyst (LPC) is an uncommon development odontogenic cyst. Most papers are single case reports or series. Methods: We present a case of LPC occurred in a patient which symptoms and signs could mislead the diagnosis. A review of the literature is reported, emphasizing the clinical, radiographic and histopathological features of LPC. Results: A 28-years old female patient presented reporting pain and swelling at the lingual site of the #31.Spot lingual probing depth was 9 mm; sulcus bleeding and suppuration were found at probing. Radiographically well-defined radiolucency appeared in periodontal foramen area. The patient was treated with non-surgical and surgical therapy. Conclusions: LPC is an infrequent cystic lesion that occurs on lateral root vital tooth. In this case, the cyst mimicked a periodontal lesion. The surgical LPC excision solved the symptoms reported by the patient and improved periodontal parameters of the dental element. After 18 months since surgical treatment there aren't signs or symptoms of recurrence.

Conservative treatment of unicystic odontogenic keratocyst by piezosurgery approach. A case report.

The present case report describes the case of a 15-year-old female who was referred with a radiolucent lesion between her mandibular right molars. The original radiographic image suggested the presence of an odontogenic cyst. The surgical enucleation and the following osteotomy of the residual cavity was performed by using the piezoelectric technology. The histological analysis confirmed that the lesion was an odontogenic keratocyst with no evidence of epithelial invasion in the connective tissue wall. The patient refused any further surgical treatment. In consideration of the pathological result - no presence of invasive epithelial cells in the connective tissue wall of the cyst- the patient was suggested a "follow-up and wait-and-see policy", with more extensive surgical treatment to be given only in case of a recurrence. The patient was followed up clinically and radiographically at 6 months intervals for 5 years.

Dental white spots associated with bulimia nervosa in orthodontic patients.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time followed by an attempt to rid oneself of the food consumed (purging), typically by vomiting, taking a laxative, diuretic, or stimulant, and/or excessive exercise, because of an extensive concern for body weight. The frequent contact between teeth and gastric acid, in particular, may cause: severe dental erosion, perimolysis, or the erosion of tooth enamel and swollen salivary glands. Constant vomiting can lead to gastroesophageal reflux. The aim of this article is to report two cases of patients with severe dental demineralization associated with bulimia nervosa during orthodontic treatment. Diagnosis and prevention aspects are highlighted and discussed.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome. Retrospective study of nine cases.

The hypothenar hammer syndrome is an uncommon lesion of the ulnar artery caused by repetitive trauma to the ulnar portion of the hand. It characteristically occurs in the dominant hand of middle-aged craftsmen, but also in athletes practising various types of sports. We present a retrospective study of nine patients between 1988 and 1999. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 10 years. We recommend surgical treatment, by resection of the involved arterial segment and revascularization either by direct anastomosis or by means of a venous interpositional graft.

[Vein interposition as a pathway for peripheral nerve regeneration]. / Veneninterponat als Leitbahn für die Regeneration peripherer Nerven.

In experiments on rabbits the use of a vein graft for bridging defects of peripheral nerves was examined. A 10-20 mm long segment of sciatic nerve was removed bilaterally. On one side the gap was bridged with an autologous nerve graft, on the other one an autologous vein graft was used. With relatively small gaps (10 mm) both methods revealed comparable results. When bridging larger defects, the results with nerve grafts were superior to those obtained with vein grafts.

Correlation of plasma gonadotrophins and ovarian steroids pattern with symptomatic changes in cervical mucus during the menstrual cycle in normal cycling women.

27 healthy young Italian women were studied to evaluate their ability to identify symptomatically the potentially fertile phase of the menstrual cycle by self observation of their cervical mucus pattern as described in the Ovulation Method Billings. The women's observations were correlated with daily plasma levels of FSH, LH, estradiol-17 beta and progesterone. Ovulation was considered to occur on the day following the LH peak. The hormonal assays revealed that 2 of the 34 cycles studied were anovulatory. 24 of the 27 subjects in the study group demonstrated their ability to recognize the onset of the mucus discharge and the peak symptom from the first cycle after teaching, another two from the second cycle. The only other subject contributed an anovulatory cycle in which the hormonal assay confirmed the accuracy of her mucus observations. In the study, the mean interval between the time of ovulation as assessed and the peak symptom recorded by the subjects was 0.0 days, with a range from -2 to +1 days. The mean time interval from the first recorded symptom to the estimated day of ovulation was 6.0 days, with a range from 3 to 10 days. The study shows that young Italian women can be taught to recognize their cervical mucus pattern as described in the Ovulation Method Billings. The accuracy of their observations is demonstrated by the hormonal assays. The study also confirms the conclusion reached in earlier similar studies that there is a direct correlation between the cervical mucus symptom and the potentially fertile phase of the cycle. Research is currently being conducted on a larger number of couples employing the Ovulation Method Billings to actually regulate their fertility.