Use of ozone therapy in Implant Dentistry: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Ozone is a potent antioxidant agent which presents an important antimicrobial action and many other biological effects. Although ozone therapy has been widely described and summarized in several other Dentistry areas recently, the studies concerning Dental Implantology have not been systematically compiled and evaluated. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone therapy in dental implant procedures. METHODS: MEDLINE (via PUBMED), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and OpenGrey databases were searched (up to, and including, January 23, 2023) for studies in the English language. In addition, the reference lists of the articles were manually examined. Only interventional studies (controlled clinical trials, randomized or not) were considered eligible for inclusion. The risk of bias in each included study was assessed using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials - version 2. RESULTS: 71 potentially eligible records were retrieved but only 5 articles were evaluated and considered eligible for inclusion. Among the studies, 2 addressed clinical situations related to implant insertion, and 3 involved pathological conditions affecting implants in function. Furthermore, only one randomized clinical trial was categorized as low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: The adjuvant use of ozone therapy may positively affect some outcomes in Implant Dentistry, both in treating pathological conditions and conducting rehabilitation (implant installation, secondary implant stability). However, as most studies have a high risk of bias and high heterogeneity, a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn.

Photobiomodulation With a Continuous Wave Red Laser (660 nm) as Monotherapy for Adult Alopecia Areata: A Case Presentation.

Introduction: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, non-scarring hair loss in which T-cells target hair follicles. Given that the available therapeutic options generally do not induce and sustain remission of AA effectively and many adverse effects may occur, monochromatic light sources have been recently gaining attention from clinicians. Therefore, the present paper aimed to report the first case in which photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with a continuous wave red laser (660 nm) was used as monotherapy for AA. Case Presentation: An isolated round area of complete hair loss was subjected to daily PBMT sessions, resulting in significant regrowth (hair of normal coloration and thickness) within 7 days. On the 21st day, the patient's aesthetic concern was completely resolved. Conclusion: PBMT with a continuous wave red laser seems to be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of AA; however, additional studies are necessary to obtain more robust evidence.

Photobiomodulation Therapy for Multiple Painful Fixed Drug Eruptions: The First Case Report.

Introduction: Fixed drug eruption (FDE), a very specific adverse drug reaction and one of the most common types of drug eruption, generally resolves spontaneously within 7-10 days upon withdrawal of the causative agent; however, extensive and severe cases may also require systemic drug therapy. The present study aimed to report a case in which a broad spectrum of severe, painful lesions of FDE was managed with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Case Report: A 31-year-old Caucasian woman presented with many extremely painful mucocutaneous lesions of FDE which had arisen 8 days before, following a long period of hospitalization. The lesions were not responsive to either corticosteroids or analgesics within 5 days, and then seven daily sessions of PBMT were proposed. Pain alleviation was achieved on the 1st day of PBMT, and the lesions showed an advanced course of healing on the 3rd day. Within 7 days of PBMT, the lesions were almost completely repaired. In a 3-month follow-up period, no relapse of any FDE lesion was reported. Conclusion: PBMT may be a promising strategy for the management of painful lesions of FDE refractory to conventional medication therapy. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Impact of different anesthetic approaches on the outcomes of temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of different types of anesthesia on the outcomes of arthrocentesis of the TMJ. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies, followed by reference list search and further hand-searching. Randomized clinical trials and controlled studies were considered for inclusion when comparing at least two anesthetic approaches. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Of a total of 506 potentially eligible studies, only a randomized controlled clinical trial and an observational study were included. The former compared some outcomes of arthrocentesis under local and general anesthesia and the latter under sedation and general anesthesia. Moreover, both studies were judged as "high risk of bias." CONCLUSIONS: In general, there appears to be a slight trend toward better outcomes of arthrocentesis for internal TMJ derangements (Wilkes grades I to III) when performed under general anesthesia; however, given that the available evidence is remarkably limited and a high risk of bias was detected within the included studies, a definitive statement cannot be made.

Photobiomodulation Therapy for Managing Motor and Sensory Dysfunctions Following Temporomandibular Joint Surgery: A Case Report.

Introduction: Surgical procedures involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are frequently associated with nerve injuries and subsequent dysfunctions. Considering that traumatic peripheral nerve injuries may resolve slowly and their prognosis is generally unpredictable, the current study aimed to report a clinical case in which both motor (affecting the temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve) and sensory dysfunctions (affecting the auriculotemporal nerve of the trigeminal nerve) following TMJ surgery were effectively treated by using photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Case Report: PBMT sessions, involving a total of 30 facial points, were administered twice a week for 10 weeks. The following parameters were utilized: wavelength of 808 nm, energy density of 75 J/cm2, power output of 100 mW, total energy of 3 J, and duration of 30 seconds per point. A considerable improvement in both facial asymmetry and muscle function was achieved within 5 weeks, along with a total restoration of cutaneous sensitivity. By the 10th week of PBMT, the facial movement dysfunction was completely resolved. Conclusion: According to the current case, PMBT seems to be an effective intervention to manage motor and sensory nerve dysfunctions following TMJ surgery.

Ancestry estimation in forensic anthropology: accuracy of the AncesTrees software in a Brazilian sample.

The objective of this study is to analyze the accuracy and applicability of the AncesTrees software with respect to a set of cranial measurements of a Brazilian sample consisting of 114 identified skulls from two osteological collections, predominantly composed of European (n = 59), African (n = 35), and admixed individuals (n = 20). Twenty-four different craniometric measurements are performed and input to AncesTrees via two algorithms, one of which is used in three configurations, with different ancestral groups integrated in the model. The software exhibits superior performance in the estimation of European individuals, reaching 73% accuracy, compared with 66% in the African individuals. Those individuals classified as admixed produce a variety of ancestral classifications, mainly European. Overall, the most accurate combination of AncesTrees is obtained using ancestralForest with only the European and African groups integrated into the algorithm, where the accuracy reaches 70%. The applicability of this software to a specific population is fragile because of the high admixing load, making it necessary to create a more representative anthropometric database of the Brazilian people. Key points: Ancestry estimation methods are seldom validated in Brazil.AncesTrees performed poorly on our sample, with a maximum accuracy of 70%.Brazil's highly mixed population hinders ancestry estimation.Mixed individuals (pardos) are predominantly classified as Europeans.The insertion of Brazilian metric data into the AncesTrees database would produce better results.

Microsurgical Anatomy of the Cerebellar Interpeduncular Entry Zones.

OBJECTIVE: The cerebellar interpeduncular region, particularly the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) and interpeduncular sulcus (IPS) are significant surgical relevance areas due to the high prevalence of vascular and tumoral pathologies, such as cavernomas, arteriovenous malformations, and gliomas. We defined safer access areas of the MCP and the IPS, according to the surface anatomy, involved vessels, and fiber tracts of the cerebellar interpeduncular region. METHODS: Fifteen formalin-fixed and silicone-injected cadaveric heads and 23 human brainstems with attached cerebellums prepared with the Klingler's technique were bilaterally dissected to study the vascular and intrinsic anatomy. RESULTS: Surface anatomy: The mean length of the IPS was 12.73 mm (standard deviation [SD],2.15 mm), and the average measured angle formed by the IPS and the lateral mesencephalic sulcus was 144.53°. The mean distance from the uppermost point of the IPS to cranial nerve IV was 2.63 mm (SD, 2.84 mm). Vascular anatomy: The perforating branches of the superior cerebellar peduncle, IPS, and MCP originated predominantly from the caudal trunk of the superior cerebellar artery. The inferior third of the superior cerebellar peduncle and IPS was the third most pierced by perforating arteries, and for the MCP, was its superior third. Crossing vessels: The branches of the pontotrigeminal vein and the caudal trunk of the superior cerebellar artery crossed the IPS mostly. The superior third of the IPS was the most crossed by arteries and veins. CONCLUSIONS: The middle thirds of the IPS and MCP as entry zones might be safer than their superior and inferior thirds due to fewer perforating branches, arterial trunks, and veins crossing the sulcus as fewer eloquent tracts.

Puncture points related to the tragal-lateral canthus line in conventional temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: are they accurate? A cadaver study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical success of conventional TMJ arthrocentesis in cadavers, using the tragal-lateral canthus line as an anatomical reference for the puncture points. METHODS: Ten formalin-treated and 8 fresh cadavers were submitted to the arthrocentesis. A point located 10 mm anteriorly and 2 mm inferiorly to the beginning of the tragal-lateral canthus line (A) and another point 20 mm anteriorly and 10 mm inferiorly (B) were demarked on the cadavers' skin. Following, 1 mL of methylene blue solution was injected through the needle at point A, and then another needle was placed at point B. Saline solution was injected through the first needle, identifying a free flow of bluish solution. RESULTS: Concerning the formalin-treated cadavers, TMJ arthrocentesis was not successfully performed in any case (0%). In the fresh cadavers, the procedure was properly conducted bilaterally in only one case (12.5%) and unilaterally in 3 cases (37.5%), 2 on the left side (25.0%) and one on the right (12.5%). CONCLUSION: The traditional points related to the tragal-lateral canthus line seemed not to be accurate references for the insertion of the needles in conventional TMJ arthrocentesis when 1 mL of solution is used initially and the maximum mouth opening is not achieved.

A home-based multidisciplinary programme for Down syndrome adults with muscular temporomandibular disorder.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Down syndrome (DS) present functional and anatomical alterations that may negatively impact their health and quality of life. Down syndrome patients have been shown to have a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), but little is known about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention in these individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a home-based multidisciplinary programme on muscular TMD in DS adults. METHODS: After being diagnosed with TMD-related masticatory muscle disorder, 20 adult men and 20 adult women with DS received an educational material with instructions on how to perform daily home facial self-massage and exercises for orofacial and masticatory muscles. Participants were also provided with educational information on TMD. Those who failed to perform at least 50% of the programme (23 days) were considered non-adherent. Oral parafunctional behaviours, facial pressure-pain threshold and maximum mouth opening were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients adhered to the programme as opposed to 15 non-adherent patients. Statistically significant improvements in all parameters were observed among adherent patients, except for the number of parafunctions. CONCLUSION: The proposed home-based multidisciplinary programme seemed to be effective in improving some aspects related to muscular TMD in DS adults.

Arch of cricoid cartilage anatomical variation: morphological and radiological aspects.

The cricoid cartilage serves as an anatomical reference for several surgical procedures for access to the airway. Additionally, it serves as an attachment point for muscles that move the vocal folds. We present a case where the cricoid cartilage arch is divided into distinct superior and inferior arches, with a fibrous membrane between them. We did not find any similar description to this case in the literature, which makes it unique to date. This type of variation is important knowledge for clinicians and surgeons during airway management in the anterior neck region. The presence of this variation could induce an error during a palpation of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, realized in clinical examination and surgical or emergency procedures.

Immunohistochemical expression of collagen type IV antibody in the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint of human fetuses.

The objective of this paper was to study the morphology of the articular disc and analyze the immunohistochemical expression of the marker of type IV collagen in the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of human fetuses of different gestational ages. Twenty TMJ from human fetuses aging from 21 to 24 weeks of intrauterine life were studied. The TMJ were supplied by the Federal University of Uberaba. The ages of the fetuses were determined by measuring the crown-rump length (CRL). Macroscopically, the fetuses were fixed in a formalin solution at 10% and dissected by removing the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, exposing the deep structures. An immunohistochemical marker of type IV collagen was used in order to characterize the presence of blood vessels in the central region of the temporomandibular joint disc. Analysis of the immunohistochemical marker of type IV collagen showed the presence of blood vessels in the central region of the temporomandibular disc in human fetuses.