sTREM-1 and TNF-α levels are associated with the clinical outcome of leprosy patients.

Leprosy reaction (LR) and physical disability (PD) are the most significant clinical complications of leprosy. Herein, we assessed the circulating serum-sTREM-1 and TNF-α levels and their genetic polymorphisms in leprosy. Serum-sTREM-1 and TNF-α levels were measured in leprosy patients (LP) before treatment (n = 51) and from their household contacts (HHCs; n = 25). DNA samples were genotyped using TREM-1 rs2234246 and TNF-α rs1800629-SNP in 210 LPs and 168 endemic controls. The circulating sTREM-1 and TNF-α levels are higher in the multibacillary form. The ROC curve of the serum-sTREM-1 levels was able to differentiate LR from non-LR and PD from non-PD. Similarly, LPs with serum-sTREM-1 levels >210 pg/ml have 3-fold and 6-fold higher chances of presenting with LR and PD, respectively. Genotypes CC+CT of the TREM-1 were associated with leprosy. Taken together, our analyses indicated that sTREM-1 and TNF-α play an important role in the pathogenesis of leprosy and provide promising biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis of leprosy complications.

2D and 3D imaging for morphological assessment of maxillofacial cyst and tumors: a case series / Imagen 3D para la evaluación morfológica de quistes y tumores maxilofaciales: serie de casos

SUMMARY: The use and importance of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnostic, treatment and long term follow up of odontogenic tumours, as well as one reconstruction and dental implants rehabilitation is reported. This clinical series shows diagnosis of odontogenic tumors using selected and used CBCT for initial diagnosis, morphological characterization, and follow up for 5 to 10 years. The CBCTs showed the size and form of the tumor and the follow up showed a satisfactory remodelling of bone and the success in the rehabilition with dental implants. No signs of recurrence were observed. The conventional radiographies, Fan Beam CT, Cone Beam CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are discussed in the use for follow up of odontogenic tumors. It is concluded that CBCT is an efficient tool for diagnosis, follow up and assessment of the morphology and size of the tumor in order to achieve the best treatment plan, returning the functional conditions to the patients.

RESUMEN: Se reporta el uso y la importancia de la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento a largo plazo de tumores odontogénicos, tal como en una reconstrucción y rehabilitación de implantes dentales. Esta serie clínica muestra el diagnóstico de tumores odontogénicos utilizando CBCT seleccionados y usados para el diagnóstico inicial, caracterización morfológica y seguimiento durante 5 a 10 años. Los CBCT mostraron el tamaño y la forma del tumor y el seguimiento mostró un remodelamiento óseo satisfactorio y el éxito de la rehabilitación con implantes dentales. No se observaron signos de recurrencia. Las radiografías convencionales, el uso de TAC, TAC de haz cónico y resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) se consideran para el seguimiento de tumores odontogénicos. Se concluye que CBCT es una herramienta eficaz en el diagnóstico y seguimiento a largo plazo para evaluar la morfología del tumor y de su tamaño, y además, para obtener los mejores resultados en el tratamiento y eventuales condiciones funcionales de los pacientes.

Analysis of Active Oral Tactile Sensitivity in Individuals with Complete Natural Dentition.

AIM: To evaluate the active tactile sensitivity in individuals with complete natural dentition, determining the smallest thickness detected by the participants, and clarifying if there is a difference between the thicknesses analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Active tactile sensitivity was evaluated in 40 research participants. Inclusion criteria included participants with complete natural dentition, without active or history of periodontal disease, absence of temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and restorations in the evaluated area. Exclusion criteria included age below 18 years. The active tactile perception threshold was evaluated by using carbon sheets of different thicknesses (0, 12, 24, 40, 80, 100, and 200 µm), which were inserted in the participants' premolars, bilaterally. The carbon sheet was inserted so as not to come into contact with the oral soft tissues. Subsequently, the participant occluded and was asked about the perception of the intraocclusal object 20 times in each occlusal contact. The collected data were tabulated considering the amount of positive and negative responses for each carbon thickness. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The results showed that there was linearity in perception, on both sides, besides, the natural dentition was able to perceive difference in thickness from 12 µm. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the 12 µm thickness is noticeable in occlusion and can be differentiated from other thicknesses in natural dentition and that there is no difference between the tactile sensitivity of the right and left sides. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A better understanding of active oral tactile sensitivity will contribute to numerous clinical applications in dentistry, including occlusal adjustment in dental rehabilitation, dental implants prosthesis design, and survival of prosthetic rehabilitation.