Histological assessment and gene expression analysis of intra-oral soft tissue graft donor sites.

AIM: To determine the structural and gene expression features of different intra-oral soft tissue donor sites (i.e., anterior palate, posterior palate, maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized mucosal tissue punch biopsies were collected from at least one donor site per subject. Histological processing was performed to determine tissue morphometry and quantify collagen composition. Site-specific gene distribution was mapped using targeted gene expression analysis and validated using real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: A total of 50 samples from 37 subjects were harvested. Epithelial thickness did not differ between sites. However, lamina propria was thicker in the maxillary tuberosity (2.55 ± 0.92 mm) and retromolar pad (1.98 ± 0.71 mm) than in the lateral palate. Type I collagen was the predominant structural protein in the lamina propria (75.06%-80.21%). Genes involving collagen maturation and extracellular matrix regulation were highly expressed in the maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad, while lipogenesis-associated genes were markedly expressed in the lateral palate. The retromolar pad showed the most distinct gene expression profile, and the anterior and posterior palate displayed similar transcription profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue samples harvested from the anterior and posterior palate differed morphologically from those from the maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad. Each intra-oral site showed a unique gene expression profile, which might impact their biological behaviour and outcomes of soft tissue augmentation procedures.

Características odontométricas de las primeras molares permanentes del maxilar superior e inferior en estudiantes de odontología de la Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. Lima-Perú / Odontometric characteristics of the first permanent molars of the upper and lower maxilla in dentistry students of the Federico Villarreal National University. Lima Peru

Objetivo: Determinar los diámetros mesiodistal, vestíbulo palatino y vestíbulo lingual, de las primeras molares permanentes de ambos maxilares para la estimación del sexo, en los estudiantes de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima-Perú. Material y métodos: El tipo de investigación empleado fue descriptivo con un diseño no experimental, la técnica aplicada fue la observación directa, la población estuvo constituida por 605 estudiantes. Se realizó la toma de impresiones de ambos maxilares con silicona de condensación para obtener los modelos de estudio, se utilizó un calibrador vernier digital para hacer las medidas mesiodistal y vestíbulo palatino y vestíbulo lingual, las medidas se realizaron a una muestra de 207 modelos de ambos sexos. Resultados: La característica odontométrica con respecto al diámetro vestíbulo -palatino/lingual de ambos maxilares, para el sexo masculino tuvo un diámetro de 11.2mm (pza.16), 11.3mm (pza.26), 11.01mm (pza.36) y 11.02mm (pza.46) y valores de 10.88mm (pza16), 10.93mm (pza.26), 10.77mm (pza.36), y 10.74mm (pza.46), en el sexo femenino; en lo referente a la característica odontométricas mesio-distal se encontró un diámetro de 10.8mm (pza.16), 10.76mm (pza.26), 11.44mm (pza.36) y 11.45mm (pza.46) para el sexo masculino y valores de 10.56mm (pza. 16), 10.58mm (pza.26), 11.10 mm (pza.36), y 11.2mm (pza.46), en el sexo femenino. Conclusión: Los diámetros mesiodistales y vestíbulo palatino fueron mayores en el sexo masculino. (AU)

Objective: To determine the mesiodistal, palatal vestibule and lingual vestibule diameters of the first permanent molars of both jaws for the estimation of sex, in Dentistry students of the Federico Villarreal National University, Lima-Peru. Material and methods: The type of research used was descriptive with a non-experimental design, the applied technique was direct observation, the population consisted of 605 students. Impressions of both jaws were made with condensation silicone to obtain the study models, a digital vernier caliper was used to make the mesiodistal and palatal vestibule and lingual vestibule measurements, the measurements were made on a sample of 207 models of both sexes. Results: The odontometric characteristic with respect to the vestibule-palatal/lingual diameter of both jaws, for the male sex had a diameter of 11.2mm (pza.16), 11.3mm (pza.26), 11.01mm (pza.36) and 11.02mm (pza.46) and values of 10.88mm (pza.16), 10.93mm (pza.26), 10.77mm (pza.36), and 10.74mm (pza.46), in the female sex; Regarding the mesio-distal odontometric characteristic, a diameter of 10.8mm (pza.16), 10.76mm (pza.26), 11.44mm (pza.36) and 11.45mm (pza.46) was found for the male sex. and values of 10.56mm (pza.16), 10.58mm (pza.26), 11.10mm (pza.36), and 11.2mm (pza.46), in the female sex. Conclusion: The mesiodistal and palatal vestibule diameters were greater in males. (AU)

Análisis de las Variaciones Anatómicas y Dimensionales del Canal Nasopalatino Mediante Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico / Analysis of the Anatomical and Dimensional Variations of the Nasopalatine Canal by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

El conocimiento anatómico del canal nasopalatino (CNP) es fundamental para la realización de cirugías en el sector anterior del maxilar y así prever posibles complicaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar y determinar las variaciones anatómicas y dimensionales del CNP según sexo, edad y estado dental. Este estudio transversal analizó un total de 251 imágenes de TCHC obtenidas de la base de datos del Servicio de Imagenología Oral y Maxilofacial de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile. Para evaluar la asociación estadística entre variaciones del CNP con sexo, edad y estado dentario se realizó la prueba T de Student, chi-cuadrado y ANOVA (p0,05). Además, se detectó diferencia significativa entre el estado dentario y la dimensión de la tabla vestibular en relación con el CNP (p<0,01). Se deben considerar las variaciones de CNP para evitar posibles complicaciones durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos.

SUMMARY: Anatomical knowledge of the nasopalatine canal (PNC) is essential for performing surgeries in the anterior sector of the maxilla and thus anticipating possible complications. The objective of this work is to evaluate and determine the anatomical and dimensional variations of the CNP according to sex, age and dental status. This cross-sectional study analyzed a total of 251 CBCT images obtained from the database of the Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging Service of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Andrés Bello University, Viña del Mar, Chile. To evaluate the statistical association between CNP variations with sex, age and dental status, the Student's T test, chi-square and ANOVA (p0.05). In addition, a significant difference was detected between the dental state and the dimension of the vestibular table in relation to the CNP (p<0.01). CNP variations should be considered to avoid potential complications during surgical procedures.

Are morphological and morphometric characteristics of maxillary anterior region and nasopalatine canal related to each other?

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this article was to clarify the relationship of anterior bone and tooth morphology with NPC. The anatomical features of the NPC region in three dimensions from coronal, axial, and sagittal directions were analyzed using CBCT and the effects of age, gender, sagittal root positions (SRPs) of central teeth, anterior overbite depth (AOD), central incisor (CI)/palatal plane (PP) angle, NPC/PP angle, and collum angles (CA) on NPC were evaluated in a group of the Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, CBCTs of a total of 330 individuals between the ages of 17 and 82 were evaluated. The effects of SRP, AOD, CI/PP angle, NPC/PP angle and CA on the anatomical features of NPC were examined on the basis of age and gender. Descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney-U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests were used. p values of < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: While the SRPs, CI/PP angle, NPC/PP angle, CA, and age did not differ statistically according to NPC shape (p > 0.05), NPC shape varied according to gender and AOD (p < 0.05). It was found that cylindrical NPC (32.8%) was more common in females, while conical-shaped NPC (30.7%) was more common in males (p < 0.01). While most conical NPC was detected in individuals with Class I overbite depth, cylindrical NPCs were found in Class II and III individuals (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that gender and AOD are influential factors on NPC shape. While conical-shaped NPC is more common in individuals with bite depth incisal, cylindrical-shaped NPC is more likely to be seen in individuals with middle and cervical thirds.

Investigation of the palatal soft tissue volume: a 3D virtual analysis for digital workflows and presurgical planning.

BACKGROUND: In mucogingival and implant surgery, an autologous soft tissue graft from the palate is the gold standard for reconstructing missing keratinised soft tissue and volume. Previously, presurgical measurements of the graft harvesting site were described with two-dimensional (2D) linear measurements. The present observational clinical study aimed to evaluate a three-dimensional (3D) measurement method for determining the present palatal soft tissue volume for each patient individually. METHODS: Pre-existing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 20 patients were converted into 3D Standard Tessellation Language models of the bone surface. Intraoral impressions of the maxilla were taken and digitised to visualise the gingival surface. The resulting virtual models of bone (reference value) and gingival (actual value) surfaces were merged, with tooth surfaces used for registration. The region between the central incisors and the hard palate was subdivided into 5 regions of interest (ROIs). The distance between palatal bone and gingival surface was analysed both volumetrically and linearly, and the results were statistically evaluated for the ROIs. RESULTS: The average gingival surface area on the palate was 19.1 cm2, and the mean volume was 58.2 cm3 (± 16.89). Among the ROIs, the mean linear value was highest in the most distal region, from the second molar to the hard palate (4.0 ± 1.09 mm) and lowest in the canine region (1.9 ± 0.63 mm). For mean distance, significant differences were found for the anterior palate and the most posterior palate in comparison with all other ROIs (p < 0.01). The volume measurements also declined significantly and steadily between the posterior (1.9 ± 1.0 cm3) and anterior palates (0.4 ± 0.2 cm3). CONCLUSIONS: By merging digital data, palatal soft tissue could be quantified virtually. The results were reliable and comparable to previous findings with linear measurement methods. This 3D soft tissue volume analysis method fully exploited the diagnostic potential of data that are frequently collected for presurgical planning in oral surgery (i.e., CBCT + surface scans). This evaluation method might be useful for volumetric and linear measurements in other applications in anatomy and for determining palatal soft tissue dimensions in the planning stage before surgical interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This observational clinical trial was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register, reference number: DRKS00023918.

The discriminative potential of palatal geometric analysis for sex discrimination and human identification.

Previous 3D superimposition studies of digital scans of the human palate, using geometric and surface morphology comparisons, have shown its usefulness in assisting in the identification process, including its ability to distinguish identical twins. This study aimed to evaluate the discriminative potential when only simple geometric analysis is used. Its aim is not only to determine if geometric comparison alone is sufficient not only to assist in identification but if it supports the hypothesis of assisting in sex discrimination when no other comparative data is available. The palates of 64 monozygotic (M.Z.T.) and 39 dizygotic (D.Z.T.) twins were digitized three times using a scanner. Digital smoothing was used to remove the rugae, and palatal height, depth, and width were measured. The study confirmed that the smoothing function had little effect on the discriminatory function since the Mean Absolute Distance (MAD) between M.Z.T. (0.430 ± 0.018 mm versus 0.425 ± 0.022 mm p = 0.061) or D.Z.T. (0.621 ± 0.058 mm versus 0.586 ± 0.053 mm, p = 0.284) scans show little change. By combining the height, depth, and width into a discriminative function, the sex correctly correlated 83.9% of the time, identity by 91.2% sensitivity, and twining by 68.5%. The difference in the 3D palatal model between twin siblings is primarily due to palate geometrics. Since geometric comparison requires far less computation time, geometric comparison alone can be used as an adjunct metric for limiting the possible matches in a dental 3D database in determining both sex and identity, especially if no other evidence is available.

Correlation between the upper airway volume and the hyoid bone position, palatal depth, nasal septum deviation, and concha bullosa in different types of malocclusion: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The upper airway volume is among the factors that affect orthodontic treatment plans. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), as an accurate diagnostic modality, can help assess anatomical structures associated with the upper airway volume. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to use CBCT to determine if there are differences in the upper airway volume between different sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, considering the hyoid bone position, palatal depth, nasal septum deviation (NSD), and concha bullosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From among 105 initial CBCT samples retrieved from the archive of a private radiology clinic in Tehran, Iran, 90 CBCT scans of 27 males and 63 females aged 17-65 years were considered in the study according to the inclusion criteria. The upper airway volume was assessed with regard to Angle's classification (using the A point-nasion-B point angle (ANB)), the vertical skeletal dimension (using the sella-nasion plane to mandibular plane angle (SN-MP)), the hyoid bone position, palatal depth, NSD, and concha bullosa, using CBCT and the NNT ® software. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Levene's test and the t test were used to analyze the data with the SPSS Statistics for Windows software, v. 17.0. RESULTS: The upper airway volume was significantly smaller in long-face cases (p = 0.037). There was no significant correlation between the upper airway volume and Angle's classification, the hyoid bone position, palatal depth, NSD, and concha bullosa. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical skeletal dimension was the only parameter that was related to the upper airway volume. The results of this study can be considered while preparing orthodontic treatment plans.

Mathematical modeling of palatal suture pattern formation: morphological differences between sagittal and palatal sutures.

The median palatal suture serves as a growth center for the maxilla; inadequate growth at this site causes malocclusion and dental crowding. However, the pattern formation mechanism of palatal sutures is poorly understood compared with that of calvarial sutures such as the sagittal suture. In the present study, therefore, we compared the morphological characteristics of sagittal and palatal sutures in human bone specimens. We found that palatal suture width was narrower than sagittal suture width, and the interdigitation amplitude of the palatal suture was lower than that of the sagittal suture. These tendencies were also observed in the neonatal stage. However, such differences were not observed in other animals such as chimpanzees and mice. We also used a mathematical model to reproduce the differences between palatal and sagittal sutures. After an extensive parameter search, we found two conditions that could generate the difference in interdigitation amplitude and suture width: bone differentiation threshold [Formula: see text] and growth speed c. We discuss possible biological interpretations of the observed pattern difference and its cause.

Valoración de las dimensiones del paladar y su relación con alteraciones verticales / Avaliação das dimensões do palato e sua relação com alterações verticais / Assessment of palate dimensions and its relation with vertical alterations

Objetivos: La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo establecer la correlación entre la presencia de maloclusiones a nivel vertical con el índice del paladar y con la altura palatina. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de tipo transversal. La población de estudio fue conformada por 134 modelos de yeso con dentición mixta, 81 mujeres y 53 hombres, seleccionados por conveniencia y obtenidos desde el 2014 hasta el 2018 del área de clínica de odontopediatría y ortodoncia en la Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León. La muestra de estudio fue dividida en 3 categorías según la oclusión; mordida abierta (37), mordida profunda (32) y normoclusión (65). Se realizaron mediciones del ancho intermolar y altura del paladar con el uso de un calibrador digital, posteriormente se obtuvo el índice del paladar y se correlacionó con los parámetros expuestos por Korkhaus mediante la prueba estadística de Spearman. Resultados: La prueba estadística de Spearman refleja que no hay correlación entre la magnitud de los valores del índice del paladar propuestos por Korkhaus con la presencia de maloclusiones a nivel vertical. De igual manera las pruebas estadísticas indican que no existe correlación notable entre la altura del paladar y la oclusión en relación vertical. Conclusiones: El resultado obtenido al usar el índice del paladar no fue capaz de corresponder a los parámetros propuestos por Korkhaus como normales, posiblemente al ser usado durante la etapa de la dentición mixta pues durante este periodo suceden cambios constantes relacionados al crecimiento.

Objetivos: Os objetivos a presente investigação buscou valor uma correlação entre a presença de más oclusões em nível vertical com o índice do palato e com a altura palatina. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo do tipo transversal. A população do estudo foi composta por 134 modelos de gesso com dentição mista, 81 mulheres e 53 homens, selecionados por conveniência e obtidos de 2014 a 2018 na área de Odontopediatria e Ortodontia na Escola Nacional de Ensino Superior Unidade de León. A amostra do estudo foi dividida em 3 categorias de acordo com a oclusão; mordida aberta (37), mordida profunda (32) e normoclusão (65). A medida da largura intermolar e da altura do palato foi feita com o uso de um paquímetro digital, o índice de palato foi posteriormente obtido e relacionado aos parâmetros expostos por Korkhaus por meio do teste estatístico de Spearman. Resultados: O teste estatístico de Spearman mostra que não há correlação entre a magnitude dos valores do índice de palato proposta por Korkhaus e a presença de más oclusões verticais. Da mesma forma, os testes estatísticos indicam que não há correlação notável entre a altura do palato e a oclusão na relação vertical. Conclusões: O resultado obtido com o uso do índice de palato não foi capaz de corresponder aos parâmetros propostos por Korkhaus como normais, possivelmente quando usado durante o estágio de dentição mista, porque durante este período há mudanças constantes relacionadas ao crescimento

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to assess the relation between vertical malocclusions with palatal index and palatal height. Materials and Methods: Transversal study. The sample consisted in 134 stone models within mixed dentition, 81 females and 53 males, they were convenience selected and obtained from the pediatric and orthodontic dentistry medical center at the National School for Superior Studies Unit León since 2014 to 2018. The stone models were divided into three categories according to their kind of occlusion: open bite (37), deep bite (32) and normal bite (65). Palatal width and height were measure by using a digital caliper. Subsequently the palatal index was obtained and it was related with the parameters exposed by Korkhaus using the Spearman statistical test. Results: The Spearman statistical test indicated there is no a clearly relationship between palatal index values exposed by Korkhaus with the presence of vertical malocclusions and in the same way there is no a relationship between palatal height and vertical malocclusions.Conclusions: The result obtained by using the palatal index was no able to indicate an agreement with Korkhaus parameters. Probably this disagreement was due to the constant changes that occur during the period of the mixed dentition.

Avaliação da morfologia palatina de indivíduos adultos, por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico / Evaluation of palatal morphology in adults using cone beam computed tomography

O objetivo deste estudo foi averiguar por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) se parâmetros da morfologia palatina podem influenciar a espessura do tecido ósseo e mucoso do palato duro de indivíduos adultos. A amostra consistiu em 82 exames tomográficos (31 homens, 51 mulheres) de pacientes adultos com dentição completa e sem tratamento ortodôntico prévio. A reconstrução multiplanar dos cortes tomográficos, orientação e medições foram realizadas com o software CS 3D Imaging. Foi mensurado o comprimento do palato, a altura palatina, a largura entre os caninos e primeiros molares superiores. A espessura de tecido ósseo (ETO) e a espessura de tecido mucoso para o (ETM) do palato duro foram mensuradas no sentido anteroposterior, a partir do forame incisivo a 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 e 24 mm, enquanto que no sentido mediolateral, foi realizada ao nível da sutura palatina mediana, 3 e 6 mm bilateralmente, totalizando em 60 mensurações por imagem tomográfica (30 para o ETO e 30paro o ETM). Para análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes de regressão linear univariada e multivariada. O nível de significância adotado para este estudo foi de 5%. O comprimento do palato influenciou a ETO na região anterior do palato. A altura palatina exerceu influencia na ETM da região anterior paramediana a 6 mm da sutura palatina mediana. A largura entre caninos exerceu influência na ETO da região posterior do palato e na ETM da região anterior da sutura e na região paramediana a 6 mm da sutura palatina mediana. A largura entre molares exerceu influencia na ETO da região paramediana a 3 mm da sutura palatina e na ETM de todo o palato O sexo teve influência apenas na ETO. Conclui-se que os parâmetros da morfologia apresentaram influência, com significância estatística, na espessura de tecido ósseo e mucoso do palato duro. No entanto, essa influência tem pouca relevância clínica. Faz-se necessário o uso de TCFC durante o planejamento da inserção de mini-implantes no palato ósseo, pois os parâmetros morfológicos não são preditores confiáveis da espessura de tecido ósseo e mucoso. (AU)

The aim of this study was to investigate using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) whether parameters of palatal morphology can influence the thickness of bone and mucosa tissue of the hard palate of adults. The sample consisted of 82 CT scans of adult patients with complete dentition and no previous orthodontic treatment. The multiplanar reconstruction of the tomographic slices, orientation and measurements were performed with CS 3D Imaging software. The palate length, palatal height, width between the canines and first molars were measured. The palate bone thickness (PBT) and palate soft thickness (PST) of the hard palate were measured in the anteroposterior direction, from the incisive foramen at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 mm, in the mediolateral direction, it was performed at the level of the midpalatal suture, 3 and 6 mm bilaterally. Totaling 60 measurements per tomographic image (30 for the PBT and 30 for the PST). For statistical analysis, univariate and multivariate linear regression tests were used. The significance level adopted for this study was 5%. The palate length influenced the PBT in the anterior region of the palate. Palatal height had an influence on the PST of the anterior paramedian region at 6 mm from the midpalatal suture. The width between canines had an influence on the PBT of the posterior palatal region and on the PST of the anterior palatal suture region and on the paramedian region at 6 mm from the midpalatal suture. The width between molars had an influence on the PBT of the paramedian region at 3 mm from the midpalatal suture and on the PST of the entire palate. Thus, it can be concluded that the morphology parameters had an influence with statistical significance on the thickness of bone and mucosa tissue of the hard palate, however, this influence has little clinical relevance. It is necessary to use CBCT when planning the insertion of mini-implants in the bony palate because morphological parameters are not reliable predictors of bone and mucosa tissue thickness. (AU)

The evolution of palate shape in the Lepilemur-Cheirogaleidae clade (Primates: Strepsirrhini).

OBJECTIVES: Phylogenies consistently group the folivorous Lepilemur species with the small-bodied insectivorous-frugivorous cheirogaleids. Juvenile lepilemurs and adult cheirogaleids share allometries in most aspects of skull morphology, except the palate. We investigated potential influences on palate shape in these taxa and several outgroups using geometric morphometrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our sample included representatives of four extant strepsirrhine families, Cheirogaleidae (including Lepilemurinae), Lemuridae, Indriidae, and Galagidae, and one subfossil Megaladapis. Our dataset comprised 32 landmarks collected from 397 specimens representing 15 genera and 28 species, and was analyzed using generalized procrustes analyses and between group principal component analysis. We explored the influence of size, phylogeny, diet, and the propagation of loud vocalizations on palate shape. RESULTS: While congeneric species clustered within the morphospace, the phylomorphospace did not mirror molecular phylogenetic hypotheses of higher-order relationships. Four palate forms were distinguished within the Cheirogaleidae. Diet, strongly linked to body size, had the single greatest influence on palate shape. The production of long-distance advertisement calls was most often associated with positive scores on the PC1 axis. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that the extensive variation in palate shape among Cheirogaleidae is related to dietary shifts that accompanied changes in body size during the clade's radiation. Molecular phylogenies indicate that cheirogaleid diversification involved repeated dwarfing events, which in turn drove dietary shifts from ancestral folivory-frugivory to frugivory, gummivory, and faunivory in the descendant species. The elongated Lepilemur palate is probably related to accelerated eruption of the cheek teeth to render juveniles competent to shear leaves upon weaning.

Genetic contribution to palatal morphology variation using three-dimensional analysis in Australian twins.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide insight into the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to palatal morphology variation in a cohort of Australian twins. METHODS: Healthy Australian twins, aged 12-15 years (45 monozygotic, 46 same sex dizygotic, and 32 opposite-sex dizygotic) were included in the study groups. A scanner was used to obtain three-dimensional data of the maxillary arch. Palatal depth was defined by a line to the deepest point measured from the reference plane at the mid-point of the inter-pre-molar or inter-molar line. This line was then divided into 10 equal sections in order to created 10 different depths for each palatal width. Each palatal width was divided into anterior and posterior areas. Univariate genetic analysis, using the OpenMx structural equation modelling package in R, was carried out on the quantitative data using the normal assumptions of a twin model. RESULTS: Heritability estimates for anterior palatal width ranged from 0.75 to 0.80, and from 0.78 to 0.86 for posterior palatal width. Estimates for anterior and posterior palatal depth were 0.72 and 0.86, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Palatal morphology tends to have a moderate to relatively high genetic contribution overall. Palate height has a higher genetic contribution posteriorly than anteriorly. The width of the deep palate is under marginally less stringent genetic regulation than the width of the shallow palate.

Comparative gross and scanning electron microscopical study of the oropharyngeal roof of young and adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica).

The present study aims to compare the morphology of the oropharyngeal roof of young and adult domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) by gross observation, morphometric measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oropharyngeal roof was divided into the palate and pharyngeal roof. The palate was narrow triangular in shape and concave along its length. It could be divided into a rostral part contained three longitudinal palatine ridges and a caudal part contained the choanal slit. The choanal slit consisted of narrow rostral and wide caudal parts. The edges of the narrow part were encircled by small caudomedially directed papillae. On the contrary, the edges of the wide part of slit were free from papillae. By SEM, the palatal mucosa in young pigeon showed primordia of small papillae which increased in number and size forming a longitudinal row of papillae parallel to the edges of the rostral narrow part of slit in adult pigeon. The surface of the pharyngeal roof appeared smooth in young pigeon, while in adult pigeon, it showed dome-shaped elevations. The infundibular cleft had smooth edges. The caudal part of the pharyngeal roof formed an elevated transverse mucosal fold on which a transverse row of conical-shaped papillae was present. In conclusion, our results documented the presence of some differences between the oropharyngeal roof of young and adult pigeon, which suggest a high degree of functional adaptation in adult pigeon to their diet compared to young pigeon. Such adaptations might increase the efficiency of food prehension in adult pigeon. The present study compared the morphology of the oropharyngeal roof of young and adult domestic pigeon by gross observation, morphometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The morphometrical data showed higher values in adult pigeon compared to young pigeon. The palatal mucosa and the pharyngeal roof of adult pigeon showed papillae and elevations that were not present in young pigeon. Our results suggest a high degree of functional adaptation in adult pigeon to their diet compared to young pigeon. Such adaptations might increase the efficiency of food prehension in adult pigeon.

Profound approach to check legitimacy of an old technique used to gauge palatal rugae.

AIMS: The present study aimed at assessing two fixed points of reference from where the mesial and distal point of all rugae can be measured so that the exact movement of particular rugae in any direction can be evaluated and assessing the changes in the palatal rugae after orthodontic treatment. METHODS: A longitudinal study conducted among a sample of 20 (8 male and 12 female) adult patients. Pre- and post-orthodontic treatment casts of patients were obtained from the Department of Orthodontics College of Dentistry Jazan University. Antero-posterior linear distances (Technique I) between medial and lateral points of primary, secondary and tertiary rugae were measured. Also, the transverse linear distance (Technique II) between medial and lateral points of right and left rugae were measured. Technique III involved marking two fixed points and using these two points a third point is located on the medial or lateral end of rugae of right and left side in pre and post-treatment orthodontic casts. The independent sample t-test was employed to compare gender. Difference between the pre- and post-treatment mean values were checked by the paired t-test. RESULTS: Technique III successfully showed the statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05, 95% CI) in the overall pre and post-treatment values on the patients' cast (N = 20) which was not observed with a technique I and technique II. CONCLUSION: The triangle created by the three reference points in the technique III was able to identify the changes in the palatine rugae more precisely than the technique I and Technique II.

Palatoscopy and odontometrics' potential role in sex determination among an adult Egyptian population sample: A pilot study.

Background: Sex determination is the first step in personal identification in the forensic field. This study aimed to evaluate sexual dimorphism by using palatal rugae pattern and odontometrics, construct an Egyptian equation for sex determination using the discriminant function analysis. Participants and methods: The study sample included 200 participants of both sexes. Maxillary arch impressions were taken with alginate impression material using stainless steel impression tray. Identification and measurements were done to study the palatal rugae pattern, dental arch dimensions, and maxillary canine. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between males and females with higher male values regarding the total palatal rugae number, wavy rugae number, primary rugae number, arch length, width, maxillary canine right width, maxillary canine left width, intercanine distance, and maxillary canine right index while there was a highly statistically significant difference with higher female value regarding the straight rugae numbers. Four Egyptian equations were constructed using discriminant function analysis to determine the sex of an unidentified person. Conclusions: Palatal rugae pattern, dental arch dimensions, and maxillary canine index can be considered as useful tools for sex determination in the forensic field.

Retrospective comparison of cleftlip/palate patients and normalcontrols: cone beam computedtomograph imaging of foramen Husckhe morphology

The foramen tympanicum, also known as the foramen of Huschke (FH), is a permanent anatomical variation situated in the anteroinferior section of the external auditory canal, posteromedial to the temporomandibular joint. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of the FH in Cleft Lip and Palate (CL/P) patients, compared to healthy individuals by using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) data. We retrospectively analyzed the CBCT images of 272 individuals, who had been referred to our Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology clinic various reasons. For comparison, 226 randomly selected healthy individuals and 46 CL/P patients (35 unilateral and 11 bilateral) were evaluated. FH in 35 (12.9%) of the 272 individuals; 26 of them healthy individuals, 9 of them CL/P patients. The FH was higher in patients with CL/P (19.6%) than healthy individuals (11.5%). Clinicians should be aware of the variability of TME and especially the FH in the ear region when radiographically examining these sites prior to CL/P surgery to prevent postoperative reconstruction and complications. Moreover, to evaluate these anatomical variations, CBCT

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Palatal Biomechanics and Its Significance for Cranial Kinesis in Tyrannosaurus rex.

The extinct nonavian dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, considered one of the hardest biting animals ever, is often hypothesized to have exhibited cranial kinesis, or, mobility of cranial joints relative to the braincase. Cranial kinesis in T. rex is a biomechanical paradox in that forcefully biting tetrapods usually possess rigid skulls instead of skulls with movable joints. We tested the biomechanical performance of a tyrannosaur skull using a series of static positions mimicking possible excursions of the palate to evaluate Postural Kinetic Competency in Tyrannosaurus. A functional extant phylogenetic bracket was employed using taxa, which exhibit measurable palatal excursions: Psittacus erithacus (fore-aft movement) and Gekko gecko (mediolateral movement). Static finite element models of Psittacus, Gekko, and Tyrannosaurus were constructed and tested with different palatal postures using anatomically informed material properties, loaded with muscle forces derived from dissection, phylogenetic bracketing, and a sensitivity analysis of muscle architecture and tested in orthal biting simulations using element strain as a proxy for model performance. Extant species models showed lower strains in naturally occurring postures compared to alternatives. We found that fore-aft and neutral models of Tyrannosaurus experienced lower overall strains than mediolaterally shifted models. Protractor muscles dampened palatal strains, while occipital constraints increased strains about palatocranial joints compared to jaw joint constraints. These loading behaviors suggest that even small excursions can strain elements beyond structural failure. Thus, these postural tests of kinesis, along with the robusticity of other cranial features, suggest that the skull of Tyrannosaurus was functionally akinetic. Anat Rec, 303:999-1017, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of palatal support tissues for placement of orthodontic mini-implants in mouth breathers with high-narrow palates versus nose breathers with normal palates: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the palatal total support tissues (TSTs) and bone support tissues (BSTs) at 5-mm paramedian section to the midsagittal suture between mouth breathers with high-narrow palates and nose breathers with normal palates and confirm the practicability and limitation on superimposition of lateral cephalograms and plaster models for orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) implantation in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 27 mouth breathers with high-narrow palates (study group (SG)) and 27 nose breathers with normal palates (control group (CG)). Upper digital dental models were superimposed with corresponding cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images; then, TSTs and BSTs vertical to the curvature of the palatal mucosa were measured on the 5-mm paramedian section to the midsagittal suture. The measuring sites were the third ruga (R) and the sites anterior and posterior to R at 2-mm interval (A2, A4, A6, and A8; P2, P4, P6, and P8) along the palatal mucosa outline. TSTs and BSTs were also measured on the superimposition of lateral cephalograms and plaster models, and the site with the largest TST value in each patient was recorded. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t test, and hierarchical clustering heat map were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The greatest average values of TSTs and BSTs in SG were 12.24 ± 2.63 mm and 9.59 ± 2.36 mm at P2 site, and those in CG were 12.96 ± 2.39 mm and 10.56 ± 2.38 mm at R site, respectively. The average values of both TSTs and BSTs in SG were less than those in CG at all insertion sites. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found at A4, A6, and R for TSTs and at R and P4 for BSTs. P2 and R were clustered together for both TSTs and BSTs by the cluster analysis on heat map in both SG and CG. In both groups, only one patient from SG was found to have the insertion site with the largest TST value on 2D superimposition located in the blue area on the heat map, where the measurement values of TSTs were less than 8.5 mm and those of BSTs were less than 5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Mouth breathers with high-narrow palates may have less palatal support tissues than nose breathers with normal palates at 5-mm paramedian section to the midsagittal suture of palate. The site a little posterior to R is more suitable for OMI implantation in mouth breathers. Two-dimensional superimposition of lateral cephalograms and plaster models can provide relatively effective assessment for the site choice of OMI implantation in both mouth breathers with high-narrow palates and nose breathers with normal palates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Three-dimensional superimposition of CBCT data and digital dental model can provide accurate information for palatal OMI implantation. Meanwhile, 2D superimposition of lateral cephalograms and plaster models can be used for assessing the implantation sites at 5-mm paramedian section to the midsagittal suture of palates in mouth breathers under most conditions even those who have less palatal support tissues.

Mind the gap: natural cleft palates reduce biting performance in bats.

Novel morphological traits pose interesting evolutionary paradoxes when they become widespread in a lineage while being deleterious in others. Cleft palate is a rare congenital condition in mammals in which the incisor-bearing premaxilla bones of the upper jaw develop abnormally. However, ∼50% of bat species have natural, non-pathological cleft palates. We used the family Vespertilionidae as a model and linear and geometric morphometrics within a phylogenetic framework to (1) explore evolutionary patterns in cleft morphology, and (2) test whether cleft morphological variation is correlated with skull shape in bats. We also used finite element (FE) analyses to experimentally test how presence of a cleft palate impacts skull performance during biting in a species with extreme cleft morphology (hoary bat, Lasiurus cinereus). We constructed and compared the performance of two FE models: one based on the hoary bat's natural skull morphology, and another with a digitally filled cleft simulating a complete premaxilla. Results showed that cleft length and width are correlated with skull shape in Vespertilionidae, with narrower, shallower clefts seen in more gracile skulls and broader, deeper clefts in more robust skulls. FE analysis showed that the model with a natural cleft produced lower bite forces, and had higher stress and strain than the model with a filled cleft. In the rostrum, safety factors were 1.59-2.20 times higher in the model with a filled cleft than in the natural model. Our results demonstrate that cleft palates in bats reduce biting performance, and evolution of skull robusticity may compensate for this reduction in performance.

Avaliação tridimensional do palato ósseo / Three-dimensional evaluation of the bone palate

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar nas formas qualitativa e quantitativa as regiões ósseas do palato, mensurar o conhecimento de ortodontistas acerca da interpretação das imagens tomográficas, de acordo com sua experiência, além de avaliar a intensidade dos valores dos voxels das regiões ósseas do palato utilizando programa ImageJ/Fiji® . A amostra foi composta por cinquenta exames de Tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico pertencentes ao banco de dados da Disciplina de Ortodontia e Radiologia Oral, da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, e vinte e quatro examinadores, pósgraduados em Ortodontia. Esses realizaram o preenchimento do questionário para análise qualitativa em três tempos, com intervalo de quinze dias entre eles. Para análise quantitativa, dois examinadores, pesquisadores do estudo, realizaram as mensurações ósseas a fim de estabelecer o padrão-ouro. Para análise dos dados, o nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05 e o programa utilizado foi o SPSS v.25. De acordo com a análise quantitativa, encontrou-se uma espessura óssea palatal 28% maior nos homens comparada às mulheres. A espessura óssea palatal diminui gradualmente da região anterior para a posterior, sendo a maior encontrada 9 mm lateralmente à sutura palatal mediana. Um aumento significativo da espessura no grupo dos adolescentes foi notado. A análise qualitativa mostrou que não houve significância no desempenho de acordo com a experiência dos examinadores (p>0,05), demonstrando maior dificuldade na questão relativa à sutura palatal mediana e maior facilidade na questão sobre a área de maior qualidade óssea. Quando considerada a análise quantitativa dos valores de intensidade de voxels da região palatal, revelou confiabilidade com os resultados da questão relativa à classificação óssea em D1, D2 e D3. Conclui-se que o método proposto para quantificar os valores de voxels é eficaz e pode ser utilizado clinicamente para avaliar a qualidade óssea em relação aos valores de voxels da região de interesse. (AU)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate qualitative and quantitative forms such as bone regions of the palate, to measure or the knowledge of orthodontists on the interpretation of tomographic images, according to their experience, in addition to evaluating the intensity of the values of voxels in bone regions of the palate using the ImageJ / Fiji® program, version 1.50d (NIH, Bethesda, USA). The sample consisted of fifty CBCT exams belonging to the database of the Clinics of Orthodontics and Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - FO / UFRJ, and twenty-four examiners, post-graduated in Orthodontics. They carried out the full fill the questionnaire for qualitative analysis in three stages, with an interval of fifteen days between them, under the same conditions. For quantitative analysis, two examiners, researchers in the study, perform bone measurements at the end of the gold standard. The level of significance adopted was 0.05 and the program used was SPSS v.25. According to the quantitative analysis, 28% greater palatal bone thickness was found in men compared to women. The palatal bone thickness gradually decreased from the anterior to the posterior region and the greater thickness was found 9 mm laterally in the median palatal suture. A significant increase in thickness was noticed in the group of adolescents. The data from the qualitative analysis, which showed that there was no significance in performance, showed the levels of experience of the examiners (p> 0.05), however, a greater difficulty in the question regarding median palatal mediation was detected and easier in the question about an area of higher bone quality. When taking into account a quantitative analysis of the values of voxel variables of the palatal region, revealed tests with the results of the question regarding the bone classification in D1, D2 and D3. Conclude whether the proposed method for quantifying voxel values is effective and can be used clinically to assess bone quality in relation to voxel values in the region of interest. (AU)