Treatment with plasma exchange of a pregnant woman with anti-PP1Pk alloimmunization: A case report

The histo-blood group antigens P, P1 and Pk are a closely related set of glycosphingolipid structures expressed by red blood cells and other tissues. None of these three characters is expressed on p cells, a null phenotype that arises in the context of homozygous mutation of the A4GALT gene. Subjects with p phenotype spontaneously develop a natural alloantibody named anti-PP1Pk, which is a mixture of IgG and IgM against P1, P and Pk. While anti-P1 is a weak cold antibody with poor clinical significance, anti-P and anti-Pk antibodies are potent haemolysins responsible for severe hemolytic transfusion reactions. The rare anti-PP1Pk alloantibodies are associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of gestation. P and Pk antigens are expressed at high levels on the placenta and antibodies directed against both these structures are deleterious to placental trophoblasts. Here we describe the use of plasma exchange (PEX) in a nulliparous 39-year-old woman with anti-PP1Pk antibodies and a history of repeated spontaneous early abortions and hypofertility. The patient underwent apheresis starting from the third week throughout the pregnancy and a healthy child was delivered by cesarean section at 35 WG. The newborn required only phototherapy within a few days of life. We can state that an early treatment with the only PEX has proven to be effective and safe in the management of a fetomaternal P-incompatibility caused by a high anti-PP1Pk titer (256).

Selective excavation and ozone therapy: new frontier of mini-invasive caries treatment in MIH paediatric patients. A case report

BACKGROUND

The term hypomineralisation of molars and incisors (MIH), introduced in 2001 by Weerheijm et al., describes a clinical state of hypomineralisation of permanent molars with frequent involvement of the incisors. MIH is considered a global dental problem with a prevalence ranging from 2.4% to 40.2% in the entire world paediatric population. The continuous increase in the prevalence of enamel anomalies, including MIH, indicates the need to define new intervention protocols based on the technological advances that are revolutionising paediatric dentistry. The use of ozone associated with the selective and minimally invasive excavation of the dental tissue combines the antibacterial properties of the gas with an ultra-conservative approach aimed at the maximum conservation of the dental tissue. The operative protocol described can be an important tool in the prevention and treatment of MIH. The aim of this work is to illustrate an operative clinical protocol based on the combined use of selective excavation and ozone for the treatment of carious lesions in paediatric patients with MIH.

Caries prevalence and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in children. Is there an association? A systematic review

AIM

Molar incisor hypomeralisation (MIH) is a dental condition clinically characterised by the presence of morphological and qualitative enamel defects involving the occlusal and/or incisal third of one or more permanent molars or incisors. Its worldwide prevalence ranges between 2.4 and 40%. Several harmful conditions, such as genetic or medical problems during pregnancy, may act together and increase the risk of MIH. The main objective of this systematic review is to assess whether there is a correlation between MIH and dental caries in mixed or permanent dentition.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed on PubMed (Medline), Scopus and Cochrane Library for articles published from August 2022 to April 2023. Cohort, cross-sectional, retrospective and prospective studies were included. In vitro and animal studies, as well as clinical cases and systematic reviews, were excluded. Studies not differentiating between mixed and permanent dentition were excluded. The observed variables were DMFT (Decayed Missed Filled Teeth) score, DMFS (Decayed Missed Filled Surface) and DMF scores related to FPM (First Permanent Molar) and the clinical prevalence of MIH.

CONCLUSION

DMFT, DMFS and DMFT on FPM scores are significantly different between the group of patients with MIH and the control group. The available evidence supports a correlation between MIH lesions and caries. Caries indexes scores increase proportionally to the severity of MIH.

Otodental Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Otodental syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterised by a dental phenotype known as globodontia often associated with high-frequency hearing loss. Globodontia occurs both in the decidous and permanent dentition and affects canine and molar teeth.

Effects of an Educational Book on Paediatric Oral Health knowledge in a sample of Italian women

AIM

Parents and caregivers, particularly in Italy, often have limited knowledge about their children's oral health. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the educational effectiveness of a book on nutrition and prevention of oral diseases entitled "Oral health of mother and child in the first 1000 days of life".

MATERIALS

The sample for this study was composed of 103 adult Italian women who were potential caregivers of one or more children (e.g., mothers, grandmothers, babysitters, and educators). The enrolled women completed a preliminary online survey which included questions about their socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge on oral health in the first 1000 days of life of newborns (30 questions). Following the survey, they received the educational book. After reading it, the participants completed a second online survey with the same 30 questions, to measure any improvement in their knowledge.

CONCLUSION

It appears that our educational book about nutrition and prevention of oral diseases was effective in enhancing knowledge among the participants in our study. These findings suggest that this educational resource has the potential to be a valuable tool in preventing oral diseases in paediatric populations. However, further confirmation of these results should be obtained through randomised controlled trials.

Prevalence of sealant in an Italian paediatric population: an epidemiological study

AIM

The use of sealants is an effective measure for the prevention of pit and fissure caries in children and it has been well documented by several studies In order to plan and establish a preventive national programme, it is important to know the epidemiological pattern in an Italian paediatric population, correlated to the risk of caries, DMFT and other sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 2,442 children aged between 6 and 12 years attending the paediatric dentistry department of the University of L'Aquila, Italy. In addition to the oral examination, a questionnaire was administered on bad habits and the family perception of sealing. For descriptive analysis, the sample was stratified into two groups based on the presence/absence of at least one tooth with sealant. The differences between discrete and nominal variables, reported as absolute and percentage frequencies, were assessed by applying the χ2 test or the Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Continuous variables were expressed in terms of mean values and their standard deviation(±DS) and the differences between the two groups under consideration were analysed through Student's t-test. The tests used are two-way and a significance level of 5% was applied. The statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical package STATA/IC 15.0 (StataCorp LLC, Texas, USA).

CONCLUSION

The application of sealants to healthy occlusal surfaces is the best aid in preventing the development of caries in these areas, and this is especially important in childhood and adolescence, when the incidence of this pathology is particularly high.

Mandibular advancement with clear aligners in the treatment of skeletal Class II. A retrospective controlled study

AIM

The current study aimed to analyse the dentoskeletal effects of the Invisalign mandibular advancement (MA) device in the treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pre-treatment and post-treatment lateral skull radiographs from patients treated with MA versus TB (Twin-Block Appliance) at the Department of Orthodontics of the University of L'Aquila, Italy, were traced. Eligibility criteria included SNB<78; ANB>4; no previous orthodontic treatments; and vertebral maturation stage (CVM) CS3. Radiographs from patients with craniofacial anomalies, or who underwent extraction treatments, were excluded. Totally, 20 patients were examined, 10 of whom treated with MA and 10 treated with TB. All the radiographs were traced by one expert operator, blind to the groups. A preliminary method error study was performed to exclude intra-operator differences.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of the participants were similar between the groups. Both appliances demonstrated a reduction of SNB and ANB angle, and a decrease in overjet. TB demonstrated a higher efficacy in increasing mandibular dimensions. A significant retroinclination of the upper incisive was observed in the TB group, where a decrease of SNA angles was additionally observed. The resulting differences between the two groups could be attributed to the different design of the appliances.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data show the effectiveness of both TB and MA in the management of skeletal Class II malocclusions due to mandibular retrusion. But some differences exist in the dentoalveolar effect of the two appliances. MA seems indicated in Class II cases where a control of the upper frontal teeth position is needed.

Contraception during Coronavirus-Covid 19 pandemia. Recommendations of the Board of the Italian Society of Contraception

Purpose: The Italian Society of Contraception identified as one of its priorities the need to give recommendations on management of contraception during Coronavirus-Covid 19 pandemiaMaterials and methods: A concise communication was produced which summarises in an easy-to-read format suitable for clinicians the management of the different contraceptives mostly used. Information how to manage contraception in different conditions is presented.Results: Women may, in general, continue to use either intrauterine and or hormonal contraceptives. The use of condom should be added to any hormonal contraceptive, when the contraceptive efficacy is reduced or when women stop the contraceptive method.Conclusion: At the present time, during the Coronavirus-Covid 19 pandemia, no data contraindicate the use of intrauterine or hormonal contraceptives. Conversely the use of an appropriate contraception is advocate to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Regenerative endodontics procedure of an immature permanent mandibular molar with a necrotic pulp using biodentine: a 16 months radiographic follow-up

An ideal scenario for a tooth in necrosis with immature root would be to continue root development after the regeneration of pulp tissue. We report a case, where the regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) was done using biodentine as a scaffold in an immature mandibular molar tooth.

Tongue rehabilitation through the froggy mouth device: case series

Based on the knowledge supporting the position of the tongue in relation to the palate to be the guiding factor of oro-dental growth and the key factor in long-term orthodontic stability after treatment, 6 different case reports show how the Froggy Mouth device changes treatment strategy in rehabilitation of dysfunctional swallowing by relying on the subcortical process, following the principles established by pioneering studies on memorization mechanisms conducted by Eric Kandel (year 2000 Nobel Prize winner in medical field for his research on memorization process).

Prevalence and determinants of early childhood caries in Italy

AIM

Still limited data from representative surveys are available on the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC; i.e., the presence of one or more decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child aged 71 months or younger), particularly for infant. We conducted a survey in Italian children aged 0 to 71 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study on ECC was conducted in Italy in 2018 on a sample of parents who were members of an online panel. Using an online questionnaire, 2,522 parents provided information on a total sample of 3,000 children, representative of the Italian population aged 0-71 months.

RESULTS

ECC prevalence was 8.2% overall, 2.9% in children aged 0-23 months, 6.2% in children aged 24-47 and 14.7% in children aged 48-71 months (p for trend<0.001). ECC was more frequently observed among children using baby bottle with milk to fall asleep (multivariate odds ratio, OR, 1.36, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.78), baby bottle with sugary beverages (OR 2.87, 95% CI: 2.05-4.03) and pacifier with sugary substances (OR 2.49, 95% CI: 1.79-3.47), consuming beverages other than water (OR for ?1/day vs never 2.29, 95% CI: 1.35-3.90), a higher number of snacks between meals (OR for ?3 vs <2 meals 2.05, 95% CI: 1-38-3.06), a lower frequency of tooth brushing (OR for <1 vs ?2 times/day 2.26, 95% CI: 1.42-3.58) and a high number of siblings (compared to 0, OR for ?2 siblings 2.28, 95% CI: 1.56-3.34). ECC increased with parents' mean age (p for trend=0.048), parents' smoking habit (OR for at least one smoker 1.54, 95% CI: 1.17-2.03), parents' poor oral hygiene (OR for ?1 vs >1 time/day of tooth brushing 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03-1.96) and high number of caries (OR for ?7 vs 0 caries was 2.38, 95% CI: 1.35-4.20).

CONCLUSION

The present large and representative survey for the first time shows that ECC might be frequent also among infants. We confirm that ECC might be prevented if parents follow simple good practices. Information campaign and intervention programmes are needed to inform parents about unfavourable habits that favour the onset of ECC.

Sagittal dentoskeletal modifications associated with different activation protocols of rapid maxillary expansion

AIM

The aim of this study is to compare the sagittal dentoskeletal changes associated with different activation protocols of maxillary expander.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 101 subjects with constricted maxillary arches (49 males and 52 females; mean age 10.08 ± 1.57 years) were enrolled in the study. The study comprised also a control group of 20 subjects (11 females and 9 males, mean age 10.27 ± 1.24 years) who were not treated during the observation period. All the subjects underwent rapid maxillary expansion with a stainless steel banded expander cemented to the maxillary first molars. The expansion screw was randomly activated with two different rapid maxillary expansion protocols (one-quarter per day or two-quarters per day). A statistical comparison between the sagittal cephalometric variations obtained in the two expansion groups was made, and compared with the untreated control group. Data were then stratified for skeletal maturation of each subject.

RESULTS

The Wilcoxon rank-sum test shows statistically significant differences between the two RME activation protocols only for overjet. Statistically significant differences were reported in comparison with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the increase in overjet after RME could be associated with faster activation protocols especially in subjects with lower skeletal maturation.

Dental fear/anxiety among children and adolescents. A systematic review

AIM

The aim of this paper was to review the published scientific literature to quantify the prevalence and mean score of dental fear/anxiety (DFA) in children/adolescents and its variation according to several variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross- sectional and cohort studies published from 2000 to 2014, that measured DFA in children /adolescents (aged 0-19 years), in the general population, or visiting private or public dental services (general or pediatric) or attending school and kindergarten, were searched, with specific terms, in 3 electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web Of Science). Primary data, collected with specific questionnaires of demonstrated reliability and/or validity, were extracted.

RESULTS

After screening 743 abstracts and evaluating 164 full-text publications, 36 articles were selected. Dental fear/anxiety prevalence rates were 12.2%, 10.0%, 12.2%,11.0% and 20.0% for the CFSS-DS, DAS, MDAS, DFS, and DFSS-SF scores, respectively. In the studies that used MCDAS Dental fear/prevalence rates varied from 13.3% to 29.3%. In the studies that used CFSS-DS ratings, the prevalence and the mean score of dental fear/anxiety was lower in Northern Europe than the remaining countries, the prevalence decreased with increasing age and the frequency was higher in females than males.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental fear/anxiety is a common problem in children/adolescents worldwide, therefore, new strategies to overcome this relevant children/adolescent condition should be encouraged.

Reliability and validity of the Italian versions of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule - Dental Subscale and the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale

AIM

Children's dental fear and anxiety (DFA) causes significant problems in clinical practice. The 15-item Children's Fear Survey Schedule - Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and the 8-item Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS) are the most widely used measures of dental fear in children. The aim of this study is to examine the reliability and validity of the Italian versions of the CFSS-DS and MCDAS, also in comparison with a simple visual analogue scale (VAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CFSS-DS and MCDAS were translated into Italian by a consensus panel of experts and administered to 210 dental patients aged 4-11 years from three Italian Institutions. Internal reliability was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha correlation. A sub-sample of 60 children was selected for test-retest analysis. CFSS-DS and MCDAS, plus a VAS scale, rated both by children and parents, were validated using as gold standard the 4-item Frankl scale for behaviours assessed by dentists.

RESULTS

Mean CFSS-DS score was 30.8 (SD: 11.1) and mean MCDAS score was 17.9 (SD: 7.2), significantly higher among children aged 4-7 years and among children at their first dental visit. The alpha value for internal reliability was 0.90 (95%, CI= 0.88-0.92) for CFSS-DS and 0.87 (95% CI=0.85-0.90) for MCDAS. Both CFSS-DS and MCDAS showed good test-retest reliability (rsp= 0.80; p<0.001 for both scales). CFSS-DS and MCDAS predicted a Frankl score &#8804;2 (i.e., indicating children with an uncooperative behaviour) with a fair accuracy (AUC=0.69 and AUC=0.68, respectively). The VAS scale was more effective in predicting a negative behaviour (AUC=0.78). The scales self-reported by children were only slightly more accurate than those reported by parents.

CONCLUSION

The Italian versions of the CFSS-DS and MCDAS are valid and reliable tools for the assessment of dental fear in Italian children aged 4-11 years. A simple, one-item VAS, and dental fear and anxiety evaluation by parents may be valid and quick alternatives to multi-item indices to predict an uncooperative children behaviour.

Analysis of errors in following the rapid maxillary expansion activation protocol: An observational study

AIM

The aim of this study is to analyse the correspondence between the reported number of activations and the number of prescribed activations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 114 subjects with constricted maxillary arches (58 males, 56 females; mean age 10.26 ± 1.92 years) were enrolled in the study. The subjects underwent RME and all the parents were provided with a screw activations report form in order to remind them the number of prescribed activations. At the removal of the expander, the screw was turned back in order to count the effective number of activations applied.

RESULTS

In 46 cases, out of a total of 114 patients, an involuntary error during the activation procedure was presumably made. A slight statistically significant correlation between the number of activations prescribed, and the number of incorrect activations was found. The errors consisted in added or missed activations, compared to the prescribed number but more frequently in missed activations with statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Errors in following the rapid palatal expansion activation protocol are not uncommon. These errors could consist in missed or added activations to the number prescribed by the orthodontist, more often in missed ctivations.

Modified bonded acrylic expander in patient with anterior crossbite and pseudo-class III

The open-bite treatment can be considered one of the most difficult malocclusions to treat in children as well as in adult patients. Several papers show that the traditional maxillary expander device contribute to increase the vertical face dimension and bite opening due to posterior rotation of the mandible, buccal tipping of lateral segments and cuspal interferences. Other more specific studies compared the effects of traditional maxillary expander to those of bonded acrylic expander and evidenced that the acrylic expander can better control the vertical effects of the maxillary expansion by the resin bite plane on which the heavy occlusal forces are exerted. We decided to use an acrylic expander in order to prevent worsening of anterior openbite after a careful assessment of nasal airflow by the otorhinolaryngologist.

Very large Ameloblastic Fibroma with Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst in an 8-year-old child. Histological and immunohistochemical characterisation

BACKGROUND

Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is an uncommon odontogenic tumour that may present an aggressive behaviour and may have potential for malignant transformation. Ghost cell (GC) differentiation within AF is extremely rare. There are only seven cases in the international literature in which ghost cells are found in AF.

CASE REPORT

In this study, we report a case of a 8-year-old female child with a cystic-solid mass, measuring 3 x 1.7 x 1.2 cm, characterised by mixed odontogenic tumour, with AF in most of the lesion, with areas characterised by GC, while ameloblastic and ameloblastic fibrodontoma areas were also detected. Other histological sections showed only AF tissue, with areas of Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst. The immunohistochemical characterisation of the lesion was also performed. A comparative table of the immunoistochemical staining of the AF and COC areas revealed some differences in the expression of markers.

Pain and anxiety associated with Computer-Controlled Local Anaesthesia: systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-over studies

AIM

This review focuses on Computer-Controlled Local Anaesthesia Delivery systems (CCLAD), in comparison with conventional carpule anaesthesia in means of pain and anxiety.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews were searched up to August 2018. Only cross-over split-mouth design studies aimed to clinically compare CCLAD with a conventional carpule anaesthesia are included. Data about pain and anxiety associated with anaesthesia were sought. The authors performed meta-analysis where appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 20 studies are included in the systematic review (n = 973 subjects). Quantitative synthesis (conducted on VAS scores from 8 studies) shows that pain intensity is over 9 points lower in CCLAD than in conventional anaesthesia on a scale from 0 to 100 (95% confidence interval, ?12.90 to ?5,53; P<.001). The systematic review showed no differences between the two techniques according to the physiological parameters of pain (heart rate or blood pressure), and the data about anxiety are inconsistent.

CONCLUSION

CCLAD results in significantly slightly less pain perception with respect to conventional injection and is a promising device to help patients. The literature needs to be expanded, mostly regarding anxiety.

Response of irradiated nuclear fuel rods to quasi-static and dynamic loads

This paper presents the methodology applied for the experimental and numerical investigation of the mechanical response of spent nuclear fuel rods under static and dynamic loads. The experimental activities were conducted at the JRC Karlsruhe where a 3-point bending test device and an impact tower have been developed and commissioned at the hot-cell facilities. Results are provided for two PWR samples. Load-displacement curves describe the mechanical response of the sample in the 3point bending tests, whereas an image analysis methodology has been developed to comprehend the sample's behaviour under dynamic loads (recorded using a high-speed camera). Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are used to simulate the rod's response based on static and transient structural models in ANSYS Mechanical.

Association between salivary cortisol level and caries in early childhood

AIM

The present study aimed to evaluate the association between caries and oral health status, age, salivary cortisol levels, and parental education in children with and without prior dental caries experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational case-control study was performed including 122 children aged between 3 and 6 years who were clinically examined for caries experience using the sum of decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the primary (dmft index) and permanent (DMFT index) dentition. Oral health status was also evaluated using the Simplified Oral Hygiene index (OHI-S). Parents filled a questionnaire to provide information on other variables. Salivary cortisol levels were estimated 1 h after routine dental brushing.

RESULTS

We found that dental caries experience was associated with cortisol level, plaque, age, and high calculus levels. High cortisol levels and age are important risk factors for caries development with odds ratios of 3.05 (95% CI: 1.84-5.06) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.09-2.58), respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that cortisol level and age were independently associated with caries presence. Caries experience was not associated with education of parents, feeding-hygiene habits of child or birth events.

CONCLUSION

The present findings support the hypothesis that caries is mainly correlated with high salivary cortisol levels. Dental caries experience in children was also positively associated with tartar, plaque, and age.

The effects of surgical preparation techniques and implant macro-geometry on primary stability: An in vitro study

Background

The attainment of a good primary stability is a necessary condition to ensure the success of osseointegration in implantology. In type IV cancellous bone, however, it is possible that a reduced primary stability can lead to an increased rate of failure. The aim of this study was therefore to determine, with the help of the resonance frequency (Osstell mentor), which technique of implant site preparation (piezo surgery, conventional, under-preparation, bone compaction, osteodistraction) and macro-geometry is able to improve implant stability in type IV cancellous bone.

Material and Methods

10 pig ribs were prepared with a surgical pre-drilled guide, calibrated for a correct implant positioning. On each rib, 5 implant sites (one for each technique) were prepared. Successively, 50 conical implants (Tekka Global D) were inserted and measured with the resonance frequency to evaluate the primary stability. Data collected were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test whether the Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values of the five techniques were significantly different.

Results

The results showed that no significant differences among the ISQ values of the five techniques used were found. Also, no significant differences in the macro-geometry of the two types of compared implants were observed. However, the macro-geometry of Tekka implants, characterized by a double condensing thread, seems to provide greater ISQ values than those of single thread implants when using the same technique.

Conclusions

In light of these preliminary data, it is conceivable that in cases of reduced stability, such as those occurring with a type IV bone, all means ameliorating the primary stability and accelerating the osseointegration can be utilized.

Key words:Implant primary stability, resonance frequency analysis, implant site preparation.

Effects of nutraceuticals on quality of life and sexual function of perimenopausal women

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of nutraceuticals containing Equol, Resveratrol, Quecitine and Passiflora (Zemiar^®, Avantgarde, Pomezia, Rome, Italy) on quality of life (QoL) and sexual function in perimenopausal women.

METHODS

Sixty perimenopausal women having vasomotor symptoms and being in the -1, +1a of the STRAW system (amenorrhea for longer than 60 days and FSH < 20 UI/L) were enrolled. The modified Kupperman Index (KI) was used to evaluate menopause symptoms. The Short Form-36 (SF-36), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) were used to assess QoL, sexual function and sexual distress, respectively. The study had two follow-ups at 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

The women reported an improvement in the KI total score from the baseline (35 ± 4) to the 1st (21 ± 3, p < 0.05) and the 2nd (18 ± 2, p < 0.01) follow-ups. At the 1st follow-up, the women reported QoL improvements in some functions (p < 0.05); at the 2nd follow-up, they reported improvements in all categories (p < 0.001). At baseline, the total FSFI score was 23.1 ± 1.2 and the FSDS score was 18.1 ± 1.4, both indicating sexual dysfunction with sexual distress. FSFI and FSDS total scores did not change at the 1st follow-up (p = NS). On the contrary, at the 2nd follow-up, the FSFI score had risen to (27.6 ± 1.5) (p < 0.001) and the FSDS score had dropped to (11.3 ± 1.2) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nutraceuticals can be effective in modulating the perimenopausal symptoms in women. The progressive reduction of the vasomotor symptoms reported by women over the nutraceutical usage could contribute to improve their QoL and sexual life.

The process of mineralisation in the development of human tooth

Tooth development and mineralisation are processes that derive from different tissues interactions, in particular ectodermal and mesenchymal layers. These interactions are responsible for the formation of unique structures with a particular chemical composition. Despite differences, mineralised tissues are similar and they derive by highly concerted extracellular processes that involve matrix proteins, proteases, and mineral ion fluxes that collectively regulate the nucleation, growth and organisation of forming mineral crystals. This review aims at explaining mineralisation, its stages and when damage occurs and alters the hard tissues structure.

Craniofacial morphology in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate craniofacial characteristics in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

A retrospective sample of 20 consecutive patients with PWS who had lateral and antero-posterior (AP) cephalograms (14 males and six females; average age 10.2 ± 3 years) was compared to 20 controls matched for age and sex (14 males and six females; average age 10.5 ± 3.7 years).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cephalometric skeletal measurements were performed twice at a 1-week interval by one calibrated operator, and random error was calculated using Dahlberg's formula. Mean values and standard deviations were computed for all variables. Student's t-test for independent samples was used to determine significant differences between PWS and controls. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Cephalometric values for the length of the maxilla (p < 0.01), mandibular length (p < 0.05) at both the ramus (p < 0.05) and the mandibular body (p < 0.01), and posterior and anterior facial height (p < 0.01) were significantly lower in patients with PWS compared to controls. The AP cephalometric analysis revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in maxillary skeletal width, mandibular skeletal width, and interzygomatic distance.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients with PWS seem to have a general reduction in certain craniofacial skeletal parameters (i.e., maxillary and mandibular length) compared to controls, but this study did not assess the overall craniofacial characteristics.

An experimental in vivo procedure for the standardised assessment of sealants retention over time

AIM

The elaboration of an experimental system to obtain reproducible and comparable photographs of the occlusal surface to monitor sealants retention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An intraoral camera connected to a computer was used to obtain photos of the occlusal surfaces. A specific software was utilized to perform measurements on archived pictures. An experimental two-part system, consisting of a dental arch support and a camera support, connected to each other through holes and pins, was made to obtain a standardised and reproducible placement of the camera in the mouth. In the first part, to test the degree of reliability of the procedure and the percentage of image distortion, 120 first molars were sealed and for each molar ten photographs were taken, using the intraoral camera connected with the dental arch support, the camera support and the dedicated software. In the second part, 165 first molars were sealed and photographed, as above described, immediately after sealing (T0), 6 months (T1) and 1 year later (T2). With the software, the sealed areas were measured. The comparison of the selected sealed areas between T0 and T1, T0 and T2, T1 and T2 determined the percentage of sealant loss.

RESULTS

In the first part, the experimental procedure showed a reliability of 96.85%. In the second part, the difference in the rate of lost sealant between T0-T1 and T1-T2 was statistically significant (p <0.001).

STATISTICS

ANOVA analysis was made.

CONCLUSIONS

Photographs, obtained through the experimental two-part system, allowing a reproducible positioning of the intraoral camera in oral cavity, could represent a standardised and useful method to monitor sealants retention over time.

Comparative, open-label prospective study on the quality of life and sexual function of women affected by endometriosis-associated pelvic pain on 2 mg dienogest/30 µg ethinyl estradiol continuous or 21/7 regimen oral contraceptive

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of a continuous regimen combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing 2 mg dienogest and 30 µg ethinyl estradiol (DNG/EE) compared to a 21/7 regimen on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual function in women affected by endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.

METHODS

Sixty-three women constituted the Study group treated with DNG/EE COC continuous regimen; 33 women were given DNG/EE COC in a 21/7 regimen. To define the endometriosis-associated pelvic pain, the Visual Analogic Scale was used. The Short Form-36, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) were used to assess QoL, sexual function and sexual distress, respectively. The study included two follow-ups.

RESULTS

At 3 and 6 months of treatment there was an improvement in pain of the Study group (p < 0.001). The Control group underwent pain improvement at the second follow-up (p < 0.05). At the first and the second follow-ups, the Study group reported QoL improvements in all categories (p < 0.001). The Control group reported QoL improvements in all categories at the second follow-up (p < 0.05). At the first and the second follow-ups of the Study group, the FSFI total score had risen (p < 0.001), and the FSDS score had dropped (p < 0.001). An improvement of the FSFI score and a reduction of the FSDS score of the Control group was observed at the second follow-up (p < 0.001), but not at the first follow-up (p = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Women on DNG/EE COC continuous regimen reported a reduction of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and there was an improvement of their sexual activity and their QoL that was better than the DNG/EE 21/7 conventional regimen.

Investigation of periodontal status in type 1 diabetic adolescents

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of type 1 diabetes and the possible role of metabolic control on the periodontal status of diabetic adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three groups of 40 patients each were examined: diabetic subjects with a good metabolic control (well controlled WC) (glycated haemoglobin HbA1c ≤ 7%) (20 males and 20 females; mean age: 14.1 ± 1.5 years); diabetic subjects with poor metabolic control (poorly controlled PC) (glycated haemoglobin HbA1c> 7%) (20 males and 20 females; mean age: 14.5 ± 1.3 years); and patients in good general health, which constituted the control group (20 males and 20 females; mean age: 14.1 ± 1.2 years). For each subject, a periodontal evaluation was performed and the following parameters were assessed: Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on probing (BOP), Probing Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). Chi-square was used to compare categorical variables. Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA by ranks was used to compare the quantitative variables (GBI, PD) among the 3 groups. Post-hoc comparison between pairs of groups was assessed by Wilcoxon's rank sum test, with a downward adjustment of the alpha level to compensate for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

The levels of PI in WC subjects (1.9 ± 0.8) and in PC subjects (2.1 ± 0.6) were significantly higher compared to healthy subjects in the control group (0.8 ± 0.7) (p <0.0001). Similarly, the GI in both PC (1.9 ± 0.8) and WC subjetcs (1.7 ± 0.9) was significantly higher (p <0.05) compared to controls (0.9 ± 0.8). GBI in the PC (60.2 ± 23.6%) and the WC (57.4 ± 22.5%) groups was significantly higher compared to healthy subjects (35.9 ± 18.7%) (p <0.05). The PD parameter was found significantly higher (p <0.05) in the PC group (26.7 ± 12.6) and WC group (23.5 ± 11.3%) compared with controls (8.3 ± 6.2%). Regarding the CAL, no significant differences were found between the groups (p> 0.05). In addition, the comparisons between groups PC and WC were not statistically significant (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents affected with type 1 diabetes show a higher level of bacterial plaque, gingival inflammation with bleeding on probing and probing depth, compared to healthy subjects. There were no significant changes with regard to the accumulation of plaque and periodontal status among diabetic patients both with good control and with poor metabolic control.