Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and malocclusion - a cross sectional study of female patients without previous orthodontic treatment

The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of various types of malocclusions in a group of female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), as well as the association between occlusal anomalies and the side, location, and severity of the spine deformity. The study group was comprised of 60 females aged 12-16 years with AIS and 54 healthy controls. Apart from clinical examination, alginate impressions and wax bites were taken. Occlusal traits were assessed on the casts in maximum intercuspation. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance taken as p < 0.05. All patients with AIS showed at least one abnormal orthodontic trait, while 9 (16.7%) patients from the control group had dentition free from any orthodontic anomaly. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0032). In the sagittal dimension, patients with AIS had a higher frequency of bilateral distocclusion and unilateral mesiocclusion as compared to the control group (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0034, respectively). They also showed crowding, increased overjet and overbite more often than healthy age- mates (p = 0.0417, p = 0.0121, and p = 0.0166, respectively). Regarding the association between site, side, or severity of scoliosis and the occurrence of the malocclusion, asymmetric molar occlusion was more frequently observed in patients with right convex (p = 0.0149), while unilateral mesiocclusion, appeared more often in patients with the thoracic apex of the curve (p = 0.0349). The results emphasize a need for collaboration between orthopedists and orthodontists in the complex medical care for scoliotic individuals. Orthodontic treatment can alleviate negative impact that a malocclusion has on the oral health, aesthetics, and psychological well-being of this vulnerable group of patients.

Stemness Potency of Human Gingival Cells-Application in Anticancer Therapies and Clinical Trials

Gingivae, as the part of periodontium, are involved in tooth support and possess the ability to heal rapidly, without scar formation. Recently, dental tissues have been identified as a potential source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and several populations of MSCs were isolated from the orofacial region, including gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). GMSCs exhibit robust immunomodulatory and differentiation potential and are easily obtainable, which make them promising candidates for cellular therapies. Apart from being tested for application in immunologic- and inflammatory-related disorders and various tissue regeneration, GMSCs promise to be a valuable tool in cancer treatment, especially in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) with the use of targeted therapy, since GMSCs are able to selectively migrate towards the cancerous cells both in vitro and in vivo. In addition to their ability to uptake and release anti-neoplastic drugs, GMSCs may be transduced with apoptosis-inducing factors and used for cancer growth inhibition. Moreover, GMSCs, as most mammalian cells, secrete exosomes, which are a subset of extracellular vesicles with a diameter of 40–160 nm, containing DNA, RNA, lipids, metabolites, and proteins. Such GMSCs-derived exosomes may be useful therapeutic tool in cell-free therapy, as well as their culture medium. GMSCs exhibit molecular and stem-cell properties that make them well suited in preclinical and clinical studies.

Factors affecting puberty gingivitis in Polish girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

OBJECTIVES

Age at menarche and hormonal disturbances have been linked to the occurrence and severity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Concomitantly, an increase in the production of sex hormones during puberty may result in steroid hormones-related gingivitis. Thus, the study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors affecting puberty gingivitis, including menarcheal status, in female patients with AIS and control subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group was comprised of 59 girls aged 12-16 years with AIS and 50 healthy controls. Dental examination included the assessment of oral hygiene, gingivitis, and dental caries intensity. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance taken as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

There wasn't any statistically significant difference in the age at menarche and menarcheal status of both groups. During regression analysis, three predictors significantly affected gingival status of girls: oral hygiene, orthopedic condition, and laterality of the curve. Scoliosis and left convex of the curve significantly increased the index of gingival inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that gingivitis is frequent among female adolescents with AIS, due to poor oral hygiene and higher susceptibility to inflammation. It emphasizes a need for a development of preventive strategy for scoliotic patients, since incipient periodontal problems in children may turn into irreversible advanced periodontal diseases in adults.

Gene expression regulating lipopolysaccharide and lipid metabolic processes in porcine oral mucosal cells in long-term primary in vitro culture

Lipids are an alternative energy source for cells and provide structural integrity in cell membrane and their metabolism is regulated with the use of different pathways, such as integrin signalling, oxidative stress, mechanical stress, and pH changes. All of those processes take place in the oral mucosa which is subject to different environmental impacts. In this study, porcine buccal pouch mucosal cells (pBPMCs) were used during long-term primary in vitro culture. The cultured cells were collected at 7, 15 and 30 days of IVC and subsequently transferred to RNA isolation. In the results of the following microarray analysis, we analyzed the genes detected, belonging to ontology groups, such as "cellular lipid metabolic process", "response to lipid" and "response to lipopolysaccharides. All of the genes involved in these ontological groups were expressed at higher levels at 7 days of IVC and substantially decreased in expression at days 15 and 30 of primary culture. We observed new genes, which may be recognized as markers in regulation of lipid metabolism in mucosal cells in vitro. The results suggested that the biochemical mechanism-involved lipids were accompanied by increased enzymatic activation and synthesis of crucial growth factors reaching high activity at day 7 of culture, which is also well documented as a stage of tissue regeneration period within oral mucosa. Therefore, this "biochemical fingerprint" may be an additional checkpoint of the integrity, resistance and easy adaptability of oral tissues, which are important conditions of success in tissue engineering and grafting for tissue reconstruction.

Overview of the different methods used in the primary culture of oral mucosa cells

The culture of primary cells in vitro has enabled to gain knowledge in the field of cell biology, disease mechanisms and to offer great potential in drug testing. To date, two main techniques of isolating and culturing oral mucosal cells, the direct explant method and the enzymatic method, dominate the literature and practice. In the present study, both techniques are discussed in detail, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches in setting up a primary culture of oral mucosal cell. The direct explant technique is well-established and has been commonly used for the past 20-30 years. Although the method of setting up the cultures did not show much variations in the methodology described by authors, the culturing conditions varied according to the aims of the projects.

Bilateral dentoalveolar asymmetries in female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PURPOSE

The aim of this cross-sectional research was to quantify left-right dentoalveolar fluctuating (FA) and directional asymmetries (DA) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and to assess the relationship between these asymmetries and the side, location, and severity of scoliosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group comprised of 60 females aged 12-16 years, with idiopathic scoliosis, and 54 healthy controls. Measurements were made with the use of digital caliper on full-mouth dental casts. The following variables were measured from each subject: a shift of the incisor midline, left and right incisor overjet, deviation of canine and buccal segment relation as well as maxillary and mandibular arch chords. The data were statistically analyzed with significance taken as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences in the mean shift of the incisor midline, buccal segment relation on the left and canine deviation on the left between the control group and the study group were detected ( p = 0.0419, p = 0.0.458 and p = 0.0204, respectively). FA of the midline deviation and canine deviation were statistically significantly higher for subjects with IS, compared to healthy controls ( p = 0.0315 and p = 0.0415, respectively). Neither direction of the curve nor apical vertebra's location or apical translation significantly affected the magnitude of dentoalveolar asymmetries.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirmed that bilateral asymmetries are a common feature of the young females' occlusion. Individuals with IS show higher tendency to Angle Class II malocclusion, as well as higher FA of incisor midline discrepancy and canine deviation, compared to the controls.

Genes involved in regulation of cellular metabolic processes, signaling and adhesion are the markers of porcine buccal pouch mucosal cells long-term primary cultured in vitro

Extraordinary abilities for continuous proliferation and differentiation, associated with constant renewal triggered by stimulation from the mastication process, together with the relative lack of aesthetic complications associated with post-surgery healing, have highlighted buccal pouch mucosa as a potential source of explants that could be used in transplantation and tissue engineering. Additionally, this tissue plays a major role in the oral drug delivery process, which brings special interest to its molecular properties in the context of new drug development. There is therefore a need to analyse the exact mechanisms of oral mucosa functioning, especially when it comes to the processes that are associated with the potential clinical applications. In this study we analysed a complete transcriptome of long-term in vitro cultures of porcine buccal pouch oral mucosa cells. Using a microarray approach, we focused on genes associated with cellular metabolic processes, signalling and adhesion, from 4 gene ontology groups: "Positive regulation of cellular component movement", "Positive regulation of cellular process", "Positive regulation of intracellular signal transduction" and "Single organism cell adhesion". Nineteen genes (CCL8, CXCL2, PLK2, DUSP5, PTGS2, LIF, CCL2, ATP1B1, REL, ITGB3, SCARB1, UGCG, PDPN, LYN, ETS1, FCER1G, TGFB1, RFC4, LMO2) with fold changes higher than |2| and p value Extraordinary abilities for continuous proliferation and differentiation, associated with constant renewal triggered by stimulation from the mastication process, together with the relative lack of aesthetic complications associated with post-surgery healing, have highlighted buccal pouch mucosa as a potential source of explants that could be used in transplantation and tissue engineering. Additionally, this tissue plays a major role in the oral drug delivery process, which brings special interest to its molecular properties in the context of new drug development. There is therefore a need to analyse the exact mechanisms of oral mucosa functioning, especially when it comes to the processes that are associated with the potential clinical applications. In this study we analysed a complete transcriptome of long-term in vitro cultures of porcine buccal pouch oral mucosa cells. Using a microarray approach, we focused on genes associated with cellular metabolic processes, signalling and adhesion, from 4 gene ontology groups: "Positive regulation of cellular component movement", "Positive regulation of cellular process", "Positive regulation of intracellular signal transduction" and "Single organism cell adhesion". Nineteen genes (CCL8, CXCL2, PLK2, DUSP5, PTGS2, LIF, CCL2, ATP1B1, REL, ITGB3, SCARB1, UGCG, PDPN, LYN, ETS1, FCER1G, TGFB1, RFC4, LMO2) with fold changes higher than |2| and p value less than 0.05 were identified, described in context and analysed. While the study needs much further validation to become applicable in a clinical environment, it yields valuable information about the transcriptomic basis of oral mucosal cell functioning in vitro, that might serve as a reference for further research, aiming to apply this knowledge in clinical situations.0.05 were identified, described in context and analysed. While the study needs much further validation to become applicable in a clinical environment, it yields valuable information about the transcriptomic basis of oral mucosal cell functioning in vitro, that might serve as a reference for further research, aiming to apply this knowledge in clinical situations.

Incidence of Otologic Symptoms and Evaluation of the Organ of Hearing in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TDM)

Background

Numerous studies have discussed cases of concomitant temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and otologic symptoms (OS). However, attempts to determine the true origin of these symptoms combined with assessments of the condition of the organ of hearing are relatively rare.

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and type of OS in patients with TMD, and attempted to determine the origin of the OS in the studied group of patients.

Material/Methods

246 patients, aged 40.08±11.12 years (F=147, M=99) with TMD, from the Department of Oral Rehabilitation of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: dental history interviews and clinical examinations. There were 2 groups–G1 and G2–selected on the basis of the presence or absence of OS in the medical history stage. After audiological evaluation, 2 subgroups were identified: G1.1 and G1.2.

Results

OS were observed in 36.18% (G1). In 48 patients (53.93%), the audiological evaluation found there was no impairment of the organ of hearing (G1.2). Audiological abnormalities were found in 46.07% (n=41) of the patients (G1.1). The OS which differentiated the 2 groups were a plugging sensation as well as otalgia (more frequent in group G1.2) and hearing impairment (more frequent in group G1.1).

Conclusions

1. The OS which most frequently accompany with TMD were fullness and otalgia. 2. It is recommended that a subjective assessment of hearing loss in patients with TMD and concomitant OS should be included in the medical history stage. 3. Clicking and popping are significantly more frequent in patients without concomitant hearing impairment.

Health status correlates of malnutrition in the polish elderly population - Results of the Polsenior Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to analyze health-related factors associated with poor nutritional status (PNS) of a representative group of Polish older people, based on data from the PolSenior project (the first nation-wide study of Polish senior citizens).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nutritional status was assessed in 3751 community-dwelling older people (1770 females, mean age: 77.4±8.0 years) using the Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form. Elements of comprehensive geriatric assessment (cognitive and mood screening), selected medical data were analyzed in relation to the nutritional status. These were: the number of medications, the number of chronic diseases, selected diseases potentially related to malnutrition (anaemia, stroke, peptic ulcer, Parkinson's disease, cancer - past or present), total edentulism, use of dentures, and chronic pain.

RESULTS

PNS was observed in 44.2% of participants. Female sex [OR 1.72, 95% Cl (1.45-2.04)], advanced age [OR 2.16 (1.80-2.58)], symptoms of depression [OR 11.52 (9.24-14.38)], cognitive impairment [OR 1.52 (1.20-1.93], multimorbidity [OR 1.27 (1.04-1.57)], anaemia [OR 1.80 (1.41-2.29)] and total edentulism [OR 1.26 (1.06-1.49)] were independently correlated with PNS.

CONCLUSIONS

PNS in Polish elderly population is strongly related to the occurrence of symptoms of depression. People in advanced age with symptoms of depression, cognitive impairment, multimorbidity, anaemia and total edentulism should be screened and monitored for early symptoms of malnutrition.

Surface electromyography in orthodontics - a literature review

Electromyography is the most objective and reliable technique for evaluating muscle function and efficiency by detecting their electrical potentials. It makes it possible to assess the extent and duration of muscle activity. The main aim of surface electromyography is to detect signals from many muscle fibers in the area of the detecting surface electrodes. These signals consist of a weighted summation of the spatial and temporal activity of many motor units. Hence, the analysis of the recordings is restricted to an assessment of general muscle activity, the cooperation of different muscles, and the variability of their activity over time.

This study presents the main assumptions in the assessment of electrical muscle activity through the use of surface electromyography, along with its limitations and possibilities for further use in many areas of orthodontics. The main clinical uses of sEMG include the diagnostics and therapy of temporomandibular joint disorders, an assessment of the extent of stomatognathic system dysfunctions in subjects with malocclusion, and the monitoring of orthodontic therapies.

[Music therapy in different dental specialties]

INTRODUCTION

Music is generally recognized as the best and, in parallel, the simplest medium of communication. The music therapy, applied in various spheres linked to a therapeutic process, is particularly valued in rehabilitation, medicine, humanities and social sciences. Present study aimed at determination of usefulness of selected techniques of music therapy in different dental specialties.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The studies were conducted on 81 generally healthy patients aging 18 to 62 years. Various planned dental procedures were performed first time or were appraised by the patients as unpleasant ones. On the basis of pilot studies, a stable scheme of the visits was established. At the beginning of the studies, music therapy according to Kierył was conducted. Subsequently, basing on description of Schwabe, a form of regulatory individual music therapy was conducted. Depending on psychoemotional condition of the patient, music programming was based on ISO and LEVEL principles, taking into account musical preferences of the patient and his/her age. After every visit the patients filled questionnaires and appropriate results, together with results of studies performed by the dentist, were subjected to statistical analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Results of the studies encourage application of musicotherapeutic techniques in different dental specialties. 2. Dental visit can be made attractive and patient's visits in dental office can be facilitated with no significant financial input or organizational.

[Smoking addiction and stress in dental practice]

Dentists in their practice are constantly exposed to psychic overloads, and yet they are rarely investigated as a professional group in the context of occupational risk. The aim of this epidemiological study was to analyze the frequency of smoking habit among dentists and to evaluate stress inducing factors which are affecting dentists in their everyday practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The questionnaire consisting of 12 closed questions arranged in Lickert scale were used in this cross sectional study. First part of the survey involved basic anthroposocial data (age, gender, weight), second ergonomic part referred to psychological overload involved in dental practice and stress factors outside their job. The question concerning smoking was a part of second section. 150 questionnaires were filled in by female dentists coming from western regions of Poland. Most of participants in the study were older than 40 years, only 10% represented younger than 30 years old generation (mean age 47.5 sd 9.1). For statistical analysis we used Kruskal Wallis, Anova and Dunn tests. Statistical significance in this study was established at the p < 0.05 level.

RESULTS

The obtained results revealed that 17% of female dentists smoke cigarettes. 81% of respondents declare job related psychological overload. All of the respondents found physical overload as a main negative factor, 82% pointed out lack of good communication with patients and 65% lack of communication with coworkers as an important negative factor, 74% of respondents indicated long working hours and time pressure during procedures as a significant stress inducing factors.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The study confirmed that dentists who have long working hours consider their job as more stressful. 2. The results acknowledge the need to enhance and promote health-oriented attitudes among dentists.

An approach to a biomathematical model of lymphocytopoiesis

Fundamental principles for the development of a biomathematical model of lymphocytopoiesis are presented in this paper. The first step in this modeling approach is the definition of appropriate anatomical compartments in order to identify dominant locations of lymphocytes in the human body, and the definition of functional compartments in order to model different maturation stages. In the second step these compartment structures are combined, and thus form the basis of a dynamical model consisting of linear differential equations. Cell balance equations are used to derive the biomathematical dynamical model which is presented using the tools of modern systems theory. As a result of intensive discussions between engineers and medical doctors, our model of lymphocytopoiesis consists of six anatomical and six functional compartments. Virtual marking technique plays a key role for the interpretation of the simulation results which are in solid agreement with biological observations. Future work is directed towards implementation of radiation damages in order to meet the final goal, namely, the evaluation of our model against the data derived from a group of chronically irradiated uranium miners.

Ineffectiveness of topical adenine arabinoside 5'-monophosphate in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis

The ability of topical 10 per cent adenine arabinoside 5'-monophosphate to decrease the severity and frequency of recurrent herpes simplex labialis was evaluated in a double-blind, randomized study of 233 patients at three collaborating institutions. Nine clinical and four virologic measurements were used to evaluate drug efficacy during a single episode. No statistically significant improvement in any measurement was seen in the drug-treated patients. Analyses according to institution and age, stage and size of lesion before therapy also indicated no benefit attributable to the drug. There was no effect of the drug on the rate of recurrence of herpes simplex labialis. We conclude that, despite activity against herpes simplex virus infection in tissue culture and in some laboratory animal models, topical use of the drug is ineffective against recurrent herpes simplex labialis. This may be due to failure of the drug to penetrate the skin.