Comparison of two scales for evaluation of smile and dental attractiveness

OBJECTIVE: To compare the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the simplified Q-sort method used to investigate the highest level of agreement among dentists, orthodontists and laypeople when assessing smile and dental attractiveness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An album containing 258 photos of 86 individuals with their lips at rest, a slight and broad smile, was assessed by 25 dentists (general clinicians and various specialties), 23 orthodontists and 27 laypeople with regard to smile and dental attractiveness. To this end, both VAS and simplified Q-sort method were used. Agreements were calculated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: For the single measurement between the VAS method and the simplified Q-sort method, all simplified Q-sort rates were higher in all groups. The simplified Q-sort method results ranged between 0.42 and 0.49 while those of the VAS method varied between 0.37 and 0.42. The simplified Q-sort method also presented higher mean measurement values (0.95 and 0.96) in comparison to VAS (0.94 and 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Both scales may be considered reliable for evaluating smile and dental attractiveness; however, the simplified Q-Sort method presented slightly higher values than the VAS method. .

OBJETIVO: comparar a escala visual analógica (EVA) e o método Q-sort simplificado quanto à maior concordância nas avaliações entre cirurgiões-dentistas, ortodontistas e leigos em atratividade dentária e do sorriso. MÉTODOS: 258 fotografias, provenientes de 86 indivíduos, fotografados com os lábios em repouso, sorriso leve e sorriso amplo, foram avaliadas quanto à atratividade dentária e do sorriso por meio da EVA e do Q-sort simplificado por 25 cirurgiões-dentistas (clínicos gerais e especialidades diversas), 23 Ortodontistas e 27 leigos. As concordâncias foram calculadas pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). RESULTADOS: para medida única entre a EVA e o método Q-sort simplificado, todas as taxas do Q-sort simplificado foram maiores em todos os grupos. O resultado do Q-sort simplificado variou entre 0,42 e 0,49, e da EVA entre 0,37 e 0,42. O Q-sort simplificado também apresentou valores de medida média superiores (0,95 e 0,96) em relação à EVA (0,94 e 0,95). CONCLUSÃO: pode-se considerar que ambas as escalas são confiáveis para avaliação da atratividade dentária e do sorriso; porém, o método Q-sort simplificado apresentou valores ligeiramente maiores que os da EVA. .

Mast cells generate cysteinyl leukotrienes and interferon- as well as evince impaired IgE-dependent degranulation upon TLR7 engagement.

Mast cells are numerous at anatomical sites close to external environment, virtually at the portals of infection. A few data indicated that these cells express cytoplasmic Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognizing virus-derived molecules. Accordingly, mast cells could participate in anti-viral defense or/and in viral-related diseases. However, data concerning the influence of viruses on mast cell activity are limited. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine mast cell response to TLR7 ligand, i.e. resiquimod (R848), a synthetic mimic of viral ssRNA. Since mast cells play a central role in allergic reactions the effect of TLR7 agonist was also investigated on FcεRI-dependent mast cell response. Experiments were carried out in vitro on freshly isolated fully mature rat peritoneal mast cells. Mast cells exhibit constitutive TLR7 molecule expression and its up-regulation after the agonist challenge. TLR7-mediated mast cell stimulation resulted in cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) and interferon (IFN)-β synthesis, whereas no histamine and CXCL8 secretion was stated. Moreover, mast cell priming with TLR7 ligand caused the reduction in anti-IgE-induced histamine release. The results suggest that ssRNA viruses could directly activate mast cells to alter their phenotype and to release of potent proinflammatory mediators or indirectly modulate IgE-dependent allergic processes.

Síndrome de hiper IgE (HIES): criterios de atención odontológica / Hiper IgE syndrome (HIES): criteria for dental care

El síndrome de Hiper IgE o hiperinmunoglobulinemia E por infección recurrente es una enfermedad rara, descripta inicialmente por JOb Buckey en 1966. Su diagnóstico se realiza a través de la tríada: *)eosinofilia y elevados niveles de IgE, *) eczema e infecciones recurrentes de piel y *) aparato respiratorio (pulmones). Tiene dos variantes: tipo 1 o autosómica y tipo 2 o autosómica recesiva. PUedepresentar facies características y alteraciones óseas y dentales. Son pacientes que requieren terapias prolongadas con antibióticos para evitar las infecciones respiratorias. La importancia de la atención odontológica radica en mantener una boca saludable para evitar focos sépticos que pongan en riesgo la vida del paciente.

The mast cell revisited

The role of mast cells in allergic reactions is reviewed and the origin, distribution and properties of mast cells are reported. The characteristics of two phenotypically distinct mast cell populations are described. The function and properties of the IgE molecule as an antigen receptor on mast cells is discussed. The participation of mast cells in the acute and late phase of the allergic reaction is pointed out. A double role for mast cells in allergic reactions is suggested: they may be responsible for the acute phase reaction through the release of mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes and for the late phase reaction through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Reaçöes anafiláticas e anafilactóides / Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions

A anafilaxia é um complexo de sintomas que envolve vários órgäos e que tem um curso variável. O mecanismo da reaçäo envolve geralmente o anticorpo IgE que libera mediadores responsáveis pelo quadro clínico. A reaçäo anafilactóide é devido à açäo direta de algumas drogas nos mastócitos e basófilos que estimulam a liberaçäo de histamina. As manifestaçöes da reaçäo anafilactóide säo indistingüíveis da reaçäo anafilática ou da ativaçäo do sistema complemento. Nesta revisäo é discutida a diferença entre as duas reaçöes, as substâncias liberadas, a prevençäo e o tratamento da reaçäo alérgica grave