Life cycle phases: Literature review and new classification proposal for application in healthcare.

INTRODUCTION: Although uncommon in dentistry, the concept of the life cycle holds great importance for dental professionals in identifying crucial intervention opportunities and determining the optimal timing for treatments and procedures. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a review of the literature on life cycle classifications and their distinct phases, evaluating their applicability in healthcare. METHODS: A literature review was performed, searching for articles in PubMed, SciELO, National Health Library (BvB), and Google Scholar databases, as well as relevant books. The keywords "life cycle," "life stages," "human development," "age groups," and "biological age" were used. Relevant articles were selected by analyzing their titles and abstracts, and read in full to confirm their inclusion in the research. RESULTS: Nine distinct life cycle classifications were found, each with unique criteria. CONCLUSION: Based on the comprehensive literature review, a novel classification was proposed (The 10-phase Life Cycle), which encompasses dental, growth, physiological aging, sociocultural, and behavioral characteristics, aiming to enhance communication among healthcare professionals, particularly those engaged in the growth, development, and aging processes of human beings.

Life cycle phases: Literature review and new classification proposal for application in healthcare

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although uncommon in dentistry, the concept of the life cycle holds great importance for dental professionals in identifying crucial intervention opportunities and determining the optimal timing for treatments and procedures. Objective: To carry out a review of the literature on life cycle classifications and their distinct phases, evaluating their applicability in healthcare. Methods: A literature review was performed, searching for articles in PubMed, SciELO, National Health Library (BvB), and Google Scholar databases, as well as relevant books. The keywords "life cycle," "life stages," "human development," "age groups," and "biological age" were used. Relevant articles were selected by analyzing their titles and abstracts, and read in full to confirm their inclusion in the research. Results: Nine distinct life cycle classifications were found, each with unique criteria. Conclusion: Based on the comprehensive literature review, a novel classification was proposed (The 10-phase Life Cycle), which encompasses dental, growth, physiological aging, sociocultural, and behavioral characteristics, aiming to enhance communication among healthcare professionals, particularly those engaged in the growth, development, and aging processes of human beings.

RESUMO Introdução: Embora incomum na Odontologia, o conceito de ciclo vital é de grande importância para ajudar os profissionais dessa área a identificar oportunidades cruciais para intervenções e para determinar o momento ideal para tratamentos e procedimentos. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre as classificações do ciclo vital e suas distintas fases, avaliando sua aplicabilidade na área da saúde. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura, buscando artigos nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO, Biblioteca Nacional de Saúde (BvB) e Google Acadêmico; além de livros relevantes. Foram utilizadas as palavras-chave "ciclo vital", "estágios de vida", "desenvolvimento humano", "faixas etárias" e "idade biológica". Os artigos relevantes foram selecionados por meio da análise de seus títulos e resumos e lidos na íntegra para confirmar sua inclusão na pesquisa. Resultados: Nove classificações distintas de ciclo vital foram encontradas, cada uma com critérios únicos. Conclusão: Com base nessa revisão abrangente da literatura, é proposta uma nova classificação (o ciclo vital de 10 fases) que engloba características dentárias, de crescimento, envelhecimento fisiológico, socioculturais e comportamentais, com o objetivo de melhorar a comunicação entre os profissionais da área de saúde, particularmente aqueles envolvidos nos processos de crescimento, desenvolvimento e envelhecimento do ser humano.

Sexo ou gênero? Entendendo a nomenclatura correta em pesquisa / Sex or gender? Understanding the correct nomenclature use on research

Resumo A terminologia "Sexo" e "Gênero" possui importância na área científica, especificamente, na área da saúde. Ainda se observa o uso incorreto dos termos Sexo e Gênero, até mesmo como sinônimos. Esta revisão sistematizada da literatura tem a finalidade de abordar e discutir o uso dos termos "Sexo" e "Gênero" nas pesquisas científicas na área da saúde. As bases de dados Medline/Pubmed, Google Acadêmico, DOSS/EBSCO, BVS/BBO/LILACS foram consultadas em 2022. A estratégia de busca incluiu os termos MeSH: "Sexo, Sexualidade"; "Gênero, Análise de Gênero, Identidade de Gênero"; "Masculino, Homem"; e "Feminino, Mulher". O critério PECO foi articulado para identificar artigos que definiam os termos "Sexo" e "Gênero". Foram recuperados 933 artigos até 2022, sendo 15 incluídos na síntese qualitativa dos resultados nas áreas de Medicina, Odontologia, Psicologia, Sociologia, Enfermagem e Ciências Econômicas, entre 1993 e 2021. Observou-se uma tendência de utilizar "Sexo" ao contexto ortodoxo exclusivo às características sexuais decorrentes da biologia humana. Enquanto, "Gênero" correspondeu à personificação individual de como o participante da pesquisa gostaria de se declarar ao estudo. O uso do termo "Sexo" está associado à biologia humana (macho ou fêmea), ou seja, relacionado às características sexuais. O termo "Gênero¼ refere-se à autopercepção, ao papel social, comportamento e à identidade da pessoa. Dessa forma, estudos que envolvem caraterísticas biológicas (morfológicas, cronológicas, de crescimento e desenvolvimento físicos) deveriam considerar o "Sexo", enquanto estudos de outra natureza, deveriam considerar o "Gênero".(AU)

Abstract The terms "Sex" and "Gender" are important in the scientific area, specifically in the health area. It is still observed the incorrect use of the terms Sex and Gender, even as synonyms. This systematic literature review aims to address and discuss the use of the terms "Sex" and "Gender" in scientific research in the health area. Medline/Pubmed, Google Scholar, DOSS/EBSCO, BVS/BBO/LILACS databases were consulted in 2022. The search strategy included MeSH terms: "Sex, Sexuality"; "Gender, Gender Analysis, Gender Identity"; "Male, Man"; and "Female, Woman". The PECO criteria was articulated to identify articles that defined the terms "Sex" and "Gender". A total of 933 articles were retrieved in 2022, of which 15 were included in the qualitative synthesis of results in the areas of Medicine, Dentistry, Psychology, Sociology, Nursing, and Economic Sciences, between 1993 and 2021. There was a tendency to use "Sex" in the orthodox context exclusive to sexual characteristics arising from human biology. Meanwhile, "Gender" corresponded to the individual personification of how the research participant would like to declare himself /herself to the study. The use of the term "Sex" is associated to the human biology (male or female), that is, related to sexual characteristics. The term "Gender" refers to self-perception, social role, behavior, and to the person identity. Thus, studies involving biological factors (morphological, chronological, physical growth and development) should consider Sex, while studies of another nature should consider Gender (AU)

Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of bone plate and root length after maxillary expansion using tooth-borne and tooth-tissue-borne banded expanders.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this research was to evaluate the buccal bone plate and root length of maxillary permanent first molars using cone-beam computed tomography after maxillary expansion with different activation protocols. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images of growing patients were obtained from the orthodontic department of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. The groups were Haas-type 2/4 turns, Haas-type 4/4 turns, hyrax-type 2/4 turns, and hyrax-type with alternate rapid maxillary expansions and constrictions (alt-RAMEC) 4/4 turns a day. Tooth length, periodontal insertion, alveolar bone thickness, and intermolar distances were evaluated. The data at the start of treatment and 6 months later were compared using generalized linear models. The intergroup differences were determined by univariate analysis of variance with the Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: Tooth length was significantly shortened after expansion in all groups (-0.28 to -0.51 mm), except for the alt-RAMEC group. Bone level variables (bone level and bone level at the tooth tip) changed statistically in all groups, except for the Haas 4/4 turns group. There was significant periodontal attachment loss after rapid maxillary expansion with the hyrax/alt-RAMEC (5.09 mm). The hyrax/alt-RAMEC and hyrax groups had more dehiscences, fenestrations, and exposures of the root. CONCLUSIONS: The consequence of rapid maxillary expansion using the hyrax was alveolar bone resorption, especially in the hyrax/alt-RAMEC group, whereas the Haas expander caused mild root resorption.

Volumetric assessment of alveolar clefts: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a review of the literature on methods for volumetric assessment of alveolar clefts and ascertain which methods are most precise to guide future research. METHODS: The PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched for English-language reports of clinical and in vitro studies with detailed descriptions of imaging modality, sample characteristics, and method for measurement of alveolar cleft volume. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 34 articles, of which 14 were selected for in-depth analysis. According to the findings of computed tomography (CT)-based studies, the CT modalities and software employed for assessment were deemed reliable and satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of alveolar cleft volume by the proposed methods and using the equipment and software employed in the analyzed studies has high efficacy and efficiency and can be safely used for cleft lip and palate treatment planning.

Computed gray levels in multislice and cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Gray level is the range of shades of gray in the pixels, representing the x-ray attenuation coefficient that allows for tissue density assessments in computed tomography (CT). An in-vitro study was performed to investigate the relationship between computed gray levels in 3 cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanners and 1 multislice spiral CT device using 5 software programs. METHODS: Six materials (air, water, wax, acrylic, plaster, and gutta-percha) were scanned with the CBCT and CT scanners, and the computed gray levels for each material at predetermined points were measured with OsiriX Medical Imaging software (Geneva, Switzerland), OnDemand3D (CyberMed International, Seoul, Korea), E-Film (Merge Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wis), Dolphin Imaging (Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif), and InVivo Dental Software (Anatomage, San Jose, Calif). The repeatability of these measurements was calculated with intraclass correlation coefficients, and the gray levels were averaged to represent each material. Repeated analysis of variance tests were used to assess the differences in gray levels among scanners and materials. RESULTS: There were no differences in mean gray levels with the different software programs. There were significant differences in gray levels between scanners for each material evaluated (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The software programs were reliable and had no influence on the CT and CBCT gray level measurements. However, the gray levels might have discrepancies when different CT and CBCT scanners are used. Therefore, caution is essential when interpreting or evaluating CBCT images because of the significant differences in gray levels between different CBCT scanners, and between CBCT and CT values.

Cone-Beam computed tomography evaluation of maxillary expansion in twins with cleft lip and palate

OBJECTIVE: The establishment of normal occlusal relationships in patients with cleft lip and palate using rapid maxillary expansion may promote good conditions for future rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the clinical case of monozygotic twins with unilateral cleft lip and palate at the age of mixed dentition, who were treated using the same rapid maxillary expansion protocol, but with two different screws (conventional and fan-type expansion screw). Results were evaluated using plaster models, intraoral and extraoral photographs, and Cone-Beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained before the beginning of the treatment, (T1). METHODS: The patients were followed up for 6 months after maxillary expansion, when the same tests requested at T1 were obtained again for review (T2). T1 and T2 results were compared using lateral cephalometric tracings and measurements of the intercanine and intermolar distances in the plaster models using a digital caliper. RESULTS: The two types of expansion screws corrected the transverse discrepancy in patients with cleft lip and palate. The shape of the upper arches improved at 10 days after activation. CONCLUSION: CBCT scans provide detailed information about craniofacial, maxillary and mandibular changes resulting from rapid maxillary expansion. The most adequate screw for each type of malocclusion should be chosen after detailed examination of the dental arches.

Análises microbiológicas de alicates ortodônticos / Microbiological analysis of orthodontic pliers

OBJETIVO: avaliar a contaminação bacteriana presente na ponta ativa de alicates ortodônticos utilizados no meio acadêmico. MÉTODOS: selecionou-se 34 alicates, 17 do modelo 347 e 17 do modelo 139. O grupo controle foi composto por 3 alicates de cada modelo, previamente autoclavados. Os alicates do grupo experimental, após o uso, foram imersos em 10ml do meio de cultura líquido Brain-Heart Infusion (BHI) por 2 minutos, seguido de cultivo a 37°C (24 a 48h) e semeadura (duplicata) em diferentes meios de cultura sólidos à base de ágar, para detecção e identificação de agentes microbianos. RESULTADOS: as análises microbiológicas revelaram contaminação em ambos os tipos de alicates ortodônticos. Observaram-se variadas formas bacterianas, predominando estafilococos e cocos isolados gram-positivos. Os alicates removedores de anéis apresentaram maiores índices de contaminação, com médias entre 2,83 x 10(9) e 6,25 x 10(9) UFC/ml, variando de acordo com o tipo de meio de cultura. Os alicates 139 também continham bactérias da microbiota bucal, com variações entre 1,33 x 10(8) e 6,93 x 10(9) UFC/ml, sendo que a maior média obtida refere-se ao meio de cultura próprio para desenvolvimento de estafilococos, indicando, em certos casos, presença da espécie Staphylococcus aureus, microrganismos que não fazem parte da microbiota bucal normal, sendo comumente encontrados na cavidade nasal e superfícies epiteliais das mãos. CONCLUSÃO: constatou-se que os alicates ortodônticos apresentam-se contaminados, como qualquer outro instrumental odontológico, após serem empregados em atendimentos clínicos. Em razão disso, há necessidade de submetê-los previamente aos procedimentos de esterilização após cada utilização em pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bacterial contamination in the active tip of orthodontic pliers used in an academic setting. METHODS: Thirty-four pliers were selected: 17 debonding pliers and 17 model 139 pliers. The control group was composed of 3 previously autoclaved pliers of each model. After use, the pliers in the experimental group were immersed in 10 ml of brain-heart infusion (BHI) culture medium for 2 minutes, incubated at 37º C for 24 to 48 h and seeded in duplicates in different agar-based solid culture media to detect and identify microbial agents. RESULTS: Microbiological analyses revealed that there was contamination in both types of orthodontic pliers. Several bacteria were detected, predominantly staphylococcus and isolated Gram-positive (G+) cocci. The debonding pliers had a greater contamination rate and mean values of 2.83 x 10(9) and 6.25 x 10(9) CFU/ml, with variations according to the type of culture medium. The 139 pliers also had all types of bacteria from the oral microbiota at values that ranged from 1.33 x 10(8) to 6.93 x 10(9) CFU/ml. The highest mean value was found in the medium to grow staphylococci, which confirmed, in certain cases, the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, which are not part of the normal oral microbiota but are usually found in the nasal cavity and on the skin of the hands. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic pliers were contaminated as any other dental instrument after use in clinical situations. Therefore, they should undergo sterilization after each use in patients.

Characteristics and distribution of dental anomalies in a Brazilian cleft population / Características e distribuição de anomalias dentárias em uma população brasileira de portadores de fissuras lábio-palatais

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of dental anomalies in 200 cleft patients undergoing orthodontic treatment at the Cleft Rehabilitation Center (CERLAP) of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: Data regarding patient age, race, gender, cleft type (lip and alveolus, complete lip and palate, or cleft palate), affected side (unilateral or bilateral), agenesis and supernumerary teeth in both arches were assessed from orthodontic records comprised by panoramic, cephalometric, occlusal, and periapical radiographs, study models, intra- and extraoral photographs, obtained at the beginning of the treatment, providing needed information to make an accurate diagnosis of dental anomalies. The collected data were registered in spreadsheets. Results: The mean patient age was 13.5 years old; 86% were white; and 57% male. Complete cleft lip and palate was found at a higher frequency (83%); the left side was most affected (48.5%). Agenesis were found in 66.5% of patients. Maxillary lateral incisors were the most absent teeth (78.5%). Supernumerary teeth were found in 35.5% of patients. Conclusion: Male individuals demonstrated a greater tendency to present clefts and manifest both agenesis and supernumerary teeth. Complete cleft lip and palate prevailed, and the left maxillary lateral incisor was the most absent tooth. Supernumeraries were located distally to the cleft.

Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de anomalias dentárias em 200 pacientes com fissura sob tratamento ortodôntico no Centro de Reabilitação Lábio-Palatal (CERLAP) da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Metodologia: Os dados referentes à idade, raça, gênero, tipo de fissura (pré, trans ou pós-forame incisivo), lado afetado (uni ou bilateral), agenesias e supranumerários em ambas arcadas foram avaliados a partir da documentação ortodôntica constituída por radiografias panorâmicas, cefalométricas, oclusais e periapicais, modelos de estudo e fotografias intra e extrabucais obtidas no início do tratamento, fornecendo informações necessárias para diagnóstico de anomalias dentárias. Os dados coletados foram registrados em planilhas. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 13.5 anos; 86% eram brancos; e 57% eram meninos. Fissuras transforame incisivo demonstraram-se mais frequentes (83%); o lado esquerdo foi mais afetado (48.5%). Agenesias foram encontradas em 66.5% dos pacientes. Incisivos laterais superiores foram os dentes mais ausentes (78.5%). Supranumerários foram encontrados em 35.5 % dos pacientes. Conclusão: Meninos demonstraram maior tendência a apresentar fissuras e a manifestar agenesias dentárias e supranumerários. As fissuras completas de lábio e palato prevaleceram e os incisivos laterais superiores foram os dentes mais ausentes. Os supranumerários localiza-ram-se distalmente à fissura na maioria dos casos.