Spontaneous Palatal Cleft Closure.

This case report presents a palatal cleft that healed spontaneously, with complete formation of mucosa and bone. Even though the nasal structures could initially be observed through the cleft palate, a thin membrane sealed any communication between the oral and nasal cavities. The origin of this tenuous membrane cannot be fully understood with current discernment of palate formation, but it probably served as a basis for the formation of the other tissues. No previous record of nonintervened spontaneous closure of a cleft palate has been reported.

The ontogeny of Robin sequence.

The triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and concomitant airway obstruction defined as "Robin sequence" (RS) is caused by oropharyngeal developmental events constrained by a reduced stomadeal space. This sequence of abnormal embryonic development also results in an anatomical configuration that might predispose the fetus to a cleft palate. RS is heterogeneous and many different etiologies have been described including syndromic, RS-plus, and isolated forms. For an optimal diagnosis, subsequent treatment and prognosis, a thorough understanding of the embryology and pathogenesis is necessary. This manuscript provides an update about our current understanding of the development of the mandible, tongue, and palate and possible mechanisms involved in the development of RS. Additionally, we provide the reader with an up-to-date summary of the different etiologies of this phenotype and link this to the embryologic, developmental, and genetic mechanisms.

Dental Wear: Attrition, Erosion, and Abrasion-A Palaeo-Odontological Approach.

This paper reviews the surface ablation of early hominin teeth by attrition, abrasion, and erosive dental wear. The occurrence of these lesions is explored in a sample of South African fossil australopithecine dentitions revealing excessive wear. Interpretation of the nature of the dietary components causing such wear in the absence of carious erosion provides insight into the ecology of the Plio-pleistocene epoch (1-2 million years ago). Fossil teeth inform much of the living past by their retained evidence after death. Tooth wear is the ultimate forensic dental evidence of lives lived.

Transitions in craniofacial biology: a tribute to Bernard G. Sarnat.

The surge of advances in understanding ontological, phylogenetic, pathological, paleoanthropological and genetic insights in development and evolution over the past century has resulted in a profound revolution of our cognizance of biological sciences. The past decade of the human genome project has provided opportunities for diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic interventions and prevention of dysgenesis, dysmorphology, and disease. The new technologies of imaging and experimental inquiries into developmental phenomena provide insights into evolutionary advances that have taken place to result in the present human structure.

Dental manifestations of dermatologic conditions.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous disorders can be associated with a wide variety of dental manifestations that should be familiar to dermatologists. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the development of the teeth, explain current dental terms, and review the dental manifestations of some dermatologic conditions. METHODS: A MEDLINE search (1966-May 2007) was performed to find relevant articles pertaining to dental manifestations of dermatologic conditions. RESULTS: Dental manifestations are associated with a wide variety of skin diseases that include genetic, infectious, inflammatory, and immune disorders. LIMITATIONS: The review is broad and focuses on commonly described manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: An appreciation and understanding of dental signs can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of many skin conditions.