Factors associated with the municipal provision of orthodontics in the Brazilian Unified Health System.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian federal government issued Ministerial Ordinance No. 718 in 2010 to expand the funding of orthodontic treatment provided by Brazilian municipalities via the Unified Health System (SUS in Portuguese). AIM: To identify social and structural factors associated with Brazilian municipalities that provide fixed orthodontic appliance therapy and interceptive orthodontic therapy. METHODS: Official Brazilian government databases were used for data collection. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Municipalities hosting Dental Specialty Centers (DSCs) with greater installed capacity (type III DSC with 7 dental chairs or over), which employed dentists specializing in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, were more likely to offer orthodontic services via SUS. CONCLUSIONS: Federal, state, and municipal managers need to review the funding of orthodontic services via SUS, which can be used for creating DSCs and hiring professionals with expertise in orthodontics.

Surgiplanner: a new method for one step oral rehabilitation of severe atrophic maxilla.

The implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous upper jaws has always been complex for surgeons and dentists. The lack of bone in both vertical and horizontal dimension does not allow the correct insertion of dental implants. In addition, patients with edentulous upper and lower arch have a loss of vertical dimension of the face and an aged expression. Many surgical techniques have been proposed to increase the bone volume, height and thickness, such as the Le Fort I osteotomy, the bone grafts and the placement of dental implants. Planning these surgical procedures is difficult, because it is not possible to reproduce the movements of osteotomized bone segments in three planes of space. This article describes the treatment of severe atrophy maxilla with a new approach using a new instrument named "Surgiplanner". Surgiplanner is a method that, only using a computerized axial tomography (CAT), allows to obtain a totally predetermined therapeutic result from both an aesthetic and functional point of view, with surgery of severe resorbed jaws. Surgiplanner allows repositioning of segment of the skeleton of the patient's face in a predetermined and controlled way for the best implant-supported oral rehabilitation.

In vivo imaging techniques: a new era for histochemical analysis.

In vivo imaging techniques can be integrated with classical histochemistry to create an actual histochemistry of water. In particular, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), an imaging technique primarily used as diagnostic tool in clinical/preclinical research, has excellent anatomical resolution, unlimited penetration depth and intrinsic soft tissue contrast. Thanks to the technological development, MRI is not only capable to provide morphological information but also and more interestingly functional, biophysical and molecular. In this paper we describe the main features of several advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI microscopy, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, functional MRI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging and MRI with contrast agent as a useful support to classical histochemistry.

Characterization of magnetic nanoparticles from Magnetospirillum Gryphiswaldense as potential theranostics tools.

We investigated the theranostic properties of magnetosomes (MNs) extracted from magnetotactic bacteria, promising for nanomedicine applications. Besides a physico-chemical characterization, their potentiality as mediators for magnetic fluid hyperthermia and contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, both in vitro and in vivo, are here singled out. The MNs, constituted by magnetite nanocrystals arranged in chains, show a superparamagnetic behaviour and a clear evidence of Verwey transition, as signature of magnetite presence. The phospholipid membrane provides a good protection against oxidation and the MNs oxidation state is stable over months. Using an alternate magnetic field, the specific absorption rate was measured, resulting among the highest reported in literature. The MRI contrast efficiency was evaluated by means of the acquisition of complete NMRD profiles. The transverse relaxivity resulted as high as the one of a former commercial contrast agent. The MNs were inoculated into an animal model of tumour and their presence was detected by magnetic resonance images two weeks after the injection in the tumour mass.

Ultrasound and analysis of the deformation patterns of the masseter muscle: comparing surgical anatomy, ultrasound and functional anatomy.

PURPOSE: We have tried to demonstrate whether the analysis of the muscle strain allows us to identify the three distinct functional areas of the architecture of the masseter, as one would see them by performing or viewing an anatomical dissection of said muscle, and whether these sections have behave differently in terms of origin and coping of the strain they face (quantitative analysis). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This work has been elaborated by the use of an ultrasound machine (MicrUs ext-1H Telemed Medical Systems Milano) and a linear probe (L12-5l40S-3 5-12 MHz 40 mm) which allowed us to record a 45 frame per second video (DCM). Videos has been elaborated by use of an ultrasound machine (MicrUs ext-1H Telemed Medical Systems Milano) and a linear probe (L12-5l40S-3 5-12 MHz 40 mm) which allowed us to record a 45 frame per second video (DCM). We applied to the resulting video a software (Mudy 1.7.7.2 AMID Sulmona Italy) for the analysis of muscle deformation patters (contraction, dilatation, cross-plane, vertical strain, horizontal strain, vertical shear, horizontal shear, horizontal displacement, vertical displacement). The number of videos of masseter muscles in contraction at maximum exertion due to dental clenching made during this research is around 12,000. Out of these we chose 1,200 videos which examine 200 patients (100 females, 100 males). RESULTS: The deformation pattern analysis of the skeletal muscle on ultrasound basis seems to be an adequate instrument to use during the investigation of the functional structure of the masseter muscle given its ability to highlight the distinct activity of each separate part of the muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Moreover the strain does not apply to the muscle uniformly; instead it varies according to the observed area.

Management and control of isotonic contraction generated stress: evaluation of masseter muscle deformation pattern by means of ecography.

PURPOSE: The objective of the following study is to observe the behavior of the six layers of the masseter during an isometric contraction at maximum exertion with the deformation pattern analysis method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study has been conducted by use of an ultrasound machine (MicrUs ext-1H Telemed Medical Systems Milano) and a linear probe (L12-5l40S-3 5-12 MHz 40 mm) which allowed us to record a video (DCM) comprised of 45 frames per second. The probe was fixed to a brace and the patient was asked to clench their teeth as hard as possible, obtain the muscle's maximum exertion, for 5 seconds three times, with 30 seconds intervals in between. Both right and left masseter muscles were analyzed. Then we applied to the resulting video a software (Mudy 1.7.7.2 AMID Sulmona Italy) for the analysis of muscle deformation patterns (contraction, dilatation, cross-plane, vertical strain, horizontal strain, vertical shear, horizontal shear, horizontal displacement, vertical displacement). The number of videos of masseter muscles in contraction at maximum exertion due to dental clenching made during this research is around 12,000. Out of these we chose 1,200 videos which examine 200 patients (100 females, 100 males). RESULTS: The analysis of the deformation patterns of the masseter allows us to observe how the six layers of the muscle have different and specific functions each, which vary depending on the applied force (application point, magnitude and direction) so that we find it impossible to assign to one of the three sections of the muscle a mechanical predominance. Therefore it appears that the three parts of the muscle have specific and synergistic tasks.

Analysis of masseter deformation patterns during a maximum exertion clenching in patients with unilateral chewing.

PURPOSE: The aim of the following study is to examine both masseter muscles (left/right) in a group of patients suffering from unilateral chewing during a maximum exertion isometric contraction using the deformation pattern analysis of ultrasound videos and compare them with the results obtained by studying patients with alternate bilateral chewing patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study has been conducted by use of an ultrasound machine and a linear probe which allowed us to record a video (DCM) comprised of 45 frames per second (MicrUs ext-1H Telemed Medical Systems Milano) and a linear probe (L12-5l40S-3 5-12 MHz 40 mm). The probe was fixed to a brace and the patients were asked to clench their teeth as hard as possible, obtain the muscle's maximum exertion, for 5 seconds three times, with 30 seconds intervals in between. Both right and left masseter muscles were analyzed. We applied to the ultrasound video a dedicated software (Mudy 1.7.7.2 AMID Sulmona Italy) for the analysis of muscle deformation patterns. The total number of patients for this study is 150. Out of this number, 50 belong to Group A, mono lateral chewing on the left side arch, and 50 to Group B, mono lateral chewing on the right side arch. The remains patients belong to Group C, bilateral alternate chewing. The deformation pattern analysis of the skeletal muscles on ultrasound videos allows us to highlight with ease the clear difference in the clenching capabilities and strain management between the dominant masseter and the subordinate masseter in a unilaterally chewing patient. RESULTS: In the sample investigated both in Group A and Group B the unilateral chewing is associated with a series of parameters (number, shape, volume, position and orientation of the teeth) and is also associated with the extension of the cutting surface really available.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ZYGOMATIC BONE WITH SMARTBONE®: CASE REPORT.

The repair of complex craniofacial bone defects is challenging and a successful result depends on the defect size, the quality of the soft tissue covering the defect and the choice of reconstructive method. Autologous bone grafts are the gold standard for bone replacement. Tissue engineered constructs are temporary substitutes developed to treat damaged or lost tissue. Recent advances in materials science have provided an abundance of innovations, underlining the increasing importance of polymer in this field. The Galeazzi Orthopedical institute of Milan received a Serbian soldier who reported a deep wound, due to the explosion of a grenade, during former-Yugoslavia’s war. His left cheekbone was completely lost, together with the floor of the left eye. SmartBone® technology allowed the realization of custom-made grafts which perfectly fitted the bone defect thanks to mechanical strength, also at small thicknesses, and the ability to be shaped without powder formation or unpredicted fractures. Tissue engineering approaches to regeneration utilize 3-dimensional (3D) biomaterial matrices that interact favorably with cells. The potential benefits of using a tissue engineering approach include reduced donor site morbidity, shortened operative time, decreased technical difficulty of the repair, ability to closely mimic the in vivo microenvironment in an attempt to recapitulate normal craniofacial development: this 36-month case study allowed to prove that SmartBone® custom-made bone grafts are an effective solution, gathering such benefits and being available now for daily routine.

STRAIN ANALYSIS OF MASSETER MUSCLE BY ULTRASOUND.

The masseter muscle represents an area of important functional interest. The present study aims to verify the feasibility of ultrasound imaging for quantifying the muscular deformation pattern in the masseter. Fifteen consecutive subjects were enrolled and underwent masseter ultrasound according to a repeatable protocol. Ultrasound was carried out during teeth clenching in natural conditions and after the insertion of a medical device that alters the distance between the dental arches, and was repeated on 3 different days. Results showed that masseter deformation is not uniform within the muscle. The same strain patterns were repeated in the different ultrasounds of the same patient and were modified after the introduction of a medical device. This was supported by quantitative comparisons in the deep portion of the muscle (standard deviation on the three measures: 3% normal conditions, 2% with medical device) showing a systematic reduction with the prosthesis (30% on average). This study demonstrated that masseter strain analysis is a repeatable and sensitive tool for the study of functional analysis of the masticatory organ. This opens new technical perspectives for the diagnosis and therapy of dysfunctional pathologies of the masticatory organ.

10-year follow-up of natural crown bonding after tooth fracture.

The aim of this article is to discuss relevant considerations about crown bonding and describe a clinical case in which a tooth fragment and direct composite resin were used to successfully restore a fractured anterior tooth. Clinical examinations showed good esthetics and periodontal health after 10 years of follow-up.

Effect of bismuth oxide on white mineral trioxide aggregate: chemical characterization and physical properties.

AIM: To assess the effect of bismuth oxide (Bi2 O3 ) on the chemical characterization and physical properties of White mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus. METHODOLOGY: Commercially available White MTA Angelus and White MTA Angelus without Bi2 O3 provided by the manufacturer especially for this study were subjected to the following tests: Rietveld X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compressive strength, Vickers microhardness test and setting time. Chemical analysis data were reported descriptively, and physical properties were expressed as means and standard deviations. Data were analysed using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test (P = 0.05). RESULTS: Calcium silicate peaks were reduced in the diffractograms of both hydrated materials. Bismuth particles were found on the surface of White MTA Angelus, and a greater amount of particles characterized as calcium hydroxide was observed by visual examination on White MTA without Bi2 O3 . The material without Bi2 O3 had the shortest final setting time (38.33 min, P = 0.002), the highest Vickers microhardness mean value (72.35 MPa, P = 0.000) and similar compressive strength results (P = 0.329) when compared with the commercially available White MTA Angelus containing Bi2 O3 . CONCLUSION: The lack of Bi2 O3 was associated with an increase in Vickers microhardness, a reduction in final setting time, absence of Bi2 O3 peaks in diffractograms, as well as a large amount of calcium and a morphology characteristic of calcium hydroxide in EDX/SEM analysis.

Risk factors for early dislocation after total hip arthroplasty: a matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors for early dislocation after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Records of 175 cases with dislocation during hospitalisation after THA and 651 controls without dislocation were reviewed. Cases and controls were matched for age, gender, body mass index classification, primary diagnosis, cup design, hospital, and year of intervention. Version and inclination of the acetabular component and version of the femoral component were assessed intra- and post-operatively. Various risk factors were analysed, including surgical approach, cup positioning, combined cup and stem positioning, and femoral head size. RESULTS: The posterior approach was 6 fold more prone to dislocation (odds ratio [OR]=6.3, p<0.018) than the anterolateral or straight lateral approach. With regard to combined cup and stem positioning, the acceptable position was at significantly higher risk of dislocation than the ideal position (OR=2.59, p=0.033). Larger femoral head sizes were associated with significantly lower risk of dislocation (OR=0.84, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Surgical approach, combined cup and stem positioning, and femoral head size were significant risk factors for dislocation during hospitalisation.

Maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich foods in late pregnancy and fetal ductus arteriosus flow dynamics.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich foods during third trimester interferes with fetal ductal dynamics by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective analysis, Doppler ductal velocities and right-to-left ventricular dimensions ratio of 102 fetuses exposed to polyphenol-rich foods (daily estimated maternal consumption >75th percentile, or 1089 mg) were compared with 41 unexposed fetuses (flavonoid ingestion <25th percentile, or 127 mg). RESULT: In the exposed fetuses, ductal velocities were higher (systolic: 0.96+/-0.23 m/s; diastolic: 0.17+/-0.05 m/s) and right-to-left ventricular ratio was higher (1.23+/-0.23) than in unexposed fetuses (systolic: 0.61+/-0.18 m/s, P<0.001; diastolic: 0.11+/-0.04 m/s, P=0.011; right-to-left ventricular ratio: 0.94+/-0.14, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: As maternal polyphenol-rich foods intake in late gestation may trigger alterations in fetal ductal dynamics, changes in perinatal dietary orientation are warranted.

Myocardial tissue Doppler assessment of diastolic function in the growth-restricted fetus.

OBJECTIVES: Myocardial tissue Doppler (MTD) is a technique for the measurement of myocardial velocities in systole and diastole. This study evaluates the use of MTD in the assessment of cardiac diastolic function in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with placental insufficiency and in appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) fetuses with hypertensive mothers. METHODS: This study included 14 IUGR fetuses with placental insufficiency (Group 1), 13 AGA fetuses with hypertensive mothers (Group 2), and 29 AGA fetuses with healthy mothers (Group 3). Patients with other diseases were excluded. All fetuses had a gestational age of at least 25 weeks. MTD assessment was performed with the sample volume placed at the basal segment of the left ventricular side wall (LV), the interventricular septum (IVS) and the right ventricular free wall (RV). E'/A' ratios were calculated for each location. Mitral and tricuspid flows were assessed by conventional spectral pulsed Doppler. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between groups for E'/A' at the IVS (P < 0.001) and LV (P = 0.009), with a higher mean (+/- SD) value in Group 1 (IVS: 0.92 +/- 0.28; LV: 0.85 +/- 0.19) than in Groups 2 (IVS: 0.62 +/- 0.09; LV: 0.68 +/- 0.14) and 3 (IVS: 0.71 +/- 0.14; LV: 0.69 +/- 0.15). In the RV, there was no statistically significant difference in the E'/A' ratio (P = 0.2). No differences were observed for mitral and tricuspid flow velocities and ratios. CONCLUSIONS: Using MTD, the ratios between early and late diastolic myocardial velocities are higher in IUGR fetuses than in AGA fetuses at the IVS and the LV, regardless of the presence of maternal hypertension. MTD may be more sensitive than atrioventricular spectral Doppler for the detection of ventricular diastolic dysfunction in IUGR fetuses.

Left atrial shortening fraction in fetuses with and without myocardial hypertrophy in diabetic pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that, in diabetic pregnancies, left atrial shortening fraction (LASF) is decreased in fetuses with myocardial hypertrophy, compared to those without hypertrophy and to fetuses of non-diabetic mothers. METHODS: Fetal echocardiography was performed in women with pre-existing or gestational diabetes and in non-diabetic controls between 25 weeks' gestation and term. LASF was calculated using the formula: (end-systolic diameter-end-diastolic diameter)/end-systolic diameter, and data were compared between diabetic women with and without fetal myocardial hypertrophy and controls. RESULTS: The study population comprised 53 diabetic women and 45 controls. Out of the 53 fetuses of diabetic women, 14 had myocardial hypertrophy and 39 had normal septal thickness. Gestational age at the time of examination did not differ significantly between the control group and the two diabetic subgroups (P = 0.57). Fetuses with myocardial hypertrophy presented a mean ( +/- SD) LASF of 0.32 +/- 0.11, those without myocardial hypertrophy 0.46 +/- 0.12, and those of normal mothers 0.53 +/- 0.09 (P < 0.001). A significant inverse linear correlation was observed between LASF and septal thickness (r = - 0.51, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic pregnancies, LASF is lower in fetuses with myocardial hypertrophy than it is in those without hypertrophy and in fetuses of non-diabetic women, suggesting that LASF could be a useful alternative parameter in the assessment of fetal diastolic function.

Patient satisfaction with primary care: a comparison between conventional care and traditional Chinese medicine.

OBJECTIVES: The evaluation of patient satisfaction with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) versus conventional medicine (COM) in Swiss primary care. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed with questionnaires aimed at fulfilment of expectations, perceived treatment effects, and patient satisfaction. SETTING: Participants were 51 certificated TCM physicians, 71 COM physicians, and 2530 adult patients. RESULTS: Among patients seeking primary care in Switzerland, those who choose a conventional physician with additional certification in TCM have a higher chance of being completely satisfied with their treatment than patients who choose a physician educated only in COM. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians who supply TCM in addition to COM are able to satisfy the needs of their patients more completely than solely COM-practicing physicians. Explanations for this difference include less frequent side effects in TCM, better TCM physician-patient interaction with longer duration of consultation, and different treatment expectations of patients seeking TCM.

Patient characteristics differently affect early cup and stem loosening in THA: a case-control study on 7,535 patients.

We postulated that certain patient characteristics have different effects on early THA component loosening. With two matched case-control studies we assessed 3,028 cups and 5,224 stems. Loosening was defined using signs of mechanical component failure on routine follow-up radiographs or revision for aseptic loosening. Women and men had similar cup-loosening odds, but women had lower odds for stem loosening (p < 0.0001). Odds for cup loosening decreased by 2.1% per additional year of age (p = 0.0004), those for stem loosening by 2.4% (p < 0.0001). Each additional kilogram of weight decreased cup loosening odds by 1.3% (p = 0.0051). Each additional unit of BMI increased stem loosening odds (p = 0.0109). Charnley classes B and C were protective factors against loosening of both components. There were no risk differences for the various main diagnoses. Certain patient characteristics differently affected early cup and stem loosening, although some characteristics had the same protective or harmful effect on component survival.

3-Year clinical evaluation of posterior packable composite resin restorations.

This study evaluated the clinical performance of four packable resin composite restorative materials in posterior teeth (Class I and II) compared with one hybrid composite after 3 years. Eighty-four restorations were placed in 16 patients. The tested materials were: (i) Solitaire + Solid Bond; (ii) ALERT + Bond-1; (iii) Surefil + Prime & Bond NT; (iv) Filtek P60 + Single Bond and (v) TPH Spectrum + Prime & Bond 2.1. All restorations were made using rubber dam isolation, and the cavity design was restricted to the elimination of carious tissue. Deeper cavities were covered with calcium hydroxide and/or glass-ionomer cement. Each adhesive system and composite resin was placed according to the manufacturer's instructions. One week later, the restorations were finished/polished and evaluated according USPHS modified criteria. Fourteen patients attended the 3-year recall and 75 restorations were evaluated at that time based on the same evaluation criteria. Friedman repeated measures analysis of variance by rank and Wilcoxon sign-ranked test for pair-wise comparison was used for data analysis (alpha = 0.05). The analysis was performed only for the baseline and for the 3-year period. Solitaire showed some fractures at marginal ridges in 25% of the cases. Solitaire and ALERT showed some concerns related to colour match (43 and 77%, respectively) and surface texture (86 and 77%, respectively). TPH Spectrum showed a great percentage of colour mismatch after 3 years, around 50%. Surefil and Filtek P60 showed an excellent clinical performance after 3 years, similar to the hybrid resin tested, TPH Spectrum. Solitaire did not fulfil the ADA acceptance criteria for restorative materials and, therefore, is not recommended for use in posterior restorations.

New 4-O-substituted xylosyl units in the xyloglucan from leaves of Hymenaea courbaril.

A homogeneous fucogalactoxyloglucan, isolated from the leaves of Hymenaea courbaril, was analysed by methylation-GC-MS. These procedures involved derived partially O-methylated alditol acetates and acetylated aldononitriles, which demonstrated the presence of both 2-O- and 4-O-substituted Xylp units in the side-chains. The presence of the unusual, latter structure was confirmed by 2D NMR spectroscopy with a correlated HMQC C-4/H-4 signal at delta 77.8/3.73. A similar 4-O-substituted xylosyl structure was present in a decasaccharide Glc4Xyl3Gal2Fuc obtained via endo-glucanase treatment of the polysaccharide, which gave rise to a molecular ion with m/z 1555 (ESI-MS, Na+ form).

Evaluation of different techniques for percutaneous needle biopsy of synovial membrane in the dog.

Four different needles were evaluated for percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) of the synovial membrane (SM) in six different joints (carpus, tarsus, elbow, shoulder, stifle, hip) from eight dog cadavers. Needle biopsies were retrieved with the Parker-Pearson (PP), a novel modified Parker-Pearson (PPM), the Tru-Cut (TC), and the Franklin-Silverman (FS) needles. The success rate of PNB to produce biopsies, of adequate histological quality, was assessed for each needle type and joint. The joints were subsequently surgically opened and standard open SM biopsies were harvested from an adjacent area. The articular cartilage was inspected and graded for damage caused by PNB sampling. The length of the intact synovial lining cell layer (SLCL) and the histological quality of the needle biopsies were compared to the open surgical biopsies. Success rates for the different needles were 49.2% (PPM), 37.5% (PP), 26.7% (TC), and 1.7% (FS). The highest success rates were achieved in the carpus and stifle; the lowest success rate was found in the hip joint. The intact SLCL from the PNB samples was an average of 3.4 times shorter than that of the surgical biopsies. The proportion of the samples with adequate histological quality was 81% for open surgical biopsies and 62% for PNB samples. The FS was found to produce the highest incidence of articular cartilage damage. The application of PNB for SM sampling is a valuable alternative to the open surgical biopsy in dogs. Modifications of the Parker Pearson needle by Arassy and Schumacher and novel modifications introduced by the authors, offer encouraging results, and merit further clinical and research investigations.