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Background Although the European Economic Space usually acts in a united and organized way, several main differences are found regarding the type and number of dental specialties all around this group of member states. The aim of the study is to analyse the inequalities and similarities existing between 21 European countries, highlighting the number and types of recognized dental specialties. Methods Available official documents and webpages from 20 out of the 30 countries of which the European Economic Space is comprised plus the United Kingdom (UK), were analysed to obtain reliable data referred to dental specialties. Differences were tested with the Lorentz curve and Gini test. Additionally, a Cluster analysis was performed to obtain groups of countries with a similar pattern in the number and type of dental specialties. Results Up to a total of 15 different specialties are officially recognized in all the analysed countries. Orthodontics (90%) and Oral Surgery (81%) are the two most frequently recognized specialties. The total global degree of inequality of the analysed countries was 40.2%. Cluster analysis differentiated three different main groups of countries according to the number and type of dental specialties. Conclusions The situation of dental specialties in the area of the EES plus the UK exhibits an unequal organization. Cluster analysis showed 3 main clusters of countries with a similar pattern of dental specialties.

Background: We conducted research to investigate the effects of the eruption sequence of posterior teeth, arch dimensions, and incisor inclination on dental crowding. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was performed on 100 patients (54 boys and 46 girls; mean ages: 11.69 and 11.16 years, respectively). Seq1 (canine-3-/second premolar-5-) or Seq2 (5/3) eruption sequences were recorded in maxilla, and Seq3 (canine-3-/first premolar-4-) or Seq4 (4/3) eruption sequences in mandible; tooth size, available space, tooth size-arch length discrepancy (TS-ALD), arch lengths, incisor inclination and distance, and skeletal relationship were noted. Results: The most common eruption sequences in the maxilla and mandible were Seq1 (50.6%), and Seq3 (52.1%), respectively. In the maxilla, posterior tooth sizes were larger in crowded cases. In the mandible, anterior and posterior tooth sizes were larger in crowded patients. No relationship between incisor variables and the maxillo-mandibular relationship and dental crowding was found. A negative correlation between inferior TS-ALD and the mandibular plane was found. Conclusions: Seq1 and Seq 2 in the maxilla and Seq 3 and Seq 4 in the mandible were equally prevalent. An eruption sequence of 3–5 in the maxilla and 3–4 in the mandible is more likely to cause crowding., BIOCRAN (Craniofacial Biology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics) Research Group, Department of Clinical Spaecialties (DECO), University Complutense of Madrid

Resumen En la continuidad asistencial del paciente que ha sufrido un sindrome coronario agudo es fundamental la rehabilitacion cardiaca. Es mas, centrar los cuidados en el paciente obliga a coordinar la atencion cardiologica con atencion primaria para mejorar la adherencia a los programas y una atencion continua adecuada. Los programas de rehabilitacion cardiaca comunitaria son indispensables para cumplir con los objetivos preventivos, pero somos conscientes de las dificultades de implementacion y la necesidad de apoyo de gestores y especialistas. Debemos ayudar a concienciar sobre esta necesidad y apoyar a los especialistas que tengan iniciativas en la creacion de este tipo de programas. Este documento trata de sintetizar los puntos basicos de la atencion y la coordinacion entre cardiologia y atencion primaria para la creacion y el desarrollo de estos programas comunitarios.

Resumen La insuficiencia cardiaca es una enfermedad que precisa un tratamiento multidisciplinario, dadas la diversidad de causas y entornos clinicos implicados que las tratan y las diferentes estrategias terapeuticas que precisan la participacion indispensable de diversas disciplinas. La presencia en los servicios de cardiologia de unidades de insuficiencia cardiaca centradas en el tratamiento de los pacientes con esta afeccion y unidades de rehabilitacion cardiaca que, entre sus indicaciones para la reduccion de la morbimortalidad, tambien estan implicadas en la atencion de esos mismos pacientes puede causar dificultades de coordinacion y perdida de una atencion integral centrada en el paciente. Por estos motivos, en el presente documento se plantea una estrategia de coordinacion entre las diferentes unidades implicadas en el tratamiento de los pacientes dentro de los servicios de cardiologia y la continuidad asistencial con atencion primaria, tanto tras haber conseguido la estabilidad como la interrelacion para una coordinacion posterior mas efectiva.

Current European guidelines on chronic coronary syndromes recommend the use of low-dose aspirin (or clopidogrel if intolerance or contraindication occurs) throughout life. However, as the risk of recurrent vascular events is high, particularly in some patients (i.e. diffuse multivessel coronary artery disease, diabetes, recurrent myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, or chronic kidney disease,…), these guidelines also consider that in those patients at moderate or high risk of ischemic events, but without a high bleeding risk, dual antithrombotic therapy should be considered. According to these guidelines, treatment options for dual antithrombotic therapy in combination with aspirin may include clopidogrel 75 mg/daily, prasugrel 10 mg/daily, ticagrelor 60 mg bid or rivaroxaban 2.5 mg bid. Remarkably, despite the results of the clinical trials that sustain these recommendations clearly diverge, guidelines do not differentiate between them. However, although all these drugs have demonstrated a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events in patients with stable atherosclerotic disease, only the addition of rivaroxaban has been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular and overall mortality in the secondary analysis. This may be related to the fact that the activation of platelets and factor X plays a key role in the development of atherothrombosis, and, consequently, both targets should be considered for the appropriate management of these patients.

[Objectives]: Dolichofacial (long-faced) and brachyfacial (short-faced) individuals show specific and well-differentiated craniofacial morphology. Here, we hypothesise that differences in the basicranial orientation and topology between dolicho- and brachyfacial subjects could be associated with differences in the supporting brain tissues., [Material and methods]: Brain volumes (total intracranial, grey matter, and white matter volume), cortical thickness, and the volumes and shapes of fifteen subcortical nuclei were assessed on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging in 185 subjects. Global, voxel-wise and shape analyses, as well as multiple regression models, were generated to evaluate the association between vertical facial variations (dolicho- and brachyfacial spectrum) and brain morphology., [Results]: Several differences in brain anatomy between dolicho- and brachyfacial subjects, along with relevant associations between vertical facial indices and brain structure and shape, were found. The most relevant finding of this study is related to the strong association of vertical facial indices with the volumes and shapes of subcortical nuclei, as the dolichofacial pattern increased, the bilateral hippocampus and brain stem expanded, while the left caudate, right pallidus, right amygdala, and right accumbens decreased in volume., [Conclusions]: Long- and short-faced human subjects present differences in brain structure and shape. Clinical significant: The results of our study increase the clinician’s knowledge about brain structure in dolicho- and brachyfacial patients. The findings could be of interest since the affected brain areas are involved in higher cognitive functions in humans, including language, memory, and attention., This research was funded by CGL2016–75109-P (Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, Spain).

Background Recent non-invasive 3D photography method has been applied to facial analysis, offering numerous advantages in orthodontic. The purpose of this study was to analyze the faces of a sample of healthy European adults from southern Spain with normal occlusion in order to establish reference facial soft tissue anthropometric parameters in this specific geographic-ethnic population, as well as to analyze sexual dimorphism. Methods A sample of 100 healthy adult volunteers consisting of 50 women (mean age, 22.92 ± 1.56 years) and 50 men (mean age, 22.37 ± 2.12 years) were enrolled in this study. All participants had normal occlusion, skeletal Class I, mesofacial pattern, and healthy body mass index. Three-dimensional photographs of the faces were captured non-invasively using Planmeca ProMax 3D ProFace®. Thirty landmarks related to the face, eyes, nose, and orolabial and chin areas were identified. Results Male displayed higher values in all vertical and transversal dimensions, with the exception of the lower lip height. Larger differences between sexes were observed in face, mandible, and nose. Male also had higher values in the angular measurements which referred to the nose. No sex differences were found in transverse upper lip prominence or transverse mandibular prominence. No differences were found in the ratio measurements, with the exception of intercantal width/nasal width, which was higher in women than in men. Conclusions Reference anthropometric measurements of facial soft tissues have been established in European adults from southern Spain with normal occlusion. Significant sexual dimorphism was found, with remarkable differences in size between sexes Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12903-019-0898-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objectives During the microscopic examination of the Neandertal dentitions from El Sidron (Spain) and Hortus (France), we found unusual fine parallel microstriations on the mesial and distal sides of all tooth types, near the cervix. As its appearance was similar to toothpick grooves described in other Homo species, it could correspond to early stages on its formation. To test this hypothesis we developed an experimental replication of a groove using grass stalks. Materials and Methods Comparisons between 204 isolated Neandertal teeth and the two experimental dental specimens corroborate that the marks correspond to initial stages of toothpick groove formation, and we propose a five-grade recording scale that summarized the groove formation process. Results Using this new recording procedure, we found that Hortus individuals have higher incidence of this trait (eight individuals out of nine) than the El Sidron individuals (nine out of 11). Toothpick grooves from El Sidron show the earliest stages of development, whereas the grooves found on Hortus Neandertals were well-developed. Toothpick grooves were also found in 21 incisors and canines. Conclusions These differences could be due to the more advanced occlusal dental wear in Hortus individuals, maybe age-related and with a more meat-based diet maybe favoring the inclusion of food debris and thus probing as the cleaning methodology. Our results allow the identification and characterization of incipient toothpick grooves on the human fossil record and contribute to increase our knowledge on Neandertals behavioral and oral care habits.

The long-standing debate around the origin and evolutionary mode of the Neandertal lineage is connected to the understanding of the large morphological diversity found in the European Middle Pleistocene Hominin (EMPH) samples. In practical terms, this problem can be approached through two questions: How many morphs can be distinguished in EMPH and how do they relate to the origin of Neandertals? These questions are addressed in this paper by means of geometric morphometric comparative analyses in combination with principles of craniofacial biology. We use the mandible as a model system because of its relative abundance in the fossil record, the presence of diagnostic features relevant to the process under analysis, and the key role played by some specimens. Among them, three samples are central in the debate: the Mauer mandible (as the holotype of Homo heidelbergensis), and the Arago and Atapuerca-SH samples. Our comparative analyses conclude that the Mauer and Arago samples derived from a single deme, and that Neandertal derived features that represent an incipient phase of the evolutionary process. The specimen AT-950 from the Atapuerca-SH sample has a number of structural similarities with Mauer, Arago and Montmaurin, which allows linking of this latter group with the complete Atapuerca-SH hypodigm. Consequently, all of these specimens are considered members of the Neandertal lineage. The fossil record illustrates a long evolutionary Neandertal lineage going back at least 0.6 million years. Against populational-based interpretations, we favor a structuralist approach and follow Enlow's counterpart growth analysis and compensatory growth mechanisms for interpretation of the EMPH diversity. In this framework, morphometric cranio-mandibular variation in hominin samples from the European Middle Pleistonece must be contemplated within the head form vertical variation pattern (e.g. vertical dolicho- and brachyfacial form spectrum) widespread in Hominoid species., This work was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Spain projects CGL2012-36682, CGL2016-75109-P, and CGL2015-63648-P.

Objective We aimed to systematically review articles investigating the efficiency of the clustering of skeletal class III malocclusion phenotypic subtypes of different ethnic origins as a diagnostic tool. Methods The review protocol was structured in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and registered in Prospero (CRD42016053865). A survey of articles published up to March 2018 investigating the identification of different subgroups of skeletal class III malocclusion via cluster analysis was performed using 11 electronic databases. Any type of study design that addressed the classification of subclusters of class III malocclusion was considered. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort and cross-sectional (modified) studies was used for quality assessment. Results The final selection included 7 studies that met all the criteria for eligibility (% overall agreement 0.889, free marginal kappa 0.778). All studies identified at least 3 different types of class III clusters (ranging from 3 to 14 clusters; the total variation of the prevalence of each cluster ranged from 0.2% to 36.0%). The main shared variables used to describe the more prevalent clusters in the studies included were vertical measurements (Ar-Go-Me: 117.51°-135.8°); sagittal measurements: maxilla (SNA: 75.3°-82.95°), mandible (SNB: 77.03°-85.0°). With regard to ethnicity, a mean number of 8.5 and 3.5 clusters of class III were retrieved for Asian and Caucasian population, respectively. Conclusions The total number of clusters identified varied from 3 to 14 to explain all the variability in the phenotype class III malocclusions. Although each extreme may be too simple or complex to facilitate an exhaustive but useful classification for clinical use, a classification system including 4 to 7 clusters may prove to be efficient for clinical use in conjunction with complete and meticulous subgrouping. Clinical significance The identification and description of a subclustering classification system may constitute an additional step toward more precise orthodontic/orthopedic diagnosis and treatment of skeletal class III malocclusion.

Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge of paediatricians and parents from Andalucía (southern Spain) about early-onset tooth decay, and to assess if paediatricians provide information to parents about paediatric oral care and visits to the paediatric dentist. Materials and methods: A random sample of 113 paediatricians and 112 parents with children under 3 years of age received an anonymous questionnaire comprising 14 items for paediatricians and 16 items for parents, grouped into five blocks: visits to the dentist, oral hygiene, caries, nutritional habits, and treatment of caries. The chi-squared test was used to assess differences between groups. Results: Paediatricians showed deficiencies in their knowledge about visits to the dentist and treatment of caries, however their level of knowledge on oral hygiene, tooth decay and nutritional habits were adequate. Parents showed a low level of knowledge in all aspects of the study, mainly about the treatment of tooth decay. There were no significant differences between paediatricians and parents in the knowledge about visits to the dentist, however paediatricians had more knowledge than the parents about hygiene, tooth decay, nutritional habits and treatment (P

Purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of a fixed functional appliance, the Austro Repositioner, in dolicho- and brachyfacial skeletal Class II patients. In all, 20 dolicho- and 25 brachyfacial consecutive patients treated with the Austro Repositioner were compared with untreated controls (20 dolicho- and 20 brachyfacial patients) with the same initial dentoskeletal features. Lateral cephalograms were acquired before and 1.0±0.2 year after therapy. Significant improvements in skeletal Class II relationships were observed in both groups. The ANB angle decreased (3.56° in dolicho- and 3.13° in brachyfacial patients, P

During the microscopic examination of the Neandertal dentitions from El Sidrón (Spain) and Hortus (France), we found unusual fine parallel microstriations on the mesial and distal sides of all tooth types, near the cervix. As its appearance was similar to toothpick grooves described in other Homo species, it could correspond to early stages on its formation. To test this hypothesis we developed an experimental replication of a groove using grass stalks.Comparisons between 204 isolated Neandertal teeth and the two experimental dental specimens corroborate that the marks correspond to initial stages of toothpick groove formation, and we propose a five-grade recording scale that summarized the groove formation process.Using this new recording procedure, we found that Hortus individuals have higher incidence of this trait (eight individuals out of nine) than the El Sidrón individuals (nine out of 11). Toothpick grooves from El Sidrón show the earliest stages of development, whereas the grooves found on Hortus Neandertals were well-developed. Toothpick grooves were also found in 21 incisors and canines.These differences could be due to the more advanced occlusal dental wear in Hortus individuals, maybe age-related and with a more meat-based diet maybe favoring the inclusion of food debris and thus probing as the cleaning methodology. Our results allow the identification and characterization of incipient toothpick grooves on the human fossil record and contribute to increase our knowledge on Neandertals behavioral and oral care habits.

The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) artery is frequently encountered in the area where the lateral osteotomy is performed during direct sinus augmentation procedures.To investigate the correlation between patient-dependent variables and measurements related to PSA using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data.Three hundred ninety-four CBCT scans were evaluated to assess the PSA artery diameter and distances to the sinus floor and to alveolar crest. Patient's age, gender, and edentulism status were recorded.The PSA artery tends to be wider in older patients. Distances to the sinus floor or the alveolar crest tend to be shorter in women and in partially and completely edentulous patients. Also, as those distances decrease, the mediolateral width of the sinus increases.Tooth loss leads to maxillary sinus vertical collapse with respect to the PSA artery. The position of the artery is stable; so, the mediolateral dimensions at different heights from the floor increase.The reduced distances from the PSA to the sinus floor and the alveolar crest in edentulous patients potentially increase the risk of injury during maxillary sinus lift. Additionally, when the distance to the sinus floor decreases, the mediolateral dimensions of the sinus at different heights increase, which may complicate the technique and challenge the outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate masticatory muscle activity and kinematics of mandible changes in children with unilateral posterior cross-bite (UPXB) after orthodontic treatment, and one year after retention. Twenty-five children with UPXB and functional mandibular shift were evaluated before treatment (mean age 12.5years), after treatment (mean age 14.9years), and one year after retention (mean age 16.8years). The same data were collected in a control group of thirty age-matched normocclusive children. Simultaneous bilateral surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity from anterior temporalis (AT), posterior temporalis (PT), masseter (MA), and supra-hyoid (SH) muscle areas were evaluated at rest, during swallowing, mastication and clenching. Kinematic records of rest position, mandibular lateral shift, swallowing and mastication were analyzed. Results showed a lateral shift of the mandible present at rest. During swallowing, sEMG activity of SH predominated before and post-treatment and retention. High frequency of immature swallowing was maintained post-treatment and retention. During mastication, MA activity increased significantly and its asymmetry was corrected post-treatment. During clenching, cross-bite side AT and MA activity increased significantly posttreatment and remained stable after retention, and MA/AT ratio reversed. These findings reinforce the advantages of treating children with UPXB and functional shift as early as possible.

Objective: To evaluate the expression of an activator of nuclear factor-kappa (RANK), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of teeth subjected to orthodontic forces. Materials and Methods: A randomized, pilot clinical trial including 10 healthy volunteers was conducted using a split-mouth design. Orthodontic elastic separators were placed between the second premolar and first molar, with the contralateral quadrant serving as a control. The GCF samples were collected from the tension and compression sites at baseline, 24 hours, and 7 days after the placement of separators. The GCF sample volumes were measured using a Periotron 8000, and total protein concentrations were determined. Levels of RANK, OPG, OPN, and TGF-ß1 were also analyzed using a multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The control sites remained unchanged throughout the study. In contrast, the concentration of OPG significantly decreased at the compression site by 24 hours, and the amount and concentration of RANK differed significantly between the control, compression, and tension sites after 7 days. A significant increase in absolute TGF-ß1 levels was also detected at the compression site versus the control and tension sites after 7 days. Conclusion: Bone metabolism is affected by application of force to the teeth by elastic separators. Both increased expression of bone resorptive mediators (eg, RANK and TGF-ß1) and decreased expression of a bone-forming mediator (eg, OPG) on the compression side were detected.

To test the hypothesis that midline basicranial orientation and posterior cranial base length are discriminating factors between adults of different populations and its potential maxillo/mandibular disharmonies.Twenty-nine 2D landmarks of the midline cranial base, the face and the mandible of dry skull X-rays from three major populations (45 Asians, 34 Africans, 64 Europeans) were digitized and analysed by geometric morphometrics. We used, first, MANOVA to test for mean shape differences between populations; then, principal components analysis (PCA) to assess the overall variation in the sample and finally, canonical variate analysis (CVA) with jack-knife validations (N=1000) to analyse the anatomical features that best distinguished among populations.Significant mean shapes differences were shown between populations (P0.001). CVA revealed two significant axes of discrimination (P0.001). Jack-knife validation correctly identified 92% of 15,000 unknowns. In Africans the whole cranial base is rotated into a forward-downward position, while in Asians it is rotated in the opposite way. The Europeans occupied an intermediate position. African and Asian samples showed a maxillo/mandibular prognathism. African prognathism was produced by an anterior positioned maxilla, Asian prognathism by retruded anterior cranial base and increase of the posterior cranial base length. Europeans showed a trend towards retracted mandibles with relatively shorter posterior cranial bases.The results supported the hypothesis that basicranial orientation and posterior cranial base length are valid factors to distinguish between geographic groups. The whole craniofacial configuration underlying a particular maxillo-facial disharmony must be considered in diagnosis, growth predictions and resulting treatment planning.

Objectives: This study aimed at clarifying the morphological interactions among the cranial base, face, and mandible, to improve the assessment and treatment of skeletal malocclusions involving the mandible. Design Untreated adult subjects (n = 187) were grouped according to standard cephalometric criteria of vertical and sagittal relationships. Geometric morphometrics were used to test the null hypothesis that integration patterns between the mandible and its associated basicranial and upper midfacial counterparts would be similar among various vertical and sagittal facial patterns. Results: The null hypothesis was rejected for vertical groups, because the dolicho- and brachyfacial subjects showed significantly different integration patterns, but was accepted for sagittal groups, which showed identical covariation patterns. The morphological integration between the cranium-face and mandible were similarly high in the three skeletal classes, which explained the similarly large covariance between the two structures (57.80% in Class II to 60% in Class III). Conclusions: Dolicho- and brachi-facial subjects showed specific and different cranium-face and associated mandible configurations. The cranium-face configuration may have an important influence (∼60%) on the generation of sagittal (anteroposterior) skeletal malocclusions. The remaining morphological component of the skeletal malocclusion (∼40%) would be independent of this particular integration (PLS1) between the cranium-face and mandible. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd., This research was founded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Projects CGL2012-36682 and CGL2012-37279).

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the closure stage of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis and the maturational stage of the cervical vertebrae (CVM) in growing and young adult subjects using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images with an extended field of view obtained from 315 participants (148 females and 167 males; mean age 15.6 ±7.3 years; range 6 to 23 years) were analyzed. The fusion status of the synchondrosis was determined using a five-stage scoring system; the vertebral maturational status was evaluated using a six-stage stratification (CVM method). Ordinal regression was used to study the ability of the synchondrosis stage to predict the vertebral maturation stage. Vertebrae and synchondrosis had a strong significant correlation (r = 0.89) that essential was similar for females (r = 0.88) and males (r = 0.89). CVM stage could be accurately predicted from synchondrosis stage by ordinal regression models. Prediction equations of the vertebral stage using synchondrosis stage, sex and biological age as predictors were developed. Thus this investigation demonstrated that the stage of spheno-occipital synchondrosis, as determined in CBCT images, is a reasonable indicator of growth maturation.

Objectives To investigate the previously unreported presence of calcitonin (CT) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), its variations during initial orthodontic tooth movement in both tension and compression sites, and its possible association with the experienced dental pain. Design Fifteen children (mean age: 12.6 years) requiring orthodontic closure of the upper midline diastema were included. We collected GCF from the compression and tension sites of the upper right central incisor (experimental) and first bicuspid (control), before and after (1 h, 24 h, 7 d, 15 d) beginning of treatment. Calcitonin levels were determined by Western blot. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Results Calcitonin levels were higher in the compression site versus the control site at 7 d (p = 0.014). Intragroup comparisons showed an increment of CT between 1 h and 7 d (680.81 ± 1672.60 pg/30 s, p = 0.010) in the compression site. No significant changes were found in the tension and control sites. Calcitonin levels and pain intensity were negatively associated during the period from 24 h to 15 d (r = −0.54, p = 0.05). Conclusions CT levels in the GCF significantly increased in the compression site after the short term after application of orthodontic forces. These changes were negatively associated with the perceived patient's dental pain during the period from 24 h to 15 d.

Objective: To analyse the changes in nasal air flow and school grades after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in oral breathing children with maxillary constriction. Material and Methods: Forty-four oral breathing children (mean age 10.57 y) underwent orthodontic RME with a Hyrax screw. Forty-four age-matched children (mean age 10.64 y) with nasal physiological breathing and adequate transverse maxillary dimensions served as the control group. The maxillary widths, nasal air flow assessed via peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and school grades were recorded at baseline, and 6 months and one year following RME. Results: After RME, there were significant increases in all the maxillary widths in the study group. PNIF was reduced in the study group (60.91 ± 13.13 l/min) compared to the control group (94.50 ± 9.89 l/min) (P < 0.000) at the beginning of the study. Six months after RME, a significant improvement of PNIF was observed in the study group (36.43 ± 22.61). School grades were lower in the study group (85.52 ± 5.74) than in the control group (89.77 ± 4.44) (P < 0.05) at the baseline, but it increased six months after RME (2.77 ± 3.90) (P < 0.001) and one year later (5.02 ± 15.23) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Nasal air flow improved in oral breathing children six months and one year after RME. School grades also improved, but not high enough to be academically significant. Key words:Maxillary constriction, oral breathing, nasal air flow, rapid maxillary expansion, school grades.

Objectives: To examine the activity of jaw muscles at rest and during maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) in children with unilateral posterior crossbite (UPXB) and functional lateral shift in the early mixed dentition and to evaluate sex differences. Material and Methods: The sample included 30 children (15 males, 15 females) aged 6 to 10 years old, with UPXB and functional mandibular lateral shift (≥1.5 mm) in the early mixed dentition. sEMG activity coming from the muscle areas (anterior temporalis [AT], posterior temporalis [PT], masseter [MA] and suprahyoid [SH]) were obtained from both the crossbite (XB) and noncrossbite (NONXB) sides at mandibular rest position. sEMG acti-vity of the bilateral AT and MA muscles sides was obtained during MVC. Asymmetry and activity indexes were calculated for each muscle area at rest and during MVC; the MA/TA ratio during MVC was also determined. Results: At rest, no differences were found between sexes for any muscle areas or asymmetry and activity indexes. No differences were found between XB and NONXB sides. During MVC, however, significant sex differences were found in AT and MA activity, with higher sEMG values in males than in females, on both XB and NONXB sides. Asymmetry indexes, activity indexes and MA/AT ratios did not show significant differences between the sexes. Activity was symmetric both in males and in females. Conclusions: At rest, no sex differences were found, but during MVC males showed higher activity than did females in both XB and NONXB AT and MA muscle areas. Muscular activity was symmetrical at rest and during MVC in both sexes. Sexual dimorphism should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of UPXB and lateral shift in the early mixed dentition. Key words:Unilateral crossbite, mandibular shift, jaw muscles, sEMG, early mixed dentition.

Introduction: Although chincups are the preferred treatment for growing children with mandibular prognathism, the mechanism by which chincups improve this condition remains unclear. The aim of this study was to use geometric morphometrics to evaluate changes in the shape of the mandible of prognathic children treated with a chincup. Methods: Geometric morphometrics were used to evaluate the short-term mandibular shape changes in 50 prognathic children treated with chincups compared with 40 untreated matched controls. Twenty-one 2-dimensional mandibular landmarks from cephalograms taken before and after 36 months of treatment or observation were analyzed by Procrustes superimposition and thin plate spline. Results: Permutation tests of the treated patients showed highly significant differences in the mandibular shapes before and after treatment, and compared with the control group after the observation period. The thin plate spline grid deformations indicated more rectangular mandibular configuration, forward condyle orientation, condyle neck compression, gonial area compression, and symphysis narrowing. Conclusions: Early chincup treatment widely modifies the mandibular shape of prognathic children to improve Class III malocclusion. Copyright © 2011 by the American Association of Orthodontists.

Objectives To evaluate and compare electromyographic activity of jaw muscles at rest and during maximal voluntary clenching in maximal intercuspation between growing individuals with unilateral posterior cross-bite without functional mandibular lateral shift during closure and matched individuals with normal occlusion. These findings may help elucidate the impact of this occlusal condition on jaw muscle function and the therapeutic implications. Design 30 growing children (10–12 years) with unilateral cross-bite without functional mandibular lateral shift during closure (cases) and 30 age- and sex-matched children with normal occlusion (controls) were consecutively selected applying highly restrictive criteria. Electromyographic activity coming from the areas of right and left anterior temporalis, posterior temporalis, masseter, and supra-hyoid muscles was evaluated at rest and during clenching. The asymmetry index was calculated for each muscle area to quantify the degree of asymmetry between sides. The masseter/anterior temporalis ratio during clenching was also recorded. Results No significant differences were found between groups at rest. During clenching, activity of the cross-bite side masseter area was significantly lower in cases versus controls but no difference was found between cross-bite and non-cross-bite sides of this muscle. Conclusions Unilateral posterior cross-bite without functional mandibular lateral shift is associated with a lower electromyographic activity of masseter muscle area of the cross-bite side during maximal clenching in maximal intercuspation, compared to the children with normal occlusion. This result could suggest a functional adaptation that should be carefully considered. Long-term studies are needed to determine future repercussions and to evaluate the benefit of an early treatment.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the total antioxidant capacity of saliva and the presence of dental caries in deciduous and permanent teeth, in a group of Saharan children. Methods The dental examination was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). The total antioxidant capacity of the saliva was determined by colorimetry. Results The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the saliva of patients with caries in deciduous teeth was 2.89 1/IC50 greater than among those without. We observed a statistically significant linear regression between the number of deciduous teeth affected by caries and the total antioxidant capacity of the saliva: y = 0.24 + 0.53 × TAC saliva (t = 2.93; p = 0.004) (95% CI of b: 0.018-0.088). Conclusions Our results show that the amount of caries in deciduous teeth is in direct proportion to the observed TAC of saliva, and that the presence of caries in deciduous teeth is associated with caries in permanent teeth.

It is generally assumed that children with posterior crossbites have abnormal mandibular movements; however, this assumption has not been clearly evaluated. The purpose of this investigation was to study the movements and the resting position of the mandible in 2 samples of 30 subjects, one aged 10 to 14 years with right posterior crossbite, the other aged 10 to 15 years with normal occlusion. Subjects in both groups exhibited a Class I skeletal relationship and mesofacial growth pattern. A mandibular kinesiograph was used to record both the mandibular resting position and dynamic movements. Mandibular movements were recorded during (1) maximum excursions (opening-closing, protrusion, right and left excursions), (2) swallowing, and (3) mastication. The results showed no differences between groups in the extension of the movements during closing and protrusion. However, crossbite patients exhibited a significant lateral shift during these movements. Right and left excursions were also similar between groups. The dimension of the freeway space was similar between groups, but the lateral shift found in centric occlusion was also present in the crossbite group when the mandible was at rest. The crossbite group more frequently showed a pattern of abnormal swallowing. No differences were found in any of the parameters studied during the masticatory cycle. There was no relationship between the side of the crossbite and the masticatory preference side. In conclusion, posterior crossbite patients showed a lateral shift in some movements that persisted when the mandible was at rest.

Studies dealing with the electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in patients with unilateral posterior crossbite are infrequent. The purpose of this study was to assess the electromyographic pattern of masticatory muscles at rest position, during swallowing, and during mastication, in 30 subjects with right posterior crossbite and to compare them to 30 normocclusive subjects. The 2 groups were matched according to age, gender, skeletal Class I, and mesofacial growth pattern. Electromyographic activity of right and left anterior temporalis, posterior temporalis, masseter, and anterior digastric muscles was recorded at rest position, while swallowing water, and while chewing. Disposable bipolar surface electrodes were used in both groups. Data were compared between groups and between right and left sides within each group. The results revealed that the posterior temporalis of the non-crossbite side was more active than that of the same side in subjects with crossbite at rest position and during swallowing. The activity of both anterior digastrics was higher in the crossbite subjects during swallowing. During chewing the right masseter muscle was less active in the crossbite patients than in normocclusive subjects. The results obtained during chewing indicate a bilateral masticatory pattern in both groups.