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Oral cancer became a very common condition. WHO estimates that there are 4 cases of lip and oral cavity cancer for every 100,000 people worldwide. The early diagnosis of cancers is currently a top focus in the health sector. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have identified promising biomarkers for early detection in several original research investigations. However, it is still unclear the quality of these evidence and which biomarker performs the best in terms of early detection. Therefore, the objective was, to map the methodological and reporting quality of available oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) or head/neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Secondly, to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for common craniofacial cancers and to compare the diagnostic value of different salivary biomarkers. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library electronic databases were used to map the methodological and reporting quality of the systematic reviews and meta-analysis conducted on the HNSCC, OSCC using the AMSTAR-2 checklist. The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews and meta-analysis published in the topic of HNSCC and OSCC biomarkers. Exclusion criteria were no animal studies; original primary studies, due to limitation of competency in other languages articles with language other than English were excluded. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated for salivary biomarkers and ranked according to network meta-analysis principles. A total of N = 5893 patients were included from four meta-analysis studies. All together, these included n = 37 primary studies. n = 94 biomarkers were pooled from these four meta-analyses and categorised into the stages at which they were detected (I-IV). In OSCC, Chemerin and MMP-9 displayed the highest sensitivity, registering 0.94 (95% CI 0.78, 1.00) and a balanced accuracy of 0.93. Phytosphingosine closely followed, with a sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI 0.68, 0.99) and a balanced accuracy of 0.87. For HNSCC, the top three biomarkers are Actin, IL-1β Singleplex, and IL-8 ELISA. Actin leads with a sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI 0.68-0.99), a specificity of 0.67, and an overall accuracy of 0.79. Subsequently, IL-1β Singleplex exhibits a sensitivity of 0.62 (95% CI 0.30-0.88), a specificity of 0.89, and an accuracy of 0.75, followed by IL-8 ELISA with a sensitivity of 0.81 (95% CI 0.54-0.97), a specificity of 0.59, and an accuracy of 0.70. In conclusion, there was highest sensitivity for MMP-9 and chemerin salivary biomarkers. There is need of further more studies to identify biomarkers for HNSCC and OSCC., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Background/Objectives : Three-dimensional (3D) analysis of maxillofacial structures in dysmorphic patients offers clinical advantages over 2D analysis due to its high accuracy and precision in measuring many morphological parameters. Currently, no reliable gold standard exists for calculating 3D volumetric measurements of maxillofacial structures when captured by 3D surface imaging techniques. The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the scientific literature related to 3D surface imaging methods used for volumetric analysis of the dysmorphic maxillofacial structures of patients affected by CL/P or other syndromes and to provide an update on the existing protocols, methods, and, when available, reference data. Methods : A total of 17 papers selected according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were reviewed for the qualitative analysis out of more than 4500 articles published between 2002 and 2024 that were retrieved from the main electronic scientific databases according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A qualitative synthesis of the protocols used for the selection of the anatomical areas of interest and details on the methods used for the calculation of their volume was completed. Results : The results suggest a great degree of heterogeneity between the reviewed studies in all the aspects analysed (patient population, anatomical structure, area selection, and volume calculation), which prevents any chance of direct comparison between the reported volumetric data. Conclusions : Our qualitative analysis revealed dissimilarities in the procedures specified in the studies, highlighting the need to develop uniform methods and protocols and the need for comparative studies to verify the validity of methods in order to achieve high levels of scientific evidence, homogeneity of volumetric data, and clinical consensus on the methods to use for 3D volumetric surface-based analysis.

Background: This systematic review aims to analyze the spontaneous dentoalveolar changes in the mandibular arch after maxillary expansion in growing patients obtained with different expansion protocols: Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME), Slow Maxillary Expansion (SME), and Leaf Expander., Methods: The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligibility criteria were established in the PICO format, involving patients who underwent slow, rapid, or leaf maxillary expansion during the mixed or early permanent dentitions. A comprehensive search of electronic databases and manual searches was conducted up to December 2023. The outcome measures included inter-mandibular first permanent molar width, inter-deciduous molar and canine width, arch perimeter, and arch length; both short- and long-term results were considered. The articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review and were qualitatively evaluated using a methodological quality scoring system with a 13-point scale. To assess the inter-examiner agreement concerning the article selection and the qualitative assessment of the included studies, Kappa statistics were computed., Results: A total of 1184 articles were identified through electronic and manual searches. After the removal of duplicates and the initial examination of the titles and abstracts, 57 articles were considered for the full text analysis, and according to the eligibility and exclusion criteria, 22 studies were finally selected, composed of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 14 retrospective/case-control studies. The qualitative assessment of the included studies showed the following scores: 6 papers have high research quality, 5 have moderate quality, and 11 have low quality. SME demonstrated negligible mandibular changes, with less than 1 mm variation on average (range 0.46-2.00 mm) in the selected parameters and relapses observed in the long term. RME induced more significant increases, particularly in intermolar width greater than 1 mm, which ranged between 0.93 and 3.3 mm, and good stability over the long term. Leaf Expander exhibited promising short-term lower intermolar width increases greater than 1 mm and ranged from 0.5 to 1.69 mm, but long-term stability was not thoroughly evaluated., Conclusions: SME results in negligible short- and long-term effects, while RME, especially with Haas-type appliances, exhibits significant intermolar width increases that remain stable over the years. Leaf Expander shows short-term lower intermolar width increases, requiring further investigation into long-term stability.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the skeletal and dento-alveolar changes produced by a customised eruption guidance appliance (EGA) and a preformed EGA in subjects presenting a skeletal class II pattern during early mixed dentition and to evaluate the differences between the two devices., Methods: All subjects included in the study were randomly selected from the record's archive according to the following inclusion criteria: (1) patients presenting upper central incisor and first permanent molars fully erupted; (2) early mixed dentition with age between 7 to 9 years old; (3) Angle class I or class II malocclusion; (4) increased overjet > 4 mm;(5) deep bite with at least 2/3 overlapping of the incisors; (6) no previous orthodontic treatment apart from maxillary expansion treatment. All children belonging to the case group received treatment with a 3D printed EGA whereas the other patients belonging to the control group were treated with preformed EGA. Records consisted in digital dental models and lateral cephalogram at the beginning (T0) and after 1 year of treatment (T1). Data collected on the digital models included the dentoalveolar changes in overbite, overjet, sagittal molar relationship, and dental crowding. Cephalometric tracings were computed by a single blinded observer using Dolphin Imaging software. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (version 25.00; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). Comparison regarding the cephalometric changes between T1-T2 was carried out with paired t-test. Difference in distribution regarding sagittal molar and canine relationship and anterior crowding between groups at T1 and T2 has been computed with chi-square test. The independent sample t-test was used to perform the between group comparison., Conclusion: In the short time, both the appliances showed to be effective in correcting class II malocclusion, anterior crowding, overjet and overbite. Custom-made appliance demonstrated to be significantly more effective in correcting anterior crowding, the dento-skeletal vertical relation and position of permanent incisor compared to the preformed appliance. Adopting a customised device, effects due to an average prescription appliance used to a specific patient can be reduced, resulting in more predictable results.

Aim: To evaluate the buccal alveolar bone changes and the upper first molar displacement in subjects treated with conventional rapid maxillary expansion (RME), Ni-Ti leaf springs expander (Leaf Expander) and Tooth-Bone-borne Expander (Hybrid Expander) using CBCT scans., Methods: The sample consisted of 52 children treated with RME (n=18), Leaf Expander (n= 17) and Hybrid Expander (n= 17). CBCTs were taken before and after maxillary expansion and the Horos software was used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test were used to assess changes between the pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements. ANOVA test and Tukey's post hoc test with Bonferroni correction was used for between groups comparison., Conclusion: The Hybrid Expander during preadolescence showed few advantages over the use of tooth-anchored expanders. An expansion approach with mini-screws is not preferable during early mixed dentition to a conventional approach. The differences in dental tipping values were clinically insignificant and the reduction in cortical bone thickness remained less than 1 mm. When possible, the use of second primary molars as anchorage should be preferred.

Aim: This study is aimed to investigate the oral hygiene practice, knowledge and attitude of young adults, assessing their awareness about the impact of a certain "risk" behaviour on their oral and dental health., Materials: This is a cross-sectional survey study conducted on 829 students (350 males and 479 females, mean age 13-20 years) attending high school in Milan and surrounding areas. They were asked to complete anonymous questionnaire during the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year, under the supervision of a teacher and/or an assigned interviewer. The questionnaire was created by "Laboratorio Adolescenza", in collaboration with the International Alliance of Responsible Drinking (IARD) Research Institute and the University of Milan. All of the data was compiled into table or graph form and analysed., Conclusion: There is a general awareness among Italian school children about the risks of bad oral habits, however, there is a need to improve the oral health knowledge, attitude and practices in the target population with emphasis on improvement of oral hygiene practices.

Since the first detection of Meloidogyne graminicola in Piedmont, North Italy, in 2016, further inspections for the presence of the rice root-knot nematode were carried out in rice fields of neighboring regions, in accordance with the Italian NPPO (National Plant Protection Organization) to support the official phytosanitary measures, to enable the early detection of the rice pest, and to prevent its spread within the national territory. In 2018, surveys of rice fields in Lombardy region revealed a new occurrence of M. graminicola . In the present study, we confirmed the identification of the rice nematode in Lombardy using the ribosomal ITS region and the mitochondrial COI and COII genes. The sequences and phylogenetic analyses revealed that Lombardy M. graminicola population grouped in all trees in the main cluster containing Meloidogyne species belonging to graminis group, but always in a different subgroup compared to the Piedmont population of M. graminicola . These results clearly suggest that the two Italian populations have been recently and independently introduced and confirm that the geographic origin is not the main factor leading to M. graminicola population variability., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between frontal sinus shape and facial growth pattern., Methods: The three-dimensional examination was carried out by means of 80 CBCT scans selected from a sample of 1247 records of patients treated, for different reason, at the Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences at University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan. The sample (age ranges between 12 and 40 years) was divided according to gender and age in four groups (12-17, 18-20, 21-30, 31-40). Left and right frontal sinus volume (VOL), surface (SUP) and linear maximum width (XMAX), depth (ZMAX) and height (YMAX) were calculated using Mimics Research 17.0 (Materialise N.V., Leuven, Belgium). Cephalometric analysis has been performed for all subjects to categorize the patients depending on their facial growth pattern. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed to investigate any association of frontal sinuses measurements (height, width, depth, volume and surface) and cephalometric variables. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: A total of 160 frontal sinuses were measures in 80 patients: 40 men and 40 women, average age of 23.5 ±14.6. Globally the frontal sinuses had the following average dimensions: volumes of 9055.8 ± 6505 mm 3 and surfaces of 3820.3 ± 2125 mm 2 . The statistical analysis showed that frontal sinus volume was statistically significant (p=0.003) greater for male (11,425 mm 3 ) than female (6597.5 mm 3 ). Similarly, the surface showed to be greater in men than in women (p=0.005). No correlation between age and frontal sinuses characteristics has been found. A statistically significant (p<0.05) increase of frontal sinus depth, surface and volume was correlated with SNB angle. In addition, frontal sinus volume increased in subjects with greater anterior skeletal dimension values and with a superior length of the cranial base. Furthermore, a decrease of ANB has been found related to an increase in frontal sinus volume (p=0.04)., Conclusions: The present study showed a correlation between frontal sinuses dimensions and craniofacial aspects, despite the inter-individual variability of their morphology. The results suggested that young adults in whom the frontal sinuses have reached their maximum size, while vertical growth continues, a larger frontal sinus may be associated with future vertical growth., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Rapid and sensitive assays for the identification of plant pathogens are necessary for the effective management of crop diseases. The main limitation of current diagnostic testing is the inability to combine broad and sensitive pathogen detection with the identification of key strains, pathovars, and subspecies. Such discrimination is necessary for quarantine pathogens, whose management is strictly dependent on genotype identification. To address these needs, we have established and evaluated a novel all-in-one diagnostic assay based on nanopore sequencing for the detection and simultaneous characterization of quarantine pathogens, using Xylella fastidiosa as a case study. The assay proved to be at least as sensitive as standard diagnostic tests and the quantitative results agreed closely with qPCR-based analysis. The same sequencing results also allowed discrimination between subspecies when present either individually or in combination. Pathogen detection and typing were achieved within 13 min of sequencing owing to the use of an internal control that allowed to stop sequencing when sufficient data had accumulated. These advantages, combined with the use of portable equipment, will facilitate the development of next-generation diagnostic assays for the efficient monitoring of other plant pathogens.

Clinical practice and some scientific evidence seem to suggest that there is some kind of relationship between the components that form the postural chain. For professional dancers, good posture and balance are essential. The aim of the present retrospective study is to evaluate whether gnathological treatment could have an impact on the postural balance and sports performance of professional ballet dancers. Electromyographic (EMG) data and balance tests were recorded before and after six months of treatment with a customized occlusal splint. Twenty athletes were examined during ballet exercises in terms of balance and speed of execution by two experienced clinicians. The results showed statistically significant changes for all EMG tests carried out and the Flamingo Balance Test. It appears that the use of a customized occlusal device improved neuro-muscular coordination and the overall performance of dancers.

Background: The vertical facial growth pattern is one of the most important issue in the orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. Previous studies investigated the association between interdental bone thickness and facial divergence using mainly bidimensional analysis. When two-dimensional dental radiographic views are not sufficient for diagnosis and measurements, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images should be used to assess the alveolar bone structure three-dimensionally and with high accuracy and reliability.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between alveolar bone thickness and facial divergence in young adults untreated patients using a three-dimensional method analysis with CBCT images., Methods: Records of 30 untreated patients (mean age 16 ± 2 years) with Angle Class I and mild to moderate crowding were analyzed. Subjects were classified as hypodivergent (<39˚), normodivergent (41 ± 2˚), and hyperdivergent (>43°). according to the inter-maxillary angle between the sagittal maxillary plane (ANS-PNS) and the mandibular plane (GN-ME). The alveolar bone thickness measurements were taken for the buccal and palatal/lingual surfaces of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. Axial-guided navigation (AGN) was used to locate all landmarks using a specific software (Horos 3.0)., Results: The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the hypodivergent and hyperdivergent group regarding buccal bone height (P = 0.005), buccal apical bone thickness (P = 0.003) and palatal mid-root bone thickness (P = 0.006). Moreover, buccal bone height (P = 0.006) was found to be statistically significant different in normodivergent compared with hypodivergent individuals., Conclusions: Facial types were found to be correlated with alveolar bone thickness. The hyperdivergent subjects presented thinner alveolus bone in the anterior maxilla and at almost all sites in the mandible. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of thin cortical bone plates in hyperdivergent patients, reducing antero-posterior movements to avoid fenestration and dehiscence., (© 2020 King Saud University.)

Background: Vestibular bone thickness changes and dento-alveolar buccal tipping of second primary molars and of first molars after maxillary expansion performed with a slow maxillary expansion protocol was investigated. Methods: Twenty patients (mean age 7.3 ± 0.9 years old; 9 male and 11 female) were treated according to the Leaf Expander protocol. Buccal alveolar bone thickness (BT), buccal alveolar bone height (BH), inter-dental angle (TIP), and inter-molar width (IW) regarding first molars and second primary molars were calculated before and after expansion on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to assess changes between the pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements. Results: Bone thickness vestibular to second primary molars and intermolar width of both teeth were the only variables that showed statistically significant changes. Conclusions: It appears that buccal bone thickness vestibular to first molars was not significantly reduced after maxillary expansion with the Leaf Expander. The clinical use of a slow maxillary expander with Ni-Ti springs appears efficient and safe in in the correction of maxillary hypoplasia during mixed dentition.

The aim is to evaluate changes in the volume of the upper airways before and after slow maxillary expansion (SME) obtained with the flexible properties of a nickel titanium leaf spring and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with a conventional Hyrax appliance in growing patients. The records of 1200 orthodontic patients undergoing maxillary expansion from 2018 to 2019 were analyzed; among these pre and post treatment CBCT scans of 22 patients (mean age 8.2 ± 0.6 years old) treated by SME were compared with those obtained from 22 patients (mean age 8.1 ± 0.7 years old) treated by RME banded on the second primary molars. The following inclusion criteria were used: Maxillary transverse constriction, good general health, and no previous orthodontic treatment. Volumes of nasal cavity (NCavV), nasopharynx (NsPxV), and right and left maxillary sinuses (MSV) were calculated with ITK-SNAP. Shapiro-Wilk test revealed a normal distribution of data in each group. Paired t -test was used for within-group comparisons and independent t -test for between-group comparisons. Statistically significant increases occurred in NCavV, NsPxV, and MSVs after treatment with both appliances. No statistically significant difference between the appliances occurred in NCavV, NsPxV, and MSVs. Method error was considered negligible (mean intra-operator and inter-operator intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.928 and 0.911, respectively). It appears that both appliances produce similar effects on the different segments of the upper airway tract.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between dental vestibular-palatal inclination changes and the cortical bone remodeling after fixed orthodontic treatment using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Twenty-two patients with Angle Class I malocclusion, permanent dentition, and mild to moderate dental crowding were included in the present three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Bone dimensions were evaluated by CBCT scans obtained before and after orthodontic treatment, whereas the torque values were calculated by means of digital models using the 3D VistaDent software. A paired t-test was used to compare the changes between the pretreatment and post-treatment measurements. The correlations between variables were analyzed with linear regression analysis. A significant correlation between torque variations and bone thickness changes was observed for the apical buccal level of the anterior side ( P < 0.05). Limited and not significant alveolar bone resorption for the apical thickness of anterior teeth occurred at ± 5 degrees of torque variation, while for tooth inclination exceeding +5 or -5 degrees, the bone remodeling was more evident. The present study demonstrated that anterior region was the most affected area by bone remodeling and that torque variation was highly related to apical bone thickness adaptation for maxillary and mandibular incisors and maxillary canines.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on maxillary and mandibular arch in the mixed dentition., Materials and Methods: Forty-four consecutive patients with transverse maxillary deficiency were recruited. Test group: 21 patients (10 male, 11 female; 7.4 ± 1.2 years) who underwent RME (Haas type) therapy banded on the primary second molars., Control Group: 17 patients (10 male, 7 female; 7.3 ± 1.1 years old) who did not receive any orthodontic treatment. Dental casts obtained pre-treatment and after appliance removal (11 months) were processed by means of a three-dimensional scanner (3Shape D250 laser, DK). Digital landmarks were traced using the VAM software (Canfield Scientific Inc., Fairfield-NJ, USA). Arch Length, interdental width and torque differences were measured before and after the removal of the appliance. The t-test (P<0.05) for paired data was applied to evaluate the measurements values before and after treatment. The linear regression model was employed to assess the correlations between treatment effects., Results: The efficacy of the RME was confirmed both on maxillary and mandibular arch. Mandibular intermolar width (+2.02 mm) together with primary intermolar (+1.39 mm), intercanine width (+0.95mm) and torque variations significantly increased. The untreated control group showed no significant statistical differences between T0 and T1. The linear regression between maxillary and mandibular data showed correlations between the torque of the teeth 16/46 and 65/85 (P<0.05)., Conclusions: RME anchored on primary molars is an effective treatment option to correct tranverse maxillary deficiencies. All the measurements increased significantly confirming the indirect effect of RME on the mandibular arch.