A 3D cone beam computed tomography study of the styloid process of the temporal bone

Background: To investigate the length and three-dimensional orientation and to detail the morphological variations of the styloid process.Materials and methods: Forty-four patients undergoing temporal bone evaluation for different reasons were randomly selected and included in the present study. The length, angulation in the coronal and sagittal planes, as well as morphological variations of the styloid processes were assessed using conebeam computer tomography. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to test possible associations between the length of styloid process and angulations, as well as between angulations. Student’s t-test was used to compare the differencesbetween the sample mean length and angulations in normal and elongated styloid process groups.Results: The sagittal angle showed weak positive correlations with the styloid process length and the transverse angle (r = 0.24, p = 0.02, n = 88). A medium positive correlation was found between the sagittal and transverse angulations in the elongated styloid process group (r = 0.49, p = 0.0015, n = 38).There was a statistical significant difference between the mean sagittal angulation in elongated styloid and normal styloid process groups (p = 0.015). The styloid process morphology also varied in terms of shape, number, and degree of ossification.Conclusions: The morphometric and morphologic variations of the styloid process may be important factors to be taken into account not only from the viewpoint of styloid syndromes, but also in preoperatory planning and during surgery

Human adult dental pulp CD117/c-kit-positive networks of stromal cells

Dental pulp tissue was collected from 6 healthy adult patients, prior to prosthetic treatments, in order to evaluate the in situ phenotype of dental pulp stromal cells and compare with that of dental pulp stem cells. A CD34–/CD44+/CD105–/CD117+/CD146–/nestin– phenotype of stromal cells in the dental pulp core was found. Cells with a similar phenotype, but CD44–, were found in the cell richzone. Dental pulp stromal networks (DPSNs) were found CD117+/CD44+ in the pulp core, but CD117+/CD44– in the cell rich zone. The c-kit-positive DPSNs were contacting pulp nerves and were, in this regard only, comparable to interstitial Cajal cells. Stromal signalling in dental pulp needs further evaluation, in normal tissue as well as a possible cause of persisting pain after endodontic treatment

Circle of Willis: anatomical variations of configuration. A magnetic resonance angiography study

Background: The main scope of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of the anatomical variants of the circle of Willis (CoW) in the Romanian population through magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Materials and methods: MRA images were obtained for 126 individuals and the configurations of the anterior and posterior CoW were identified, and classified. The prevalence of each variant, as well as the number of complete anterior or posterior parts of the circle were determined. Results: A classical configuration of the CoW was found in 39 cases (30.9%). The most common posterior variation was the unilateral absence of a posterior communicating artery (n = 28) while in the anterior circle it was the unilateral absence of the precommunicating segment of an anterior cerebral artery (n = 17). A complete entire CoW was found in 63 cases, while the anterior and posterior parts yielded complete configurations in 108 and 73 cases, respectively. Eight cases did not present complete configurations. A fetal posterior comunicating artery was identified unilaterally in 14 cases and bilaterally in 6 cases. Conclusions: Unilateral variations were the most common changes found in CoW configuration. The correct assessment of the CoW configuration may prove useful in the planning and follow-up of brain surgery and interventional procedures, as well as in estimating the prognosis of patients suffering from stroke or other related cerebral vascular events

Clinical periodontal and dental findings in liver transplant patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives This systematic review aimed to investigate the oral health of post-liver transplant recipients (postLTx), in terms of dental and periodontal clinical results. Data sources Pubmed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were searched electronically. Data selection Prospective, cross-sectional and case-control studies comparing periodontal and dental health of postLTx patients with healthy and/or pre-liver transplant patients. Data extraction This was performed independently by two authors. Quality assessment was done by using tools from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Data synthesis Nine studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. A meta-analysis was performed on gingival inflammation, expressed by scores, on four studies including healthy controls. The gingival index scores were significantly higher in postLTx patients compared with healthy controls (p <0.001). The weighted mean difference was 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.44 to 1.38, heterogeneity I2 = 99.5%). Increased tendency of gingival enlargement was noticed in postLTx patients, especially after immunosuppression with Cyclosporine A. Controversial results were reported for the prevalence of caries in postLTx recipients, but there seems to be an increase. Conclusion The results suggest that patients with liver transplants, due to systemic condition and immunosuppressive therapy, exhibit a higher degree of gingival inflammation compared with unexposed patients. Prospero registration number: CRD42019121893

Could constitute saliva the first line of defence against oxidative stress?

The oral cavity, a very complex and unique milieu due to its dual function, respiratory and digestive, is the only place in the body where the mineralized tissue is exposed to the external environment. In this environment there are complex interactions between various surfaces: host soft and hard tissues, food, air and microorganisms. Saliva is in the middle of this environment and tries to cope with an ever-changing milieu. It includes a large number of inorganic and organic compounds, which act as a "mirror of the body's health". In addition to its other functions, saliva could constitute the first line of defence against oxidative stress. The body contains a number of protective antioxidant mechanisms. Saliva is also rich in antioxidants. We review the current available data and from our laboratory concerning antioxidant capacity of saliva. Substantial data are available in literature on the role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in diseases, but few information is available on oral pathology. Due to its composition and functions, saliva could have a significant role in controlling and/or modulating oxidative damages in the oral cavit