Estudio de la asimetría mandibular en una población infantil mediante registros radiográficos

Las maloclusiones producen modificaciones anatómicas, esqueléticas y funcionales en el desarrollo del sistema estomatognático del niño. Estos cambios son mensurables en los tres planos anatómicos: sagital, transversal y vertical.Cuando se altera el crecimiento de un lado del complejo craneofacial respecto al otro,se produce un desarrollo asimétrico de las estructuras faciales que rompe el equilibrio a ambos lados del plano sagital medio, originando una asimetría facial.Resulta por tanto fundamental realizar un diagnóstico precoz en pacientes infantiles con diferentes tipos de maloclusión para evitar el desarrollo de asimetría mandibular.Una herramienta de diagnóstico por la imagen ampliamente utilizada en Odontopediatría es la ortopantomografía, que generalmente es necesaria para complementar el examen clínico. Se trata de una técnica radiográfica sencilla que, aportando una dosis de radiación relativamente baja, ofrece gran información de los dientes y de las estructuras óseas que se encuentran en crecimiento y desarrollo durante la etapa infantil.Considerando que el Odontopediatra tiene a su disposición estos registros radiográficos, resulta plausible la búsqueda de un método de diagnóstico fiable de las alteraciones en la simetría mandibular mediante ortopantomografías. Diversos investigadores han tratado de desarrollar sistemas de medición en las radiografías panorámicas para el diagnóstico de alteraciones verticales en el crecimiento, pero son pocos los que la han estudiado en población infantil.Uno de los métodos más utilizados es el propuesto por Habets y cols., quienes determinaron que la altura de la rama y del cóndilo mandibular podrían resultar útiles para el diagnóstico de asimetrías..

Single and Combined Associations of Plasma and Urine Essential Trace Elements (Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn) with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Mediterranean Population

Trace elements are micronutrients that are required in very small quantities through diet but are crucial for the prevention of acute and chronic diseases. Despite the fact that initial studies demonstrated inverse associations between some of the most important essential trace elements (Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn) and cardiovascular disease, several recent studies have reported a direct association with cardiovascular risk factors due to the fact that these elements can act as both antioxidants and pro-oxidants, depending on several factors. This study aims to investigate the association between plasma and urine concentrations of trace elements and cardiovascular risk factors in a general population from the Mediterranean region, including 484 men and women aged 18–80 years and considering trace elements individually and as joint exposure. Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn were determined in plasma and urine using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Single and combined analysis of trace elements with plasma lipid, blood pressure, diabetes, and anthropometric variables was undertaken. Principal component analysis, quantile-based g-computation, and calculation of trace element risk scores (TERS) were used for the combined analyses. Models were adjusted for covariates. In single trace element models, we found statistically significant associations between plasma Se and increased total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure; plasma Cu and increased triglycerides and body mass index; and urine Zn and increased glucose. Moreover, in the joint exposure analysis using quantile g-computation and TERS, the combined plasma levels of Zn, Cu, Se (directly), and Mn (inversely) were strongly associated with hypercholesterolemia (OR: 2.03; 95%CI: 1.37–2.99; p < 0.001 per quartile increase in the g-computation approach). The analysis of urine mixtures revealed a significant relationship with both fasting glucose and diabetes (OR: 1.91; 95%CI: 1.01–3.04; p = 0.046). In conclusion, in this Mediterranean population, the combined effect of higher plasma trace element levels (primarily Se, Cu, and Zn) was directly associated with elevated plasma lipids, whereas the mixture effect in urine was primarily associated with plasma glucose. Both parameters are relevant cardiovascular risk factors, and increased trace element exposures should be considered with caution.Instituto de Salud Carlos IIISpanish Government Spanish Government CIBER 06/03 SAF2016-80532-RJunta de Andalucia AGR145Center for Forestry Research & Experimentation (CIEF)European Commission PROMETEO2017/017 APOSTD/2019/136 PROMETEO/2021/021ERDF A way of making EuropeAEI PID2019-108858RB-I0

The influence of crossbite in early development of mandibular bone asymmetries in paediatric patients

All authors agree that posterior crossbite is a malocclusion that affects mandibular growth and may lead to skeletal asymmetry but there are few data on which age these modifications are easily quantifiable. For this study, the researchers used x-ray records of 217 children between 6 and 9 years of age, in the mixed dentition stage and with unilateral posterior crossbite. All the horizontal variables were traced and evaluated by the principal researcher, using the tpsDig version 2 computer program. Subsequently, a descriptive and statistical analysis was carried out, using the SPSS 17.0 for Windows program. After analysing the vertical mandibular traces on the x-rays, the researchers found, in all cases, quantifiable differences between the crossbite side and the non-crossbite side. The differences between horizontal variables were statistically significant (p<0.005) for the entire sample (H3-H4), in the group of boys (H3-H4) and in the 7-year old age group (H1-H2 and H3-H4). Differences were observed in the size of the horizontal measures between the crossbite side and the non-crossbite side. Some of these differences were significant as a function of the sex and age of the study sample

Accumulation of scandium in plasma in patients with chronic renal failure

Scandium (Sc) is an element with many industrial applications, but relatively little is known about its physiological and/or toxicological effects, and very little data are available concerning the role of Sc in chronic renal failure (CRF). This paper examines the changes in plasma levels of Sc in predialysis patients with CRF and the relationship with blood parameters. The participants in this trial were 48 patients with CRF in predialysis and 53 healthy controls. Erythrocyte, haemoglobin, and haematocrit counts in blood were determined, and levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, albumin, total protein and Sc were measured in plasma. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault index. The CRF patients were found to have higher plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, albumin, total protein, and Sc and a lower GFR than that the controls. Scandium in plasma was positively correlated with creatinine and plasma urea and negatively correlated with GFR, haemoglobin, and haematocrit and was associated with the risk of lower levels of erythrocytes, haemoglobin, and haematocrit. CRF was associated with increases in the circulating levels of scandium.This research was supported by Plan Nacional I+D Project 1FD 1997-0642

Changes in iron metabolism and oxidative status in STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with bis(maltolato) oxovanadium(IV) as an antidiabetic agent

The role of vanadium as a micronutrient and hypoglycaemic agent has yet to be fully clarified. The present study was undertaken to investigate changes in the metabolism of iron and in antioxidant defences of diabetic STZ rats following treatment with vanadium. Four groups were examined: control; diabetic; diabetic treated with 1 mgV/day; and Diabetic treated with 3 mgV/day. The vanadium was supplied in drinking water as bis(maltolato) oxovanadium (IV) (BMOV). The experiment had a duration of five weeks. Iron was measured in food, faeces, urine, serum, muscle, kidney, liver, spleen, and femur. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, NAD(P)H: quinone-oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) activity, and protein carbonyl group levels in the liver were determined. In the diabetic rats, higher levels of Fe absorbed, Fe content in kidney, muscle, and femur, and NQO1 activity were recorded, together with decreased catalase activity, in comparison with the control rats. In the rats treated with 3 mgV/day, there was a significant decrease in fasting glycaemia, Fe content in the liver, spleen, and heart, catalase activity, and levels of protein carbonyl groups in comparison with the diabetic group. In conclusion BMOV was a dose-dependent hypoglycaemic agent. Treatment with 3 mgV/day provoked increased Fe deposits in the tissues, which promoted a protein oxidative damage in the liver.The authors are grateful for support received from the Consejería de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa, Andalusian Regional Government (Project P06-CTS-01435)

Elucidating the Therapeutic Potential of Bis(Maltolato)OxoVanadium(IV): The Protective Role of Copper in Cellular Metabolism

Vanadium (V) is a trace mineral whose biological activity, role as a micronutrient, and pharmacotherapeutic applications remain unknown. Over the last years, interest in V has increased due to its potential use as an antidiabetic agent mediated by its ability to improve glycemic metabolism. However, some toxicological aspects limit its potential therapeutic application. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of the co-treatment with copper (Cu) and bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV) as a possible strategy to reduce the toxicity of BMOV. Treating hepatic cells with BMOV reduced cell viability under the present conditions, but cell viability was corrected when cells were co-incubated with BMOV and Cu. Additionally, the effect of these two minerals on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA was evaluated. Co-treatment with both metals reduced the nuclear damage caused by BMOV. Moreover, treatment with these two metals simultaneously tended to reduce the ND1/ND4 deletion of the mitochondrial DNA produced with the treatment using BMOV alone. In conclusion, these results showed that combining Cu and V could effectively reduce the toxicity associated with V and enhance its potential therapeutic applications.Consejería de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa, Andalusian Regional Government (Project P06-CTS-01435),The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity (SAF2011-29648

Vanadium Decreases Hepcidin mRNA Gene Expression in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats, Improving the Anemic State

We are grateful for the support received from the Consejeria de Innovacion, Ciencia y Empresa, Andalusian Regional Government (Project P06-CTS-01435), and from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity (SAF2011-29648); the CIBERehd is funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III.This paper forms part of the Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada.Diabetes is a disease with an inflammatory component that courses with an anemic state. Vanadium (V) is an antidiabetic agent that acts by stimulating insulin signaling. Hepcidin blocks the intestinal absorption of iron and the release of iron from its deposits. We aim to investigate the effect of V on hepcidin mRNA expression and its consequences on the hematological parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Control healthy rats, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with 1 mgV/day were examined for five weeks. The mineral levels were measured in diet and serum samples. Hepcidin expression was quantified in liver samples. Inflammatory and hematological parameters were determined in serum or whole blood samples. The inflammatory status was higher in diabetic than in control rats, whereas the hematological parameters were lower in the diabetic rats than in the control rats. Hepcidin mRNA expression was significantly lower in the V-treated diabetic rats than in control and untreated diabetic rats. The inflammatory status remained at a similar level as the untreated diabetic group. However, the hematological profile improved after the V-treatment, reaching similar levels to those found in the control group. Serum iron level was higher in V-treated than in untreated diabetic rats. We conclude that V reduces gene expression of hepcidin in diabetic rats, improving the anemic state caused by diabetes.Consejeria de Innovacion, Ciencia y Empresa, Andalusian Regional Government P06-CTS-01435Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity SAF2011-29648Instituto de Salud Carlos III European Commissio

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Submucosal Injection Solution for Resection of Gastrointestinal Lesions

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are minimally invasive and efficient techniques for the removal of gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal polyps. In both techniques, submucosal injection solutions are necessary for complete effectiveness and safety during the intervention to be obtained. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new sterile submucosal injection solution for EMR/ESD used within a clinical protocol in patients with intestinal polyps. We carried out a prospective study between 2016 and 2017 with patients who attended the Endoscopy Consultation—Digestive Department of Primary Hospital. Patients were selected for EMR/ESD after the application of clinical protocols. Thirty-six patients were selected (≥ 66 years with comorbidities and risk factors). Lesions were located mainly in the colon. Our solution presented an intestinal lift ≥ 60 min in EMR/ESD and a high expansion of tissue, optimum viscosity, and subsequent complete resorption. The genes S100A9 and TP53 presented an expression increase in the distal regions. TP53 and PCNA were the only genes whose expression was increased in polyp specimens vs. the surrounding tissue at the mRNA level. In EMR/ESD, our solution presented a prolonged effect at the intestinal level during all times of the intervention. Thus, our solution seems be an effective and safe alternative in cases of flat lesions in both techniques.Study co-financed by the Junta de Andalucia (PIN-0479-2016, CTS676, CTS235, CTS164), the Ministry of Economy and Competitivity, Spain (SAF2017-88457-R, AGL2017-85270-R), Nakafarma S.L and CIBERehd is funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain. The sponsors had no role in the design, execution, interpretation, or writing of the study

Propuesta para la evaluación del trabajo colaborativo del estudiante durante el aprendizaje basado en problemas

Objetivo general: Desarrollar criterios y metodologías que faciliten la observación y supervisión de todo el proceso continuo de una actividad colaborativa realizada por los estudiantes en relación con el aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP) para llegar a una propuesta de modelo para su evaluación. Objetivos específicos: -Reconocer aquellas dimensiones e indicadores que mejor orienten la evaluación del trabajo en grupo y las destrezas colaborativas de un equipo. - Diseñar instrumentos de evaluación pertinentes para cada uno de los elementos que constituyen una situación de aprendizaje colaborativo: el proceso grupal, la elaboración del contenido y el producto final resultante. - Planificar e integrar las distintas formas de evaluación (autoevaluación,coevaluación y heteroevaluación) y los instrumentos relacionados, de modo que reflejen información relevante sobre el logro y avance de los logros adquiridos

B-learning en odontología infantil: Diagnóstico integral, elaboración del plan de tratamiento y cronograma mediante recursos multimedia online

La adquisición de las competencias de diagnóstico de la patología bucodental de los pacientes pediátricos resulta fundamental para los futuros egresados del Grado en Odontología. Así como de aquellas competencias profesionalizantes relativas a la realización del plan de tratamiento y la elaboración del cronograma, ordenando cada una de las citas de acuerdo a las necesidades de tratamiento detectadas. Este proyecto surge por la necesidad de generar nuevas metodologías docentes que favorezcan el aprendizaje autodirigido. Los objetivos principales son: Fomentar la adquisición de competencias horizontales y específicas del alumno, incrementando sus conocimientos sobre el diagnóstico de la patología bucodental del paciente infantil, la elaboración del plan de tratamiento y el cronograma. Favorecer el aprendizaje híbrido presencial y a distancia mediante el desarrollo de herramientas online, accesibles para el alumno en cualquier lugar y momento. Estimular el aprendizaje autónomo del alumno, permitiendo la adquisición de competencias teórico-prácticas en cuanto al diagnóstico y la planificación del tratamiento odontopediátrico. Mejorar el proceso de autoevaluación del alumno, como feedback en su aprendizaje. Creando una herramienta online para la presentación y el análisis de problemáticas concretas respecto a los objetivos planteados