Antonino Lo Giudice

Alpine Metamorphism in the Aspromonte Massif: Implications for a New Framework for the Southern Sector of the Calabria-Peloritani Orogen, Italy

Structural, petrologic, and thermobarometric data presented in this paper contribute to our understanding of the tectono-metamorphic evolution of the lowest tectonic slices of the Aspromonte Massif (southern Calabria, Italy), which crop out in three main tectonic windows. Despite previously being considered different units, they exhibit the following similar features: the same tectonic evolution, analogous blasto-deformation relationships, and absence of Hercynian mineralogical assemblage relics. Similar P-T paths indicate early HP-LT Meso-Alpine metamorphism (400-600° C at 0.95-1.35 GPa), evolving in the Oligocene-Miocene toward a subsequent retrograde shearing event ranging from 480° to 610°C and 0.50 to 0.95 GPa. The latest retrograde evolution is characterized by 350-480°C and 0.32-0.62 GPa. In this new tectonic framework, it is proposed to group the metapelite sequences defining the Madonna di Polsi Unit. Data presented herein suggest that the pre-Alpine geodynamic setting of southern Calabria was a thinned continental margin made up of Hercynian basement and Mesozoic terrigenous-carbonate sedimentary cover. This continental margin evolved during the early Meso-Alpine stage into a subduction zone beneath the European plate, followed by Neo-Alpine syn-convergent exhumation along a deep-seated mylonitic shear zone. These processes are responsible for the Alpine metamorphic overprint on the Hercynian terranes, as well as for Alpine metamorphism of their Mesozoic cover.

Pain threshold and temporomandibular function in systemic sclerosis: comparison with psoriatic arthritis

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a reduced pain threshold is associated with increased temporomandibular dysfunction in systemic sclerosis (SSc) compared to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and healthy controls. Ninety subjects participated in the study (30 SSc, 30 PsA, and 30 healthy controls). The Helkimo index was used to evaluate temporomandibular dysfunction. Digital palpation was performed at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surface and at the superficial masseter muscle (SMM) and pain intensity was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS), while pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured at the same sites through a pressure algometer. PPT scores were lower in SSc patients compared to PsA patients and controls. In addition, the average Helkimo index score, measuring the degree of TMJ dysfunction, was higher in SSc compared to PsA and controls. A significant inverse correlation was observed between every PPT score, and both Helkimo index and VAS palpation in SSc and PsA. Both the range of motion and all the other pain-related subdomains of the Helkimo index score (pain on movement, pain palpation TMJ and pain palpation muscle) were significantly worse in SSc compared to PsA, while no significant differences were observed in the TMJ function subdomain. In SSc patients, the skin score was directly associated with the range of motion subdomain of the Helkimo index. Our results confirm that TMJ function is impaired in SSc; further longitudinal studies are needed to assess the role of pain threshold in the assessment of limitations in TMJ function and to identify an objective marker of therapeutic response.

Bone and cortical bone thickness of mandibular buccal shelf for mini-screw insertion in adults

OBJECTIVE To analyze the buccal bone thickness, bone depth, and cortical bone depth of the mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) to determine the most suitable sites of the MBS for mini-screw insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample included cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) records of 30 adult subjects (mean age 30.9 ± 7.0 years) evaluated retrospectively. All CBCT examinations were performed with the i-CAT CBCT scanner. Each exam was converted into DICOM format and processed with OsiriX Medical Imaging software. Proper view sections of the MBS were obtained for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of bone characteristics. RESULTS Mesial and distal second molar root scan sections showed enough buccal bone for mini-screw insertion. The evaluation of bone depth was performed at 4 and 6 mm buccally to the cementoenamel junction. The mesial root of the mandibular second molar at 4 and 6 mm showed average bone depths of 18.51 mm and 14.14 mm, respectively. The distal root of the mandibular second molar showed average bone depths of 19.91 mm and 16.5 mm, respectively. All sites showed cortical bone depth thickness greater than 2 mm. CONCLUSIONS Specific sites of the MBS offer enough bone quantity and adequate bone quality for mini-screw insertion. The insertion site with the optimal anatomic characteristics is the buccal bone corresponding to the distal root of second molar, with screw insertion 4 mm buccal to the cementoenamel junction. Considering the cortical bone thickness of optimal insertion sites, pre-drilling is always recommended in order to avoid high insertion torque.

Frequency and type of ponticulus posticus in a longitudinal sample of nonorthodontically treated patients: relationship with gender, age, skeletal maturity, and skeletal malocclusion

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and type of ponticulus posticus and to evaluate its relationship to gender, chronologic age, skeletal maturity, and skeletal malocclusion. STUDY DESIGN The sample included the longitudinal lateral cephalograms of 734 patients (378 males and 356 females) retrieved from the American Association of Orthodontists Craniofacial Growth Legacy Collection. The presence of ponticulus posticus (complete and partial forms) was assessed by visual inspection, and the cervical vertebral maturation method was used to determine the skeletal maturation stage. The presence and type (complete or partial) of ponticulus posticus were assessed by gender, age at first appearance of ponticulus posticus, skeletal maturation stage as determined by the cervical vertebral maturation method, and skeletal malocclusion. RESULTS The overall prevalence of ponticulus posticus was 12.6% (93 of 734) with complete and partial forms observed respectively in 8.7% (64 of 734) and 3.9% (29 of 734) of the sample. Both forms of ponticulus posticus occurred mainly in the age range of 7 to 13 years (P = .04). No differences were found in groups based on gender, skeletal maturity stages, or skeletal malocclusion (P > .05). However, approximately 90% of ponticulus posticus occurred before and after the circumpubertal stage. CONCLUSIONS Ponticulus posticus should be expected mainly during childhood and the pubertal age. This may support the theory of a genetic cause of this vertebral anomaly.

Three-dimensional evaluation on digital casts of maxillary palatal size and morphology in patients with functional posterior crossbite

Background and objectives Some authors have recently postulated the possibility of a unilateral contraction of the palate in patients with crossbite. This study aimed to investigate palatal dimension size and morphology in subjects with functional posterior crossbite and to localize location of the contraction through a 3D analysis procedure. Materials and methods A study sample (SS) of 35 subjects (mean age 9.2 ± 0.8 years), diagnosed with functional crossbite, and a control sample (CS) of 35 subjects (mean age 9.4 ± 0.9 years) without crossbite were selected for this study. The digital models of each patient were analysed to assess palatal dimension size and symmetry by measuring linear distances between primary canines (D1) and fist molars (D2) to the median palatine plane and by performing and analysing the 3D deviation between the two specular models of the palatal vault for each patient. Results Our findings demonstrate a significantly narrower dimension of D2 for the crossbite side than at the non-crossbite side. The 3D deviation analysis demonstrates a lower matching percentage of the palatal vault models in the SS (83.36%) compared with the CS (92.82%) and a location of that the palatal contraction is at the alveolar bone level. Conclusions It can be assumed that there is a bilateral symmetrical contraction of the palatal vault and an asymmetric contraction of the alveolar process, but further studies are needed to corroborate this hypothesis.

Alveolar bone changes after rapid maxillary expansion with tooth-born appliances: a systematic review

Background During rapid maxillary expansion (RME), heavy forces are transmitted to the maxilla by the anchored teeth causing buccal inclination and buccal bone loss of posterior teeth. Objective To systematically review the literature in order to investigate whether RME causes periodontal sequelae, assessed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Search methods Fifteen electronic databases and reference lists of studies were searched up to March 2017. Selection criteria To be included in the systematic review, articles must be human studies on growing subjects, with transversal maxillary deficiency treated with RME and with assessment of buccal bone loss by CBCT images. Only randomized and non-randomized trials were included. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Study characteristics (study design, sample size, age, sex, skeletal maturity, type of appliance, daily activation, evaluated linear measurements, observation period, CBCT settings), and study outcomes (loss of buccal bone thickness and marginal bone) were reported according to the PRISMA statement. Results On the basis of the applied inclusion criteria, only six articles, three randomized clinical trials and three controlled clinical trials were included. An individual analysis of the selected articles was undertaken. The risks of bias of the six trials were scored as medium to low. Limitations The results of the present systematic review are based on a limited number of studies and only one study included a control group. Conclusions and implications In all considered studies, significant loss of buccal bone thickness and marginal bone level were observed in anchored teeth, following RME. Further prospective studies correlating the radiological data of bone loss to the periodontal soft tissues reaction after RME are required. A preliminary evaluation of the patient-related risk factors for RR may be advisable when considering to administering RME. Registration This systematic review was registered in the National Institute of Health Research database with an appropriate protocol number (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO Protocol: CRD42017062645). Funding The present study has not received any contributions from private or public funding agencies.