Giovanni Modesto Vieira

The effect of simvastatin on relapse of tooth movement and bone mineral density in rats measured by a new method using microtomography

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of simvastatin on relapse of tooth movement in rats using microtomography (micro CT), as well as the correlation of bone density with the orthodontic relapse. METHODS Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats, divided into two groups, had stainless steel springs installed on left maxillary first molar. The molars were moved for 18 days, and after removing the springs, were applied by oral gavage, 5mg/kg of simvastatin in the experimental group for 20 days. Tooth relapse was assessed with a micro CT scanner, and the images chosen through the Data Viewer software 1.5.0.0 had their measurement guides made and checked by the software Image ProR plus 5.1, and compared by Mann-Whitney test. After rats were sacrificed, bone mineral density was evaluated by micro CT through the software CT Analyzer 1.13 and compared by independent T-test, as well as by Spearman correlation test. RESULTS Relapse and bone mineral density (BMD) was lower in the experimental group than in the control group, however without a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION Simvastatin did not inhibit the relapse of tooth movement in rats, and there was no correlation between bone density and orthodontic relapse.

Human Identification by Oral Prosthesis Analysis with Probability Rates Higher than DNA Analysis

Several techniques are used to perform an appropriate and reliable human identification. Forensic dentistry has achieved great relevance over the past years. The aim of this article is to report the method used for the identification of a male body found in the colliquative stage of putrefaction. The identification of the victim was succeeded confronting the dental findings found in the corpse with the data present on dental records provided by his dentist. The major elements for the identity′s recognition were a metal core and a prosthetic crown that were being fabricated. These elements associated with the dental records were compelling for the elucidation of the case, and a positive body identification was achieved with high levels of probability. In the present case, cadaveric analysis of stomatognathic system structures achieved a probability value higher than DNA identification techniques, emphasizing the importance of forensic dentistry.

Alternative treatment for open bite Class III malocclusion in a child with Williams-Beuren syndrome

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 20,000 - 50,000 live births. WBS children have specific skeletal deformities, dental malformations and rare lingual muscle dysfunction. The need for orthodontic and orthognathic therapy has arisen and has been considered a real clinical challenge even for experienced professionals, once it requires a complex and individualized treatment plan. This study reports a case of orthopedic expansion of the maxilla, in which a modified facial mask was used for protraction of the maxillary complex associated with clockwise rotation of the maxilla. In addition, special considerations about treatment time and orthopedic outcomes are discussed.

Protein biomarkers of external root resorption: A new protein extraction protocol. Are we going in the right direction?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine a protocol of gingival crevicular fluid protein extraction used for the first dimension of 2-DE gels. It also aims at conducting a review on the current candidates for protein markers of this pathology, all of which may be used to prevent the disease. METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid was collected from two groups of 60 patients each, with and without external root resorption. Samples were extracted by means of various methods of protein extraction. SDS-PAGE gels were used to assess the quality of the method which was subsequently tested during isoelectric focusing of 2-DE gels taken from samples of patients with and without the disease. RESULTS: Milli-Q ultrapure ice cold water, without precipitation for gingival crevicular fluid protein extraction, proved the method with greatest sharpness to detect protein bands. Additionally, it allowed two-dimensional electrophoresis to be performed. CONCLUSION: The new protein extraction protocol does not interfere in isoeletric focusing of 2-DE gels. Furthermore, it provides the greatest sharpness in detecting protein bands of SDS-PAGE gels. This will allow mapping and searching of new external root resorption markers, particularly due to the difficulty in carrying out molecular tests with the current candidates for protein markers.