Mario Mastrovincenzo

Condylar Position Indicator and T-Scan system II in clinical evaluation of temporomandibular intracapsular disease

INTRODUCTION The pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint intracapsular disease (TMJI) is multifactorial and its diagnosis is not easy. In this work authors show two types of clinical analysis: the Condylar Position Indicator (CPI) and T-Scan 2 system. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty patients (mean age of 24.5 years) with TMJI problem and 10 healthy matched subjects (mean age: 25.4 years) were selected. Analysis of TMJI was performed on each patient by means of Condylar Position Indicator (CPI) and T-Scan System II tests. RESULTS Eight patients presented vertical symmetrical condylar distraction greater than healthy subjects (P-value<0.001). T-Scan showed a difference of Percentage of Force (POF) not greater than 5%. Seven patients showed sagittal shift greater than healthy subject (P-value<0.001). T-Scan records showed a difference of POF greater than 5%. Five non-healthy subjects presented sagittal, vertical, transverse shift greater than healthy subjects (P-value<0.001). T-Scan records show a difference of POF greater than 5%. CONCLUSION In this work authors present a new method of analysis. CPI indicates discrepancy of the condyle position in CO from CR and T-Scan allows the operator to study all teeth contacts and occlusal forces taking place during dynamic jaw movement.

Saliva analysis by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) in orthodontic treatment: first pilot study.

OBJECTIVE SELDI-TOF-MS (Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry) allows the generation of an accurate protein profile from minimal amounts of biological samples and may executes proteomic profile of saliva. The aim of this work is to compare the proteomic profile of saliva of patients in orthodontic treatment to the beginning of treatment and after three months by using the surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Saliva was collected from 14 patients, between the 11 and 17 years, to the beginning of the orthodontic treatment and after three months. Specimens were centrifuged (10 min, 13000 x g); the Q10 ProteinChips were prepared according to the manufacturers instructions and were loaded with the supernatants. A saturated solution of sinapinic acid was used as energy-absorbing matrix. The analysis was performed in a m/z range from 2500 to 25000 Da, and the proteomic profiles were compared by a specific data analysis software. Saliva (5 mL) was collected by spitting directly into a clean 15 mL conical tube. The samples were then aliquotted and stored at -80°C until use. RESULTS Profile of saliva of patients before orthodontic treatment present a number of peaks different respect profile of saliva after three months of treatment. The average intensities of peaks at m/z 3372, 5232, 4045 and 10128 were significantly higher after three months then at beginning of treatment in the same patients and among these one. The Roc Plot has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS Many differences were noted in salivary proteomic profile obtained using the SELDI-TOF-MS technology in patients in orthodontic treatment to beginning and after three months. These data suggest that the proteomic analysis of saliva is a promising new tool for a non-invasive study of oral mucosa and bone changes.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment with a New Oral Appliance: Somnodent ®

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which recurrent closure of the upper airways occurs during sleep. Patients habits correction and the treatment of hypothyroidism, if present, may help to resolve this condition, otherwise other treatements may be tried: nasal continuous positive pressure (nCPAP), surgical treatment, or the application of oral appliances. In this paper a case control study with a new type of mandible-advancement device (MAD) (Somnodent ® ) used in OSA treatment is presented. Materials and Methods: 17 patients affected by OSA with a mean age of 53.52 years (range 32 - 63) had been evaluated. Cephalometric assessment of head radiographs taken in the lateral plane was performed; mandible plane-hyoid (MP-H) distance and the pharyngeal anterior space distance (PAS) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) and the respiratory disturbance index (AHI) was evaluated. Each patient received a complete overnight polysomnography. Results: AHI reduction with MAD was considered extremely significant (P<0.0001). The reduction of apnea/hypopnea index induced significant variation of SaO2 (86.859% vs 93.906%, without and with MAD, respectively: p < 0.0001). Conclusions: OSA therapy with MAD seems very effective and, compared to other treatments (in particular nCPAP), may enhance patients compliance.