Comparison of Surface Equivalent Dose in CBCT, Digital Panoramic and Intra-Oral X-Ray Generators Using InstadoseTM Device: An In-Vitro Study

Background: Radiation protection in the dental examination is often overlooked because the doses delivered are negligible. However, the volume of dental radiological examinations will constitute almost 15% of all the radiological examinations carried out in the medical field. Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare the surface equivalent dose on various target organs from various radiology devices on the RINN phantom, and the effect of numerous scanning protocols on said dose using dosimetry badge (Instadose). Objectives: The main objective is to study surface equivalent doses delivered in various critical organ regions in the facial region with the help of an Instadose device and to compare the doses delivered between 2D programs against 3D programs. Materials and Methods: RINN phantom was mounted on a dental chair for use against Planmeca ProMax 3D Classic and Planmeca intraoral ProX. Models. An Instadose badge was placed on various anatomical landmarks, and radiographic exposure protocols were applied to vary the parameters. The equivalent dose was calculated by connecting the dosimeter to a laptop and performing an instant reading output on the Instadose software. Results: The Thyroid showed a mean of 0.350, 0.0000, 0.0133, and 0.0000 in response to exposure by intraoral machine ProX, Panoramic, CBCT, and CBCT in ULD mode respectively. The dose absorbed by the left salivary glands was found to be significantly lower than the right salivary glands in panoramic exposures. Conclusion: It was revealed that a significant reduction in the dose when applying the Ultra-Low Dose protocol was noticed, and it reached up to 100% in the thyroid. It was also noted that there is no need for a thyroid collar in CBCT and Panoramic exposures. Maintaining the KVp at a constant and the exposure time as a variant caused a change in the dose equivalent received by the floor of the mouth and the right salivary gland.

Usefulness of Automated Image Analysis for Recognition of the Fragile X Syndrome Gestalt in Congolese Subjects

Background Computer-aided software such as the facial image diagnostic aid (FIDA) and Face2Gene has been developed to perform pattern recognition of facial features with promising clinical results. The aim of this study was to test Face2Gene's recognition performance on Bantu Congolese subjects with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) as compared to Congolese subjects with intellectual disability but without FXS (non-FXS). Method Frontal facial photograph from 156 participants (14 patients with FXS and 142 controls) were uploaded. Automated face analysis was conducted by using the technology used in proprietary software tools called Face2Gene CLINIC and Face2Gene RESEARCH (version 17.6.2). To estimate the statistical power of the Face2Gene technology in distinguishing affected individuals from controls, a cross validation scheme was used. Results The similarity seen in the upper facial region (of males and females) is greater than the similarity seen in other parts of the face. Binary comparison of FXS subjects versus subjects with ID negative for Fragile X syndrome and FXS subjects versus subjects with Down syndrome reveal an area under the curve values of 0.955 (p=0.002) and 0.986 (p=0.003). Conclusion The Face2Gene algorithm is separating well between FXS and Non-FXS subjects.

Correlation between Electrophysiological Change and Facial Function in Parotid Surgery Patients

This observational study investigated intraoperative electrophysiological changes and their correlation with postoperative facial expressions in parotidectomy patients with visual confirmation of facial nerve (FN) continuity. Maximal electromyography(EMG) amplitudes of the facial muscles corresponding to temporal, zygomatic, buccal and mandibular branches were compared before/after FN dissection, and facial function at four facial regions were evaluated before/after parotidectomy in 112 patients. Comparisons of 448 pairs of EMG signals revealed at least one signal decrease after FN dissection in 75 (67%) patients. Regional facial weakness was only found in 13 of 16 signals with >50% amplitude decreases. All facial dysfunctions completely recovered within 6 months. EMG amplitude decreases often occur after FN dissection. An amplitude decrease >50% in an FN branch is associated with a high incidence of dysfunction in the corresponding facial region. This study tries to establish a standard facial nerve monitoring (FNM) procedure and a proper facial function grading system for parotid surgery that will be useful for the future study of FNM in parotid surgery.

A new case of trombiculiasis caused by Eutrombicula daemoni Bassini-Silva & Jacinavicius, 2018 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in a dog from Brazil

Chiggers are ectoparasites and can cause severe dermatitis in their hosts, known as trombiculiasis. Besides that, these mites can be vectors of bacteria of the genus Orientia, in various regions of the world. The genera Eutrombicula Ewing, 1938 is currently represented by more than 80 species worldwide. Species of this genus are recorded parasitizing reptiles, birds, and mammals. One of this species, Eutrombicula daemoni Bassini-Silva & Jacinavicius, 2018 was recently described causing trombiculiasis in a dog. Our goal is to report a new case of a dog’s trombiculiasis, including a new locality record for E. daemoni in Brazil. In May 2021, a female Shih-Tzu dog with three years old and with access to the forest of the Santa Tereza municipality, southeastern Brazil, sought veterinary medical attention for intense itching and erythema in the facial region. Mites were collected directly from the face of the dog. These materials were slide-mounted and deposited in the Acarological Collection of the Butantan Institute (IBSP). The material extracted from the dog was examined and identified as E. daemoni. Part of the fixation site tissue of the dog was collected, showing the feeding tube produced by the enzymatic reaction of saliva by the mite, known as a stylostome. In this report, we emphasize the occurrence of trombiculiasis in domestic animals that have access to forest regions, places that unfed chigger larvae live. Additionally, this record represents a new locality record for E. daemoni to the Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

Robotic Stroking on the Face and Forearm: Touch Satiety and Effects on Mechanical Pain

Background: Slow stroking touch is generally perceived as pleasant and reduces thermal pain. However, the tactile stimuli applied tend to be short-lasting and typically applied to the forearm. This study aimed to compare the effects of a long-lasting brushing stimulus applied to the facial region and the forearm on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) taken on the hand. Outcome measurements were touch satiety and concurrent mechanical pain thresholds of the hand.Methods: A total of 24 participants were recruited and randomized to receive continuous stroking, utilizing a robotic stimulator, at C-tactile (CT) favorable (3 cm/s) and non-favorable (30 cm/s) velocities applied to the right face or forearm. Ratings of touch pleasantness and unpleasantness and PPTs from the hypothenar muscle of the right hand were collected at the start of stroking and once per minute for 5 min.Results: A reduction in PPTs (increased pain sensitivity) was observed over time (P < 0.001). However, the increase in pain sensitivity was less prominent when the face was stroked compared to the forearm (P = 0.001). Continuous stroking resulted in a significant interaction between region and time (P = 0.008) on pleasantness ratings, with a decline in ratings observed over time for the forearm, but not on the face. Unpleasantness ratings were generally low.Conclusion: We observed touch satiety for 5 min of continuous robotic brushing on the forearm confirming previous studies. However, we did not observe any touch satiety for brushing the face. Mechanical pain sensitivity, measured in the hand, increased over the 5-min period but less so when paired with brushing on the face than with brushing on the forearm. The differential effects of brushing on the face and forearm on touch satiety and pain modulation may be by the differences in the emotional relevance and neuronal pathways involved.

Reproducibility of Novel Soft-Tissue Landmarks on Three-Dimensional Human Facial Scan Images in Caucasian and Asian

Background Three-dimensional surface imaging is established in many disciplines for objective facial acquisition regarding anthropometry. Former studies addressed the validation of landmark-based measurements for single race. In order to distinguish racial difference, the reproducibility of the landmark measurements must first be validated. Objectives Our purpose is to validate the reproducibility of 46 facial soft-tissue landmarks on x, y, z axes to prove their reliability as 3D reference points. Methods The study included 80 European Caucasian and 80 Chinese volunteers. Standardized 3D surface imaging was performed using Vectra 3D system. Two raters identified and defined 46 landmarks (138 coordinates), then repeatedly 3D-imaged volunteers' facial region in separate sessions. Coordinates' reproducibility of landmarks is divided into three categories (< 0.5 mm, < 1 mm, and >1 mm) for intra- and inter-rater reproducibility assessments. Results Coordinates' reproducibility of 160 samples was distributed as follows: Intra-rater: < 0.5 mm (45%), < 1 mm (42%), >1 mm (13%); inter-rater: < 0.5 mm (31.2%), < 1 mm (42%), > 1 mm (26.8%). The reproducibility of landmarks in nasal tip region differs slightly between Caucasians and Asians. Compared to females, males typically have higher landmark reproducibility in lip and chin region. However, there were no differences in the reproducibility ranking of landmarks by gender. Conclusion The majority of the 46 landmarks in the 3D plane are reproducible to 1 mm, which is clinically acceptable. All selected landmarks showed strong consistency across race and gender, suggesting their potential use as reference points in prospective clinical practice. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Prevalence and pattern of oral and maxillofacial trauma in Chhattisgarh- A retrospective study

Maxillofacial trauma is any physical trauma to the facial region, commonly encountered by maxillofacial surgeons, and is often associated with high morbidity and so constitute quite a significant portion of the workload of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Maxillofacial injuries can occur as an isolated injury or may be associated with multiple injuries in other parts of the body. To assess the patterns, etiology, and treatment modalities of maxillofacial trauma in a teaching hospital in central India, over a 12-year period. Patients with maxillofacial trauma were identified using the department database and clinical records. 264 patients were identified with maxillofacial trauma in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery between January 2006 and December 2018. The study showed that there was a male preponderance in all age groups over female. Of the 264 patients with maxillofacial injuries, 83,33% had isolated lower face (mandibular) fractures, followed by midface fractures (10.60%) and panfacial fractures (6.06%). Road traffic accidents (87.12%) were the most common form of etiology for trauma followed by assaults (10.98%). Most trauma were treated with open reduction internal fixation (89%) than closed reduction (11%). The etiology and pattern of maxillofacial injuries reflect the trauma patterns within the community and can thus provide a guide to help design programs toward prevention and treatment.

Evaluation of Dental Hygiene and Para-functional Habits in Oro-facial Pain among Patients Visiting Sharad Pawar Dental College & Hospital: A Questionnaire Based Cross Sectional Study

Background: It is important for dental care providers to make the correct diagnosis and treatment of the oro-facial region. For treatment planning, it is very crucial to eliminate the risk factors. In this study, we will evaluate dental hygiene and para-functional habits in oro-facial pain among patients visiting Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of oro-facial pain associated with oral hygiene practices and para-functional habits among patients visiting Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital. Also, explore the co-relation of dental hygiene, para-functional habits, and oro-facial pain. Methodology: Patients from Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital are sorted for study. The current study will randomly recruit male and female participants of Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital encountered with oro-facial pain and unfamiliar oro-facial pain contributors. That will be sorted out via the convenient sampling method. Procedures in the contemporary study will be overseen in full accordance with the Public Health Department at SPDC and former the wince data collection, each contributor will be required to sign a written informed consent. Three interviewers will interview the contributors using a validated questionnaire at SPDC. Expected Results: The expected result of this study will evaluate dental hygiene and para-functional habits of oro-facial pain among patients visiting Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital. In this study, we will evaluate the co-relation of dental hygiene, para-functional habits, and orofacial pain to find any significant association between these three factors. Conclusion: This study will be conducted to assess the prevalence of orofacial pain associated with oral hygiene practices and para-functional habits among patients visiting Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital. Also we will evaluate the co-relation of dental hygiene, para-functional habits, and orofacial pain to find any significant association between these three factors.

The cerebellum initiates severe tonic-clonic seizures by altering neuronal activity in the ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM) of the thalamus

Thalamo-cortical networks are central to seizures, yet it's unclear how these circuits initiate the seizures. Here, we test the hypothesis that a facial region of the thalamus, the VPM, is a source of convulsive, tonic-clonic seizures. We devised an in vivo optogenetic mouse model to elicit tonic-clonic seizures by driving convergent input to the VPM. With viral tracing, we show dense cerebellar and cerebral cortical afferent input to the VPM. Lidocaine microinfusions into the cerebellar nuclei selectively block seizure initiation. We perform single-unit electrophysiology recordings during awake, convulsive seizures to define the local activity of thalamic neurons before, during, and after seizure onset. We find highly dynamic activity with biphasic properties, raising the possibility that heterogenous activity patterns promote seizures. These data reveal the VPM as a source of tonic-clonic seizures, with cerebellar input providing the predominant signals.