Objectives: With increasing utilization of cone beam computed tomography for diagnosis and treatment planning of complex dentomaxillofacial rehabilitation, more incidental findings of pathology in the maxillary sinus have been identified by clinicians. Part one of this article discusses the association between age, gender, ethnicity and dentition status in relation to prevalence of sinus pathology. The aim of this study is to expand the current knowledge base in regards to the prevalence of maxillary sinus pathologies in patients of Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry and to determine if smoking and allergies have relationship with the prevalence of pathology. Materials and Methods: : Three hundred and sixty-three cone beam computed tomography scans taken were evaluated at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology between 2009 to July 31, 2013. Scans were classified into 1 of 5 categories based upon the type of sinus pathology detected. The categories of sinus findings were: healthy, mucosal thickening > 3-4 mm, polypoidal mucosal thickening, partial opacification and complete opacification. Medical health questionnaires were reviewed for patient's social history such as smoking and systemic factors such as allergies. Chi-square statistical analysis using SAS was done to examine the relationship. Results: This study included a total of 363 subjects subdivided by gender into 203 females and 160 males. The subjects were further subdivided by ethnicity into 217 Caucasians, 86 African Americans, 35 Asians, and 25 Hispanics. Also, 129 of the subjects had a history of smoking, 98 had seasonal allergies, and 50 had environmental allergies. In addition 129 of the subjects had at least 1 type of sinus pathology. Chi-square analyses showed that there was no relationship between the prevalence of sinus pathology and allergy or smoking status. History of allergies was marginally higher in females and significantly higher in African Americans (p=0.007). History of smoking was higher in older subjects (p=0.0004), males (p=0.01) and Caucasians (p<0.0001). Conclusions: This CBCT cross sectional study shows that there is no statistically significant correlation between prevalence of sinus pathology and smoking or allergy status. Further cohort studies are needed to determine if smoking or allergies may or may not contribute to sinus pathology. / Oral Biology

Objectives: There is increasing research regarding pathology of the maxillary sinus in dentistry. This may be attributed to the increasing routine use of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) for diagnosis and treatment planning of complex dental treatments, and incidental findings identified by clinicians during the process. This study aims to compare two different CBCT viewing software programs, and evaluate their detection of pathological findings in the maxillary sinus of a group of patients at Temple University School of Dentistry. Methods: A total of 316 CBCT scans taken on 176 females and 140 males (202 Caucasian, 69 African-American, 30 Asian, and 15 Hispanic) between 2009 and mid- 2013 by the Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology at Temple University School of Dentistry were evaluated using i-CAT and INFINITT viewing software programs. The CBCT scans were examined with both viewing programs, and classified each time by independent evaluators as yielding one of 5 categories of maxillary sinus pathology as follows: healthy status with mucosal thickening ≤ 3 millimeters, mucosal thickening > 3 millimeters, polypoidal mucosal thickening, partial opacification, or complete opacification. Results: The i-CAT viewing program revealed 193 (61.1%) scans with a healthy maxillary sinus presenting with mucosal thickening ≤ 3 millimeters, and 123 (38.9%) scans yielding various forms of maxillary sinus pathology. In comparison, the INFINITT viewing program found 194 (61.4%) scans with healthy maxillary sinus conditions without pathology, and 122 (38.6%) scans with various types of maxillary sinus pathology. The difference in detection of maxillary sinus pathology between the i-CAT and INFINITT viewing programs was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The i-CAT and INFINITT viewing software programs for evaluation of human CBCT scans used in dental treatment planning provided nearly identical information relative to detection of maxillary sinus pathology. This suggests that both viewing programs may be employed interchangeably by clinicians in their pre- treatment evaluation of the maxillary sinus in dental patients. / Oral Biology

In addition to social communication deficits, restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a key diagnostic feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two theories regarding the etiology of RRBs in ASD have been proposed: the hyper-arousal theory, and the hypo-arousal theory. Both of these theories posit the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as being dysfunctional in ASD, resulting in the occurrence of RRBs. Many studies investigating ANS activity in ASD have focused solely on its relation to social functioning. The few that have addressed RRBs have had inconclusive findings. Not only do the current theories and studies simplify ANS activity to a measure of baseline arousal levels through vague measures such as heart rate (HR) and skin conductance response (SCR), but the literature has also framed the theories as mutually exclusive. This study used respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) patterns in children with and without an ASD diagnosis as an indicator of ANS functioning to analyze its relationship to the manifestation of RRBs. Baseline RSA and RSA reactivity were found to predict RRB severity and exploratory analyses revealed that these measures were associated with specific subgroups of RRBs. These results are discussed in regards to the current behavioral literature on RRBs and the benefits of finding biomarkers for these behaviors. / Master of Science

Current literature suggests neurological (i.e., insula, amygdala) and autonomic (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia; RSA) markers of language, social, and behavioral challenges in autism spectrum disorders (ASD; Bal et al., 2010; DiMartino, Ross, et al., 2009; Lorenzi, Patriquin, & Scarpa, 2011; Patriquin, Scarpa, Friedman, & Porges, 2011), that hypothetically reflect a defensive neurophysiological circuit (i.e., hyper-arousal within the central and autonomic nervous systems). It is unknown how this neurophysiological state contributes to difficulties in ASD. Therefore, the current study quantified peripheral and central nervous system activity and investigated how this neurophysiological circuit may be related to different social and behavioral patterns that characterize ASD. Participants with (n = 16) and without (n = 30) ASD listened to classical music while brain (via functional magnetic resonance imaging) and autonomic (via pulse oximeter and plethysmogram) data were collected. Results indicated that decreased insula and amygdala activity during physiological hyper-aroused states predicted symptoms associated with ASD, and predicted higher levels of comorbid anxiety, stress, and depression. Contrary to hypotheses, no baseline RSA or amygdala differences were noted between ASD and controls groups, suggesting that adults with ASD may have developed effective coping strategies for reducing physiological threat responses. It will be important for future studies to continue to explore and clarify the neural connections of peripheral nervous system activation in individuals with and without ASD, including extending this research to children. / Ph. D.

No description available.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The positive identification of human remains that are decomposed, burnt, or otherwise disfigured can prove especially challenging in forensic anthropology, resulting in the need for specialized methods of analysis. Due to the unique morphological characteristics of the frontal sinus, a positive identification can be made in cases of unknown human remains, even when remains are highly cremated or decomposed. This study retrospectively reviews 3D CBCT images of a total of 43 Caucasian patients between the ages of 20-38 from the Indiana University School of Dentistry to quantify frontal sinus differences between adult males and females and investigate the usefulness of frontal sinus morphology for forensic identification. Digit codes with six sections and eleven-digit numbers were created to classify each individual sinus. It was shown that 3D CBCT images of the frontal sinus could be used to make a positive forensic identification. Metric measurements displayed a high degree of variability between sinuses and no two digit codes were identical. However, it was also shown that there were almost no quantifiable and significant sexually dimorphic differences between male and female frontal sinuses. This study confirms that sex determination should not be a primary goal of frontal sinus analysis and highlights the importance of creating a standard method of frontal sinus evaluation based on metric measurements.

O seio esfenoidal humano, embora sua morfologia seja mais regular quando comparada à dos demais seios paranasais, apresenta numerosas variações anatômicas que afetam sua relação com estruturas vizinhas. Diversos autores mostram a importância do conhecimento dessas variações anatômicas, baseadas tanto na forma quanto na sua presença, para uma correta e segura abordagem cirúrgica nos procedimentos via endoscópica transesfenoidais. Devido a isso, o frequente estudo deste segmento anatômico se torna preponderante e para isso a tomografia computadorizada helicoidal, mais recentemente com o desenvolvimento da aquisição multislice, é de grande importância para o conhecimento tridimensional dos seus aspectos anatômicos e suas estruturas vizinhas, sendo hoje o exame indicado. A tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico, devido ao baixo custo dos equipamentos e principalmente a baixa dose de radiação, aliada à qualidade e fidelidade de suas imagens, têm ocupado um espaço importante no diagnóstico por imagem nas diferentes especialidades da Odontologia e mostra-se também relevante sua ampliação em outras áreas em função das vantagens já citadas. O objetivo desse estudo, a partir da análise das imagens de 300 pacientes, obtidas em equipamento de tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico, é mostrar a viabilidade da obtenção das mesmas para a avaliação das variações anatômicas do seio esfenoidal humano, no que se refere à presença e o tipo de expansão basilar e de septos, em um tomógrafo que une qualidade e fidelidade de imagens com baixa dose de radiação. Os resultados mostraram ser viável a observação, por meio da tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico, tanto da presença de expansão basilar quanto de septos no seio esfenoidal humano, onde 69% dos exames analisados apresentaram expansão basilar e 60% septos. A presença de expansões mostrou ser independente em relação ao gênero e a idade e 81% delas apresentaram-se como críticas. A presença de septos mostrou ser também independente em relação ao gênero, porém associada a pacientes acima de 40 anos, sendo que 36% apresentaram somente o septo principal, 6% septos acessórios e 18% ambos. / The human sinus, although their morphology is more regular when compared to the other paranasal sinuses, has numerous anatomical variations that affect their relationship with neighboring structures. Several authors show the importance of anatomical variations knowledge, based on its shape and occurrence, for a correct and safe surgical approach in the endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures. Due to this, the frequent anatomic study becomes important and the helical CT, most recently with the development of multislice acquisition, is of great importance to the knowledge of their three-dimensional anatomy and its neighboring structures, being nowadays the main indicated survey. The cone beam computed tomography due to the its low cost of equipment and especially the low dose of radiation, combined with quality and fidelity of images, have occupied an important position in diagnostic imaging in the different specialties of Dentistry and shows to be also relevant in others areas according to the advantages already mentioned. This study, based on the analysis of obtained images from 300 patients in cone beam computed tomography equipment, intents the viability of obtaining the evaluation of anatomic variations of sphenoid sinus, in regard to the presence and type of basilar expansion and internal septa, in a CT scanner that combines quality and fidelity of images with low radiation dose. By means of cone-beam computed tomography the results showed the observation to be viable. The presence of basilar sinus expansion and septa in human sphenoid sinus were found. 69% of the analyzed cases showed basilar expansion and 60% the presence of septa. The presence of expansion was independent when considered the gender and age and 81% presented themselves as critical. The presence of septa was independent of gender and associated with patients over 40 years, and 36% had only primary septum, 6% accessories septa and 18% both.

O seio esfenoidal humano, embora sua morfologia seja mais regular quando comparada à dos demais seios paranasais, apresenta numerosas variações anatômicas que afetam sua relação com estruturas vizinhas. Diversos autores mostram a importância do conhecimento dessas variações anatômicas, baseadas tanto na forma quanto na sua presença, para uma correta e segura abordagem cirúrgica nos procedimentos via endoscópica transesfenoidais. Devido a isso, o frequente estudo deste segmento anatômico se torna preponderante e para isso a tomografia computadorizada helicoidal, mais recentemente com o desenvolvimento da aquisição multislice, é de grande importância para o conhecimento tridimensional dos seus aspectos anatômicos e suas estruturas vizinhas, sendo hoje o exame indicado. A tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico, devido ao baixo custo dos equipamentos e principalmente a baixa dose de radiação, aliada à qualidade e fidelidade de suas imagens, têm ocupado um espaço importante no diagnóstico por imagem nas diferentes especialidades da Odontologia e mostra-se também relevante sua ampliação em outras áreas em função das vantagens já citadas. O objetivo desse estudo, a partir da análise das imagens de 300 pacientes, obtidas em equipamento de tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico, é mostrar a viabilidade da obtenção das mesmas para a avaliação das variações anatômicas do seio esfenoidal humano, no que se refere à presença e o tipo de expansão basilar e de septos, em um tomógrafo que une qualidade e fidelidade de imagens com baixa dose de radiação. Os resultados mostraram ser viável a observação, por meio da tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico, tanto da presença de expansão basilar quanto de septos no seio esfenoidal humano, onde 69% dos exames analisados apresentaram expansão basilar e 60% septos. A presença de expansões mostrou ser independente em relação ao gênero e a idade e 81% delas apresentaram-se como críticas. A presença de septos mostrou ser também independente em relação ao gênero, porém associada a pacientes acima de 40 anos, sendo que 36% apresentaram somente o septo principal, 6% septos acessórios e 18% ambos. / The human sinus, although their morphology is more regular when compared to the other paranasal sinuses, has numerous anatomical variations that affect their relationship with neighboring structures. Several authors show the importance of anatomical variations knowledge, based on its shape and occurrence, for a correct and safe surgical approach in the endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures. Due to this, the frequent anatomic study becomes important and the helical CT, most recently with the development of multislice acquisition, is of great importance to the knowledge of their three-dimensional anatomy and its neighboring structures, being nowadays the main indicated survey. The cone beam computed tomography due to the its low cost of equipment and especially the low dose of radiation, combined with quality and fidelity of images, have occupied an important position in diagnostic imaging in the different specialties of Dentistry and shows to be also relevant in others areas according to the advantages already mentioned. This study, based on the analysis of obtained images from 300 patients in cone beam computed tomography equipment, intents the viability of obtaining the evaluation of anatomic variations of sphenoid sinus, in regard to the presence and type of basilar expansion and internal septa, in a CT scanner that combines quality and fidelity of images with low radiation dose. By means of cone-beam computed tomography the results showed the observation to be viable. The presence of basilar sinus expansion and septa in human sphenoid sinus were found. 69% of the analyzed cases showed basilar expansion and 60% the presence of septa. The presence of expansion was independent when considered the gender and age and 81% presented themselves as critical. The presence of septa was independent of gender and associated with patients over 40 years, and 36% had only primary septum, 6% accessories septa and 18% both.

Die durale Fistel des Sinus cavernosus (DSCF) ist eine seltene Erkrankung, die durch kleine abnorme arteriovenöse Verbindungen zwischen A. carotis interna bzw. externa und dem Sinus cavernosus gekennzeichnet ist. Bei nicht entsprechender Diagnostik kann es zu Verschleppung der Diagnose und erheblicher Beeinträchtigung der Patienten bis zum vollständigen Visusverlust kommen. Aus diesem Grund ist die rechzeitige Erkennung der Erkrankung wichtig und für eine effektive therapeutische Maßnahme von Bedeutung. MRT und CT können Anhaltspunkte für eine Verdachtsdiagnose liefern und spielen eine wesentliche Rolle bei der Suche nach intrakraniellen Blutungen oder Infarzierungen. Zum sicheren Ausschluß von insbesondere kleineren Fisteln und mehr noch zur genaueren Therapieplanung ist jedoch die intraarterielle DSA nach wie vor unerlässlich, vor allem um Verwechslungen mit anderen Erkrankungen, wie z. B. endokrine Orbitopathie oder Myositis, zu vermeiden. Die Behandlung der DSCF besteht heute vor allem in der Anwendung endovaskulärer Techniken. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden 26 von insgesamt 29 Patienten durch diese Technik behandelt und bei allen ein vollständiger Verschluß erzielt (100%; angiographische Verlaufskontrolle bei 22 Patienten). Die Rate der klinischen Heilung insgesamt betrug 96%, bei einer Komplikationsrate von 3% für ein transientes neurologisches Defizit (Abduzensparese bei einer Patientin). Die endovaskuläre Behandlung von DSCF durch transvenöse Embolisation durch einen erfahrenen Spezialisten stellt heute aufgrund ihrer hohen Effektivität und niedrigen Komplikationsrate die Methode der Wahl dar. Hierbei sind gesteuert ablösbare Platincoils das zu bevorzugende Embolisat. Der Einsatz aggressiver Behandlungsmethoden, insbesondere mikrochirurgischer Techniken bei sogenannten "nicht embolisierbaren Fisteln", hat damit seine Berechtigung weitgehend verloren. / The dural fistula of the cavernous sinus (DCSF) is a rare disease, characterized by abnormal arteriovenous communication between the internal or external carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Inadequate diagnostic procedures may delay the correct diagnosis as well as the appropriate therapeutic management with deterioration of the patient's symptoms and possible visual loss. Therefore, early recognition of the disease is important for effective therapeutic management. MRI and CT may be helpful in leading to the diagnosis and play an important role in excluding intracranial hemorrhage or infarction. For definite diagnosis, in particular of small low-flow fistulas and to avoid misdiagnosis such as endocrine orbitopathy or myositis as well as for therapeutic planning, intraarterial DSA is still mandatory. Therapeutic management of DCSFs today consists mainly in performing endovascular techniques. In the here presented study, 26 of 29 patients were treated using transvenous embolization. Complete occlusion was achieved in 100% (angiographic follow-up available in 22 patients). Clinical cure was achieved in 96%. The complication rate was 3% for transient neurological deficit (6th nerve palsy in one patient). Because of its high success rate and the low complication rate, endovascular treatment of DCSF using transvenous embolization by an experienced operator represents today the method of choice. Detachable platinum coils is the preferable embolic agent. More aggressive methods, in particular microsurgical techniques in cases of so-called "intractable fistulas" should no longer be used.

Aims: This study uses radiological and clinical evaluations of the healing of endosseous titanium implants presented with different surface characteristics in the clinical situation (paper I-III) and experimentally to describe the early bone healing in maxillary sinus membrane elevation with and without the use of grafting material (paper IV). Material and methods: In paper I, 136 patients were treated with 394 dental implants – 199 were oxidized titanium implants (Nobel Biocare TiUnite) and 195 were turned titanium surface implants (Nobel Biocare Mark III). Implant survival rates were retrospectively investigated after a minimum of five months after functional loading of the implants. At the five-year follow-up (paper II), eight patients were deceased and 128 were invited. Twenty-five patients refrained from participating in the study. The remaining 103 patients (287 implants – 133 with a turned surface and 154 with an oxidized surface) were examined after at least five years of functional loading. Clinical examinations of bleeding on probing (BoP) and pocket depth (PD) were performed. Intraoral radiographs were used to assess marginal bone levels (MBLs). In paper III, 28 patients were subjected to autologous bone graft and delayed implant placement, with a total of 92 dental implants. Thirteen patients received 47 implants with a turned surface and 15 patients received 45 implants with an oxidized surface. After a minimum of five years of functional loading, all patients were clinically examined regarding PD and BoP. The MBL was measured in intraoral radiographs. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to evaluate the apical bone level (ABL) of the implants and intra-sinus conditions. The experimental study (paper IV) used nine adult male tufted capuchin primates (Cebus apella). Eight animals were subjected to bilateral maxillary sinus membrane elevation using a lateral replaceable bone window technique. One oxidized dental implant was placed in the residual bone of the sinus floor, protruding into the maxillary sinus cavity on both sides. In four animals, one sinus was left without any additional treatment, while the contralateral sinus was filled with autologous bone grafts from the tibia. In two animals, the implants were inserted under the elevated sinus membrane on both sides. In two animals, the sinus membrane was totally removed bilaterally before placement of implants. The animals were euthanized after 10 (n=4) or 45 (n=4) days. One non-operated animal representing pristine tissue conditions served as the control. The maxillary sinuses with implants were retrieved and further processed to prepare light microscopic ground sections or decalcified sections for immunohistochemical analyses. Results: In paper I seven implants were lost in five patients – six in the maxilla and one in the mandible. All failed implants were Mark III turned implants. The overall implant survival rate was 98.2% with a survival rate of 96.4% for implants with turned surface after a minimum of five months after functional loading. In paper II, one additional oxidized implant failed, giving an overall cumulative survival rate of 94.7 and 99.4%, respectively, after at least five years of functional loading. There was no difference for BoP, PD, or MBL between turned and oxidized implants. A total of two implants, three oxidized and one turned, showed a PD > 3 mm, MBL > 4 mm, and BoP. However, none of these were associated with suppurative infection on examination. In paper III no difference was found between the two implants surfaces used in terms of PD, BoP, MBL, or ABL. Pathological reactions to the sinus membrane were seen in four of the patients (14%). Radiographic signs of sinus pathology were not correlated to either survival rate of the implants or any of the investigated parameters. In the experimental paper IV, bone formation started from the bottom of the sinus floor, sprouting into the granulation tissue along the implant surface under the elevated membrane irrespective of time and surgical technique. Bone formation was not seen in direct conjunction with the sinus membrane. A distinct expression of osteopontin was observed in the serous glands of deeper portion of the lamina propria in direct connection with the elevated sinus membrane and close to the implant within all groups. Conclusion: After more than five years of function in non-grafted patients, oxidized implants had a survival rate higher than turned implants, although this was not statistically significant. No difference was found in MBL, PD, or BoP. Grafting of the maxillary sinus floor with intra- orally harvested bone and delayed placement of either turned or oxidized implants resulted in equally high long-term survival rates, MBL, ABL, and BoP. Pathological findings in the maxillary sinus cavity, in terms of sinus membrane health, are few and not correlated to any of the other investigated parameters. In the experimental study bone formation after sinus membrane elevation with or without additional bone grafts started at the sinus floor and sprouted into the elevated space along the implant surface. Removal of the membrane resulted in less bone formation. The sinus membrane did not seem to present osteoinductive potential in sinus membrane elevation procedures.