Evaluation of radioprotective effect of pilocarpine ingestion on salivary glands.

There is controversy concerning the effect of pilocarpine in the reversal of radio-induced xerostomia; however, the tests are usually performed at the end of radiotherapy. The present study evaluated the radioprotective effects of pilocarpine when ingested during radiation treatment. Eleven patients (recently diagnosed with head and neck cancer who were not undergoing radiotherapy) were divided into two groups: the control group (saline solution intake n=6) and the pilocarpine-treated (5 mg pilocarpine three times daily, n=5) group, in a prospective and double-blinded study.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS): sialometric and sialochemical analysis and salivary protein profile.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyse the characteristics of salivary production and its composition in individuals with burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Study Design: Salivary flow rate, concentrations of potassium, iron, chloride, thiocyanate, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, glucose, total protein and urea, as well as the expression profile of salivary proteins were analysed by SDS-PAGE.

Results: The mean salivary flow rate among control patients was lower than that of BMS patients.

Validation of the Portuguese version of the RDC/TMD Axis II questionnaire.

The present paper aimed at evaluating the validity of the Portuguese version of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis II Questionnaire. The sample was comprised of 155 patients with signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), evaluated at the Orofacial Pain Control Center, School of Dentistry, University of Pernambuco, Brazil, between July 2003 and February 2004. Data collection was performed with the following tools: the RDC/TMD Axis I (clinical evaluation and TMD classification), and Axis II (psychosocial evaluation), as well as specific questionnaires for evaluation of Oral Health Related Quality of Life, namely, Oral Impacts on Daily Performances and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14, considered to be gold standard criteria.

Evaluation of mandibular implant sites: correlation between panoramic and linear tomography.

The reliability of the linear tomography and panoramic radiography made with X-ray equipment was evaluated (Vera View Scope X-600; Morita). The sample was composed of 20 dry human hemimandibles, in which the area selected for analysis was 1.5 cm distal from the limit set before the mental foramen.