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Therefore, genetic factors should be taken into account for an accurate interpretation of orofacial pain sensitivity. These results will allow for a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of chronic pain affecting the orofacial region, and consequently for finding new therapeutic targets.

Genetic polymorphisms related to opioid, catecholaminergic, inflammatory, and dopaminergic pathways were associated with sensitivity to thermal and pressure stimuli in the orofacial region. Therefore, genetic factors should be taken into account for an accurate interpretation of orofacial pain sensitivity. These results will allow for a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of chronic pain affecting the orofacial region, and consequently for finding new therapeutic targets.

To evaluate the association between sleep bruxism (SB) and quality of life (QoL) in the general population.

A systematic review was conducted, and studies were included with no restrictions regarding age, gender, or language. SB and general health-related QoL and/or oral health-related QoL (OHRQoL) measures in the included studies needed to be based on validated tools. The databases searched were Google Scholar, LILACS, OpenGrey, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria.

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies were published in English, and four in Portuguese. All studies evaluating the association of SB with health-related QoL showed no statistical significance when overall scores were considered. The overall quality of evidence was considered very low due to high heterogeneity among the studies. SB seemed not to be associated with health-related QoL, but did have a negative impact on some characteristics of OHRQoL.

There is insufficient scientific evidence to support or disprove the association between SB and QoL/OHRQoL in the general population.

There is insufficient scientific evidence to support or disprove the association between SB and QoL/OHRQoL in the general population.

To investigate how estrogen level, dietary loading, and aging affect cartilage structure and the expression of major collagens (types I, II, and X) in rat mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC).

A total of 96 outbred Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly divided into two groups by ovariectomy (OVX) at 7 weeks old. One week later, the rats in each group were further divided into three subgroups on the basis of food hardness hard food (diet board), normal food (pellet), and soft food (powder). The rats were sacrificed at the age of 5 or 14 months. The thickness of the fibrous, proliferative, and chondroblastic layers of the mandibular condylar cartilage were measured after toluidine blue staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate the expression levels of types I, II, and X collagen. A linear regression model was used to investigate the main factors affecting changes in thickness and collagen expression.

The expression levels of types II and X collagen were decreased by ovarian estrog expression of types II and X collagen, as well as the thickness of cellular layers, to maintain the integrity of the MCC. Aging seems to reduce the ability of the MCC to withstand occlusal loading.

To develop the Malay DC/TMD through a formal cross-cultural adaptation (CCA) process for use in non-English speaking populations and to determine the reliability and validity of the Malay Graded Chronic Pain Scale (M-GCPS) and Malay Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (M-JFLS).

The English DC/TMD was translated into the Malay language using the forward-backward translation procedures specified in the INfORM guideline. The initial Malay instrument was pre-tested, and any discrepancies were identified and reconciled before producing the final Malay DC/TMD. Psychometric properties of the M-GCPS and M-JFLS were evaluated using a convenience sample of 252 subjects and were assessed using internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as face, content, concurrent, and construct validity testing. Belvarafenib in vitro Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while test-retest reliability was examined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent and construct validity of both domains were performed using Spearman ρ correlation test. In addition, construct and discriminant validity were appraised using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively.

Cronbach’s alpha values for the M-GCPS and M-JFLS were 0.95 and 0.97, respectively. The ICC was 0.98 for the M-GCPS and 0.99 for M-JFLS. The majority of the tested associations for both domains were found to be statistically significant, with good positive correlations.

The M-GCPS and M-JFLS were found to be reproducible and valid. The Malay DC/TMD shows potential for use among Malay-speaking adults.

The M-GCPS and M-JFLS were found to be reproducible and valid. The Malay DC/TMD shows potential for use among Malay-speaking adults.

To compare two pain models of myalgic TMD, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and injections of nerve growth factor (NGF), in terms of pain-related and motor function outcomes, as well as activity-related temporal summation.

Fifty age- and gender-matched healthy participants were recruited and randomized into one of three groups to a repeated eccentric contraction task to cause DOMS (n = 20), to receive NGF injections into the masseter muscle (n = 20), or to a control group (n = 10). Mechanical sensitivity of masticatory muscles, chewing parameters, jaw function limitation, maximum bite force, and activity-related temporal summation were assessed at baseline and at days 1, 2, and 7 following the intervention.

Compared to baseline, both model groups showed increased mechanical sensitivity, jaw function limitation, pain on chewing, and decreased chewing efficiency, lasting longer in the NGF group than in the DOMS group (P < .05). Furthermore, also compared to baseline, the NGF group showed increased pain on maximum bite and decreased pain-free maximum opening (P < .