Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

The dry matter (DM) degradation kinetics and microbial dynamics of Sorghum saccharatum (SS) enriched with additives based on Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri were determined in vitro. Three treatments were evaluated: T1: SS silage without inoculation; T2: SS silage inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri (concentration of 6x105 CFU/g); T3: SS silage inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum (concentration of 1x105 CFU/g), with 5 replicates each. Microbiological quality was evaluated at two fermentation times: the first day and at 21 days. Gas production was measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 72 hours. Likewise, DM degradation kinetics were monitored at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The parameters of the fermentation kinetics and degradation curves were adjusted to the models proposed by Ørskov and McDonald, using the PROC NLIN procedure of SAS. To determine the effect of treatments on DM degradation, a repeated measures analysis over time was performed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. The results showed 92.9 ± 0.6 mg CO2/g dry substrate at the peak of the curve, which indicated a 37.85% decrease in the microbial population, following a logarithmic inverse trend. It is concluded that sweet sorghum has epiphytic bacteria that allow adequate fermentation performance and a good capacity to acidify the medium. Commercial additives did not affect the degradation and fermentation kinetics of the silage.

Maxillofacial fractures, commonly caused by trauma, pose diagnostic and treatment challenges for maxillofacial surgeons. While they are more prevalent in young and active populations, their incidence is increasing in older individuals due to longer life expectancy. Differences in trauma response across generations impact treatment strategies. To analyze available evidence regarding the epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures in geriatric patients. An exploratory literature review was conducted using PRISMA-ScR protocols. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched with terms such as “Aged,” “Geriatric Dentistry,” “Dental Care for Aged,” combined with “maxillofacial trauma” or “facial trauma.” Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied for article selection. Based on the PRISMA flowchart, 10 articles were considered in this study. The increasing incidence of maxillofacial fractures in older adults presents clinical challenges and highlights specific risk factors. Evidence suggests reevaluating treatment approaches, recognizing patient vulnerability, and adapting principles to age-related physiological changes. Evidence demonstrates that maxillofacial fractures in the elderly, particularly in the midface region, are often associated with falls and are more prevalent in men based on etiological factors. Comorbidities in old age may exacerbate these fractures, emphasizing specific characteristics in their origin, patterns, and therapeutic approaches.

The study's objective was to evaluate the effect of storage conditions and the bird's age on the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs produced in Atenas, Costa Rica. Eggs from one-, four-, and six-month-old birds were stored for 28 days at 5, 20, and 30 °C. Physicochemical variables were analyzed, such as egg weight, morphological index, apparent shell porosity, air chamber height, internal quality unit (UQI), yolk color, yolk index, yolk weight, shell thickness, pH of the yolk, and albumen pH; nutritional variables such as moisture, crude protein, ether extract, and ash percentage; and microbiological variables such as the bacterial count of the total coliforms, E. coli and Salmonella spp. Egg weight decreased significantly at 30 °C as the storage days passed. The morphological index and shell thickness were not affected by storage but rather by the bird's age. The height of the air chamber increased to 30 ºC. The UQI, index, and yolk weight were affected by the environmental temperatures of 20 ºC and 30 ºC. The pH values of yolk and albumen increased on the third day of the study and then remained constant. Yolk color was not affected by storage or age. Nutritional quality was affected, in terms of dry matter, by water evaporation during the study. Throughout the investigation, egg microbiology remained ideal. Overall egg quality was affected by storage time and temperature conditions, decreasing over time.

The prevalence of alcohol consumption is still quite high in worldwide. As more people become aware of malocclusion, it is also reasonable to expect that some orthodontic patients drink alcohol. Impacts of alcohol (ethanol) consumption on orthodontic force still unclear.  Analyze the differences and effects of ethanol on RANKL expression in bone remodeling process during application of orthodontic force. This research was in vivo study, involving twenty-five Wistar rats, fitted with a closed coil spring and then divided into 5 groups; negative control group A (without force and ethanol) on day 0; group K1 (K=given orthodontic force) on day-3 and K2 on day-14, and group P1 (P=given force and 20% ethanol) on day-3 and P2 on day-14. Furthermore, animals were sacrificed, preparations were made and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was examined to calculate RANKL expression, then data analysis using independent-t and regression test.  Independent sample t-test showed, K and P group had significantly differences of RANKL expression on day 3 and 14 (p<0,05). Regression test results showed duration of ethanol administration significantly affected the level of RANKL expression (p<0,05).  There were  differences in RANKL expression after alcohol administration and there were  effects of ethanol on RANKL expression in bone remodeling process during application of orthodontic force. It’s speculated that ethanol increases osteoclastogenesis, which accelerates orthodontic movement, but more study required.

Equitable access to dental care remains a challenge in Costa Rica. The School of Dentistry at the University of Costa Rica (FODO-UCR) addresses this issue by providing clinical services integrated with academic training, supported by the SMILE digital health record system. To analyze the sociodemographic profile of patients treated at FODO-UCR between 2019 and 2024, based on data recorded in the SMILE System. This was a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Clinical and sociodemographic data from all patients registered in the SMILE System between 2019 and 2024 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in categorical variables. A total of 25,465 patients received care. The majority were female (58.5 %), aged 18-30 and 31-40, and resided in San José (65.2 %). The primary reason for seeking care was self-initiative (64.3 %). Most patients were Costa Rican and had incomplete primary or secondary education. The study identified consistent patterns of access based on gender, age, and place of origin. These findings can inform institutional strategies aimed at promoting equity and guiding planning efforts in university-based oral healthcare.

The aim of this literature review was to analyze the evidence and international recommendations on the use of thyroid shield (TS) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations. The search was conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) in English from 2010 to date. This search included articles that provided recommendations or benefits of TS use in CBCT, as well as those that discouraged its use. A complementary search was conducted by reviewing guidelines, recommendations, or articles from international organizations and globally recognized journals, published on their official websites. Of the 23 articles reviewed, 19 indicate that using TS in CBCT reduces radiation doses in patients or recommend its use in these examinations, as it provides a benefit to the patient. However, some note specific cases where its use is not advised. On the other hand, two articles, from the British Institute of Radiology and the UK Health Security Agency, do not recommend the use of TS in CBCT examinations, except in specific cases. Finally, two articles, both from the American Dental Association, oppose TS use in all maxillofacial radiographic examinations, including CBCT. Although there is no consensus among the reviewed articles regarding recommendations or benefits of TS use in CBCT examinations, most articles indicate that it reduces ionizing radiation doses or recommend its use. However, in some cases, TS use may interfere with image quality, making deciding whether to use TS in CBCT examinations challenging for the operator.

Bruxism is a parafunctional activity involving repetitive movements of the masticatory muscles, often associated with stress, anxiety, and other psychosocial or physiological factors. This paper offers a comprehensive review of its clinical management, discussing diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies. Diagnostic methods include clinical examination, self-reported scales such as the CBA and PSS-14, electromyography, and polysomnography. Management requires an individualized, multidisciplinary approach. Occlusal splints remain the most widely used intervention for protecting dental structures. Botulinum toxin has shown efficacy in reducing muscle activity in severe cases, while physical therapies, acupuncture, and photobiomodulation (laser and LED) offer promising complementary options. LED therapy is emerging as a non-invasive alternative for pediatric patients. The findings suggest that early diagnosis and a personalized combination of conventional and alternative treatments can improve clinical outcomes. The integration of stress assessment tools and new technologies is essential for optimizing bruxism management in dental practice.

Radiographic images play a crucial role in dentistry for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up. However, due to the potential risks associated with ionizing radiation, such studies should only be conducted following a comprehensive patient history and clinical evaluation that justify their necessity. In the dentistry field, various radiographic techniques are available to acquire both intraoral and extraoral images, as well as two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. The selection of an imaging technique should be guided by its diagnostic efficacy, that is, how effectively it meets the patient's needs. Each imaging method possesses unique advantages and limitations, influenced by technical factors, and must be tailored to the specific diagnostic requirements of individual cases. This review aims to provide an evidence-based update on the criteria for choosing imaging techniques across the various areas of dental specialization.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of mouthwashes on surface roughness and discoloration of provisional materials produced by different methods. Disk-shaped specimens were prepared from conventional [acrylic- and composite-based (PEMA and BCR)] and digital methods (CAD/CAM milling and 3DP). Specimens were divided into 4 subgroups (Kloroben, Meridol, Aloe vera, and artificial saliva as control). Color and surface roughness (Ra) values were measured by spectrophotometer and profilometer at baseline and after mouthwash application. Color changes (∆E00 and ∆Eab) were calculated using L, a, and b values. In artificial saliva, the 3DP group's ∆E00 values were higher than CAD/CAM milling. ∆E00 and ∆Eab of the BCR group were higher than others after Meridol immersion. In Aloe vera, ∆E00 and ∆Eab values of the BCR group were higher than CAD/CAM milling. Ra values of BCR increased after all solutions, and 3DP increased after Aloe vera immersion. CAD/CAM milling and PEMA subgroups, artificial saliva, and Kloroben subgroups of BCR material exhibited clinically acceptable values (∆E00≤2.25). CAD/CAM milling specimens (except Kloroben) and PEMA artificial saliva group (∆Eab) also showed clinically acceptable values. Ra values of CAD/CAM milled (artificial saliva and Kloroben subgroups) and all 3DP subgroups were below the threshold (0.2 µm) for plaque accumulation.

Dentistry and anthropology are now more interconnected than ever, as teeth serve as critical evidence for studying ancient civilizations. Several topics in Dental Anthropology can be effectively integrated into dental school curricula. Currently, the absence of such training in undergraduate and postgraduate programs limits students’ understanding of teeth from a broader, interdisciplinary per-spective, thereby hindering the application of these insights in clinical practice. This article aims to provide an overview of what has been taught during the first ten years of introducing the basic concepts of Dental Anthropology at the Dental School of the University of Costa Rica. Similar projects implemented in Latin America are also discussed. Finally, it examines the achievements, challenges, and strategies to be implemented in the future.