Regression analysis is a widely used statistical technique to build a model from a set of data on two or more variables. Linear regression is based on linear correlation, and assumes that change in one variable is accompanied by a proportional change in another variable. Simple linear regression, or bivariate regression, is used for predicting the value of one variable from another variable (predictor); however, multiple linear regression, which enables us to analyse more than one predictor or variable, is more commonly used. This paper explains both simple and multiple linear regressions illustrated with an example of analysis and also discusses some common errors in presenting the results of regression, including inappropriate titles, causal language, inappropriate conclusions, and misinterpretation.

The bifid mandibular canal (BMC) is an anatomical variation with reported prevalence ranging from 0.08 to 65%. Identifying anatomical variations of mandibular canal is very important in order to prevent possible complications during oral surgical and other dental procedures. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and to classify the morphology of BMCs using digital panoramic radiographs. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted that included 1008 digital panoramic radiographs (412 female and 596 mate) used to identify the type of BMC. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed by three oral surgeons and one dentist, and BMCs were classified into six different types, 4 types according to Langtais et at. (types 1-4), and two new types (types 5 and 6) described by authors. Results: The prevalence of BMC was 4.66% (n=47), with no significant differences in gender between BMC types (P=0.947; chi(2) =0.74). The prevalence of type 1 BMC was 0.79 % (n=8), type 2 2.08 % (n=21), type 3 0.30 % (n=3), type 4 0% (n=0), type 5 0.89 % (n=9) and type 6 0.60% (n=6). Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of BMCs among Zagreb citizens. Furthermore, two new types of BMCs were described. These results stress the importance of a careful and thorough radiographic analysis prior to each invasive procedure in the mandible.

Refractory neuropathic pain of the head and neck remains a major clinical challenge, particularly when mediated through the cervicotrigeminal complex (CTC), a unique anatomical hub integrating trigeminal and upper cervical nociceptive inputs. This narrative review synthesizes neuroanatomical, pathophysiological, and clinical evidence to provide a unifying framework for diagnosis and management. A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified English-language clinical and mechanistic studies addressing CTC-mediated pain, with case reports excluded unless mechanistically informative. We propose multidimensional refractoriness criteria that integrate pharmacological non-response, failed interventional strategies, and objective functional impairment. Current treatments span pharmacotherapy, peripheral interventions (nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation), and neuromodulation at multiple network levels (occipital nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, motor cortex stimulation, deep brain stimulation). Non-invasive approaches such as rTMS, tDCS, and vagus nerve stimulation are emerging but remain investigational. Advances in imaging and neurophysiological biomarkers now permit greater precision in detecting CTC dysfunction and tailoring therapy. By combining anatomical precision, mechanistic insight, and multidisciplinary strategies, this review proposes a clinically actionable definition of refractoriness and supports a stepwise, mechanism-based approach to therapy. CTC emerges as a targetable hub for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in refractory head and neck pain.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is frequently diagnosed in the advanced stages. The purpose of this paper is to determine the salivary values of SCCA1, SCCA2 and TROP2 in patients with T1N0M0 OSCC and to compare them with the values obtained from healthy individuals. Unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated (SWS) saliva was sampled from 29 patients with T1N0M0 OSCC and 29 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. Statistical difference was observed in SCCA1 and SCCA2 levels both in UWS and SWS samples. TROP2 was not measurable in most of the salivary samples. Both SCCA1 and SCCA2 could represent potential biomarkers for the early-stage OSCC. Research on a larger sample and biomarker validation is needed to assess the clinical potential of SCCA1 and SCCA2 in the OSCC early diagnostics.

Diagnosing child abuse still poses a challenge for healthcare professionals. We will present a case in which a physically and emotionally abused four-year-old boy had an undiagnosed lower jaw fracture for almost eight months. The child first presented with a peri-mandibular swelling and was treated with antibiotics prescribed by his doctor of dental medicine. After not having responded to antibiot-ic treatment, the boy was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, accompanied by his birth mother. The deciduous mandibular molars with deep cavities were extracted since we thought that they were the reason for swelling. After several visits with his foster mother, the child was finally diagnosed with a lower jaw fracture and a psychosomatic disorder. Physical abuse by his birth parents was later on confirmed, and the consequences were insufficient growth, non-perception of pain and reduced speech development. After having been with his foster mother for almost a year, the child learned to complain when he was in pain. This report emphasizes the importance of taking a detailed medical history along with a thorough clinical examination.

Background/Objectives: Early differentiation of odontogenic cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (NF) from odontogenic abscess (OA) is clinically challenging yet critical due to the need for urgent surgical and antimicrobial escalation. We evaluated whether a novel C-reactive protein-to-platelet inflammatory index (CPII = CRP/platelets), combined with a symptom-based Symptom Severity (SS) score, improves early discrimination of NF from OA. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 234 hospitalized patients with cervicofacial odontogenic infections treated between January 2010 and December 2023 (25 NF, 209 OA). Admission clinical variables, SS and SIRS scores, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. CPII and established immunoinflammatory indices (including AISI, SII, NLR, PLR, and LMR) were calculated. Group comparisons were performed using nonparametric and categorical tests. Diagnostic performance was assessed by ROC analysis, and multivariable logistic regression evaluated independent associations with NF. Results: Compared with OA, NF patients were older (median 42 [IQR 35–59] vs. 35 [IQR 26–49] years; p = 0.0098) and more frequently had comorbidities (52% vs. 25.4%; OR 3.19; p = 0.0087). Trismus and dysphagia were more common in NF (84% vs. 60.8%, p = 0.0272; 88% vs. 53.6%, p = 0.0010), with higher SS and SIRS scores (both p < 0.0001). NF was associated with longer hospitalization (median 17 vs. 6 days; p < 0.0001) and more complications (40% vs. 5.7%; OR 10.94; p < 0.0001). CRP was markedly higher in NF (median 287 vs. 111.5 mg/L; p < 0.0001), platelets were lower (median 210 vs. 249 × 10⁹/L; p = 0.0091), and CPII was substantially higher (median 1.23 vs. 0.45; p < 0.0001). AISI did not differ between groups (p = 0.861). ROC analysis demonstrated excellent discrimination for SS score (AUC 0.9328, cut-off 12), CRP (AUC 0.9109, cut-off 221 mg/L), and CPII (AUC 0.9271, cut-off 0.75), whereas AISI showed limited discrimination (AUC 0.5108). In multivariable analysis, both SS score (adjusted OR 2.08 per 1 point) and CPII (adjusted OR 6.87 per 0.5 units) were independently associated with NF; the combined SS + CPII model achieved an AUC of 0.9726. Conclusions: CPII is a simple, admission-available biomarker that differentiates odontogenic cervicofacial NF from OA with excellent accuracy and provides strong complementary value when combined with SS score. AISI, despite prior utility for odontogenic abscess severity assessment, did not discriminate NF from OA in this cohort.