This study aims to investigate the content and usefulness of YouTube videos on** thumb-sucking habits. Methods: YouTube was systematically searched for all relevant videos on thumb sucking using primary keywords, such as thumb, finger, and digit sucking. Video information was assessed, such as the type of video, number of likes or dislikes, number of views, and duration of upload. The usefulness of videos was analyzed, and information about treatment modalities was evaluated. Results: A total of 331 YouTube videos (314 educational offerings and 17 testimonials) were included in the analysis. Individual users uploaded (36.6%), followed by healthcare professionals (30.5%). Only 4.83% of the videos were classified as having “very useful” general information content, whereas 51.1% were rated as “slightly useful.” There was no significant correlation between the usefulness score and the interaction rate, video length, or viewing rate. The videos advised a psychosocial approach and mechanical or reminder therapy in 32.33% and 25.07% of videos, respectively. Preventive methods accounted for 7.26%, and chemical treatments were discussed in 5.44% of the videos. Conclusion: Information on YouTube about thumb-sucking habits was unsatisfactory and should be improved by oral healthcare professionals and organizations.

IntroductionSalivary alpha‐amylase is one of the major enzymes in the oral cavity. Beyond its primary function of initiation of digestion in the oral cavity, it is involved in defense against bacteria. Alpha‐amylase, a product of serous cells, is the most abundant protein of parotid saliva and it is also secreted by sublingual glands. However, its presence in the minor glands, including palatine glands, has been contradictory. Therefore, this study was conducted to observe the expression of alpha‐amylase at different developmental stages of rat palatine glands using light microscopic immunohistochemistry.Materials and MethodsAn avidin‐biotin technique was used to detect the binding of alpha‐amylase on sagittal frozen sections of palatine glands of pre‐ and post‐natal rats.ResultsPositive reaction of alpha‐amylase was observed at the basolateral and perinuclear membranes of the developing acinar cells at the embryonic day 20 (E20). At birth, in addition to the basolateral membranes, weak cytoplasmic reaction labelling a few mucous cells was observed. Amylase reactivity increased with maturation and reached peak reactivity at postnatal day (PN) 10 and 14, thereafter, decreased into adulthood. Serous cells expressed amylase starting from PN7. Whereas ducts showed variable reaction on the luminal membrane starting from PN3. In adult rats, heterogeneous distribution was revealed between the anterior and posterior portions of palatine glands, as amylase showed more reactivity in the posterior portion.ConclusionThe expression and distribution of alpha‐amylase showed significant modifications during cytodifferentiation and maturation of the palatine glands.Support or Funding InformationNoneThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

IntroductionThe palate, which plays an important role in oral cavity function, including the mastication and swallowing of food, obviously differs structurally with feeding habits. Nevertheless, the palate is considered the most common location of both benign and malignant minor salivary gland tumors. Soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins are important in the control of tumorigenesis through the regulation of multiple signaling and transportation pathways. However, the developmental distribution of SNARE proteins on the palatal structures has been scarcely reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate SNARE proteins, syntaxin‐1, synaptosomal‐associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP‐25) during the development of rat palates.Materials and MethodsImmunohistochemistry for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), a pan‐neuronal marker, syntaxin‐1 and SNAP‐25 was performed on frozen sections of rat palatal tissues at different stages.ResultsPGP 9.5 immunoreactive fibers (IRF) were present in developing palate. They were observed along the palatal sub‐epithelial layer and the underlying connective tissues in association with developing acini, ducts, blood vessels. Nerve fibers containing syntaxin‐1 and SNAP‐25 showed similar distribution to PGP 9.5 and thick bundles of nerve fibers were observed with smooth muscles and varicoses. With maturation after postnatal day 7 (PN7), thin nerve fibers containing PGP 9.5 and SNAP‐25, but less syntaxin‐1, were detected penetrating into the epithelium, reaching beneath the cornified layer. They ramified out from subepithelial thick bundles into connective tissues until encircling the secretory units observed (PN21). In adults, the number of syntaxin‐1‐IRF was low in comparison with SNAP‐25 and PGP 5 fibers.ConclusionThe findings indicated the importance of SNARE proteins during the maturation of the palatal tissues.Support or Funding InformationNoneThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.