The Free Triiodothyronine/Free Thyroxine Ratio Is Associated with Frailty in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Multisetting Study.

Background: Various models have been proposed to predict frailty, including those based on clinical criteria and phenotypes. However, a simple biomarker associated with frailty has been not yet identified. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between free triiodothyronine (fT3)/free thyroxine (fT4) ratio value and the degree of frailty among three different cohorts of older individuals: (1) acutely ill hospitalized patients, (2) nursing-home (NH) residents, and (3) home-dwelling centenarians. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of de-identified patient-level data from two prospective observational studies on acutely hospitalized older patients (Geriatric Acute Unit [GAU]), and home-dwelling centenarians (CENT), and a retrospective-prospective observational study on older NH residents. Demographic characteristics, along with a 30-items Frailty Index (FI) and serum thyrotropin, fT3 and fT4 measurements were obtained. Results: Six hundred fifteen individuals (aged 86.4 ± 8.9 years; 55.1% females) were included in the study, including 298 (48.5%) GAU, 250 (40.6%) NH, and 67 (10.9%) CENT. A significant inverse relationship between fT3/fT4 ratio and FI values was observed (ρs = -0.17 [confidence interval; CI: -0.092 to 0.252], p < 0.001), and this was confirmed by logistic multivariate analysis (ß = -0.44, odds ratio [OR]: 0.64 [CI: 0.47-0.87], p < 0.001) (after adjustment for age, sex, and cohorts). Moreover, a progressively decreased mortality risk was associated with rising fT3/fT4 ratio (OR 0.60 [CI: 0.44-0.80] ß = -0.51, p < 0.001]. Conclusions: The fT3/fT4 ratio value was inversely correlated with frailty degree and mortality risk in a large cohort of older individuals, including centenarians, regardless of their sex and clinical condition. fT3/fT4 ratio value could represent an easily measured independent biochemical marker of frailty degree in older people.

Uric acid and late-onset Alzheimer's disease: results from the ReGAl 2.0 project.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that oxidative stress may have a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Serum uric acid (UA) could exert neuroprotective effects via its antioxidant capacities. Many studies investigated serum UA levels in subjects with AD, but to date, results are conflicting and evidence in old age subjects is weak. AIMS: In this study, we assess whether serum UA levels would be altered in the AD old age subjects compared to those of initial cognitive impairment and healthy controls. METHODS: This is a retrospective study with data gathered from the ReGAl 2.0 project (Rete Geriatrica Alzheimer-Geriatric Network on Alzheimer's disease), a large Italian multicentric clinical-based study. A cohort of 232 subjects, including 65 (healthy controls HC), 95 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 72 AD, were included in the study. Serum UA was measured in all subjects by routine laboratory method. RESULTS: The sample population includes 232 subjects, mostly women with a mean age of 79.16 ± 5.64 (range 66-93) years. No significant difference was found in gender distribution between groups. No significant correlation was found in all populations between age and uric acid levels. AD group had significantly lower UA levels as compared with HC. The association of uric acid with AD presence after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and creatinine levels showed that uric acid level was independently associated with the diagnosis of AD. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that serum UA is reduced in AD, supporting that UA may have a potential protective role against AD in old age.

Inhibition of Growth and Metastasis of Breast Cancer in Mice by Milk Fermented With Lactobacillus casei CRL 431.

Breast cancer is the second cause of death in women, who are especially related to uncontrolled metastasis. It was previously demonstrated that the administration of milk fermented by Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 [fermented milk (FM)] delayed the tumor growth in a murine breast cancer model. In this work we evaluated if the administration of FM to mice, starting when the tumor was measurable, can affect not only the tumor growth, but also the extravasation of tumor cells and the lung metastasis. The evaluation of immune cells-infiltrating tumors and lungs was also performed. Tumor volume was calculated. Whole blood, lungs, and liver were processed to count the number of colonies formed by tumor cells. Blood serum was obtained for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6 determination, lung tissues for histologic observations, and tumor tissues for angiogenesis determination. Mice that received FM were compared with animals given milk or to the controls without any especial supplementation. The results showed that FM administration to mice decreased or suppressed tumor growth, with less tumor vascularity, extravasation of tumor cells, and lung metastasis. These benefits were associated to modulation of the immune response by decreasing the infiltration of macrophages in both the tumor and the lungs. FM administration maintained an increased antitumor response associated to CD8 lymphocytes, and also increased CD4 lymphocytes that can be involved in the modulation of the immune response. The future evaluation of cytokine profiles will allow knowing more about subpopulation of macrophages and lymphocytes associated to the beneficial effect of this probiotic in the breast cancer model.

Fibromatosis Gingival Idiopática Unilateral: Reporte de un Caso con Cuatro Años de Seguimiento / Unilateral Idiopathic Gingival Fibromatosis: Case Report With Four-Year Follow-Up

La fibromatosis gingival es una enfermedad rara que se caracteriza por aumento del tejido gingival por proliferación fibrosa, es de crecimiento lento, cubriendo en algunos casos la totalidad de los dientes comprometidos. Esta nosología comprende un grupo heterogéneo de patologías de causas no determinadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso clínico de una paciente de 13 años con FGI Unilateral, su diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento durante cuatro años. Presenta al examen clínico intraoral, agrandamiento anormal de su encía tanto superior como inferior, afectando solamente los hemiarcos del sector izquierdo. A la palpación es indolora y de consistencia fibrosa. No se encontraron factores locales que justifiquen dicho aumento. El examen físico elimina la posibilidad de otras patologías asociadas, no refiriendo recibir medicaciones inmunosupresivas, antiepilépticos o antihipertensivas. No tiene antecedentes familiares. La paciente fue sometida a extirpación quirúrgica del tejido hiperplasiado y el material obtenido enviado a estudio histopatológico. Después del tratamiento quirúrgico y una buena higiene oral con exámenes de control efectuados durante cuatro años no se observó recurrencia. A pesar de ser una patología poco frecuente el odontólogo debe conocer la fisiopatología y comprender que el manejo de ésta enfermedad es a través de un equipo multidisciplinario. El diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno logran la recuperación psicológica, estética y funcional de los pacientes.

Gingival fibromatosis is a rare disease characterized by progressive enlargement of the gingiva caused by an increase in submucosal connective tissue. The enlargement may potentially cover the exposed tooth surfaces. Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF) is a heterogeneous group of disorders with no definite cause. The aim of this study is to present a 13-year-old female patient with unusual clinical forms of Unilateral FGI with a complete analysis of the features of the clinical diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for four years. Intraoral examination revealed severe gingival overgrowth involving both the upper arch and the lower arch, affecting on the left side. The right side of the mouth was unaffected. There was no significant pain. The lesion was diffuse, firm and fibrotic. Her medical and family history was also non-contributory. The patient was not receiving any antiepileptic, antihypertensive, or immunosuppressive medications that could contribute to the gingival enlargement. Histopathological examination showed hyperparakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, presence of a thickened acanthotic epithelium and focal hyperplasia. Underlying connective tissue stroma was collagenous with numerous lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Unusual findings include the presence of calcified particles. Bevel gingivectomy was taken to remove gingival overgrowth. This case is thus a rare and atypical presentation of gingival fibromatosis. The patient was advised to maintain good oral hygiene to minimize the effect of inflammation on fibroblasts. In our case, even after four years of follow-up, no recurrence of gingival overgrowth was observed. Unilateral IGF is a relatively rare condition with poorly understood etiopathogenesis and recurrence rates. The cases should be treated with a multidisciplinary management. Treatment appreciably improved the patient's psychological, aesthetics and masticatory competence.

Histopathologic and histomorphometric studies and determination of IL-8 in patients with periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by connective tissue breakdown and alveolar bone resorption. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to make a quantitative evaluation of the gingival tissue components in biopsies from patients with different clinical states of periodontal disease and to determine the relationship between the presence of interleukin-8 and the tissue destruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 33 biopsies from adult subjects. A total of 25 periodontal patients were sub-classified on the basis of the clinical and radiographic criteria in mild, moderate and advanced periodontitis. Gingival samples were obtained from patients in the course of basic periodontal surgeries as a muco-periostic collate. Data were analyzed by the SPSS system. RESULTS: Collagen fibres decreased as non-specific chronic states increased. A lymphocyte inflammatory infiltrate changed to a lymphoplasmocytary form. Reactivity to interleukin-8 was detected with the severity of the histopathologic diagnoses; however there was no association with the clinical diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathology and histomorphometry of gingival tissue changed with the degree of inflammation. No evidence of interleukin-8 as a biomarker for clinical diagnoses of periodontitis was obtained.

The administration of milk fermented by the probiotic Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 exerts an immunomodulatory effect against a breast tumour in a mouse model.

Antitumour activity is one of the health-promoting effects attributed to probiotics specially analysed from preclinical models, mostly murine. Here, the effect of milk fermented by the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus casei CRL 431, on a murine breast cancer model was analysed. Mice were fed with milk fermented by Lactobacillus casei or unfermented milk before and after tumour injection. Rate of tumour development, cytokines in serum, IgA, CD4, CD8, F4/80 and cytokines positive cells in mammary glands were determined. Microvasculature in the tumour tissues was monitored. The effect of fermented milk administration after tumour injection was also evaluated. It was observed that probiotic administration delayed or blocked tumour development. This effect was associated to modulation of the immune response triggered by the tumour. The area occupied by blood vessels decreased in the tumours from mice given fermented milk which agrees with their small tumours, and fewer side effects. Finally, it was observed that probiotic administration after tumour detection was also beneficial to delay the tumour growth. In conclusion, we showed in this study the potential of milk fermented by the probiotic Lactobacillus casei CRL431 to stimulate the immune response against this breast tumour, avoiding or delaying its growth when it was preventively administrated and also when the administration started after tumour cells injection.

Effect of arsenic in endochondral ossification of experimental animals.

Arsenic (As) toxicity is a global health problem affecting millions of people, the most toxic forms being Arsenites [As(III)] and Arsenates [As(V)]. Arsenic intoxication can occur through different exposure routes. The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of As on endochondral ossification and bone remodeling in experimental animals, by means of biochemical, histologic, and histomorphometric determinations. Sixteen male Wistar rats, 100g body weight (b.w.), were divided into two groups: experimental group (n=8), treated with 10mg/l of NaAsO(2) in their drinking water, receiving 0.21mg/kgb.w./day during 45 days; and control group (n=8) remained untreated. On day 45, blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture to perform hematologic blood counts and biochemical determination. The animals were killed, the tibiae, femurs, kidneys and livers were resected, fixed in formalin and processed histologically. Tibia and femur sections were obtained and stained with H&E. The following histomorphometric parameters were determined on tibia and femur sections: bone volume (BV/TV), thickness of growth plate cartilage (GPC.Th) and thickness of hypertrophic zone (HpZ.Th). Biochemical determinations showed that experimental animals exhibited neutrophilia and a decrease in lymphocytes and monocytes. As levels were below 1 microg/dl in both groups. The femur sections of the experimental group showed (1) a statistically significant increase in total growth cartilage plate thickness (p<0.05) at the expense of the hypertrophic zone (p<0.05); (2) subchondral trabecular bone sealed to the growth plate with a non-significant increase in primary spongiosa bone volume. These results suggest that As alters endochondral ossification.

Ploidy studies of pleomorphic adenomas and minor salivary gland carcinomas of the palate.

Ploidy studies of tumors are a diagnostic and prognostic aid. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the DNA content of palate aggressive pleomorphic adenomas (PA) and adenocarcinomas of the salivary glands. Twelve cases of salivary gland tumors of the palate were selected from the archives of the Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires (1966-2001). Six cases corresponded to aggressive pleomorphic adenomas (PA) and the remaining six to adenocarcinomas (AD). Myxoid and epithelial areas of PA were evaluated. The epithelial areas of the most aggressive cases of PA exhibited a high DNA content. The myxoid areas of same cases of PA had a 2C ploidy level. The difference in ploidy values between the myxoid and epithelial areas of PA would suggest the presence of different cell populations. DNA content and the detection of aneuploidy would be prognostic aids in palate salivary gland carcinomas.

Meta-analysis of the literature on 1946 cases of minor salivary gland tumors of the palate.

Minor salivary gland tumors are relatively rare and exhibit great diversity in terms of histopathology, localization, biological behavior and classification. The studies of significant case series report controversial data, mainly in terms of the proportion of benign versus malignant tumors and the relative frequency of histological types. Palate tumors are the most frequent, with an incidence of over 50%. The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate salivary gland tumors of the palate in terms of the proportion of malignant versus benign tumors, the frequency of the histological types and the data employed for statistical analysis. We analyzed a selection of international publications (1950-1999) of case series of minor salivary gland tumors of the palate, including our own series. The host institutions were classified into 3 categories: A) High Complexity Institutions (HCI), i.e. oncological reference centers and general hospitals that treat cancer patients; B) Medium Complexity Institutions (MCI); C) Low Complexity Institutions (LCI). Based on the main classifications, we joined categories and employed a simplified classification to analyze a total of 1835 cases in the literature and our own series of 111 cases (unpublish data). The results of the meta-analysis of the literature demonstrated that the data employed for statistical analysis depends on the type of host institution. The classification of institutions according to their level of complexity allowed for adequate interpretation of the previously published statistical data. Our interpretation of these studies suggests that the data on the percentage of malignant versus benign tumors and diversity of histological type must be obtained from series of low complexity institutions. LCI data are reliable whereas the HCI data are based on pre-selected cases, rendering the data unreliable.

Influence of diets varying in lipid and protein content on the histopathologic variety of murine salivary gland tumors induced by 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA).

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of diets varying in lipids and proteins on the histopathologic variety of murine salivary tumors induced by DMBA. 117 BALB/c mice were assigned to experiments one (E1: lipids, males) and two (E2: proteins, males and females), E1 comprising Soy oil (SO); Corn oil (CO, control); Fish oil (FO) and Olein (O) groups and E2, soy protein (SP) and casein (C) groups. Tumors were induced by DMBA and the animals were sacrificed at week 13- post-induction. Tumor volume was calculated. Tumor sections were stained with H-E for histopathologic evaluation. No significant association was found between tumor volume and dietary condition (p > 0.05). In E1, FO animals developed mainly carcinomas (C) (58.8%), the sarcomas (S) and carcinosarcomas (CS) being especially of high-grade type (tumors < 600 mm3). In E2, SP animals developed mainly C (55.6%). Although no significantly different (p > 0.05), S and C were more frequent in female and male mice, respectively. In both E1 and E2, the biggest tumors (> 600 mm3) were mainly high-grade S (87.5%-80%). Dietary fat and soy protein appear to influence the tumor histopathology and thus its prognosis.

Influence of diets varying in lipid and protein content on the histopathologic variety of murine salivary gland tumors induced by 9, 10-dimethyl-1, 2-benzanthracene (DMBA) / Influencia de dietas de diferente contenido lipídico y proteico sobre variantes histopatológicas de tumores de glándulas salivares murinos inducidos con 9, 10-dimethyl-1, 2-benzathraceno (DMBA)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of diets varying in lipids and proteins on the histopathologic variety of murine salivary tumors induced by DMBA. 117 BALB/c mice were assigned to experiments one (E1: lipids, males) and two (E2: proteins, males and females), E1 comprising Soy oil (SO); Corn oil (CO, control); Fish oil (FO) and Olein (O) groups and E2, soy protein (SP) and casein (C) groups. Tumors were induced by DMBA and the animals were sacrificed at week 13- post-induction. Tumor volume was calculated. Tumor sections were stained with H-E for histopathologic evaluation. No significant association was found between tumor volume and dietary condition (p > 0.05). In E1, FO animals developed mainly carcinomas (C) (58.8%), the sarcomas (S) and carcinosarcomas (CS) being especially of high-grade type (tumors < 600 mm3). In E2, SP animals developed mainly C (55.6%). Although no significantly different (p > 0.05), S and C were more frequent in female and male mice, respectively. In both E1 and E2, the biggest tumors (> 600 mm3) were mainly high-grade S (87.5%-80%). Dietary fat and soy protein appear to influence the tumor histopathology and thus its prognosis.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia de dietas con diferente contenido de lípidos y proteínas sobre la variedad histopatológica de tumores salivares murinos inducidos por DMBA. Se asignaron 117 ratones BALB/c a los experimentos uno (E1: lípidos, machos) y dos (E2: proteínas, machos y hembras). E1 comprendió a los grupos aceite de soja (AS), aceite de maíz (AM, control), aceite de pescado (AP) y oleína (O), en tanto E2 incluyó a los grupos preteína de soja (PS) y caseína (C). Los tumores fueron inducidos por DMBA y los animales fueron sacrificados a la 13ª semana post-inducción. Se calculó el volumen tumoral. Los cortes de tumor fueron coloreados con Hematoxilina-Eosina para su evaluación histopatológica. No se encontró asociación entre volumen tumoral y condición dietaria (p>0.05). En E1, los animales del grupo AP desarrollaron principales carcinomas (C) (58,8%), en tanto que los sarcomas (S) y carcinosarcomas (CS) fueron de alto grado (tumores<600 mm³). En el E2, los animales del grupo PS desarrollaron principalmente C (55.6%). Aunque la diferencia no fue significativa (p>0.05), S y C fueron más frecuentes en ratones hembras y machos, respectivamente. Tanto el E1 com en E2, los tumores más voluminosos (> 600 mm³) fueron principalmente de alto grado (87.5%-80%) Los lípidos y la proteína de soja de la dieta parecen influenciar la histopatología de los tumores y, en consecuencia, su pronóstico.

Meta-analysis of the literature on 1946 cases of minor salivary gland tumors of the palate

Minor salivary gland tumors are relatively rare and exhibit great diversity in terms of histopathology, localization, biological behavior and classification. The studies of significant case series report controversial data, mainly in terms of the proportion of benign versus malignant tumors and the relative frequency of histological types. Palate tumors are the most frequent, with an incidence of over 50%. The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate salivary gland tumors of the palate in terms of the proportion of malignant versus benign tumors, the frequency of the histological types and the data employed for statistical analysis. We analyzed a selection of international publications (1950-1999) of case series of minor salivary gland tumors of the palate, including our own series. The host institutions were classified into 3 categories: A) High Complexity Institutions (HCI), i.e. oncological reference centers and general hospitals that treat cancer patients; B) Medium Complexity Institutions (MCI); C) Low Complexity Institutions (LCI). Based on the main classifications, we joined categories and employed a simplified classification to analyze a total of 1835 cases in the literature and our own series of 111 cases (unpublish data). The results of the meta-analysis of the literature demonstrated that the data employed for statistical analysis depends on the type of host institution. The classification of institutions according to their level of complexity allowed for adequate interpretation of the previously published statistical data. Our interpretation of these studies suggests that the data on the percentage of malignant versus benign tumors and diversity of histological type must be obtained from series of low complexity institutions. LCI data are reliable whereas the HCI data are based on pre-selected cases, rendering the data unreliable.

Los tumores de glándulas salivales menores son relativamentepoco comunes, tienen una gran diversidad en cuanto a su clasificación,aspecto histopatológico, sitio anatómico delocalización y conducta clínica biológica.Las series de cierta importancia mundial presentan resultadoscontradictorios, principalmente con respecto a la proporciónde tumores benignos vs malignos y en relación a la frecuenciade los tipos histológicos. Siendo la localización palatina, en lamayoría de las series de tumores de glándulas salivales menoresanalizadas, la localización de mayor incidencia superandoen la mayoría el 50% de los casos. El objetivo de nuestro estudiofue analizar mediante un meta-análisis, dos aspectos delos tumores de glándulas salivales menores de paladar, la proporciónde tumores malignos vs tumores benignos, lafrecuencia de los tipos histológicos en esta localización y elorigen de la fuente estadística. Se realizó un meta-análisis dela literatura previamente seleccionada, de 29 series la literaturainternacional de tumores de glándulas salivales menores,publicadas desde 1950 hasta 1999 incluyendo nuestra serie.Las instituciones de donde provienen las series, se clasificaronen A) Instituciones de alta complejidad (I.AC): Centros de referencia de cáncer y hospitales generales con tratamiento oncológico. B)Instituciones de intermedia complejidad (I.CI.); C) Instituciones de Baja Complejidad (IBC) A partir de las principales clasificaciones usadas, se realizó una simplificación y unificación de las clasificaciones que fue aplicada en la sumatoria de 1835 casos de la literatura y nuestra serie de 111 casos. Los resultados del meta-análisis de la literatura, demostraron que los datos estadísticos de las series estudiadas, están en directa relación con el tipo de institución referente. La categorización de las instituciones según su complejidad permitió interpretar los datos estadísticos previamente publicados. Interpretamos que los porcentajes de tumores malignos vs benignos de paladar y la diversidad de tipo histológico debe ser obtenida a partir de series de I.BC, valores estadísticos que deberían tomarse como verdaderos. Los de I.AC tienen casos previamente seleccionados y nos son índices seguros de estas lesiones.

Meta-analysis of the literature on 1946 cases of minor salivary gland tumors of the palate

Minor salivary gland tumors are relatively rare and exhibit great diversity in terms of histopathology, localization, biological behavior and classification. The studies of significant case series report controversial data, mainly in terms of the proportion of benign versus malignant tumors and the relative frequency of histological types. Palate tumors are the most frequent, with an incidence of over 50%. The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate salivary gland tumors of the palate in terms of the proportion of malignant versus benign tumors, the frequency of the histological types and the data employed for statistical analysis. We analyzed a selection of international publications (1950-1999) of case series of minor salivary gland tumors of the palate, including our own series. The host institutions were classified into 3 categories: A) High Complexity Institutions (HCI), i.e. oncological reference centers and general hospitals that treat cancer patients; B) Medium Complexity Institutions (MCI); C) Low Complexity Institutions (LCI). Based on the main classifications, we joined categories and employed a simplified classification to analyze a total of 1835 cases in the literature and our own series of 111 cases (unpublish data). The results of the meta-analysis of the literature demonstrated that the data employed for statistical analysis depends on the type of host institution. The classification of institutions according to their level of complexity allowed for adequate interpretation of the previously published statistical data. Our interpretation of these studies suggests that the data on the percentage of malignant versus benign tumors and diversity of histological type must be obtained from series of low complexity institutions. LCI data are reliable whereas the HCI data are based on pre-selected cases, rendering the data unreliable.(AU)

Los tumores de glándulas salivales menores son relativamentepoco comunes, tienen una gran diversidad en cuanto a su clasificación,aspecto histopatológico, sitio anatómico delocalización y conducta clínica biológica.Las series de cierta importancia mundial presentan resultadoscontradictorios, principalmente con respecto a la proporciónde tumores benignos vs malignos y en relación a la frecuenciade los tipos histológicos. Siendo la localización palatina, en lamayoría de las series de tumores de glándulas salivales menoresanalizadas, la localización de mayor incidencia superandoen la mayoría el 50% de los casos. El objetivo de nuestro estudiofue analizar mediante un meta-análisis, dos aspectos delos tumores de glándulas salivales menores de paladar, la proporciónde tumores malignos vs tumores benignos, lafrecuencia de los tipos histológicos en esta localización y elorigen de la fuente estadística. Se realizó un meta-análisis dela literatura previamente seleccionada, de 29 series la literaturainternacional de tumores de glándulas salivales menores,publicadas desde 1950 hasta 1999 incluyendo nuestra serie.Las instituciones de donde provienen las series, se clasificaronen A) Instituciones de alta complejidad (I.AC): Centros de referencia de cáncer y hospitales generales con tratamiento oncológico. B)Instituciones de intermedia complejidad (I.CI.); C) Instituciones de Baja Complejidad (IBC) A partir de las principales clasificaciones usadas, se realizó una simplificación y unificación de las clasificaciones que fue aplicada en la sumatoria de 1835 casos de la literatura y nuestra serie de 111 casos. Los resultados del meta-análisis de la literatura, demostraron que los datos estadísticos de las series estudiadas, están en directa relación con el tipo de institución referente. La categorización de las instituciones según su complejidad permitió interpretar los datos estadísticos previamente publicados. Interpretamos que los porcentajes de tumores malignos vs benignos de paladar y la diversidad de tipo histológico debe ser obtenida a partir de series de I.BC, valores estadísticos que deberían tomarse como verdaderos. Los de I.AC tienen casos previamente seleccionados y nos son índices seguros de estas lesiones.(AU)