The effects of the cognitive bias of unrealistic optimism in the adoption of preventive measures against COVID-19 in dentistry.

Introduction: The bias of unrealistic optimism is people's tendency to believe that they are less likely to experience negative events than others. Dental professionals are part of a high-risk group for COVID-19. Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate whether unrealistic optimism bias, concern, and regret can affect the adoption of preventive measures by these professionals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of dentists recruited remotely by using an electronic form sent by email and social media. A five-point scale was used to identify whether unrealistic optimism, concern, and regret affected the adoption of preventive measures. The study included a total of 339 dentists. The group considered to be unrealistically optimistic accounted for 24.8% of the sample. Results: Unrealistic optimism negatively affected the use of protective equipment by dental professionals. Conversely, concern positively affected preventive measures. Conclusions: Although most dentists are realistic about the risk of infection compared with their peers, those with optimistic bias might be more susceptible to the disease, as they tend not to adopt recommended protective measures in the workplace. Future studies should also investigate ways of debiasing.

Innovative reflection on oral cancer research priorities: the contribution of social network analysis.

The objective of this study is to present a tool to help understand how variables associated with oral cancer prevention relate to each other in a social network. A search of the Scopus database was performed using terms related to oral cancer and prevention from 2000 to 2020. The keywords were used as nodes and were analyzed using NodeXL, which produced the network graphic analysis. From the 1004 publications available, 4038 different keywords were obtained and then grouped into 75 constructs based on conceptual similarity. The most influential nodes were risk factors, comorbidities, epidemiology, and treatment. However, topics such as technology, telemedicine, self-examination, and diagnostic delay remain far removed from central relations. Network analysis enabled us to observe the bias of biological and basic science in the field and identify a need for studies concerning primary prevention, behavioral interventions, and inequalities in oral cancer.

Innovative reflection on oral cancer research priorities: the contribution of social network analysis

Abstract: The objective of this study is to present a tool to help understand how variables associated with oral cancer prevention relate to each other in a social network. A search of the Scopus database was performed using terms related to oral cancer and prevention from 2000 to 2020. The keywords were used as nodes and were analyzed using NodeXL, which produced the network graphic analysis. From the 1004 publications available, 4038 different keywords were obtained and then grouped into 75 constructs based on conceptual similarity. The most influential nodes were risk factors, comorbidities, epidemiology, and treatment. However, topics such as technology, telemedicine, self-examination, and diagnostic delay remain far removed from central relations. Network analysis enabled us to observe the bias of biological and basic science in the field and identify a need for studies concerning primary prevention, behavioral interventions, and inequalities in oral cancer.

Formación del pensamiento científico en alumnos de primer año de Odontología en dos universidades latino-americanas / Development of scientific thinking in first-year Dentistry students at two Latin-American universities / Desenvolvimento do pensamento científico em estudantes de Odontologia do primeiro ano de duas universidades latinoamericanas

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el desarrollo del pensamiento científico, en alumnos de grado del primer año, a partir de la inclusión de la asignatura metodología científica en el inicio de la carrera de Odontología en dos universidades latinoamericanas (Brasil y Argentina). La muestra estuvo constituida por 144 estudiantes. Si bien se ha detectado el inicio de la formación del pensamiento científico en los alumnos que integraron la muestra, se requiere un desarrollo más completo, gradual y complejo de esta competencia para el logro de las líneas directrices establecidas por las dos universidades para un profesional odontólogo (AU).

The aim of this study was to analyze the development of scientific thought in undergraduate first year students, who participated of a scientific methodology classroom at the beginning of the dental career in two Latin American universities (Brazil y Argentina). The sample consisted of 144 students. Although the inclusion of the training process for scientific thought in first year students of the dental careers of the two universities analyzed was detected, a more complete, gradual and complex competence development is required for the achievement of established guidelines by the two universities for a professional dentist (AU).

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o desenvolvimento do pensamento científico em estudantes do primeiro ano da graduação em Odontologia em duas universidades latinoamericanas (Brasil e Argentina), a partir da inclusão da disciplina de metodologia científica no currículo. A amostra foi composta por 144 estudantes. Embora o início da formação do pensamento científico tenha sido identificado nos alunos que compuseram a amostra, é necessário um desenvolvimento mais completo, gradual e complexo dessa competência para o alcance das diretrizes estabelecidas pelas duas universidades para um profissional cirurgião dentista (AU).

Oral cancer in Fanconi anemia: Review of 121 cases.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by aplastic anemia, progressive pancytopenia, congenital anomalies, and increased risk of cancer development. After hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), patients have an estimated 500-fold increase in the risk of developing head and neck cancer compared to a non-affected, and the oral cavity is affected in one-third of cases. Thus, this study aimed to better understand the natural history of oral cavity cancer in patients affected by FA. After conducting a keyword search on MEDLINE, we found 121 cases of oral cavity cancer in patients who had been affected by FA. In conclusion, HSCT may increase the risks of oral cancer development, especially after 5 years after the transplant. In the normal population, the tongue is the most affected area. FA patients should be informed of the risks of oral malignant transformation and encouraged to be undergo medical surveillance.

Mouth examination performance by children's parents and by adolescents in Fanconi anemia.

BACKGROUND: Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by increased risk of developing malignant neoplasms, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma. This study aims to ascertain the extent to which adolescents and guardians/parents of children with FA are aware of their oral cancer risks and assess their ability to perform mouth examination (ME). PROCEDURE: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with FA (between 6 and 16 years) and their parents. A total of 45 patients, 19 children and 26 adolescents, participated in the study. Among children less than 12 years of age, caregivers performed ME and adolescents between 12 and 16 years of age performed mouth self-examination (MSE). All parents were given a self-reporting questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data, information about health-related behaviors, and oral cancer awareness. Performance was evaluated using criteria for mucosal visualization and retracting ability. Subsequently, a dentist clinically examined all patient participants. RESULTS: Performance evaluation indicated that the examination quality was unsatisfactory in both groups. Statistical significance was found between ability to perform ME by marital status (P < 0.036), where divorced parents had more difficulty performing ME than nondivorced parents. CONCLUSION: Oral mucosa surveillance performed by parents and adolescents seems to be inaccurate. However, as an oral examination is a relatively inexpensive form of secondary prevention, it merits attention to teaching the technique to patients with FA and their caregivers.

Oral cancer screening for high-risk individuals in the primary healthcare setting using an active approach.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered a major public health problem. The diagnosis often occurs in advanced stages, causing high morbidity and mortality, and therefore, prevention strategies should be advocated. This study aimed to investigate a model of OSCC screening for high-risk individuals in the Family Health Strategy's (FHS) scenario. METHODS: Participants were men between 50 and 65 years of age registered in a primary healthcare electronic database and resident in an area with low socioeconomic status in the city of Curitiba (Paraná/Brazil). With the support of an electronic map application, dentistry students visited subjects at their homes. RESULTS: From the 16 391 registered subjects, 981 were men aged between 50 and 65. From 608 available subjects, 233 (38.3%) were identified as smokers and former smokers and 202 (86.6%) were examined. There was a prevalence of 57 (28.2%) potentially malignant lesions and one confirmed case of squamous cell carcinoma. Actual smoking habits, low-income wage, and absence from clinical appointments were the key predictors of leukoplakia in this study sample. CONCLUSION: This study offers evidence of the possibility of applying a high-risk-oriented approach as a secondary prevention measure in the FHS in Brazil or other developing countries.

Mouth self-examination as a screening tool for oral cancer in a high-risk group of patients with Fanconi anemia.

OBJECTIVE: Oral cancer usually occurs at accessible sites, enabling early detection by visual inspection. Fanconi anemia (FA) is a recessive disorder associated with a high risk of developing head and neck solid tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the ability to perform mouth self-examination (MSE) in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 44 patients with FA, aged ≥ 18 years, were given a self-reported questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data and information about health-related behaviors and oral cancer awareness. They were asked to perform MSE, which was evaluated using criteria for mucosal visualization and retracting ability. Subsequently, an oral medicine specialist clinically examined all participants, and these findings were considered to be the gold standard. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity values of MSE were 43% and 44%, respectively. The MSE accuracy was 43%. Most patients (73%) reported that MSE was easy or very easy, although 75% showed insufficient performance. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of MSE alone is not sufficient to indicate whether MSE should be recommended as a strategy to prevent oral cancer in patients with FA. Nevertheless, the present results indicate that this inexpensive technique could be used as a tool for early detection of cancer in these patients.

Oral Kaposi's sarcoma in immunosuppressed patients: report of cases

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular neoplasm composed of endothelium-lined vascular spaces and spindle-shaped cells. It often manifests with multiple vascular nodules on the skin and other organs. Kaposi sarcoma is rare in HIV negative patients and it is associated with HHV-8 infection. There are four types: classic, endemic, iatrogenic and HIV-associated. Patients with HIV/AIDS are also at increased risk of developing Kaposi sarcoma. Objective: The aim of this article is to present two cases of Kaposi sarcoma in the hard palate of HIV/AIDS male patients. Case report and conclusion: Kaposi sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any AIDS patient who presents with bluish, smooth, firm, nonpulsatile macule or nodule in the region of the hard palate. Development of Kaposi sarcoma in the oral cavity also has prognostic implications for untreated HIV patients, who are found to have higher death rates than patients affected only by cutaneous disease.