It was not possible to detect BRAF V600E mutation in circulating cell-free DNA from patients with ameloblastoma: A diagnostic accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of plasma-based liquid biopsy for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in circulating cell-free DNA from patients with ameloblastoma. METHODS: This is a prospective diagnostic accuracy study conducted based on the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy recommendations. The index test was the plasma-based liquid biopsy, whereas the reference standard was the conventional tissue biopsy. The target condition was the detection of BRAF V600E mutation. The study population consisted of individuals with ameloblastoma recruited from three tertiary hospitals from Brazil. A negative control group composed of three individuals with confirmed wild-type BRAF lesions were included. The participants underwent plasma circulating cell-free DNA and tumor tissue DNA isolation, and both were submitted to using competitive allele-specific TaqMan™ real-time polymerase chain reaction technology mutation detection assays. Sensitivity and specificity measures and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Twelve patients with conventional ameloblastoma were included. BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 11/12 (91.66%) ameloblastoma tissue samples. However, the mutation was not detected in any of the plasma-based liquid biopsy circulating cell-free DNA samples in both ameloblastomas and negative control group. The sensitivity and specificity of plasma-based liquid biopsy for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in circulating cell-free DNA was 0.0 and 1.0, respectively. The agreement between index test and reference standard results was 26.66%. CONCLUSION: Plasma-based liquid biopsy does not seem to be an accurate method for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in circulating circulating cell-free DNA from patients with ameloblastoma, regardless of tumor size, anatomic location, recurrence status, and other clinicopathological features.

BRAF p.V600E Mutational Status Does Not Correlate with Biological Behavior in Conventional Ameloblastomas: A Disease-Free Survival Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the MAPK pathway appears to exert a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ameloblastomas, since BRAF p.V600E has been reported in over 65% of the tumors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the BRAF p.V600E is related to biological behavior and disease-free survival in patients with conventional ameloblastomas. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study based on the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) recommendations. The study population consisted of individuals treated for conventional ameloblastomas. Clinical, imaging, histomorphological, immunohistochemical (Ki67 and CD138/syndecan-1), and molecular BRAF p.V600E mutation analyses were performed. Bivariate statistical analysis was performed through chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to identify predictors of disease-free survival, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Forty-one individuals were included, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.15:1. BRAF p.V600E mutation was identified in 75.6% of the tumors. No association between the BRAF mutational status and other clinical, imaging, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical variables was observed. Only the initial treatment modality was significantly associated with a better prognosis in univariate (p = 0.008) and multivariate (p = 0.030) analyses, with a hazard ratio of 9.60 (95%IC = 1.24-73.89), favoring radical treatment. CONCLUSION: BRAF p.V600E mutation emerges as a prevalent molecular aberration in ameloblastomas. Nevertheless, it does not seem to significantly affect the tumor proliferative activity, CD138/syndecan-1-mediated cell adhesion, or disease-free survival outcomes.

Impact of low-level laser therapy on the quality of life of patients with xerostomia undergoing head and neck radiotherapy: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To carry out a systematic review to assess whether low-level laser therapy can improve the quality of life of patients with xerostomia undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. METHODS: A systematic search was performed through Embase, Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, nonpeer-reviewed clinicaltrials.gov and LILACS. The strategy included clinical studies were selected that prospectively followed or evaluated the quality of life by directly comparing the use of low-level laser therapy for xerostomia induced by head and neck radiotherapy with alternative therapies without the use of a laser. The risk of bias in the studies was assessed by RoB 2.0 and Robins I. RESULTS: After all application of the predetermined criteria, four studies were included, dated between the years 2014 and 2023. Three studies described as randomized clinical trials were included, one of which was a randomized pilot study and only one was a prospective clinical trial. A total of 126 patients were evaluated, all four studies used the infrared wavelength, with two studies using the combination with the red wavelength. It was observed that low-level laser therapy can change the sensation of dry mouth, improving patients' quality of life. In addition, changes related to increased stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow were also identified. CONCLUSION: The use of low-level laser therapy has promising results on xerostomia, consequently improving the quality of life of patients undergoing radiotherapy in the head and neck region.

Prevalence of BRAF p.V600E and Detection Methods in Benign Mixed and Malignant Odontogenic Tumors: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The BRAF p.V600E genetic variant facilitates the pathogenesis of various tumors by triggering tumor proliferation and progression. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of BRAF p.V600E in benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymal and malignant odontogenic tumors. In addition, we discussed the different detection methods used to assess for aberrant BRAF. METHODS: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in Prospero (CRD42023445689). A comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase electronic databases was performed to answer the question "What is the prevalence of the BRAF p.V600E mutation in benign mixed and malignant odontogenic tumors?" The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the JBI's Critical Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: Initially, 387 records were identified, but only 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 70 patients with benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymal odontogenic tumors and 63 with malignant odontogenic tumors were included in the analysis. We found that the BRAF p.V600E mutation had a prevalence of 31.42% in mixed tumors and 26.98% in malignant odontogenic tumors. Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed high concordance with DNA-based molecular methods. CONCLUSION: In general, the BRAF p.V600E variant exhibited a prominent prevalence in mixed and malignant odontogenic tumors. However, most of the findings are based on small cohorts of patients and further studies with larger cohorts are needed.

Does BRAF V600E mutation affect recurrence rate of ameloblastomas? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to critically evaluate the available data on the association of the BRAF V600E mutation and recurrence rate of ameloblastomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was registered in Prospero (CRD42020183645) and performed based on the PRISMA statement. A comprehensive search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases was performed in order to answer the question "Does BRAF V600E mutation affect recurrence rate of ameloblastomas?" Methodological quality and risk of bias of the selected studies were assessed with JBI Critical Appraise Tool. Meta-analysis of quantitative data was conducted with RevMan 5.3 and Jamovi 2.3. RESULTS: The initial search identified 302 articles, and 21 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 855 subjects with ameloblastoma were included in the analysis. The pooled measures for frequency of BRAF V600E mutation was 65.30% (95% CI: 0.56-0.75; p < .001; I2 = 90.85%; τ = 0.205; p < .001), and the pooled recurrence rate was 25.30% (95% CI: 0.19-0.31; p < .001; I2 = 79.44%; τ = 0.118; p < .001). No differences in recurrence rate were observed between the BRAF V600E and wild type BRAF ameloblastomas, with a pooled Odds Ratio of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.56-1.54; p = .78; I2 = 31%; p = .09). CONCLUSIONS: BRAF V600E mutation is a frequent event in ameloblastomas, but does not increase nor reduce its recurrence rate, and thus have a limited value in predicting its prognosis.

Might Zika virus-associated microcephaly's severity impact deciduous tooth eruption and orofacial structures?

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the impact of the severity of microcephaly caused by the Zika virus (MCZ) on tooth eruption and orofacial structures of children. DESIGN: This case series study developed the research at the Mens Sana Rehabilitation Center, Arcoverde, Brazil. The study included 27 children diagnosed with MCZ. We performed the data collection in June 2018 through a questionnaire answered by the legal guardians, followed by a clinical examination of the children. The data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The final sample was composed of 20 children. Of these, 13 (35.0%) had severe microcephaly, 5 (30.0%) had altered sequence of tooth eruption, 10 (50.0%) had delayed eruption, and the mean number of decayed teeth was 2.3. The most identified orofacial changes were teeth grinding habit (65.0%), difficult chewing (50.0%), and non-nutritive sucking (50.0%). The Mann-Whitney test showed that the severity of microcephaly did not affect tooth eruption (p = 0.581). The Fisher's exact test showed that the severity of microcephaly was not associated with orofacial changes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of MCZ does not seem to influence changes in deciduous tooth eruption and the presence of orofacial anomalies.

Influence of the self-adhering strategy on microhardness, sorption, solubility, color stability, and cytotoxicity compared to bulk-fill and conventional resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze and compare, in vitro, the microhardness, sorption, solubility, color stability, and cytotoxicity of three types of resin composites: self-adhesive (SARC) (Dyad Flow (DF)/Kerr), bulk-fill (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (FBF)/3 M ESPE), and conventional (Filtek Z350XT Flow (Z350)/3 M ESPE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty cylindrical specimens were prepared using a split metal mold (15 mm × 1 mm), divided into 3 groups (n = 10) according to the material used. Vickers hardness (VH) was calculated from three indentations (300gf/15 s) per specimen. The sorption and solubility were measured according to the ISO 4049:2009 specification after storing in distilled water for 7 days. The color of each resin composite was measured using a portable digital spectrophotometer according to the CIELAB system. After a 7-day immersion in coffee, the color variation (∆E) was calculated. Following the ISO 10993:2012, the cytotoxicity in Vero cells was evaluated through the MTT assay. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the studied groups. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the assessments in each studied group. For cytotoxicity analysis, the data were compared by the ANOVA test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: DF showed the lowest VH (28.67), highest sorption (0.543 µg/mm3) and solubility (1.700 µg/mm3), and higher ∆E after 7 days of coffee immersion (p = 0.008). The resin composites studied were considered non-cytotoxic. CONCLUSIONS: The SARC presented inferior mechanical and physical-chemical properties than bulk-fill and conventional resin composites, with comparable cytotoxicity against Vero cells. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The simplification of the clinical protocol of SARC can minimize the number of possible failures during the restorative technique. However, considering their inferior physical and mechanical properties, their coverage with materials of higher mechanical properties and physical-chemical stability should be considered.

Prevalência da queilite actínica em agricultores de uma região do sertão brasileiro / Prevalencia de queilitis actínica en agricultores de una región del interior brasileño / Prevalence of actinic cheilitis in Brazilian semi-arid region farmers

Introdução: A queilite actínica é uma lesão inflamatória com potencial de transformação maligna e desenvolvimento associado à exposição solar excessiva. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de queilite actínica em um grupo de agricultores, bem como a percepção e conhecimento desse grupo sobre a lesão. Métodos: O estudo observacional de levantamento epidemiológico envolveu uma população de agricultores de uma região do sertão brasileiro. A amostra foi obtida por acessibilidade a essa população, e alcançou-se o total de 219 agricultores. Além do exame físico intraoral, utilizou-se um questionário estruturado para coleta dos dados. Resultados: A queilite actínica foi diagnosticada em 30,6 porcento dos agricultores examinados. A lesão foi encontrada com maior frequência no sexo masculino (86,6 porcento), com mais de 60 anos (64,2 porcento) e leucodermas (58,2 porcento). A maioria dos indivíduos com queilite actínica se expunham à radiação solar por mais de 30 anos (65,7 porcento), por mais de 6h por dia (73,1 porcento) e não se protegiam adequadamente (94 porcento). Sexo, idade, escolaridade, hábito de beber e tempo de exposição solar tiveram uma correlação estatisticamente significante com a presença da queilite actínica (p<0,05). Verificou-se que 76,1 porcento dos participantes não notavam sinais e 61,2 porcento não percebiam sintomas da lesão. O conhecimento sobre queilite actínica foi baixo para 97 porcento dos indivíduos com lesão. Conclusões: Os resultados demonstraram alta prevalência de queilite actínica, além de uma baixa percepção e conhecimento sobre esta lesão, o que indica a necessidade de realização de ações de educação em saúde(AU)

Introducción: La queilitis actínica es una lesión inflamatoria con potencial de transformación maligna y desarrollo asociado con la exposición excesiva al sol. Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia de queilitis actínica en un grupo de agricultores brasileños y la percepción y conocimiento que estos tienen sobre la lesión. Métodos: Estudio observacional epidemiológico. Incluyó una población de agricultores de una región rural brasileña. La muestra, constituida por 219 agricultores, se obtuvo por accesibilidad a esta población. Además del examen físico intraoral, se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado para recopilar los datos. Resultados: Se diagnosticó queilitis actínica en el 30,6 por ciento de los agricultores examinados. La lesión se encontró con mayor frecuencia en hombres (86,6 por ciento), mayores de 60 años (64,2 por ciento) y leucodermos (58,2 por ciento). La mayoría de las personas con queilitis actínica estuvieron expuestas a la radiación solar durante más de 30 años (65,7 por ciento), más de seis horas al día (73,1 por ciento) que no se protegieron adecuadamente (94 por ciento). El género, la edad, el nivel de educación, los hábitos de bebida y el tiempo de exposición al sol tuvieron una correlación estadísticamente significativa con la presencia de queilitis actínica (p < 0,05). Se encontró que el 76,1 por ciento de los participantes no notó signos y el 61,2 por ciento no percibió síntomas de la lesión. El conocimiento sobre la queilitis actínica fue bajo para el 97 por ciento de las personas con lesiones. Conclusión: Los resultados mostraron una alta prevalencia de queilitis actínica, además de una baja percepción y conocimiento al respecto de esta lesión, lo que indica la necesidad de acciones de educación para la salud(AU)

Introduction: Actinic cheilitis is an inflammatory, potentially malignant lesion associated with excessive sun exposure. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of actinic cheilitis in a group of farmers, as well as the perception and knowledge of that group about this lesion. Methods: The observational epidemiological study included Brazilian semi-arid region farmers. The sample was obtained for accessibility to this population and a total of 219 farmers was reached. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data in addition to the intraoral physical examination. Results: Actinic cheilitis was diagnosed in 30.6 percent of the examined farmers. The lesion was found more frequently in males (86.6 percent), older than 60 years (64.2 percent), and leukoderma (58.2 percent). Most individuals with actinic cheilitis were exposed to solar radiation for more than 30 years (65.7 percent), for more than 6 hours a day (73.1 percent), and did not adequately protect themselves (94 percent). Sex, age, education level, drinking habits, and time of sun exposure had a statistically significant correlation with the presence of actinic cheilitis (p < 0.05). It was found that 76.1 percent of the participants did not notice signs and 61.2 percent did not perceive symptoms of this injury. Knowledge about actinic cheilitis was low for 97 percent of individuals with the lesion. Conclusions: The results showed a high prevalence of actinic cheilitis, in addition to low perception and knowledge about it, which indicates the need for health education actions(AU)

Burkitt lymphoma of the head and neck: An international collaborative study.

BACKGROUND: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma with three variants (endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated), presenting with specific epidemiological and clinical features. Burkitt lymphoma affects the head and neck region (BLHN) in approximately 10% of cases. The aim of this study was to undertake a comparative analysis of the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) features of BLHN diagnosed in patients from Africa, Guatemala, and Brazil. METHODS: Cases diagnosed as BLHN were collected from the files of six oral pathology laboratory services (Brazil, South Africa, and Guatemala) and one Brazilian pediatric oncology hospital from 1986 to 2020. Clinicopathological and IHC data, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status by in situ hybridization data for each case were reviewed and described. RESULTS: Of the 52 cases, BLHN was predominant in pediatric patients [43 (82.69%)] and males [43 (82.69%)], with a mean age of 11.26 ± 9.68 years (range, 1-39 years). Neck and cervical lymph nodes [14 (26.92%)], and involvement of both maxilla and mandible [8 (15.38%)], were the most common anatomical sites. Clinically, tumor/swelling [40 (31.25%)], cervical lymphadenopathy [14 (10.94%)], pain [12 (9.38%)], and bone destruction [12 (9.38%)] were frequent findings. All cases showed typical morphological characteristics of BL. IHC profiles included positivity for CD20 [52 (100%)], CD10 [38 (79.17%)], Bcl6 [29 (87.88%)], and c-Myc protein [18 (81.82%)]. EBV was positive in 18 cases (62.07%). The Ki-67 index ranged from 90 to 100%. CONCLUSION: The clinicopathological and EBV profile of BLHN in South African, Guatemalan, and Brazilian patients is similar.

The Use of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Endodontic Treatment of a Maxillary Central Incisor With Two Roots: Case Report.

Atypical anatomy in the maxillary incisor is extremely rare, with only a few case reports describing these variations. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an effective way to accurately diagnose anatomical disparities and determine the 3-dimensional location of roots and canals. The aim of this article is to report on the diagnosis and endodontic treatment of a rare case of a double-rooted maxillary central incisor, supported by CBCT scanning as a diagnostic imaging technique. Clinical examination of a 72-year-old patient who was referred for endodontic treatment of tooth No. 9 revealed a coronary fracture and no response to thermal sensitivity tests. Based on the periapical radiographs, the presence of anatomical variations was suspected. This prompted a CBCT scan for the acquisition of a more accurate diagnosis, and two roots were detected. This article details the successful endodontic treatment performed. The results demonstrate that in a case of abnormal anatomy in a maxillary incisor an effective diagnosis along with adequate treatment may allow for a favorable prognosis in the long term.

Effect of Reciprocating and Rotary Systems on Postoperative Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Our study aimed to compare the incidence and intensity of postoperative pain after endodontic instrumentation with reciprocating and rotary systems. Methods and Materials: An electronic literature search was performed with MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2008 to June 2020. Two high-impact endodontic journals were also hand searched. The selection criteria were: 1) Population; patients requiring endodontic treatment (primary or secondary), 2) Intervention and Comparison; endodontic instrumentation with reciprocating versus rotary systems, and 3) Outcome; postoperative pain. We extrapolated all included research data and reported them as dichotomized ordinal variables to evaluate the incidence of pain and continuous variables to assess pain intensity. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated with Inverse Variance method for pain intensity; the incidence of postoperative pain was calculated using relative risk (RR) with the Mantel-Haenszel method. Random-effects model and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for all meta-analyses. The I2 statistic was used to evaluate the statistical heterogeneity among studies (P<0.05). Results: Twenty-one articles were selected and 17 of them were included in the meta-analysis for the evaluation of postoperative pain in the first 24 h. The meta-analysis was performed in two steps: a) all studies were included; b) subsequently studies with preoperative pain were excluded. A significant difference was observed in the intensity of postoperative pain; with rotary system having more favorable in both steps [a) SMD: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.41; P=0.0002; b) SMD: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.58; P=0.0010]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of pain, and the incidence of mild, moderate and severe pain (P>0.05). Conclusion: The meta-analysis results revealed that rotary system were the instrument of choice as they had lower intensity of postoperative pain. Further controlled studies are advocated to provide clarification for intensity/incidence of postoperative pain in endodontic treatment with mechanized instruments.

Evaluation of postoperative sensitivity in restorations with self-adhesive resin: a randomized split-mouth design controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the postoperative sensitivity of restorations with self-adhesive resin composite (SAC) (Vertise Flow (VER)/Kerr) compared with conventional resin composite with self-etching adhesive (Filtek Z250 (Z250)/3M ESPE; Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB)/Kuraray). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, split-mouth, two-arm clinical trial was conducted. Twenty-seven volunteers with third molars indicated for extraction received two deep class I restorations, one with each material. Postoperative sensitivity was measured at 24 h and 15 or 30 days after the restorative procedures using a visual analog scale (VAS). When present, information on the characteristics of the pain was also collected. The data were submitted to the McNemar test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Regardless of the time intervals, the postoperative sensitivity was observed in 52% and 48% of the CSEB and VERT groups, respectively (p = 1.000). When the evaluation periods were analyzed, the 15-day evaluation presented the highest occurrence of pain, but of mild intensity, in both groups. All patients with sensitivity reported that the pain was localized and of short duration. CONCLUSION: Self-adhesive resin composite Vertise Flow and conventional resin composite with a self-etching bonding agent promoted similar response regarding postoperative sensitivity in deep class I cavities. When postoperative sensitivity was present, mild pain was observed, especially after 15 days of the restorative procedure, which decreased over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Postoperative sensitivity to self-adhesive resin composite (SAC) restorations in deep cavities was comparable with that of conventional restorations with a self-etching bonding agent.

Prospective evaluation of quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate, prospectively, the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer. STUDY DESIGN: A quantitative, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted. The survey instrument was the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire. The sample consisted of 47 patients. For data analysis, paired t test, McNemar test, Student t test, and 1-way analysis of variance tests were used. The significance level was 5% (P < .05). RESULTS: Mood (68.89 ± 35.41) and anxiety (70.22 ± 32.99) domains were the most affected at the time of diagnosis. Chewing (71.11 ± 39.15) and speech (76.22 ± 33.72) domains were the most affected in the revaluation of the questionnaire, after 3 months. In the temporal assessment of the domains at diagnosis and after 3 months, it was observed that domains that improved quality of life were pain (P = .013) and mood (P = .039). Swallowing (P = .017), chewing (P = .024), speech (P = .048), and saliva (P = .004) domains produced a worse quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The parameters that influence quality of life differ when the the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire is applied at the time of diagnosis and 3 months after diagnosis.

Epidemiological survey of mucus extravasation phenomenon at an oral pathology referral center during a 43 year period.

INTRODUCTION: Mucoceles are common benign pseudocystic lesions of the oral cavity; their main etiological factors are trauma and ductal obstruction. Two histological patterns are found: mucus retention phenomenon (MRP) and mucus extravasation phenomenon (MEP). Mucus extravasation phenomenon is the more common histological subtype and it mainly affects the lower lip. The knowledge of its main clinical features and management is important to assist health professionals in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relative frequency and distribution of oral mucoceles in an oral pathology reference center. METHODS: Cross-sectional historical study that analyzed all cases pathologically diagnosed as mucus extravasation phenomenon by the department of anatomic pathology of an oral pathology referral center from June of 1970 to May of 2014, considering the clinical characteristics of the lesion and those relating to the patient. SPSS v. 20.0 software for Windows was used for descriptive analysis. RESULTS: During 43 years, 719 cases of mucus extravasation phenomenon (54.7% men and 45.3% women) were registered, with the lower lip as the most commonly affected site (n=484; 67.3%). The average age of patients was 20.8 years (SD±14.4) with a peak occurrence in the second decade of life. Most professionals had oral mucocele/ranula (n=606; 84.3%) as the initial clinical impression. CONCLUSION: Mucus extravasation phenomenon is a lesion that primarily affects young patients, affecting mainly the lower lip, and is commonly found in oral diagnostic services.

CD1a+ and CD83+ Langerhans cells are reduced in lower lip squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant lesion diagnosed in the lip of patients chronically exposed to the sun that may give rise to a fully invasive lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC). It is known that ultraviolet radiation causes dendritic cells (DCs) depletion in the epidermis, but the role of this cellular population in lip cancer progression remains uncertain. Therefore, this study investigated the distribution of DCs in normal, dysplastic and neoplastic tissues of the lower lip. METHODS: Thirteen cases of lower lip mucocele, 42 of ACs and 21 of LLSCC were retrieved and original diagnoses confirmed by two oral pathologists, who further classified ACs as low- and high-risk lesions. Immunoreactions against CD1a and CD83 identified immature and mature DCs, respectively. RESULTS: Immature CD1a+ Langerhans cells (LCs) were significantly decreased in LLSCC when compared to morphologically normal (P < 0.009) and dysplastic epitheliums (P < 0.003), whereas mature CD83+ LCs were significantly decreased in LLSCC when compared to normal epithelium (P = 0.038). There was no significant difference between low- and high-risk ACs regarding CD1a+ and CD83+ LCs (P > 0.05), but ACs demonstrated a lower concentration of CD1a+ LCs than normal epithelium (P < 0.009). There was no significant difference in the distribution of CD1a+ and CD83+ interstitial dendritic cells (IDCs) in the connective tissue among the studied groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that depletion of epithelial LCs, but not IDCs in the connective tissue, would represent an important step for lip cancer development.

Hypohidrotic and hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: a report of two cases.

Ectodermal dysplasias are a large group of syndromes characterized by anomalies in the structures of ectodermal origin. There are 2 major types of this disorder, based on clinical findings: hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. This clinical classification is very important because clinical professionals involved with this disease need first a clear and practical method of diagnosis. The main oral manifestation of ectodermal dysplasia may be expressed as hypodontia. Thus, dental professionals may be the first to diagnose ectodermal dysplasia. The present article reports one case of each of the main types (hypohidrotic and hidrotic) of ectodermal dysplasia and the authors review the literature regarding the pathogenesis, clinical features, and therapeutic management of this condition.

Alterations in the immunoexpression of galectins-1, -3 and -7 between different grades of oral epithelial dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is a potentially malignant lesion characterized by a combination of cytological and architectural anomalies, which are essential for its diagnosis. Galectins are proteins that participate in cell cycle, adhesion and differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses, as well as in cancer development and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of galectins-1, -3, and -7 in the OED (21 low risk and 29 high risk) and normal oral mucosa (NOM). The binary grading system was used. RESULTS: Galectin-1 was expressed in the middle/lower third in most OED cases. Nuclear/cytoplasmic staining was observed in most low-risk and high-risk OEDs. All cases of NOM were negative for galectin-1. Galectin-3 was expressed in the middle/lower third in most low-risk cases. Nuclear/cytoplasmic staining was noted in most low-risk and high-risk OEDs. Middle/lower third and in membrane staining was detected in four cases of NOM for galectin-3. Galectin-7 was expressed in the upper/middle third in most of OED cases. Nuclear/cytoplasmic staining predominated in low-risk and high-risk OEDs. Galectin-7 was detected in four cases of NOM, all of them presenting staining in the upper/middle third and in the membrane. CONCLUSION: The differences in the immunoexpression of galactin-1, -3, and -7 between different grades of OEDs suggest the involvement of this protein in the progression of dysplasias.

Oral pyogenic granuloma: a retrospective analysis of 293 cases in a Brazilian population.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical, demographic, and pathologic properties of oral pyogenic granuloma occurring in a Brazilian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrieved an archival number of 293 cases that were diagnosed as having oral pyogenic granuloma at the Service of Pathological Anatomy, Discipline of Oral Pathology, Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil, during a 38-year period, from 1970 to 2008. The records were reviewed, and information on gender, age, race, lesion site, predisposing factors, clinical features, and clinical diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence was collected. RESULTS: There was a female predilection, and the female-to-male ratio was 2.38:1. The mean age of the patients was 27 years. A high degree of occurrence was observed in the second decade of life. White patients were most commonly affected (44.7%). The most frequently involved site was the gingiva (83%), with a higher prevalence in the maxilla. The majority of cases were symptomatic and showed bleeding; the lesions were described as nodules (71.9%) with a soft consistency (62.3%) and a red surface (73.2%). The base was pedunculated in 61.1% of cases, and the mean size was 1.3 cm. The recurrence rate was 8.2% of cases. CONCLUSION: The clinical, demographic, and pathologic features of oral pyogenic granuloma in the Brazilian population in this study were similar to those in studies of populations from other countries.

Association of aesthetic and orthodontic treatment in Parry-Romberg syndrome.

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is an uncommon degenerative condition characterized by a slow, progressive, and, generally, unilateral atrophy of facial tissues, including muscles, bones and skin. Ophthalmological and neurological manifestations have frequently been observed and few oral changes have been reported. This article reports a case of PRS in a 22-year-old woman, exhibiting facial asymmetry, hypoplasia of the right side of the face, areas of skin hyperpigmentation, and oral alterations, involving the mandible and teeth. These clinical and radiological findings led to the diagnosis of PRS. In an attempt to improve the patient's facial aesthetic and the dental functions, oral pentoxifylline, orthodontic rehabilitation, and subcutaneous injections of polymethylmethacrylate microspheres were used as part of the treatment for the facial atrophy. Together, these approaches accounted for a minimal invasive treatment with long term satisfactory results.

Pigmented oral squamous cell carcinoma: a case report and brief review of the literature.

Melanin impregnation in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommon histological finding. Rare nonmelanocytic entities were previously described as having melanocyte colonization. A 57-year-old Brazilian woman was referred with a pigmented lesion in the lower lip and alveolar ridge with a prior clinical diagnosis of melanoma. The incisional biopsy of the tumor revealed an SCC with strong colonization of melanocytes in the stroma. The authors report a case of an unusual SCC variant and a brief review of the literature.