Protective effects of Ruscus extract in combination with ascorbic acid and hesperidine methylchalcone on increased leukocyte-endothelial interaction and macromolecular permeability induced by ischemia reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Despite the well-recognized effectiveness of Ruscus aculetus extract combined or not with ascorbic acid (AA) and hesperidine methyl chalcone (HMC) on ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury protection, little is known about the contribution of each constituent for this effect. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of AA and HMC combined or not with Ruscus extract on increased macromolecular permeability and leukocyte-endothelium interaction induced by I/R injury. METHODS: Hamsters were treated daily during two weeks with filtered water (placebo), AA (33, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day) and HMC (50, 150 and 450 mg/kg/day) combined or not with Ruscus extract (50, 150 and 450 mg/kg/day). On the day of experiment, the cheek pouch microcirculation underwent 30 min of ischemia, and the number of rolling and adherent leukocytes and leaky sites were evaluated before ischemia and during 45 min of reperfusion. RESULTS: Ruscus extract combined with AA and HMC (Ruscus extract mixture) significantly prevented post-ischemic increase in leukocyte rolling and adhesion and macromolecular permeability compared to placebo and these effects were more prominent than AA and HMC alone on leukocyte adhesion and macromolecular leakage. CONCLUSION: Ruscus extract mixture were more effective than its isolated constituents in protect the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation against I/R injury.

Enhancement in the Therapeutic Efficacy of In Vivo BNCT Mediated by GB-10 with Electroporation in a Model of Oral Cancer.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) combines preferential tumor uptake of 10B compounds and neutron irradiation. Electroporation induces an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane. We previously demonstrated the optimization of boron biodistribution and microdistribution employing electroporation (EP) and decahydrodecaborate (GB-10) as the boron carrier in a hamster cheek pouch oral cancer model. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if EP could improve tumor control without enhancing the radiotoxicity of BNCT in vivo mediated by GB-10 with EP 10 min after GB-10 administration. Following cancerization, tumor-bearing hamster cheek pouches were treated with GB-10/BNCT or GB-10/BNCT + EP. Irradiations were carried out at the RA-3 Reactor. The tumor response and degree of mucositis in precancerous tissue surrounding tumors were evaluated for one month post-BNCT. The overall tumor response (partial remission (PR) + complete remission (CR)) increased significantly for protocol GB-10/BNCT + EP (92%) vs. GB-10/BNCT (48%). A statistically significant increase in the CR was observed for protocol GB-10/BNCT + EP (46%) vs. GB-10/BNCT (6%). For both protocols, the radiotoxicity (mucositis) was reversible and slight/moderate. Based on these results, we concluded that electroporation improved the therapeutic efficacy of GB-10/BNCT in vivo in the hamster cheek pouch oral cancer model without increasing the radiotoxicity.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) Mediated by Maleimide-Functionalized Closo-Dodecaborate Albumin Conjugates (MID:BSA) for Oral Cancer: Biodistribution Studies and In Vivo BNCT in the Hamster Cheek Pouch Oral Cancer Model.

BACKGROUND: BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) is a tumor-selective particle radiotherapy that combines preferential boron accumulation in tumors and neutron irradiation. Although p-boronophenylalanine (BPA) has been clinically used, new boron compounds are needed for the advancement of BNCT. Based on previous studies in colon tumor-bearing mice, in this study, we evaluated MID:BSA (maleimide-functionalized closo-dodecaborate conjugated to bovine serum albumin) biodistribution and MID:BSA/BNCT therapeutic effect on tumors and associated radiotoxicity in the hamster cheek pouch oral cancer model. METHODS: Biodistribution studies were performed at 30 mg B/kg and 15 mg B/kg (12 h and 19 h post-administration). MID:BSA/BNCT (15 mg B/kg, 19 h) was performed at three different absorbed doses to precancerous tissue. RESULTS: MID:BSA 30 mg B/kg protocol induced high BSA toxicity. MID:BSA 15 mg B/kg injected at a slow rate was well-tolerated and reached therapeutically useful boron concentration values in the tumor and tumor/normal tissue ratios. The 19 h protocol exhibited significantly lower boron concentration values in blood. MID:BSA/BNCT exhibited a significant tumor response vs. the control group with no significant radiotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: MID:BSA/BNCT would be therapeutically useful to treat oral cancer. BSA toxicity is a consideration when injecting a compound conjugated to BSA and depends on the animal model studied.

Relaciones anatómicas del cuerpo adiposo de la mejilla asociadas a complicaciones de bichectomía: a propósito de un caso / Anatomical relationships of the adipose buccal fat pad associated with bichectomy complications: about a case

RESUMEN: El presente estudio busca entregar conocimientos y aspectos importantes de las estructuras anatómicas asociadas al cuerpo adiposo de la mejilla (CAM), a consecuencia del reporte de un caso de complicación posterior a una bichectomía. Conocer los elementos anatómicos y sus relaciones con el CAM es de vital importancia, ya que en la actualidad son muchos los cursos y pasadas que se realizan para odontólogos generales y especialistas para el retiro del CAM, esto producto de la creciente demanda estética de las personas por presentar un perfil más fino y estilizado. El caso presentado corresponde a una mujer que consultó al servicio de urgencia por aumento de volumen facial posterior a la extracción del CAM, el cual se diagnosticó como sialocele, consecutivo a daño del conduc- to parotídeo. Al revisar la literatura y observar en nuestros preparados anatómicos se aprecia la cercanía de elementos de importancia, como son el conducto parotídeo, los ramos cigomático y bucal del nervio facial, vasos faciales como la arteria facial, vena facial y arteria transversa facial, es por esto que es necesario conocer en detalle la zona a intervenir y considerar las posibles variaciones anatómicas de estos elementos, para así evitar dañarlos durante el procedimiento, tomando una actitud preventiva. Apuntado entonces al objetivo de este estudio, fue lograr entregar información anatómica precisa y concisa de los elementos de importancia próximos o inmersos en el CAM, para prevenir la iatrogenia de estos.

SUMMARY: The present study seeks to provide knowledge and important aspects of the anatomical structures associated with the buccal fat pad (BFP), as consequence of the report of a case of complication after bichectomy. Knowing the anatomical elements and their relationships with BFP is of vital importance, because nowadays there are too many BFP removal courses and internships, for general dentists and specialists, due to the increasing aesthetic demands of individuals seeking a finer and more stylized profile. The case presented is a female patient who consults the emergency department for an increase in facial volume after BFP extraction, which was diagnosed as sialocele, following damage to the parotid duct. When reviewing the literature and observing our anatomical preparations, the proximity of important elements is appreciated, such as the parotid duct, the zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve, facial vessels such as the facial artery, facial vein and facial transverse artery. It is essential to know in detail the area in order to intervene and consider the possible anatomical variations of these elements to avoid injury during the procedure. The aimed objective of this study, is to provide accurate and concise anatomical information of important elements near or immersed in BFP, to prevent iatrogenesis.

Effects of Ruscus extract on muscarinic receptors: Is there a role for endothelium derived relaxing factors on macromolecular permeability protection and microvascular diameter changes?

BACKGROUND: Protective effects of Ruscus extract on macromolecular permeability depend on its capacity to stimulate muscarinic receptors on endothelial cells and induce the release of endothelium derived relaxing factors (EDRFs). OBJECTIVE: To investigate if these effects depend only on activation of muscarinic receptors or if EDRFs release are also necessary. We have also investigated the participation of Ruscus extract on muscarinic-induced release of EDRFs on microvascular diameters. METHODS: Hamsters were treated daily during two weeks with Ruscus extract (50, 150 and 450 mg/kg/day) and then macromolecular permeability induced by histamine and arteriolar and venular diameters after cyclooxygenase (COX) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors: indomethacin and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine (LNA), respectively applied topically at 10-8M, 10-6M and 10-4M were observed on the cheek pouch preparation. RESULTS: Ruscus extract decreased macromolecular permeability in a dose-dependent fashion and did not affect microvascular diameters. NOS and COX inhibitors enhanced its effect on microvascular permeability. NOS inhibition reduced arteriolar diameter and COX blocking decreased arteriolar and venular diameters at the lowest dose and increased them at higher doses of Ruscus extract. CONCLUSION: The protective effect of Ruscus extract on macromolecular permeability seems to be mediated only via muscarinic receptors. Muscarinic activation attenuated vasoconstrictive tone through cyclooxygenase-independent endothelium derived relaxing factors.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Cheek. Case Report with Review / Adenoma Pleomórfico de Mejilla. Reporte de Caso con Revisión

ABSTRACT: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA), also called benign mixed tumor, is the most common tumor of the salivary glands. About 70 % of these tumors occur in the parotid gland and an uncommon site are the minor salivary glands. The most common sites of PA of the minor salivary glands are the palate followed by lips and cheek. Other rare reported sites include the fauces, floor of the mouth, tongue, tonsil, pharynx, retromolar area and nasal cavity. Here we report a case of pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary glands of the cheek in a 22-year-old male. The mass was removed by wide local excision with adequate margins, and the patient was followed for 1-year post operatively with no recurrence.

RESUMEN: El adenoma pleomórfico (AP), conocido también como tumor mixto benigno, es el tumor más común de las glándulas salivales. Alrededor del 70 % de estos tumores ocurren en la glándula parótida y con menor frecuencia en las otras glándulas salivales. Los lugares más comunes de AP en las glándulas salivales son el paladar, seguido de labios y mejillas. Otros sitios poco frecuentes reportados, incluyen las fauces, el piso de la boca, la lengua, las tonsilas palatinas, la faringe, el área retromolar y la cavidad nasal. En este estudio se presenta un caso de adenoma pleomórfico de las glándulas salivales menores de la mejilla en un hombre de 22 años. Se extirpó la masa mediante escisión local amplia con márgenes adecuados, con un seguimiento del paciente durante un año después de la operación sin recurrencia.

Uso da ultrassonografia para planejamento cirúrgico de bichectomia: descrição de duas técnicas cirúrgicas / The use of ultrasound for surgical planning of bichectomy: description of two surgical techniques

Introdução: A bichectomia é um procedimento cirúrgico que remove parte do corpo adiposo bucal não apenas para fins estéticos, mas também funcionais, limitando o trauma recorrente na região jugal. A correta indicação cirúrgica e o auxílio de exames de imagem são essenciais para o planejamento cirúrgico e seleção da técnica a ser utilizada, minimizando as taxas de complicações e alcançando resultados seguros e satisfatórios. Objetivo: Relatar dois casos clínicos em que a bichectomia foi realizada, enfatizando a importância da ultrassonografia pré-operatória na determinação do volume do corpo adiposo bucal e abordando duas técnicas cirúrgicas. Relato de casos clínicos: Duas pacientes do sexo feminino (18 e 32 anos), normosistêmicas, relataram queixas de insatisfação estética com o contorno arredondado da face, além de trauma constante na mucosa jugal. Ao exame clínico, as pacientes apresentavam mucosa jugal de volume aumentado e traumatizado. A bichectomia foi realizada pelo acesso de Matarasso e pelo fundo de sulco. Conclusão: a ultrassonografia mostrou-se eficiente no planejamento cirúrgico da bichectomia, favorecendo a retirada do corpo adiposo da bochecha de forma previsível, rápida e segura. As duas técnicas cirúrgicas foram eficazes para remoção do corpo adiposo bucal(AU)

Introduction: Bichectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of the buccal fat pad not only for esthetic but also functional purposes, limiting recurrent trauma in the jugal region. The correct surgical indication and the aid of imaging examinations are essential for the surgical planning and selection of the technique to be used, minimizing complication rates and achieving safe and satisfactory results. Objective: To report two clinical cases in which bichectomy was performed, emphasizing the importance of preoperative ultrasonography in determining the volume of the buccal fat pad. Report of clinical cases: Two female patients (18 and 32 years), normosistemic, reported complaints of aesthetic dissatisfaction with the rounded contour of the face, in addition to a constant complaint of trauma to the jugal mucosa. At the clinical examination, the patients presented jugal mucosa of increased and traumatized volume. A bichectomy was performed by Matarasso access and by the furrow fund. Conclusion: ultrasonography proved to be efficient in assisting the surgical planning of bichectomy, favoring the removal of the buccal fat pad in a predictable, fast and safe way. The two surgical techniques were effective for removal of the buccal fat pad(AU)

Tumor glómico en mucosa bucal: reporte de caso / Tumor in oral mucosa: case report

El tumor glómico es una neoplasia vascular originada de las células del músculo liso del componente neuromioarterial, responsable del control del flujo sanguíneo microvascular. Representa el 1,6% de todos los tumores de tejidos blandos, localizándose principalmente en la zona subungüeal y clínicamente muy doloroso. Su diagnóstico puede ser tardío debido a su pequeño tamaño, manifestaciones clínicas inespecíficas y localizaciones anatómicas inusuales. El tratamiento principalmente es quirúrgico, el cual es curativo, permitiendo además la confirmación histopatológica. Se presenta el reporte de caso de una paciente de 13 años de edad con un tumor glómico de localización inusual en mucosa bucal.

The glomus tumor is a vascular neoplasm originating from smooth muscle cells of neuromyoarterial component, responsible for the control of microvascular blood flow. It represents 1.6% of all soft tissue tumors, being located mainly in the subungual area and clinically very painful. Diagnosis may be delayed because of their small size, nonspecific clinical manifestations and unusual anatomical locations. Treatment is primarily surgical, which is healing, also allowing the histopathologic confirmation. The case report of a 13-year-old patient with an unusual-located glomus tumor in the oral mucosa is presented.

Optimization of the classical oral cancerization protocol in hamster to study oral cancer therapy.

OBJECTIVE(S): The hamster carcinogenesis model recapitulates oral oncogenesis. Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) cancerization induces early severe mucositis, affecting animal's welfare and causing tissue loss and pouch shortening. "Short" pouches cannot be everted for local irradiation for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Our aim was to optimize the DMBA classical cancerization protocol to avoid severe mucositis, without affecting tumor development. We evaluated BNCT in animals cancerized with this novel protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied: Classical cancerization protocol (24 applications) and Classical with two interruptions (completed at the end of the cancerization protocol). BNCT mediated by boronophenylalanine (BPA) was performed in both groups. RESULTS: The twice-interrupted group exhibited a significantly lower percentage of animals with severe mucositis versus the non-interrupted group (17% versus 71%) and a significantly higher incidence of long pouches (100% versus 53%). Tumor development and the histologic characteristics of tumor and precancerous tissue were not affected by the interruptions. For both groups, overall tumor response was more than 80%, with a similar incidence of BNCT-induced severe mucositis. CONCLUSION(S): The twice-interrupted protocol reduced severe mucositis during cancerization without affecting tumor development. This favored the animal's welfare and reduced the number of animals to be cancerized for our studies, without affecting BNCT response.

Versatilidad del colgajo frontal en la reconstrucción facial / Versatility of the Frontal Flap for Facial Reconstruction

RESUMEN Introducción: La cara es la región anatómica clave de la expresión y de la comunicación entre los seres humanos, por lo que conservar la integridad y armonía de todos los elementos que la componen es de vital importancia. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del colgajo frontal para la reconstrucción de defectos faciales en pacientes intervenidos por lesiones oncológicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo de corte longitudinal. El universo estuvo conformado por los pacientes con lesiones oncológicas que tenían criterio de reconstrucción, en la consulta de tumores periféricos del Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología. La muestra fueron 106 pacientes, que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: El rango etario contó entre 50 a 69 años, para un 48,1 por ciento, el tipo histológico fue el carcinoma basocelular. El colgajo nasogeniano fue el proceder complementario más utilizado, las complicaciones no fueron significativas, lo que favoreció el buen estado de satisfacción como resultado final en el 74 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: Se demostró la versatilidad del colgajo frontal al cubrir totalmente todos los defectos de las diferentes zonas faciales afectadas por el tumor. Con excelentes resultados estéticos. Se mejora el impacto psicológico al no dejar grandes defectos(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The face is an anatomical region of key importance to human expression and communication. Therefore, preserving the integrity and harmony of all its elements is of vital importance. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of the frontal flap for the reconstruction of facial defects in patients operated on for oncological lesions. Methods: A descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study was carried out. The population was made up of patients with oncological lesions and eligible for reconstruction. They belonged to the peripheral tumor consultation of the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology. The sample was made op of 106 patients, who met the inclusion criteria. Results: The age range was 50-69 years, accounting for 48.1 percent. The histological type was basal cell carcinoma. The nasogenian flap was the most widely used complementary procedure. The complications were not significant, which favored the good state of satisfaction with the outcome in 74 percent of the cases. Conclusions: The versatility of the frontal flap was demonstrated, as long as it completely covers all the defects on the different facial areas affected by the tumor. Excellent aesthetic outcomes were obtained. The psychological impact is improved, since large defects are not remaining(AU)

A bichectomia na harmonização e função orofacial / The bichectomy in harmonization and orofacial function

A Cirurgia Plástica e a Odontologia constituem áreas intimamente envolvidas com a face, por ser esta "o cartão de visitas" do ser humano. O apelo estético está relacionado com a mídia, e também com a aceitação física e emocional. Uma estética harmoniosa representa um aumento da autoestima e uma demonstração de sucesso socioeconômico. A multidisciplinaridade tem ganho espaço nas ciências da saúde por representar uma associação de conceitos e técnicas entre diversos profissionais altamente especializados para a máxima performance dos resultados, trazendo realização e conforto para o paciente. Assim, a bichectomia é um procedimento contemporâneo que visa uma ressecção parcial do corpo adiposo da bochecha, com o intuito estético e funcional. Estético porque proporciona uma face mais harmônica; e funcional porque visa a correção de incômodos traumáticos promovidos por uma interferência na mastigação. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi ilustrar clínicos e pesquisadores sobre o procedimento cirúrgico (bichectomia) calcado em bases científicas evidenciáveis e em conhecimentos ético-legais.

Plastic surgery and Dentistry are areas closely involved with the face, as this is the "visiting card" of the human being. The aesthetic appeal is related to the media, but also to physical and emotional acceptance. A harmonious aesthetic represents a better self-esteem and a demonstration of socio-economic success. Multidisciplinarity has gained space in health sciences because it represents an association of concepts and techniques among several highly specialized professionals for maximum results performance, bringing achievement and comfort to the patient. Thus, bichectomy is a contemporary procedure that aims at a partial resection of the cheek adipose body for aesthetic and functional purposes. Aesthetic because it provides a more harmonious face; and functional because it aims to correct traumatic discomfort caused by interference with chewing. The aim of this systematic review was to illustrate clinicians and researchers about the surgical procedure (bichectomy) based on evidenced scientific and ethical-legal knowledge.

Different oral cancer scenarios to personalize targeted therapy: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy translational studies.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a targeted therapy, which consists of preferential accumulation of boron carriers in tumor followed by neutron irradiation. Each oral cancer patient has different risks of developing one or more carcinomas and/or oral mucositis induced after treatment. Our group proposed the hamster oral cancer model to study the efficacy of BNCT and associated mucositis. Translational studies are essential to the advancement of novel boron delivery agents and targeted strategies. Herein, we review our work in the hamster model in which we studied BNCT induced mucositis using three different cancerization protocols, mimicking three different clinical scenarios. The BNCT-induced mucositis increases with the aggressiveness of the carcinogenesis protocol employed, suggesting that the study of different oral cancer patient scenarios would help to develop personalized therapies.

Electroporation optimizes the uptake of boron-10 by tumor for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) mediated by GB-10: a boron biodistribution study in the hamster cheek pouch oral cancer model.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a promising cancer binary therapy modality that utilizes the nuclear capture reaction of thermal neutrons by boron-10 resulting in a localized release of high- and low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is based on electroporation (EP) that induces opening of pores in cell membranes, allowing the entry of compounds. Because EP is applied locally to a tumor, the compound is incorporated preferentially by tumor cells. Based on the knowledge that the therapeutic success of BNCT depends centrally on the boron content in tumor and normal tissues and that EP has proven to be an excellent facilitator of tumor biodistribution of an anti-tumor agent, the aim of this study was to evaluate if EP can optimize the delivery of boronated compounds. We performed biodistribution studies and qualitative microdistribution analyses of boron employing the boron compound sodium decahydrodecaborate (GB-10) + EP in the hamster cheek pouch oral cancer model. Syrian hamsters with chemically induced exophytic squamous cell carcinomas were used. A typical EP treatment was applied to each tumor, varying the moment of application with respect to the administration of GB-10 (early or late). The results of this study showed a significant increase in the absolute and relative tumor boron concentration and optimization of the qualitative microdistribution of boron by the use of early EP + GB-10 versus GB-10 without EP. This strategy could be a tool to improve the therapeutic efficacy of BNCT/GB-10 in vivo.

Bichectomia, a simple and fast surgery: case report / Bichectomia, uma cirurgia simples e rápida: relato de caso

Bichectomy is an intra oral surgical procedure, which is the excision of Bichat's fat pad, in order to make the patient's face thinner and bring to him/her greater harmony in the facial contour. The surgery is simple, fast, has a low rate of postoperative complications and can be performed by dental surgeons or plastic surgeons. This article will present a case report of a bichectomy procedure conducted by a dental surgeon on a female patient. The aesthetic results of this procedure can be effectively observed after a period of 4 to 6 months, when the swelling of the subcutaneous tissue is completely resorbed

Bichectomia é um procedimento cirúrgico, intraoral, no qual ocorre a excisão das bolas de Bichat, com o objetivo de afinar o rosto do paciente e conferir maior harmonia do contorno facial. A cirurgia é simples, rápida, e apresenta baixo índice de complicações pós cirúrgicas, podendo ser realizada por cirurgiões dentistas ou cirurgiões plásticos. Neste artigo, será apresentado um relato de caso clínico de um procedimento de bichectomia em uma paciente do sexo feminino, realizado por cirurgião dentista. Os resultados estéticos desse procedimento podem ser efetivamente observados após um período de 4 a 6 meses, quando o edema do tecido subcutâneo é completamente reabsorvido.

Calcitonin-gene related peptide is a potent inducer of oedema in rat orofacial tissue.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to assess the potential of calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide released from sensory nerves, to induce oedema in orofacial tissue. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Wistar rats (150-200 g) anesthetized with isoflurane were injected intraorally with CGRP (100 µl; 8-33 pmol) in the right side of the mouth. The contralateral side was injected with the same volume of physiological saline. Increased cheek thickness (in mm), as a measure of oedema formation, was assayed bilaterally with a digital caliper before (T = 0) and up to 24 h following injection of CGRP. Pretreatment with antagonists (CGRP8-37, 10 nmol; pizotifen, 2 mg/kg) was given by intra-oral or subcutaneous injection, 10 or 30 min, respectively, before the inflammatory stimulus. CGRP and CGRP8-37 were also injected into the rat hind paw to induce oedema. Data are presented as the mean (±SEM) difference in thickness between the right and the left sides at each time. RESULTS: Following intra-oral injection, CGRP induced a rapidly developing (5-15 min) and long-lasting (6 h), dose-dependent oedema in the rat cheek, blocked by pre-treatment with CGRP8-37 or pizotifen. CGRP induced a smaller oedematogenic effect in the rat hind paw also blocked by the CGRP antagonist. CGRP (16 pmol) potentiated the oedema induced by co-injected substance P (3.7 nmol) and contributed to the oedema following intraoral injection of carrageenan (100 µg). Injection of CGRP8-37 alone induced an early but short-lasting oedema. CONCLUSION: Local injection of CGRP potently induced oedema in the orofacial tissue of rats which was blocked by a CGRP receptor antagonist. The overall inhibition of carrageenan-induced oedema by CGRP8-37 suggests that endogenous CGRP contributes to an oedematogenic response in orofacial tissues.

Geometric morphometric analysis as a proxy to evaluate age-related change in molar shape variation of low-crowned Notoungulata (Mammalia).

Shape and age variation in dentition of Paleogene extinct native South American ungulates (Notoungulata) has been traditionally described using qualitative and quantitative approaches, and has played a controversial role in the systematics of several groups. Such is the case of the Notopithecidae, a group of notoungulates with low-crowned teeth, known from the middle Eocene of Patagonia (Argentina). In this group, as well as in other contemporary families, extreme morphological changes associated to increasing dental wear were originally assumed to represent taxonomic differences; thus, dozens of species were erected, clearly reflecting the difficulty of defining discrete characters. In this contribution, a total of 89 upper molars and 91 lower molars were analyzed distributed in two factors, wear and species; three species of notopithecids were considered as study case, Notopithecus adapinus, Antepithecus brachystephanus, and Transpithecus obtentus, based on the large and well-identified sample of upper and lower molars for each species. We have coupled geometric morphometric analyses with traditional comparative methods to get a better understanding and interpretation of both the changes in tooth shape contour and the link between shape and ontogeny. In addition, we evaluate the utility of this approach to identify which changes are strictly wear-related and also test the qualitative characteristics used for diagnosing and differentiating notopithecid species. Our study yielded consistent results when applying independent geometric morphometric analyses on complex structures such as brachydont molar teeth. The landmark data is highly congruent with alternative sources of evidence, such as morphological studies using discrete characters. In notopithecid species, wear is the main factor affecting molar shape, followed by species (in lower molars) and allometry; in addition, lower teeth morphology is more definitive in separating species than upper molars, a fact that entails a key point for systematic studies of Paleogene brachydont notoungulates.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) translational studies in the hamster cheek pouch model of oral cancer at the new "B2" configuration of the RA-6 nuclear reactor.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is based on selective accumulation of B-10 carriers in tumor followed by neutron irradiation. We demonstrated, in 2001, the therapeutic effect of BNCT mediated by BPA (boronophenylalanine) in the hamster cheek pouch model of oral cancer, at the RA-6 nuclear reactor. Between 2007 and 2011, the RA-6 was upgraded, leading to an improvement in the performance of the BNCT beam (B2 configuration). Our aim was to evaluate BPA-BNCT radiotoxicity and tumor control in the hamster cheek pouch model of oral cancer at the new "B2" configuration. We also evaluated, for the first time in the oral cancer model, the radioprotective effect of histamine against mucositis in precancerous tissue as the dose-limiting tissue. Cancerized pouches were exposed to: BPA-BNCT; BPA-BNCT + histamine; BO: Beam only; BO + histamine; CONTROL: cancerized, no-treatment. BNCT induced severe mucositis, with an incidence that was slightly higher than in "B1" experiments (86 vs 67%, respectively). BO induced low/moderate mucositis. Histamine slightly reduced the incidence of severe mucositis induced by BPA-BNCT (75 vs 86%) and prevented mucositis altogether in BO animals. Tumor overall response was significantly higher in BNCT (94-96%) than in control (16%) and BO groups (9-38%), and did not differ significantly from the "B1" results (91%). Histamine did not compromise BNCT therapeutic efficacy. BNCT radiotoxicity and therapeutic effect at the B1 and B2 configurations of RA-6 were consistent. Histamine slightly reduced mucositis in precancerous tissue even in this overly aggressive oral cancer model, without compromising tumor control.

Utilidad de colgajos locales para reconstrucción de mejillas en lesiones oncológicas de piel / Usefulness of local flaps for cheek reconstruction in skin cancer lesions

Introducción: el cáncer de piel afecta con frecuencia la región facial por su alta exposición a la radiación ultravioleta. La mejilla es un sitio frecuente y como consecuencia de la exéresis, quedan amplios defectos que requieren de técnicas reconstructivas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la utilidad del uso de colgajos locales para la reconstrucción de mejilla en pacientes intervenidos de lesiones tumorales de piel. Métodos: se realizó un estudio prospectivo en 27 pacientes atendidas en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología desde julio de 2013 hasta julio de 2015. Resultados: el grupo etario predominante estuvo integrado por mujeres entre 67-77, el tipo histológico que predominó fue el carcinoma basocelular. Predominó la mejilla izquierda. El colgajo que más se realizó fue el de rotación (Mustardé) y la complicación más frecuente fue el ectropión. Conclusiones: todos los casos fueron reconstruidos de forma inmediata, independientemente del tamaño del defecto(AU)

Introduction: Skin cancer frequently affects the facial area, due to high exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The most frequent affected area is the cheek. The wide excisions resulting from excision require reconstructive techniques to repair them. Objective: to evaluate the usefulness of local flaps for the cheek reconstruction in skin cancer lesions. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 27 patients seen at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology from July 2013 through July 2015. Results: The predominant age group comprised women aged 67-77 years, being the basal cell carcinoma the predominant one. The left cheek was the most affected. The most used flap was the rotation flap(Mustarde) and the most common complication was ectropion. Conclusions: All the cheek defects were immediately reconstructed regardless of their size(AU)

Tissue-selective inflammation in the oral cavity of the rat.

In the current study, carrageenan (CG; 100-1000 µg/site) was injected intraorally in the cheeks of Holtzman or Wistar rats to evaluate the consequences of administration of a non-immunogenic stimulus in the orofacial region. Subsequent inflammation was measured as oedema (increased thickness of the cheek wall using digital calipers), relative to the other cheek injected with saline. Oedema formation and tissue collection for histopathological studies were assessed at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h after injection. In parallel, other groups of rats were injected with CG in the hind paw, to provide a reference response. The inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis, indomethacin, and antagonists of histamine, serotonin and NK1 receptors were injected s.c., 0.5 h before CG. CG induced a dose-related oedema more rapidly from 0 to 2 h which lasted for at least 72 h, showing a biphasic profile (peak at 2 and 24 h), compared with the monophasic oedema induced in rat paws (maximal duration of 24 h). Histopathological analysis of the CG-injected cheek revealed oedema formation with little leukocyte recruitment at 1-3 h, mast cell degranulation at 6 h, and a mixed polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cell infiltrate by 24 h. Histamine and serotonin antagonists and indomethacin, but not the NK1 antagonist, decreased cheek oedema in the first 4 h following carrageenan. Taken together, our data indicated important differences in the pattern of inflammation between the oral cavity and the paw which will determine the therapeutic approach to the treatment of inflammatory conditions in the oral cavity.