Screening test for COVID-19 in dental practice: Best options.

PURPOSE: To review diverse tests that could serve as a screening tool for the dental community to identify patients with potential COVID-19. METHODS: Detailed automated searches of Medline, PubMed and EBM Review, including ACP Journal Club, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews of Effectiveness from 2019 to 2020 were conducted. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or quantitative (q) RT-PCR and Western blot assays were excluded. RESULTS: Real time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and Real time recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RAP) are the most promising methodologies developed as screening tools, and could be a screening test option in dental practice to identify patients potentially carrying SARS-CoV-2 and to prevent cross-infection between patients and dental personnel. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Biological risk management in the dental clinic is primarily focused on the wearing of protective equipment by dental personnel and disinfection/sterilization procedures for surfaces. With the absence of suitable antiviral drugs or vaccines, simple, rapid, and reliable detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could be critical for preventing the spread of infection in dental practices.

The Frequency of Risk Factors for Cleft Lip and Palate in Mexico: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate is an anomaly that affects both women and men. It is considered to be among the most frequent congenital abnormalities and is related to modifications in chromosomal DNA and multiple genetic alterations. This anomaly can also be associated with various environmental factors, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, medication use, and exposure to different environmental and industrial toxic substances. The objective of this study was to document the frequency of risk factors related to cleft lip and palate through a systematic review of Mexican studies. METHODS: In this systematic review, a bibliographic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines in the databases Scielo, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and EBSCO. Keywords related to cleft lip and palate, epidemiology, and risk factors were used. In all, 3 independent reviewers (J.A.S.L., S.L.V., and N.M.F.) selected and evaluated a total of 17 articles included in this analysis, achieving a coefficient of κ = 0.84. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that the highest frequency of conducted studies was in the State of Mexico. The most common risk factors identified were environmental, pharmacological, consumption habits, and gynecological factors. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the main risk factors for cleft lip and palate in the Mexican population will enable the implementation of preventive measures aimed at reducing exposure to these factors. Additionally, early intervention can improve the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.

Increased number of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies in buccal mucosa cells from people exposed to alcohol-containing mouthwash.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of alcohol-containing mouthwash on the induction of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies in exfoliated buccal cells, including binucleated cells, cells with nuclear buds, and karyolitic, karyorrhectic, condensed chromatin, and pyknotic cells. Buccal mucosa cells were collected from 107 healthy participants who were divided into three groups: control subjects who did not use mouthwash (n = 33), subjects who were exposed for 30 days and two times rinsing with 30 seconds each time to alcohol-containing mouthwash (n = 38; 26% ethanol concentration); and subjects exposed to a non-alcohol-containing mouthwash (n = 36). A slide was used to collect cells from the oral mucosa from the inner lining of both cheeks. Samples were spread directly onto two separate, precleaned and precoded slides. Smears were air-dried, fixed, stained, and analyzed by microscopy for micronuclei and nuclear anomalies. Frequency of micronuclei, nuclear buds, and karyolitic, karyorrhectic, and condensed chromatin cells increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the alcohol-containing mouthwash group after mouthwash exposition, compared with both the control and the non-alcohol-containing mouthwash groups. Our results suggest that subjects exposed to alcohol-containing mouthwash exhibited an increase in frequency of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies in oral mucosal cells, which is directly related to DNA damage.

Connexin 43 expression in tooth germ and benign odontogenic tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the immunohistochemical expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in tooth germs (TGs), ameloblastic fibromas (AFs), ameloblastic fibro-odontomas (AFOs), and conventional ameloblastomas (AMs). STUDY DESIGN: Nine TGs, 12 AFs, 12 AFOs, and 27 AMs were evaluated for Cx43 expression by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Most of the TGs expressed Cx43 in the mesenchyme (77.6%) and in the late stages of odontogenesis. Cx43 was more highly expressed (P < .05) in the mesenchymal layer of all groups than in the epithelial layer except for the AFOs. When comparing the expression of Cx43 in the different layers of the analyzed groups, statistically significant differences were observed between AFO vs AM (*P = .0158) in the epithelial layer and between AF vs AFO (P** = .0046) in the mesenchymal layer. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in this study showed that Cx43 is a protein with important expression in the mesenchymal layer of the embryonic and odontogenic tissues studied. It could be speculated that Cx43 participates in mineralization events based on the relationship of the expression of this protein between the epithelial and mesenchymal layers of odontogenic tissues.

[Fluorides in water for consumption in northern and western Mexico]. / Fluoruros en agua de consumo al norte y occidente de México.

The amount of fluoride in water in some regions of Mexico represents a public health problem. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of original studies that report fluoride levels in tap and bottled water from the northern and western regions of Mexico. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA method in PubMed, Scopus, Medigraphic and Scielo databases. The keywords fluoride OR fluorosis AND water AND Mexico were used for the search and the records found were included and excluded according to the previous established criteria. We reviewed data in articles published between January 1st, 2010 and March 30th, 2021. We identified a total of 36 records. Most showed data found in the western region (n = 23), while the rest reported data found in the north. Both regions reported maximum and mean sample ranges above those suggested by the World Health Organization and national regulations. According to the analyzed data, in Mexico, the northern and western regions of the country show a concerning situation due to the high levels of fluoride reported by many authors in tap and bottled water. Almost all authors reported data above those recommended for national and international regulations, which represent an important public health problem that requires attention.

La cantidad de fluoruros en el agua en algunas regiones de México representa un problema de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión sistemática de estudios originales que reportaran niveles de fluoruros en agua corriente y embotellada de la región norte y occidente de México. Esta revisión sistemática se elaboró utilizando el sistema PRISMA en las bases de datos de PubMed, Scopus, Medigraphic y Scielo. Se implementaron las palabras clave de fluoride OR fluorosis AND water AND Mexico, y se incluyeron y excluyeron registros de acuerdo con los criterios previamente establecidos. Fueron revisados aquellos artículos publicados entre el 1 de enero del 2010 y el 30 de marzo del 2021. Se identificaron 36 registros en total. La mayoría mostraban datos encontrados en la región occidente del país (n = 23) mientras que los restantes fueron realizados al norte. Ambas regiones se mostraron con rangos máximos y medias muestrales por encima de lo sugerido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y los organismos reguladores nacionales. De acuerdo con los estudios aquí analizados en México, las regiones Norte y Occidente del país muestran una situación preocupante por los elevados niveles de fluoruros que reportan los autores en agua corriente y embotellada, los niveles se encuentran casi en su totalidad por encima de los recomendados a nivel nacional e internacional lo cual significa un problema de salud pública que requiere de atención.

Self-Reported Periodontal Disease and Its Association with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Introduction: Knowledge of the oral manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the new coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, was hindered due to the restrictions issued to avoid proximity between people and to stop the rapid spread of the disease, which ultimately results in a hyperinflammatory cytokine storm that can cause death. Because periodontal disease is one of the most frequent inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, various theories have emerged postulating periodontal disease as a risk factor for developing severe complications associated with COVID-19. This motivated various studies to integrate questions related to periodontal status. For the present work, we used a previously validated self-report, which is a useful tool for facilitating epidemiological studies of periodontal disease on a large scale. Methodology: A blinded case-control study with participants matched 1:1 by mean age (37.7 years), sex, tobacco habits and diseases was conducted. After the diagnostic samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection were taken in an ad hoc location at Guadalajara University, the subjects were interviewed using structured questionnaires to gather demographic, epidemiological and COVID-19 symptom information. The self-reported periodontal disease (Self-RPD) questionnaire included six questions, and subjects who met the criteria with a score ≥ 2 were considered to have periodontal disease. Results: In total, 369 participants were recruited, with 117 participants included in each group. After indicating the subjects who had self-reported periodontal disease, a statistically significant difference (p value ≤ 0.001) was observed, showing that self-reported periodontal disease (n = 95, 85.1%) was higher in SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals than in controls (n = 66, 56.4%), with an OR of 3.3 (1.8-6.0) for SARS-CoV-2 infection in people with self-reported periodontal disease. Cases reported a statistically higher median of symptoms (median = 7.0, Q1= 5.5, Q3 = 10.0) than controls (p value ≤ 0.01), and cases with positive self-RPD had a significantly (p value ≤ 0.05) higher number of symptoms (median = 8.0, Q1 = 6.0, Q3 = 10.0) in comparison with those who did negative self-RPD (median = 6.0, Q1 = 5.0, Q3 = 8.0). Conclusions: According to this study, self-reported periodontal disease could be considered a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and these individuals present more symptoms.

Dexamethasone Increases the Anesthetic Success in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Meta-Analysis.

Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) has a high failure rate in subjects with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). It has been suggested that drugs with anti-inflammatory activity could improve the efficacy of the anesthetic used for IANB. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of dexamethasone on the success of dental anesthesia in patients with SIP. An information search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration's risk-of-bias tool. The anesthetic success rate, pain intensity (VAS), and adverse effects were extracted. Data were analyzed using the Mantel−Haenszel test and odds ratio or the inverse variance and standardized mean difference. Dexamethasone increased the anesthetic success in comparison with placebo (n = 502; p < 0.001; OR = 2.59; 95% CIs: 1.46 to 4.59). Moreover, patients who were given dexamethasone had lower pain scores at 6 h (n = 302; p < 0.001; MD= −1.43; 95% CIs: −2.28 to −0.58), 12 h (n = 302; p < 0.0001; MD = −1.65; 95% CIs: −2.39 to −0.92), and 24 h (n = 302; p < 0.0008; MD = −1.27; 95% CIs: −2.01 to −0.53) when compared with placebo. In conclusion, the systemic administration of dexamethasone increases the anesthetic success rate and improves pain management in patients with SIP.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Associated with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Review.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are aggressive, recurrent, and metastatic neoplasms with a high occurrence around the world and can lead to death when not treated appropriately. Several molecules and signaling pathways are involved in the malignant conversion process. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been described in HNSCCs, a major type of aggressive carcinoma. EMT describes the development of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, which depends on several molecular interactions and signaling pathways that facilitate mesenchymal conversion. This is related to interactions with the microenvironment of the tumor, hypoxia, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases, and the presence of viral infections. In this review, we focus on the main molecules related to EMT, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, plasticity phenomena, epigenetic regulation, hypoxia, inflammation, their relationship with immune cells, and the inhibition of EMT in the context of HNSCCs.

Current concepts in ameloblastoma-targeted therapies in B-raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase V600E mutation: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastomas are common benign epithelial odontogenic neoplasms that present an aggressive and unpredictable behavior that may modify treatment strategies. Different signaling pathways that participate in the progression of these tumors have been identified. B-raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) is a protein involved in the behavior of ameloblastomas, and it is related to many cell mechanisms. BRAF gene mutations have been identified in ameloblastomas, of which the BRAF V600E (valine substituted by glutamic acid at amino acid 600) mutation has been the most common and can be present concomitantly with other mutations that may be involved in its behavior. Targeted therapies have been used as an alternative in the case of resistance or contraindications to conventional treatments. AIM: To document the presence of BRAF V600E and additional mutations, their behavior, and targeted therapies in these tumors. METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and SpringerLink using the terms "ameloblastomas", "BRAF V600E", "additional mutations", and "targeted therapies". Ameloblastomas were classified according to WHO guidelines. Inclusion criteria were articles in English, published not more than 10 years ago, and studies with laboratory works related to BRAF V600E. Articles were evaluated by two independent reviewers and retrieved for full-text evaluation. The EBLIP Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the eligible studies. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Two independent reviewers, with a substantial concordance indicated by a kappa coefficient of k = 0.76, evaluated a total of 19 articles that were included in this study. The analysis registered 521 conventional ameloblastomas (AM), 81 unicystic ameloblastomas (UA), 13 ameloblastic carcinomas (AC), three metastatic ameloblastomas (MA), and six peripheral ameloblastomas (PA), of which the histopathological type, anatomic location, laboratory tests, expression of BRAF mutation, and additional mutations were registered. The BRAF V600E mutation was found in 297 AM (57%), 63 UA (77.7%), 3 AC (23%), 1 MA (50%), and 5 PA (83.3%). Follicular type predominated with a total of 116 cases (40%), followed by plexiform type with 63 cases (22.1%). Furthermore, both types presented additional mutations, in which alterations in JAK3 P132T, SMARCB1, PIK3CA, CTNNB1, SMO, and BRAF G606E genes were found. Four case reports were found with targeted therapy to BRAF V600E. CONCLUSION: The identification of BRAF V600E and additional mutations as an aid in targeted therapies has been a breakthrough in alternative treatments of ameloblastomas where surgical treatments are contraindicated.

Riesgo de transformación maligna de las lesiones verrucopapilares orales

Objetivos: evaluar el riesgo potencial maligno mediante la tinción de azul de toluidina y gradificación displásica de las lesiones verrucopapilares de la cavidad oral (LVPO). Materiales y métodos: Se identificaron pacientes con LVPO localizados en la cavidad oral, se les aplicó azul de toluidina y posteriormente se evaluó los cambios displásicos para finalmente gradificarlos histopatológicamente en ausente, bajo o alto riesgo de transformación maligna. Pacientes que se negaron a la tinción con AT, no aceptaron la biopsia escisional o el tejido no poseía coilocitos, daño citopático asociado a la presencia del virus papiloma humano fueron eliminados del estudio. Resultados: se incluyeron 34 pacientes con LVPO, 4 con tinción positiva al AT (3 fueron considerados intensos y 1 leve). Conclusiones: las LVPO pueden emitir una tinción positiva al azul de toluidina así como presentar una variedad heterogenea de cambios displásicos arquitecturales y citológicos evaluados histopatologicamente, que en la totalidad de las muestras, de acuerdo al sistema binario, son clasificadas como riesgo leve de transformación maligna.

Objetivos: Avaliar o risco de potencial maligno através da coloração com azul de toluidina e da classificação displásica das lesões verrucopapilares da cavidade oral (LVPO). Materiais e métodos: Foram identificados pacientes com LVPO POVE localizados na cavidade oral nos quais foi aplicado azul de toluidina e posteriormente avaliadas as alterações displásicas para finalmente serem classificadas histopatologicamente como ausentes, baixo ou alto risco de transformação maligna. Os pacientes que recusaram a coloração com azul de toluidina AT, não aceitaram a biópsia excisional ou o tinha tecido insuficiente, presença de coilócitos ou dano citopático associado ao papilomavírus humano foram eliminados do estudo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 34 pacientes com LVPO, dos quais 4 foram interpretados como tendo coloração positiva para azul de toluidina AT positiva, sendo 3 considerados intensos e 1 leve. Conclusões: A LVPO pode emitir coloração positiva para azul de toluidina, bem como apresentar uma variedade heterogênea de alterações arquitetônicas e citológicas displásicas avaliadas histopatologicamente, que em todas as amostras, segundo o sistema binário, são classificadas como leve risco de transformação maligna.

Objectives: to evaluate the risk of malignant potential through toluidine blue staining and dysplastic grading of verrucous papillary lesions of the oral cavity (VPLO). Materials and methods: patients with VPLO located in the oral cavity were identified to whom toluidine blue was applied and dysplastic changes were subsequently evaluated and graded histopathologically as absent, low or high risk of malignant transformation. Patients who refused toluidine blue staining, did not accept excisional biopsy or had insufficient tissue, or the tissue lack of presence of koilocytes, damage associated with the presence of human papilloma virus were eliminated from the study. Results: Thirty-four patients with VPLO were included, of which 4 were found to have positive toluidine blue staining. Of these, 3 cases were considered intense and 1 was mild. Conclusions: VPLO may emit a positive stain to toluidine blue as well as present a heterogeneous variety of architectural and cytological dysplastic changes evaluated histopathologically, which in all samples, according to the binary system, are classified as low risk of malignant transformation.

Differences in E-Cadherin and Syndecan-1 Expression in Different Types of Ameloblastomas.

Ameloblastomas are a group of benign, locally aggressive, recurrent tumors characterized by their slow and infiltrative growth. E-Cadherin and syndecan-1 are cell adhesion molecules related to the behavior of various tumors, including ameloblastomas. Ninety-nine ameloblastoma samples were studied; the expression of E-cadherin and syndecan-1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. E-Cadherin and epithelial syndecan-1 were more highly expressed in intraluminal/luminal unicystic ameloblastoma than in mural unicystic ameloblastoma and solid/multicystic ameloblastoma, whereas the stromal expression of syndecan-1 was higher in mural unicystic ameloblastoma and solid/multicystic ameloblastoma. Synchronicity was observed between E-cadherin and epithelial syndecan-1; the expression was correlated with intensity in all cases. There was a strong association between expression and tumor size and recurrence. The evaluation of the expression of E-cadherin and syndecan-1 are important for determining the potential aggressiveness of ameloblastoma variants. Future studies are required to understand how the expression of these markers is related to tumor aggressiveness.

Molecular Markers of Anticancer Drug Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Literature Review.

This manuscript provides an update to the literature on molecules with roles in tumor resistance therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although significant improvements have been made in the treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, physicians face yet another challenge-that of preserving oral functions, which involves the use of multidisciplinary therapies, such as multiple chemotherapies (CT) and radiotherapy (RT). Designing personalized therapeutic options requires the study of genes involved in drug resistance. This review provides an overview of the molecules that have been linked to resistance to chemotherapy in HNSCC, including the family of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs), nucleotide excision repair/base excision repair (NER/BER) enzymatic complexes (which act on nonspecific DNA lesions generated by gamma and ultraviolet radiation by cross-linking and forming intra/interchain chemical adducts), cisplatin (a chemotherapeutic agent that causes DNA damage and induces apoptosis, which is a paradox because its effectiveness is based on the integrity of the genes involved in apoptotic signaling pathways), and cetuximab, including a discussion of the genes involved in the cell cycle and the proliferation of possible markers that confer resistance to cetuximab.

Impact of Dental Fluorosis, Socioeconomic Status and Self-Perception in Adolescents Exposed to a High Level of Fluoride in Water.

Objective: To identify adolescents' self-perception of dental fluorosis from two areas with different socioeconomic levels. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with 15-year-old youths by applying a questionnaire designed and validated to assess self-perceptions of dental fluorosis in two areas with different socioeconomic statuses (SESs). Fluorosis was clinically evaluated by applying the Thylstrup and Fejerkov (TF) index on the upper front teeth. Results: A total of 308 adolescents were included in the study. The medium-SES population, which was exposed to 2.5 ppm of fluoride in water, and the low-SES population, which was exposed to 5.1 ppm, presented the following levels of dental fluorosis: TF 2-3 (50%), TF 4-5 (45.6%) and TF 6-7 (4.4%) for medium SES and TF 2-3 (12.3%), TF 4-5 (67.1%) and TF 67 (20.6%) for low SES. A significant association was found between self-perception and dental fluorosis in those with medium and low SESs (p < 0.05). The multiple regression model found differences between TF levels and self-perception, with a 6-7 TF level for concerns about color (OR = 1.6), smile (OR = 1.2) and appearance (OR = 3.36). Conclusions: Self-perceptions of dental fluorosis affect adolescents such that adolescents with a medium SES have more negative perceptions than those with a low SES. Such perceptions increase as the TF index increases.

Higiene oral deficiente como factor de riesgo de cáncer oral / Poor oral hygiene as a risk factor for oral cancer

Introducción: Los principales factores de riesgo con los que se asocia el carcinoma oral de células escamosas son el hábito de tabaco y alcohol. La inflamación también es un factor de riesgo importante en el desarrollo del cáncer, ésta posiblemente inducida por el acúmulo de bacterias que se refleja en la placa bacteriana (biofilm microbiano) y posterior cálculo dental debido a una higiene oral deficiente. Objetivo: Asociar la higiene oral deficiente como factor de riesgo del carcinoma oral de células escamosas. Material y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles en el que se utilizó el índice de higiene oral simplificado para biofilm y cálculo como instrumento de medida. Se registraron los hábitos de tabaco y alcohol. El riesgo fue estimado obteniendo Odds Ratio y la significancia estadística fue tomada con base a χ2. Resultados: La higiene oral deficiente con altos niveles de placa bacteriana fue identificada como factor de riesgo de carcinoma oral de células escamosas, los factores de riesgo conocidos (tabaco y alcohol) fueron también identificados en nuestra población; sin embargo, el riesgo fue menor en contraste con la higiene oral deficiente. Conclusión: La higiene oral deficiente es un factor de riesgo significativo que contribuye a la presencia de cáncer oral y puede ser mayor en comparación con el consumo de tabaco y alcohol.

Fluoruros en agua de consumo al norte y occidente de México / Fluorides in water for consumption in northern and western Mexico

La cantidad de fluoruros en el agua en algunas regiones de México representa un problema de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión sistemática de estudios originales que reportaran niveles de fluoruros en agua corriente y embotellada de la región norte y occidente de México. Esta revisión sistemática se elaboró utilizando el sistema PRISMA en las bases de datos de PubMed, Scopus, Medigraphic y Scielo. Se implementaron las palabras clave de fluoride OR fluorosis AND water AND Mexico, y se incluyeron y excluyeron registros de acuerdo con los criterios previamente establecidos. Fueron revisados aquellos artículos publicados entre el 1 de enero del 2010 y el 30 de marzo del 2021. Se identificaron 36 registros en total. La mayoría mostraban datos encontrados en la región occidente del país (n = 23) mientras que los restantes fueron realizados al norte. Ambas regiones se mostraron con rangos máximos y medias muestrales por encima de lo sugerido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y los organismos reguladores nacionales. De acuerdo con los estudios aquí analizados en México, las regiones Norte y Occidente del país muestran una situación preocupante por los elevados niveles de fluoruros que reportan los autores en agua corriente y embotellada, los niveles se encuentran casi en su totalidad por encima de los recomendados a nivel nacional e internacional lo cual significa un problema de salud pública que requiere de atención.

The amount of fluoride in water in some regions of Mexico represents a public health problem. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of original studies that report fluoride levels in tap and bottled water from the northern and western regions of Mexico. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA method in PubMed, Scopus, Medigraphic and Scielo databases. The keywords fluoride OR fluorosis AND water AND Mexico were used for the search and the records found were included and excluded according to the previous established criteria. We reviewed data in articles published between January 1st, 2010 and March 30th, 2021. We identified a total of 36 records. Most showed data found in the western region (n = 23), while the rest reported data found in the north. Both regions reported maximum and mean sample ranges above those suggested by the World Health Organization and national regulations. According to the analyzed data, in Mexico, the northern and western regions of the country show a concerning situation due to the high levels of fluoride reported by many authors in tap and bottled water. Almost all authors reported data above those recommended for national and international regulations, which represent an important public health problem that requires attention.

Comparison between Manual and Automated Methods for Ki-67 Immunoexpression Quantification in Ameloblastomas.

Ameloblastoma is a common and unpredictable odontogenic tumor with high relapse rates. Several studies assessing the proliferative capacity of these neoplasms have been published, mainly using the protein Ki-67. Cell counts must be completed to determine the cell proliferation rate. Multiple methods have been developed for this purpose. The most widely used method is the labeling index, which has undergone changes over time to better facilitate cell counting. Here, we compared manual cell counting methods with automated cell counting (ImmunoRatio) to determine the relative effectiveness of these methods. The results suggest that ImmunoRatio, a free software tool, may be highly advantageous and provide results similar to manual cell counting methods when used with the appropriate calibration. However, ImmunoRatio has flaws that may affect the labeling index results. Therefore, this automated cell counting method must be supplemented with manual cell counting methods.

Experiencia de caries dental en trabajadores universitarios: su asociación con variables sociodemográficas / Caries experience in university workers: its association with sociodemographic data

Objetivo. Evaluar la experiencia de caries en trabajadores universitarios y su asociación con variables sociodemográficos. Métodos. Estudio transversal, observacional y analítico con un grupo de trabajadores de la Universidad de Guadalajara, México. Se recopilaron datos de las variables sociodemográficas mediante un cuestionario y a través del examen clínico el índice CPOD. Se realizaron pruebas estadísticas de Chi-cuadrado, t-Student, ANOVA de una vía y post-hoc con significancia de 0,05. Resultados. Doscientos no-venta participantes accedieron a la exploración oral, con un promedio de edad de 36,2 ± 0,6, 55,9% fueron mujeres. El CPOD de la muestra evaluada fue de 8,3±5,3. El análisis de Chi-cuadrado en la evaluación etaria y los niveles de CPOD mostraron significancia estadística (p=0,0001). De forma similar, en las pruebas de ANOVA de una vía en el grupo de hombres (p=0,0001) y en los que residen en Tonalá (p=0,022), el componente cariados del índice se vio significativamente aumentado. Se observó también, un índice aumentado de dientes obturados en los participantes con nivel máximo de posgrado (p=0,001). El grupo de fumadores mostró significancia estadística (p=0,034) en el índice de caries. Conclusiones.El índice CPOD poblacional se encontró en nivel bajo, estando el grupo de mayor edad significativamente por encima de los dos grupos de menor edad. Los niveles del componente cariados fueron más bajos en los habitantes de las regiones foráneas del estado y los que tenían escolaridad de posgrado (p=0,022 y p=0,02 respec-tivamente).

Objective. To evaluate caries experience in university workers and to associate it with sociodemographic data. Methods. It was performed a descriptive cross-sectional, ob-servational and analytic study in university workers from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Sociodemographic data was collected through a questionnaire and the DMFT index, through clinical evaluations. Statistical analysis of χ2, T-student, one-way ANO-VA and Post-hoc were performed working with CI of 95%. Results. 290 participants agreed to oral examination, the average age of the interviewed workers was 36.2 ± 0.6. Women represented 55.9%. The DMFT of the evaluated sample was 8.3± 5.3. The χ2 analysis of the evaluated age ratio, showed statistical significance (p=0.0001). Similarly, the decay component of the index was increased in the one-way ANOVA test of the male group (p=0,0001) and of those who reside in Tonala (p=0.022). Additionally, an increased number of filled teeth was found in participants with postgraduate education (p=0.001). The smokers group showed statistical significance (p=0.034) in caries index. Conclusions. The broad DMFT index was found at a low level, however, the older age group was significantly different, being at the high level, well above the two younger age groups. The caries component of the DMFT index was significantly lower in the out of the region residents and those who had postgraduate degree (p=0.022 and p=0.02 respectively).

Differences in Salivary Flow Level, Xerostomia, and Flavor Alteration in Mexican HIV Patients Who Did or Did Not Receive Antiretroviral Therapy.

Introduction. Objective and subjective alterations related to salivary flow have been reported in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and these alterations are associated with the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. The aim of the current study was to discern whether these alterations are disease induced or secondary to drug therapy. Objective. The objective was to determine the relationships between low salivary flow, xerostomia, and flavor alterations in HIV patients who did or did not receive antiretroviral therapy. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, HIV patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had received antiretroviral therapy. Those patients with a previous diagnosis of any salivary gland disease were excluded. A survey was used to assess subjective variables, and colorimetry and salivary flow rates were measured using the Schirmer global test. Results. A total of 293 patients were included. The therapy group showed a significantly lower average salivary flow than did the group without therapy, and we observed that the flow rate tended to decrease after one year of therapy. The results were not conclusive, despite significant differences in xerostomia and flavor alteration between the groups. Conclusion. The study results suggest that antiretroviral therapy can cause cumulative damage that affects the amount of salivary flow.

Manifestaciones de la cavidad bucal por infección del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana: reporte de caso clínico / Oral manifestations of the HIV virus: report of a clinical case

Las manifestaciones orales por la infección del virus de la inmunode-ficiencia humana son en ocasiones el primer signo de la enfermedad yen muchos casos un indicador de la progresión de la infección hacia elsíndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida. Las ulceraciones indoloras,diferentes tipos de gingivitis agresivas y la leucoplasia vellosa, se desarrollan muy fácilmente en individuos cuyo sistema inmunológico está comprometido, como el de los pacientes que sufren del virus deinmunodeficiencia adquirida.

Oral manifestations caused by the human immunodefi ciency virusare often the fi rst indication that the person is infected and oftenan indicator of its progression into AIDS. Painless ulcers, assortedtypes of aggressive gingivitis, and hairy leukoplakia develop easilyin individuals whose immune system is compromised, such as thoseinfected with HIV.