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.

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.

Temporomandibular joint disorders in skeletal class II patients referred to orthognathic surgery: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in subjects with skeletal class II dentofacial deformity referred for orthognathic surgery, as well as to elucidate its association with sociodemographic and psychosocial features. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. The sample comprised class II skeletal patients referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery center in the Brazilian Northeast. RESULTS: Seventy-three subjects were enrolled and completed the data collection, which consisted of a physical examination according to Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and facial analysis. Women represented 82.2% of the sample. Among the assessed subjects, 68.5% were already undergoing orthodontic treatment, and the mean overjet of patients was 6.97 mm. The prevalence of TMD in this sample was 46.6%, with muscular disorders being the most common. Patients with an anteroposterior discrepancy greater than 7 mm showed a higher occurrence of TMD (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of TMD in skeletal class II patients referred for orthognathic surgery, especially in those with a pronounced overjet, being Group I (muscular disorders) and Group III (degenerative disorders) the most prevalent.

Access to dental services in an elder population of African descent in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated access to dental services and associated factors in a community of Quilombola older people. BACKGROUND: Quilombola populations are groups of individuals descended from black Africans subjected to slavery during part of Brazilian history. As marginalised and neglected individuals, they have high rates of negative indicators and require further attention to the social determinants that affect their health reality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Quilombola community of Castainho, in the Northeast region of Brazil. In this community, 34 older people aged between 65 and 74 resided. We collected self-report data on sociodemographic and economic characteristics, along with oral examinations by the researchers. The primary dependent variable was regular access to dental services. Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact test (P = .05). RESULTS: Among the 32 participants in the final sample, 18.8% (n = 6) reported accessing dental services in the previous 6 months. Self-declared individuals of mixed race, with positive self-assessment of oral health, and those who did not self-perceive the need for treatment had lower rates of regular access to dental services (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Use of dental services by older Quilombola people is low, and there are differences by ethnicity and individual perception of oral health.

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.

Comparative study of hemodynamic changes caused by diazepam and midazolam during third molar surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of the present study was to compare hemodynamic changes using midazolam 7.5 mg and diazepam 10.0 mg during the surgical removal of symmetrically positioned third molars. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was carried out involving 120 patients divided into three groups: Group 1 (diazepam and placebo), Group 2 (midazolam and placebo), and Group 3 (diazepam and midazolam). Each subject underwent two surgeries on separate occasions under local anesthesia. The following parameters were assessed at five different times (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4): systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure (SBP, DBP, and MBP, respectively); heart rate (HR); oxygen saturation (SpO(2)); rate pressure product (RPP); and pressure rate quotient (PRQ). Statistically significant differences were found regarding heart rate at T2 and T3 (p < 0.005) in Group 2, with a higher rate occurring during midazolam administration. Moreover, significant differences in rate pressure product were found at T2, T3, and T4 in this group, with higher values also occurring during midazolam administration. In Group 3, significant differences in diastolic blood pressure were found at T3 and T4, with higher values occurring during diazepam administration, whereas a higher heart rate occurred at T3 with midazolam. Midazolam 7.5 mg and diazepam 10.0 mg exert an influence on some hemodynamic parameters without perceptible clinical changes in healthy patients undergoing lower third molar surgery.

Pseudo-ankylosis caused by osteoma of the coronoid process.

Osteoma of the coronoid process is a rare, slow-growing tumor that can lead to restrictive mandibular movements. This paper describes a case of osteoma of the right coronoid process in a 45-year-old woman who reported progressive facial asymmetry and the loss of mandibular movements. Aspects regarding the differential diagnosis, treatment, surgical access, possible complications and postoperative follow up of the case are also discussed. The osteoma of the coronoid process is a benign tumor that can reach a significant size, causing an increase in volume, facial asymmetry, limited mouth opening and fracture of the zygomatic complex in some cases. The combination of extraoral and intraoral accesses is useful in the case of large tumors of difficult access, such as in this case reported.

Clinical study of hemodynamic changes comparing 4% articaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 and 1:200,000 epinephrine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hemodynamic changes with the use of 4% articaine and 2 different concentrations of epinephrine (1:100,000 and 1:200,000) in the surgical removal of symmetrically positioned lower third molars. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was carried out involving 42 patients each undergoing 2 surgeries on separate occasions under local anesthesia with 4% articaine and either epinephrine 1:100,000 or 1:200,000. The following parameters were assessed at 4 different moments: systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure; heart rate; oxygen saturation; rate pressure product (RPP); and pressure rate quotient (PRQ). RESULTS: The concentration of epinephrine did not affect diastolic blood pressure or oxygen saturation during the surgeries. Significant differences between were detected for heart rate, RPP, and PRQ (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The epinephrine concentration (1:100,000 or 1:200,000) in a 4% articaine solution influences hemodynamic parameters without perceptible clinical changes in healthy patients undergoing lower third molar removal.

One-stage treatment of hemimandibular hyperplasia.

Hemimandibular hyperplasia (HH) is a rare, self-limiting process manifesting between the first and third decades of life. HH causes facial asymmetry and derangement of the occlusion. Management involves resection of the condylar head and orthognathic surgery. This paper describes the case of a 38-year-old woman with spontaneous onset HH over a span of approximately 30 years. The condition was managed with resection of the condyle with simultaneous orthognathic surgery. The patient is currently satisfied with her appearance and function, and there are no signs of recurrence after 2 years.

Intraoral approach for removal of large sialolith in submandibular gland.

Sialolithiasis is a benign pathology that occurs most frequently in the submandibular salivary gland due to its anatomic features. Depending on the size and degree of calcification, a sialolith can be visible in radiographic examinations. Patients commonly experience pain and/or edema when the ducts are obstructed. The authors report two cases of sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland after searching for the source of swelling in the submandibular region. The diagnosis was confirmed by clinical and tomographic examinations. Despite the considerable size of the sialoliths, treatment consisted of the removal of the calcified mass using an intraoral surgical approach. The prognosis is often good and there is generally no recurrence of the condition.

Hemodynamic changes comparing 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine with epinephrine 1: 100,000 in lower third molar surgery.

BACKGROUND: An increase in blood pressure during dental treatment has been investigated with regard to potential medical risks since previous studies suggest that dental procedures may cause stress to the patient and, consequently, the cardiovascular system. The aim of the present study was to analyze hemodynamic changes following the administration of either 2% lidocaine (L100) or 4% articaine (A100) (both with epinephrine 1:100,000) in the surgical removal of symmetrically positioned lower third molars. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was carried out involving 47 patients. Each patient underwent 1 surgery at each of 2 appointments--one under local anesthesia with L100 and the other with A100. The following parameters were assessed at 4 different times: systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure; heart rate; oxygen saturation; rate pressure product; and pressure rate quotient. RESULTS: No hypertensive peak was observed in systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure at any evaluation time. Moreover, the type of anesthetic solution did not affect diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation during the surgeries. The pressure rate quotient was the only parameter to exhibit statistically significant differences between groups at different evaluation times (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The hemodynamic parameters evaluated in third molar surgery with 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine (both with epinephrine 1:100,000) did not show significant differences.

Comparative analysis of preemptive analgesic effect of tramadol chlorhydrate and nimesulide following third molar surgery.

The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled, paired trial was to perform a comparative analysis of the preemptive analgesic effect of nimesulide and tramadol chlorhydrate during third molar surgery. The study was carried out between March and November 2009, involving 94 operations in 47 male and female patients with bilateral impacted lower third molars in comparable positions. The sample was divided into two groups. Group A received an oral dose of 100 mg of nimesulide 1 h prior to surgery. Group B received an oral dose of 100 mg of tramadol chlorhydrate 1 h prior to surgery. The following aspects were evaluated in the postoperative period: adverse effects of the drugs; amount of rescue medication used (acetaminophen 750 mg); and pain 5, 6, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 h after surgery using a visual analog pain scale. Peak pain occurred 5 h after surgery in both groups, with a mean pain score of 2.3 in Group A and 3.0 in Group B; this difference did not achieve statistical significance (p > 0.141). Based on the sample studied, nimesulide and tramadol chlorhydrate demonstrate similar preemptive analgesic effects when used in lower third molar surgeries.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis: a report of four cases in the same family.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis is characterized by a slow, progressive increase in the gingival tissue that develops as either an isolated disorder or as part of the clinical characteristics of diverse syndromes. The present case report describes a Brazilian family with individuals from three generations affected. The proposed treatment was maxillary and mandibular gingivectomy with 12 months of monitoring.