Anticancer effects of putative and validated BH3-mimetic drugs in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: An overview of current knowledge.

The purpose of this review was to summarise available literature concerning the anticancer effects of both putative and validated BH3-mimetics in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. A literature search was performed and studies assessing malignant cell lines, xenograft models, and/or humans were considered eligible. A total of 501 studies were identified, of which 40 were included. One phase-II clinical trial assessing gossypol (combined with docetaxel) was found. The remaining 39 preclinical studies investigated cell lines and/or xenograft models involving the use of six validated BH3-mimetics (A-1210477, A-1331852, ABT-737, navitoclax, S63845, venetoclax) and six putative BH3-mimetics (ApoG2, gossypol, obatoclax, sabutoclax, TW-37, and YC137). In preclinical settings, most validated BH3-mimetics were capable of inducing apoptosis (in-vitro) and tumour growth inhibition (in-vivo). The majority of putative BH3-mimetics were also capable of inducing cell death, although important off-target effects, such as autophagy induction, were also described. Combinations with conventional anticancer drugs, ionising radiation, or multiple BH3-mimetics generally resulted in enhanced anticancer effects, such as increased sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli, especially considering some cell lines that showed resistance to either treatment alone. In conclusion, although clinical data are still insufficient to evaluate the anticancer effects of BH3-mimetics in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, promising results in preclinical settings were observed concerning induction of cell death and inhibition of tumour growth. Therefore, further clinical trials are highly encouraged.

Top 100 most-cited articles on intraoral squamous cell carcinoma and its risk factors: a bibliometric study.

This study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited articles on intraoral squamous cell carcinoma and its risk factors. A literature search was conducted on November 12, 2020 using the Web of Science database. Bibliometric data were collected after study selection. Bibliometric maps were generated using VOSviewer software. Articles were ranked based on the number of citations, ranging from 108 to 1513 per study. Eleven studies presented at least 400 citations. Articles were published between 1950 and 2017 and were mostly case-control studies (n = 39) and narrative reviews (n = 29). The author and institution in most articles were S. Franceschi (n = 10) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (n = 10), respectively. The most prominent countries were the United States (n = 35), the United Kingdom (n = 16), and France (n = 9). Among the 100 most-cited articles, only one article was from Brazil, and the authors were affiliated with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. Bibliometric maps showed strong associations between the terms alcohol, smoked/smokeless tobacco, and human papillomavirus. Emerging terms, such as areca nut and betel quid, were cited in recent articles. In conclusion, alcohol, tobacco, and human papillomavirus were the most prominent risk factors. Case-control design was the most common study design, and the majority of studies were conducted in the United States by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Tests and Imaging Exams for Femoroacetabular Impingement: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize available evidence about diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests and imaging examinations for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. DESIGN: Umbrella review. SETTING: N/A. PARTICIPANTS: N/A. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Systematic reviews (SR) indexed in Embase, LIVIVO, PubMed, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched in a 2-phase process. SR assessing diagnostic accuracy were considered eligible. RESULTS: From 1520 studies, 6 SR were included, which evaluated 24 primary studies related to FAI syndrome. Of these, 5 SR assessed clinical tests, and a substantial heterogeneity was found concerning reference standards adopted across primary studies, which included arthroscopy, clinical examination (associated or not with imaging exams), intra-articular injections, and open surgery. Most clinical tests presented higher values of sensitivity compared with specificity, although evidence was considered limited because the same primary studies were often included across SR. Nonetheless, evidence around the flexion adduction internal rotation (FADIR) test was considered stronger and its use as a screening tool was consistently supported. Only one SR assessed the accuracy of imaging examinations, which adopted open surgery as the sole reference standard. Most imaging exams presented considerably high values of sensitivity, although specificity values were notably lower. CONCLUSIONS: No robust recommendations can be provided for most clinical tests, although the FADIR test, in particular, was consistently supported as a screening tool. Moreover, although imaging examinations showed considerably high sensitivity values, evidence was considered sparse and further research is strongly recommended to validate its use as reference standards for diagnostic accuracy data.

Is there an association of genetic polymorphisms of the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (rs165656 and rs174675) and the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A gene (rs4941573 and rs6313) with sleep bruxism in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the catechol-O-methyltransferase and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A genes with sleep bruxism in individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. DESIGN: Sixty-nine individuals with suspected sleep-related problems were evaluated by polysomnography, following the recommendations of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples were collected only from 48 of the study participants because of missing polysomnographic data. DNA samples were collected and two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A encoding HTR2A gene (rs4941573 and rs6313) and two in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (rs165656 and rs174675) were selected to be genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The association between sleep bruxism and genetic polymorphisms was investigated by recessive and dominant models. Association analyses were performed using a 95% confidence interval and the level of statistical significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: From the 69 study participants, 48 were included in the polymorphism analysis and sleep bruxism was present in 35.4%. No significant differences were observed in the dominant and recessive models (p > 0.05). Haplotype and diplotype analyses revealed the predicted four haplotypes and two diplotypes were not associated with sleep bruxism. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms rs174675 and rs165656 in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and rs4941573 and rs6313 in the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A gene were not significantly associated with sleep bruxism in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.

Top 100 most-cited articles on intraoral squamous cell carcinoma and its risk factors: a bibliometric study

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited articles on intraoral squamous cell carcinoma and its risk factors. A literature search was conducted on November 12, 2020 using the Web of Science database. Bibliometric data were collected after study selection. Bibliometric maps were generated using VOSviewer software. Articles were ranked based on the number of citations, ranging from 108 to 1513 per study. Eleven studies presented at least 400 citations. Articles were published between 1950 and 2017 and were mostly case-control studies (n = 39) and narrative reviews (n = 29). The author and institution in most articles were S. Franceschi (n = 10) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (n = 10), respectively. The most prominent countries were the United States (n = 35), the United Kingdom (n = 16), and France (n = 9). Among the 100 most-cited articles, only one article was from Brazil, and the authors were affiliated with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. Bibliometric maps showed strong associations between the terms alcohol, smoked/smokeless tobacco, and human papillomavirus. Emerging terms, such as areca nut and betel quid, were cited in recent articles. In conclusion, alcohol, tobacco, and human papillomavirus were the most prominent risk factors. Case-control design was the most common study design, and the majority of studies were conducted in the United States by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Diagnostic performance of periapical and panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography for detection of circumferential gaps simulating osseointegration failure around dental implants: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to appraise the diagnostic performance of periapical (PR) and panoramic (PANO) radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting artificial circumferential gaps simulating osseointegration failure around dental implants in ex vivo studies. STUDY DESIGN: Seven electronic databases and three gray literature sources were searched. Studies reporting diagnostic performance measures or data allowing calculation of those measures compared with the reference standard of in situ direct measurements were considered eligible. Either the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve or accuracy was chosen to summarize findings, with diagnostic performance interpreted as poor, acceptable, excellent, or outstanding. Risk of bias (RoB) was also assessed. RESULTS: The ten included studies mostly suggested overall excellent to outstanding diagnostic capability with PR and CBCT. Various enhancement filters, CBCT voxel sizes, and/or fields of view were associated with acceptable to outstanding efficacy. PANO had the poorest results, with most research demonstrating acceptable to excellent discrimination. The RoB was high for seven studies, moderate for two, and low for -one. CONCLUSIONS: PR and CBCT images were generally superior to PANO for the detection of artificial bone gaps. Results should be interpreted with caution because most studies had a high RoB.

Effects of total knee arthroplasty for primary knee osteoarthritis on postural balance: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is often related to physical function impairment. Although total knee arthroplasty is considered effective for advanced cases of knee osteoarthritis, its effects on postural balance is a topic of debate. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the effects of total knee arthroplasty for primary knee osteoarthritis on postural balance compared to preoperative status and/or to healthy controls?. METHODS: Longitudinal studies (with more than 1-month follow-up) assessing postural balance measures (either clinical-based such as balance scales or laboratory-based such as postural sway) were considered eligible and selected in a 2-phase process. Six main electronic databases were searched, complemented by 3 grey literature sources. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were included for qualitative synthesis, of which 14 had low and 5 had a moderate risk of bias. The follow-up period ranged from 1-24 months. Most studies (n = 11) presented comparisons to preoperative status only. From these, 7 studies reported relevant improvements in postural balance, 2 reported partial improvements, and 2 no improvements. The remaining studies (n = 8) presented comparisons to healthy controls and, although improvements following total knee arthroplasty were consistently observed, only one study reported postural balance measures comparable to that of controls. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of studies reported relevant improvements (especially in clinical-based measures) compared to preoperative evaluations, although inconsistencies were found possibly due to variability in studies' populations, assessment tools, and follow-up times. Despite this, persistent deficits in postural balance were commonly observed when compared to healthy controls. SIGNIFICANCE: This evidence synthesis could better inform clinicians and researchers about the therapeutic effects and limitations of total knee arthroplasty concerning postural balance. Standardization of assessment tools is recommended to strengthen the certainty of cumulative evidence.

Anesthetic Efficacy of an Alternative Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Technique Using an Extra-Short Needle: A Double-Blind Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial.

PURPOSE: Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is a frequently used anesthetic technique for restorative and surgical procedures in the mandible and its success rate usually ranges from 80 to 85%. Thus, this study aimed to compare the anesthetic efficacy of an alternative technique named superficial nerve block (SNB)-which consists of a modified approach using an extra-short needle inserted 10 mm deep and on a higher injection site to the conventional technique (CT) for IANB in healthy individuals. METHODS: About 20 participants received both SNB and CT with 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine and 1:100,000 epinephrine. Thermal tests were performed 6 times, every 2 min, on the inferior canine and first molar to determine the success rate and anesthesia onset. Assessments were repeated at 20, 40, and 60 min to determine anesthesia duration. Sensitivity of lips and tongue was tested by clamp pressure. Pain perception during injection was assessed by a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The success rate in accordance with anatomical location was molars (SNB = 90%; CT = 85%), canines (SNB = 25%; CT = 70%), lips (SNB = 45%; CT = 95%), and tongue (SNB = 85%; CT = 95%). Significant differences were found for canines (P = .012) and lips (P < .002). Moreover, median anesthesia onset was: molars (SNB = 6 min; CT = 4 min), canines (SNB = 6 min; CT = 6 min), lips (SNB = 10 min; CT = 6 min), and tongue (SNB = 8 min; CT = 4 min), whereas median duration was molars (SNB = 60 min; CT = 60 min), canines (SNB = 20 min; CT = 60 min), lips (SNB = 60 min; CT = 60 min), and tongue (SNB = 60 min; CT = 60 min). A significant difference was found for anesthesia onset on molars (P = .024) and lips (P = .009). Pain scores on VAS were SNB (median = 8.5 mm) and CT (median = 10.0 mm) (P = .398). CONCLUSIONS: In healthy individuals, the anesthetic effects of SNB were noninferior to CT in molars and tongue, although efficacy was considerably inferior in anterior teeth and lips.

Polymeric implants with drug-releasing capabilities: a mapping review of laboratory research.

PURPOSE: To provide a systematic map of the nature and extent of preclinical research concerning drug-releasing polymeric implants. SIGNIFICANCE: By summarizing available data, this mapping review can guide the development of new drug-delivery devices. METHODS: In-vitro studies assessing drug-delivery implants were reviewed. A study protocol was registered at Open Science Framework. The association of polymers with prominent drugs, manufacturing processes, geometries, treatments, and anatomical locations was assessed using the VOSviewer software. The release periods were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 423 articles, published between 1975 and 2020, were included and grouped into a framework with nine main categories. More than half of studies were published between 2010 and 2020. Among 201 individual polymers or combinations, the most investigated were PLGA, PCL, PLA, Silicone (SIL), EVA, and PU. Similarly, from 232 individual drugs or combinations, the most prominent were dexamethasone (DEX; anti-inflammatory), paclitaxel (PTX; anticancer), fluoruracil (anticancer), ciprofloxacin (CFX) hydrochloride (antibiotic), and gentamicin (GS; antibiotic). A total of 51 manufacturing processes were encountered, of which the most reported were solvent evaporation, compression molding (CM), extrusion (EX), electrospinning (ELS), and melt molding (MM). Among 38 implant geometries, cylinder (CIL) was the most prominent, followed by disk, square film, circular film (FCIR), and undefined film. Release times varied greatly, although the majority of articles ranged between 5 and 300 d. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-delivery implants were highly heterogeneous due to its applicability for multiple health conditions. Most implants were made of PLGA and most drugs assessed presented anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, or anticancer effects. Solvent evaporation and CIL were the most prominent manufacturing process and geometry, respectively.

Prognostic biomarkers for malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to identify and systematically map the available evidence concerning the prognostic biomarkers for malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), and to identify and analyze possible knowledge gaps in this field of literature. INTRODUCTION: It is hypothesized that diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer in its early stages may be the key to improving the prognosis and reducing treatment-related consequences. Oral potentially malignant disorders represent tissue alterations with a higher risk of malignant transformation compared to the normal mucosa. Therefore, the study of prognostic biomarkers for OPMD could represent new diagnosis and therapeutic targets and, consequently, contribute to the reduction of oral cancer burden worldwide. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Longitudinal studies investigating prognostic biomarkers regarding the malignant transformation of OPMD will be included. The initial OPMD diagnosis and the malignant transformation must have been confirmed by histopathological analysis. To achieve minimal heterogeneity, studies that assess biomarkers in other locations (blood, plasma or others) will be excluded. METHODS: Five electronic databases and three grey literature databases will be consulted. No restrictions regarding publication date will be applied. Only studies published in the Latin (Roman) alphabet, which comprises most of the European languages, will be included. Study selection will be performed by two authors in a two-phase process; if any disagreement arises, a third author will be consulted to make a final decision. Data extraction will be performed by two authors using a standardized extraction tool. The results will be described in details accordantly with the aims of this scoping review.

Oral potentially malignant disorders: A scoping review of prognostic biomarkers.

This scoping review aimed to map evidence regarding biomarkers for malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Seventy-three longitudinal studies investigating prognostic biomarkers for OPMD malignant transformation were included, encompassing 5612 disorders and 108 biomarkers, of which 72 were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Most biomarkers were assessed in one or two studies, while five (p53, Ki-67, podoplanin, p16, and DNA ploidy) were analyzed in five or more studies. All studies investigating podoplanin (n = 8) reported a significant association between positive/high immunoexpression and malignant transformation. Similarly, all studies assessing DNA ploidy (n = 5) found that aneuploidy or gross genomic aberrations were significantly associated with malignant transformation. Included studies often presented mixed data from different OPMD subtypes, inadequate description of population characteristics, and lack of adjusted analysis for confounding factors. One hundred and eight biomarkers were identified and, from these, podoplanin immunoexpression and DNA ploidy were considered promising candidates for future long-term clinical research.

Prevalence of mucoepidermoid carcinoma among intraoral minor salivary gland tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to synthetize and critically appraise available evidence regarding mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) prevalence among intraoral minor salivary gland tumors (MiSGT). Five main electronic databases and three grey literature databases were searched. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Proportion meta-analyses were performed. From 1321 studies identified, 82 were included in qualitative synthesis and 80 in meta-analyses. Sixteen were classified as high, 33 as moderate, and 33 as low RoB. A total of 12 774 MiSGT were found, of which overall MEC prevalence was 16.5% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 14.8%-18.4%). Most MiSGT were found in the palate (n = 7115), although MEC pooled prevalence in this anatomic location was only 13.6% (95% CI = 11.7%-15.6%). The retromolar area presented the highest pooled prevalence (58.9%; 95% CI = 47.0%-70.3%), followed by gingiva (28.8%; 95% CI = 22.7%-35.4%) and tongue (27.2%; 95% CI = 21.2%-33.6%). Regarding geographic location, Middle East presented the highest pooled prevalence (20.8%; 95% CI = 14.8%-27.6%), followed by America (20.0%, 95% CI = 17.2%-23%) and Europe (15.6%; 95% CI = 9.2%-23.5%). Among MiSGT, the MEC overall prevalence was approximately 16.5%. Although most MiSGT were found in the palate, the retromolar area was proportionally more affected by MEC.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy in the approach of locally advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 4% of European patients are diagnosed with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), a clinical condition commonly associated with poorer prognosis. Systemic therapy is the recommended initial treatment and when inoperability criteria prevails, radiotherapy (RT) should be used for tumour downstaging. This study intends to evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NART) in the treatment of inoperable LABC. METHODS: A retrospective study of female patients, submitted to the NART between January 2014 and December 2018 at our institution. The evaluation of pathological response (pR) was made based on Pinder criteria. Primary endpoint: pR. Secondary endpoints: overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). OS and PFS were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences between groups were compared using Student's t-test, ANOVA (Analysis of variance) and χ2 test. The statistical analyses were performed using Stata (V.13). RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were included, 18% with breast complete response. The 5 years OS was 54% and PFS was 61%. Subgroup analysis showed that pR >90% is correlated with a better OS (p=0.004). Basal-like intrinsic subtype is correlated with worse OS and PFS (p<0.05). No relation was found between response and age, intrinsic subtype, treatment performed and clinical T stage. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that NART is an effective downsizing treatment in inoperable LABC, allowing for a surgical resection regardless of the systemic treatment performed. Response to NART is independent of the intrinsic subtype and pR >90% is correlated with a better OS. Prospective studies to explore predictive response biomarkers are necessary in order to improve patient selection and optimisation of the treatment.

Cell-block as ancillary tool for the diagnosis of cystic and cyst-like jaw lesions.

BACKGROUND: The cell-block technique is a cytological diagnostic method that decreases cellular dispersion; however, its usefulness regarding intraosseous lesions is underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the diagnostic usefulness of cell-block for cystic and cyst-like jaw lesions. METHODS: Individuals with cystic or cyst-like jaw lesions who underwent aspiration biopsy were considered eligible. Aspiration of luminal content was prepared and processed by the cell-block technique. Cytological evaluations were blindly performed by two trained PhD students (in a single evaluation) and one oral and maxillofacial pathologist (OMP). Cohen's kappa statistic was used to measure inter-rater agreement. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 52 lesions, represented by 25 radicular cysts (RC), 17 odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), 5 idiopathic bone cavities (IBC), and 5 unicystic ameloblastomas (UA). The kappa coefficient of cell-block compared to histopathological diagnosis was 0.390 (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.195-0.585) for PhD students and 0.612 (95%CI, 0.433-0.791) for the OMP. The highest concordance rates between cell-block and histopathological diagnosis were observed for RC (PhD = 76.0%; OMP = 80.0%) and OKC (PhD = 58.8%; OMP = 76.5%). Conflicting results were found regarding IBC (PhD = 40.0%; OMP = 80.0%) and UA, that presented the overall lowest concordance rates (PhD = 20.0%; OMP = 40.0%). CONCLUSION: The cell-block technique presented a high diagnostic usefulness for detecting RC and OKC and, if associated with clinical and radiographic characteristics, might be sufficient for final diagnosis of these diseases. Regarding IBC and UA, an analysis with a higher number of cases is recommended to determine the true usefulness of the cell-block as ancillary tool for the diagnosis of these lesions.

Diagnostic capability of fine-needle aspiration cytology in assessment of intraosseous lesions of the jaws: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review (SR) and critically appraise studies that investigated the diagnostic capability of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the assessment of intraosseous lesions of the jaws. METHODS: Six main electronic databases and three gray literature databases were searched aiming diagnostic studies, which were selected in a two-phase process. Risk of bias (RoB) of included studies was assessed using the Revised Tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. RESULTS: A total of eight articles were included, of which six evaluated the FNAC smear technique exclusively, one assessed both smear and cell-block techniques, while one investigated only the cell-block technique. With regard to the FNAC smear technique, from 134 benign lesions investigated, concordance with the histopathological diagnosis was achieved in 64.17% of cases. In addition, considering the 32 malignant lesions assessed through this technique, concordance with histopathology was achieved in all cases. Regarding the cell-block technique, only benign lesions (n = 40) were evaluated in the included studies, in which the concordance rate with histopathology was of 77.5%. The overall RoB judgment was "at risk of bias" for seven included studies mostly due to lack of information or reportedly absence of blinding of evaluator. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this SR, FNAC presented modest to satisfactory diagnostic capability for the assessment of intraosseous jaw lesions, showing concordance rates higher than 64% for the smear and 77% for the cell-block technique. Also, considerably high concordance rates were found for the assessment of malignant lesions regarding FNAC smear technique.

Prevalence of dentofacial injuries among combat sports practitioners: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Combat sports might result in injuries to the face and teeth. However, it is unclear how often they occur and which sports presents the highest rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dentofacial injuries in combat sports participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed. Six main electronic databases and three grey literature databases were searched. Studies were blindly selected by two reviewers based on pre-defined eligibility criteria. Studies that evaluated the prevalence of dentofacial injuries (teeth, alveolar bone, jaw, lips, and/or cheekbones) among combat sports participants were considered eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. The software r statistics version was used to perform all meta-analyses. Cumulative evidence of the included articles was evaluated using GRADE criteria (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). RESULTS: From 1104 articles found on all databases, 27 were finally included. Eighteen studies were judged at low, seven at moderate, and two at high risk of bias. The following sports were investigated: boxing, capoeira, fencing, jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kendo, kickboxing, kung fu, muay thai, sumo, taekwondo, wrestling, and wushu. Results from the meta-analysis suggested a dental pooled prevalence of 25.2% (12.3%-40.8%, i2  = 100%) and dentofacial pooled prevalence of 30.3 (18.1%-44.1%, i2  = 100%). Considering the sports' categories individually, jiu-jitsu had the highest pooled prevalence of dentofacial injuries (52.9% [37.9%-67.8%, i2  = 92%]), while judo was the sport with the lowest pooled prevalence (25.0% [7.6%-48.2%, i2  = 98%]). Among Panamerican sports, boxing had the highest prevalence of dental injuries (73.7% [58.7%-86.3%, i2  = 0%]). For dentofacial injuries, the GRADE criteria were considered low. CONCLUSIONS: Overall pooled prevalence of dentofacial injuries in combat sports was approximately 30%. Raising awareness regarding the frequency of these injuries might encourage the use of protective devices and reduce complications related to these incidents.

Association between immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to summarize and critically appraise available evidence on the association of the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with the occurrence of lymph node/distant metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: Searches were conducted in five main electronic and three gray literature databases. RESULTS: From 2128 records identified, 50 were included for qualitative analysis. A total of 12 MMPs were identified (-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -10, -11, -13, -25, -26, and MT1-MMP). Most included studies reported a positive association of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, and MT1-MMP with lymph node metastasis. MMP-8, -25, and -26 were not associated with lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: According to this SR, MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, and MT1-MMP seem to play an important role in lymph node metastasis of OSCC.

Laser therapy for recurrent aphthous stomatitis: an overview.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate therapeutic effects of laser therapy on patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis assessing evidences from previously published systematic reviews. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An overview of systematic reviews was conducted based on PRISMA checklist. Search strategies were developed and adapted for six different electronic databases and a gray literature search was also performed. The methodology quality of the included systematic reviews was assessed by the Measurement Tool to Assess the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2). RESULTS: After a two-step selection, five systematic reviews were included. Methodology quality was considered as a high risk of bias in two systematic reviews, while in the other three were graded as moderate. The systematic reviews' conclusions demonstrated that all included systematics reviews showed positive effects of laser therapy for pain relief, and most of them demonstrated healing improvement. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to heterogeneity in treatments parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggested that laser therapy is an effective tool to treat recurrent aphthous stomatitis; nevertheless, more randomized clinical trials should be conducted to compare different lasers parameters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present overview evaluated recent evidence about laser therapy for recurrent aphthous stomatitis management in order to contribute for evidence-based dentistry and decision-making. This overview suggests that laser therapy is a safe and promising alternative to treat recurrent aphthous stomatitis, since it promotes wound healing and pain relief.

Effects of sclerosing agents on head and neck hemangiomas: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature for studies that investigated the effects of sclerosing agents on head and neck hemangiomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical trials, cohort studies, and descriptive studies were considered eligible and selected in a two-phase process. Six main electronic databases, in addition to three grey literature databases, were searched. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the "Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument" checklist. From fifty-six considered eligible, five were finally included. RESULTS: One article were judged at low, one at moderate, and three at high RoB. The sclerosing agents investigated were sodium tetradecyl sulphate (n=2), ethanolamine oleate (n=1), pingyangmycin (n=1) and bleomycin (n=1). Overall, good results were achieved on the treatment of head and neck hemangiomas with intralesional sclerotherapy. Most commonly reported adverse effects included pain, swelling, fever, necrosis, transient facial palsy, and anorexia. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the limited number of included studies, intralesional sclerotherapy on the management of HN hemangiomas presented overall good results with minor adverse reactions, especially in regards to smaller lesions. Key words:Sclerotherapy, sclerosing solutions, vascular neoplasms, hemangioma.

Effects of total hip arthroplasty for primary hip osteoarthritis on postural balance: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hip osteoarthritis is one of the major causes of disability worldwide, and although total hip arthroplasty is considered effective in the management of this condition, its effects on postural balance remain unclear. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the effects of total hip arthroplasty for primary hip osteoarthritis on the postural balance compared to preoperative status and/or to healthy controls?. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted, and the Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. Randomized and non-randomized studies were considered eligible for inclusion. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. RESULTS: Among the 41 potentially eligible studies, 13 studies were included for qualitative synthesis-8 studies had low risk of bias and 5 had moderate risk of bias. Ten studies compared the effects of total hip arthroplasty on the postural balance in healthy controls. Meanwhile, the remaining 3 studies compared such effects to the preoperative status only. Comparable results on the postural balance between the intervention and control groups were observed in 5 studies, whereas 3 studies showed better scores among healthy controls. The other 2 studies reported that postural balance could still be impaired at 6 months to 3 years postoperatively. All 3 studies with no healthy controls reported an improvement in the postural balance compared to the preoperative status. CONCLUSIONS: Major post-surgical improvements were consistently observed compared to preoperative status, although postural balance impairment was still noted compared to healthy controls. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study might be a useful guide for clinicians on the extent of the therapeutic effects of hip arthroplasty on postural balance. Furthermore, the standardization of balance assessment tools could strengthen the certainty of cumulative evidence in future studies.