IL17A and IL17RA gene polymorphisms in Fanconi anemia.

Fanconi anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disease. In this disease, cytokine pathways can induce the bone marrow failure that is observed in individuals with Fanconi anemia. Interleukin IL-17 exhibits a protective effect in organisms because it induces neutrophil recruitment and shows a pathological role in several models of autoimmune diseases, periodontal disease, cancer, allograft rejection, and graft versus host disease. Polymorphisms in the IL17A and IL17RA genes were evaluated from DNA in saliva, comparing individuals with or without Fanconi anemia, using models of genotypic transmission (additive, dominant, and recessive). Polymorphisms in the IL17A and IL17RA genes (rs2241044 [C allele], rs879577 [C allele], rs9606615 [T allele], and rs2241043 [C allele]) were risk factors for developing Fanconi anemia. We also performed an analysis of gene markers with clinical variables in the Fanconi group. Polymorphisms in the IL17A gene (rs3819025 [A allele] and rs2275913 [G allele], respectively) were associated with an age of less than 20 years (p = 0.026; RP 0.65) and the female sex (p = 0.043; RP 0.88). The IL17RA gene was also associated with age and the presence of leukoplakia (a potentially malignant oral disorder). An age of less than 20 years was associated with rs917864 (T allele; p = 0.036; RP 0.67). The presence of leukoplakia was associated with rs17606615 (T allele; p = 0.042; RP 0.47). To our knowledge, this is the first study that associates IL17A and IL17RA gene polymorphisms with Fanconi anemia and examines rs2241044 polymorphisms in scientific literature thus far.

IL17A and IL17RA gene polymorphisms in Fanconi anemia

Abstract Fanconi anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disease. In this disease, cytokine pathways can induce the bone marrow failure that is observed in individuals with Fanconi anemia. Interleukin IL-17 exhibits a protective effect in organisms because it induces neutrophil recruitment and shows a pathological role in several models of autoimmune diseases, periodontal disease, cancer, allograft rejection, and graft versus host disease. Polymorphisms in the IL17A and IL17RA genes were evaluated from DNA in saliva, comparing individuals with or without Fanconi anemia, using models of genotypic transmission (additive, dominant, and recessive). Polymorphisms in the IL17A and IL17RA genes (rs2241044 [C allele], rs879577 [C allele], rs9606615 [T allele], and rs2241043 [C allele]) were risk factors for developing Fanconi anemia. We also performed an analysis of gene markers with clinical variables in the Fanconi group. Polymorphisms in the IL17A gene (rs3819025 [A allele] and rs2275913 [G allele], respectively) were associated with an age of less than 20 years (p = 0.026; RP 0.65) and the female sex (p = 0.043; RP 0.88). The IL17RA gene was also associated with age and the presence of leukoplakia (a potentially malignant oral disorder). An age of less than 20 years was associated with rs917864 (T allele; p = 0.036; RP 0.67). The presence of leukoplakia was associated with rs17606615 (T allele; p = 0.042; RP 0.47). To our knowledge, this is the first study that associates IL17A and IL17RA gene polymorphisms with Fanconi anemia and examines rs2241044 polymorphisms in scientific literature thus far.

Can NLR be a biomarker for mucositis and gvhd in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT?

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment for many diseases; however, it can induce complications such as Oral Mucositis (OM) and Graft-versus- Host Disease (GVHD). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a peripheral biomarker of systemic inflammation and an independent prognostic factor for several inflammatory diseases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association of NLR with OM and GVHD in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT. Methods: Patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT at the Bone Marrow Transplant Service of the Hospital de Clínicas Complex of the Federal University of Paraná were included in the study. Socio-demographic data and blood counts were collected from patients' medical records. The NLR was calculated and associated with OM and GVHD. Results: 45 patients were included in the study. Although NLR was higher in patients with OM and oral GVHD, no statistical difference was observed, and no relationship between OM and GVHD with NLR could be stated. Conclusion: Although both OM and GVHD are associated with an inflammatory response as well as the immune system, it was not associated with NLR. Further investigation considering other variables related to HSCT might find possible associations, as it could favor patient management and prevention

Risk factors for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and salivary IL-6 IN cancer patients / Fatores de risco para osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação e níveis salivares de IL-6 em pacientes com câncer

Abstract Introduction Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is a severe complication of the use of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapy, with limited treatment options and great impact on patient's quality pf life. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in oncologic patients undergoing bisphosphonate treatment. In addition, salivary levels of interleukin-6, IL-6, were measured to investigate their association with severity and risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Methods Case-control study with 74 patients with bone metastases from solid tumors and multiple myeloma was included. Patients were divided into three groups: 1) those undergoing bisphosphonate treatment with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws; 2) those undergoing bisphosphonate without medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws; and 3) those with bisphosphonate pretreatment. The demographic and medical data of the patients were collected to assess risk. The clinical evaluation was performed to diagnose medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and unstimulated saliva was collected for quantification of IL-6. Results As result, it was observed that patients diagnosed with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws were submitted to higher number of bisphosphonate doses (p= 0.001) and monthly infusion protocol (p= 0.044; OR = 7.75). Patients who did not have routine followup with specialized dentists during therapy with bisphosphonate and smoking were associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (p= 0.019; OR = 8.25 and p= 0.031; OR = 9.37 respectively). Group 1 had a higher frequency of treatment with chemotherapy and corticosteroids concomitant with bisphosphonate, and surgical dental procedures (p= 0.129). Salivary IL-6 levels showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p= 0.571) or association with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws severity (p= 0.923). Conclusion A higher number of bisphosphonate cycles, monthly infusion protocol, no dental follow-up for oral health maintenance and smoking were associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Specialized dental follow up during bisphosphonate treatment has been shown to be an important factor in preventing this complication.

Resumo Introdução A osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação é uma complicação grave da terapia antirreabsortiva e antiangiogênica, com opção de tratamento limitada e grande impacto na qualidade de vida do paciente. Objetivo Avaliar os fatores de risco associados à osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação em pacientes oncológicos em tratamento com bifosfonato Além disso, os níveis salivares de interleucina-6 (IL-6) foram medidos para investigar sua associação com a gravidade e o risco de osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação. Método Estudo caso-controle com 74 pacientes com metástases ósseas de tumores sólidos e mieloma múltiplo. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: 1) em tratamento por bifosfonato com osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação; 2) submetidos ao bifosfonato sem osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação; e 3) pré-tratamento de bifosfonato. Os dados demográficos e médicos dos pacientes foram coletados para avaliar o risco. A avaliação clínica foi feita para diagnosticar osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação e a saliva não estimulada foi coletada para quantificação da IL-6. Resultados Observou-se que os pacientes diagnosticados com osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação foram submetidos a maior número de doses de bifosfonato (p = 0,001) e protocolo de infusão mensal (p = 0,044; OR = 7,75). Pacientes que não tiveram acompanhamento de rotina com dentistas especializados durante a terapia com bifosfonato e tabagismo foram associados ao osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação (p = 0,019; OR = 8,25 e p = 0,031; OR = 9,37, respectivamente). O grupo 1 apresentou maior frequência de tratamento com quimioterapia e corticosteroides concomitantes ao bifosfonato e procedimentos odontológicos cirúrgicos (p = 0,129). Os níveis salivares de IL-6 não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos (p = 0,571) ou associação com a gravidade do osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação (p = 0,923). Conclusão Maior número de ciclos de bifosfonato, protocolo de infusão mensal, ausência de acompanhamento odontológico para manutenção da saúde bucal e tabagismo foram associados ao osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada à medicação. O acompanhamento odontológico especializado durante o tratamento demonstrou ser importante na prevenção dessa complicação.

SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, viremia and seroprevalence for COVID-19 surveillance at a single hematopoietic stem cell transplantation center: a prospective cohort study.

This prospective cohort study aims to analyze the surveillance of COVID-19 at a single hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) center in Brazil, in 29 patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT and 57 healthcare workers (nurses and dentists), through viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and plasma and seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. In addition, we report two cases with prolonged persistent detection of SARS-CoV-2 without seroconversion. The sample collection was performed seven times for patients and five times for healthcare workers. Only two patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in their saliva and plasma samples (6.9%) without seroconversion. All healthcare workers were asymptomatic and none tested positive. Two patients (6.9%) and four nurses (8%) had positive serology. No dentists had positive viral detection or positive serology. Our results reflect a low prevalence of positive RT-PCR and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients and healthcare workers at a single HSCT center. Results have also corroborated how the rigorous protocols adopted in transplant centers were even more strengthened in this pandemic scenario.

Risk factors for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and salivary IL-6 IN cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is a severe complication of the use of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapy, with limited treatment options and great impact on patient's quality pf life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in oncologic patients undergoing bisphosphonate treatment. In addition, salivary levels of interleukin-6, IL-6, were measured to investigate their association with severity and risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. METHODS: Case-control study with 74 patients with bone metastases from solid tumors and multiple myeloma was included. Patients were divided into three groups: 1) those undergoing bisphosphonate treatment with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws; 2) those undergoing bisphosphonate without medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws; and 3) those with bisphosphonate pretreatment. The demographic and medical data of the patients were collected to assess risk. The clinical evaluation was performed to diagnose medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and unstimulated saliva was collected for quantification of IL-6. RESULTS: As result, it was observed that patients diagnosed with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws were submitted to higher number of bisphosphonate doses (p = 0.001) and monthly infusion protocol (p = 0.044; OR = 7.75). Patients who did not have routine followup with specialized dentists during therapy with bisphosphonate and smoking were associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (p = 0.019; OR = 8.25 and p = 0.031; OR = 9.37 respectively). Group 1 had a higher frequency of treatment with chemotherapy and corticosteroids concomitant with bisphosphonate, and surgical dental procedures (p = 0.129). Salivary IL-6 levels showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.571) or association with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws severity (p = 0.923). CONCLUSION: A higher number of bisphosphonate cycles, monthly infusion protocol, no dental follow-up for oral health maintenance and smoking were associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Specialized dental follow up during bisphosphonate treatment has been shown to be an important factor in preventing this complication.

Challenge of Brazilian health researchers in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario.

Advances in Brazilian science made the country reach the 13th position in the world scientific production, and, in 2020, o Brazil was responsible for 2.39% of the world scientific production, reaching the 11th position among the countries that most published about COVID-19. The aim of this study was to contribute to and reflect on the issue of health researchers and graduate students in the scenario of COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic highlighted the importance of science in the outcome of public policies and the fragility of the research system in Brazil, where the workforce is mainly composed of graduate students, who often do not have ideal working conditions and are not included in the response plans to global public health emergencies. This text brings a reflection and a questioning on the role of health researchers and graduate students and reinforces the importance of discussing the work of researchers/scientists in a period of great uncertainty in society.

Os avanços na ciência brasileira alcançaram a 13ª posição na produção científica mundial, e, em 2020, o Brasil foi responsável por 2,39% da produção científica mundial, alcançando a 11a posição entre os países que mais publicaram sobre a COVID-19. O objetivo deste trabalho foi contribuir e refletir sobre o debate dos pesquisadores e pós-graduandos da área de saúde no cenário pandêmico da COVID-19. A pandemia da COVID-19 evidenciou a importância da ciência no desfecho de políticas públicas e a fragilidade do sistema de pesquisa no Brasil, em que a maior força de trabalho se concentra em pós-graduandos, que muitas vezes não possuem condições ideais de trabalho e não estão inseridos nos planos de resposta às emergências globais de saúde pública. Este texto traz uma reflexão e problematização sobre o papel dos pesquisadores e pós-graduandos em saúde e reforça a importância de discutir a atuação de pesquisadores/cientistas em um período de grandes incertezas na sociedade.

SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, viremia and seroprevalence for COVID-19 surveillance at a single hematopoietic stem cell transplantation center: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT This prospective cohort study aims to analyze the surveillance of COVID-19 at a single hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) center in Brazil, in 29 patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT and 57 healthcare workers (nurses and dentists), through viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and plasma and seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. In addition, we report two cases with prolonged persistent detection of SARS-CoV-2 without seroconversion. The sample collection was performed seven times for patients and five times for healthcare workers. Only two patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in their saliva and plasma samples (6.9%) without seroconversion. All healthcare workers were asymptomatic and none tested positive. Two patients (6.9%) and four nurses (8%) had positive serology. No dentists had positive viral detection or positive serology. Our results reflect a low prevalence of positive RT-PCR and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients and healthcare workers at a single HSCT center. Results have also corroborated how the rigorous protocols adopted in transplant centers were even more strengthened in this pandemic scenario.

Dental students'knowledge and attitudes toward patients with epilepsy / Conhecimento e atitudes dos estudantes de um curso de Odontologia em relação à epilepsia

Epilepsy is defined as a group of symptoms resulting from several neuronal complications ranging from changes in consciousness and motor activity to sensory phenomena and aberrant behaviors. This health problem has been associated with cases of stigma that can seriously affect the patient's quality of life. This study's main objectivewas to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding the treatmentof patients diagnosed with epilepsy by undergraduate dentistry students. The methodology was based on applyinga structured questionnaire with 17 close-endedquestions that evaluated information such as sociodemographic data, knowledge about epilepsy and social tolerance. The sample consisted of 397 students enrolled in the Dentistry course atFederal University of Paranáand divided into: group 1, students attending the 1st to the 7th semester of the course,and group 2, students in the last semester of the course. Group 1 students had more opportunities to care for patients with epilepsy than group 2. Most students expressed positive attitudes towardliving with people suffering from epilepsy and considered that they could not exercise certain professional activities. The question with the least number of correct answers dealt with the treatment of patients with the disease. Students' knowledge of epilepsy was low. However, the level of positive attitudes towardliving with this type of patient was considered high (AU).

A epilepsia é definida como um complexo de sintomas resultantes de diversas complicações neuronais que variam de alterações da consciência e da atividade motora até fenômenos sensoriais e comportamentos aberrantes. Esse problema de saúde tem sido associado a casos de estigma que podem repercutir seriamente na qualidade de vida do paciente. Este estudo teve por objetivo principal investigar o conhecimento e as atitudes em relação ao manejo de pacientes com diagnóstico de epilepsia dos estudantes de graduação do curso de Odontologia. A metodologia foi baseada na aplicação de um questionário estruturado com 17 perguntas fechadas que avaliaram informações como dados sociodemográficos, conhecimento sobre epilepsia e tolerância social. A amostra foi composta por 397 estudantes matriculados no curso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Paraná e dividida em: grupo 1, alunos cursando do 1º até o 7º semestre do curso e grupo 2, alunos do último semestre do curso. Os estudantes dogrupo 1 tiveram mais oportunidades para atender pacientes com epilepsia do que os do grupo 2. A maioria dos estudantes manifestou atitudes positivas em relação ao convívio com pessoas que sofrem de epilepsia e considerou que elas não poderiam exercer determinadas atividades profissionais. A questão com menor número de acertos tratava do tratamento de pacientes com a doença. O conhecimento dos estudantes em relação à epilepsia foi baixo. Porém, o nível de atitudes positivas em relação ao convívio com esse tipo de paciente foi considerado alto (AU).

Oral health, organic and inorganic saliva composition of men with Schizophrenia: Case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia (SCZ) presents complex challenges related to diagnosis and clinical monitoring. The study of conditions associated with SCZ can be facilitated by using potential markers and patterns that provide information to support the diagnosis and oral health. METHODS: The salivary composition of patients diagnosed with SCZ (n = 50) was evaluated and compared to the control (n = 50). Saliva samples from male patients were collected and clinical parameters were evaluated. The concentration of total proteins and amylase were determined and salivary macro- and microelements were quantified by ICP OES and ICP-MS. Exploratory data analysis based on artificial intelligence tools was used in the investigation. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the salivary concentrations of Al, Fe, Li, Mg, Na, and V, higher prevalence of caries (p < 0.001), periodontal disease (p < 0.001), and reduced salivary flow rate (p = 0.019) in SCZ patients. Also, samples were grouped into six clusters. As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, and Sr were correlated with each other, while Fe, K, Li, Ti, and V showed the highest concentrations in the samples distributed in the clusters with the highest association between SZC patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicate changes in salivary flow, organic composition, and levels of macro- and microelements in SCZ patients. Salivary concentrations of Fe, Mg, and Na may be related to oral conditions, higher prevalence of caries, and periodontal disease. The exploratory analysis showed different patterns in the salivary composition of SCZ patients impacted by associations between oral health conditions and the use of medications. Future studies are encouraged to confirm the results investigated in this study.

A case series of medication-related fibrovascular hyperplasia following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for Fanconi anemia.

Systemic medications categorized as diphenylhydantoin, calcineurin inhibitor and calcium channel blocker may have effects on the oral cavity by modifying the inflammatory and immune response and causing undesired tissue proliferative reactions. Calcineurin inhibitors are medications commonly used for long periods in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation. Medication-related fibrovascular hyperplasia (MRFH) is an extra gingival hyperplastic nodular growth associated with medications use. This study reports five cases of pediatric patients (6 to 12-years-old) diagnosed with Fanconi anemia (FA) after HSCT who presented similar oral mucosal lesions associated with the use of cyclosporine, phenobarbital and amlodipine. After excision of the lesions, histopathological analysis described them as pyogenic granuloma (PG). As the aetiology of the lesions manifested by the patients was associated with the use of medications, the final diagnosis was MRFH. Despite the clinical and histopathological similarity between PG and MRFH, it is fundamental to know the aetiological agent for achieving definitive diagnosis and correct management. Considering the etiologic agent (medication) and histopathological findings, it is suggested that the most appropriate term for this manifestation should be "medication-related fibrovascular hyperplasia". The correct nomenclature related to extra gingival hyperplastic lesions identified in patients on medications with potential to induce hyperplastic reactions should be adopted to facilitate scientific communication and improve the treatment.

The characteristics of palate and upper dental arch can be an anatomical marker for men with schizophrenia? Case-control study: Palate can be a marker for schizophrenia?

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare individuals with and without schizophrenia through the characteristics of the palate, such as width, length, depth, palate shape, and upper dental arch shape. METHODS AND RESULTS: The sample was divided into one case group (n = 45) and two control groups (n = 90; 45 individuals each group). Groups were paired by variables: sex, age, and malocclusion type. All analyses were performed on upper dental arch plaster models. All individuals were male and the mean age was 28.56 (SD: 7.82) years. The frequency of the malocclusion type observed was 54.1% (Class I), 22.2% (Class II), and 23.7% (Class III). Statistically significant difference was observed between the case and control groups for the variables palate shape (P = .004) and upper dental arch shape (P = .003). The case group had a higher frequency of the deep or grooved palate shape (57.8%) and parabolic dental arch shape (48.9%). There was no statistically significant difference for the palate width, length, and depth (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: There was an evidence that the deep or grooved palate shape and parabolic dental arch shape are morphological characteristics of the palate in men with schizophrenia.

Medication-related fibrovascular hyperplasia lesion in tongue: Case report.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to report the case of a patient who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment and developed multiple tongue lesions during recovery. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is the case report of a patient who developed ulcerated lesions with areas of depapillation on the border and dorsum of the tongue. The ulcer evolved to a reddish fibrous hyperplastic nodule, similar to adjacent mucosa. The patient was using a series of medications, such as antifungals, antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids, and analgesics in addition to immunosuppression with cyclosporine. Considering the medical history of the patient, a biopsy was performed. Histopathological analyses describe hyperplasia, granulation tissue, vascular proliferation, and intense inflammatory infiltrate, and the diagnosis was of medication-related fibrovascular hyperplasia (MRFH). CONCLUSION: Patients in use of cyclosporine are at risk to develop oral lesions, such as MRFH. The correct diagnosis is important, so the adequate treatment and follow-up are instituted even considering the immunosuppression protocol.

Morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS AND RESULTS: An observational case-control study was designed following the STROBE statement and checklist. The sample consisted of 132 patients (39 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 93 controls). Dental casts of the patients were classified based on the pattern of their palatal rugae, their dental arch form, and the area of their palate. The palatal rugae in patients with schizophrenia had a more random distribution and shape compared to the control group (P = .027). Oval dental arches were the most prevalent in both groups (P = .473). The palate area was slightly larger in the control group (3.2318 ± 0.549 mm2 ) compared with the group of patients with schizophrenia (3.060 ± 0.470 mm2 ) (P = .090). CONCLUSION: Palatal rugae pattern may feature as a potential minor physical anomaly for schizophrenia. Additional studies with alternative sampling and classification systems are necessary to understand this finding and its applications in practice.

The influence of early bisphosphonate treatment in bone reconstruction on craniofacial radiographic bone density / A influência do tratamento com bisfosfonatos na densidade óssea em área de reconstrução óssea craniofacial

Objective: To evaluate the effects of alendronate (AL), a bisphosphonate, on visual bone density by means of a radiographic analysis. Material and methods: Sixty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group AA (AL with autogenous graft); group AW (AL without autogenous graft) both receiving AL on alternate days for 4 weeks before surgery; control group CA (with autogenous graft); group CW (without autogenous graft) both receiving saline solution before surgery. Experimental periods of evaluation were 2 weeks and 4 weeks postsurgery. Conventional and digital radiographs were obtained, and a 5-point grading system (score) was used to assess visual radiographic bone density. Results: There were no statistical differences between CA and AA groups at 2 and 4 weeks. The AA group had a higher mean score of bone density than the CW and AW groups at 2 weeks (P < 0.05). The CA and AA groups had higher scores of bone density than the CW and AW groups at 4 weeks (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Treatment with AL did not affect radiographic bone density at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. The presence of an autograft resulted in higher scores of bone density. (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do alendronato (AL), um bisfosfonato, na densidade óssea através de uma análise radiográfica. Material e métodos: Sessenta e dois ratos Wistar foram divididos em quatro grupos: Grupo AA (AL com enxerto ósseo autógeno); grupo AW (AL sem enxerto ósseo autógeno); ambos receberam AL em dias alternados durante 4 semanas antes da cirurgia; grupo controle CA (com enxerto ósseo autógeno); grupo CW (sem enxerto ósseo autógeno) ambos receberam solução salina antes da cirurgia. Os tempos experimentais de avaliação foram 2 e 4 semanas após a cirurgia. Radiografias convencionais e digitais foram realizadas, e um sistema de escore de 5 pontos foi utilizado para avaliar a densidade óssea radiográfica visualmente. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos CA e AA em 2 e 4 semanas. O grupo AA apresentou maior escore de densidade óssea do que os grupos CW e AW em 2 semanas (p < 0.05). Os grupos CA e AA apresentaram maior escore de densidade óssea do que os grupos AW e CW em 4 semanas (p < 0.05). Conclusões: O tratamento com AL não interferiu na densidade óssea radiográfica em 2 e 4 semanas após cirurgia. A presença do enxerto resultou em maior escore de densidade óssea. (AU)

Sclerotherapy and cryotherapy in the management of oral vascular lesions: a series of 10 cases.

Vascular anomalies such as hemangiomas or vascular malformations can produce negative esthetic effects in the maxillofacial region. These negative effects are the main complaints of patients. The clinical therapeutic efficacy of cryotherapy and sclerotherapy in the treatment of these lesions was evaluated in 10 patients who were clinically diagnosed with vascular lesions. Lesions were submitted to either cryotherapy or sclerotherapy, and follow-up showed that cryotherapy and sclerotherapy both were clinically effective in treating oral vascular lesions. Cryotherapy is an easy to perform method that requires only 1 session, but the high cost of the equipment is a limiting factor. Sclerotherapy is a noninvasive treatment widely accepted by patients, but more than 1 session is required.