International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Global Mapping Programme: Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP) country-level report.

BACKGROUND: Latin American countries are improving childhood cancer care, showing strong commitment to implement the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, but there are scant publications of the situation at a continental level. METHODS: As part of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology Global Mapping project, delegates of each country participating in the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP) and chairs of national pediatric oncology societies and cooperative groups were invited to provide information regarding availability of national pediatric cancer control programs (NPCCP), pediatric oncology laws, pediatric oncology tumor registries, and training programs and support to diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 20 countries participating in SLAOP responded. National delegates reported nine countries with NPCCP and four of them were launched in the past 5 years. National pediatric tumor registries are available in eight countries, and three provided published survival results. Fellowship programs for training pediatric oncologists are available in 12 countries. National delegates reported that eight countries provide support to most essential diagnosis and treatments and 11 provide partial or minimal support that is supplemented by civil society organizations. Seven countries have a pediatric oncology law. There are three international cooperative groups and four national societies for pediatric oncology. CONCLUSION: Despite many challenges, there were dramatic advances in survivorship, access to treatment, and availability of NPCCP in Latin America. Countries with highest social development scores in general provide more complete support and are more likely to have NPCCP, training programs, and reported survival results.

Impact of CAD/CAM burs lifetime on surface properties of dental zirconia: Implications for biocompatibility of custom abutments.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the deterioration of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) burs during zirconia milling, on surface roughness, contact angle, and fibroblast viability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ceramic blocks were milled and 75 ceramic disks (8 × 1.5 mm) made and allocated into three groups (n = 25): G1-brand new 2L and 1L burs, G2-2L bur at the end of lifetime and brand new 1L bur and G3-both burs at the end of their lifetimes. Roughness (Ra, Rq, and Rz) was evaluated using a 3D optical profilometer, the contact angle by the sessile drop method and the cell viability of the mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblast, using the Alamar Blue assay at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h (ISO 10993-5). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Roughness increased as the burs deteriorated and G3 (0.27 ± 0.04) presented a higher value for Ra (p < 0.001). The highest contact angle was observed in G3 (86.2 ± 2.66) when compared with G1 (63.7 ± 12.49) and G2 (75.3 ± 6.36) (p < 0.001). Alamar Blue indicated an increase in cell proliferation, with no significant differences among the groups at 24 and 72 h (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The deterioration of the burs increased the surface roughness and decreased the wettability, but did not interfere in cell viability and proliferation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of custom zirconia abutments represents an effective strategy for single crowns restorations. Our findings suggest that these abutments can be efficiently milled using CAD/CAM burs within their recommended lifetime.

Impact of splinting implant-supported crowns on the performance of adjacent posterior implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: While rehabilitation with implant-supported crowns in the posterior region is widely practiced, guidance on clinical considerations when choosing between splinted or nonsplinted implant-supported crowns is limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess whether adjacent implants with internal connections in the posterior region should be treated with splinted or nonsplinted crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The systematic review was registered on the prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under the code, CRD42021248525. Two authors searched 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science) independently for articles published up to December 2023. Additionally, a hand search was conducted in the nonpeer-reviewed literature and the reference lists of included articles. Only clinical studies comparing splinted and nonsplinted hexagonal or conical internal connection adjacent implants in the posterior region were considered. A single-arm meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan. Risk of bias and quality were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Tool for Assessing Risk and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: Qualitative synthesis included 17 studies, and quantitative synthesis involved 13 studies. A total of 2085 implants (1244 splinted and 841 nonsplinted) were inserted in 1027 participants, with observation times ranging from 5 months to 16 years. Thirteen studies related the type of crown retention (cemented or screw-retained). Only 2 studies related annual bone loss results considering the type of crown retention, but whether they were splinted or nonsplinted crowns and significant differences were not specified. The meta-analysis revealed no statistical differences between splinted and nonsplinted implants for biological complications (P=.95, I2=0%). However, the nonsplinted implants exhibited significantly more mechanical complications than the splinted implants (P<.001, I2=1%, RR 0.37; 95% IC [0.26-0.54]). The studies included demonstrated a low risk of bias and were of good quality. CONCLUSIONS: Splinting was not found to affect the incidence of biological complications in posterior adjacent implants. However, more mechanical complications occurred in nonsplinted crowns than splinted ones.

Effect of paediatric early warning systems (PEWS) implementation on clinical deterioration event mortality among children with cancer in resource-limited hospitals in Latin America: a prospective, multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric early warning systems (PEWS) aid in the early identification of clinical deterioration events in children admitted to hospital. We aimed to investigate the effect of PEWS implementation on mortality due to clinical deterioration in children with cancer in 32 resource-limited hospitals across Latin America. METHODS: Proyecto Escala de Valoración de Alerta Temprana (Proyecto EVAT) is a quality improvement collaborative to implement PEWS in hospitals providing childhood cancer care. In this prospective, multicentre cohort study, centres joining Proyecto EVAT and completing PEWS implementation between April 1, 2017, and May 31, 2021, prospectively tracked clinical deterioration events and monthly inpatient-days in children admitted to hospital with cancer. De-identified registry data reported between April 17, 2017, and Nov 30, 2021, from all hospitals were included in analyses; children with limitations on escalation of care were excluded. The primary outcome was clinical deterioration event mortality. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were used to compare clinical deterioration event mortality before and after PEWS implementation; multivariable analyses assessed the correlation between clinical deterioration event mortality and centre characteristics. FINDINGS: Between April 1, 2017, and May 31, 2021, 32 paediatric oncology centres from 11 countries in Latin America successfully implemented PEWS through Proyecto EVAT; these centres documented 2020 clinical deterioration events in 1651 patients over 556 400 inpatient-days. Overall clinical deterioration event mortality was 32·9% (664 of 2020 events). The median age of patients with clinical deterioration events was 8·5 years (IQR 3·9-13·2), and 1095 (54·2%) of 2020 clinical deterioration events were reported in male patients; data on race or ethnicity were not collected. Data were reported per centre for a median of 12 months (IQR 10-13) before PEWS implementation and 18 months (16-18) after PEWS implementation. The mortality rate due to a clinical deterioration event was 1·33 events per 1000 patient-days before PEWS implementation and 1·09 events per 1000 patient-days after PEWS implementation (IRR 0·82 [95% CI 0·69-0·97]; p=0·021). In the multivariable analysis of centre characteristics, higher clinical deterioration event mortality rates before PEWS implementation (IRR 1·32 [95% CI 1·22-1·43]; p<0·0001), being a teaching hospital (1·18 [1·09-1·27]; p<0·0001), not having a separate paediatric haematology-oncology unit (1·38 [1·21-1·57]; p<0·0001), and having fewer PEWS omissions (0·95 [0·92-0·99]; p=0·0091) were associated with a greater reduction in clinical deterioration event mortality after PEWS implementation; no association was found with country income level (IRR 0·86 [95% CI 0·68-1·09]; p=0·22) or clinical deterioration event rates before PEWS implementation (1·04 [0·97-1·12]; p=0·29). INTERPRETATION: PEWS implementation was associated with reduced clinical deterioration event mortality in paediatric patients with cancer across 32 resource-limited hospitals in Latin America. These data support the use of PEWS as an effective evidence-based intervention to reduce disparities in global survival for children with cancer. FUNDING: American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, US National Institutes of Health, and Conquer Cancer Foundation. TRANSLATIONS: For the Spanish and Portuguese translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Rhabdomyosarcoma in low- and middle-income countries: A report from the Asociacion de Hemato-oncología Pediatrica de Centro América (AHOPCA).

This report describes the results of an observational study dedicated to rhabdomyosarcoma developed by the Asociación de Hemato-oncología Pediatrica de Centro América (AHOPCA) between 2001 and 2018. Overall, 337 previously untreated patients < 18 years old were included in the analysis; 58% had unresected disease, and 19% were metastatic at diagnosis. With a median follow-up of 6.6 years, five-year event-free and overall survival rates were 30% and 33%, respectively. Local progression/relapse was the main cause of treatment failure.

Which surface treatment promotes higher bond strength for the repair of resin nanoceramics and polymer-infiltrated ceramics? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Which surface treatment provides the optimal bond strength (BS) for the repair of resin nanoceramics (RNCs) and polymer-infiltrated ceramics (PICs) is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to determine the best surface treatment protocols for the repair of PICs and RNCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched to select in vitro studies in English up to March 2020. Studies with fewer than 5 specimens, those that did not evaluate the BS of PICs or RNCs, and those with aging for fewer than 30 days and 5000 cycles were excluded. Data sets were extracted, and the mean differences were analyzed by using a systematic review software program. RESULTS: Among 284 potentially eligible studies, 21 were selected for full-text analysis, and 9 were included in the systematic review, of which 6 were used in the meta-analysis. The meta-analyses were performed for each treatment surface versus their respective control group and their combinations according to material: RNCs and PICs. For RNCs, airborne-particle abrasion with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) treatment was statistically higher than tribochemical silica airborne-particle abrasion (CoJet) (P=.02, I2=90%) and that in the hydrofluoric acid (HF) (P<.001, I2=0%) groups and was statistically similar to diamond rotary instrument grinding (P=.40, I2=54%). For PICs, the treatment with hydrofluoric acid (HF) was statistically significantly higher than with CoJet (P=.03, I2=62%) and airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3 (P<.001, I2=98%). CONCLUSIONS: The best surface treatment protocol for repair varied according to the restorative material. HF followed by silanization is suggested for PICs, and airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3 or preparation with a diamond rotary instrument for RNCs.

Clinical and organizational risk factors for mortality during deterioration events among pediatric oncology patients in Latin America: A multicenter prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) patients have frequent clinical deterioration events (CDE) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission, particularly in resource-limited settings. The objective of this study was to describe CDEs in hospitalized PHO patients in Latin America and to identify event-level and center-level risk factors for mortality. METHODS: In 2017, the authors implemented a prospective registry of CDEs, defined as unplanned transfers to a higher level of care, use of ICU-level interventions on the floor, or nonpalliative floor deaths, in 16 PHO centers in 10 countries. PHO hospital admissions and hospital inpatient days were also reported. This study analyzes the first year of registry data (June 2017 to May 2018). RESULTS: Among 16 centers, 553 CDEs were reported in PHO patients during 11,536 admissions and 119,414 inpatient days (4.63 per 1000 inpatient days). Event mortality was 29% (1.33 per 1000 inpatient days) but ranged widely across centers (11%-79% or 0.36-5.80 per 1000 inpatient days). Significant risk factors for event mortality included requiring any ICU-level intervention on the floor and not being transferred to a higher level of care. Events with organ dysfunction, a higher severity of illness, and a requirement for ICU intervention had higher mortality. In center-level analysis, hospitals with a higher volume of PHO patients, less floor use of ICU intervention, lower severity of illness on transfer, and lower rates of floor cardiopulmonary arrest had lower event mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized PHO patients who experience CDEs in resource-limited settings frequently require floor-based ICU interventions and have high mortality. Modifiable hospital practices around the escalation of care for these high-risk patients may contribute to poor outcomes. Earlier recognition of critical illness and timely ICU transfer may improve survival in hospitalized children with cancer.

Relationship of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review of pre-clinical studies.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the following PICO question: Are animals infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) more affected by neurodegeneration, similar to the pathogenesis generated by Alzheimer's disease (AD), compared with non-infected animals? METHODS: Databases PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched for pre-clinical in vivo studies in which mice were infected with P. gingivalis or received Pg-LPS, in order to assess the brain tissue and cognitive impairment. No limit for date or publication language was imposed and this study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with nine articles included. Syrcle's protocol was used to evaluate bias in the selected studies. RESULTS: Nine articles were included. Infection by P. gingivalis or the administration of Pg-LPS increased the production of the inflammatory mediators, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), IL-6 (interleukin-6), and IL-1ß (interleukin-1beta), augmented Aß (amyloid beta) production, and activated the complement system, causing inflammation, brain tissue degeneration, and cognitive impairment, consistent with the damage in AD. CONCLUSIONS: Infection by P. gingivalis and Pg-LPS administration appears to be in relation with the pathogenesis of AD by activating the complement cascade, increasing Aß production and augmenting pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, causing age-dependent brain inflammation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Taking into account the importance of holistic treatment in the dental office, this study focuses on identifying highly prevalent oral diseases, such as periodontal disease, as risk factors for the aggravation of degenerative diseases in the elderly population.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis on Factors Associated With Peri-Implant Pathologies at the Implant Level.

Pathologies in peri-implant tissues are common and may disturb long-term implant supported rehabilitation. We aimed to evaluate the occurrence of such peri-implant diseases and their associated factors in this study. Peri-implantitis and mucositis were diagnosed based on clinical and radiological findings. Statistical analysis was performed with the X2 and logistic regression. Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis were observed in 43.4% and 13.8% of patients with implants evaluated, respectively. Univariate analysis found associations with systemic changes (P = .016; yes), medication use (P = .010; yes), implant location (P < .0001; upper jaw), implant region (P = .008; posterior), previous augmentation procedure (P = .023; yes), time of prostheses use (P < .0001; >2 years), keratinized mucosa (P < .0001; absence); and gingival bleeding index (P = .005; >30%). In the multiple analysis, independent predictors were: >2 years of prostheses use (P < .0001; PR = 1.720), upper jaw location (P < .0001; PR = 1.421), gingival bleeding index >30% (P = .001; PR = 1.496), and use of medication (P < .0001; PR = 1.261). The frequency of peri-implant pathologies is high (approximately 57.2%) with several aspects of the occurrence being related to the patients' prosthesis. Prostheses type and the complexity of rehabilitation are worth highlighting. Factors include the location of the dental implant, gingival bleeding index, patient's use of medication(s), and the time of prostheses use.

Longitudinal Improvement in Periodontal Parameters between RPD Abutment Teeth with Direct and Indirect Retainers, after Periodontal Therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of basic periodontal treatment on clinical periodontal parameters associated with abutment teeth of patients with mandibular Kennedy class I removable partial dentures (RPD) 18 months after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with periodontal disease were treated and evaluated according to the following periodontal parameters: visible plaque index (VPI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and keratinized mucosa (KM). These parameters were compared between abutment teeth with direct and indirect retainers at baseline, and after 6 and 18 months. Data were analyzed by Friedman Test and Wilcoxon Test for all variables. RESULTS: Most patients (n = 26; 86.7%) included in the study were female and had a mean age of 61 years (±7.54). Results showed that VPI and BOP decreased over time, and that VPI values were higher in abutment teeth with direct retainers (p = 0.001). There was a reduction in PD after 6 months, which was maintained up to 18 months. In general, abutment teeth with direct retainers had significantly higher values for PD, GR, and CAL (p = 0.029). Data also indicated that the parameters for VPI, BOP, and PD improved; however, abutment teeth with direct retainers presented smaller improvements, compared with abutment teeth with indirect retainers, which presented significant improvements for almost all variables. CONCLUSION: Periodontal treatment and oral hygiene care of patients were adequate for maintenance of adequate periodontal conditions, regardless of the use of prostheses.

Frequency of peri-implant diseases and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of peri-implant diseases and factors associated with its occurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five patients with dental implants were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Dental implants were clinically and radiographically evaluated to diagnose their peri-implant condition, according to Mombelli (Proceedings of the 3rd European Workshop on Periodontology, 1999, Quintessence, London). Associations between peri-implant diseases and independent variables (socioeconomic, demographic and periodontal characteristics) were evaluated through bivariate analysis with chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, as well as by multiple logistic regression. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: The frequencies of the peri-implant diseases, mucositis and peri-implantitis, in individuals were 54% and 28% (CI, 95%), respectively. The sample was almost exclusively of patients with untreated periodontal disease (93%). Bivariate analysis showed that these peri-implant diseases were associated with male patients (prevalence ratio [PR], 3.38), medication use (PR, 2.94), systemic diseases (PR, 2.25), number of implants (PR, 2.53), visible plaque index (PR, 2.49) and gingival index (PR, 2.70). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that medication use (prevalence ratio adjusted [PRadj], 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.46; P = 0.017), having two or more implants (PRadj, 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02-1.46; P = 0.029) and gingival bleeding index > 10% (PRadj, 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03-1.44; P = 0.022) were associated with the presence of peri-implant disease. CONCLUSION: Peri-implant diseases were diagnosed in 54% of patients; gingival index of greater than 10%, having more than two implants and use of medication were associated with the frequency of peri-implant disease.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of crown lengthening on adjacent and non-adjacent sites.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of periodontal crown lengthening surgery on clinical parameters at adjacent and non-adjacent sites compared to treated sites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was carried out on MEDLINE-PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science databases between 1978 and 2015. Methodological quality assessment was based on Cochrane recommendations. Meta-analyses were assessed with RevMan 5.0 and heterogeneity between studies by the Higgin test (I 2). Clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD) were the primary outcome variables. Four case series studies were included and three in the meta-analysis. All studies showed high risk of bias. RESULTS: The surgery promoted significant changes in treated, adjacent, and non-adjacent sites. There were greater changes in PD (mean difference -0.14, 95 % CI -0.18 to -0.10, p < 0.00001) and CAL (mean difference 0.16, 95 % CI 0.13 to 0.20, p < 0.00001) in treated sites when compared to adjacent and non-adjacent sites for PD (mean difference -0.09, 95 % CI -0.12 to -0.05, p < 0.00001) and CAL (mean difference 0.91, 95 % CI 0.87 to 0.94, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Crown lengthening surgery results in changes of clinical parameters in treated, adjacent, and non-adjacent sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical and esthetic alterations on the adjacent/non-adjacent teeth can lead to clinical and esthetic alterations, which must be considered in surgical planning.

Can palpation-induced muscle pain pattern contribute to the differential diagnosis among temporomandibular disorders, primary headaches phenotypes and possible bruxism?

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of possible differences in the distribution or characteristics of palpation-induced pain in the masticatory muscles could be valuable in terms of diagnostic assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different combinations of anterior temporalis (AT) and masseter palpation-induced pain in the diagnostic of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), primary headaches and bruxism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1200 dental records of orofacial pain adult patients were analyzed. The outcomes were dichotomously classified (presence/absence) as following: a) AT and/or masseter palpation-induced pain; b) myogenous TMD; c) temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia (arthrogenous TMD); d) migraine; e) tension-type headache (TTH); f) self-reported bruxism. Binomial logistic regression model (α = 5%) was applied to the data considering the palpation-induced muscle pain as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Mean age (SD) were 35.7 years (13.4) for 635 included dental records (83% females). Myogenous and arthrogenous TMD, migraine, TTH and bruxism were mainly associated with, respectively, masseter palpation-induced pain (p<0.001 - OR=5.77, 95%CI 3.86-8.62), AT or masseter palpation-induced pain (p<0.001 - OR=2.39, 95%CI 1.57-3.63), bilateral AT palpation-induced pain (p<0.001 - OR=2.67, 95%CI 1.64-4.32), masseter and AT palpation-induced pain (p=0.009 - OR=1.62, 95%CI 1.12-2.33) and bilateral masseter palpation-induced pain (p=0.01 - OR=1.74, 95%CI 1.13-2.69). CONCLUSIONS: Palpation-induced pain in the masticatory muscles may play a role in the differential diagnosis among painful TMD, primary headaches and bruxism.

Isolation, Structural Modification, and HIV Inhibition of Pentacyclic Lupane-Type Triterpenoids from Cassine xylocarpa and Maytenus cuzcoina.

As a part of our investigation into new anti-HIV agents, we report herein the isolation, structure elucidation, and biological activity of six new (1-6) and 20 known (7-26) pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoids from the stem of Cassine xylocarpa and root bark of Maytenus cuzcoina. Their stereostructures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and spectrometric methods, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques. To gain a more complete understanding of the structural requirements for anti-HIV activity, derivatives 27-48 were prepared by chemical modification of the main secondary metabolites. Sixteen compounds from this series displayed inhibitory effects of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication with IC50 values in the micromolar range, highlighting compounds 12, 38, and 42 (IC50 4.08, 4.18, and 1.70 µM, respectively) as the most promising anti-HIV agents.

Simplified versus traditional techniques for complete denture fabrication: a systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A number of methods have been described for the fabrication of complete dentures. There are 2 common ways to make conventional complete dentures: a traditional method and a simplified method. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to compare the efficiency of simplified and traditional methods for the fabrication of complete dentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The review was conducted by 3 independent reviewers and included articles published up to December 2013. Three electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE-PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science. A manual search also was performed to identify clinical trials of simplified versus traditional fabrication of complete dentures. RESULTS: Six articles were classified as randomized controlled clinical trials and were included in this review. The majority of the selected articles analyzed general satisfaction, denture stability, chewing ability and function, comfort, hygiene, esthetics, speech function, quality of life, cost, and fabrication time. CONCLUSIONS: Although the studies reviewed demonstrate some advantages of simplified over traditional prostheses, such as lower cost and clinical time, good chewing efficiency, and a positive effect on the quality of life, the reports related the use of different simplified methods for the fabrication of complete dentures. Additional randomized controlled trials that used similar simplified techniques for the fabrication of complete dentures should be performed with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.

Primary central nervous system germ cell tumors in Central America and the Caribbean Region: an AHOPCA 20-year experience.

Background: Primary central nervous system germ cell tumors (GCT) are rare neoplasms in pediatrics. Treatment depends on the histological subtype and extent of the disease. Overall survival (OS) is above 90% for germinomas and 70%-80% for nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) in high-income countries (HIC) while data are usually lacking for patients in Low-Middle Income country (LMIC). Objective: This study aims to describe the experience of treating patients with CNS GCT in four of eight countries, members of the Asociación de Hemato-Oncología Pediátrica de Centro América (AHOPCA), and determine their 5-year OS. Design/methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated for CNS GCT. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics, histology, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: From 2001 to 2021, 48 patients were included: 22 from Guatemala, 18 from Nicaragua, three from the Dominican Republic, and five from El Salvador. Thirty-one (64.6%) were boys; the median age at diagnosis was 10.2 years (range: 1 to 17 years). Presenting symptoms were headaches (n = 24, 50%), visual disturbances (n = 17, 35.4%), vomiting (n = 12, 25%), nausea (n = 8, 16.7%), and diabetes insipidus (n = 7, 14.6%). Two patients with NGGCT presented with precocious puberty. Biopsy or tumor resection was performed in 38 cases (79.2%): 23 (88.4%) germinomas, 11 (78.6%) NGGCT, and four (50%) CNS GCT. Eight patients were diagnosed and treated based on CSF tumor marker elevation; four germinomas (BHCG 11.32-29.41 mUI/mL) and four NGGCT (BHCG 84.43-201.97 mUI/mL or positive AFP > 10 UI/mL). Tumor locations included suprasellar (n = 17, 35.4%), pineal (n = 13, 27.1%), thalamus/basal ganglia (n = 5, 10.4%), other (n = 12, 25%), and one bifocal. Four (8.3%) had metastatic disease, and six had positive CSF; staging data were incomplete in 25 patients (52%). Patients were treated with varied chemotherapy and radiotherapy modalities. Nine patients had incomplete data regarding treatment. Five-year OS was 65% (68% for germinoma, 50.6% for NGGCT, and 85.7% for unclassified GCT). Conclusions: Germinoma was the most common histology, and there was a male predominance. More than half of patients had incomplete staging data and treatment was variable across the region. OS is lower compared to HIC. Standardized treatment protocols will aid in adequate staging and treatment planning, prevent complications, and improve survival.

Factors associated with total edentulism in the elderly and their impact on the self-perception of oral health and food.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with total edentulism in the elderly Brazilian population. In addition, we sought to verify whether edentulism influences the self-perception of oral health and difficulty in eating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study used the database of the National Health Survey conducted in Brazil. The chi-square test was initially used for data analysis. Subsequently, a multivariate analysis of the Poisson multiple regression type was performed to verify the adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS: A total of 43,554 elderly people participated in the study, of whom 32% had completely lost their teeth. This total edentulism, based on the multivariate analysis, was associated with female gender (p < 0.001), advances age (p < 0.001), illiterate (p < 0.001), smokers (p < 0.001), and those who did not have health insurance (p < 0.001) or dental insurance (p < 0.001). Total edentulism had an impact on better self-perception of oral health (p < 0.001) and greater difficulties in eating (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that total edentulism in the elderly is associated with worse socioeconomic conditions and a worse lifestyle. This condition has a negative impact on diet and positively affects self-perception of oral health.

Concordance among different pain scales in patients with dental pain.

AIMS: To evaluate the concordance among different pain scales for evaluation of pain in toothache patients and to assess the influence of oral health on the quality of life of those patients. METHODS: Ninety-two patients seeking treatment for toothache were evaluated before and after treatment. At baseline and 1 week after the dental treatment, the patients were requested to fill out the Oral Health Impact Profile Inventory (OHIP-14) as well as the following pain scales: the visual analog scale (VAS), numeric scale (NS), verbal rating scale (VRS), and Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R). The data were analyzed by Pearson correlation, Student t test, and analysis of variance for repeated measurements, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Patients were, on average, 34.4 years old. The sample was composed of 50 women and 42 men. Fifty-eight patients had dental pain of pulpal origin, and 34 had pain of periodontal origin. The mean OHIP score was 20.83 at baseline and 5.0 at 1 week after the completion of the dental treatment. The mean values of the scales at baseline were 50.7 mm, 56.7 mm, 52.2 mm, and 52.9 mm for the VAS, NS, VRS, and FPS-R, respectively. One week after the treatment, these values were 7.5 mm, 9.4 mm, 10.9 mm, and 8.7 mm. A positive correlation was detected between all four scales at baseline and also 1 week after the treatment (P < .05). At baseline, the NS was significantly different from the other scales. This difference, however, was not detected at the end of the trial. CONCLUSION: All scales were able to detect differences in the pain reported after dental treatment and may be valid and reliable for use in clinical dental practice. The NS, however, returns higher scores at baseline when assessing the pain.

The Effect of Amino Sugars on the Composition and Metabolism of a Microcosm Biofilm and the Cariogenic Potential against Teeth and Dental Materials.

Amino sugars N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and glucosamine (GlcN) are abundant sources of carbon and nitrogen in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GlcNAc metabolism on the genomics and biochemistry of a saliva-derived microbial community, and on the surface integrity of human teeth and restorative surfaces. Pooled cell-containing saliva (CCS) was used to establish a microcosm biofilm in vitro in a biofilm medium (BM) containing 5 different carbohydrates. The microbial composition of each biofilm was analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and the concentrations of eight organic acids were determined for selected sugars by targeted metabolomics. Meanwhile, extracted human teeth and polished titanium and ceramic disks were submerged in BM supplemented with 1% of glucose or GlcNAc, inoculated with CCS and Streptococcus mutans UA159, and incubated for 30 days. To mimic the effects of other microbial byproducts, the specimens were immersed in 10 mM hydrogen peroxide and 10 mM ammonium hydroxide for 30 days. The surface of each specimen was evaluated by profilometry for roughness (Ra) and imaged by scanning electron microscopy. The pH of the biofilm supernatant was significantly higher for the medium containing GlcNAc (p < 0.0001), and was higher in samples containing teeth than the two restorative disks for media containing the same sugar. For both teeth and titanium specimens, the samples treated with glucose-biofilm presented higher roughness values (Ra) than those with GlcNAc-biofilm and every other group. SEM images of the teeth and titanium disks largely supported the profilometry results, with glucose-biofilm samples demonstrating the largest deviation from the reference. For ceramic disks, slightly higher Ra values were obtained for the ammonia group. These findings provide the first direct evidence to support the ability of amino sugars to significantly reduce the cariogenic potential of oral biofilms by altering their biochemistry and bacterial composition. Additionally, amino sugar metabolism appears to be less detrimental to teeth and restorative surfaces than glucose metabolism.