Multidisciplinary team for patients with neurocutaneous syndromes: The little discussed importance of dentistry.

Neurocutaneous syndromes comprise a heterogeneous group of congenital or hereditary conditions that are known to be associated with the risk of different disorders and complications. Two of the most common neurocutaneous syndromes are Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Although there appears to be a general consensus on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing these cases, there is still very little emphasis in discussions addressed in the literature on the role of dentistry in accordance with the perspective of comprehensive care. Evidence-based propositions, together with a broad discussion of new insights in this regard, should have the ability to strongly impact related future perspectives, aiming for greater advances and better outcomes for these patients. In this review article, the authors discuss updated general aspects of NF1 and TSC, and the potential additional roles of dentistry, in addition to addressing suggestions for actions in dentistry at related levels of care, as well as priorities for future research.

Combined use of lactoferrin and vitamin D as a preventive and therapeutic supplement for SARS-CoV-2 infection: Current evidence.

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein that exhibits anti-inflammatory, immune regulating and anti-infective properties. One of its receptor sites is located on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The binding of lactoferrin with heparin sulfate proteoglycans may prevent the first contact between the virus and host cells, thus preventing subsequent infection. Given that lactoferrin may act as a natural mucosal barrier, an intranasal treatment together with its oral intake can be hypothesized to prevent the spread, infection and inflammation caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, the literature reports that vitamin D plays an essential role in promoting immune response. With its anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, vitamin D is critical for activating the immune system's defenses, improving immune cell function. Different studies also demonstrate that lactoferrin is a potential activator of the vitamin D receptor. In this sense, the combined use of lactoferrin (through an association of oral intake and a nasal spray formulation) and vitamin D could represent a valuable therapy for COVID-19 treatment and prevention. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed before recommending/prescribing them.

Surgical Care Services in inaccessible zones: Targeted Palliative Care Accessibility Models for patients in resource-limited settings.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a paradigm shift in the cancer care landscape, shifting from a palliative care approach to a need-based approach. In these current and upcoming future times, patient- and community-centred research becomes the cornerstone of collaborative assessment efforts for understanding and assessing Targeted Palliative Care (TPC) Accessibility Models for patients with oncological malignancies in resource-limited settings. This short communication focuses on the models available for TPC for the continuation of care in oncological settings in resource-limited geographic areas. Some programmes have used a Mixed Method Approach, highlighting their importance based on engagement volunteers and building trust and relationships in the community. Other studies have addressed the care system using a Rural Palliative Supportive Service Model for older adults living with life-limiting chronic illness, showing that home-based treatment for this population is feasible. Moreover, the Home Palliative Care Units (HPCU) model showed promising results in that patients cared for by HPCU had a fewer emergency visits and hospital admissions, in addition to being more likely to die at home with adequate palliation. During the ongoing pandemic, patients have experienced rapid clinical decline, requiring urgent conversations about their care wishes. They have been forced to make decisions on so-called 'Life and death' issues. In this article we discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and possible changes implemented in the context of cancer surgical care in resource-limited settings, in order to create a better assessment of geographic or demographic-based, patient- and community-centred TPC accessibility models for a more holistic development of cancer care programs.