Salivary function impairment in type 2 Diabetes patients associated with concentration and genetic polymorphisms of chromogranin A.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on salivary function impairments according to glycemic control status and subsequently compare the concentration of chromogranin A (CHGA) with its genetic profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with controlled T2DM, 36 with poorly controlled T2DM, and 38 nondiabetic subjects underwent salivary flow rate measurements by means of unstimulated labial (ULS), unstimulated whole (UWS), and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) collections. CHGA concentrations were determined in saliva and plasma with ELISA, and two CHGA polymorphisms (T-415C and Glu264Asp) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: T2DM patients presented significantly lower ULS and UWS flow rates regardless of glycemic control status compared to controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.027, respectively). The SWS flow rate in the poorly controlled T2DM was the lowest among the groups (P = 0.026). Significantly higher plasma and salivary CHGA levels were found in T2DM groups (P = 0.019 and P < 0.001, respectively). CHGA gene variants (T-415C and Glu264Asp) revealed significant differences between diabetics and control subjects when associated with lower salivary flow and higher salivary CHGA production (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: T2DM causes abnormalities in the function of salivary glands. However, poorly controlled T2DM has the most influence on SWS flow rates. Our findings indicate an association between plasma and salivary CHGA levels and T2DM patients. Furthermore, the results suggest that CGHA polymorphisms might be associated with salivary gland hypofunction and higher salivary CHGA production in T2DM patients. Nevertheless, further epidemiological studies are required to elucidate this clinical implication. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Salivary impairments and high levels of CHGA are associated with T2DM patients. In addition, CGHA polymorphisms might be associated with salivary gland hypofunction and higher salivary CHGA production in T2DM patients. This could be a significant insight to establish a role for salivary CHGA as a potential clinical biomarker to T2DM.

Sialometry of upper labial minor glands: a clinical approach by the use of weighing method Schirmer's test strips paper.

OBJECTIVES: To establish referential values ranges of hyposalivation and normosalivation for the salivary flow rate (SFR) of upper labial (LS) and palatal (PS) mucosa using Schirmer's test strips paper and as a second goal to determine the values ranges of the SFR of palatal (PS) and upper labial (LS) mucosa in subjects with and without xerostomia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among subjects distributed in three groups according to their unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva. RESULTS: 144 subjects were enrolled in groups as follows: severe hyposalivation (n = 24), mild hyposalivation (n = 78), and normosalivation (n = 42). The mean and the 95% confidence interval for the LS flow rate ( µ L/cm(2)/min) were 3.2 (2.46 to 3.94), 5.86 (4.96 to 6.75), and 9.08 (7.63 to 10.53) (P < 0.001) for each group, respectively. The PS results were 1.01 (0.68 to 1.34), 1.72 (1.31 to 2.13), and 2.44 (1.66 to 3.22) (P = 0.014). Xerostomia complainers presented lower rates of LS (5.17 (4.06 to 6.23)) than non-complainers (7.33 (6.4 to 8.27)) (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The test was reliable to provide referential values ranges for LS flow rate measurement and was shown to be valid to distinguish normosalivation from severe and mild hyposalivation and also to predict xerostomia.

Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of public university hospital workers in Brazil: A cohort-based analysis of 32,691 workers.

BACKGROUND: In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the world and exposed the fragility of health systems in the face of mass illness. Health professionals became protagonists, fulfilling their mission at the risk of physical and mental illness. The study aimed to evaluate absenteeism indirectly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large population of health care professionals. METHODS: An observational longitudinal repeated measures study was performed, including workers linked to 40 public university hospitals in Brazil. All causes of absenteeism were analyzed, focusing on those not directly attributed to COVID-19. Results for the same population were compared over two equivalent time intervals: prepandemic and during the pandemic. FINDINGS: A total of 32,691 workers were included in the study, with health professionals comprising 82.5% of the sample. Comparison of the periods before and during the pandemic showed a 26.6% reduction in work absence for all causes, except for COVID-19 and mental health-related absence. Concerning work absence related to mental health, the odds ratio was 39.0% higher during the pandemic. At the onset of the pandemic, there was an increase in absenteeism (all causes), followed by a progressive reduction until the end of the observation period. INTERPRETATION: Work absence related to mental illness among health care professionals increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for health care managers to prioritize and implement support strategies to minimize absenteeism.

Aggressive spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma in an 11-month-old boxer dog.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant neoplasm derived from mesenchymal tissue with a tendency toward myogenic differentiation associated with the embryogenesis of skeletal muscle. According to the histological features, it can be classified in embryonal, botryoid, alveolar, and pleomorphic, which usually correspond to clinical behavior and prognosis. The spindle cell (SCRMS) variant is a rare subtype of the embryonal RMS and is considered to be less aggressive lesion. The aim of the present paper is to report an unusual case of SCRMS in an 11-month-old male boxer dog diagnosed as extensive SCRMS that affected the frontal region of the skull. Due to the aggressive nature of the lesion and poor clinical prognosis the dog's owners preferred euthanasia as a treatment. A full postmortem examination was carried out. Microscopically, the lesion was composed of a highly cellular proliferation of spindle cells arranged in long and intersecting fascicles. After performing the immunohistochemical studies (HHF-35, smooth muscle actin, desmin and MyoD1), the present case was diagnosed as SCRMS.

Matrilysins may not predict the metastatic potential in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

OBJECTIVE: To examine immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 and -26 in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue and its relation with cervical metastasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four cases were selected and divided into two groups: a metastatic group (n = 12) and a non-metastatic group (n = 12). Cases were graded as either negative (score 0), positive (score +) or strongly positive (score ++). RESULTS: MMP-7 expression was identical in both groups, with 17% of the cases graded as score 0, 50% as score + and 33% as score ++. MMP-26 expression was 25% score 0, 8% score + and 67% score ++ in the metastatic group, and 8% score 0, 50% score + and 42% score ++ in the non-metastatic group. Statistical analysis showed no differences between the studied groups and no correlations between proteins. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-7 and -26 immunostaining is not a useful indicator of the metastatic potential of SCCs of the tongue. However, the role of these proteins in the process of invasion and metastasis cannot be ruled out since their more marked presence along the tumor invasion front compared to more central areas of the tumors indicates higher secretion of these proteases in this region, facilitating the invasion process.

A case of extensive maxillary benign cementoblastoma.

AIM: The aim of the present paper is to report a case of benign cementoblastoma (BC) involving multiple maxillary teeth and discuss the importance of its diagnosis in clinical oral practice. BACKGROUND: BC is a rare, benign odontogenic neoplasm of ectomesenchymal origin. This neoplasm has characteristic radiologic and microscopic features, and it is intimately associated with the roots of teeth. CASE REPORT: The intra-oral examination in a 21-year-old white man revealed a palatine growth in the premolar-molar region. Dental panoramic and periapical radiographies showed a mixed radiodense/radiolucent lesion closely associated with the roots of three maxillary teeth. A biopsy was undertaken and confirmed the clinical hypothesis. SUMMARY: In most cases, initial BC is asymptomatic and early diagnosis can be performed by routine radiographic examination. BC was considered as an indolent lesion for several years. Nevertheless, recent studies have demonstrated that some BCs may exhibit aggressive biological behavior and can affect several teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Because a benign cementoblastoma represents an odontogenic lesion, general practicing professionals must be able to identify the main features of this tumor. This case corroborates some papers that have demonstrated a possible aggressive behavior of BC. Therefore, a brief update concerning the clinical and radiographic features of this unique tumor is also provided.

Hypnosis as a Valuable Tool for Surgical Procedures in the Oral and Maxillofacial Area.

Hypnosis is a valuable tool in the management of patients who undergo surgical procedures in the maxillofacial complex, particularly in reducing and eliminating pain during surgery and aiding patients who have dental fear and are allergic to anesthesia. This case report demonstrates the efficacy of hypnosis in mitigating anxiety, bleeding, and pain during dental surgery without anesthesia during implant placement of tooth 14, the upper left first molar.

Acute Sildenafil Use Reduces 24-Hour Blood Pressure Levels in Patients With Resistant Hypertension: A Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.

The authors previously demonstrated that acute administration of sildenafil-a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor-improves hemodynamic parameters in patients with resistant hypertensive (RH), but its effect on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is unknown. This interventional, nonrandomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial included 26 patients with RH. A dose of sildenafil (187.5mg) was given, and after a washout period of 14 days the patients received a single oral dose of placebo and the protocol was repeated. The patients underwent 24-hour ABPM recordings the day before and immediately after the protocols. The reduction of systolic (-8.8±1.4 vs 1.3±1.2 mm Hg, P=.02), diastolic (-5.3±3.3 vs 1.8±1.1 mm Hg, P=.03), and mean (-7.9±3.6 vs 0.8±0.9 mm Hg, P=.01) 24-hour BP were found after the use of sildenafil compared with placebo. Improvement in daytime BP levels was also observed (systolic -6.0±4.7 vs 4.4±1.5 mm Hg [P=.02] and mean -4.8±3.9 vs 3.5±1.4 mm Hg [P=.02] for sildenafil vs placebo, respectively). Considering its antihypertensive effect, sildenafil may represent a therapeutic option for RH treatment.

Salivary proteomics: A new adjuvant approach to the early diagnosis of familial juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystemic disease characterized by autoimmune inflammatory disturbance. Pleomorphic manifestations are present and a potentially progressive and debilitating course can be detected. SLE rarely manifests before age 5, and its onset peaks is around puberty. Although clinical manifestations, immunological alterations and treatment do not differ between juvenile and adult SLE, children tend to present with a more aggressive disease course than adults. Hence, autoimmune rheumatic diseases are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations. Blood serum analysis plays an especially important role in the detection and monitoring of autoantibodies in SLE. However, since blood sampling is an uncomfortable procedure, especially in children, novel less invasive techniques and approaches are of utmost importance to evaluate pediatric subjects. In this regard, saliva samples have several advantages, such as: easy access, fast collection, painless and riskless procedure. Saliva has antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as several other relevant features. The whole saliva is a complex mixture of major and minor salivary gland secretion, gingival crevicular fluid, transudates plasma protein, keratinocyte products and oral microbiota. This biological fluid reflects the physiological state of the body, including the emotional condition, and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic changes. Therefore, salivary proteomics is becoming increasingly used for the early diagnosis of several diseases such as breast cancer, oral cancer, Sjögren's syndrome, diffuse systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, among others. Considering the detection of some potential markers related to SLE in serum and urine, this study aims to conduct an initial evaluation of the possible presence of such biomarkers in saliva. Furthermore, it is expected to track down new salivary proteins that could be correlated with the disease. As such, it is important to evaluate whether the analysis of the salivary proteome of children whose mothers have SLE may help identify biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of the condition.

Impact of glycemic control on oral health status in type 2 diabetes individuals and its association with salivary and plasma levels of chromogranin A.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of glycemic control status in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) individuals on clinical oral health indicators and to compare the concentrations of plasma and salivary chromogranin A (CHGA) among nondiabetic subjects and T2DM patients, exploring their associations. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, 32 patients with controlled T2DM, 31 with poorly controlled T2DM and 37 nondiabetic subjects underwent a clinical and periodontal examination. CHGA concentrations were determined in saliva and plasma with ELISA. RESULTS: Poorly controlled T2DM group exhibited significantly higher mean buffering capacity, plaque index and bleeding on probing than other groups (P<0.05). No difference was found to DMFT (decayed, missed and filled teeth) index between groups. Sites with clinical attachment loss (CAL) of 4 and 5-6mm were significantly higher in both diabetic groups compared to control group (P<0.05). Poorly controlled T2DM group had significantly higher sites with CAL ≥ 7 mm than other groups (P=0.001). Significantly higher plasma and salivary CHGA levels were found in T2DM groups (P<0.05). In both diabetic groups, probing depths 5-6mm and CAL 5-6mm were associated with higher salivary CHGA concentration (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings revealed that T2DM patients were more prone to periodontal tissue damage than to caries risk. The results also provide some evidence that the degree of attachment loss deteriorates significantly with poor glycemic control in T2DM (CAL ≥ 7 mm). Moreover, the results suggest that high concentrations of salivary CHGA are associated with worse periodontal parameters and T2DM, and this could be related to the pathogenesis of both diseases.

[Epidemiologic profile of salivary gland neoplasms: analysis of 245 cases]. / Perfil epidemiológico das neoplasias de glândulas salivares: análise de 245 casos.

AIM: The aim of the present study is to establish the relative frequency and distribution of benign and malignant epithelial neoplasms of salivary glands in the Pathology and Cytology Laboratory, STUDY DESIGN: Historic cohort. MATERIAL AND METHOD: in the state of Sergipe, during the period 1980-1999. The neoplasms were individualized by gender, age, race of the patients, anatomic localization of the lesions and histopathological diagnosis. RESULTS: Out of 162,312 registered cases, 245 were salivary gland epithelial neoplasms and 187 (76.33%) were benign and 58 (23.67%) were malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent benign neoplasm (89.94%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma represented the most prevalent malignant neoplasm (22.41%). The benign neoplasms occurred mainly between the second and third decades of life and showed preference for female, while malignant neoplasms were diagnosed between the sixth and seventh decades of life and in women. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate that epidemiology profile of studied neoplasms corroborated the majority researched literature.

Bifid mandibular condyle: case report and etiological considerations.

Bifid mandibular condyle, usually diagnosed on routine radiographic examination, is described in the literature as a rare entity. Its cause is controversial, and it has no predilection by sex or ethnic background. Dental professionals should have some knowledge of this anatomic abnormality, as well as its implications for function and appropriate treatment modalities, so that they can be alert to this potential diagnosis. This paper reports an unusual case of bifid mandibular condyle with possible traumatic cause, with emphasis on the radiographic and tomographic findings.

Immunohistochemical expression of protein 53, murine double minute 2, B-cell lymphoma 2, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in odontogenic cysts and keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Even though odontogenic cysts share a similar histogenesis, they show different growth and differentiation profile due to differences in the proliferative cellular activity. AIMS: We perform an immunohistochemical assessment of protein 53 (p53), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2), and murine double minute 2 (MDM2) expression in odontogenic cysts and keratocystic odontogenic tumor analyzing their correlation with the biological behavior of these lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method with antibodies against p53, PCNA, bcl-2, and MDM2 proteins, 11 radicular cysts, 11 dentigerous cysts, and 11 keratocystic odontogenic tumor were analyzed. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskall-Wallis test (P ≤ 0.05) were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Immunopositivity for PCNA was observed in all cases appraised, predominantly in the suprabasal layer of keratocystic odontogenic tumor epithelial lining (SD ± 19.44), but no significant differences were found among the groups of lesions. Bcl-2 immunoexpression was observed especially in the basal layer of keratocystic odontogenic tumor. PCNA LI was significantly higher than bcl-2 LI in keratocystic odontogenic tumor. MDM2 and p53 immunoexpression were not detected in the lesions studied. Among the evaluated lesions, the keratocystic odontogenic tumor showed different immunoexpression of the proliferation and apoptosis markers. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the keratocystic odontogenic tumor presents distinct biological behavior of the odontogenic cysts, as for the processes of proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, reinforcing the information in favor of the neoplastic nature of this lesion.

When to indicate radiotherapy after nipple-sparing mastectomy? Systematic review / Quando indicar radioterapia após mastectomia nipple-sparing? Revisão sistemática

Introduction: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) represent a therapeutic option of breast cancer with a better aesthetic result, a positive impact on body image and more satisfaction than the reconstruction of the NAC. It is questioned the indication of radiotherapy when the NAC is maintained and its potential aesthetic impairment. Objective: To examine the indication of radiotherapy in NSM and, secondarily, the incidence of NAC involvement and local recurrence rates. Methods: Systematic review carried out in the PubMed database with the terms ("breast neoplasm" [Mesh] OR "breast cancer") AND ("radiotherapy" OR "radiation therapy") AND ("nipple sparing mastectomy" OR "mastectomies" OR "subcutaneous mastectomies"). The selection of the studies, the evaluation of its quality and data extraction were carried out independently by four reviewers. Results: The indications for radiotherapy after NSM were: positive axilla, tumors over 5 cm and retroareolar tissue remaining greater than 5 mm. The NAC involvement occurred in 5 to 26.1% in the definitive anatomopathological study. NAC recurrence occurred from 2.59 to 10%. NAC necrosis occurred in 2.2 to 43.4%. Conclusions: The radiotherapy indications for NSM seem to follow the same classical indications for radiotherapy after mastectomy. The relapse index in NAC was not shown to be larger and without difference for the type of radiotherapy used. Radiotherapy should be based on factors that suggest a high risk for NAC involvement

Introdução: A mastectomia nipple-sparing (MNS) e a conservação do complexo aréolo-papilar (CAP) representam uma manobra terapêutica do câncer de mama com melhor resultado estético, impacto positivo na imagem corporal e mais satisfação do que a reconstrução do CAP. Questiona-se a indicação de radioterapia quando da manutenção do CAP e seu potencial prejuízo estético. Objetivo: Examinar a indicação de radioterapia em MNS e, secundariamente, a incidência do envolvimento do CAP e as taxas de recorrência local. Métodos: Revisão sistemática realizada na base de dados do PubMed com os termos ("breast neoplasm" [Mesh] OR "breast cancer") AND ("radiotherapy" OR "radiation therapy") AND ("nipple sparing mastectomy" OR "mastectomies" OR "subcutaneous mastectomies"). A seleção dos estudos, a avaliação da qualidade do estudo e a extração de dados foram realizadas de forma independente por quatro revisores. Resultados: As indicações para radioterapia após MNS foram: axila positiva, tumores acima de 5 cm e tecido retroareolar remanescente maior que 5 mm. O envolvimento do CAP ocorreu em 5 a 26,1% no anatomopatológico definitivo. A recorrência no CAP ocorreu de 2,59 a 10%. A necrose do CAP ocorreu em 2,2 a 43,4%. Conclusão: As indicações de radioterapia para MNS parecem seguir as mesmas indicações clássicas para radioterapia após mastectomia. O índice de recidiva no CAP não mostrou ser maior com uso de radioterapia nem ter diferença quanto ao seu tipo. A decisão de realizar a radioterapia deve se basear em fatores que sugerem alto risco para envolvimento do CAP

Cytokeratin profile in mucoepidermoid carcinoma is not related to its histological grading of malignancy.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the relationship between the expression of cytokeratins (CKs) and histologic grading in MEC. Eleven cases of MEC were selected and graded as low, intermediate and high-grade tumors. The expression of CKs 7, 8, 10, 13 and 14 was assessed immunohistochemically using streptavidin-biotin complex method. The results showed that the studied CKs were expressed in most cases of MEC, independently of histologic grading. Nonetheless, low-grade tumors demonstrated intense staining of CK 7 and 8; additionally, CK 10 and 13 were more pronounced in this grade. The immunoexpression was variable according to cellular type and organization pattern of the tumor. Mucous cells were positive for CK 7 and 8; epidermoid cells were stained for CK 10, 13 and 14; CK 7, 8, 10 and 14 were observed in intermediate cells, and CK 7 was occasionally seen in clear cells. Cystic structures and duct-like elements in MEC were positive for CK 7 and 8, whereas solid nests showed positivity for all CKs. These results suggest that expression profile of these proteins does not reflect the biological behavior of MCE, however, it guides the detection of cellular types and differential diagnosis from other salivary gland tumors.

Tenascin and fibronectin expression in odontogenic cysts.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic cysts (OCs) present distinct evolution and clinical behavior. This study was performed in order to investigate if some components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) may drive these differences. METHODS: Thirty OCs were selected: 10 radicular cysts (RCs), 10 dentigerous cysts (DCs), 10 non-syndrome odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and they were immunohistochemically analyzed to verify the expression pattern of tenascin and fibronectin. RESULTS: Tenascin immunostaining was mainly intense as a thick band deep to the epithelial-mesenchymal interface in both RCs and OKCs. The intense tenascin immunoexpression observed in the RCs was usually associated with inflammation. An intense fibronectin reactivity was observed in the basement membrane region and at the cystic wall of OKCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate differences between the expression of ECM proteins in the OCs studied. The higher tenascin and fibronectin expression in the capsule of OKCs suggests marked instability in the cystic structure and may contribute to its aggressive behavior.