Can toothbrushing reduce the intraoral viral load of SARS-CoV-2? A pilot study with a dentifrice containing an antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative.

The aim of this study was to assess whether toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing an antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative (APD) can reduce the intraoral viral load of SARS-CoV-2. Twenty COVID-19-positive dentate patients aged ≥18 years were selected instructed to brush their teeth for 2 min with a dentifrice containing APD. Self-collected samples of unstimulated saliva were carried out three times: T0 (baseline), T5 (5 min after toothbrushing), and T30 (30 min after toothbrushing). The analysis of viral RNA was performed by RT-qPCR for detection of three viral genes (ORF1ab, N and S genes). Results were statistically tested using Friedman's test and pairwise comparison with Bonferroni corrections, with a significance level of 5%. There was an increase in the cycle threshold (Ct) value from T0 to T5 in 13 patients (72.2%), and from T0 to T30 in 14 patients (77.8%). In two patients (11.1%) no SARS-CoV-2 was detected at T5 and five patients (27.8%) at T30. The Ct values were statistically significantly higher (p=0.020) at T30 in comparison to T0 and T5. This pilot study suggests that toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing APD could reduce the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the oral cavity. However, further studies are needed to confirm this possible beneficial effect against SARS-CoV-2.

Oral herpes simplex virus infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy - an integrative review.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to undertake an integrative literature review in order to determine the prevalence, etiology, and reactivation of oral HSV infection in patients receiving chemotherapy (CT). Methods: The study was carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Virtual Health Library, and Scopus databases, using the descriptors "Herpes Simplex", "Viral Diseases", "Mouth", and "Antineoplastic Agents". Results: The findings suggest that HSV infection is widespread in this group of patients and can be severe. HSV infection is frequent in CT patients, and treatment should begin as soon as it is feasible, utilizing antivirals to avoid future difficulties, as patients are immunocompromised. Conclusion: It is critical for health professionals to be fully informed on the dangers and treatment choices available, with the most appropriate therapy for each circumstance. Furthermore, more recent research with acceptable methodological rigor is required to better quantify the prevalence of HSV in these patients.

Pemphigus vulgaris versus Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: Case Series

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) are bullous autoimmune diseases that reach the oral mucosa and have common clinical features. The objective of the study was to present and compare the clinical manifestations of PV and MMP and the results of applied treatments. A case series of a stomatology service from 1985 to 2018. Data collection included epidemiological data, comorbidities, medications in use, duration of symptoms before the first visit, previous treatment, symptomatology, clinical description of lesions, presumptive diagnosis, histopathological description, extraoral manifestations, final diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. The medical records of 25 patients were analysed, 19 of whom were diagnosed with MMP and 6 with PV. The female gender was prevalent in MMP (84 %) and the male gender in PV (67 %). More than 60 % of patients complained of pain at their first visit. Patients with MMP took on average 6 months to seek professional help and patients with PV, about 2 months. Desquamative gingivitis was the most common lesion (63 %) in MMP and non-gingival ulcers (67 %) in PV. Minimal therapy was effective in all cases of MMP, and in PV one individual required minimal adjuvant therapy due to worsening of the case. Patients with PV have more intense signs and oral symptoms and may need more intensive treatment than patients with MMP. The use of topical and/or systemic corticosteroids was sufficient for most cases in both diseases.

Pénfigo vulgar (PV) y Penfigoide de la Membrana Mucosa (PMM) son enfermadades autoinmunes ampollosas que llegan a la mucosa oral y tienen características clínicas comunes. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar y comparar las manifestaciones clínicas de PV y PMM y los resultados de los tratamientos aplicados. En el análisis se incluyó una serie de casos de un servicio de estomatología de 1985 a 2018. La recolección de información incluyó datos epidemiológicos, comorbilidades, medicamentos en uso, duración de los síntomas antes de la primera visita, tratamientos previos, sintomatología, descripción clínica de las lesiones, diagnóstico presuntivo, descripción histopatológica, manifestaciones extraorales, diagnóstico final, tratamiento y seguimiento. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de 25 pacientes, 19 de los cuales fueron diagnosticados de PMM y 6 de PV. El sexo feminino fue prevalente en PMM (84 %) y el sexo masculino en PV (67 %). Más del 60 % de los pacientes se quejaron de dolor durante la primera consulta. Los pacientes con PMM tardaron en promedio 6 meses en buscar ayuda profesional y los pacientes con PV, alrededor de 2 meses. La gingivitis descamativa fue la lesion más común (63 %) en PMM y las úlceras non gengivales (67 %) en PV. La terapia mínima fue efectiva en todos los casos de PMM, y en PV un individuo requirió terapia adyuvante mínima debido al empeoramiento del caso. Los pacientes con PV tienen signos y síntomas orales más intensos y pueden necesitar un tratamiento más intensivo que los pacientes con PMM. El uso de corticosteroides tópicos y/o sistémicos fue suficiente para la mayoría de los casos en ambas enfermedades.

Use of phthalocyanine-derived mouthwash as a protective factor for COVID-19: a community trial.

Aim: In a population profile corrected for sociodemographic factors, the aim of this study was to examine sociodemographic the protective effect of a phthalocyanine-derived mouthwash (APD) before infection with SARS-CoV-2, in addition to analyzing the survival of the at-risk population and the confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Methods: For individuals from the Uru municipality, a structured questionnaire consisting of two parts was completed before the distribution of APD. Subsequently, subjects received two bottles containing 600 mL of APD and were instructed to rinse/gargle with 3 mL of the solution 3 to 5 times per day for 1 min for 2 months. Data were obtained from the electronic system of the municipal health center, organized in a spreadsheet, and analyzed using multiple linear regression and Cox regression analysis. Results: The study included 995 participants with the following sociodemographic data: 98/995 individuals (p<0.002) who did not complete high school used the APD 66.30 times more than did individuals with higher education. The results in terms of survival were meaningful in relation to the duration of APD use. The protective factor for COVID-19 was 14.1%. Conclusion: Daily use of a solution containing phthalocyanine derivatives provided a higher protection factor against COVID-19 infection, predominantly in individuals without a school-completion certificate.

Symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia, efficiency, and safety of swallowing in patients after treatment for head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between symptoms and signs of oropharyngeal dysphagia after treatment for head and neck cancer. METHODS: An observational analytical study with retrospective and prospective components was carried out including 25 adult and elderly patients with head and neck cancer who had completed the treatment at least 3 months before data collection. Data from the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) protocol were analyzed, as well as from the videofluoroscopic swallowing exams. Based on videofluoroscopy, the degree of oropharyngeal dysphagia was classified, as well as the safety and efficiency grade using the DIGEST (Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity) scale. Pearson's correlation test was applied, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between question 4 of the EAT-10 (swallowing solids takes extra effort) and the efficiency profile (p = 0.004), as well as between question 4 and the DIGEST score (p = 0.002). No significant relation was found between the DIGEST score and EAT-10 total score (p = 0.180) and not even between EAT-10 total score and efficiency (p = 0.129) or safety grade (p = 0.878). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, no relation was found between most of the dysphagia signs and symptoms investigated, demonstrating that the individual's perception of the swallowing function may not be consistent with the findings of the instrumental evaluation after long-term treatment for head and neck cancer.

Endodontic treatment as a Reduction in the Risk of infective Endocarditis in a Male Patient with Eisenmenger Syndrome

This case report aimed to describe the importance of endodontic treatment in reducing infectious foci in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) and describe the characteristics of ES, so that the endodontist can safely treat these patients. A 57-year-old male with ES sought dental care complaining of dental pain. Irreversible pulpitis was diagnosed in tooth 37 and pulp necrosis in teeth 36, 34 and 31. Tests of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboblastin time (APTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) were prescribed to evaluate the profile of coagulation using Marevan and antibiotic prophylaxis with amoxicillin. The endodontic treatments were performed. At the end, the patient reported no pain or discomfort in the teeth and improved masticatory function. The removal of oral infectious foci in patients with ES is important to reduce the risk of IE, which could seriously compromise the health and overall prognosis of the patient.

Este reporte de caso tuvo como objetivo describir la importancia del tratamiento endodóntico en la reducción de focos infecciosos en pacientes con síndrome de Eisenmenger (SE) y describir las características del SE, para que el endodoncista pueda tratar con seguridad a estos pacientes. Un hombre de 57 años con ES buscó atención dental quejándose de dolor dental. Se diagnosticó pulpitis irreversible en el diente 37 y necrosis pulpar en los dientes 36, 34 y 31. Se solicitaron pruebas de tiempo de protrombina (PT), tiempo de tromboblastina parcial activada (TTPA) y índice internacional normalizado (INR) para evaluar el perfil de coagulación utilizando Marevan y profilaxis antibiótica con amoxicilina. Se realizaron los tratamientos de endodoncia. Al final, el paciente no refirió dolor ni molestias en los dientes y mejoró la función masticatoria. La eliminación de focos infecciosos orales en pacientes con ES es importante para reducir el riesgo de EI, que podría comprometer gravemente la salud y el pronóstico general del paciente.

Candida auris: a novel emerging nosocomial pathogen - properties, epidemiological situation and infection control.

Immunosuppression and critical illnesses in combination with ecological imbalance open the door for novel opportunistic fungal infections, as in case of Candida (C). auris. C. auris has emerged globally as a multidrug-resistant yeast, causing infections and outbreaks in health care facilities. This narrative review discusses the properties of the yeast, the development of the epidemiological situation, the nosocomial spread and causes for nosocomial outbreaks triggered by C. auris in the hospital environment, and summarizes international recommendations for infection control, supplemented by suggestions on diagnostic, screening and antibiotic stewardship.

Effect of phthalocyanine oral and nasal antiseptic solutions on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: In individuals with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load (VL) plays an important role in infectivity. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the reduction in the VL and infectivity induced by phthalocyanine mouthwash and nasal spray in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Patients with mild COVID-19 were recruited to participate in a triple-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: Group 1, non-active mouthwash and saline nasal spray (SNS); Group 2, phthalocyanine mouthwash and SNS; and Group 3 phthalocyanine mouthwash and phthalocyanine nasal spray. VL was assessed in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs collected at the time of clinical diagnosis at baseline as well as 24 and 72 hours after starting the rinsing protocols. Findings: Forty-six participants were included in the analysis: 15, 16, and 15 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. After 72 hours, the reduction in VL was significantly higher in Group 3 (mean cycle threshold (Ct) decrease: 11.21) than in Group 1 (mean Ct decrease: 5.53). Additionally, only the mean VL in Group 3 was reduced to a non-contagious level after 72 hours. Main conclusions: Use of phthalocyanine mouthwash and nasal spray is effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.

Surgical Treatment of Oral Fibrous Hyperplasia with Diode Laser: An Integrative Review / Tratamiento Quirúrgico de la Hiperplasia Fibrosa Oral con Láser de Diodo: Una Revisión Integradora

This study aimed to carry out an integrative review of the use of diode lasers in the treatment of oral fibrous hyperplasia in order to observe surgical efficacy, healing process, and main microscopic findings. The following databases-PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and gray literature-were searched without regard to the time of year or language. Diode laser treatment cases described in case reports and case series were included, but those who did not undergo microscopic analysis to confirm the diagnosis or who did not provide postoperative information were excluded. Twelve studies (64 patients) were included. Prevalence was observed for females (68.75 %, n=44). In view of the diagnosis, there was a prevalence of focal fibrous hyperplasia (79.68 %, n=51), followed by inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (20.31 %, n=13). For surgical removal, a diode laser was used with a wavelength ranging from 808 to 960 nm, in continuous mode, and an average power of 2830 mW. In general, there were no intercurrences in the trans and postoperative periods and wound healing occurred by second intention, with excellent evolution. High-powered diode lasers can be an excellent therapeutic option for oral hyperplastic lesions. Long-term clinical trials should be conducted to determine laser setting parameters in various oral lesions.

El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión integradora sobre el uso del láser de diodo en el tratamiento de la hiperplasia fibrosa oral, con el fin de visualizar la eficacia quirúrgica, el patrón de cicatrización y el análisis de los principales resultados microscópicos. Se realizó una búsqueda sin restricciones de año e idioma en PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, Web of Science y literatura gris. Se incluyeron reportes de casos y series de casos que brindaron información sobre pacientes diagnosticados con lesiones hiperplásicas orales tratados con láser de diodo, excluyendo aquellos a los que no se les había realizado análisis microscópico para confirmar el diagnóstico, así como aquellos que no brindaron información postoperatoria. Se incluyeron doce estudios (64 pacientes). Se observó prevalencia en el sexo femenino (68,75 %, n=44). Ante el diagnóstico, predominó la hyperplasia fibrosa focal (79,68 %, n=51), seguida de la hiperplasia fibrosa inflamatoria (20,31 %, n=13). Para la remoción quirúrgica se utilizó un láser de diodo con una longitud de onda de 808 a 960 nm, en modo continuo, y una potencia promedio de 2830 mW. En general, no hubo intercurrencias en el trans y postoperatorio y la cicatrización de la herida ocurrió por segunda intención, con excelente evolución. El uso de láseres de diodo de alta potencia puede ser una excelente alternativa terapéutica para las lesiones hiperplásicas orales. Se deben realizar más estudios clínicos a largo plazo para determinar los parámetros de ajuste del láser en diferentes lesiones orales.

Case-control study analyzing the relationship between oral microcirculation and oral mucositis and pain in patients under antineoplastic therapy.

The study aimed to evaluate the relation between microcirculation of the genian region using laser Doppler flowmetry and oral mucositis (OM) and pain in individuals undergoing antineoplastic therapy. A case-control clinical study was conducted with the participants divided into three groups: chemotherapy (CTG), radiation therapy and chemotherapy group (RCTG), and control group (CG). Pain was assessed by visual analog scale; OM was classified by oral mucositis assessment and WHO scales. The blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, Friedman test, and Spearman test were used for statistical analysis of this study. CTG (7 individuals/25.93%) showed the worst manifestations of OM between 2nd and 4th evaluations (OM-WHO: T2, p = 0.006; T3, p = 0.006; T4, p = 0.003; OM-OMAS: T2, p = 0.004; T3, p = 0.000; T4, p = 0.011), and increased blood flow over time, with the exception of the 3rd evaluation (p = 0.138). The RCTG (9 individuals/33.33%) showed the worst manifestations of oral mucositis on the 4th week (OM-WHO and OM-OMAS: p = 0.000) with a decrease in blood flow (p = 0.068). The decreased blood flow is associated with greater severity of oral mucositis and greater pain intensity.

Assessment of depression, stress, anxiety and oral health-related quality of life in individuals with sjögren's syndrome: case control pilot study / Evaluación de la depresión, el estrés, la ansiedad y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud bucal en personas con síndrome de Sjögren: estudio piloto de casos y controles

Objective: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic auto-immune inflammatory systemic disease, in which the infiltration of mo-nonuclear cells in the exocrine glands leads to physiological and morphological changes. This pilot case-control study aims to describe the profile, evaluate the oral condition, quality of life (QoL) and psychological condition, through complete clinical examination, OHIP-14 and DASS-21 questionnaires. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with seven individuals with a final diagnosis of SS (case group [CG]), and seven individuals with symptoms of dry mouth (control group [GCO]), consulting at the institution from January to November 2021. participants were selected by free demand and those previously seen at the institution with a diagnosis of SS between 19 and 70 years of age. The questionnaire OHIP-14 was applied to assess the patient's quality of life, where seven dimensions are assessed, subdivided into 14 questions through the Lickert scale (0 to 4) assigned by the individual and which quantifies the impact of oral health on QoL. The questionnaire DASS-21 assessed the psychological condition of the patient, which presents seven questions for each emotional state (depression, anxiety, and stress), totaling 21 questions. The general clinical condition, evolution of SS, oral clinical condition, and the profile of this population were related to QoL factors and psychological conditions, using these assessment instruments. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding stimulated salivary flow. The only symptom with a statistically significant difference in the CG was difficulty in phonation (p< 0.001). The dimensions related to functional limitation and physical pain showed the most expressive results (p=0.004) (p=0.025), showing a strong negative impact on the QoL of the CG individuals, and the dimension related to disability was the least affected (p=0.684). The analysis of depression, anxiety, and stress did not show statistically significant results between the groups; however, in the CG, 5 (71.42%) individuals showed a severe degree of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions: Individuals in the case group showed some changes, with a strong negative impact on QoL compared to the control group.

Objetivo: El síndrome de Sjögren (SS) es una enfermedad inflamatoria sistémica crónica autoinmune, en la que la infiltración de células mononucleares en las glándulas exocrinas provoca cambios fisiológicos y morfológicos. Este estudio piloto de casos y controles tiene como objetivo describir el perfil, evaluar la condición bucal, calidad de vida (CdV) y condición psicológica, mediante examen clínico completo, cuestionarios OHIP-14 y DASS-21. Materiales y Métodos: El estudio se realizó con 7 individuos con diagnóstico final de SS, grupo de casos (CG) y 7 individuos con síntomas de sequedad bucal, grupo control (GCO) atendidos en la institución de enero a noviembre de 2021. Los participantes fueron seleccionados por libre demanda y entre los atendidos previamente en la institución con diagnóstico de SS entre 19 y 70 años de edad. Para evaluar la calidad de vida del paciente se aplicó el cuestionario OHIP-14, donde se evalúan siete dimensiones, sub-divididas en 14 preguntas a través de la escala de Likert (0 a 4) asignada por el individuo y que cuantifica el impacto de la salud bucal en la calidad de vida. El cuestionario DASS-21 evaluó la condición psicológica del paciente, el cual presenta siete preguntas para cada estado emocional (depresión, ansiedad y estrés), totalizando 21 preguntas. El estado clínico general, la evolución del SS, el estado clínico bucal y el perfil de esta población se relacionaron con factores de calidad de vida y condiciones psicológicas, mediante estos instrumentos de evaluación. Resultados: En cuanto al flujo salival estimulado, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos. El único síntoma que mostró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el CG fue la dificultad en la fonación (p< 0,001). Las dimensiones relacionadas con limitación funcional y dolor físico mostraron los resultados más expresivos (p=0,004) (p=0,025), mostrando un fuerte impacto negativo en la CdV de los individuos del GC, y la dimensión relacionada con discapacidad fue la menos afectada (p=0,684). El análisis de depresión, ansiedad y estrés no mostró resultados estadísticamente significativos entre los grupos; sin embargo, en el GC, 5 (71,42%) individuos presentaron un grado severo de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Conclusión: Se puede concluir que los individuos del grupo de casos mostraron algunos cambios, con un fuerte impacto negativo en la calidad de vida en comparación con el grupo de control.

Tissue Bioengineering with Fibrin Scaffolds and Deproteinized Bone Matrix Associated or Not with the Transoperative Laser Photobiomodulation Protocol.

Extending the range of use of the heterologous fibrin biopolymer, this pre-clinical study showed a new proportionality of its components directed to the formation of scaffold with a lower density of the resulting mesh to facilitate the infiltration of bone cells, and combined with therapy by laser photobiomodulation, in order to accelerate the repair process and decrease the morphofunctional recovery time. Thus, a transoperative protocol of laser photobiomodulation (L) was evaluated in critical bone defects filled with deproteinized bovine bone particles (P) associated with heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HF). The groups were: BCL (blood clot + laser); HF; HFL; PHF (P+HF); PHFL (P+HF+L). Microtomographically, bone volume (BV) at 14 days, was higher in the PHF and PHFL groups (10.45 ± 3.31 mm3 and 9.94 ± 1.51 mm3), significantly increasing in the BCL, HFL and PHFL groups. Histologically, in all experimental groups, the defects were not reestablished either in the external cortical bone or in the epidural, occurring only in partial bone repair. At 42 days, the bone area (BA) increased in all groups, being significantly higher in the laser-treated groups. The quantification of bone collagen fibers showed that the percentage of collagen fibers in the bone tissue was similar between the groups for each experimental period, but significantly higher at 42 days (35.71 ± 6.89%) compared to 14 days (18.94 ± 6.86%). It can be concluded that the results of the present study denote potential effects of laser radiation capable of inducing functional bone regeneration, through the synergistic combination of biomaterials and the new ratio of heterologous fibrin biopolymer components (1:1:1) was able to make the resulting fibrin mesh less dense and susceptible to cellular permeability. Thus, the best fibrinogen concentration should be evaluated to find the ideal heterologous fibrin scaffold.

Evaluation of halitosis parameters in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess halitosis parameters using OralChroma™ and the correlation with salivary flow, oral hygiene index, radiation dose, and tongue-coating index among irradiated head and neck cancer patients compared to patients without cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled irradiated and non-irradiated patients divided into two groups. Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) levels were measured using a gas chromatograph, and sialometry was performed. The tongue-coating index and simplified oral hygiene index were also assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were allocated to each group. Volatile sulfur compound levels were above the thresholds in both groups. Non-irradiated individuals showed higher levels of hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Patients with asialia had an inexpressive tongue-coating index and increased dimethyl sulfide levels. A decrease in salivary flow rate was followed by a significant increase in volatile sulfur compound levels. Higher doses of radiation to the submandibular salivary glands were associated with higher concentrations of sulfide and methyl mercaptan. CONCLUSIONS: Head and neck radiotherapy may be important in the development of halitosis. Irradiated patients with asialia presented insignificant lingual biofilm. Consequently, lower levels of volatile sulfur compounds were detected in this group. Asialia, a severe radiation-induced hyposalivation, impacted the levels of DMS (extraoral origin).

Impact of the absence of dental support on cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study identifies the impact of the absence of dental support for patients with cancer whose clinical dental care was interrupted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: Individuals with oncologic diseases were selected from a telephone list of a Clinical Research Center (CRC) that specialized in the care of patients with cancer at the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (FOB/USP). The convenience sample comprised 280 patients (aged > 18 years) with a history of cancer that underwent dental treatment at the FOB/USP CRC in 2019 and did not receive care in 2020 owing to the pandemic. The participants completed a questionnaire sent via email or a text messaging application. Individuals receiving treatment or who were already treated for cancer were divided into two groups for data tabulation. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Of the 280 patients, 104 answered the questionnaire, and 75 (72.1%) were women. Among the women, 45 (60.0%) were receiving antineoplastic treatment, and 30 (40.0%) had already been treated. Among the men, 15 (51.7%) were receiving antineoplastic treatment, and 14 (48.3%) had already been treated. Regarding oral problems that arose during the pandemic, dental pain when eating hot or cold food or drinks (57.0%), muscle pain (53.8%), and difficulties when chewing (51.0%) were the most common reported among patients. Furthermore, most individuals reported not having received any type of remote dental follow-up, before being contacted by our team, which could contribute to reducing these oral problems. CONCLUSION: It is impossible to say whether the absence of dental support in cancer patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a negative impact on oral issue rates.

Use of Chlorhexidine Bioadhesive Gel to Reduce Infection and Discomfort in Alveolar Bone Graft Wound: A Randomized Pilot Study

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to analyze the inflammation index, edema, bacterial plaque presence and postoperative discomfort, with the use of chlorhexidine gel. This is a randomized double-blinded pilot study, with 21 unilateral cleft lip and palate individuals, randomized into 2 groups: Test Group (TG), with 7 individuals who used 0.2 % chlorhexidine bioadhesive gel in the surgical wound after the bone graft; and Control Group (CG) with 14 individuals who used a placebo gel as the same way. The gel was applied on the surgical wound suture after alveolar bone graft. The evaluation criteria of the gel application effectiveness were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain control and/or discomfor t and clinical evaluation of inflammatory condition and/or wound infection. The study showed promising results for postoperativel y use of the chlorhexidine gel, although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el índice de inflamación, edema, presencia de placa bacteriana y molestias postoperatorias, con el uso del gel de clorhexidina. Se trata de un estudio piloto aleatorizado, doble ciego, con 21 individuos con fisura labial y palatina unilateral, aleatorizados en 2 grupos: Grupo Test (GT), con 7 individuos que utilizaron gel bioadhesivo de clorhexidina al 0,2 % en la herida quirúrgica posterior al injerto óseo; y Grupo Control (GC) con 14 individuos que usaron un gel placebo de la misma forma. El gel se aplicó sobre la sutura de la herida quirúrgica después del injerto óseo alveolar. Los criterios de evaluación de la efectividad de la aplicación del gel fueron la escala analógica visual (EVA) para el control del dolor y/o malestar y la evaluación clínica del estado inflamatorio y/o infección de la herida. El estudio mostró resultados positivos para el uso posoperatorio del gel de clorhexidina, aunque no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos.

High doses of zoledronic acid induce differential effects on femur and jawbone microstructure.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term effects on jaw and femur bone induced by oncologic doses of zoledronic acid in a young rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six 12-week-old male Wistar rats received zoledronic acid (0.6 mg/kg) and six control rats received saline solution in the same volume. Compounds were administered intraperitoneally in five doses every 28 days. Euthanasia was performed 150 days after therapy onset. After animal sacrifice, their mandibles and femurs were scanned ex vivo using a high-resolution (14 µm) micro-computed tomography. Morphometric bone parameters were calculated using CT-Analyzer (Bruker, Belgium) between the first and second mandibular molars and in the distal femur metaphysis and epiphysis. RESULTS: The treatment group as compared to the controls showed a significantly (p < .05) increased bone quantity (↑BV/TV, ↓Po[Tot], ↑Tb.Th), bone density (↑TMD, ↑BMD), and osteosclerosis of the trabecular bone (↓Tb.Sp, ↓Conn.Dn, ↓Tb.Pf, ↓SMI) in all anatomical sites. Bone remodeling suppression due to zoledronic acid treatment was more pronounced (p < .05) in the femoral metaphysis relative to the mandible and epiphysis. The exploratory linear discriminant analysis showed that for the mandible, it was mainly the bone quantity-related morphometric indices (BV/TV and Tb.Th), while for the femoral epiphysis and metaphysis, it was bone structure-related (Tb.Pf and Tb.N), which are of primary importance to study the treatment effect. CONCLUSION: High doses of bisphosphonates can differently affect the bone quantity, density, and structure in long bones and jawbones. In the metaphysis, bone changes were primarily concentrated in the region of the growth plate. Future studies may consider the use of bone morphometric indices to evaluate the effect of bisphosphonates.

Oral Manifestations of Erythema Multiforme due to Methotrexate Intoxication

ABSTRACT: To report a rare case of erythema multiforme (EM) associated with methotrexate (MTX) with cutaneous and oral manifestations and to compare it to existing cases in which MTX was not used for cancer treatment. A 56-years- old female, in physical examination skin lesions and multiple oral ulcers associated with pain during manipulation were observed, and underwent treatment for rheumatoid arthritis with Methotrexate 2.5mg. During examination patient-reported that 15 days ago she had undergone a rheumatoid factor examination, doubling the MTX dosage (10mg / day) without doctor's consent. The diagnostic hypothesis of EM. The medical conduct consisted of the suspension of MTX and prescription of a vitamin complex with folinic acid. Local dental therapy for to control oral lesions, pain control and lip hydration was performed using low-level laser therapy (Twin Laser, P: 40mW, T: 50s, DE: 50J / cm), benzydamine hydrochloride spray, purified lanolin for lip dryness, and toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate to prevent burning. After 12 days, there was significant remission of oral and skin signs and symptoms, which confirmed the diagnosis was EM due to MTX intoxication. Thorough clinical evaluation and anamnesis favored diagnosis and early multi-professional management provided remission of oral and skin lesions, prevented systemic complications.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue informar un caso raro de eritema multiforme (EM) asociado a metotrexato (MTX) con manifestaciones cutáneas y orales y compararlo con casos existentes en los que no se utilizó MTX para el tratamiento del cáncer. Caso clínico: Mujer de 56 años, en el examen físico se observaron lesiones cutáneas y múltiples úlceras de la cavidad oral asociadas a dolor durante la manipulación.Se sometió a tratamiento para la artritis reumatoide con metotrexato 2,5 mg. Durante el examen, la paciente informó que hacía 15 días se había sometido a un examen de factor reumatoide, duplicando la dosis de MTX (10 mg / día) sin el consentimiento del médico. La hipótesis diagnóstica de EM. La conducta médica consistió en la suspensión de MTX y prescripción de un complejo vitamínico con ácido folínico. La terapia dental local para el control de las lesiones orales, el control del dolor y la hidratación de los labios se realizó mediante terapia con láser de bajo nivel (Twin Laser, P: 40mW, T: 50s, DE: 50J / cm), aerosol de clorhidrato de bencidamina, lanolina purificada para la sequedad de labios y pasta de dientes sin lauril sulfato de sodio para evitar quemaduras. Después de 12 días, hubo una remisión significativa de los signos y síntomas orales y cutáneos, lo que confirmó el diagnóstico de ME por intoxicación por MTX. La evaluación clínica exhaustiva y la anamnesis favorecieron el diagnóstico y el manejo multiprofesional precoz proporcionó la remisión de las lesiones orales y cutáneas, evitando además complicaciones sistémicas.