Suction Influence on Load-Settlement Curves Predicted by DMT in a Collapsible Sandy Soil.

The plate load test (PLT) is the most reliable in situ testing for studying the load-settlement behaviour of footings on unsaturated collapsible soils. In these soils, the suction profile is not constant along the depth, and the scale effect between the prototype and footing leads to different suction averages and, consequently, different data. One method to eliminate the effect of soil suction on the test data is to fully saturate the soil prior to the test, which is also recommended at the design process for footing on collapsible soils. However, the inundation process on PLTs is expensive and time-consuming, which makes this procedure difficult to incorporate into engineering practice. This study presents a device that can be attached to flat dilatometer (DMT) to allow local inundation of the soil as part of the in situ test campaign and obtain the DMT-constrained modulus (MDMT) for both natural and inundated conditions. The MDMT presented an average reduction of 56% from natural to inundated condition. This parameter can be used in a model to predict load-settlement curves by DMT data considering the suction influence on this behaviour. The curves obtained from the prediction model were compared to curves determined by PLT conducted under the same in situ conditions. Good agreement was found between the curves predicted by DMT and those measured by PLT for both conditions. The proposed procedure, which uses a device attached to the DMT blade, provides an investigation method to obtain the load-settlement curve under different suction conditions, which can help in the selection and performance prediction of shallow foundations, taking into account suction and collapse phenomenon-related problems.

Information and Communications Technology in Dentistry: an informative and educational approach for patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and make available, at no cost to the user, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools for Dentistry, providing dental information and advice geared toward patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Dentistry-based content that contemplated information and advice concerning orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances was elaborated. The materials, which included instructions on oral hygiene and treatment strategies when faced with possible complications, were evaluated and validated by specialists, whose assessments reached a 85% approval. From the validated content, products using four distinct ICT tools were formulated. RESULTS: The following technological products were developed: a program for community radios, three blog posts, four educational and informative videos, and a smartphone application - using texts, as well as images and videos. These ICT tools, geared toward patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances, were made available by internet at no cost to the user, and the number of accesses is already expressive. CONCLUSION: These technological-scientific tools, developed and provided freely to the population, can aid patients during their treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances, contributing to the dissemination of reliable information, and clarifying doubts that may arise during orthodontic therapy. These free ICT tools serve to facilitate access to scientific knowledge, thereby favoring social inclusion, bearing in mind that this educational and informative material was offered in a simple and accessible manner to the general population.

Management of orofacial lesions with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and photobiomodulation protocols in patients with COVID-19: A multicenter case series.

Several oral lesions related to COVID-19 have been described in the scientific literature. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighs importance of supportive protocols, which can reduce the inflammation and aid in tissue repair in severe cases. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) alone or in combination with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) can be used to manage orofacial lesions in confirmed cases of COVID-19. Here, we sought to describe the clinical presentation and specificities of three cases in which aPDT and PBMT were used to manage orofacial lesions in patients with COVID-19. The laser protocols were effective with improvement of the orofacial lesions within a few days.

Information and Communications Technology in Dentistry: an informative and educational approach for patients with fixed orthodontic appliances

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop and make available, at no cost to the user, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools for Dentistry, providing dental information and advice geared toward patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Material and Methods: A Dentistry-based content that contemplated information and advice concerning orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances was elaborated. The materials, which included instructions on oral hygiene and treatment strategies when faced with possible complications, were evaluated and validated by specialists, whose assessments reached a 85% approval. From the validated content, products using four distinct ICT tools were formulated. Results: The following technological products were developed: a program for community radios, three blog posts, four educational and informative videos, and a smartphone application - using texts, as well as images and videos. These ICT tools, geared toward patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances, were made available by internet at no cost to the user, and the number of accesses is already expressive. Conclusion: These technological-scientific tools, developed and provided freely to the population, can aid patients during their treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances, contributing to the dissemination of reliable information, and clarifying doubts that may arise during orthodontic therapy. These free ICT tools serve to facilitate access to scientific knowledge, thereby favoring social inclusion, bearing in mind that this educational and informative material was offered in a simple and accessible manner to the general population.

RESUMO Objetivos: Desenvolver e disponibilizar, gratuitamente, ferramentas de tecnologia da informação e comunicação (TIC) para a Odontologia, abordando informações e orientações direcionadas a pacientes em tratamento ortodôntico com aparelho fixo. Material e Métodos: Foi elaborado um conteúdo que contemplou informações e orientações concernentes ao tratamento ortodôntico com aparelho fixo. O material, que abrangeu instruções sobre higiene bucal e sobre abordagens diante de possíveis intercorrências, foi avaliado e validado por especialistas. A partir do conteúdo validado, foram elaborados produtos utilizando quatro ferramentas distintas de TIC. Resultados: Foram desenvolvidos os seguintes produtos tecnológicos: um programa para rádios comunitárias, três postagens para blog, quatro vídeos educacionais e informativos, e um aplicativo para smartphones, utilizando não apenas textos, mas também imagens e vídeos. Essas ferramentas de TIC direcionadas a pacientes fazendo uso de aparelho ortodôntico fixo foram disponibilizadas gratuitamente via internet, e já contam com expressivo número de acessos. Conclusões: As ferramentas técnico-científicas, desenvolvidas e fornecidas livremente à população, podem auxiliar pacientes durante o tratamento com aparelho ortodôntico fixo, contribuir para disseminar informações confiáveis e esclarecer dúvidas que surgem durante a terapia ortodôntica. Essas ferramentas gratuitas de TIC facilitam o acesso ao conhecimento científico e, consequentemente, favorecem a inserção social, tendo em vista que esse material educacional e informativo foi ofertado de maneira simples e acessível à população.

Two rare cases of oral metastasis arising from lung adenocarcinoma and esophageal carcinoma.

Metastasis to the oral cavity are rare, representing only 1% of all oral malignancies, and originate from various sites such as the breast, prostate, lung and kidney. Clinically, they can simulate reactive and inflammatory lesions common in the oral cavity, and the clinical and microscopic diagnosis of these metastasis is a challenge. In this article, we report two new cases of esophageal and lung metastasis to oral tissues, highlighting their clinical characteristics and the process of diagnostic elucidation. We emphasize the importance for clinicians to consider the possibility of metastatic lesions in the oral cavity in patients previously diagnosed with malignant lesions in distant tissues and organs. Key words:Diagnosis, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma of lung, oral cavity, metastasis.

Tolerance and remedial potential of trees submitted to atrazine and sulfentrazone in the rhizosphere.

Residual herbicides are important for agricultural production but they may be lost underground. Trees capable of removing or degrading these products are interesting to the agro system. The objective was to evaluate the tolerance and remedial potential of trees in soil contaminated by atrazine and sulfentrazone. The experiment was arranged in a 7 × 3 factorial scheme. Factor one was composed of Inga edulis Mart., Myrsine gardneriana A.DC., Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake, Toona ciliata M. Roem., Trichilia hirta L. and Triplaris americana L. Factor two consisted of monthly solutions of atrazine (1000 g ha-1), sulfentrazone (150 g ha-1) and water only (control), applied through subgrade irrigation. The following parameters were evaluated: visual intoxication, plant growth, and biomass accumulation. Cucumber biomass was used as an indicator of herbicide residues in soil. Symptoms of intoxication were found only in S. parahyba and T. americana. Growth and biomass of the species were not affected by herbicides, except for T. americana. The herbicides provided higher biomass for T. hirta. Saplings of I. edulis, M. gardneriana, S. parahyba, T. ciliate, and T. hirta tolerate atrazine and sulfentrazone. Triplaris americana is sensitive to sulfentrazone. Inga edulis decreased sulfentrazone residues in the soil.

Treating Acute Cervical Radiodermatitis with Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Report of Two Cases.

Objective: The objective of this study was to report the application of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of two patients diagnosed with acute cervical radiodermatitis (RD) induced by radiotherapy. Background data: An undesirable effect of radiotherapy, RD often poses a limitation to the continuity of treatment that can negatively affect the control and prognosis of the disease. RD is frequently associated with pain and aesthetic impairment and can significantly influence quality of life. Many agents used to prevent and treat RD do not have sufficient scientific evidence to support its use. Materials and methods: In both clinical cases, the patients presented RD degree 3 and were in drug treatment, with no satisfactory response, and PBMT was started. Two diode lasers were used, with a dose of 35.71 J/cm2, 10 sec/point, 100 mW of power, and a beam area of 0.028 cm2 and dose of 27.77 J/cm2, 25 sec/point, 40 mW, and 0.036 cm2 beam area. Both lasers were applied at the wavelength of red, daily, in contact and perpendicular to the skin, to deliver 1 J/point/1.5 cm, which covered the entire area affected with RD. Results: The PBMT made possible an expressive improvement in the healing process and reduction of painful symptoms associated with RD. Conclusions: Although PBMT facilitated healing and reduced pain experienced with RD, randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate all of its possible benefits.

Variable expressivity and novel PTEN mutations in Cowden syndrome.

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a phosphatase and tensin homolog gene (PTEN)-associated condition characterized by multiple mucocutaneous hamartomas and an increased risk of malignancies. We reported an isolated case and another of several individuals in one family affected by CS. The isolated case showed typical features, including fibrocystic breast disease, benign thyroid nodules, and multiple papillomatous lesions in the face and oral cavity, and the cause was a novel nonsense mutation-guanine (G) to thymine (T) transition at position 940 (c.940 G>T)-in PTEN. In the family, the proband showed erythema nodosum, duodenal ulcer, intestinal polyps, cervical lipoma, renal cysts, and glaucoma, whereas multiple members of her family were found to have intestinal polyps, and a sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer at early age. An intronic mutation-T>G transition at the +32 position of intron 8 (c.1026+32 T>G)-was found in this family, with in silico analysis revealing the creation of a new donor splice site. This study confirmed the involvement of PTEN in CS and the variable clinical expressivity of disease.

Terapia de fotobiomodulação no tratamento das lesões orais da síndrome de Stevens-Johnson: relato de caso / Photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndro-me oral lesions: case report

Introdução: A Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson é uma reação rara que se manifesta por exantema que evolui para um extenso deslocamento epidérmico. Na maioria dos casos, há o surgimento de lesões dolorosas em mucosa oral, que podem reduzir a ingestão de nutrientes e dificultar a higiene bucal. A terapia de fotobiomodulação pode ter um importante papel antálgico, na modulação da inflamação e na cicatrização dessas lesões. Objetivo: Relatar um caso clínico no qual as lesões orais da Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson foram tratadas com o auxílio da terapia de fotobiomodulação. Relato de caso: Paciente de 17 anos, do sexo feminino, com diagnóstico de síndrome de Stevens-Johnson, apresentava-se com edema labial, úlceras orais, febre e odinofagia intensa, com tolerância apenas para dieta líquida. Encontrava-se com redução da ingestão alimentar, sem comunicação oral eficiente e com interrupção da higiene bucal devido a dor intensa. A terapia de fotobiomodulação foi utilizada no tratamento das lesões orais. Conclusão: A terapia de fotobiomodulação auxiliou na redução da dor, favoreceu a ingestão de alimentos por via oral e reduziu o tempo de cicatrização das lesões.

Introduction: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare reaction manifested by a rash that evolves into extensive epidermal dislocation. In most cases there are painful oral mucosal lesions that can reduce nutrient intake and make oral hygiene difficult. Photobiomodulation therapy can play an important antalgic role in modulating inflammation and healing these lesions. Objective: To report a clinical case in which Stevens-Johnson Syndrome oral lesions were treated with the aid of photobiomodulation therapy. Case Report: A 17-year-old female patient diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome presented with lip edema, oral ulcers, fever, and severe odynophagia, tolerating only a liquid diet. She experienced reduced food intake, no efficient oral communication, and an interruption of oral hygiene due to intense pain. Photobiomodulation therapy was requested to treat the oral lesions. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation therapy helped reduce pain, favored oral food intake, and reduced lesion healing time.

A challenging diagnosis: Case report of oral metastasis from gastric adenocarcinoma mimicking pyogenic granuloma.

RATIONALE: Oral metastases occur more commonly in bone, but can also manifest in soft tissues and eventually resemble a reactive lesion. Few cases of oral metastases mimicking reactive lesions in soft tissues have been reported to date. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a metastasis of gastric carcinoma (GC) to the oral mucosa without bone involvement in a 43 yom clinically and microscopically mimicking a reactive lesion. The patient related that the lesion had 1 month of evolution, and the ulcerated area suggested the lesion was related to trauma. DIAGNOSES: The histopathological examination of the lesion revealed an exuberant granulation tissue with few neoplastic cells, and the initial diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma was considered. In a second analysis, clusters of clear cells morphologically similar to degenerating mucous cells or macrophages, positive for Cytokeratin (CK)-20, and CDX2 were found. At the moment, it was confirmed the presence of a primary GC in the patient. INTERVENTIONS: A palliative radiotherapy/chemotherapy was started. OUTCOMES: However, the patient died 3 months after the diagnosis of oral metastasis. LESSONS: This report highlights the importance of careful clinical and microscopic examinations in cases of oral metastasis that may mimic a reactive lesion.

Oral findings in secondary syphilis

Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum. However, there are of hematogenic and vertical transmission. All health care professionals must be aware of the manifestations of this condition, such as oral lesions. Objectives: This study to analyze and compare four clinical cases of syphilis that were diagnosed based on lesions in the oral cavity with published literature. Material and Methods: Four patients with a confirmed sorologic and clinical diagnosis of syphilis were examined, confirmated from manifestation of oral lesions together with analysis of serological laboratory tests and histopathological analyses. Results: Lesions were found in classic sites such as lips, tongue and skin. However, there were also lesions on the hard palate, and labial commissure, which correspond to less than 5% of the syphilis oral manifestations. Conclusions: The practice of unprotected oral sex may result in infection and development of syphilis. The acknowledgment of the oral manifestations of syphilis in all its period of training for health professionals is of basic importance, the association of clinical features, histopathological findings and serological tests are required to complete the diagnosis and correct treatment (AU)

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Metachronous ameloblastic fibro-odontoma and dentigerous cyst in the posterior mandible.

An ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) is a rare mixed odontogenic tumor with histologic features of an ameloblastic fibroma in conjunction with the presence of dentin and enamel. It usually appears as a well-circumscribed radiolucency with radiopaque foci and slow growth and is commonly seen in children and young adults. A 13-year-old boy presented with an asymptomatic swelling in the posterior right region of the mandible and the right ascending ramus. The clinical, imaging, and histopathologic findings confirmed the diagnosis of an AFO. After 8 months, a radiolucent lesion involving the unerupted mandibular left third molar was observed; a final diagnosis of a dentigerous cyst (DC) was established for this lesion. Although coincidental events, metachronous odontogenic lesions suggest a possible common genetic origin, since both can be caused by related cellular signaling pathways. Complete enucleation is recommended for both AFOs and DCs; rates of recurrence are low.

Intraoral stents in preventing adverse radiotherapeutic effects in lip cancer patients.

AIM: To fabricate and evaluate the efficacy of individualized intraoral stents to minimize the potential side effects of radiation on oral tissues in patients with early stages of lip cancer. BACKGROUND: Lower lip cancer is a common tumor found almost exclusively in middle-aged and elderly males. Surgery is the most common treatment of choice, although for less extensive lesions, exclusive radiotherapy may be preferred. Some studies have found that the use of intraoral stents in patients with intraoral cancer (e.g., of the tongue or floor of the mouth) obtained favorable results in preventing unnecessary radiation doses to adjacent normal tissue and reducing oral complications. However, studies investigating the efficacy of individualized intraoral stents in patients with lip cancer have not been reported in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with early stage lip cancer were eligible for curative radiotherapy and personalized intraoral stents. The stents were fabricated and all participants were evaluated for the occurrence of oral complications. RESULTS: The regions of the oral mucosa protected from radiation by intraoral stents showed no mucositis. One patient complained of mild oral dryness but without interference in habits. At follow-up, none of the patients had late xerostomia or signs of dental caries by radiation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of individualized intraoral stents was shown to be promising in reducing the adverse effects of radiation therapy in lip cancer patients. These findings highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary team during oncological therapy.

Enamel-renal syndrome in 2 patients with a mutation in FAM20 A and atypical hypertrichosis and hearing loss phenotypes.

Enamel-renal syndrome (OMIM #204690) is an uncommon disorder characterized by amelogenesis imperfecta and nephrocalcinosis and is caused by mutations in FAM20 A. We report 2 patients with enamel-renal syndrome who exhibited the typical features of this syndrome and a homozygous nonsense mutation in the FAM20 A gene (c.406 C>T), genetically confirming the diagnosis. They also exhibited 2 undescribed clinical features, hypertrichosis and hearing loss. Alterations in genes frequently associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss in the Brazilian population, including connexin 26 (GJB2), connexin 30 (GJB6) and mitochondrial 12 S rRNA (m.A1555 G mutation), were not found. These results suggest a putative function of FAM20 A in the development of the inner ear and in the formation of hair. The presence of nephrocalcinosis is a risk factor for renal impairment, and it is important to perform regular renal monitoring in order to avoid renal failure.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy to treat chemotherapy-induced oral lesions: Report of three cases.

The development of Angular Cheilitis and the reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus, could be related to a decrease in the resistance of the immune system in the infected host, being common in cancer patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy. The objective of the present manuscript is to report Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy as a treatment of infected oral lesions of patients submitted to chemotherapy.