A Case Report of Extreme Oral Lesions: A Rare Indicator of Bullying-Associated Non-suicidal Self-Injury.

Bullying has reached epidemic proportions, affecting one in three students worldwide. A pervasive issue that carries profound physical, mental, and social consequences, significantly increasing the risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors among those who experience this type of harassment and hazing. While physicians and most caregivers are fully aware and competent in identifying signs of self-harming behavior such as scratching, cutting, or burning the skin, oral self-injury is often overlooked as a potential indicator and is associated with unintentional soft tissue biting or specific conditions. We present a rare case of a 14-year-old male who sought medical attention due to severe bilateral tongue ulcers, leading to his admittance to the emergency department (ED) with excruciating pain and feeding difficulties. In the reported case, although the traumatic biting of the tongue emerged as the most probable etiological factor, a specific underlying motive and contextual comprehension were initially absent. It was only after successfully establishing a foundation of trust with the patient, enabling an honest response, that it became evident that the observed lesions represented a manifestation of bullying-induced non-suicidal self-injury. However, patients rarely openly acknowledge intentional self-inflicted lesions and/or their experiences of bullying, underscoring the necessity to maintain vigilance for alternative indicators such as behavioral changes or a noticeable decline in academic productivity. The significance of this case also goes beyond its presentation, highlighting the largely unexplored issue of how a patient's dentofacial features can serve as substantial catalysts for bullying. Therefore, it is only through equally prioritizing awareness of uncommon signs, symptoms, and context that one can expedite early diagnosis and intervention, emphasizing the essential need for comprehensive and timely management of such cases.

The COVID-19 Impact on Oral Healthcare Demand and Performance: The Experience of a Clinical and Academic Centre in Portugal (EU).

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has reshaped the global landscape as we know it and had a tremendous effect on healthcare systems around the world. However, its impact on oral healthcare is still to be fully assessed. The aim of this study was to understand if and how COVID-19 affected the demand and performance of oral healthcare, taking the Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra as an example, more specifically, the Department of Stomatology of the Coimbra Hospital and University Centre and the Dentistry Department of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational study was designed for collecting the data of a series of key oral healthcare indicators: number of appointments; referrals from primary healthcare; missed appointments; number of surgeries performed in the operating room; number of biopsies; number of patients admitted through the emergency department and epidemiologic parameters over two 18-month periods between September 2018 and August 2021: pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the latter divided in four stages. A statistical analysis which included descriptive and inferential procedures was then performed, with an established significance level of 5% and the application of parametric tests, t-Student test for a sample and for independent samples and One-Way ANOVA for the variance analysis. RESULTS: There was a general decline in all indicators comparing the pre-COVID-19 with the COVID-19 period, with a reduction of 50.61% in the number of appointments, 44.06% in referrals, 24.41% in surgeries, 26.30% in biopsies and 32.33% in patients seen in the Emergency Room. The number of missed appointments also increased by 181.82%. All variations revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The individual COVID-19 stage analysis, when compared with the pre-COVID-19 reference, and variance analysis of these different stages also showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), except for the number of biopsies during the third and fourth stages. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a considerable impact on oral healthcare demand and performance. However, results also show a remarkable adjustment and improvement in the provided care, with a positive evolution throughout the COVID-19 period.

Late-Onset Masseteric Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis and Lipomatosis: A Diagnostic Challenge and Case Report.

Melanoma and neurofibromatosis (NF) are distinctly separate conditions, each characterized by unique pathophysiological processes. Nevertheless, their clinical presentations can share overlapping similarities. This report highlights a unique case involving a 68-year-old male with NF1 and lipomatosis, whose unwavering belief that a developing mass in the masseter region was benign and linked to the pre-existing diagnoses contributed to a significant delay in seeking healthcare. Consequently, this postponement resulted in the late diagnosis of disseminated malignant melanoma (stage IV, T4N0M1c). Given the patient's prognosis and poor general health, a palliative treatment plan was devised, entailing the complete excision of the masseteric mass and vertebral radiotherapy. Following a rapid and extensive progression of the cancerous lesions, the patient passed away in a palliative care infirmary four months after surgery. The significance of this case, justified not only by its uncommon presentation and atypical differential diagnosis, highlights the critical necessity of regular follow-up protocols for melanoma patients, particularly those prone to metastasis, while ensuring patient attendance. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of patient education, particularly in recognizing early signs and symptoms, and timely intervention in cases with complex comorbidities.

Pediatric Sjögren Syndrome: Case Report On A Rare Entity.

Pediatric Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is an auto-immune disorder of unknown prevalence with significant risk of comorbidity. In contrast to the classical dyad of xerostomia and xeropthalmia frequently seen in adults, in children and adolescents, recurrent parotiditis and sialadenitis are more often the presenting symptoms. We describe the case of a previously healthy 16-year-old girl with recurrent cervical lymphadenopathy and parotid swelling. Over the course of nine months, extensive investigation established chronic bilateral recurrent sialadenitis of unknown cause. The patient's clinic and complementary exams favor a primary SS diagnosis; however, she later meets classification criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Although currently clinically stable under hydroxychloroquine with minor parotid swelling and eye redness, long term multidisciplinary follow-up will be needed to manage the patient's disease. This report aims to bring awareness to this diagnostic challenge and to the need for pediatric criteria for SS.

Pharyngeal Airspace Alterations after Using the Mandibular Advancement Device in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), inserted in non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), are used intra-orally during the sleep period, with the aim of promoting mandibular protrusion. The aim of the study is to analyze the changes in the upper airway after the use of an MAD in the treatment of OSAHS. METHODS: 60 patients diagnosed with OSAHS, as established by the Sleep Medicine Service, underwent treatment with the Silensor SL device at the Stomatology Service of the University Hospital Center of Coimbra, from January 2018 to January 2019. All patients completed two polysomnographies and two lateral teleradiographies: one before starting treatment (T0) and one after 1 year of treatment (T1). In the lateral teleradiography performed after one year of treatment, the patient had the MAD placed intra-orally. The linear measurements of the airspace proposed by the Arnett/Gunson FAB Surgery cephalometric analysis were measured at four craniometric points: A, MCI, B, Pog. RESULTS: The results demonstrate an anteroposterior airway enlargement in two of the four points studied with the MAD placed intra-orally (B and Pog point). The greatest average increase is observed at point Pog (3 mm), followed by B (1 mm), and finally, point A (0.6 mm). CONCLUSIONS: This study proved that there is an improvement in anteroposterior measurements at various points in the upper airways after treatment with MAD.

The AcolheSUS Project in Primary Health Care in Brazil's Federal District. / O Projeto AcolheSUS na Atenção Primária à Saúde do Distrito Federal, Brasil.

The recent change in model of primary health care introduced for the Family Health Strategy, to one centred on the user and territorialisation, provided the ideal opportunity to implement the AcolheSUS Project in a Basic Health Unit (UBS) of the Central Region of Brasília, in Brazil's Federal District. The UBS team conducted a situational diagnosis of the unit and situational strategic planning with a view to reorganising the service to address the problems identified, focusing on the work processes. With introduction of AcolheSUS, the number of individual user registrations performed by the teams increased from 135 to 3525, the number of nursing visits increased by 193.7% and the number of procedures performed by nurses increased by 121.2%. During changeover to the new care model, 71% of residents in the catchment area attended the basic health unit; after introduction of AcolheSUS, the percentage reached 90.5%. The monthly average of users received and classified was 1099.8. The joint construction of solid protocols and adjustments to work processes contributed to improving service delivery and afforded users greater access to the health care unit.

A recente mudança de modelo da atenção primária à saúde para estratégia de Saúde da Família, com foco centrado no usuário e na territorialização foi o momento ideal para implantação do Projeto AcolheSUS em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) da Região Central de Brasília, Distrito Federal. A equipe de servidores da UBS realizou o diagnóstico situacional da unidade e o planejamento estratégico situacional, com o objetivo de reorganizar o serviço a partir da problematização e com foco nos processos de trabalho. Com o AcolheSUS houve aumento do número de cadastros individuais realizados pelas equipes de 135 para 3.525, o número de atendimentos de enfermagem aumentou em 193,7% e o número de procedimentos realizados por enfermeiros teve um acréscimo 121,2%. O percentual de residentes da área adstrita que procuravam a unidade básica de saúde durante o processo de mudança de modelo de atenção era 71% do total e alcançou 90,5% após o AcolheSUS. A média mensal de usuários acolhidos e classificados foi de 1.099,8. A construção conjunta de protocolos sólidos e o ajuste de processos de trabalho contribuíram para a melhoria na oferta de serviços e propiciaram maior acesso do usuário à unidade de saúde.

O Projeto AcolheSUS na Atenção Primária à Saúde do Distrito Federal, Brasil / The AcolheSUS Project in Primary Health Care in Brazil's Federal District

Resumo A recente mudança de modelo da atenção primária à saúde para estratégia de Saúde da Família, com foco centrado no usuário e na territorialização foi o momento ideal para implantação do Projeto AcolheSUS em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) da Região Central de Brasília, Distrito Federal. A equipe de servidores da UBS realizou o diagnóstico situacional da unidade e o planejamento estratégico situacional, com o objetivo de reorganizar o serviço a partir da problematização e com foco nos processos de trabalho. Com o AcolheSUS houve aumento do número de cadastros individuais realizados pelas equipes de 135 para 3.525, o número de atendimentos de enfermagem aumentou em 193,7% e o número de procedimentos realizados por enfermeiros teve um acréscimo 121,2%. O percentual de residentes da área adstrita que procuravam a unidade básica de saúde durante o processo de mudança de modelo de atenção era 71% do total e alcançou 90,5% após o AcolheSUS. A média mensal de usuários acolhidos e classificados foi de 1.099,8. A construção conjunta de protocolos sólidos e o ajuste de processos de trabalho contribuíram para a melhoria na oferta de serviços e propiciaram maior acesso do usuário à unidade de saúde.

Abstract The recent change in model of primary health care introduced for the Family Health Strategy, to one centred on the user and territorialisation, provided the ideal opportunity to implement the AcolheSUS Project in a Basic Health Unit (UBS) of the Central Region of Brasília, in Brazil's Federal District. The UBS team conducted a situational diagnosis of the unit and situational strategic planning with a view to reorganising the service to address the problems identified, focusing on the work processes. With introduction of AcolheSUS, the number of individual user registrations performed by the teams increased from 135 to 3525, the number of nursing visits increased by 193.7% and the number of procedures performed by nurses increased by 121.2%. During changeover to the new care model, 71% of residents in the catchment area attended the basic health unit; after introduction of AcolheSUS, the percentage reached 90.5%. The monthly average of users received and classified was 1099.8. The joint construction of solid protocols and adjustments to work processes contributed to improving service delivery and afforded users greater access to the health care unit.

Educação em saúde no segmento adolescente sob a perspectiva das metodologias ativas de ensino-aprendizagem / Health education in the adolescent segment from the perspective of active teaching-learning methodologies

Trata-se de um estudo sobre prática da educação em saúde, com ênfase no autocuidado bucal e fundamentado nas Metodologias Ativas de Ensino-Aprendizagem (MAEA). As metodologias ativas possuem, dentre suas características, o deslocamento do protagonismo do educador para o educando, incentivando a sua inserção como principal responsável pela sua aprendizagem. Objetivou interagir, debater e promover a saúde e o autocuidado, com destaque na saúde bucal, de acordo com a realidade do grupo de adolescentes no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde. O estudo foi desenvolvido por meio de duas oficinas, totalizando a participação de 40 adolescentes, em dias distintos e sequenciados. Centrou-se na reflexão do cotidiano, nos interesses, necessidades e nos contextos social e cultural dos adolescentes, buscando estimular um processo de desconstrução/construção de conhecimentos, propiciando a busca de novos e diferentes saberes. A experiência da prática educativa relatada recebeu avaliação positiva na percepção de seus educandos, bem como facilitou o diálogo e a interação entre os mediadores e adolescentes. Verificou-se a participação intensa dos adolescentes durante as oficinas e a reflexão crítica sobre o cuidado em saúde, ligada aos problemas da vida. A prática educativa promoveu a construção de possibilidades compartilhadas ao lidar com adversidades cotidianas e conflitos familiares, pois revelouse exitosa e repleta de potencialidades crítico-reflexivas na tomada de decisão em saúde, segundo a visão dos adolescentes (AU).

This study addressed the practice of health education, with emphasis on oral self-care and based on Active Teaching-Learning Methodologies (ATLM). The active methodologies present, among their characteristics, displacement of protagonism from the educator to the student, encouraging their insertion as the main responsible for their learning. It aimed to interact, discuss and promote health and self-care, with emphasis on oral health, according to the reality of the group of adolescents within the context of the Brazilian Unified Health System. The study included two workshops, involving participation of 40 adolescents, on different and sequenced days. It focused on the reflection of daily life, interests, needs and the social and cultural contexts of adolescents, aiming to stimulate a process of deconstruction/construction of knowledge, providing the search for new and different knowledge. The reported experience of educational practice was positively evaluated in the perception of students, and facilitated the dialogue and interaction between mediators and adolescents. There was intense participation of adolescents during the workshops and critical reflection on healthcare, related to life problems. The educational practice promoted the construction of shared possibilities in dealing with daily adversities and family conflicts, as it proved to be successful and full of criticalreflexive potentialities in health decisionmaking, according to adolescents' standpoint (AU).