Bank1 modulates the differentiation and molecular profile of key B cell populations in autoimmunity.

This study aimed at defining the role of the B-cell adaptor protein BANK1 in the appearance of age-associated B cells (ABCs) in two SLE mouse models (TLR7.tg6 and Imiquimod-induced mice), crossed with Bank1-/- mice. The absence of Bank1 led to a significant reduction in ABC levels, also affecting other B cell populations. To gain deeper insights into their differentiation pathway and the impact of Bank1 on B cell populations, a single-cell transcriptome assay was performed. In the TLR7.tg6 model, we identified 10 clusters within B cells, including an ABC-specific cluster which was decreased in Bank1-deficient mice. In its absence, ABCs exhibited an anti-inflammatory gene expression profile, while being pro-inflammatory in Bank1-sufficient lupus mice. Trajectory analyses revealed that ABCs originated from marginal zone and memory-like B cells, ultimately acquiring transcriptional characteristics associated with atypical memory cells and long-lived plasma cells. Also, Bank1 deficiency normalized the presence of naïve B cells, which were nearly absent in lupus mice. Interestingly, Bank1 deficiency significantly reduced a distinct cluster containing IFN-responsive genes. These findings underscore the critical role of Bank1 in ABC development, impacting early B cell stages towards ABC differentiation, and the presence of IFN-stimulated gene-containing B cells, both populations determinant for autoimmunity.

3D printed ventilation tubes and their effect on biological models.

BACKGROUND: Acute otitis media (AOM) causes inflammation and hearing loss. Ventilation tubes are key in treatment. 3D printing improves prostheses in otorhinolaryngology, offering precision and greater adaptability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was conducted with Wistar rats from July to December 2020. 3D tympanostomy tube models were designed, with technical specifications and tests performed on inexpensive 3D printers. The tympanostomy tube was inserted endoscopically. RESULTS: Procedures were performed on five rats with implants in both ears. Pre-intervention pathologies, such as atical retraction and glue ear, were found. The PLA-printed tympanostomy tube showed improvement after adjustments. Histopathological results revealed significant middle and inner ear damage. CONCLUSION: In our study, the design and 3D printing of implants fulfilled the desired functions when modified, with a height of 5 mm. Complications included PLA degradation and ear damage. There were no adverse events during observation, highlighting the need for further research on 3D-printed implants.

Efficacy of antimalarials in oral lichen planus: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or chloroquine (CQ) are effective for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted in four databases. Clinical studies investigating the effect of HCQ/CQ in patients with OLP were included. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. Four were RCTs and seven quasi-experimental studies. The studies included 390 patients diagnosed with OLP, of which 326 and 7 received HCQ and CQ, respectively. 46 patients received topical dexamethasone, 5 placebo and 6 griseofulvin as controls. Five studies assessed pain, and all of them obtained pain reduction with the use of HCQ. Six studies reported objective clinical improvement of OLP with the use of HCQ. Five studies that used a subjective scale obtained that 24%-100% of the patients achieved a complete/almost complete improvement of OLP lesions and its symptomatology. The most frequent side effects were vision problems, gastric discomfort, rash, nauseas, headaches, skin pigmentation, and elevated kidney function. 17 patients had to withdraw from the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence is scarce to confirm HCQ as a therapeutic option for OLP. More RCTs are needed to compare its efficacy with topical corticosteroids and to evaluate whether HCQ reduces relapses of OLP.

The new preservative-free ophthalmic formulation of bilastine 0.6% preserves the ocular surface epithelial integrity in a comparative in vitro study.

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is the most common form of allergic eye disease and an increasingly prevalent condition. Topical eye drop treatments are the usual approach for managing AC, although their impact on the ocular surface is not frequently investigated. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative physicochemical characterization, and in vitro biological evaluations in primary conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells of the new multidose preservative-free bilastine 0.6% and main commercially available eye drops. MTT assay was used to measure cell viability; oxidative stress was analyzed with a ROS-sensitive probe; and apoptosis was evaluated monitoring caspase 3/7 activation. Differences in pH value, osmolarity, viscosity and phosphate levels were identified. Among all formulations, bilastine exhibited pH, osmolarity and viscosity values closer to tear film (7.4, 300 mOsm/l and ~ 1.5-10 mPa·s, respectively), and was the only phosphates-free solution. Single-dose ketotifen did not induce ROS production, and single-dose azelastine and bilastine only induced a mild increase. Bilastine and single-dose ketotifen and azelastine showed high survival rates attributable to the absence of preservative in its formulation, not inducing caspase-3/7-mediated apoptosis after 24 h. Our findings support the use of the new bilastine 0.6% for treating patients with AC to preserve and maintain the integrity of the ocular surface.

Measurement proprieties of the CROM instrument for assessing head posture, neck retraction and protraction.

BACKGROUND: The CROM instrument is widely used clinically and in research to measure neck range of motion. However, its measurement proprieties during the assessment of protraction and retraction movements were not examined so far. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the intra- and inter-rater reliability, the concurrent validity of the CROM for measuring head posture, retraction and protraction in healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty-three asymptomatic subjects were recruited and assigned in a random order to one of two raters. After a 10-min break, they were examined by a second rater (Assessment 1). After a 30-min break, both raters repeated the examination (Assessment 2). The examination consisted of measuring the head posture, maximum head protraction and maximum retraction. Each movement was repeated 3 times and measured simultaneously with the CROM and with a 3D capture system laboratory. RESULTS: The intra-rater reliability of the CROM was excellent for both raters for head posture and all head movements (ICC>0.9, 95% CI: 0.82-0.99, p < 0.01). The inter-rater reliability was excellent for head posture (ICC>0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98, p < 0.01) and good-to-excellent for all movements at both time-points (ICC = 0.73-0.98, 95%CI: 0.45-0.99, p < 0.01). The validity analysis showed moderate-to-strong correlation between instruments for the head posture and head movements [(r) = -0.47 to -0.78), 95% CI: 0.99 to -0.24, p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: The CROM instrument has good-to-excellent reliability and adequate validity for measuring cervical position and displacement in the sagittal plane.

Multidisciplinary Consensus on the Management of Non-Invasive Respiratory Support in the COVID-19 Patient.

Acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia often requires a comprehensive approach that includes non-pharmacological strategies such as non-invasive support (including positive pressure modes, high flow therapy or awake proning) in addition to oxygen therapy, with the primary goal of avoiding endotracheal intubation. Clinical issues such as determining the optimal time to initiate non-invasive support, choosing the most appropriate modality (based not only on the acute clinical picture but also on comorbidities), establishing criteria for recognition of treatment failure and strategies to follow in this setting (including palliative care), or implementing de-escalation procedures when improvement occurs are of paramount importance in the ongoing management of severe COVID-19 cases. Organizational issues, such as the most appropriate setting for management and monitoring of the severe COVID-19 patient or protective measures to prevent virus spread to healthcare workers in the presence of aerosol-generating procedures, should also be considered. While many early clinical guidelines during the pandemic were based on previous experience with acute respiratory distress syndrome, the landscape has evolved since then. Today, we have a wealth of high-quality studies that support evidence-based recommendations to address these complex issues. This document, the result of a collaborative effort between four leading scientific societies (SEDAR, SEMES, SEMICYUC, SEPAR), draws on the experience of 25 experts in the field to synthesize knowledge to address pertinent clinical questions and refine the approach to patient care in the face of the challenges posed by severe COVID-19 infection.

A computational model predicts sex-specific responses to calcium channel blockers in mammalian mesenteric vascular smooth muscle.

The function of the smooth muscle cells lining the walls of mammalian systemic arteries and arterioles is to regulate the diameter of the vessels to control blood flow and blood pressure. Here, we describe an in silico model, which we call the 'Hernandez-Hernandez model', of electrical and Ca2+ signaling in arterial myocytes based on new experimental data indicating sex-specific differences in male and female arterial myocytes from murine resistance arteries. The model suggests the fundamental ionic mechanisms underlying membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ signaling during the development of myogenic tone in arterial blood vessels. Although experimental data suggest that KV1.5 channel currents have similar amplitudes, kinetics, and voltage dependencies in male and female myocytes, simulations suggest that the KV1.5 current is the dominant current regulating membrane potential in male myocytes. In female cells, which have larger KV2.1 channel expression and longer time constants for activation than male myocytes, predictions from simulated female myocytes suggest that KV2.1 plays a primary role in the control of membrane potential. Over the physiological range of membrane potentials, the gating of a small number of voltage-gated K+ channels and L-type Ca2+ channels are predicted to drive sex-specific differences in intracellular Ca2+ and excitability. We also show that in an idealized computational model of a vessel, female arterial smooth muscle exhibits heightened sensitivity to commonly used Ca2+ channel blockers compared to male. In summary, we present a new model framework to investigate the potential sex-specific impact of antihypertensive drugs.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While drugs are available to control blood pressure, male and female patients can respond differently to treatment. However, the biological mechanisms behind this sex difference are not fully understood. Blood pressure is controlled by cells lining the artery walls called smooth muscle cells which alter the width of blood vessels. On the surface of smooth muscle cells are potassium and calcium channels which control the cell's electrical activity. When calcium ions enter the cell via calcium channels, this generates an electrical signal that causes the smooth muscle to contract and narrow the blood vessel. Potassium ions then flood out of the cell via potassium channels to dampen the rise in electrical activity, causing the muscle to relax and widen the artery. There are various sub-types of potassium and calcium channels in smooth muscle cells. Here, Hernandez-Hernandez et al. set out to find how these channels differ between male and female mice, and whether these sex differences could alter the response to blood pressure medication. The team developed a computational model of a smooth muscle cell, incorporating data from laboratory experiments measuring differences in cells isolated from the arteries of male and female mice. The model predicted that the sub-types of potassium and calcium channels in smooth muscle cells varied between males and females, and how the channels impacted electrical activity also differed. For instance, the potassium channel Kv2.1 was found to have a greater role in controlling electrical activity in female mice, and this sex difference impacted blood vessel contraction. The model also predicted that female mice were more sensitive than males to calcium channel blockers, a drug commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. The findings by Hernandez-Hernandez et al. provide new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying sex differences in response to blood pressure medication. They also demonstrate how computational models can be used to predict the effects of drugs on different individuals. In the future, these predictions may help researchers to identify better, more personalized treatments for blood pressure.

Gingival hypersensitivity reactions to toothpastes: A case series and scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity reactions to toothpastes are rare. The objective of this study was to present the authors' clinical cases in the past 10 years and perform a scoping review of gingival hypersensitivity responses to toothpastes. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors reviewed records of documented gingival hypersensitivity reactions to dentifrices at the Postgraduate Clinic of Oral Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain, from January 2013 through December 2022. Furthermore, the authors conducted a search in PubMed with no date limit for articles reporting these hypersensitivity responses up through October 18, 2023. RESULTS: Eleven cases were collected from the clinic. Eight gingival hypersensitivity reactions occurred in women, and 6 were associated with cinnamon. The most frequent lesions diagnosed were red gingiva. The discontinuation of the toothpaste led to the disappearance of the lesions. The search yielded 643 references. Thirteen articles were included in the scoping review, all of them case series and case reports, reporting 32 cases. Lesions affected middle-aged women most frequently, the most common hypersensitivity reaction was gingival redness, and the cases implicated toothpastes containing cinnamon and herbal composition. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study provides clues for diagnosing and treating hypersensitivity reactions to toothpastes, which may improve the identification, management, and reporting of these cases.

COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on medical interns' mental health of public and private hospitals in Guadalajara.

INTRODUCTION: Burnout syndrome is a global burden characterized by exhaustion, work detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness. It affects millions of individuals worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence among medical students. Factors such as demanding education, exposure to suffering, and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to elevated stress levels. Addressing this issue is crucial due to its impact on well-being and health-care quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study assessed fear of COVID-19 and burnout levels among medical student interns in hospitals in Guadalajara, Jalisco. The study used validated scales and collected data from September 2021 to September 2022. A snowball sampling method was employed and a minimum sample size of 198 participants was calculated. RESULTS: This study included 311 medical students (62.1% female and 37.9% male with a mean age of 23.51 ± 2.21 years). The majority were in their second semester of internship (60.5%) and from public hospitals (89.1%). Most students believed that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of their internship (82.6%). Female students had higher personal burnout scores, while male students had higher work-related burnout scores. The mean score for fear of COVID-19 was 13.71 ± 6.28, with higher scores among women (p = 0.004) and those from public hospitals (p = 0.009). A positive weak correlation was found between COVID-19 scores and burnout subscales. CONCLUSION: Our study emphasizes the significant impact of various factors on burnout levels among medical students and health-care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged exposure to COVID-19 patients, reduced staffing, and increased workload contributed to burnout, affecting well-being and quality of care. Targeted interventions and resilience-building strategies are needed to mitigate burnout and promote well-being in health-care settings.

The safety and efficacy of stem cells for the treatment of severe community-acquired bacterial pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the safety profile of expanded allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (eASC) for the treatment of severe community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1b/2a trial. Patients with severe CABP were enrolled to receive intravenous infusions of Cx611 or placebo. The primary objective was safety including hypersensitivity reactions, thromboembolic events, and immunological responses to Cx611. The secondary endpoints included the clinical cure rate, ventilation-free days, and overall survival (Day 90). RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were randomized and received infusions (Cx611: n = 42]; placebo: n = 41]. The mean age was similar (Cx611: 61.1 [11.2] years; placebo: 63.4 [10.4] years). The number of AEs and treatment-emergent AEs were similar (243; 184 and 2; 1) in Cx611 and placebo respectively. Hypersensitivity reactions or thromboembolic events were similar (Cx611: n = 9; placebo: n = 12). Each study arm had similar anti-HLA antibody/DSA levels at Day 90. The clinical cure rate (Cx611: 86.7%; placebo: 93.8%), mean number of ventilator-free days (Cx611: 12.2 [10.29] days; placebo: 15.4 [10.75] days), and overall survival (Cx611: 71.5%; placebo: 77.0%) did not differ between study arms. CONCLUSION: Cx611 was well tolerated in severe CABP. These data provide insights for future stem cell clinical study designs, endpoints and sample size calculation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03158727 (retrospectively registered: May 09, 2017). Full study protocol: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ProvidedDocs/27/NCT03158727/Prot_000.pdf.

Consideraciones didácticas acerca de la modalidad no presencial en las universidades / Didactic Considerations about the Non-Face-to-Face Modality in Universities

Introducción: La modalidad no presencial del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje se incrementó como respuesta a las condiciones creadas por la COVID-19, sin la necesaria preparación y experiencia de los docentes para implementarla. Objetivo: Proponer algunas consideraciones didácticas que tributan al adecuado manejo del docente de los componentes del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la implementación de la modalidad no presencial. Posicionamiento de los autores: La exitosa implementación de cualquier variante de modalidad no presencial dependerá de la preparación del docente, particularmente en Didáctica, al asumir las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones como medios de enseñanza en la misión de hacer que sus estudiantes aprendan. Conclusiones: La no presencialidad en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje se considera una alternativa viable en circunstancias de pandemia u otras equivalentes, y debe ser una modalidad complementaria en la etapa posCOVID-19. Así que los profesores tendrán que replantear el proceso en todos sus componentes, en un contexto digital que ya no tiene vuelta atrás(AU)

Introduction: Within the teaching-learning process, the non-face-to-face modality was increased as a response to the conditions created by COVID-19, but without the necessary preparation and experience for professors to implement it. Objective: To propose some didactic considerations that contribute to the professor's adequate management of the components of the teaching-learning process in the implementation of the non-face-to-face modality. Authors' position: The successful implementation of any variant of the non-face-to-face modality will depend on the professor's preparation, particularly in didactics, when assuming information and communication technologies as teaching means in the mission of making their students learn. Conclusions: Within the teaching-learning process, the non-face-to-face condition is considered a viable alternative in pandemic, or other equivalent, circumstances; it should be a complementary modality in the post-COVID-19 stage. Thus, professors will have to rethink the process focusing on all its components, within a digital context that has no turning back(AU)

La superación profesional en didáctica para docentes de Estomatología / Didactics training for Odontology professors

Introducción: En la educación médica superior cubana la superación profesional es la vía para el perfeccionamiento de la preparación didáctica del claustro y un programa, que parte de las necesidades determinadas, se considera un resultado científico pertinente. Objetivo: Proponer un programa de superación en didáctica elaborado para los docentes de la carrera de Estomatología. Métodos: Se trata de una investigación de desarrollo para contribuir a la superación profesional en didáctica en los docentes de Estomatología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara. Se utilizó una metodología que asume como método general el dialéctico-materialista, que en la especificidad de la etapa investigativa que se reporta es predominantemente cualitativa y empleó los métodos histórico-lógico, analítico-sintético, inductivo-deductivo, sistémico-estructural y análisis documental. Resultados: Se presentaron las ideas fundamentales del programa, los cuales se adecuaron a las necesidades de superación profesional pedagógica en el contexto investigado. Se establecieron las exigencias y el manejo de las diversas formas organizativas que se combinan dentro de las acciones del programa. Conclusiones: La propuesta de un programa de superación profesional en didáctica para los docentes de Estomatología incluye diversidad de formas organizativas, responde a necesidades locales y está contextualizado a las particularidades del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la estomatología en Cuba(AU)

Introduction : in Cuban higher medical education, professional improvement is the way to perfect the teaching preparation of the faculty and a program that, based on the determined needs, is considered a pertinent scientific result. Objective : to propose the main ideas about a program of improvement in didactics prepared for the odontology teachers. Methods : a development investigation was carried out at Dentistry Faculty of Villa Clara´s Medical Sciences University. Some methods were used: historical-logical, analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive systemic-structural and documentary analysis. Results : The program was adapted to the needs of professional pedagogical improvement in the investigated context. A synthesis of each aspects presented: introduction, general objective, foundation, structural components and evaluation. The structural components in each one of the areas are described in more details. It is pointed out on the novelty: the establishment of demands and the management of the various organizational forms that are combined within their actions. Conclusions : a professional improvement program is proposed for the preparation in teaching of dentistry teachers, which differs in its conception from what had traditionally been offered to them. It includes a diversity of complementary organizational forms, responds to local needs for pedagogical improvement and is contextualized to the particularities of the dentistry teaching-learning process in Cuba, among other attributes(AU)

Implementación de un programa de superación profesional sobre Didáctica en docentes noveles de Estomatología / Implementation of a program of professional improvement in Didactics in new Dentistry teachers

RESUMEN Fundamento: en la educación médica superior cubana, la superación profesional constituye una vía importante para lograr el perfeccionamiento y/o completamiento de la preparación en Didáctica del claustro de profesores. Objetivo: socializar los resultados obtenidos en la implementación del programa de superación en Didáctica. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo en la Facultad de Estomatología de Villa Clara durante los años 2016 a 2019. Se emplearon métodos teóricos: analítico-sintético e inductivo-deductivo; empíricos: prueba pedagógica, triangulación y prexperimento pedagógico; y estadísticos y/o de procesamiento matemático: cálculo de frecuencias y prueba de Wilcoxon. Resultados: la evaluación de la variable dependiente por niveles en el prexperimento pedagógico mostró que la totalidad de los docentes transitó de nivel en ambas dimensiones. La prueba estadística seleccionada permitió comparar los valores de frecuencias y como p = 0,000 < 0,05 se puede afirmar con un alto nivel de confiabilidad que el programa de superación causó diferencias entre los resultados al inicio y al final en su preparación Didáctica. Conclusiones: se manifestó la viabilidad de este programa y sus posibilidades de provocar cambios positivos en la preparación en Didáctica en los docentes, en correspondencia con las particularidades del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de la Estomatología.

ABSTRACT Background: in Cuban higher medical education, professional development constitutes an important way to achieve the improvement and / or completion of the teaching staff's preparation in Didactics. Objective: to socialize the results obtained in the implementation of the program of improvement in Didactics. Methods: a development investigation was carried out at the Dentistry Faculty of Villa Clara during from 2016 to 2019. Theoretical methods were used: analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive; empirical ones: pedagogical test, contrast of information and pedagogical pre-experiment; and statistical and / or mathematical processing: frequency calculation and Wilcoxon test. Results: the evaluation of the dependent variable by levels in the pedagogical pre- experiment showed that all the teachers went through the level in both dimensions. The selected statistical test allowed comparing the frequency values ​​and as p = 0.000 <0.05 it can be stated with a high level of reliability that the improvement program caused differences between the results at the beginning and at the end in its Didactic preparation. Conclusions: the viability of this program and its possibilities of causing positive changes in the preparation of Didactics in teachers were expressed, in correspondence with the particularities of the teaching-learning process of Dentistry.

Application of propolis extract, nanovitamin C and nanovitamin E to prevent alveolar osteitis after impacted lower third molar surgery. A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth, pilot study / Aplicación de extracto de propóleo, nanovitamina C y nanovitamina E para prevenir la osteítis alveolar después de una cirugía de terceros molares inferiores retenidos. Un estudio piloto aleatorizado, doble ciego y de boca dividida

Background: Propolis has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing properties. The purpose of this study was todetermine whether a gel containing 2% of propolis extract, 0.2% of ascorbic acid and 0.2% of tocopherol acetateis effective in preventing surgical complications related to impacted lower third molar extractions.Material and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study was performed. Fifteen patients were re-cruited who needed bilateral impacted lower third molar extractions with a similar surgical difficulty. A test orplacebo gel was administered randomly inside post-extraction sockets. Each patient was instructed to apply thegel 3 times/day in the surgical wound for a week. After a month, the contralateral third molar was extracted, andthe opposite gel applied. The following parameters were diagnosed/evaluated and then recorded: alveolar osteitisfollowing Blum’s criteria, swelling and trismus at day one, two, three and seven post-intervention, wound healingat day 7 post-intervention, and postoperative pain using a visual analog scale, as well as, the number of analgesicpill intake.Results: A total of twenty-six surgical procedures were performed in 13 patients (mean age 20.67±2 years). Alveo-lar osteitis was reported in 3 patients from the placebo group (23.1%) and none in the test group (0%) (p=0.25). Nostatistically significant differences were reported in swelling, trismus, wound healing or analgesic pill consump-tion between two groups. But statistically lower postoperative pain during the 7 days after surgical extractionswas found according to visual analog scale in test group compared to the placebo group (p=0.007). No side effectswere reported.(AU)

Risk factors related to oral candidiasis in patients with primary Sjögren's síndrome

BACKGROUND: Candidiasis is the most frequent mycotic infection of the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of clinical oral candidiasis and Candida albicans yeast in a population diagnosed of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and to study the possible factors associated with this infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 61 pSS patients (60 women, 1 man, mean age 57.64 ± 13.52) where patient based information (demographic and medical, tobacco and alcohol consumption history), intraoral parameters (presence of dentures, clinical signs of candidiasis), salivary analytical information (number of Candida albicans as colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/mL), salivary pH levels, unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were collected. RESULTS: 13.1% of pSS patients presented oral signs of candidiasis. Denture stomatitis and angular cheilitis were the most common lesions. 87.5% of patients with clinical candidiasis presented reduced pH levels and salivary flow in both UWS and SWS. A significant statistical negative correlation was found between CFU/mL of Candida albicans and levels of UWS and SWS. A negative correlation was found between pH levels and CFU/mL, although not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: A reduced salivary flow may predispose pSS patients to Candida albicans overgrowth, which may show with clinical signs. Preventive measures are of great importance to avoid and to treat this condition promptly

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La didáctica particular del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje en Estomatología: una fundamentación necesaria / The specific didactics of the teaching and learning process in Stomatology: a necessary background

RESUMEN Fundamento: se necesita desarrollar una Didáctica que responda a las particularidades del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de la Estomatología y conferirle a la superación y la investigación en este campo el papel que le corresponde. Objetivo: fundamentar algunos preceptos teóricos sobre el uso de la didáctica particular de las ciencias médicas en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de la Estomatología. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo en la Facultad de Estomatología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara durante los años 2016 a 2018. Se emplearon métodos teóricos: histórico-lógico, analítico-sintético y sistémico estructural; empíricos: análisis documental, observación, grupos de enfoque y criterios de especialistas. Resultados: se constataron carencias en la aplicación de una didáctica particular en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje en Estomatología, por lo que se realizó un análisis donde se fundamentaron sus componentes personales y no personales con nuevos elementos que sirven como sustento teórico para la realización de cualquier investigación que tenga este proceso como objeto de estudio. Conclusiones: los fundamentos teóricos derivados del análisis recibieron una valoración favorable por los especialistas consultados porque proporcionaron elementos importantes en los procesos de profesionalización docente o pedagogización del claustro de esta carrera, y por tanto, demandan su inclusión en la superación profesional pedagógica de sus docentes.

ABSTRACT Background: a Didactics that meets the particularities of the teaching and learning process of Stomatology as well as to give to training and research its rightful role in this field, needs to be developed. Objective: to provide some theoretical precepts on the use of the specific didactics of medical sciences in the teaching and learning process in Stomatology. Methods: a development research was carried out in the Stomatology Faculty at the University of Medical Sciences of Villa Clara from 2016 to 2018. Theoretical methods were used: historical-logical method, analytical-synthetic method and systemic-structural method; empirical methods: documentary analysis method, observation method, focus groups method and specialist criteria method. Results: we found deficiencies in the application of a specific didactics in the teaching and learning process in Stomatology. Therefore, an analysis through which we provided the personal and non-personal components with new elements that serve as theoretical support to conduct any research study that has this process as study object, was carried out. Conclusions: theoretical foundations resulting from the analysis had a favorable assessment from specialists were asked because they provided important elements in the processes of teaching professionalization or pedagogy of the teaching staff of this career, and therefore, they demand this elements be included in pedagogical professional development for teachers from this faculty.

Oral lesions in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. A case-control cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the presence of oral lesions in a group of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and compare these results with a matched control group (CG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted. 61 pSS patients (60 women, 1 man, mean age 57.64 ± 13.52) diagnosed according to the American European Criteria (2002), and 122 matched control patients (120 women, 2 men, mean age 60.02 ± 13.13) were included. Demographic and medical data, oral lesions and salivary flow rate were collected. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, pSS patients were 3.95 more likely to have oral lesions (OR 3.95; 95% CI 2.06-7.58; p = 0.0001). 57.4% pSS patients presented oral lesions compared to 25.4% in CG. The most common were candidiasis (13.1% vs 2.5%), traumatic lesions (13.1% vs 4.1%), apthae (8.2% vs 0), and fissuration of the tongue (8.2% vs 0.8%). pSS patients with oral lesions had lower salivary flow levels (stimulated and unstimulated), although these differences were not significant. Significant associations were found between the presence of oral lesions and systemic manifestations and history of parotid gland enlargement in pSS patients. CONCLUSION: pSS patients suffer more oral lesions than general population and these lesions may aggravate the pSS disease

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