Intraoral device for sociodigital inclusion of patient with quadriplegia / Dispositivo intraoral para inclusão sócio-digital de paciente com tetraplegia

Introduction: The use of computers, tablets, and cell phones with the Internet by people with quadriplegia from spinal cord injuries is much lower when compared to the general population. The quality of life of these people can be substantially improved through access to these technologies, which would allow a quadriplegic to take advantage of the rapid evolution of information and communication. Many of these individuals have the function of preserved neck and mouth muscles, and it is possible to manipulate intraoral devices as an adaptation tool. Case Report: We report an intraoral device installation in a patient with quadriplegia, a victim of a firearm accident, who had a great desire to reuse the tablet for internet access. A device made of acrylic resin, similar to a myorelaxant plate, was designed to allow the use of a computer that was comfortable and at the same time, the patient could talk and not harm the dental structures. The person responsible agreed to participate in the research and signed the consent form. In addition, the work was submitted to an ethics committee. Considerations: The ideal intra-oral device for patient rehabilitation should be inexpensive, easy to adapt and promote muscle relaxation besides allowing the patient to expand their abilities and digitally increase their autonomy for society.

Introdução: O uso de computadores, tablets e celulares com internet por pessoas com tetraplegia por lesão medular é muito menor quando comparado à população geral. A qualidade de vida dessas pessoas pode ser, substancialmente, melhorada por meio do acesso a essas tecnologias, o que permitiria aos tetraplégicos aproveitar a rápida evolução da informação e da comunicação. Muitos desses indivíduos têm a função de músculos cervicais e bucais preservados, sendo possível a manipulação de dispositivos intraorais como ferramenta de adaptação. Relato de Caso: Relatamos a instalação de um dispositivo intraoral em um paciente com tetraplegia, vítima de acidente com arma de fogo, que tinha grande desejo de reutilizar o tablet para acesso à internet. Um dispositivo feito de resina acrílica, semelhante a uma placa miorrelaxante, foi projetado para permitir o uso de um computador que fosse confortável e, ao mesmo tempo, o paciente pudesse falar e não prejudicar as estruturas dentárias. O responsável concordou em participar da pesquisa e assinou o termo de consentimento. Além disso, o trabalho foi submetido a um comitê de ética. Considerações: O dispositivo intraoral ideal para a reabilitação do paciente deve ser barato, de fácil adaptação e promover o relaxamento muscular, além de permitir que o paciente amplie suas habilidades e aumente sua autonomia pessoal, digitalmente para a sociedade.

Streptococcus mutans in atherosclerotic plaque: Molecular and immunohistochemical evaluations.

OBJECTIVES: To verify the presence of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in atherosclerotic plaque (AP) using techniques with different sensitivities, correlating with histological changes in plaque and immunoexpression of inflammatory markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen AP samples were subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), histopathological analyses, histochemical analysis by Giemsa staining (GS), and immunohistochemical analysis for S. mutans, IL-1ß, and TNF-α (streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method). Ten necropsy samples of healthy vessels were used as controls. RESULTS: All AP samples showed histopathological characteristics of severe atherosclerosis and were positive for S. mutans (100.0%) in qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses. GS showed that Streptococcus sp. colonized the lipid-rich core regions and fibrous tissue, while the control group was negative for Streptococcus sp. IL-1ß and TNF-α were expressed in 100% and 92.3% of the AP tested, respectively. The control samples were positive for S. mutans in qRT-PCR analysis, but negative for S. mutans, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in immunohistochemical analyses. CONCLUSION: The detection of S. mutans in AP and the visualization of Streptococcus sp. suggested a possible association between S. mutans and atherosclerosis. The results obtained from the control samples suggested the presence of DNA fragments or innocuous bacteria that were not associated with tissue alteration. However, future studies are necessary to provide more information.

Pneumonia and the role of dentistry on ICU Staff: 8-year analysis of health indicators

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and causes of death in intensive care units (ICUs), and studies have shown its relation to oral health. Aim: To report the impact of the incorporation of dental professionals into multidisciplinary ICU staff on the incidence of VAP. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out to collect and analyze health indicators of patients in the ICUs from 2011 to 2018 and to differentiate these indicators between the periods before and after the participation of dental staff in the ICU. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results:The average number of monthly ICU admissions was 105.89 ± 169.72, and the discharge was 105.21 ± 168.96, with a monthly average number of deaths within 24 h of 38.61 ± 62.27. The average number of monthly HAI-related deaths decreased from 2011 to 2018, followed by a reduction in cases of HAI per month. The average monthly number of HAIs related to mechanical ventilation (MV) decreased, and the same was observed for the infection density of HAIs related to MV (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, there was a significant decrease in the number of HAIs related to MV (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Although a reduction in the number of admissions or complexity of cases was not observed in the study period, multidisciplinary staff practices were essential for controlling HAIs and the presence of dental professionals can assist in the control of HAIs related to MV

Relationship of Streptococcus mutans with valvar cardiac tissue: A molecular and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the presence or absence of Streptococcus mutans in oral cavity and valvular samples associating with the histomorphologic alterations of calcified aortic stenosis. METHODOLOGY: Dental plaque and cardiac valve samples were collected from 10 patients with calcified aortic stenosis for molecular analysis of S mutans by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Healthy valve tissue was also collected from five young cadavers and analyzed for S mutans. Moreover, fragments of all valvar specimens were submitted for histomorphological analysis and immunohistochemistry (anti-S mutans and anti-CD61). RESULTS: Streptococcus mutans was present in 100% of the oral cavity samples from the patients with calcified aortic stenosis in the molecular analysis. The analysis by real-time PCR showed that S mutans presented the same proportion in healthy valves and those with calcified aortic stenosis (80%; P = 1.000). Conversely, the immunoexpression of S mutans was 37.40 (IC95% = 1.49-937.00) times superior in samples of patients with cardiac disease (P = .007). The immunoexpression analysis showed that CD61 was present in seven (70%) calcified aortic stenosis samples, all of which were also immunopositive for S mutans. CONCLUSIONS: Streptococcus mutans was found in the oral cavity, healthy valve tissue, and calcified aortic stenosis samples. However, the microorganism was visualized by immunohistochemistry only in the calcified aortic stenosis samples, which may suggest viability and an increased bacterial density in this condition. The association of the presence of S mutans and positive CD61 immunoexpression suggests a probable relationship with calcified aortic stenosis.

Molecular Analysis of Oral Bacteria in Heart Valve of Patients With Cardiovascular Disease by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Structural deficiencies and functional abnormalities of heart valves represent an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and a number of diseases, such as aortic stenosis, have been recently associated with infectious agents. This study aimed to analyze oral bacteria in dental plaque, saliva, and cardiac valves of patients with cardiovascular disease. Samples of supragingival plaque, subgingival plaque, saliva, and cardiac valve tissue were collected from 42 patients with heart valve disease. Molecular analysis of Streptococcus mutans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola was performed through real-time PCR. The micro-organism most frequently detected in heart valve samples was the S. mutans (89.3%), followed by P. intermedia (19.1%), P. gingivalis (4.2%), and T. denticola (2.1%). The mean decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) was 26.4 ± 6.9 (mean ± SD), and according to the highest score of periodontal disease observed for each patient, periodontal pockets > 4 mm and dental calculus were detected in 43.4% and 34.7% of patients, respectively. In conclusion, oral bacteria, especially S. mutans, were found in the cardiac valve samples of patients with a high rate of caries and gingivitis/periodontitis.

Early diagnosis of lip cancer preceded by a persistent actinic lesion in a kidney transplant patient: a case report.

Lip cancer is 65 times more likely to occur in kidney transplant patients than in members of the general population. Immunosuppression drugs taken by the transplant patients have been associated with this increased occurrence. This case report shows the progression from actinic cheilosis to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the lower lip of a 58-year-old man receiving immunosuppressive therapy 9 years after undergoing a kidney transplant. Earlier incisional biopsies had resulted in a histological diagnosis of actinic cheilosis. However, the last incisional biopsy showed histological results compatible with SCC, and oncological surgery was performed. Eight months post-surgery, the patient was free of cancer and metastasis. Frequent dental follow-up visits allowed for the early diagnosis, proper treatment, and an improved prognosis for this patient.

Clinical aspects and conservative dental management of a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

AIM: T o present the clinical findings of a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), highlighting peculiarities of dental treatment in patients with this condition. BACKGROUND: FOP is a rare genetic disease characterized by skeletal malformations and ectopic ossifications in skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments and aponeurosis. Exacerbation of these ossifications can be caused by dental treatment, resulting in disease progression. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 26-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of FOP was referred to our service for dental treatment. The patient presented decreased mobility in peripheral joints (knees and elbows), postural disability (ankylosis of the vertebral column), lateral deviation and shortness of the hallux, as well as heterotopic ossifications on the hands and back. The implementation of conservative dental procedures, such as oral hygiene instructions and recurrent topical fluoride applications, were performed in addition to endodontic and restorative treatments. Brief dental appointments were conducted without using regional anesthesia or dental dam clamps. The dental chair was positioned at 45° to provide more comfort and to avoid exacerbating the disease. The patient has now completed 6 months of follow-up and is free of heterotopic ossifications resulting from dental treatment. CONCLUSION: The dental treatment modifications implemented for the present case were sufficient to establish good oral health and to prevent the formation of heterotopic ossifications in the maxillofacial region. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: FOP is a rare disease dentists must familiarize themselves with to provide adequate, personalized treatment, which minimizes traumas that may exacerbate the disease.

Molecular analysis of oral bacteria in dental biofilm and atherosclerotic plaques of patients with vascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Oral bacteria have been detected in atherosclerotic plaques at a variable frequency; however, the connection between oral health and vascular and oral bacterial profiles of patients with vascular disease is not clearly established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of oral bacterial DNA in the mouth and atherosclerotic plaques, in addition to assessing the patients' caries and periodontal disease history. METHODS: Thirty samples of supragingival and subgingival plaque, saliva and atherosclerotic plaques of 13 patients with carotid stenosis or aortic aneurysm were evaluated, through real-time polymerase chain reaction, for the presence of Streptococcus mutans (SM), Prevotella intermedia (PI), Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) and Treponema denticola (TD). All patients were submitted to oral examination using the DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) and PSR (Periodontal Screening and Recording) indexes. Histopathological analysis of the atherosclerotic plaques was performed. RESULTS: Most of the patients were edentulous (76.9%). SM, PI, PG and TD were detected in 100.0%, 92.0%, 15.3% and 30.7% of the oral samples, respectively. SM was the most prevalent targeted bacteria in atherosclerotic plaques, detected in 100% of the samples, followed by PI (7.1%). The vascular samples were negative for PG and TD. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the presence of PG and TD in the oral cavity and vascular samples. CONCLUSION: SM was found at a high frequency in oral and vascular samples, even in edentulous patients, and its presence in atherosclerotic plaques suggests the possible involvement of this bacterium in the disease progression.

Dentists' protective measures against occupational and sexual exposure to hepatitis B virus / Perfil de proteção de cirurgiões-dentistas frente à transmissão ocupacional e sexual do vírus da Hepatite B

Objective: This study investigated the sexual and occupational exposure of dentists to hepatitis B virus. Methods: The study used a self-administered, structured, and anonymous questionnaire to collect data from 318 dentists who attended the International Congress of Dentistry held in 2009. The findings were tabulated and associations between variables were determined by the chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests. Results: Most (84.9%) dentists used all the personal protective equipment. Roughly 68.0% had experienced percutaneous injuries but only 36.4% sought specialized care. An unimpressive 75.8% of the sample received the three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, and a meager 27.0% was tested for hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs). Only 20.1% of the study dentists used condoms and those with more years of practice were less likely to use them (p=0.006). Conclusion: The results show that the study sample is at sexual and occupational risk of hepatitis B infection.

Objetivo: Comparar os riscos de transmissão sexual do Vírus da Hepatite B e o perfil de proteção profissional de cirurgiões-dentistas. Métodos: Questionário auto-aplicável, estruturado e anônimo foi respondido por 318 profissionais participantes de Congresso Internacional de Odontologia, em 2009. Os achados foram agrupados em tabelas, e a associação de variáveis foi feita por meio do teste qui-quadrado e teste de Fisher-Freeman-Halton. Resultados: Foi observado que 84,9% dos profissionais relataram utilizar todos os Equipamentos de Proteção Individual.Aproximadamente 68,0% já se feriram com instrumento pérfuro-cortante, mas apenas 36,4% procuraram serviço especializado. A prevalência de vacinação completa contra hepatite B foi 75,8%, todavia somente 27,0% realizaram o teste de conversão sorológica(anti-HBs). Quanto ao uso de preservativo, apenas 20,1% afirmaram ter utilizado esse insumo e o tempo de formado foi estatisticamente significante quando associado à menor frequência na utilização (p = 0,006).Conclusão: Os resultados revelaram possível vulnerabilidade dos dentistas para hepatite B nos âmbitos sexual e profissional.

Expression of S-100, EMA, CD34 and presence of mast cells in eight oral neurofibromas, and a review of 127 cases of the literature / Expressão de S-100, EMA, CD34 e presença de mastócitos em oito neurofibromas orais e revisão de 127 casos da literatura

INTRODUCTION: The rarity of oral neurofibromas (ONs) generates problems regarding their epidemiological and immunohistochemical characterization. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of different markers in ONs and review epidemiologic data reported in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical (markers S-100, epithelial membrane antigen [EMA], CD34) and histochemical (modified-Ziehl-Neelsen-method) studies were performed in eight cases of ON diagnosed in the Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine (DPML), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Ceará, Brazil, between 1994 and 2010. RESULTS: Oral neurofibromas represented 0.2% of the oral lesions diagnosed by our service in 16 years, and the buccal mucosa was the most frequent oral site (71.4%). Seven (87.5%) and 8 (100.0%) cases were positive for S-100 and CD34, respectively, and none for EMA. Mast cells were identified in seven cases (87.5%). The literature search indicated that solitary ONs are more common and occur preferentially in females, affecting patients between 30 and 40 years old. The alveolar ridge is the most commonly involved site. CONCLUSION: S-100- and CD34 markers proved to be of great value as a diagnostic tool, unlike EMA staining. Identification of mast cells in most cases suggests their involvement in this tumor pathogenesis. The clinicopathologic data retrieved from the literature enabled the establishment of a more consistent epidemiological profile.

INTRODUÇÃO: A rara ocorrência de neurofibromas orais (NO) gera problemas com relação à caracterização epidemiológica e imuno-histoquímica dessas lesões. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a expressão celular de diferentes marcadores em NO e revisar dados epidemiológicos reportados na literatura. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudos clinicopatológico, imuno-histoquímico (marcadores S-100, epithelial membrane antigen [EMA] e CD-34) e histoquímico (método Ziehl-Neelsen modificado) foram realizados em oito casos de NO diagnosticados no Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal (DPML) da Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Ceará, Brasil, entre 1994 e 2010. RESULTADOS: Os NO representaram 0,2% das lesões bucais diagnosticadas pelo serviço em 16 anos; mucosa jugal foi a localização mais frequente (71,4%); sete (87,5%) e oito (100%) casos apresentaram positividade para S-100 e CD-34, respectivamente, e nenhum para EMA. Adicionalmente, mastócitos foram identificados em sete casos (87,5%). A revisão de literatura indicou que NO solitários são mais comuns e ocorrem preferencialmente em mulheres, afetando pacientes entre 30 e 40 anos. O rebordo alveolar é a localização intraoral mais comum. CONCLUSÃO: Os marcadores S-100 e CD34 provaram ser de grande valor como ferramentas diagnósticas, diferente da coloração EMA. A identificação de mastócitos na maioria dos casos sugere seu envolvimento na patogênese desse tumor. Os dados clinicopatológicos da revisão de literatura ajudaram no estabelecimento de um perfil epidemiológico mais consistente.

Evaluation of oral diseases in a population of special needs patients / Avaliação das doenças orais em uma população de pacientes com necessidades especiais

Objective: To evaluate the oral health status of a population of patients with special needs cared for in the specialization course of the Brazilian Association of Dentistry, Ceará Branch. Methods: In this cross-sectional, descriptive study the indexes DMFT and CPI were used to evaluate dental caries and periodontal disease, respectively, from August 2009 through March 2010. The need for dental treatment and other soft tissue lesions were also investigated. Results: 88 patients selected by convenience sampling were examined intraorally, and the mean age was 43.8 ± 16. Most of the patients fell within the group of systemic diseases (68.1%), especially cardiovascular diseases (15.9%). The mean DMFT index was 17.54 ± 7.13, and 87.5% of patients presented active dental caries. According to the highest degree of periodontal condition observed in the individual, the dental tartar (index 2) was present in a greater number of patients (50.9%). Regarding the need for dental treatment, 68.1% of patients needed restorative treatment, 43.1% of patients needed surgery (extractions) and 21.5% of patients needed endodontic treatment. There were no soft-tissue abnormalities in most patients (89.7%). Conclusion: The examined patients showed a high prevalence of oral diseases such as dental caries and gingivitis/periodontitis, and therefore a great need for dental treatment. Given the results, it becomes important to stimulate dental care and preventive practices focused on this segment of the population.

Objetivo: Avaliar a condição de saúde bucal de uma população de pacientes com necessidades especiais atendida no curso de especialização da Associação Brasileira de Odontologia, Seção Ceará.Métodos: Nesse estudo de natureza descritiva e transversal utilizou-se os índices CPO-D e IPC para avaliação das doenças cárie e periodontal, respectivamente, entre os meses de Agosto de 2009 e Março de 2010. Necessidades de tratamento dentário e outras lesões em tecidos moles orais também foram investigadas. Resultados: Realizaram-se exames bucais em 88 pacientes selecionados por conveniência, sendo a média de idade correspondente a 43,8 ± 16 anos. A maioria se enquadrava no grupo de doenças sistêmicas (68,1%), destacando-se as diseases cardiovasculares (15,9%). O índice CPO-D médio foi 17,54 ± 7,13, com 87,5% dos pacientes apresentando cárie ativa. Segundo o maior grau de condição periodontal observado no indivíduo, o cálculo dental (índice 2) foi o que esteve presente em um maior número de pacientes (50,9%). Quanto às necessidades de tratamento dental, 68,1% deles necessitaram de tratamento restaurador, 43,1% de tratamento cirúrgico (exodontias) e 21,5% de tratamento endodôntico. Não foram encontradas anormalidades em tecido mole na maioria dos pacientes (89,7%). Conclusão: Os pacientes examinados possuíam alta prevalência de doenças orais, como cárie e gengivite/periodontite e, conseqüentemente, grande necessidade de tratamento odontológico. Diante dos resultados, torna-se importante motivar a atenção odontológica e as práticas preventivas voltadas para essa parcela da população.

Clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features of a mandibular metastasis from a primary cardiac angiosarcoma.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant tumor. Distant metastases are common at the time of diagnosis but have never been reported in the jaw. A 45-year-old female patient with primary cardiac angiosarcoma was referred for dental care due to pain in the mandibular alveolar ridge. Oral examination revealed a red-violet lesion that was soft on palpation and had been present for 3 months. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic cardiac angiosarcoma. The patient died of multiple metastases.

Odontologia e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis: qual o maior risco de infecção entre cirurgiões dentistas, sexo ou acidente ocupacional? / Dentistry and sexually transmitted diseases: what is the greatest risk of infection among dentists, sex or occupational accident?

Objetivo - Avaliar atitudes e práticas de cirurgiões-dentistas frente às infecções HIV/Aids eHepatite B, estabelecendo uma correlação entre riscos de transmissão ocupacional e sexual dedoenças infecciosas. Métodos - 318 cirurgiões-dentistas (CDs) responderam a questionáriosautoaplicáveis e anônimos, abordando atitudes frente ao risco ocupacional e práticas sexuais,durante o III Congresso Internacional de Odontologia, realizado em 2009. Análise estatísticadescritiva simples foi realizada. Resultados - Respectivamente, 32,0% e 26,8% relataram nãose sentir seguros em atender pacientes vivendo com HIV/Aids e o VHB (Vírus da HepatiteB), o que atribuíram ao medo de infecção ocupacional. Aproximadamente 69% dos CDs jáse feriram com instrumentos perfurocortantes, no entanto apenas 24,8% procuraram algumserviço especializado. Em se tratando de atitudes frente às práticas sexuais, 20,1% utilizarampreservativo em todas as relações sexuais e 60,3% nunca utilizaram ou utilizaram apenas algumasvezes. Conclusões - 0O0 alto índice de acidentes ocupacionais reportados e a insegurançafrente ao atendimento de pacientes vivendo com HIV/Aids e VHB, quando relacionados como baixo percentual de utilização de preservativos em todas as relações sexuais revelaram umcontexto de vulnerabilidade desfavorável para os CDs pesquisados

Objective - To evaluate attitudes and practices by dentists toward patients with HIV/AIDS andhepatitis B, establishing a correlation between risks of occupational and sexual transmission ofdiseases. Methods - 318 dentists answered to self-administered and anonymous questionnairesabout attitudes toward occupational risks and sexual practices, in the III International Congressof Odontology, held in 2009. Descriptive statistical analyses were held. Results - Respectively,32,0% and 26,8% reported feeling insecure to treat patients living with HIV/AIDS and theHBV (Hepatitis B Virus), which was attributed to fear of acquiring occupational infection.Approximately 69% of the dentists suffered percutaneous injury, however only 24,8% soughtspecialized services for treatment. In regards the attitudes toward sexual practices, 20,1% usedcondoms in all sexual relations and 60,3% never used or used only a few times. Conclusions- The high index of percutaneous injury reported and the insecurity toward treating patientsliving with HIV/AIDS and HBV, when related with the low percentage of use of condoms inall sexual relations, reveled a context of unfavorable vulnerability of the dentists researched