Delayed repair of the facial nerve and its negative impacts on nerve and muscle regeneration.

Background: In this experimental protocol, we evaluated the immediate and delayed repair of the buccal branch of the facial nerve (BBFN) with heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB) as a coaptation medium and the use of photobiomodulation (PBM), performing functional and histomorphometric analysis of the BBFN and perioral muscles. Methods: Twenty-eight rats were divided into eight groups using the BBFN bilaterally (the left nerve was used for PBM), namely: G1 - control group, right BBFN (without injury); G2 - control group, left BBFN (without injury + PBM); G3 - Denervated right BBFN (neurotmesis); G4 - Denervated left BBFN (neurotmesis + PBM); G5 - Immediate repair of right BBFN (neurotmesis + HFB); G6 - Immediate repair of left BBFN (neurotmesis + HFB + PBM); G7 - Delayed repair of right BBFN (neurotmesis + HFB); G8 - Delayed repair of left BBFN (neurotmesis + HFB + PBM). Delayed repair occurred after two weeks of denervation. All animals were sacrificed after six weeks postoperatively. Results: In the parameters of the BBFN, we observed inferior results in the groups with delayed repair, in relation to the groups with immediate repair, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the diameter of the nerve fiber, the axon, and the thickness of the myelin sheath of the group with immediate repair with PBM compared to the other experimental groups. In measuring the muscle fiber area, groups G7 (826.4 ± 69.90) and G8 (836.7 ± 96.44) were similar to G5 (882.8 ± 70.51). In the functional analysis, the G7 (4.10 ± 0.07) and G8 (4.12 ± 0.08) groups presented normal parameters. Conclusion: We demonstrated that delayed repair of BBFN is possible with HFB, but with worse results compared to immediate repair, and that PBM has a positive influence on nerve regeneration results in immediate repair.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assessment of mouth opening before and after head and neck radiotherapy in patients with intraoral stents.

Background: We evaluated the evolution of mouth opening before and after radiotherapy of the head and neck in patients using intraoral stents. Materials and methods: Twenty-one patients with head and neck cancer who were indicated for radiotherapy participated in this study. Maximum interincisal opening measurements were performed before and after radiotherapy. Paired analyses of the pre- and post-radiotherapy groups were performed using paired samples t-tests and correlation analyses using Spearman's correlation test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Paired analyses of the pre- and post-radiotherapy groups revealed a statistically significant reduction in post-radiotherapy maximum interincisal opening (p < 0.001). However, only four individuals were diagnosed with trismus after radiotherapy. Regarding the correlation tests, no statistically significant differences were observed between the differences in pre- and post-radiotherapy maximum interincisal opening values and the study variables. Conclusion: The use of prosthetic devices during head and neck radiotherapy can reduce radiation doses in areas of no interest, thereby preventing the acute and late toxicities associated with cancer therapy.

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

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

Dental consensus on HSCT - Part II: dental Care during HSCT

ABSTRACT During the state of immune vulnerability in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the patient has an increased risk of developing a vast number of complications, including severe problems in the oral cavity. These situations require professional oral care to act in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, as well as to develop prevention protocols to minimize patient's complications. Oral mucositis, opportunistic infections, bleeding, specific microbiota, taste, and salivary alterations are complications that can occur during HSCT and interfere with various aspects, such as pain control, oral intake, nutrition, bacteremia and sepsis, days of hospitalization and morbidity. Several guidelines have been published to address the role of professional oral care during the HSCT, we describe a consensus regarding these recommendations.

Brazilian dental consensus on dental management in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation−Part I−pre-HSCT

ABSTRACT The oral involvement in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is well described in the literature. The goal of the dental treatment and management of the oral lesions related to the HSCT is to reduce the harm caused by preexisting oral infection or even the worsening of oral acute/chronic GVHD and late effects. The aim of this guideline was to discuss the dental management of patients subjected to HSCT, considering three phases of the HSCT: pre-HSCT, acute phase, and late phase. The literature published from 2010 to 2020 was reviewed in order to identify dental interventions in this patient population. The selected papers were divided into three groups: pre-HSCT, acute and late, and were reviewed by the SBTMO Dental Committee's members. When necessary, an expertise opinion was considered for better translating the guideline recommendations to our population dental characteristics. This manuscript focused on the pre-HSCT dental management. The objective of the pre-HSCT dental management is to identify possible dental situations that On behalf of the Dental Committee of the Brazilian Society of Gene Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation (SBTMO) can worsening during the acute phase after the HSCT. Each guideline recommendations were made considering the Dentistry Specialties. The clinical consensus on dental management prior to HSCT provides professional health caregivers with clinical setting-specific information to help with the management of dental problems in patients to be subjected to HSCT.

Dentistry consensus on HSCT - Part III: Special topics - Dentistry on HSCT

ABSTRACT Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) might present acute and late toxicities and the oral tissues are frequently affected. With the survival increasing, patients show late and long-term morbidities, and there is an important association between the general and the oral health. The first and second parts of this Consensus have showed the importance of the adequacy of oral health in the pre-HSCT, and the main alterations and oral care during the period of admission for HSCT. This third part aims to review specific themes of post-HSCT dental care, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and the pediatric patient. It also aims to review pertinent subjects, both during the HSCT period and post-HSCT, concerning quality of life, pain, cost-effectiveness, and remote care. Based on this review, it is evident the importance of the work of the dental surgeon (DS) in the follow-up and treatment of the HSCT patient, always collaborating with the whole multidisciplinary team.

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

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

Response of Soybean Cultivars to Oxidative Stress caused by Meloidogyne javanica.

The present study aimed to investigate the response of soybean cultivars with different susceptibility levels to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica at varied time intervals by analyzing the initial plant-nematode interaction using antioxidant enzymes as oxidative stress markers. A 4 × 4 × 2 factorial method with 5 repetitions was used to analyze 4 soybean cultivars at 4 different collection times-6, 12, 24, and 48 h-with and without M. javanica inoculation. The parameters evaluated were the activities of antioxidant enzymes phenol peroxidase (POX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX); the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA); and the number of M. javanica juveniles penetrated into each plant. H2O2 concentration varied among the cultivars with and without inoculation and at different collection times as indicated by MDA concentration and POX and APX activities, demonstrating a rapid response of the host to an infection by M. javanica. Oxidative stress caused by M. javanica did not vary among the soybean cultivars regardless of their susceptibility level; however, the antioxidant enzymes POX and APX responded according to the susceptibility level of the cultivars.

Brazilian dental consensus on dental management in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - Part I - pre-HSCT.

The oral involvement in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is well described in the literature. The goal of the dental treatment and management of the oral lesions related to the HSCT is to reduce the harm caused by preexisting oral infection or even the worsening of oral acute/chronic GVHD and late effects. The aim of this guideline was to discuss the dental management of patients subjected to HSCT, considering three phases of the HSCT: pre-HSCT, acute phase, and late phase. The literature published from 2010 to 2020 was reviewed in order to identify dental interventions in this patient population. The selected papers were divided into three groups: pre-HSCT, acute and late, and were reviewed by the SBTMO Dental Committee's members. When necessary, an expertise opinion was considered for better translating the guideline recommendations to our population dental characteristics. This manuscript focused on the pre-HSCT dental management. The objective of the pre-HSCT dental management is to identify possible dental situations that can worsening during the acute phase after the HSCT. Each guideline recommendations were made considering the Dentistry Specialties. The clinical consensus on dental management prior to HSCT provides professional health caregivers with clinical setting-specific information to help with the management of dental problems in patients to be subjected to HSCT.

Dental consensus on HSCT - Part II: dental Care during HSCT.

During the state of immune vulnerability in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the patient has an increased risk of developing a vast number of complications, including severe problems in the oral cavity. These situations require professional oral care to act in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, as well as to develop prevention protocols to minimize patient's complications. Oral mucositis, opportunistic infections, bleeding, specific microbiota, taste, and salivary alterations are complications that can occur during HSCT and interfere with various aspects, such as pain control, oral intake, nutrition, bacteremia and sepsis, days of hospitalization and morbidity. Several guidelines have been published to address the role of professional oral care during the HSCT, we describe a consensus regarding these recommendations.

Dentistry consensus on HSCT - Part III: Special topics - Dentistry on HSCT.

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) might present acute and late toxicities and the oral tissues are frequently affected. With the survival increasing, patients show late and long-term morbidities, and there is an important association between the general and the oral health. The first and second parts of this Consensus have showed the importance of the adequacy of oral health in the pre-HSCT, and the main alterations and oral care during the period of admission for HSCT. This third part aims to review specific themes of post-HSCT dental care, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and the pediatric patient. It also aims to review pertinent subjects, both during the HSCT period and post-HSCT, concerning quality of life, pain, cost-effectiveness, and remote care. Based on this review, it is evident the importance of the work of the dental surgeon (DS) in the follow-up and treatment of the HSCT patient, always collaborating with the whole multidisciplinary team.

Endodontic treatment of odontogenic infection in a patient at risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a case report and review of treatment criteria.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an uncommon and severe condition in patients who are receiving treatment with antiresorptive and/or antiangiogenic drugs, which are frequently used to treat or prevent cancer metastases. The treatment of MRONJ is challenging because the choice of a specific dental treatment depends on several factors, including the systemic condition of the patient, type and dosage of medications, and clinical and radiographic characteristics of the dental lesions. This case report describes the conservative endodontic treatment of an odontogenic infection in a patient at risk of developing MRONJ owing to bisphosphonate treatment. Endodontic retreatment was performed to control the odontogenic infection and avoid tooth extraction. Certain factors favor the use of a conservative approach, such as a localized and small infection, the absence of systemic factors (such as metabolic disorders or medications) that can impair bone healing, and good oral hygiene.

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

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

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

Morphofunctional Improvement of the Facial Nerve and Muscles with Repair Using Heterologous Fibrin Biopolymer and Photobiomodulation.

Peripheral nerve injuries impair the patient's functional capacity, including those occurring in the facial nerve, which require effective medical treatment. Thus, we investigated the use of heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB) in the repair of the buccal branch of the facial nerve (BBFN) associated with photobiomodulation (PBM), using a low-level laser (LLLT), analyzing the effects on axons, muscles facials, and functional recovery. This experimental study used twenty-one rats randomly divided into three groups of seven animals, using the BBFN bilaterally (the left nerve was used for LLLT): Control group-normal and laser (CGn and CGl); Denervated group-normal and laser (DGn and DGl); Experimental Repair Group-normal and laser (ERGn and ERGl). The photobiomodulation protocol began in the immediate postoperative period and continued for 5 weeks with a weekly application. After 6 weeks of the experiment, the BBFN and the perioral muscles were collected. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in nerve fiber diameter (7.10 ± 0.25 µm and 8.00 ± 0.36 µm, respectively) and axon diameter (3.31 ± 0.19 µm and 4.07 ± 0.27 µm, respectively) between ERGn and ERGl. In the area of muscle fibers, ERGl was similar to GC. In the functional analysis, the ERGn and the ERGI (4.38 ± 0.10) and the ERGI (4.56 ± 0.11) showed parameters of normality. We show that HFB and PBM had positive effects on the morphological and functional stimulation of the buccal branch of the facial nerve, being an alternative and favorable for the regeneration of severe injuries.

Oral findings in children on liver transplantation programming: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify oral characteristics found in children with liver disease in programming for liver transplantation. DATA SOURCE: The methodology was written according to PRISMA-ScR. We adopted the methodological framework and recommendations for this type of review by Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute. The protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QCU4W). A systematic search (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest) was conducted to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria: systematic reviews; prospective clinical trials (parallel or crossover group designs); observational studies (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies); clinical case series; and case reports evaluating children with liver disease in preparation for transplantation. The last search was conducted in July 2021, and no restrictions were imposed as to language or year of publication. Studies presenting mixed data with post-transplant evaluation, and studies evaluating not only liver transplantation but also other solid organs were excluded. Screening, inclusion, and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. A narrative synthesis was conducted to describe the findings of the study. DATA SYNTHESIS: The bibliographic search identified 830 references. A total of 21 articles were read in their entirety after the inclusion criteria assessment. Finally, after evaluating the exclusion criteria, only 3 studies were considered for the qualitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Children with liver disease in preparation for transplantation may present enamel defects, tooth pigmentation, caries, gingivitis, and opportunistic infections such as candidiasis.

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

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