Oral melanomas in HIV-positive patients: Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Oral melanoma in HIV-positive patients is exceedingly rare, with only two cases reported in the literature published in English. Herein, we report two additional cases of oral melanomas which occurred as oral masses in the upper gingiva and hard palate in 35- and 27-year-old HIV-positive women. Significant thrombocytopenia, anemia, reduced CD4 cells, and high HIV load occurred in both patients. Microscopically, the lesions showed a variable proliferation of fusiform and epithelioid-pigmented cells, with cellular pleomorphism and high mitotic index. The diagnosis of melanoma was supported by positive immunoreactivity for S-100, MelanA, and HMB-45. Both cases had an unfavorable outcome, and the patients died a few months after the initial diagnosis. Because of its rarity, oral melanoma occurring in HIV-positive patients can pose problems in diagnosis and should be clinically distinguished from Kaposi's sarcoma, which is more common in the context of the immunodeficiency syndrome.

Development of odontoma in the permanent dentition after intrusion of primary incisors: case report

Introduction: Dental trauma in childhood is a serious and high incidence complication, mostly due to the discovery phase. This is when the first steps begin, without adequate motor coordination, making children more prone to falls. Trauma to a deciduous tooth can leave sequelae owing to the anatomical proximity to the permanent successor tooth germ. Objective: This study aimed to report a case of severe intrusion in a 10-month-old baby with the emergence of odontoma after dental trauma. Case Report: A 9-year-old patient, accompanied by the guardian, sought attendance for delayed primary teeth exfoliation. During anamnesis, the trauma to the deciduous dentition was found in a 10-month old child, followed by clinical and radiographic examination, showing the presence of odontoma in teeth 11 and 21. The multidisciplinary treatment plan included surgery to remove the odontoma, with subsequent rehabilitation. Conclusion: Trauma to primary dentition can have several consequences for permanent dentition. Thus, dental care is required soon after the incident, besides careful follow-up to evaluate possible sequelae.

Introdução: O traumatismo dentário na infância é uma intercorrência grave, de incidência alta devido principalmente a fase de descobertas, com o início dos primeiros passos, sem ter coordenação motora adequada, tornando as crianças mais propensas a quedas. Um trauma em um dente decíduo pode deixar sequelas em razão da proximidade anatômica ao germe do dente sucessor permanente. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso de intrusão grave em bebê de 10 meses, com surgimento de Odontoma após trauma dentário. Relatode Caso: Paciente de 9 anos de idade, acompanhada pela responsável, procurou atendimento pelo atraso na esfoliação dos dentes decíduos. Durante a anamneses foi constatado traumatismo na dentição decídua aos 10 meses de idade, e em seguida realizado o exame clínico e radiográfico, demostrando a presença de odontoma nos dentes 11 e 21. O plano de tratamento multidisciplinar compreedeu a cirurgia para remoção do odontoma, com posterior tratamento ortodôntico reabilitador. Conclusão: O trauma na dentição decídua pode gerar diversas consequências para a dentição permanente. Desse modo é necessário um atendimento odontológico logo após o incidente e um proservação do caso, para avaliar possíveis sequelas.

Perception and knowledge about oral health of caregivers of children with microcephaly / Percepção e conhecimento sobre saúde oral de cuidadores de crianças com microcefalia

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the perception and knowledge of caregivers of children with microcephaly on oral health care. Methods: This is a qualitative study with a research-action method, in which semi-structured interviews - diagnostic and evaluative - and oral health workshop were adopted as techniques for data collection and intervention.The study was conducted in a group aimed at caregivers of children with microcephaly, offered in the public health network of the capital Maceió, Alagoas. Nine women caring for children with microcephaly participated in the study. The participants statements were transcribed and, through the thematic analysis, the data was categorized and discussed. Results: The main caregivers of children with microcephaly were mothers and grandmothers. Of these, 45% had incomplete secondary education. Most reported self-care with their impaired oral health, were unaware of the risk of transmission of dental caries-related bacteria, did not offer exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age, and offered artificial milk to the children with sugared and farinaceous milk. Conclusion: For caregivers of children with microcephaly, oral health care is a less valuable topic when compared to other demands, both at home and other physical treatments. Responsibility for care is aimed at the maternal figures, which makes it difficult for them to take care of their own oral health. Educational action on oral health minimized doubts and fragilities for the self-care and care of children related to oral health.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender a percepção e o conhecimento das cuidadoras de crianças com microcefalia sobre cuidados de saúde bucal Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, com método pesquisa-ação, no qual se adotou como técnicas para coleta de dados e intervenção as entrevistas semiestruturadas - diagnóstica e avaliativa - e oficina de saúde bucal. O estudo foi realizado em um grupo destinado a cuidadoras de crianças com microcefalia, ofertado na rede pública de saúde da capital Maceió, Alagoas. Participaram dapesquisa nove mulheres que cuidam de crianças com microcefalia. As falas das participantes foram transcritas e, por meio da análise temática, realizou-se a categorização e discussão dos dados. Resultados: As principais cuidadoras das crianças com microcefalia foram as mães e as avós. Destas, 45% possuíam ensino médio incompleto. A maioria relatou um autocuidado com sua saúde bucal prejudicado, desconheciam o risco de transmissão das bactérias relacionadas à cárie dentária, não ofereceram aleitamento maternoexclusivo até os 6 meses de idade e ofertaram às crianças leite artificial engrossado com farináceos e com açúcar. Conclusão: Para as cuidadoras de crianças com microcefalia a atenção à saúde bucal é um tema de menor valor se comparado outras demandas, tanto domiciliares, como a outros tratamentos de ordem física. A responsabilização pelo cuidado está destina às figuras maternas, o que as dificultam de realizar o cuidado da própria saúde bucal. Ação educativa sobre saúde bucal minimizou dúvidas e fragilidades para o autocuidado e ao cuidado das crianças relacionados à saúde bucal.

Oral Lichenoid Lesion Manifesting as Desquamative Gingivitis: Unlikely Association? Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this report is to present a clinical case of oral lichenoid lesions associated with amalgam restorations with the presence of desquamative gingivitis for a nine months follow up period. CASE REPORT: The histopathologic characteristics and direct immunofluorescence were compatible with Oral Lichenoid Lesion (LLO). Diagnosis was based on a synthesis of all available information, including medical history, clinical examination, histopathology and the results of specific tests, such as the patch test, which confirmed allergy to thimerosal, an organic compound of mercury. DISCUSSION: The replacement of amalgam restorations has brought improvements to the instrument, as evidenced by the disappearance of desquamative gingivitis, aspect erythematosus and erosive lesions. The fading does not complete the same, however, indicates the need to continue has been under continuous observation, the patient, having in view the possibility of the existence of an underlying lichen planus.

Factors associated with vocal health and quality of life in teachers/professors / Fatores associados à saúde vocal e a qualidade de vida em professores

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the association of self-reported vocal symptoms with personal, occupational and clinical aspects and relate them to the quality of life of teachers/professors of the federal network of vocational and technological education. Methods: study carried out with 157 teachers from a federal public institution of vocational and technological education, who answered the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-bref), Quality of Life in the Voice (V-RQOL) questionnaire and a data form (on social information, health conditions, vocal symptoms, habits, organization and working environment). Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Results: 29% of the teachers presented vocal symptoms. The prevalent complaints were dry throat (38.2%), cough (37.6%) and hoarseness (30.6%). There was a higher prevalence of symptoms in females. For the WHOQOL-bref, the average was 71.3 points, which is considered regular. The domain with the highest score was the psychological one with 75.3. Regarding V-RQOL, the average score in the global domain was 92.5 points, and the physical score was the most compromised one. 90.5% of teachers showed low voice impact on quality of life. Conclusion: although these teachers present vocal complaints, they do not reflect in the limitation of the quality of life.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a associação de sintomas vocais autorreferidos com aspectos pessoais, ocupacionais, clínicos e relacionar com a qualidade de vida de professores da rede federal de ensino profissional e tecnológico. Métodos: estudo com 157 docentes de uma instituição pública federal de educação profissional e tecnológica, que responderam aos questionários World Health Organization Quality Of Life/bref (WHOQOL-bref), Qualidade de Vida em Voz (QVV) e o formulário de dados (sociais, condições de saúde, sintomas vocais, hábitos, organização e ambiente de trabalho). A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste Qui-quadrado. Resultados: 29% dos professores apresentaram sintomas vocais. As queixas prevalentes foram garganta seca (38,2%), tosse (37,6%) e rouquidão (30,6%). Houve maior prevalência dos sintomas no sexo feminino. Para o WHOQOL-bref, a média foi 71,3 pontos, considerada regular. O domínio com maior pontuação foi o psicológico com 75,3. Quanto ao QVV, o escore médio no domínio global foi de 92,5 pontos, sendo o físico o mais comprometido. 90,5% dos docentes apresentaram baixo impacto da voz na qualidade de vida. Conclusão: embora os docentes apresentem queixas vocais, elas não se refletem na limitação da qualidade de vida.

Dysphagia due to macroglossia in a patient with amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma: A case report.

Amyloidosis is a group of heterogeneous conditions characterized by the deposition of extracellular proteinaceous substances called amyloids. The diagnosis is usually confirmed after a particular body organ has been affected. However, oral manifestations have been identified in 39% of affected patients. Systemic amyloidosis may be primary or in association with multiple myeloma and typically affecting elder adults. The diagnosis of amyloidosis is usually associated with clinical features with histopathological findings, which reveal the presence of acellular eosinophilic deposits. The aim of this report is to describe a clinical case of an elderly patient with dysphagia related to macroglossia and enlargement caused by primary amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma.

Queilite actínica: relato de caso / Actinic cheilitis: case report

A Queilite Actínica (QA) é uma condição clínica que acomete o vermelhão do lábio inferior intimamente relacionada com com exposição excessiva à luz solar. Geralmente acomete o sexo masculino acima de 45 anos. O caso apresenta um paciente gênero masculino, leucoderma, 59 anos, com lesão de atrofia da borda do vermelhão do lábio inferior, superfícies lisas, manchas eritroleucoplásicas, limites nítidos e formato irregular. O diagnóstico clínico foi de Queilite Actínica. A biópsia incisional foi conduzida e apresentou microscopicamente um epitélio estratificado pavimentoso hiperqueratinizado com áreas de acantose, a lâmina própria era fibrosa, exibia infiltrado inflamatório crônico e uma faixa basofílica amorfa e acelular consistente com elastose solar proeminente e um quadro de Displasia Moderada. O tratamento proposto foi a vermelhectomia, mas houve recusa do paciente em realizar esse procedimento. Diante das alterações, percebe-se a importância do cirurgião- dentista na precisão do diagnóstico precoce e tratamento, impedindo a transformação maligna da lesão. (AU)

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a common clinical condiction which affects the lower lip vermilion closely related to excessive exposure to sunlight. Usually affects males above 45 years. The case features a male patient, leucoderma, 59, edge of atrophic lesion of the lower lip vermilion, smooth surfaces, eritroleucoplásicas spots, clear limits and irregular shape. The clinical diagnosis was Actinic cheilitis. The incisional biopsy was conducted and microscopically presented a stratified epithelium hiperqueratinizado with areas of acanthosis, the lamina propria was fibrous, showed chronic inflammatory infiltrate and basophilic amorphous band and acellular consistent with prominent solar elastosis and Dysplasia Moderate frame. The proposed treatment was vermilionectomy but was patient refusal to perform this procedure. Faced with the changes, we see the importance of dental surgeon on the accuracy of early diagnosis and treatment, preventing malignant transformation of the lesion. (AU)

Low Survival Rates of Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

AIM: To assess the epidemiological and clinical factors that influence the prognosis of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-one cases of oral and oropharyngeal SCC were selected. The survival curves for each variable were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox regression model was applied to assess the effect of the variables on survival. RESULTS: Cancers at an advanced stage were observed in 103 patients (85.1%). Cancers on the tongue were more frequent (23.1%). The survival analysis was 59.9% in one year, 40.7% in two years, and 27.8% in 5 years. There was a significant low survival rate linked to alcohol intake (p = 0.038), advanced cancer staging (p = 0.003), and procedures without surgery (p < 0.001). When these variables were included in the Cox regression model only surgery procedures (p = 0.005) demonstrated a significant effect on survival. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that patients who underwent surgery had a greater survival rate compared with those that did not. The low survival rates and the high percentage of patients diagnosed at advanced stages demonstrate that oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients should receive more attention.

Extramedullary Plasmacytoma Diagnosed in an HIV-Positive Patient by an Unusual Clinical Presentation.

The aim of this paper is to describe a case report of EMP in an HIV-positive patient. A 44-year-old, dark-skinned HIV-infected woman was referred to the Oral Diseases Treatment Center with a swelling at palate and left gingival fornix in the maxilla. Biopsy was taken and the oral lesion was diagnosed as EMP with well-differentiated plasma cells and restriction of the lambda light-chain. Skeletal survey was performed and no radiograph alterations were observed, thus supporting the diagnosis of EMP. Patient was referred to treatment and after two months of chemo and radiotherapy, an expanding lesion was observed in L5/S1 patient's vertebrae. Biopsy of the spinal lesion was consistent with lymphoma with plasmocitary differentiation, supporting the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). Regarding the medical history, the final diagnostic was an oral extramedullary plasmacytoma with rapid progression into multiple myeloma. It is crucial to emphasize the relevance of HIV infection as a risk factor for both aggressive clinical behavior and unusual clinical presentation of extramedullary plasmacytoma cases.

Caracterização do atraso no diagnóstico do câncer de boca e orofaringe em dois centros de referência / Characterization of diagnostic delay in oral and oropharyngeal cancer at two referral centers

Resumo Objetivo Estimar se variáveis clínicas e epidemiológicas influenciam no atraso do diagnóstico em dois centros de referência. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo analítico longitudinal retrospectivo. Todos os prontuários de pacientes maiores de 18 anos diagnosticados no período de junho de 2005 a junho de 2013 foram analisados por meio do SPSS® 20. Para testar associações entre as variáveis epidemiológicas e clínicas com os atrasos do paciente e do profissional, foram utilizados os testes: ANOVA, t de Student e Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados Foram incluídos no estudo 121 prontuários. Prevaleceram pacientes do sexo masculino, com idade média de 64,3 anos (DP=12,94), pardos, procedentes do interior, analfabetos, tabagistas e etilistas. A grande maioria (85,1%) foi diagnosticada nos estádios avançados. O maior atraso estava relacionado ao paciente, com média de tempo de 197,8 dias (DP=323,9). O atraso no diagnóstico profissional foi de 20 dias (DP=25,9), e aquele relacionado ao sistema de saúde foi de 71,1 dias (DP=71,7). Não houve associação entre as variáveis clínicas/epidemiológicas e o atraso no diagnóstico (do paciente e do profissional). Conclusão De acordo com os resultados do presente estudo, as variáveis clínicas e epidemiológicas não influenciam no atraso do diagnóstico.

Abstract Objectives To analyze the chronology of diagnosis and determine whether clinical and epidemiological variables have an influence on diagnostic delay at two referral centers. Methods The medical records of all patients older than 18 years diagnosed with oral/oropharyngeal cancer from June 2005 to June 2013 were analyzed using SPSS® 20. The association between epidemiological and clinical variables with patient and professional delay was performed using ANOVA, Student’s t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results In total, 121 medical records were included in the study. Patients were predominantly brown, male, illiterate, living in country towns, smokers, and heavy drinkers (mean age 64.3 years, SD=12.94). The majority (85.1%) of patients were diagnosed at advanced stages of their disease. The greatest delay was patient-related, mean 197.8 days (SD=323.9). Delay in establishing the medical diagnosis averaged 20 days (SD=25.9), and health care system-related delay was 71.1 days (SD=71.7). There was no association of clinical and epidemiological variables with delayed diagnosis (patient and professional). Conclusion Data from the present study suggest that clinical and epidemiological variables do not influence diagnostic delay.

Impact of Tooth Loss on Quality of Life

Objective: To evaluate the impact of tooth loss on the quality of life of patients at the Cesmac University Center. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, whose sample was composed of 224 volunteers from various health units of the selected health service with at least 12 years of age and one missing tooth. Quality of Life (QOL) was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP -14) and tooth loss was assessed with the dental chart. A structured interview that assessed the socio-economic condition of the individual was also applied. For interpretation of the OHIP-14, values were assigned using the multiplicative method: 0-3 points = no impact; 3.01 to 6 points = low impact; 6.01 to 10 points = moderate impact; and> 10.01 points = high impact. All volunteers received guidance on oral health and, when necessary, a referral to the dental care provided by this institution was performed. Results: The mean OHIP ranged from no impact (30.9%) to high impact (27.8%). The correlation between the number of missing teeth and QOL scores was statistically significant (p <0.05), as well as the correlation between number of missing teeth and age of volunteers (p <0.0001). The dimensions of the OHIP-14 that showed the most influenced domains were pain, psychological discomfort, psychological disability. Conclusion: Increasing age has shown influence on tooth and tooth loss affected the QOL of volunteers. QOL may be influenced by other factors such as loss of anterior teeth and schooling.

Improvement of cervical dentin hypersensitivity after two different treatments / Redução da dor decorrente da hipersensibilidade dentinária cervical após dois tratamentos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cervical dentin hypersensitivity is a routine clinical condition caused by dentin exposure to the oral environment and sensitivity caused by the ingestion of cold, sweet or sour foods, which induces localized, acute and brief pain. This study aimed at clinically evaluating the efficacy of two treatments to improve cervical dentin hypersensitivity, as well as the duration of their effects. METHODS: The study was developed as a clinical, doubleblind and comparative study where 14 patients with cervical dentin hypersensitivity treated in the Clinic School of Dentistry of the University Center Cesmac were selected. Participants were divided in two groups of seven individuals. The first group was submitted to treatment with 5% potassium nitrate desensitizing (Nano P®-FGM) and the second group received fluoride varnish applications (Fluorniz®-SS White). Both treatments have followed manufacturers’ instructions. RESULTS: Clinical evaluations were performed 7, 14, 21 days and 1 month after treatment. After statistical analysis of results, it was possible to conclude that products have improved initial cervical dentin hypersensitivity in studied dental elements after their applications and that the desensitizing effect of potassium nitrate was longer lasting as compared to fluoride varnish. CONCLUSION: Potassium nitrate desensitizing effect was longer lasting as compared to fluoride varnish.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A hipersensibilidade dentinária cervical é uma condição clínica rotineira na atualidade que decorre da exposição da dentina ao meio bucal e sensibilidade causada após a ingestão de alimentos frios, doces ou ácidos, o que ocasiona dor localizada, aguda e de curta duração. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar clinicamente a eficácia de dois tratamentos utilizados na redução da hipersensibilidade dentinária cervical, bem como a duração dos seus efeitos. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi desenvolvido como um ensaio clínico duplamente encoberto comparativo, onde foram selecionados 14 pacientes com hipersensibilidade dentinária cervical, atendidos na Clínica Escola de Odontologia do Centro Universitário Cesmac. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos com 7 integrantes cada. O primeiro grupo foi submetido ao tratamento com o dessensibilizante à base de nitrato de potássio a 5% (Nano P®-FGM) e no segundo grupo foi aplicado o verniz fluoretado (Fluorniz®-SS White). Em ambos os tratamentos foram seguidas as instruções dos fabricantes. RESULTADOS: As avaliações do quadro clínico ocorreram aos 7, 14, 21 dias e 1 mês. Após a análise estatística dos resultados pôde-se concluir que ambos os produtos apresentaram redução clínica inicial no quadro de hipersensibilidade dentinária cervical nos elementos dentais pesquisados após as suas aplicações e que o efeito do dessensibilizante à base de nitrato de potássio foi mais duradouro do que o do verniz fluoretado. CONCLUSÃO: O efeito de dessensibilização com base de nitrato de potássio foi mais durável do que o do verniz fluoretado.

Caracterização da saúde bucal de indivíduos renais crônicos aptos a transplante / Characterization of the oral health of transplant-ready chronic kidney disease patients

Introdução: A doença renal crônica leva a alterações salivares que interferem na saúde bucal. A imunossupressão no pós-transplante pode facilitar que situações restritas à boca se tornem sistêmicas. Objetivo: Caracterizar a saúde bucal de pacientes renais crônicos aptos a transplante, avaliando fluxo e pH salivar, capacidade tamponante salivar (CTS), lesões estomatológicas, sangramento gengival, cálculo e índice de dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPOD). Material e método: Estudo transversal, observacional e analítico. Foi coletada saliva não estimulada de 83 voluntários, com hipofluxo salivar caracterizado como < 0,3 mL/min. O pH salivar foi mensurado por fita e considerado alcalino quando > 7. A CTS foi avaliada pela Técnica de Ericsson. Um único examinador calibrado procedeu às avaliações clínicas. Foram utilizados Teste Exato de Fisher, ANOVA e Regressão Linear, com nível de significância de 0,05 e Intervalo de Confiança de 95%. Resultado: Hipofluxo salivar esteve presente em 61% da amostra e foi influenciado pelo ganho hídrico interdialítico (p=0,01). A presença de pH salivar alcalino foi influenciada pela ureia sérica (p<0,01) e pela hiperfosfatemia (p=0,01). A CTS foi ótima em 92% e sofreu influência do pH salivar (p=0,02). Três indivíduos apresentaram lesões estomatológicas infecciosas. Sangramento gengival esteve presente em 55%, cálculo em 94% e cárie em 88%. O índice CPOD da amostra foi 17,9 ± 7,48. Conclusão: A saúde bucal dos voluntários foi considerada precária e esse agravo pode se tornar mais maléfico se esses indivíduos forem transplantados. Salienta-se a importância da inserção do Dentista na equipe que assiste o renal crônico.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) promotes salivary alterations that impact oral health. Post-transplantation immunosuppression could lead to localized mouth conditions becoming systemic. Objective: To characterize the oral health of transplant-ready CKD patients by evaluating salivary flow and pH, salivary buffering capacity (SBC), oral lesions, gingival bleeding, calculus, and index of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT). Material and method: In the present cross-sectional, observational, and analytic study, spontaneous saliva was collected from 83 volunteers, with hyposalivation defined as < 0.3 mL/min. Salivary pH was measured using a test strip and considered alkaline when >7. Ericsson's technique was used to assess SBC. A single trained examiner conducted the clinical assessments. Fisher's exact test, ANOVA, and linear regression were used in the statistical analysis, with a level of significance of 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Result: Hyposalivation occurred in 61% of the sample and was influenced by interdialytic fluid gains (p = 0.01). The presence of alkaline salivary pH was influenced by serum urea (p < 0.01) and hyperphosphatemia (p = 0.01). Salivary buffering capacity was optimal in 92% of patients and was influenced by salivary pH (p = 0.02). Three individuals exhibited infectious oral lesions. Gingival bleeding occurred in 55%, calculus in 94%, and caries in 88% of patients. The DMFT index of the sample was 17.9 ± 7.48. Conclusion: The participants' oral health was considered poor; this condition can worsen if these individuals undergo transplantation. The importance of having a dentist in the team assisting the CKD patient is paramount.

Immunoexpression of EGFR and EMMPRIN in a series of cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) have been identified as oncologically important targets. This study aimed to evaluate the immunoexpression of EGFR and EMMPRIN in a series of cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Forty-five cases of HNSCC were selected for this study and evaluated with anti-EGFR and anti-EMMPRIN antibodies. The percentage of positive cells was determined assessing to the following categories: score 1 (staining in 0-50% of cells), score 2 (staining in 51-75% of cells), and score 3 (staining in >75% of cells). Immunostaining intensity was graded according to the following parameters: score 1 (absent/weak expression) and score 2 (strong expression). RESULTS: For EGFR, a predominance of high median scores was observed in cases of both histological grades of malignancy and in different clinical stages (p>0.05). For EMMPRIN, a statistically significant difference was observed between the histological grades of malignancy (p=0.030). Regarding the immunostaining intensity of EMMPRIN, it was observed a predominance of score 1 in cases with stages I/II, whereas most cases with stages III/IV presented score 2 (p=0.032). Considering the anatomical location, most cases of buccal floor presented higher median score of EMMPRIN in comparison with the other sites (p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that both proteins are potential targets for cancer therapy and EMMPRIN can be used as a prognostic marker of a more aggressive biological behavior in patients with HNSCC.

Oral and genital human herpesvirus 8 and human papillomavirus in heterosexual partners.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to verify a possible co-infection of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in commonly associated human papillomavirus (HPV) penile lesions and to determine the frequency of detection of these viruses in the oral mucosa of their female counterparts. METHODS: Thirty-one male subjects underwent penile swabs from clinical HPV-related lesions. Their female counterparts underwent swabs of the vagina, uterine cervix, and oral mucosa. HPV and HHV-8 detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction using the consensus primers MY11/MY09 and KS1/KS2, respectively. RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected in 31/31 penile lesions. HPV DNA was also detected in 18/31 (58%) female genital brushings and 17/31 (54%) female oral brushings. HHV-8 DNA was detected in 1/31 (3.2%) male genital brushings and 3/31 (9.6%) female oral mucosa brushings. None of the female genital brushings were HHV-8 DNA-infected. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the results of this study, co-infection between HPV and HHV-8 in malignant and pre-malignant penile lesions is an unlikely finding.

Chloroquine-induced hyperpigmentation of the hard palate.

This article reports a rare case of extensive palatal pigmentation secondary to long-term chloroquine treatment. Chloroquine was originally used as an antimalarial agent, but it is now widely used as an adjunct in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Adverse effects of chloroquine usually include skin changes such as bullous pemphigoid, exacerbation of psoriasis, and pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes as well as retinopathy, gastrointestinal alterations, and neuromuscular disorders. Extensive oral pigmentation is an uncommon feature of an adverse drug effect, and diagnosis should be based on clinicopathological findings.

Human papillomavirus coinfection in the oral cavity of HIV-infected children.

AIM: To identify the early presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in the oral cavity of HIV-infected children. METHODS: The study group comprised 50 HIV-infected children and 50 healthy aged paired controls. Oral mucosa samples were collected by swab, and a 450 bp HPV DNA fragment was amplified by PCR, using degenerate consensus primers directed to the L1 gene. HPV typing was performed using specifics primers for types 6/16 and 11/18. RESULTS: All HPV co-infected children had vertical transmission of HIV. HPV DNA was detected in 6/50 (12.0%) of HIV children and three control group individuals 3/50 (6.0%) (p>0.01). In the HIV group, one had type 11, in the control group one had co-infection of types 11/16, and the others had type 16 and 18. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the results, it is concluded that HPV DNA may be present in HIV disease, but no association with immunosuppression, delivery, or medical records (CD4 cell count, viral load and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy) was observed, and no differences could be observed between the groups either.

Mannose-binding lectin gene (MBL-2) polymorphism in oral lichen planus.

TNF-α may be associated with the etiopathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP), and it has been suggested that polymorphism of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) increases the in vitro production of TNF- α. The aim of the present study was to assess the relevance of genetic diversity of MBL in OLP. The study sample comprised 90 individuals, 45 OLP patients and 45 healthy volunteers. MBL-2 gene was amplified using real-time PCR. Frequency of A/A genotype was 55.6% in OLP and 53.3% in healthy volunteers. Likewise, A/0 heterozygote genotype was found in 42.2% and 35.6%; 2.2% and 11.1%, had the recessive 0/0 genotype respectively. Frequencies of the "A" and "0" alleles were 77% and 23% in the OLP group and 71.2% in control group. There were no statistically significant differences regarding genotype frequency (p = 0.546) or allele frequency (p = 0.497). In conclusion, no significant association was found between polymorphism of MBL-2 gene and OLP.

Human papillomavirus in the oral cavity of children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this literature review was to identify studies conducted on the oral Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in children. METHODS: An electronic database search was performed using the terms 'oral HPV' and 'children'. The studies on the prevalence of oral HPV in children worldwide, descriptive studies, case reports, studies on the association of oral HPV and risk factors and transmission of HPV were included. CONCLUSION: The presence of HPV in oral mucosa of children should be investigated in virtue of the various forms of transmission, and the possibility of sexual abuse eliminated, and also of its possible relation with oral carcinoma pathogenesis in children.

Oral manifestations in human immunodeficiency virus infected children in highly active antiretroviral therapy era.

OBJECTIVE: Conducted a literature review to identify studies that reported on the oral manifestations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected children in highly active antiretrovial therapy (HAART) era. METHODS: A search electronic data base were used and the terms used were 'oral lesions' and 'oral manifestations'. The studies of prevalence of oral manifestation in children with HIV worldwide, descriptive studies, case reports, studies on the association of oral lesions and levels of immune suppression, use of HAART and transmission of HIV were included. RESULTS: There have been substantial changes in the management of HIV disease, especially in the past decade because of the use of HAART. However, children are still being infected and present some peculiarities when compared with adults. Molecular epidemiology, transmission and therapy of the common opportunistic oral infections of HIV disease need to be better understood as a consequence of improved anti-HIV strategies. Treatment with HAART improves the immune function and decreases mortality, morbidity, and opportunistic infections in HIV-infected persons. CONCLUSION: The frequency and severity of oral disease associated with HIV infection have reduced considerably, although the use of HAART may be associated with an increased appearance of oral lesions associated with human papillomavirus and potentially increase the risk of later oral squamous cell carcinoma.