The potential impact of vegetarian diet on the oral mucosa: A preliminary cytopathological study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Actually, many individuals have opted for the vegetarian diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the vegetarian diet on the oral epithelium through cytopathology. METHODS: Oral smears of the tongue and buccal mucosa of 60 adult subjects (30 vegetarians and 30 controls) were collected. Smears were analyzed morphologically and for three morphometric variables: nucleus area (NA), cytoplasm area (CA) and nucleus/cytoplasm ratio. RESULTS: Vegetarians were classified as ovolactovegetarian (53.3%), vegans (30%) and strict vegetarians (16.7%). The NA and CA of the epithelial cells of vegetarian individuals were smaller when compared to controls both in the region of the buccal mucosa and tongue. However, there was no statistically significant difference according to the Student's t-test. For the NA/CA ratio, cells in the oral mucosa region were larger for vegetarians compared to controls. For the tongue, both groups had the same value and the Mann-Whitney U test confirmed that there is no difference between the groups for this cytomorphometric variable. RESULTS: Vegan individuals had a smaller (but not larger) area of CA when compared to controls for the tongue (vegan = 2604.2 ± 179.2 versus control = 3256.7 ± 463.8 p = 0.013). Most smears showed normal epithelial cells and some individuals had changes of an inflammatory nature, mainly in the tongue. CONCLUSION: Despite the small sample size, the results of this study raise the hypothesis that the vegetarian diet (especially the vegan diet) can compromise the thickness of the oral epithelium of the tongue.

Conformational and constitutional analysis of dental caries following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the morphology and chemical composition of dental caries related to ionizing radiation (DCIR), an aggressive and progressive disease that affects dental hard tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight human teeth with DCIR were paired with sixteen control teeth (8 teeth with conventional caries and 8 without caries) and included in this study. An analysis of the morphology of the lesions was performed using the following techniques: periapical radiography, cone beam computed tomography, computed microtomography, and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition was assessed using X-ray dispersive spectroscopy. RESULTS: There was more demineralization in DCIR lesions when compared to conventional dental caries, even though there was no cavitation in the cervical region of the teeth. The superficial roughness and topography of DCIR lesions were similar to those of healthy teeth. On the other hand, lesions of conventional dental caries showed greater surface and topographic irregularity when compared to DCIR and healthy teeth (p = 0.001). Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels were lower in DCIR lesions when compared to controls. However, higher levels of carbon (C) have been observed in DCIR lesions. There was a greater loss of the mineral matrix in DCIR followed by conventional caries. The reduction in the mineral matrix (Ca and P) was compatible with the imaging patterns observed in teeth with DCIR and conventional caries. CONCLUSION: Despite their rapid evolution, DCIR presents an irregular, apparently intact surface with significant changes in the amount of Ca, P, and C.

Cytopathological Changes Induced by the Crack Use in Oral Mucosa.

AIMS: To evaluate cytological alterations, inflammation, and microbial charge of the oral mucosa epithelium in crack users in in terms of the amount and duration of use. METHODS: Two hundred thirty four crack users (case group) and 120 non-users (control group) participated in this study. Clinically healthy epithelial cells were collected from the posterior mouth floor, using the conventional exfoliative cytology. Some of the aspects evaluated were as follows: Papanicolaou classification, nuclear area (NA), cytoplasmic area (CA), nuclear/cytoplasmic area ratio (NA/CA), inflammation, microbial charge, keratinization, enucleated superficial cells, and binucleation. RESULTS: The average time of crack consumption was 9.8 years (±7.1) and the average quantity of use was 13.97 g/week (±18.5). The average NA values and NA/CA ratio were increased and CA values were decreased in the case group compared to those in the controls (p < 0.05). Papanicolaou class II, intense inflammation, and intense microbial charge were more prevalent in the case group than in the controls (p < 0.05). There was a significant association between high quantity of smoked crack rocks per week and increased CA values, absence of keratinization, and presence of enucleated superficial cells (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Crack use seemed to induce inflammatory alterations and early indicators of malignant transformation on the oral mucosa epithelium.

Cytological analysis of the epithelial cells in patients with oral candidiasis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate oral epithelial cells of the oral mucosa infected by Candida albicans using exfoliative cytology. Oral smears were collected from clinically normal-appearing mucosa by liquid-based exfoliative cytology of 60 individuals (30 patients with oral candidiasis and 30 healthy controls matched for age and gender) and analysed for morphologic and cytomorphometric technique. Morphologically, candida-infected epithelial cells exhibited nuclear enlargement, perinuclear rings, discrete orangeophilia, and cytoplasmic vacuoles. The cytomorphometric analysis demonstrated that the cytoplasmic area (CA) of the epithelial cells was diminished in patients undergoing candidiasis as compared to the non-infected controls. In addition, there was an augmentation in nuclear area (NA) and NA/CA area ratio. This study revealed that oral mucosa of patients undergoing candidal infection exhibited significant changes in the size and shape of the oral epithelial cells.

Exfoliative cytology of the oral mucosa in burning mouth syndrome: a cytomorphological and cytomorphometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate oral epithelial cells by exfoliative cytology in burning mouth syndrome (BMS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Oral smears were collected from clinically normal-appearing mucosa by liquid-based exfoliative cytology in 40 individuals (20 BMS patients and 20 healthy controls matched for age and gender) and analysed for cytological and cytomorphometric techniques. RESULTS: Mean values of nuclear area (NA) for experimental and control groups were, respectively, 67.52 and 55.64 µm² (p < 0.05). Cytoplasmic area (CA) showed the following mean values: 1258.0 (experimental) and 2069.0 µm² (control). Nucleus-to-cytoplasm area ratio for the experimental group was 0.07, besides the control group was 0.03 (p < 0.05). Morphologically, oral smears exhibited normal epithelial cells in both experimental and control groups. There was a significant predominance of nucleated cells of the superficial layer in the smears of BMS patients (p = 0.00001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that oral mucosa of BMS patients exhibited significant cytomorphometric changes in the oral epithelial cells. These changes probably are associated with epithelial atrophy and a deregulated maturation process that may contribute to the oral symptoms of pain and discomfort in BMS.

Fresh-frozen bone allografts in maxillary ridge augmentation: histologic analysis.

Bone allograft has become an alternative to autogenous bone due to its decreased operative trauma and the almost unlimited supply of reconstructive material. The aim of the present study was to histologically evaluate the suitability of fresh-frozen bone graft (test group) used in maxillary ridge augmentation, comparing it to autogenous bone (native maxilla: control group). During the re-entry procedures, 9 months after the fresh-frozen allogeneic bone blocks were placed in the atrophic maxillary ridges, bone cores were removed with a trephine bur from test and control treatments in the same patient. Routine histologic processing using hematoxylin and eosin and Picrosirius staining was performed. Mature and immature collagen area and density analysis were carried out for both groups under polarization. The results of Student's t test for paired samples (P > .05) showed no statistically significant difference in mature and immature collagen area or density percentage between test and control groups. Histologically similar bone formation patterns were observed in both groups. We concluded that fresh-frozen bone allograft is a biologically acceptable alternative for augmentation of the deficient alveolar ridge, showing a similar collagen pattern to that of autogenous bone.

Relationship between taste perception and use of upper complete dentures.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the taste perception in patients with upper complete dentures. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred seventy male and female patients (45-83 years old) upper denture wearers were evaluated for their gustatory function by the paper strips technique in relation to the four basic tastes. The taste test was performed with and without the presence of the denture on the palate. Through Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, the results were analyzed by their normal distribution. The t-test for paired samples was used to evaluate if there was a statistical difference on the taste perception and itself revealed that there is a significant difference (p < 0.01) when the taste perception was analyzed for the absence and presence of the prosthesis (alone and compared) (p < 0.01). The results revealed that patients with dentures had great difficulty to recognize the bitter taste, followed by the salty, sweet, and sour. CONCLUSION: The presence of the denture was able to modify the perception of taste when compared to its absence, especially for the bitter taste.

Complications in third molar removal: a retrospective study of 588 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical removal of third molars is a regular surgical procedure, which like all operations, may have complications. The purpose of the study was to analyze the incidence of complications and their relationship with the surgical difficulty in a group of 588 patients treated by the same oral and maxillofacial surgeon. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study consisted of 1699 third molars (M3) removed between 2005 and 2008. The teeth were grouped into a 6-class scale of surgical difficulty rated according to the surgical procedure description in the patient's file: I: upper M3 requiring forceps only; II: upper M3 requiring osteotomy; III: upper M3 requiring osteotomy and tooth section; IV: lower M3 requiring forceps only; V: lower M3 requiring osteotomy; VI: lower M3 requiring osteotomy and tooth section. The complications were grouped into each surgical difficulty class and their incidence and management were also described. RESULTS: 59 complications (3.47%), including pain, root tip fracture, paresthesia, alveolar osteitis, temporomandibular joint discomfort, and oroantral fistula were reported. Surgical difficulty class VI presented the higher incidence of complications (n=38). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of complications in third molar surgery will always exist and increases in proportion to the surgical difficulty. Mandibular M3 requiring osteotomy and tooth section have the highest risk of complications.

Maxillary ridge augmentation with fresh-frozen bone allografts.

PURPOSE: The present investigation clinically and histologically evaluated the use of fresh-frozen bone in the reconstruction of maxillary alveolar ridges to confirm the effective bone fill and support for the placement of dental implants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who had atrophic maxillary ridge necessitating bone block grafts prior to implant placement were submitted to maxillary reconstructions performed with human block grafts of tibia fresh-frozen chips. Nine months later the re-entry procedures were carried out and at this time a bone core was removed from the grafts for histological analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-four blocks were placed, and the number of blocks each patient received ranged from 1 to 4. During the re-entry procedures, all of the grafts were found to be firm in consistency, well-incorporated, and vascularized. A total of 51 implants were placed over the grafts with a minimum of 40-Newton torque in all cases. None of the implants were lost. The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 35 months. The histological analysis revealed a living bone that showed features characteristic of mature and compact osseous tissue surrounded by marrow spaces. CONCLUSION: Bone allografts can be successful as graft material for the treatment of maxillary ridge defects. If adequate surgical techniques are adopted, this type of bone graft can be safely used in regions of implant placement as a suitable alternative to autogenous grafts.

Oral manifestations of celiac disease. A case report and review of the literature.

Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disease caused by intolerance to gluten associated with poor digestion and absorption of the majority of nutrients and vitamins, which may affect both developing dentition and oral mucosa. The aim of this study is to make a brief review of the literature about celiac disease and to report on a clinical case, showing the impact it may have on the general and oral health. A 39-year-old woman reported the presence of diarrhea, nauseas, flatulence, colic, difficulty with falling asleep, lack of appetite and loose of 18 Kg in the last two years. She also noted the appearance of symptomatic lesions in the mouth. These lesions had a mean duration of a month and occurred in any region of the oral mucosa, particularly on the tongue. Multiples ulcerations were found in the sublingual caruncula region, at the vestibular fornix and at the lingual apex. Topical treatment was instituted for the oral lesions with immediately relief of the symptoms. The diagnosis of celiac disease was established by means of medical clinical exam, biopsy of the small intestine, and by the presence of specific antibodies in the blood. The patient has been instructed to follow a gluten-free diet. Multiprofessional action with the involvement of a gastroenterologist and other health professionals, such as dentists, is important for diagnosing the disease and guiding the patient with celiac disease to achieve a good quality of life.

Saliva composition and functions: a comprehensive review.

AIM: The aim of this study was to perform a literature review about the composition and functions of saliva as well as describe the factors that influence salivary flow (SF) and its biochemical composition. BACKGROUND: Saliva represents an increasingly useful auxiliary means of diagnosis. Sialometry and sialochemistry are used to diagnose systemic illnesses, monitoring general health, and as an indicator of risk for diseases creating a close relation between oral and systemic health. REVIEW: This review provides fundamental information about the salivary system in terms of normal values for SF and composition and a comprehensive review of the factors that affect this important system. CONCLUSION: Since several factors can influence salivary secretion and composition, a strictly standardized collection must be made so the above-mentioned exams are able to reflect the real functioning of the salivary glands and serve as efficient means for monitoring health. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Since many oral and systemic conditions manifest themselves as changes in the flow and composition of saliva the dental practitioner is advised to remain up-to-date with the current literature on the subject.

Canalicular adenoma presenting as an asymptomatic swelling of the upper lip: a case report.

AIM: The purpose of this report is to present the clinical and histological features of a canalicular adenoma (CA) occurring in the upper lip and vestibular fornix of a 62-year-old woman. BACKGROUND: CA is an uncommon benign salivary gland tumor occurring almost exclusively in the intraoral glands. This tumor has often been referred to as a variant of the basal cell adenoma. However, the World Health Organization's latest histological classification of salivary gland tumors recognizes it as a separate entity under the broader heading of monomorphic adenoma, which is not related to any of the subtypes of basal cell adenomas. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old woman with a chief complaint of an extraoral swelling in the upper lip. The evolution of the lesion was not known by the patient who recognized it when she touched her upper lip and found "an acne" on it. The patient wore complete dentures since age 17 and was not aware of any pain or tenderness in the area. Extra and intraoral examination revealed a mobile nodular lesion located in the right aspect of the upper lip near the nose and in the vestibular fornix between the lateral incisor and canine. Microscopic examination confirmed the final diagnosis of CA. The patient is currently free of disease 54 months after surgical excision of the tumor. SUMMARY: Local excision of symptomatic nodules seems to be sufficient to manage patients with multifocal CA.10 But, unlike other benign tumors, CA may need a longer follow-up due to its tendency towards multifocal occurrence and late recurrence.

Polimorfismo genético associado a doença renal crônica e periodontite: uma revisão sistemática de literatura / Genetic polymorphism associated with chronic kidney disease and periodontitis: a systematic literature review / Polimorfismo genético asociado a enfermedad renal crónica y periodontitis: una revisión sistemática de la literatura

A periodontite é uma doença infecto-inflamatória associada ao biofilme disbiótico que afeta os tecidos de proteção e de suporte dos dentes. O processo inflamatório que ocorre durante a periodontite tem sido associado à inflamação sistêmica em pacientes com doença renal crônica. Os polimorfismos genéticos são alterações no DNA que podem ter classificações diferentes dependendo da mutação gerada, e podem ser criados ou destruídos. Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão sistemática da literatura foi elucidar a seguinte questão: os polimorfismos genéticos estão associados à doença renal crônica e à periodontite? Material e Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada no PubMed, Biblioteca Cochrane, EMBASE, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Bibliografia Brasileira de Odontologia (BBO), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science e bases de dados de literatura cinzenta (Google Scholar) sem restrições de data ou idioma em 28 de junho de 2021 e atualizada em 26 de janeiro de 2023. Os descritores padronizados (Medical Subject Headings, MeSH) utilizados foram: "polimorfismo genético", "doença renal crônica" e "periodontite", de acordo com o banco de dados consultado, utilizando os operadores booleanos "AND". Resultado: 25 publicações foram identificadas. Após a análise do título, do resumo e do texto completo, 6 estudos de caso-controle foram selecionados para análise. Todos incluíam artigos investigando o papel de diferentes polimorfismos genéticos em ambas as doenças. Alguns genes apresentavam uma relação próxima com o perfil inflamatório que caracteriza ambas as doenças. Conclusão: Entre os polimorfismos estudados, os polimorfismos VNTR no gene IL4 e MCP-1-2518 A/G apresentaram uma associação positiva tanto com a periodontite quanto com a doença renal crônica. Entretanto, são necessários mais estudos para melhor compreensão do papel dos polimorfismos genéticos nessas doenças.

Periodontitis is an infectious-inflammatory disease associated with dysbiotic biofilm that affects the protective and supporting tissues of the teeth. The inflammatory process that occurs during periodontitis has been associated with systemic inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease. Genetic polymorphisms are changes in DNA that can have different classifications depending on the mutation generated, and can be created or destroyed. Objective: The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to elucidate the following question: are genetic polymorphisms associated with chronic kidney disease and periodontitis? Material and Methods: The search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry (BBO), Virtual Health Library (VHL), SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science and gray literature databases (Google Scholar) without date or language restrictions on June 28, 2021 and updated on January 26, 2023. The standardized descriptors (Medical Subject Headings, MeSH) used were: "genetic polymorphism", "chronic kidney disease" and "periodontitis", according to the database consulted, using the Boolean operators "AND". Result: 25 publications were identified. After reviewing the title, abstract, and full text, 6 case-control studies were selected for analysis. All included articles investigating the role of different genetic polymorphisms in both diseases. Some genes showed a close relationship with the inflammatory profile that characterizes both diseases. Conclusion: Among the polymorphisms studied, the VNTR polymorphisms in the IL4 gene and MCP- 1-2518 A/G showed a positive association with both periodontitis and chronic kidney disease. However, further studies are needed to better understand the role of genetic polymorphisms in these diseases.

La periodontitis es una enfermedad infeccioso-inflamatoria asociada a un biofilm disbiótico que afecta a los tejidos protectores y de soporte de los dientes. El proceso inflamatorio que se produce durante la periodontitis se ha asociado con la inflamación sistémica en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica. Los polimorfismos genéticos son cambios en el ADN que pueden tener diferentes clasificaciones dependiendo de la mutación generada, pudiendo ser creados o destruidos. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática de la literatura fue dilucidar la siguiente pregunta: ¿están asociados los polimorfismos genéticos con la enfermedad renal crónica y la periodontitis? Material y Métodos: La búsqueda fue realizada en PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), Bibliografía Brasileña de Odontología (BBO), Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science y bases de datos de literatura gris (Google Scholar) sin restricciones de fecha o idioma el 28 de junio de 2021 y actualizada el 26 de enero de 2023. Los descriptores normalizados (Medical Subject Headings, MeSH) utilizados fueron: "polimorfismo genético", "enfermedad renal crónica" y "periodontitis", según la base de datos consultada, utilizando los operadores booleanos "AND". Resultado: Se identificaron 25 publicaciones. Tras analizar el título, el resumen y el texto completo, se seleccionaron 6 estudios de casos y controles para su análisis. Todos los trabajos incluidos investigaban el papel de diferentes polimorfismos genéticos en ambas enfermedades. Algunos genes mostraron una estrecha relación con el perfil inflamatorio que caracteriza a ambas enfermedades. Conclusión: Entre los polimorfismos estudiados, los polimorfismos VNTR en el gen IL4 y MCP-1-2518 A/G mostraron una asociación positiva tanto con la periodontitis como con la enfermedad renal crónica. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios para comprender mejor el papel de los polimorfismos genéticos en estas enfermedades.

Oral Health Impact Profile and Associated Variables in Southern Brazilian Drug Users.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association between sociodemographic, behavioral, oral health, variables of drug consumption, and the short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), in Southern Brazilian drug users. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 202 drug users aged 18 or over admitted for treatment at the Institute for Research and Treatment of Alcoholism (Instituto de Pesquisa e Tratamento do Alcoolismo -IPTA) from the municipality of Campo Largo, PR, Brazil, from 2012 to 2014, were involved. They answered a questionnaire and were examined by a calibrated researcher. Data were collected and bivariate (Chi-square test) and multivariate (logistic regression and Wald's test) analyses were performed. RESULTS: There was statistical difference (P<0.05) in bivariate analysis and the worst impacts were reported by non-whites, those who reported feeling metallic taste in mouth and tooth mobility, which use cigarettes for over 15 yr and consume more than 3 g of crack/day, with DMFT >10, and number of teeth in mouth ≤27. In the multivariate analysis, statistical difference remained, except for ethnicity (P=0.207). CONCLUSION: Self-perception of oral health was associated with the variables explored, which suggests the need for strategies focused on this population.

Case of recurrent paracoccidioidomycosis in female. 10 years after initial treatment.

This report describes a case of recurrence of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis 10 years following the initial diagnosis. A 56-year-old female was admitted to the Dental Clinic of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná complaining of oral soreness. Mulberry-like ulcerations were observed on the gingiva, right labial comissura, and vermillion of the lip. The patient reported persistent chronic cough, weight loss, appetite loss and fever. The anamnesis revealed that the patient had developed and been treated for paracoccidioidomycosis 10 years earlier. A biopsy was performed and microscopic examination revealed microabscesses, collections of macrophages organized into granulomas, multinucleated giant cells and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The patient was treated with Itraconazole and, the oral lesions disappeared within 3 months. Persistent follow-up examination in patients with a history of paracoccidioidomycosis is essential in the management of this disease.

Identification of AgNORs and cytopathological changes in oral lichen planus lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cytopathological changes in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) compared with patients without OLP. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Swabs were collected from the oral mucosa of 20 patients with OLP (case group) and 20 patients without OLP (control group) using liquid-based cytology. After Papanicolaou staining, the smears were characterized based on Papanicolaou classification and degree of maturation. Nuclear area (NA) measurements, cytoplasmic area (CA) measurements, and the NA/CA ratio were determined from 50 epithelial cells per slide. For quantification of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs), the smears were stained with silver nitrate, and the number of AgNORs was counted in 100 cells. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a predominance of Papanicolaou Class I nucleated cells in the superficial layer. The average values of NA (p>0.05) and CA (p=0.000) were greater in the case group (NA=521.6, CA=22,750.3) compared with the control group (NA=518.9, CA=18,348.0). The NA/CA ratio was 0.025 for the case group and 0.031 for the control group (p=0.004). There was no significant difference between the mean AgNORs values of both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The oral mucosa of patients with OLP exhibited significant cytomorphometric changes. However, there was no evidence of malignancy.

Use of Facebook as a pedagogical tool foruniversity education: student adherenceand reactions / Uso do Facebook como ferramenta pedagógica para o ensino superior: adesão e reações dos estudantes

This study aimed to analyze Facebook's use as a pedagogical tool for teaching didactics for graduate students in Dentistry. Seventy-two adult students participated in this study. These students attended theoretical classes, developed practical activities by Facebook, and evaluated the course through a questionnaire. Tasks were analyzed concerning the following criteria: time torespond to assignments and whether they have been finished or not. Additionally, post type and students' reactions to posts were also evaluated. Forty-three (59.8%) students have considered Facebook as a good pedagogical resource. Only 5 (22%) students answered that they had some difficulty in responding to the assignments of the course through Facebook. Most students completed their tasks through Facebook. However, in general, most students only fulfilled the assignments close to the deadline. The main reactions of the students were likes and comments. Despite its limitations, Facebook seems to be a great pedagogical resource to be inserted in post-graduate education. In addition, the students still show little participation even being in the virtual environment of Facebook (AU).

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a utilização do Facebook como ferramenta pedagógica para o ensino de didática para alunos de graduação em Odontologia. Setenta e dois alunos adultos participaram da pesquisa. Esses alunos participaram de aulas teóricas, desenvolveram atividades práticas no Facebook e avaliaram o curso por meio de um questionário. As tarefas foram analisadas em relação aos seguintes critérios: tempo para responder às atividades e se elas foram realizadas de forma completa ou incompleta. Além disso, os tipos de postagens e as reações dos alunos às postagens também foram avaliados. Quarenta e três (59,8%) alunos consideraram o Facebook um bom recurso pedagógico. Apenas 5 (22%) alunos responderam que tiveram alguma dificuldade em responder às atividades do curso pelo Facebook. A maioria dos alunos concluiu suas tarefas por meio do Facebook. No entanto, em geral, a maioria dos alunos só cumpriu astarefas perto do prazo. As principais reações dos alunos foram curtidas e comentários. Apesar de suas limitações, o Facebook parece ser um grande recurso pedagógico a ser inserido na pós-graduação. Além disso, os alunos ainda se mostram pouco participativos mesmo estando no ambiente virtual do Facebook (AU).

Dental students'knowledge and attitudes toward patients with epilepsy / Conhecimento e atitudes dos estudantes de um curso de Odontologia em relação à epilepsia

Epilepsy is defined as a group of symptoms resulting from several neuronal complications ranging from changes in consciousness and motor activity to sensory phenomena and aberrant behaviors. This health problem has been associated with cases of stigma that can seriously affect the patient's quality of life. This study's main objectivewas to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding the treatmentof patients diagnosed with epilepsy by undergraduate dentistry students. The methodology was based on applyinga structured questionnaire with 17 close-endedquestions that evaluated information such as sociodemographic data, knowledge about epilepsy and social tolerance. The sample consisted of 397 students enrolled in the Dentistry course atFederal University of Paranáand divided into: group 1, students attending the 1st to the 7th semester of the course,and group 2, students in the last semester of the course. Group 1 students had more opportunities to care for patients with epilepsy than group 2. Most students expressed positive attitudes towardliving with people suffering from epilepsy and considered that they could not exercise certain professional activities. The question with the least number of correct answers dealt with the treatment of patients with the disease. Students' knowledge of epilepsy was low. However, the level of positive attitudes towardliving with this type of patient was considered high (AU).

A epilepsia é definida como um complexo de sintomas resultantes de diversas complicações neuronais que variam de alterações da consciência e da atividade motora até fenômenos sensoriais e comportamentos aberrantes. Esse problema de saúde tem sido associado a casos de estigma que podem repercutir seriamente na qualidade de vida do paciente. Este estudo teve por objetivo principal investigar o conhecimento e as atitudes em relação ao manejo de pacientes com diagnóstico de epilepsia dos estudantes de graduação do curso de Odontologia. A metodologia foi baseada na aplicação de um questionário estruturado com 17 perguntas fechadas que avaliaram informações como dados sociodemográficos, conhecimento sobre epilepsia e tolerância social. A amostra foi composta por 397 estudantes matriculados no curso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Paraná e dividida em: grupo 1, alunos cursando do 1º até o 7º semestre do curso e grupo 2, alunos do último semestre do curso. Os estudantes dogrupo 1 tiveram mais oportunidades para atender pacientes com epilepsia do que os do grupo 2. A maioria dos estudantes manifestou atitudes positivas em relação ao convívio com pessoas que sofrem de epilepsia e considerou que elas não poderiam exercer determinadas atividades profissionais. A questão com menor número de acertos tratava do tratamento de pacientes com a doença. O conhecimento dos estudantes em relação à epilepsia foi baixo. Porém, o nível de atitudes positivas em relação ao convívio com esse tipo de paciente foi considerado alto (AU).

Effect of the Chronic Use of Lithium Carbonate on Induced Tooth Movement in Wistar Rats.

Patients who seek dental treatment may have bipolar disorder, and lithium carbonate (LC) is the drug of choice used in the treatment of this disorder. Taking into consideration the controversial results found in the literature, and the possible influence of LC on induced tooth movement, the objective was to evaluate tooth movement induced in rats after administration of lithium carbonate. One hundred and ninety-two rats were divided into 3 groups. In the L group, the animals received daily 60mg/kg of LC, they were not subjected to orthodontic movement, and they were euthanized after 33, 37, 44 or 51 days. In the LM group, the LC was administered for 30 days and during the subsequent 3, 7, 14 and 21 days, corresponding to the period of induced tooth movement, and they received a spring that produced a 30cN force. In the SM group, saline solution was applied. Measurements were made of tooth displacement, the numbers of osteoclasts and serum lithium phosphate (PO4), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine levels. The tooth displacement was lower in the LM group compared to the SM group at 44 days. A tendency toward reduction in the number of osteoclasts was observed in the LM group compared to the SM group at 44 days. The average lithium were higher in the L and LM groups compared to the SM group. The opposite was observed for the PO4 group. A higher value for the ALP was found in the L group. The average creatinine level was lower in the LM group. LC inhibited tooth movement for 14 days, possibly due to the reduction in the number of osteoclasts.

Marsupialization of dentigerous cyst: report of a case.

Dentigerous cyst is a common pathologic entity associated with an impacted tooth. The standard treatment for this lesion is enucleation and extraction of the involved tooth. Marsupialization of dentigerous cyst has also been advocated, once in many cases it can maintain the impacted tooth in its cavity and promotes its eruption. This report describes a case of a 13-year-old girl with a large dentigerous cyst associated with mandibular right second molar. The cyst was marsupialized and the patient was checked weekly. Two months after the surgical procedure the impacted tooth was completely erupted without orthodontic traction and therapy.