MutSα expression predicts a lower disease-free survival in malignant salivary gland tumors: an immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate DNA replication is vital to maintain cell integrity at the genomic level. Malfunction on DNA repair mechanisms can have implications related to tumor behavior. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of key complexes of the DNA mismatch-repair system MutSα (hMSH2-hMSH6) and MutSß (hMSH2-hMSH3) in a panel comprising the most common benign and malignant salivary gland tumors (SGT), and to determine their association with disease-free survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten cases of normal salivary gland (NSG) and 92 of SGT (54 benign and 38 malignant) were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry was performed for hMSH2, hMSH3, hMSH6. Scanned slides were digitally analyzed based on the percentage of positive cells with nuclear staining. Cases were further classified in MutSαhigh and MutSßhigh based on hMSH2-hMSH6 and hMSH3-hMSH6 expression, respectively. RESULTS: hMSH3 expression was lower in malignant SGT compared to NSG and benign cases. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) cases with perineural invasion presented a lower percentage of hMSH3 positive cells. hMSH6 was downregulated in both benign and malignant SGT compared to NSG. Malignant SGT cases with MutSαhigh expression had lower disease-free survival compared to MutSαlow cases. A 10.26-fold increased risk of presenting local recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a lack of hMSH3 protein function is associated with a more aggressive phenotype (malignancy and perineural invasion) and that MutSα overexpression predicts a poor clinical outcome in malignant SGT.

Oxidation of sulfonamides by ferrate(VI): Reaction kinetics, transformation byproducts and toxicity assesment.

This study was aimed at the degradation of sulfonamides (SNs) via oxidation with Fe(VI). The reaction kinetics, identification of degradation byproducts and their toxicity were investigated. The pH solution and Fe(VI) loading had significant effects on the degradation of the sulfonamides. The maximum degradation rate occurred at pH 3.0 with a 6:1 ratio Fe(VI): sulfonamide, obtaining 100% degradation of 15 mg L-1 SN within 5 min. Although Fe(VI) also showed an appreciable reactivity towards SNs (kapp = 9.85-19.63 × 102 M-1 s-1) at pH 7. The influence of solution pH on the values of kapp can be explained considering the specific reaction between Fe(VI) and SNs. Degradation rates are also influenced by the presence of inorganic ions in different water matrixes. For this reason, ions present in groundwater enhanced the SNs degradation through a synergistic effect among carbonates, sulfates and Fe(VI). Degradation byproducts identified, through UPLC analysis, allowed us to proposed three degradation pathways depending on pH. At acid pH there is a cleavage of C-S and S-N bonds. At neutral pH nitroso and nitro-derivates are formed. At basic pH hydroxylation is the main reaction. The cytotoxicity assay of HEK-293 and J774 cell lines exposed to Fe(VI) indicated that transformation byproducts had a lower toxicity than SNs as baseline products. Accordingly, this research suggests that Fe(VI) can act as a chemical oxidant to remove SNs antibiotics and it can be used to treat antibiotic pollution in wastewater.

Management of the oral hemangiomas in infants and children: Scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric oral hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that can be seen from birth, particularly in females. Hemangiomas are most frequent located in the lips and usually regress spontaneously, thus they do not require any type of treatment in most cases. The present scoping review pretended to synthesize the most relevant and currently available information from the international dental literature published in the last 25 years, regarding the management of pediatric oral hemangiomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exhaustive literature search was performed in four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane). Initially, 241 related titles and abstracts were found. After the duplication removal, screening, and assessment processes, 37 records were included for full-text reading. Finally, 20 articles in the English language were included in the scoping review for data extraction and assessment. RESULTS: We identified and subsequently discussed three fundamental issues associated to the management of pediatric oral hemangiomas: (i) clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, and histopathological findings; (ii) evolution and complications; and (iii) current available treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Although these like-tumor lesions are uncommon, pediatric dentistry practitioners must be familiar with the inherent clinical characteristics, diagnosis approaches, and currently available treatment options. Nowadays, surgical removal and non-invasive medical/pharmacologic therapies are the best management modalities for pediatric oral hemangiomas.

Sulfonamides degradation assisted by UV, UV/H2O2 and UV/K2S2O8: Efficiency, mechanism and byproducts cytotoxicity.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of UVC, UVC/H2O2 and UVC/K2S2O8 on the degradation of SAs. Rate constant values increased in the order SMZ < SDZ < SML and showed the higher photodegradation of sulfonamides with a penta-heterocycle. Quantum yields were 1.72 × 10-5 mol E-1, 3.02 × 10-5 mol E-1, and 6.32 × 10-5 mol E-1 for SMZ, SDZ and SML, respectively, at 60 min of treatment. R254 values show that the dose habitually utilized for water disinfection is inadequate to remove this type of antibiotic. The initial sulfonamide concentration has a major impact on the degradation rate. The degradation rates were higher at pH 12 for SMZ and SML. SMZ and SML photodegradation kλ values are higher in tap versus distilled water. The presence of radical promoters generates a greater increase in the degradation rate, UVC/K2S2O8 cost less energy, a mechanism was proposed, and the degradation by-products are less toxic than the original product.

Non-syndromic craniosynostosis in children: Scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis (CS) is a complex condition consisting of the early fusion of one or more cranial sutures in the intrauterine stage. The affected infant exhibits abnormal head shape at time of birth or shortly thereafter. It can be observed in normal individuals (non-syndromic CS or NSCS) or as a part of a multisystem syndrome. The purposes of the present article were to carry out a scoping review on Non-Syndromic CS and to discuss the most important findings retrieved. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The steps of this scoping review were as follows: first, to pose a research question; second, to identify relevant studies to answer the research question; third, to select and retrieve the studies; fourth, to chart the critical data, and finally, to collate, summarize, and report the results from the most important articles. Relevant articles published over a 20-year period were identified and retrieved from five Internet databases: PubMed; EMBASE; Cochrane Library; Google Scholar, and EBSCO. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were finally included in the present scoping review. The following four most important clinical issues are discussed: (i) normal cranial development, clinical manifestations, and pathogenesis of NCSC; (ii) clinical evaluation of NCSC; (iii) treatment and post-surgical follow-up; and (iv) additional considerations. CONCLUSIONS: NSCS may be present with associated head shapes. Multiple early surgical reconstructive options are currently available for the disorder. Pediatric Dentistry practitioners must be familiarized with this condition and form part of a multi-approach health team as those responsible for the opportune oral health care of the affected child.

A video eyeglasses/earphones system as distracting method during dental treatment in children: A crossover randomised and controlled clinical trial.

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of a Video Eyeglasses/Earphones System (VEES) as distracting device in reducing anxiety in children during dental procedures carried out under local anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this crossover clinical trial, 36 Frankl scale II and III children aged 5-8 years received different dental procedures in two sessions, with and without the VEES system. In the control visit, they were not exposed to this distraction stimulus, but traditional non-aversive behaviour management was applied. Each dental session was divided into four phases (explanation, anaesthetic injection, rubber-dam/clamp placement, and high-speed hand piece work for 5 min). Pain in each treatment phase was assessed by the following measurements: the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. Pulse rate, and oxygen saturation measurements were employed to evaluate the state of anxiety. Comparison of the outcomes of two interventions were statistically analysed through the Wilcoxon Signed-rank Test. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the results of the two interventions (VEES vs. no VEES/behavioural management) during the four treatment phases on assessment by any of the measurements employed. CONCLUSIONS: The VEES method was not more effective than traditional non-aversive behavioural techniques for reducing anxiety and pain perception in children undergoing dental treatment.

Oral management of children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura and associated Glomerulonephritis: a scoping review.

AIM: To perform a scoping review of the existing literature in order to gather the most relevant information in the paediatric dentistry field related to the oral management of children affected by Henoch-Schönlein Purpura and associated Glomerulonephritis (HSPG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using scoping review methodology for the screening and selection of valid articles, the steps of this review were the following: first, to pose a research question; second, to identify relevant studies; third, to select and retrieve the studies; fourth, to chart the critical data, and finally, to collate, summarise, and report the results from the included articles. Relevant articles published over a 25-year period, up to July 31, 2017, were identified and retrieved from four Internet databases: PubMed; EMBASE/Ovid; Ebsco/Dentistry & Oral Science Source, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library. RESULTS: By title and abstract screening and after removing duplicates, four articles were finally included in the scoping review. According to the extracted data, the following are the most important clinical issues to be considered: (1) the disease can appear as a consequence of a dental treatment, such as those indicated for oral infectious processes; (2) children with HSPG are highly susceptible to dental caries and apical periodontitis, and (3) in affected children, oral infectious foci must be exhaustively eradicated in order to avoid the dissemination of the infection. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric Dentists should be aware of HSPG, because the disease can be triggered or worsen subsequent to dental treatment. Adequate treatment of oral active infectious processes, together with an exhaustive oral preventive programme and long-term patient screening, are the best management approaches for children with HSPG.

Relationship between mozzarella yield and milk composition, processing factors, and recovery of whey constituents.

Our aim was to identify the relationship between mozzarella cheese yield and buffalo milk composition, processing factors, and recovery of whey constituents. A production of 30 batches of mozzarella cheese at a dairy industry in northeast Brazil (Rio Grande do Norte) was monitored between March and November 2015. Mozzarella yield and 32 other variables were observed for each batch, and divided into 3 groups: milk composition variables (12); variables involved in the cheesemaking process (14); and variables for recovery of whey constituents (6). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and principal component analysis. Most of the correlations between milk composition variables and between the variables of the manufacturing processes were not significant. Significant correlations were mostly observed between variables for recovery of whey constituents. Yield only showed significant correlation with time elapsed between curd cuttings and age of the starter culture, and it showed greater association with age of the starter culture, time elapsed between curd cuttings, and during stretching, as well as with milk pH and density. Thus, processing factors and milk characteristics are closely related to dairy efficiency in mozzarella manufacturing.

Polymorphism in the Beta Casein Gene and analysis of milk characteristicsin Gir and Guzerá dairy cattle.

Several human health problems have been related to the allergenic constitution of bovine milk due to the body's immune reaction to milk proteins. It is necessary find solutions to minimize the occurrence of such reactions, given the importance of milk as a source of animal protein. The aim of this study was to evaluate the allelic frequency of the CSN2 gene and to evaluate differences in the characteristics of Gir and Guzerá bovine milk. One hundred and fifty-six cows were used (68 Gir and 88 Guzerá) from the Felipe Camarão Experimental Station herd of the Agricultural Research Corporation of RN (EMPARN). DNA extractions were carried out from hair follicles of the animals; the gene was then amplified and sequenced in an ABI 3100 automatic sequencer. The obtained sequences were submitted to analysis using the Geneious 5.6.5® program. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and to the Tukey-Kramer test at 5% probability and cluster analyses by main components were performed. Allele frequencies were 98 and 97% for the A2 allele and 0.96 and 0.93% for the genotype A2A2 for Gir and Guzerá, respectively. Gir and Guzerá animals showed differences in protein, lactose, and non-fat dry extract levels. Although correlations between milk yield and the production and some milk components are moderate, increases in milk yield are always greater than the increase in constituent yield. In addition, even though Guzerá animals have a higher percentage of protein, lactose, and non-fat dry extract, milk from Zebu breeds is an alternative for individuals sensitive to ß-casein protein.

Dental management of pediatric patients affected by pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) involves a wide range of pathological conditions, such as Pulmonary Atresia with Ventricle Septal Defect (PA/VSD). This disorder leads to the systemic circulation of oxygen-poor blood (cyanosis), with associated features and consequences in the oral cavity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using scoping review methodology for screening and article selection, the primary objectives of this paper were as follows: first, to pose a research question; second, to identify relevant studies in order to answer the research question; third, to select and retrieve the studies; fourth, to chart the critical data, and finally, to collate, summarize, and report the results from the most important articles on the dental management of children affected with PA/VSD. Relevant articles (Randomized Controlled Trials [RCT], reviews, observational studies, and clinical case reports) published over a 10-year period were identified and retrieved from four Internet databases: PubMed; Embase/Ovid; Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: By title and abstract screening and after removing duplicates, 24 articles were finally included in the present scoping review. According to the extracted data, the following are the most important clinical issues to be considered when treating children with PA/VSD in the dental setting: prevalence of dental caries; prevention of dental disease (oral hygiene and diet); bacteremia and infective endocarditis risk, and child behavior control and treatment under general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric Dentists should bear in mind that early diagnosis and treatment, together a long-term follow-up of children with PA/VSD, continue to be the best approaches for achieving enhanced patient psychological well-being and, in consequence, their good quality of life.

Dental approach for Apert syndrome in children: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Apert Syndrome (AS), or type I acrocephalosyndactyly, is a rare, congenital craniosynostosis condition resulting from missense mutations in the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. It is characterized by three specific clinical features: brachycephalic skull; midface hypoplasia, and limb abnormalities (syndactyly of hands and feet). The disorder exhibits variable presentations in bones, brain, skin, internal organs, and in the oral/maxillofacial region. The aim of the present paper was to show the main results from a systematic review of AS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the literature was performed from April to June 2016 in five electronic databases. Clinical interventional or observational studies, reviews, and case reports were included. The present systematic review was carried out strictly following PRISMA and Cochrane Collaboration criteria. RESULTS: A total of 129 potential references were identified. After reviewing titles and abstracts, 77 of these did not meet the desired criteria and were discarded. The full text of the remaining 52 manuscripts was critically screened. Finally, 35 relevant papers were identified for inclusion in the present systematic review and classified according to topic type. CONCLUSIONS: According to the information gathered, dentistry practitioners must be able to supply an early diagnosis through the recognition of AS clinical features and provide correct oral management. Additionally, they should be integrated in a multidisciplinary medical care team in order to improve the quality of life of the affected patients.

Epidemiology behavior of leptospirosis in Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba (Colombia).

The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology of leptospirosis in rural areas of Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba, Colombia, a convenience sampling was carried out on 13 farms. The sample size was 325 reproductive age cows, 11 canine samples, and 20 humans. The samples were subjected to MAT analysis with 11 serogroups of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Once the MAT results were received, urine samples were collected from 78 cows, along with 39 water samples, for bacteriological cultures and PCR for the 16S rRNA gene in L. interrogans sensu lato. Positive PCR samples were sequenced to determine the possible genome species. The leptospirosis seroprevalence was 74.5% in the cattle, 70.0% in the dogs, and 45.5% in the humans. Although isolation was not achieved, L. interrogans sensu lato was detected by PCR in three urine samples and in a sample of wastewater. The sequencing confirmed the circulation of pathogenic species. The high prevalence of antibodies for L. interrogans sensu lato and the molecular evidence led to the inference that the rural areas of Ciénaga de Oro are endemic and that cattle can act as renal carriers and contaminate water sources, which increases the risk of contracting leptospirosis.

Split-mouth design in Paediatric Dentistry clinical trials.

AIM: The aim of this article was to describe the essential concepts of the split-mouth design, its underlying assumptions, advantages, limitations, statistical considerations, and possible applications in Paediatric Dentistry clinical investigation. DISCUSSION: In Paediatric Dentistry clinical investigation, and as part of randomised controlled trials, the split-mouth design is commonly used. The design is characterised by subdividing the child's dentition into halves (right and left), where two different treatment modalities are assigned to one side randomly, in order to allow further outcome evaluation. Each participant acts as their own control by making within- patient rather than between-patient comparisons, thus diminishing inter-subject variability and increasing study accuracy and power. However, the main problem with this design comprises the potential contamination of the treatment effect from one side to the other, or the "carry-across effect"; likewise, this design is not indicated when the oral disease to be treated is not symmetrically distributed (e.g. severity) in the mouth of children. Thus, in spite of its advantages, the split-mouth design can only be applied in a limited number of strictly selected cases. CONCLUSION: In order to obtain valid and reliable data from split mouth design studies, it is necessary to evaluate the risk of carry-across effect as well as to carefully analise and select adequate inclusion criteria, sample-size calculation and method of statistical analysis.

Histopathological grading systems analysis of oral squamous cell carcinomas of young patients.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the clinicopathological profile of young patients (≤ 40 years) with oral SCC and correlate with a control group (≥ 50 years) by means of histopathological grading systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 young patients and 14 control patients were selected with similar clinical stage and tumor location. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from patient records and histological sections were evaluated according to four histopathological grading systems. Associations between categories of demographic and clinical data were performed through Chi-square test and Exact Fisher test. The survival analyzes were performed according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The comparison between groups showed a greater association of treatment modalities in younger patients (p=0.022), they had a higher incidence of local recurrence and regional metastasis (p=0.018) and lower disease-free survival in 5 years (p=0.069). There was no difference in 5-year overall survival among the studied groups. There was no difference in histological grading between studied groups according to the four used systems. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that, despite tumors had similar histological grade and more therapeutic modalities were used in the young group, tumors in young patients had a higher incidence of recurrence/metastasis, showing tendency to a more aggressive behavior.

In vitro assessment of retention and microleakage in pit and fissure sealants following enamel pre-etching with sodium hypochlorite deproteinisation.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the rate of sealant retention and microleakage after placement on etched enamel with and without prior deproteinisation. STUDY DESIGN: 75 freshly extracted third molars were randomly assigned to either of two pit and fissure treatment methods. Samples from both groups were etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel for 15 seconds, followed by placement of a sealant, and then subjected to thermocycling for evaluation of sealant retention. After that, specimens were immersed in rhodamine B, sectioned longitudinally, and examined under a confocal laser scanning microscope for assessment of microleakage. Collected data were statistically analysed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests with an α level of 0.05. RESULTS: The rate of sealant retention was similar between the two study groups (P = 0.073), but the rate of sealant microleakage was significantly lower in the enamel deproteinisation group (P < 0.001) than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, we recommend the deproteinisation method prior to enamel acid etching to obtain better clinical results with sealants.

Subcutaneous Midazolam with and without Ketamine for Sedation In Children Undergoing Dental Treatment: A Pilot Study.

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) sedation using midazolam with and without ketamine in non-cooperative pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot clinical trial was carried out in 13 children, aged between 17-46 months, ASA l, Frankl 1. Two sedation schemes were administered SC: Midazolam alone (M), and a combination of Midazolam-Ketamine (MK). Both regimens were administered to the same patient in two consecutive treatment sessions, in accordance with a random assignment. Overall behavior, movement, and crying were assessed according to the modified Houpt scale. Heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and possible side effects were also monitored. RESULTS: The percentage of non-crying children was always higher in the treatment with MK compared with the treatment with M, but without a significant statistical difference. Regarding variable body movement, the percentage of children without movement was higher in the MK group, although only up to minute 10; no significant differences were found at 20, 30, and 40 minutes, and from minute 40, body movement was lower in the M group. CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam alone and the midazolam-ketamine combination administered subcutaneously resulted in a safe and efficient pharmacological method for providing moderate sedation to non-cooperative pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment.

Colonization levels of Streptococcus mutans between mother and infant: a postnatal prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible association between maternal S. mutans levels and those of the infant during the period between birth and 5 months and evaluate possible risk factors in the S mutans colonization. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was carried out comprising 62 infants and their mothers, selected at the time of childbirth. For each infant, a sample swab was taken at 0, 15, 30, 90, and 150 days postpartum; on the same days, a sample was obtained from the mothers. TYCSB medium was employed for identifying the microorganism, which was later confirmed by Gram staining, the catalase activity test, and the API strep test. RESULTS: The final total sample consisted of 60 infants, from which S. mutans was detected in only 2 (3%) at the 150th day of oral sample collection. Of the sample of 60 mothers, 54 exhibited colonization levels. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample pairs up to 150 days, it was not possible to demonstrate the presence of a direct relationship between maternal S. mutans oral levels.

Obesity/overweight and dental caries experience in children and adolescents: an umbrella review.

PURPOSE: The present umbrella review aimed to synthesize and critically assess the methodological and reporting quality of previous systematic reviews about the potential relationship between obesity or overweight and caries dental experience in pediatric patients. METHOD: Electronic database and manual searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to July 2023. The risk of bias assessment of eligible systematic reviews was performed using the Risk Of Bias In Systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool. A systematization of the results was carried out in order to understand the possible relationship between the two conditions. RESULTS: Electronic and manual searches identified 136 titles and abstracts. After the removal of duplicates, 15 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Six studies were excluded, resulting in 8 systematic reviews and 1 scoping review that met the inclusion criteria. Five were systematic reviews without meta-analysis and the rest were conducted with quantitative analysis. CONCLUSION: Conflicting findings to date from this umbrella review suggest that the relationship between obesity and dental caries in children is still inconclusive and likely to be complex.

Dog-Assisted Therapy (DAT) for the management of anxiety during paediatric dental care. A scoping review.

AIM: Distraction techniques in paediatric dentistry can be effective in decreasing the child's attention span from an unpleasant or stressful procedure. Distraction is achieved through imagination, audio, and/or visual stimuli. It has been shown that the accompaniment and participation of animals or pets, specifically dogs (Dog-Assisted Therapy or DAT), during medical, oral, and therapeutic activities can improve the physical and mental health of patients, especially children. However, there is limited information available regarding the impact of incorporating a certified therapy dog into the paediatric dental environment as a distraction strategy to alleviate anxiety levels during dental procedures. METHODS: This scoping review aimed to identify and review published articles concerning the use of DAT in paediatric dentistry. The article discusses indications, benefits, and potential risks to human health and safety in clinical settings. Eligible sources encompass clinical trials, observational studies, and narrative reviews written in either English or Spanish and published over the last two decades, sourced from four electronic databases. Ultimately, seven pertinent studies were included in the review. CONCLUSION: DAT presents itself as a promising alternative in managing anxiety and stress among children during dental visits. The integration of a therapy dog and its handler into the paediatric oral care team should be thoughtfully considered by clinicians as a means to enhance the comfort and compliance of apprehensive patients.

Correction: Development and characterization of three-dimensional antibacterial nanocomposite sponges of chitosan, silver nanoparticles and halloysite nanotubes.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D4RA04274C.].