Lucas Ribeiro Teixeira

Objective This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in relieving sicca symptoms of SjD. Methods A prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted on SjD patients experiencing dry eyes and dry mouth. Forty-six patients were randomized and 27 completed the study (acupuncture, n = 15; sham, n = 12). Patients received either acupuncture or sham acupuncture (control) weekly for 8 weeks. Key outcomes, including Schirmer test (ST), corneal fluorescein staining score, tear film break-up time, Ocular Surface Disease Index, unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF), EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Xerostomia Inventory (XI) score, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) score, and Challacombe scale, were measured at baseline, immediately after treatment, and 4 weeks later. Statistical analysis consisted of comparing outcomes between groups over time. Results The acupuncture group exhibited significant improvement in total ESSPRI and ESSPRI dryness scores. The positive effects persisted for at least 4 weeks after the completion of treatment. Furthermore, the acupuncture group exhibited improvement over time in the ESSPRI fatigue domain, ESSPRI pain domain, OHIP-14, XI, UWSF, and ST. No other statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusion Acupuncture is effective in relieving dryness in SjD patients. Larger samples and longer observation periods are necessary to better understand the effectiveness of this intervention in SjD. (NCT04056221/ 18/02/2019). Key Points • Acupuncture is a low-cost method with few side effects • Acupuncture exerts a symptom-relieving effect in primary Sjögren’s disease patients

Objective. To evaluate, through a systematic literature review, whether periodontal status in HIV‐infected individuals is different from those non‐HIV‐infected. Materials and Methods. A systematic search for published observational studies within six electronic databases and grey literature was conducted, PROSPERO database number CRD42020160062. Results from studies reporting clinical periodontal parameters: probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and gingival index, in HIV‐ and non‐HIV‐infected individuals were reviewed. The quality of the assessment was evaluated according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraise Checklist. Results. Twenty‐three observational studies met the eligibility criteria and were included for analysis. The qualitative analysis indicated similarities in periodontal parameters within both groups, with no significant mean difference (MD) within both groups regarding clinical periodontal parameters; severe heterogeneity was also detected. Conclusions. No significant differences were found in the periodontal profile of HIV‐infected and non‐HIV‐infected individuals. However, the high heterogeneity among the studies calls for caution in interpreting these findings. Further investigations using standardized methods for periodontal evaluation are needed to clarify the association between HIV infection and periodontal conditions.

BackgroundPsoriasis is a common cutaneous disease; however, information about psoriasis-related oral mucosal lesions is scarce in the literature.Case DescriptionWe report a case of a 73-year-old male patient with cutaneous and oral palatal alterations. An incisional biopsy of these lesions revealed psoriasis.ConclusionThe current case highlights the importance of a systematic examination of the oral cavity in psoriasis patients for the appropriate diagnosis and management on the control of these lesions.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), also called Grönblad‐Strandberg syndrome, is an autosomal recessive disease associated to mutations in the ABCC6 (adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette subfamily C member 6) gene. It is characterized by generalized disorders due to accumulation and ectopic calcification in the extracellular matrix (ECM) causing degenerative alterations of tissues rich in elastic fibers, through pathogenic mechanisms not fully elucidated.

Stafne’s bone cavity (SBC) is an asymptomatic lingual bone cavity situated near the angle of the mandible. The anterior variant of SBC, which shows a radiolucent unilateral ovoid lingual bone concavity in the canine-premolar mandibular region, is uncommon. A 73-year-old man was referred for assessment of loss of mandibular bone. Panoramic radiographs and computerized tomography scans showed a well-defined lingual bony defect in the anterior mandible. Analysis of imaginological documentation, made 14 years ago, revealed a progressive increase in mesiodistal diameter and intraosseous bony defect. The soft tissue obtained within the bony defect, microscopically revealed fibrous stroma containing blood vessels of varied caliber. The current anterior lingual mandibular bone defect case is probably caused by the salivary gland entrapped or pressure resorption, which can explain the SBC pathogenesis.KEYWORDSBone defect; Mandible; Cone beam computed tomography; Diagnosis; Case report.

Objective: To evaluate if temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are associated with genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2, which are genes encoding oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ). Also, we included an animal model to check if ERα and ERβ are expressed in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during adolescence. Materials and methods: A total of 139 teenagers and 93 adults were diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMDs). The DNA was collected and the markers ESR1 and ERS2 were genotyped. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed in TMJ tissues from female Wistar rats during puberty. All data were submitted to statistical analysis with confidence interval of 95%. Results: Teenagers presented more disc displacement and arthralgia than adults (p < .05). The genetic polymorphism rs1256049 in ESR2 was associated with disc displacement (p = .040; OR = 10.50/95%CI 1.17–98.74) and arthralgia (p = .036; OR = 7.20/95%CI 1.10–46.88) in adults. The ERα and ERβ are expressed in rat TMJ tissues. Conclusions: We provide evidence that ESR2 is associated with TMD and could be a genetic marker for this condition in adult women. Furthermore, oestrogens receptors are presented in TMJ of adolescent female rats.