Oral biosciences: The annual review 2021

BackgroundThe Journal of Oral Biosciences is devoted to advancing and disseminating fundamental knowledge concerning every aspect of oral biosciences.HighlightThis review features review articles in the fields of “Extracellular Vesicles,” “Propolis,” “Odontogenic Tumors,” “Periodontitis,” “Periodontium,” “Flavonoids,” “Lactoferrin,” “Dental Plaque,” “Anatomy,” “Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells,” “Bone Cell Biology,” “Dysgeusia,” “Dental Caries,” and “Dental Pulp Cavity,” in addition to the review article by the winners of the “Lion Award” (“Sox9 function in salivary gland development”) presented by the Japanese Association for Oral Biology.ConclusionThese reviews in the Journal of Oral Biosciences have inspired its readers to broaden their knowledge regarding various aspects of oral biosciences. The current editorial review introduces these exciting review articles.     

Topical glaucoma medications – Clinical implications for the ocular surface

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The use of topical eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure remains the mainstay treatment. These eye drops frequently contain preservatives designed to ensure sterility of the compound. A growing number of clinical and experimental studies report the detrimental effects of not only these preservatives but also the active pharmaceutical compounds on the ocular surface, with resultant tear film instability and dry eye disease. Herein, we critically appraise the published literature exploring the effects of preservatives and pharmaceutical compounds on the ocular surface.     

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: diagnostic challenges,histopathologic features and ancillary testing

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive thyroid malignancy with high mortality rate. This malignancy arises in thyroid follicular cells either denovo or with an associated differentiated thyroid carcinoma component. Clinically, it usually presents as a rapidly enlarging mass, pain and locally compressive symptoms. Histopathologic variability and heterogeneity often pose diagnostic challenges, especially in scant and paucicellular specimens. This article describes the clinical, histopathologic and molecular features of ATC and also addresses the associated diagnostic limitations and challenges.     

Hallazgos ecográficos en el tejido tímico ectópico intratiroideo en niños y adolescentes. Una revisión sistemática

Intrathyroidal ectopic thymic tissue (IETT) is an indulgent, unusual entity and is part of the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules in the pediatric population. Because of the low prevalence of IETT, the diagnosis may be difficult. Awareness of this diagnosis is definitive to avoid surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the echographic characteristics of IETT. We conducted a search of Ovid, PubMed and the virtual health library.A total of 619 patients with a mean age of 6.2 years old were included. IETT was located in the lower portion of both of the thyroidal lobes in 556 children, the echographic shape was reported for 173 patients, with the fusiform shape as the most representative, the appearance of the IETTs was reported for 121 patients, the most common was the hypoechogenic pattern with multiple internal echogenic foci. The average lesion diameter was 5.53 mm, and Doppler findings reported a hipovascular pattern in 56% of the lesions.In conclusion, IETT is an infrequent entity; nonetheless, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of neck nodules in children and should be study and follow with echography to avoid unnecessary surgery.     

Metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma to the parotid lymph nodes

Parotid lymph node (PLN) metastasis greatly worsens the prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and poses a great challenge for further treatment of OSCC. The clinicopathological characteristics and treatment strategies for PLN metastasis from OSCC need to be comprehensively elucidated. A retrospective review of OSCC patients who experienced postoperative PLN metastasis in our department between 2000 and 2018 was performed in this study. A total of 47 OSCC patients with postoperative PLN metastasis were identified. PLN with metastasis were divided into three groups based on the location: parotid tail (PLN-t), superficial lobe (PLN-sl), and deep lobe (PLN-dl). Most of the patients experienced PLN metastasis within less than 12 months after the primary surgery for OSCC. Comparatively, patients with PLN-sl metastasis were more prone to have infiltration of the facial nerve. The tongue and buccal mucosa were the most frequent primary sites associated with PLN metastasis from OSCC. PLNs in the parotid tail were most commonly affected by the metastasized OSCC. Consequently, we recommend a series of strategies for the prevention and treatment of PLN metastasis for OSCC patients. In conclusion, PLNs should not be overlooked during preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up examinations for OSCC patients.     

«Omepralith»: un modelo de simulación novedoso para el entrenamiento en sialoendoscopia

IntroductionThere are no previously described training models for learning or teaching how to remove lithiasis from the salivary ducts. Therefore, we present a new simulation model to enable us to faithfully represent the process of endoscopic lithiasis extraction by sialoendoscopy.Materials and methodsA simulation model was developed using a pig's head, omeprazole spheres were used to simulate lithiasis in the various ducts of each salivary gland and a Dormia basket was used to train in extraction of the lithiasis model.ResultsTwenty-seven residents in training and/or young specialists were successfully trained in this technique using this model. Twenty-six (96.3%) considered the model useful for training in the use of baskets; all of them were able to capture the omeprazole sphere in the salivary duct. A satisfaction rate of 92.25 out of 100 points was obtained through an anonymous survey.ConclusionWe describe a novel simulation model using omeprazole spheres, which allows the surgeon to practice how to diagnose and treat obstructive pathology of the salivary glands in a risk-free environment guaranteeing the reproducibility of the technique in conditions similar to those of normal practice.