Publications by authors named "Flavia Calo de Aquino Xavier"

Background: Cholesterol in cell membranes is crucial for cell signaling, adhesion, and migration. Membranes feature cholesterol-rich caveolae with caveolin proteins, playing roles in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer progression. Despite elevated cholesterol levels in tumors, its precise function and the effects of its depletion in oral squamous cell carcinoma remain unclear.

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Background: Transcription factors are important in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and are possibly related to the development of a more invasive tumor phenotype. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the expression and identify the localization of cellular markers related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in salivary gland tumors.

Study Design: The expression and localization of E-CADERIN, N-CADERIN, SLUG, SNAIL, and TWIST were evaluated, using immunohistochemistry, in 48 salivary gland tumors, being 17 pleomorphic adenomas (PA), 14 adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC), and 17 mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC).

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Article Synopsis
  • This multicenter study analyzed 1,341 cases of odontogenic keratocysts from 1,169 patients to explore differences between non-syndromic and syndromic cases, including recurrence rates.
  • The study found that non-syndromic cases were more common, with the posterior mandible being the most affected site, and noted that most lesions were unilocular and asymptomatic.
  • Conservative treatment was the most frequently used, and recurrences were rare; the study highlighted that clinical features could vary significantly between syndromic and non-syndromic patients.
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Background: Three years after the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Brazil, the outcomes of Federal government omissions in managing the crisis and anti-science stance heading into the pandemic have become even more evident. With over 36 million confirmed cases and nearly 700 000 deaths up to January 2023, the country is one of the hardest-hit places in the world. The lack of mass-testing programs was a critical broken pillar responsible for the quick and uncontrolled SARS-CoV-2 spread throughout the Brazilian population.

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Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by the potential to differentiate into multiple cell lineages, high proliferation rates, and self-renewal capacity, in addition to the ability to maintain their undifferentiated state. These cells have been identified in physiological oral tissues such as pulp tissue, dental follicle, apical papilla and periodontal ligament, as well as in pathological situations such as chronic periapical lesions (CPLs). The criteria used for the identification of MSCs include the positive expression of specific surface antigens, with CD73, CD90, CD105, CD44, CD146, STRO-1, CD166, NANOG and OCT4 being the most specific for these cells.

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Introduction: Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is a controversial and uncommon lesion that has been distinguished from the larger group of ossifying fibromas because of distinct clinical features and some morphological peculiarities. Furthermore, JOF shows an aggressive biological behavior that has led researchers to consider it a benign neoplasm, resulting in its differential diagnosis with important benign and malignant bone neoplasms.

Presentation Of Case: This study describes a case of synchronous presentation of JOF in the mandible and maxilla of a young patient.

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Objective: This study investigated components of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway (SHH, GLI1), cyclin D1, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) in central giant cell granulomas (CGCG). The relationship between these proteins and myofibroblasts was also studied.

Material And Methods: Twelve cases of non-aggressive CGCG and 11 cases of aggressive CGCG were studied using immunohistochemistry for SHH, GLI1, Cyclin D1, and SMA.

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Background: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) contains a cell subpopulation referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The CSC markers have been used to isolate these cells and as biomarkers to predict overall survival.

Methods: The CSC markers CD44, NANOG, OCT4, and BMI1 were investigated using reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters.

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Introduction: Lugol is helpful in identifying early second primary tumors (SPTs) during oroscopy and pharyngoscopy, but this technique has not been assessed during follow-up visits with these patients.

Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the use of Lugol (a low-cost method) to diagnose SPTs in the oral cavity and oropharynx.

Methods: Patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were randomly assigned to two groups.

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The pleomorphic adenoma (PA), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) are common tumors arising from salivary glands whose histopathology is heterogeneous. The sonic hedgehog signaling pathway (Hh) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) play important roles in cell proliferation, favoring tumor growth. The aim of this investigation was to study components of the Hh pathway, as well as STAT3 in salivary gland neoplasms in an attempt to add information about the biological characteristics of these neoplasms.

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The aim of this study was to characterize the profile of the proteins involved in the Hedgehog signaling pathway to aid in the understanding of the pathogenesis of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). The proteins SHH, PTCH1, HHIP, SUFU, GLI1, and cyclin D1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 25 cases of OED, 4 of non-neoplasic oral mucosa, 8 of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and 5 of hyperkeratosis. SHH proteins were predominant in OED cases.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study was conducted on 223 adult Kiriri Indians in Northeast Brazil to assess the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and their associated risk factors.
  • Results showed that 22.4% of participants had mucosal lesions, with the most common types being fistulae (6.2%) and traumatic ulcers (4.48%).
  • The study found that older age (≥ 35 years) and lower education levels (less than 9 years) were significantly linked to the presence of these lesions, highlighting the need for targeted public health programs to improve oral health in this community.
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  • Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a rare skin and mucous membrane condition that can affect the mouth, with unclear causes often linked to autoimmune and genetic factors.
  • A 47-year-old man exhibited an unusual case of oral LS characterized by a white plaque with red patches in the mouth, without other skin conditions present.
  • Immunohistochemical analyses revealed changes in tissue components, such as altered collagen and elastin levels, suggesting disruptions in tissue structure and potential involvement of immune cells in the condition's development.
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  • The study investigated the characteristics and components of oral mucoceles, analyzing 100 cases for clinicopathological features and 32 cases for immunohistochemical markers.
  • Oral mucoceles commonly appear as nodules or blisters, primarily in the lower lip of younger males, with sizes ranging from 0.4 to 3.0 cm.
  • Significant relationships were found between mast cells and MMP-1, as well as between macrophages and MMP-1, indicating their role in the tissue remodeling process of these lesions.
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The calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour (CCOT) is a rare benign cystic neoplasm not infrequently associated with odontoma. This report documents a case of CCOT associated with compound odontoma arising in the anterior maxilla in a 25-year-old woman. Conventional radiographs showed a large calcified mass with poorly visualized radiolucent margins.

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