Evaluating the effect of metabolic traits on oral and oropharyngeal cancer risk using Mendelian randomization.

A recent World Health Organization report states that at least 40% of all cancer cases may be preventable, with smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity identified as three of the most important modifiable lifestyle factors. Given the significant decline in smoking rates, particularly within developed countries, other potentially modifiable risk factors for head and neck cancer warrant investigation. Obesity and related metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension have been associated with head and neck cancer risk in multiple observational studies.

Case series of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) patients prescribed a drug holiday.

The role of a drug holiday in the management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) remains controversial. Current UK guidance does not recommend this practice given the lack of conclusive evidence, and potential risk of skeletal-related events or cancer metastasis. This paper aims to describe a series of fifty patients with confirmed MRONJ who were prescribed a drug holiday as part of their management.

Oral and maxillofacial injuries from electric scooters in Bristol: a retrospective observational study.

The 'Voi' (Voi Technology) electric scooter (e-scooter) pilot scheme was initiated in Southwest England on 29 October 2020.The aim of this study was to describe the patient demographic and patterns of oral and maxillofacial injuries related to the use of e-scooters in the Bristol area, to target public safety interventions at high-risk groups. Data were collected retrospectively from patients attending the Bristol Royal Infirmary Emergency Department (ED) over a six-month period.

A clinical observational analysis of aerosol emissions from dental procedures.

Aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) are defined as any procedure releasing airborne particles <5 μm in size from the respiratory tract. There remains uncertainty about which dental procedures constitute AGPs. We quantified the aerosol number concentration generated during a range of periodontal, oral surgery and orthodontic procedures using an aerodynamic particle sizer, which measures aerosol number concentrations and size distribution across the 0.

Investigating the effect of sexual behaviour on oropharyngeal cancer risk: a methodological assessment of Mendelian randomization.

Background: Human papilloma virus infection is known to influence oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) risk, likely via sexual transmission. However, sexual behaviour has been correlated with other risk factors including smoking and alcohol, meaning independent effects are difficult to establish. We aimed to evaluate the causal effect of sexual behaviour on the risk of OPC using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Using genetic variants to evaluate the causal effect of cholesterol lowering on head and neck cancer risk: A Mendelian randomization study.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which includes cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx, is a cause of substantial global morbidity and mortality. Strategies to reduce disease burden include discovery of novel therapies and repurposing of existing drugs. Statins are commonly prescribed for lowering circulating cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR).

A multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis investigating smoking and alcohol consumption in oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

The independent effects of smoking and alcohol in head and neck cancer are not clear, given the strong association between these risk factors. Their apparent synergistic effect reported in previous observational studies may also underestimate independent effects. Here we report multivariable Mendelian randomization performed in a two-sample approach using summary data on 6,034 oral/oropharyngeal cases and 6,585 controls from a recent genome-wide association study.

Oral leukoplakia and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: a review for dental practitioners.

Objectives To provide an overview of the current thinking in terms of the diagnosis and management of oral leukoplakia and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia as relevant to general dental practitioners.Data sources, data selection, data extraction, data synthesis We searched the MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Library, (1990 to 16 April 2017), restricting our search to English language with the following key words: leukoplakia, white patch, proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, precancerous lesion, premalignant lesions, potentially malignant oral conditions and potentially malignant oral disorders. The two authors selected key papers and engaged in collaborative data extraction and synthesis of the selected reference material.

Oral helminthic infestations.

Oral infections caused by helminths (worms) are rarely encountered in clinical practice, and consequently, there is a paucity of information in the medical and dental literature about these conditions. In the present article, we review the English literature related to oral helminthic infestations. The main oral infections caused by helminths include four roundworm (trichinosis, trichuriasis, filariasis, and larva migrans) and three tapeworm infections (cysticercosis, sparganosis, and echinococcosis).

Flies and the mouth.

Oral infections caused by flies are rarely encountered in clinical practice, and consequently, there is a paucity of information in the medical and dental literature about these conditions. In the present article, we present a concise review on oral myiasis or fly-blown disease. A variety of fly species can infest the oral tissues and produce an exotic clinical picture.

Defective dental restorations: to repair or not to repair? Part 2: All-ceramics and porcelain fused to metal systems.

Unlabelled: With the increasing use of ceramics in restorative dentistry, and trends to extend restoration longevity through the use of minimal interventive techniques, dental practitioners should be familiar with the factors that may influence the decision either to repair or replace fractured metal-ceramic and all-ceramic restorations and, also, the materials and techniques available to repair these restorations. This second of two papers addresses the possible modes of failure of ceramic restorations and outlines indications and techniques in this developing aspect of restoration repair in clinical practice.

Clinical Relevance: The repair of metal-ceramic and all-ceramic restorations is a reliable low-cost, low-risk technique that may be of value for the management of loss or fracture of porcelain from a crown or bridge in clinical practice.

Defective dental restorations: to repair or not to repair? Part 2: all-ceramics and porcelain fused to metal systems.

With the increasing use of ceramics in restorative dentistry, and trends to extend restoration longevity through the use of minimal interventive techniques, dental practitioners should be familiar with the factors that may influence the decision either to repair or replace fractured metal-ceramic and all-ceramic restorations and, also, the materials and techniques available to repair these restorations. This second of two papers addresses the possible modes of failure of ceramic restorations and outlines indications and techniques in this developing aspect of restoration repair in clinical practice.

Are patients referred for NHS-funded dental implant treatment being selected in accordance with national guidelines and subsequently funded by their primary care trust?

Introduction: The Faculty of Dental Surgery, The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE), published a national guideline document in 1997 detailing specific selection criteria for National Health Service (NHS) funded dental implant treatment. The aim of this audit was to assess whether patients selected for NHS-funded dental implants at Bristol Dental Hospital (BDH) met the RCSE national criteria for treatment and received funding from their primary care trust (PCT).

Patients And Methods: A retrospective audit over a period of 2 years was undertaken using medical records and an existing Microsoft Excel database.

Myokymia (fasciculation) of the tongue as a unique presentation of mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Neural invasion is a relatively common feature of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck and malignant salivary gland tumours. The symptoms depend on the location and the particular nerves involved, and include pain, anaesthesia, paraesthesia and cranial nerve palsy. The present case appears to be unique.

Resistance to sliding with 3 types of elastomeric modules.

Introduction: Super Slick (TP Orthodontics, LaPorte, Ind), a polymeric-coated ligature, has recently been introduced to the orthodontic market. The manufacturer claims it will significantly reduce friction. The purposes of this study were to determine whether Super Slick modules show lower friction than round and rectangular modules and to put the frictional forces into perspective with a self-ligating bracket.

Management of inhaled and swallowed foreign bodies.

Although accidental inhalation or ingestion episodes are very rare, the consequences can be very serious for the patient, so it is important when the total number of courses of dental treatment performed each year are considered. This article discusses the causes, likely sequelae and management strategies adopted following such incidents.

The role of TGF-beta in epithelial malignancy and its relevance to the pathogenesis of oral cancer (part II).

The role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in epithelial malignancy is complex, but it is becoming clear that, in the early stages of carcinogenesis, the protein acts as a potent tumor suppressor, while later, TGF-beta can function to advance tumor progression. We review the evidence to show that the pro-oncogenic functions of TGF-beta are associated with (1) a partial loss of response to the ligand, (2) defects of components of the TGF-beta signal transduction pathway, (3) over-expression and/or activation of the latent complex, (4) epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and (5) recruitment of signaling pathways which act in concert with TGF-beta to facilitate the metastatic phenotype. These changes are viewed in the context of what is known about the pathogenesis of oral cancer and whether this knowledge can be translated into the development of new therapeutic modalities.

TGF-beta signal transduction in oro-facial health and non-malignant disease (part I).

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family of cytokines consists of multi-functional polypeptides that regulate a variety of cell processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix elaboration, angiogenesis, and immune suppression, among others. In so doing, TGF-beta plays a key role in the control of cell behavior in both health and disease. In this report, we review what is known about the mechanisms of activation of the peptide, together with details of TGF-beta signal transduction pathways.

A methodology using subjective and objective measures to compare plaque inhibition by toothpastes.

Objectives: Plaque scoring usually employs subjective indices. The aim was to compare plaque inhibition of three toothpastes using two objective and one subjective measures of plaque.

Material And Methods: Formulations were: (1) an experimental anti-plaque paste (test); (2) an experimental paste (minus active or negative control); and (3) a proprietary anti-plaque toothpaste product (positive control).

Alzheimer's disease and oral care.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the commonest form of dementia, closely associated with age, but also with other causative factors. AD affects half a million people in the UK, and presents dentists with numerous behavioural and clinical challenges. The aetiology, diagnosis and medical treatment for persons with AD are discussed, together with communication strategies and issues related to families and care-givers.

Comparison of wear and clinical performance between amalgam, composite and open sandwich restorations: 2-year results.

There has been some disquiet over the use of mercury containing restorative materials. The most commonly used alternative is composite resin but this has the potential disadvantage associated with wear and marginal leakage, which in turn, has proven to result in secondary caries and sensitivity. To overcome the shortcomings of a directly placed composite restoration, the glass-ionomer/composite open sandwich technique was introduced followed by the subsequent introduction of compomer systems.

Focal acantholytic dyskeratosis arising in an intraoral skin flap.

A case is described of a patient with a myocutaneous pectoralis major flap who presented with an oral lesion of focal acantholytic dyskeratosis that was clinically suspicious of recurrent tumour.

Deregulated Bag-1 protein expression in human oral squamous cell carcinomas and lymph node metastases.

Bag-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein that promotes metastasis in some tumour cell types. To determine whether Bag-1 expression is altered in 64 oral squamous cell carcinomas, tumour samples were compared with 17 samples of normal oral epithelium. Normal oral epithelia had pronounced nuclear staining in the basal and maturation layers and weak cytoplasmic staining that was most pronounced in the basal and suprabasal layers.