Low-Level Light Therapy in Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review

This current review aims to provide an overview of the most recent research from the last 10 years on the potential of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in the orthodontic field, particularly focusing on studies about tooth movement, root resorption, pain perception during treatment, and the stability of orthodontic miniscrews. “Low-level laser,” “orthodontic,” and “LLLT” were the search terms utilized on the databases Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, and the Boolean operator “AND” was utilized. Of the 974 studies found, 41 publications related to our topic were included in this review. Many authors agree that LLLT could trigger an enhanced biological reaction next to the tooth in the periodontium, promoting osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, while it could also have a positive impact on bone regeneration and on increasing the rate of tooth movement, enhancing the stability of miniscrews and minimizing the occurrence of root resorption. Regarding pain management during treatment studies, the results have been controversial. Conclusions: even though further studies are still needed, the use of LLLT can improve both clinical results and patient comfort during treatment by reducing treatment duration, improving clinical aspects, such as miniscrew stability, and minimizing root resorption. Further investigations are needed to assess whether LLLT offers any real benefits regarding pain relief

Development of Flat Warts on the Cheeks after BioNTech-Pfizer BNT162b2 Vaccine: Is There a Correlation?

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected health systems across the globe, making the use of vaccines more urgent and topical than ever. Since the first months after the introduction of vaccinations, several reactions, both local and systemic, have been reported although they were mostly very mild and only rarely harbingers of more serious complications. We present a case of multiple flat warts onset over the cheeks in a patient after the second dose of mRNA BioNTech-Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine, and we discuss the possible temporal association between the two events, also considering the patient’s antibody status

Development of Flat Warts on the Cheeks after BioNTech-Pfizer BNT162b2 Vaccine: Is There a Correlation?

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected health systems across the globe, making the use of vaccines more urgent and topical than ever. Since the first months after the introduction of vaccinations, several reactions, both local and systemic, have been reported although they were mostly very mild and only rarely harbingers of more serious complications. We present a case of multiple flat warts onset over the cheeks in a patient after the second dose of mRNA BioNTech-Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine, and we discuss the possible temporal association between the two events, also considering the patient’s antibody status

Are Whiplash-Associated Disorders and Temporomandibular Disorders in a Trauma Related Cause and Effect Relationship? A Review

Background: Whiplash is associated with a wide variety of clinical manifestations, including headache, neck pain, cervical rigidity, shoulder and back pain, paresthesia, vertigo, and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Previous studies reported that TMDs are more common in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) than in the general population; however, the pathophysiology and mechanism of this relationship are still not well understood. Methods: A PubMed and Ovid EMBASE review was performed to identify all studies addressing the trauma related cause and effect relationship between WAD and TMDs from January 2003 to March 2023. Results: After screening for eligibility and inclusion criteria, a total of 16 articles met the selection criteria. The various included studies discussed different aspects of the association between WDA and TMDs, including changes in the coordination and amplitude of jaw opening, the severity of the associated symptoms/signs in cases of WAD, the degree of fatigue and psychological stress, difficulty in feeding, cervical and myofascial pain, changes in the MRI signal at various muscle points, muscle tenderness, and quality of life. Conclusions: In this review, we summarized the clinical evidence of any trauma related cause and effect relationship between whiplash and TMDs. An accurate screening of the previous literature showed that, in conclusion, the relationship between whiplash and TMDs is still unclear

Immunohistochemical Expression of Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) in Human Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: A Narrative Review with Historical Perspectives

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the primary ligand of the receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1) which is constitutively expressed or activated in myeloid, lymphoid (T, B and NK), normal epithelial cells, and cancer. The PD-1/PD-L1 interaction is crucial for the physiological development of immunological tolerance but also in the development of the cancer. Among these, malignant melanoma represents a tumour in which the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 is important to guide future therapeutic choices based on the presence/absence of expression. Various clones have been used over time for immunohistochemical determination, and different results and heterogeneity remain among the various studies in the literature. We perform a narrative review of the present studies in order to discuss and take stock of what certain achievements have been made in this field, what challenges remain, and what possible solutions can be found

The Impact of Cesarean Section Delivery on Intestinal Microbiota: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Perspectives—A Systematic Review

The relationship between cesarean section (CS) delivery and intestinal microbiota is increasingly studied. CS-born infants display distinct gut microbial compositions due to the absence of maternal birth canal microorganisms. These alterations potentially link to long-term health implications like immune-related disorders and allergies. This correlation underscores the intricate connection between birth mode and the establishment of diverse intestinal microbiota. A systematic literature review was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases by analyzing the articles and examining the intricate interactions between CS delivery and the infant’s intestinal microbiota. The analysis, based on a wide-ranging selection of studies, elucidates the multifaceted dynamics involved in CS-associated shifts in the establishment of fetal microbiota. We also explore the potential ramifications of these microbial changes on neonatal health and development, providing a comprehensive overview for clinicians and researchers. By synthesizing current findings, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between delivery mode and early microbial colonization, paving the way for informed clinical decisions and future investigations in the field of perinatal medicine

Endocrine Mucin-Producing Sweat Gland Carcinoma: Case Presentation with a Comprehensive Review of the Literature

(1) Background: Endocrine Mucin-Producing Sweat Gland Carcinoma (EMPSGC) is a rare, low-grade, neuroendocrine-differentiated, cutaneous adnexal tumor, officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Skin Tumors Classification in 2018 as a separate entity and homologue of endocrine ductal carcinoma in situ (eDCIS)/solid papillary carcinoma of the breast. Although it is more frequent in the female sex, between 60 and 70 years old, in the peri-orbital region, EMPSGC has also been described in the male sex, in subjects under 60 and over 80, and in extra-eyelid localizations (cheek, temple, scalp), but also in extra-facial localizations (chest and scrotum). (2) Methods: We present the clinical case of a 71-year-old woman with an undated lesion of the scalp, which presented as a nodule, skin-colored, and 2.5 cm in maximum diameter. We also conduct a comprehensive literature review from 1997 to the end of 2022, consulting PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar using the following keywords: “Endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma” and/or “EMPSGC” and/or “skin” and “cutaneous neoplasms”. In addition, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 253 patients were recorded; 146 were females (57.7%) and 107 were males (42.2%). The vast majority of the lesions were in the eyelids (peri-ocular region), and only a minority of cases involved the cheeks, supra-auricular, retro-auricular, and occipital region, with very rare cases in the scalp, to which the present is also added. (4) Conclusions: The morphological and immunophenotypical features are essential both for the correct diagnosis and to be able to classify this lesion among the corresponding eDCIS/solid papillary carcinoma of the breast, with neuroendocrine differentiation. Recent papers have attempted to shed light on the molecular features of EMPSGC, and much remains to be conducted in the attempt to subtype the molecular profiles of these entities. Future studies with large case series, and especially with molecular biology techniques, will be needed to further add information about EMPSGC and its relationship in the PCMC spectrum

The Role of Curcumin in Oral Health and Diseases: A Systematic Review

Curcumin (Curcumin) belongs to the polyphenol family. It is extracted by drying the root of a plant of Asian origin, belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. The best-known species is Curcumincuma Longa. Curcumin has been recognized as having great therapeutic powers since ancient times. Studies on curcumin have since confirmed its powerful antioxidant properties, preventing both the formation of free radicals and their neutralization, having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunological, and neuroprotective properties, as well as being a regulator of the intestinal microbiota with beneficial effects on the clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome. Our study aimed to highlight how all these therapeutic aspects could benefit oral health, both preventing and improving the course of pathological processes. The effect of mouthwashes, and curcumin-based gels on the regulation of bacterial plaque and in the control of gingivitis, was largely comparable to that of using 0.20% chlorhexidine, with fewer side effects. Being a highly hydrophobic substance, it has a high permeability to cross the cell membrane. Bioavailability increases when combined with liposoluble substances (e.g., olive oil) and piperine, which improves absorption. Curcumin also has a negligible degree of toxicity, making it an excellent alternative to the use of gold standard products for oral disinfection

Oxidative Stress and Natural Products in Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review

In recent years, orthodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry, has evolved considerably in terms of both techniques and materials used. Aimed at correcting dental malocclusions and craniofacial anomalies, it improves the functionality and aesthetics of the face and oral cavity. However, orthodontic treatment, in its developmental stages, may induce oxidative stress (O.S.) phenomena, with an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging the dental and periodontal tissues involved, affecting the short-, medium- and long-term results. Studies on the antioxidant effects of natural products (e.g., resveratrol, green tea, turmeric, etc.) in the medical field have aroused considerable interest in recent years. A systematic literature review was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using natural products (N.P.s), O.S., and orthodontic as keywords. The study aims to consider the determinants of the increase in ROS occurring during orthodontic treatment and the possibility of natural products being able to control and neutralize biochemical phenomena by restoring the physiological process in which the balance between the production of ROS and the ability of the body’s antioxidant system to neutralize them is in favor of the latter