Effect of Periodontitis and Periodontal Therapy on Oral and Gut Microbiota.

Mounting evidence indicates that periodontitis-related oral bacteria may contribute to gut microbial dysbiosis. This clinical study aimed to explore the oral-gut microbial signatures associated with periodontitis and to longitudinally evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on the oral and gut microbial composition. Stool and saliva samples from generalized stage III/IV periodontitis patients (n = 47) were collected and analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing, before and 3 mo after steps I to II of periodontal therapy. Periodontally healthy matched subjects (n = 47) were used as controls. Principal component analysis was carried out to identify oral-gut microbial profiles between periodontitis patients at baseline and healthy subjects; periodontitis samples were longitudinally compared before and after treatment. ß-Diversity of gut microbial profiles of periodontitis patients before treatment significantly differed from healthy controls (P < 0.001). Periodontal therapy was associated with a significant change in gut microbiota (P < 0.001), with post-treatment microbial profiles similar to healthy volunteers. A higher abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Fusobacterium, and Lachnospiraceae was noted in fecal samples of periodontitis patients at baseline compared to healthy controls. In contrast, Lactobacillus was the only genus more abundant in the latter. Additionally, periodontal therapy led to a parallel reduction in the salivary carriage of periodontal pathobionts, as well as gut Bacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae, to levels similar to healthy controls. Collectively, discriminating oral-gut microbial signatures of periodontitis were found. Periodontal treatment both mitigated oral dysbiosis and altered gut microbial composition, signifying potential broader implications for gastrointestinal health and disease.

The modified Jones procedure for pes cavovarus with claw hallux.

The purpose of this study is to describe long-term outcomes of the modified Jones procedure for pes cavovarus with claw hallux deformity. Jones originally described an isolated transfer of the extensor hallucis longus tendon. However, this technique does not correct and stabilize the claw hallux deformity. Therefore, this operation has been modified to include arthrodesis of the interphalangeal joint of the hallux, distal stump tenodesis of extensor hallucis longus with brevis tendon, and osteotomy of the base of the first metatarsal in cases of fixed or structural deformity. Twenty-four feet in twenty-one patients were evaluated with a 4-year average follow-up. Results were rated as good, fair, of poor based on correction of deformity, absence of pain, and metatarsophalangeal joint motion. Poor results were observed in 21% of feet and were related to first metatarsal dorsiflexion, pseudoarthrosis of interphalangeal joint fusion, and recurrent pain under the first metatarsal head.