Effect of occlusal equilibration on masticatory muscle activity in females with sleep bruxism: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Masticatory muscle activity during sleep has been considered independent of variations in the structural characteristics of the dental occlusion. However, scientific evidence contradicting an occlusal causal role is missing. The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that sleep bruxism (SB) is independent of the presence of occlusal interferences. A total of 17 healthy female subjects (mean [SD] age 24.9 [4.1] years) presenting with SB, and randomly divided into two groups, were evaluated after receiving either elimination of occlusal interferences (Test group) or elimination of sharp margins without change in occlusal contacts (Control group). Audio-video polysomnography (PSG) recordings were undertaken before and after treatment (mean [SD] duration 14.4 [3.8] months). Two subjects in each group (< 2 rhythmic masticatory muscle activity [RMMA]/h) were excluded for statistical analysis. During the total sleep time (TST), the Test group exhibited a higher reduction in frequency of episodes per hour than the Control group (p < 0.05). The reduction in duration of episodes was also higher in the Test group during the TST. The Test group presented an increase in sleep stage N3 (p < 0.05) at the final PSG when compared with the initial PSG, and a higher percentage of N3 (p < 0.05) at the final PSG when compared to the Control group. Elimination of occlusal interferences resulted in a significant reduction of masseter and temporal muscle activity during sleep in females presenting with SB. Based on these results, the null hypothesis is rejected. The hypothesis of occlusal interferences as a risk factor for SB is still patent.

Salivary Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Amino Acid Metabolism Shift in SARS-CoV-2 Virus Activity and Post-Infection Condition.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily infects salivary glands suggesting a change in the saliva metabolite profile; this shift may be used as a monitoring instrument during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present study aims to determine the salivary metabolomic profile of patients with and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection. Patients were without (PCR-), with SARS-CoV-2 (PCR+), or post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected, and the 1H spectra were acquired in a 500 MHz Bruker nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer at 25 °C. They were subjected to multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), as well as univariate analysis through t-tests (SPSS 20.0, IL, USA), with a significance level of p < 0.05. A distinction was found when comparing PCR- subjects to those with SARS-CoV-2 infection. When comparing the three groups, the PLS-DA cross-validation presented satisfactory accuracy (ACC = 0.69, R2 = 0.39, Q2 = 0.08). Seventeen metabolites were found in different proportions among the groups. The results suggested the downregulation of major amino acid levels, such as alanine, glutamine, histidine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, and proline in the PCR+ group compared to the PCR- ones. In addition, acetate, valerate, and capronic acid were higher in PCR- patients than in PCR+. Sucrose and butyrate were higher in post-SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to PCR-. In general, a reduction in amino acids was observed in subjects with and post-SARS-CoV-2 disease. The salivary metabolomic strategy NMR-based was able to differentiate between non-infected individuals and those with acute and post-SARS-CoV-19 infection.

Social and functional inclusion of an undergraduate student with unilateral upper limb agenesis: a case study.

INTRODUCTION: The inclusion of health professionals who have some type of disability brings benefits, such as the increase in empathy that facilitates the relationship with patients. In this work, we present a case study on the inclusion of an undergraduate Dentistry student with upper limb agenesis. PURPOSE: In order to improve the quality of life for people with upper limb agenesis, it is urgent to establish inclusion strategies in the educational field. This process included the use of assistive technologies to allow the manipulation of instruments used in the practice of dental clinical activities, enabling future Dentists with upper limb agenesis to have an equal education in relation to their academic peers. CASE SELECTION: The case study presented in this work consists of the follow-up of G., a 23-year-old female Dentistry student. The developed adaptations were made using a low-temperature thermoplastic. The expert team that participated in this process was formed by three occupational therapists and three Dentistry professors. The process included several stages, being the last one the integration, in which training sessions were performed. OUTCOMES: The process was accessed using two main tools: quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews. After the proposed intervention, the volunteer presented a gradual evolution in her occupational performance with the use of most adaptations, promoting her functional training. DISCUSSIONS: Most adaptations allowed G. to perform the activities satisfactorily, with the precision inherent to these tasks, even with little training time. CONCLUSIONS: This case study demonstrates the high applicability of the proposed technologies.

In order to improve the quality of life for people with upper limb agenesis, it is urgent to establish inclusion strategies in the educational field, as assessed in this study caseThe inclusion process of Dentistry students can include the use of assistive technology to allow the manipulation of instruments for the practice of clinical activitiesOur study suggests that the assistive adpatations promote a gradual evolution in the students' occupational performance, functional training and motor qualification.

Oral health care for older persons with Alzheimer's disease: considerations about treatment planning and caregiver involvement

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative and progressive disease that predominantly affects women and has no cure. Obstacles to the dental care of people with AD differ in each phase, but the dental surgeon should remember to include the caregivers, formal or informal, in the treatment. Some skills need to be considered in the planning process, and dental health indices can be very helpful for the professional to assess the patient's ability to undergo treatment and how the older person can benefit from it. The dental surgeon should evaluate each person's specific needs so that personalized oral hygiene protocols can be established. The suggested adaptations must be by the reality of the older adult with AD, the family context, and daily routine, and they must contemplate the information provided by the caregiver. In this article, we invite the dental surgeon to understand the continuum of AD to properly plan treatment, considering the individual's limitations, future perspectives, and safety, always keeping the older adult free of oral infections and comfortable with his or her oral health condition

A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é neurodegenerativa, de caráter progressivo, afeta predominantemente mulheres e até o momento não possui cura. Os obstáculos para o atendimento odontológico de pessoas com DA são diferentes em cada fase, porém em nenhuma delas o cirurgião-dentista pode esquecer de incluir os cuidadores, formais ou não, no tratamento. Algumas habilidades precisam ser consideradas no processo de planejamento, e os índices odontológicos podem ser de grande utilidade para que o profissional pondere sobre a capacidade de o paciente receber o tratamento e quanto ele pode se beneficiar dele. A avaliação das necessidades específicas para cada indivíduo deve ser conduzida pelo cirurgião-dentista, de forma que seja possível estabelecer os protocolos personalizados de higiene oral. As adaptações sugeridas devem estar de acordo com a realidade da pessoa com DA, de seu contexto familiar, de sua rotina diária, e devem contemplar as informações fornecidas pelo cuidador. O cirurgião-dentista deve compreender o continuum da DA para planejar adequadamente, considerando as limitações, as perspectivas futuras e a segurança do indivíduo, mantendo-o sempre livre de infecções e confortável com sua condição de saúde bucal, em colaboração com seus cuidadores, formais ou informais

Clinical features of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions: an oral pathologist's perspective

Abstract The clinicopathological features that precisely characterize oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) still represent a challenge. The aim of the present study was to analyze, from an oral pathologist perspective, the clinical features from OLP and OLL. Specimens fullfilling the histological criteria for OLP and OLL, and also compatible with OLP (OLP-C), were selected and clinical information was retrieved from the laboratory forms. The final sample was composed by 221 cases, including 119 OLP (53.8%), 65 OLP-C (29.4%) and 37 OLL (16.7%). Females were more affected in the three groups, but the number of males was higher in OLL. Mean age was lower in OLP (52.3 years) in comparison with OLL (57.9 years) (p=0.020). Buccal mucosa and tongue involvement was more frequent in OLP; gingival involvement was uncommon in OLL. The reticular pattern was more frequently found in OLP, while the association of reticular and atrophic/erosive/ulcerated patterns was more common in OLP-C and OLL (p=0.025). In conclusion, gender and mean age of the patients, and anatomical location and clinical manifestation of OLL are different from OLP, and could help to better characterize this group of conditions. Specimens diagnosed as OLP-C showed clinical parameters close to OLP.

Resumo Os achados clinico-patológicos que caracterizam de forma precisa o líquen plano oral (LPO) e as lesões liquenoides orais (LLO) ainda representam um desafio. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar, pela perspectiva do patologista oral, os achados clínicos do LPO e das LLO. Espécimes preenchendo os critérios histológicos para o diagnóstico de LPO e LLO, e também aqueles compatíveis com LPO (LPO-C), foram selecionados e as informações clínicas foram obtidas a partir das requisições laboratoriais. A amostra final foi composta de 221 casos, incluindo 119 LPO (53.8%), 65 LPO-C (29.4%) e 37 LLO (16.7%). As mulheres foram mais acometidas nos três grupos, mas o número de homens acometidos foi maior nas LLO. A média de idade foi menor no LPO (52.3 anos) em comparação com as LLO (57.9 anos) (p=0.020). O envolvimento da mucosa jugal e da língua foi mais frequente no LPO; o envolvimento gingival foi incomum nas LLO. O padrão reticular foi mais frequentemente encontrado no LPO, enquanto a associação dos padrões reticular e atrófico/erosivo/ulcerado foi mais comum no LPO-C e nas LLO (p=0.025). Em conclusão, o gênero e a média de idade dos pacientes, assim como a localização anatômica e a manifestação clínica das LLO são diferentes do LPO, e podem ajudar a melhor caracterizar este grupo de condições. Espécimes diagnosticados como LPO-C mostraram parâmetros clínicos mais próximos ao LPO.

Clinical features of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions: an oral pathologist's perspective.

The clinicopathological features that precisely characterize oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) still represent a challenge. The aim of the present study was to analyze, from an oral pathologist perspective, the clinical features from OLP and OLL. Specimens fullfilling the histological criteria for OLP and OLL, and also compatible with OLP (OLP-C), were selected and clinical information was retrieved from the laboratory forms. The final sample was composed by 221 cases, including 119 OLP (53.8%), 65 OLP-C (29.4%) and 37 OLL (16.7%). Females were more affected in the three groups, but the number of males was higher in OLL. Mean age was lower in OLP (52.3 years) in comparison with OLL (57.9 years) (p=0.020). Buccal mucosa and tongue involvement was more frequent in OLP; gingival involvement was uncommon in OLL. The reticular pattern was more frequently found in OLP, while the association of reticular and atrophic/erosive/ulcerated patterns was more common in OLP-C and OLL (p=0.025). In conclusion, gender and mean age of the patients, and anatomical location and clinical manifestation of OLL are different from OLP, and could help to better characterize this group of conditions. Specimens diagnosed as OLP-C showed clinical parameters close to OLP.

SARS-COV-2 detection in saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs using RT-PCR was similar.

The World Health Organization has declared the widespread spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated disease (COVID-19) a public health emergency. The standard gold test for detecting the virus is the RT-PCR, performed from nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) samples. However, this test may be uncomfortable for the patient and requires specific training and attire from the health professional responsible for collecting the sample. Therefore, the search for alternative ways to collect samples that may be used in the diagnosis of COVID-19 is relevant. This study aimed to compare the results obtained from NPS and saliva samples. NPS and saliva samples were collected from 189 symptomatic outpatients suspected of COVID-19, who came to Piquet Carneiro Polyclinic. RNA extraction was performed using the Bio-Gene DNA/RNA Viral Extraction kit (Bioclin®). Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) reactions used the Molecular SARS-CoV-2 (E / RP) kit (Bio-Manguinhos). The results indicated that 142 showed a non-detectable result (ND), while 47 showed a detectable result (D). Among the 142 "ND", 137 (94.4%) saliva samples obtained the same result, while 5 samples (3.4%) were "D". Among the 47 "D" swab samples, 35 (74.4%) showed the same result in the saliva samples. The sensitivity of the saliva test was 0.74 and the specificity was 0.97. The positive predictive value was 0.88 while the negative predictive value was 0.92. The results showed that detection of Sars-CoV-2 using saliva samples showed high sensitivity and specificity compared to nasopharyngeal swabs.

Evaluation of homeopathy effects associated with conventional periodontal therapy in randomized treatment of diabetic and non-diabetic patients with periodontitis

Periodontitis and Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (DMII) are chronic diseases treated by conventional practices and traditional medicine. In many cases, when conventional medicine cannot offer a satisfactory treatment, increases the demand for alternative therapies in chronic conditions. The aim of this study randomized was to compare and evaluate for one year clinical and serologic parameters the effects of homeopathy as an adjunct of conventional periodontal therapy in individual with periodontitis and DMII. Materials and Methods:85 individuals, of both genders, between 35 and 70 years old, participated in this randomized study, which 70 were eligible in Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes of Rio de Janeiro-Brazil. They were divided into two groups G-1: individuals with periodontitis without systemic conditions and G-2: individuals with periodontitis and DMII. Both groups received homeopathic treatment and were evaluated in clinical and laboratorial examinations. The medication used was chosen based on the similarity principle, following the Berberis 6CH protocol (2 tablets, 2 times a day for 45 days), Mercurius Solubilis / Belladona / Hepar Sulfur-6CH (2 tablets, 3 times a day for 15 days) and a Pyrogenium 200CH biotherapeutic (single weekly dose, 2 weeks). Medications are prescribed in diluted low concentration doses for all signs and symptoms, while biotherapy is used for chronic stimulation Results:Both groups showed significant improvements throughout the study,clinical and laboratorial, at 1 year baseline: reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, uric acid and CPR. Statistical and descriptive analyzes were performed. The data obtained after laboratory analysis were tabulated and then submitted to the SPSS 17.0 software for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and significance level with p <0.05. For most of parameters, G-1 performed better than G-2 (p<0.05).Conclusion:After 1 year follow-up this clinical trial suggest that homeopathy therapy, as an adjunct of periondontal treatment, improves local and systemic parameters and can provide better health condition.

SARS-COV-2 detection in saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs using RT-PCR was similar

Abstract The World Health Organization has declared the widespread spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated disease (COVID-19) a public health emergency. The standard gold test for detecting the virus is the RT-PCR, performed from nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) samples. However, this test may be uncomfortable for the patient and requires specific training and attire from the health professional responsible for collecting the sample. Therefore, the search for alternative ways to collect samples that may be used in the diagnosis of COVID-19 is relevant. This study aimed to compare the results obtained from NPS and saliva samples. NPS and saliva samples were collected from 189 symptomatic outpatients suspected of COVID-19, who came to Piquet Carneiro Polyclinic. RNA extraction was performed using the Bio-Gene DNA/RNA Viral Extraction kit (Bioclin®). Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) reactions used the Molecular SARS-CoV-2 (E / RP) kit (Bio-Manguinhos). The results indicated that 142 showed a non-detectable result (ND), while 47 showed a detectable result (D). Among the 142 "ND", 137 (94.4%) saliva samples obtained the same result, while 5 samples (3.4%) were "D". Among the 47 "D" swab samples, 35 (74.4%) showed the same result in the saliva samples. The sensitivity of the saliva test was 0.74 and the specificity was 0.97. The positive predictive value was 0.88 while the negative predictive value was 0.92. The results showed that detection of Sars-CoV-2 using saliva samples showed high sensitivity and specificity compared to nasopharyngeal swabs.

Resumo A Organização Mundial da Saúde declarou a disseminação generalizada do SARS-CoV-2 e sua doença associada (COVID-19) uma emergência de saúde pública. O teste padrão ouro para detecção do vírus é o RT-PCR, realizado a partir de amostras de swab nasofaríngeo (NPS). No entanto, esse exame pode ser desconfortável para o paciente e requer treinamento específico e vestimenta do profissional de saúde responsável pela coleta da amostra. Portanto, a busca por formas alternativas de coleta de amostras que possam ser utilizadas no diagnóstico de COVID-19 é relevante. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados obtidos em amostras de NPS e saliva. Amostras de NPS e saliva foram coletadas de 189 pacientes ambulatoriais sintomáticos com suspeita de COVID-19, que procuraram a Policlínica Piquet Carneiro. A extração de RNA foi realizada com o kit Bio-Gene DNA / RNA Viral Extraction (Bioclin®) e as reações em tempo real da reação em cadeia da polimerase-transcriptase reversa (RT-PCR) usaram o kit Molecular SARS-CoV-2 (E / RP) (Bio-Manguinhos). Os resultados indicaram que 142 apresentaram resultado não detectável (ND), enquanto 47 apresentaram resultado detectável (D). Entre os 142 "ND", 137 (94,4%) amostras de saliva obtiveram o mesmo resultado, enquanto 5 amostras (3,4%) foram "D". Dentre as 47 amostras de swab "D", 35 (74,4%) apresentaram o mesmo resultado nas amostras de saliva. A sensibilidade do teste de saliva foi de 0,74 e a especificidade foi de 0,97. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 0,88, enquanto o valor preditivo negativo foi de 0,92. Os resultados mostraram que a detecção de Sars-CoV-2 em amostras de saliva apresentou alta sensibilidade e especificidade quando comparada com swabs nasofaríngeos.

Reducing the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in the saliva of patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reduction in the salivary viral load using oral antiseptic mouthwashes in patients testing positive for COVID-19. METHODS: Sixty-three individuals were recruited after testing positive for COVID-19 by real-time RT-PCR assay and divided into 5 groups. Group 1 received sterile water, group 2 received 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution (HP), group 3 received 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), group 4 received 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution (NaClO), and group 5 received sequential rinses using CHX and HP. After collecting the initial saliva sample, individuals were asked to use the designated mouthwash for 1 min. Additional saliva samples were collected immediately after rinsing, 15, and 30 min after rinsing. Real-time RT-PCR assays for RNA detection of SARS-CoV-2 were performed on the saliva samples. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the experimental groups and the control group in any period. Compared to the baseline values, there was a significant reduction in the number of copies of SARS-CoV-2 after 30 min in group 2 and immediately after the initial mouthwash in group 4. CONCLUSIONS: No experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in the viral load compared to the control group.

Morphological alterations in tongue epithelial cells infected by SARS-CoV-2: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present case-control study was to evaluate the morphological aspects of the epithelial cells from the dorsum of the tongue and the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in these cells, in patients with and without COVID-19 infection. METHODS: 24 individuals with at least one symptom of COVID-19 were recruited among inpatients from Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). 14 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR were included in the case group, and 10 patients who tested negative were included in the control group. Cytological smears from the dorsum of the tongue were obtained from all patients and analyzed using immunohistochemistry directed against SARS-CoV-2-Spike protein. Morphological changes in epithelial cells were analyzed using light microscopy. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that 71% of the COVID-19 patients presented epithelial cells positive for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, and all cells coming from patients in the control group were negative. Cytological analysis showed significant differences when comparing epithelial cells from COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative patients. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 may generate dimensional changes in tongue epithelial cells; however, further studies are necessary to understand how this happens.

Gingival recession treatment with enamel matrix derivative associated with coronally advanced flap and subepithelial connective tissue graft: a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial with molecular evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on periodontal healing after root coverage (RC) surgery, involving CAF in combination with SCTG, and to assess the molecular profile, verifying the inflammation level in early stage (1 and 2 weeks). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two recessions (RT1) were submitted to periodontal surgery with (test) or without (control) EMD. The clinical parameters analyzed on the day of surgery and 6 months after the surgical procedure were as follows: recession height and width, keratinized tissue height, percentual root coverage, and the gingival thickness of keratinized tissue. Moreover, the main inflammatory biomarkers and growth factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, FGF, MIP-1α and ß, PDGF, TNF-α, and VEGF) were evaluated at baseline, 7, and 14 days after procedures. RESULTS: The average root coverage was significantly higher in the test group as compared to the control group (86% vs. 66%, p = 0.008). The test side had significantly lesser final RH compared to the control side (p = 0.01). Also, there was a significant reduction of RW in both groups, with more significant results in the test group. KTH and GT were not significantly different at any time and group. After 14 days, the immunological analysis showed an increase of VEGF (p = 0.03) on the test group compared to the control side. CONCLUSION: The use of EMD in RC surgeries resulted in a significantly higher RC, as well as a significant increase in VEGF expression, suggesting that EMD may contribute to the angiogenic and healing process. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: EMD provided better results in root coverage treatment when associated with CAF and SCTG, beyond a greater releasing of angiogenic growth factor (VEGF), which enhanced the result.

[Humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in workers of social health care centers of Castilla y León after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine from Pfizer/Biontech.] / Inmunidad humoral frente a SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de centros sociosanitarios de Castilla y León después de la vacunación con la vacuna de ARNm BNT162b2 de Pfizer/Biontech.

OBJECTIVE: Workers and residents of care facilities for elder people/people with disabilities were particularly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers from these centres were included as a priority group for vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The Family Ministry of Castilla y León realized a seroprevalence survey measuring the humoral immunity of its workers after the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: In February and March 2021, IgM/IgG antibodies were measured in 7 social health care centers in a total of 1,085 workers at least 15 days after completing the vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNtech. Using the ELISA technique for anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgM and CLIA S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 for anti-spicule (S) IgG, titers were compared between vaccinated with cero, one or two doses, and differentiating in these subgroups between having passed or not COVID-19. Means and percentages were compared using Student's t and Chi2 (EPIDAT 3.1). RESULTS: Among the 1,085 workers studied, there were 54 workers with a single dose of vaccine, of which 51 (94%) had a positive IgG (average titers of 459 AU/mL), 951 workers with 2 doses, of which 949 (99.8%) showed positive IgG (mean titers of 677 AU/mL), and 80 unvaccinated workers, of which 51 (64%) had positve IgG (mean titers of 49 AU/mL). 7 cases of COVID-19 were notified at least 15 days after full vaccination. The titers were significantly higher if COVID-19 had been passed in the group vaccinated with 1 and 2 doses (259 vs 894 and 601 vs 1,085 AU/mL respectively, p<0.05), but not in the unvaccinated group (53 vs 34 AU/mL, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 99.8% of social health workers who received 2 doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNtech, and 94% of those who received 1 single dose, presented humoral immunity with high IgG titers, with high clinical effectiveness expressed in the absence of cases. 64% of unvaccinated workers presented humoral immunity. The history of having passed COVID-19 produces an important booster effect both after one and after two doses of vaccine. Measurement of humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 could be considered as a parameter for sufficient immunity.

OBJETIVO: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha golpeado especialmente a trabajadores y residentes de centros sociosanitarios. Los trabajadores de estos centros fueron considerados como grupo prioritario para la vacunación frente al SARS-CoV-2. La Consejería de Familia de Castilla y León realizó un estudio de seroprevalencia en trabajadores de centros sociosanitarios tras la vacunación anti-COVID-19, midiendo la inmunidad humoral frente a SARS-CoV-2. METODOS: En febrero y marzo de 2021 se midieron en 7 centros sociosanitarios anticuerpos IgM/IgG a un total de 1.085 trabajadores al menos 15 días tras completar la vacunación con vacuna BNT162b2 de Pfizer/BioNtech. Mediante técnica ELISA para IgM anti-nucleocápside(N) y CLIA S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 para IgG anti-espícula(S) se compararon los títulos entre vacunados con cero, una o dos dosis, y diferenciando en estos subgrupos entre el haber pasado o no la COVID-19. Se compararon medias y porcentajes mediante t de Student y Chi2, respectivamente (EPIDAT 3.1). RESULTADOS: Entre los 1.085 trabajadores estudiados hubo 54 trabajadores con 1 sola dosis de vacuna, de los que 51 (94%) presentaron una IgG positiva (títulos promedios de 459 UA/mL), 951 trabajadores con dos dosis, de los que 949 (99,8%) mostraron una IgG positiva (títulos promedios de 677 UA/mL), y 80 trabajadores no vacunados, de los que 51 (64%) presentaron IgG positiva (títulos promedio de 49 UA/mL). Se notificaron 7 casos de COVID-19 una vez pasados al menos 15 días tras completar la vacunación. Los títulos de IgG fueron significativamente más elevados si se ha pasado la COVID-19 en el grupo de vacunados con una y dos dosis (259 vs 894 y 601 vs 1.085 UA/mL respectivamente, p<0,05), pero no en el grupo de no vacunados (53 vs 34 UA/mL, p<0,05). CONCLUSIONES: El 99,8% de trabajadores sociosanitarios que recibieron dos dosis de la vacuna BNT162b2 de Pfizer/BioNtech, y el 94% de los que recibieron una sola dosis, presentó inmunidad humoral con títulos elevados de IgG, con una alta efectividad clínica expresada en ausencia de casos. Un 64% de trabajadores no vacunados presentó inmunidad humoral. El antecedente de haber pasado COVID-19 produce un importante efecto booster tanto tras una como tras dos dosis de vacuna. La medición de la inmunidad humoral frente a SARS-CoV-2 podría contemplarse como parámetro de inmunidad suficiente.

What is the future of Periodontal Medicine?

In the last five decades, considerable progress has been made towards understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and their interactions with the host. The impact of an individual periodontal condition on systemic homeostasis became more evident because of this knowledge and prompted advances in studies that associate periodontitis with systemic diseases and conditions. The term Periodontal Medicine describes how periodontal infection/inflammation can affect extraoral health. This review presents the current scientific evidence on the most investigated associations between periodontitis and systemic diseases and conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, preterm birth and low birth weight, and pneumonia. Additionally, other associations between periodontitis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and Alzheimer's disease that were recently published and are still poorly studied were described. Thus, the aim of this review was to answer the following question: What is the future of Periodontal Medicine? Epidemiological evidence and the evidence of biological plausibility between periodontitis and general health reinforce the rationale that the study of Periodontal Medicine should continue to advance, along with improvements in the epidemiological method, highlighting the statistical power of the studies, the method for data analysis, the case definition of periodontitis, and the type of periodontal therapy to be applied in intervention studies.

Repair of Critical Size Bone Defects Using Synthetic Hydroxyapatite or Xenograft with or without the Bone Marrow Mononuclear Fraction: A Histomorphometric and Immunohistochemical Study in Rat Calvaria.

Bone defects are a challenging clinical situation, and the development of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials is a prolific research field that, in addition, can be joined by stem cells and growth factors in order to deal with the problem. This study compares the use of synthetic hydroxyapatite and xenograft, used pure or enriched with bone marrow mononuclear fraction for the regeneration of critical size bone defects in rat calvaria through histomorphometric (Masson's staining) and immunohistochemical (anti-VEGF, anti-osteopontin) analysis. Forty young adult male rats were divided into five groups (n = 8). Animals were submitted to critical size bone defects (Ø = 8 mm) in the temporoparietal region. In the control group, there was no biomaterial placement in the critical bone defects; in group 1, it was filled with synthetic hydroxyapatite; in group 2, it was filled with xenograft; in group 3, it was filled with synthetic hydroxyapatite, enriched with bone marrow mononuclear fraction (BMMF), and in group 4 it was filled with xenograft, enriched with BMMF. After eight weeks, all groups were euthanized, and histological section images were captured and analyzed. Data analysis showed that in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 (received biomaterials and biomaterials plus BMMF), a significant enhancement in new bone matrix formation was observed in relation to the control group. However, BMMF-enriched groups did not differ from hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials-only groups. Therefore, in this experimental model, BMMF did not enhance hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials' potential to induce bone matrix and related mediators.

What grafting materials produce greater alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction? A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted to compare different bone-substitute materials used for alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction. The electronic search was carried out on Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, and grey literature up to March 22, 2020 (registration number INPLASY202030005). Only randomized controlled trials were included to answer the following PICOS question: 'What grafting materials produce greater alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction?' The primary outcomes were the alveolar width resorption 1 mm below the alveolar crest and buccal height resorption in millimeters. Of the 4379 studies initially identified, 31 studies involving 1088 patients were included in the quantitative analyses. Out of 25 revised biomaterials, eight showed a statistically significant difference compared with unassisted healing in both alveolar width and height measurements (mean width differences: ApatosⓇ, 2.27 [1.266-3.28]; Bio-OssⓇ, 0.88 [0.33-1.42]; Bio-Oss CollⓇ, 0.53 [0.04-1.01]; Bond-apatiteⓇ, 2.20 [1.30-3.11]; freeze-dried bone allograft, 1.35 [0.44-2.26]; Gen-OsⓇ, 1.90 [0.60-3.20]; platelet-rich fibrin, 1.66 [0.66-2.67]; and MP3Ⓡ, 2.67 [1.59-3.75]). Overall, xenograft materials should be considered as among the best of the available grafting materials for alveolar preservation after tooth extraction.

Periodontitis and its higher levels of severity are associated with the triglyceride/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and the Triglyceride/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio have both been associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Additionally, the ratio is a possible substitute for predicting insulin resistance. This study investigated the association between periodontitis, its severity levels (exposures), and the TG/HDL-C ratio (outcome). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of public health service users in Brazil considered socioeconomic-demographic characteristics, lifestyle behavior, and general and oral health conditions. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were also measured. Systemic biomarker data were obtained, as well as assessment of periodontal diagnosis and its severity. The TG/HDL-C ratio was calculated using the serum triglyceride level over HDL cholesterol and the cut-off point, TG/HDL-C ≥2.3 serving as the cutoff indicting dyslipidemia. Logistic and linear regressions were used to statistically analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 1011 participants were included, with 84.17% having periodontitis and 49.85% having a TG/HDL-C ratio ≥2.3. For individuals with periodontitis, the odds of TG/HDL-C ratio ≥2.3 were 1.47 times greater than in those without periodontitis (ORAdjusted  = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02-2.14). Similar results were found for those with moderate and severe periodontitis, with a slight increase in the measurement magnitude with disease severity. CONCLUSION: A positive relationship between periodontitis and the TG/HDL-C ratio ≥2.3 was found, suggesting a possible association with periodontal disease severity.

What is the future of Periodontal Medicine?

Abstract In the last five decades, considerable progress has been made towards understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and their interactions with the host. The impact of an individual periodontal condition on systemic homeostasis became more evident because of this knowledge and prompted advances in studies that associate periodontitis with systemic diseases and conditions. The term Periodontal Medicine describes how periodontal infection/inflammation can affect extraoral health. This review presents the current scientific evidence on the most investigated associations between periodontitis and systemic diseases and conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, preterm birth and low birth weight, and pneumonia. Additionally, other associations between periodontitis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and Alzheimer's disease that were recently published and are still poorly studied were described. Thus, the aim of this review was to answer the following question: What is the future of Periodontal Medicine? Epidemiological evidence and the evidence of biological plausibility between periodontitis and general health reinforce the rationale that the study of Periodontal Medicine should continue to advance, along with improvements in the epidemiological method, highlighting the statistical power of the studies, the method for data analysis, the case definition of periodontitis, and the type of periodontal therapy to be applied in intervention studies.

Prosthetically Driven Alveolar Reconstructions: A Retrospective Study.

This study aims to evaluate the post-extraction alveolar bone reconstruction amongst 12 patients exhibiting loss of buccal bone plate in a tooth of the anterior region of the maxilla using the prosthetically-driven alveolar reconstruction technique (PDAR). In PDAR, a partial fixed provisional prosthesis (PFPP [conventional or adhesive]) with a specially designed pontic maintains the clot in a mechanically stable position during alveolar regeneration. Moreover, the pontic design, in hourglass shape and located in the subgingival area, also prevents gingival margins from collapsing. Gingival recession was evaluated through the 6-month healing period. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed 1 month before and 8 months after PDAR treatment. For the primary outcome, in the panoramic imaging, the central area of bone defect in each tooth was selected for linear measurements. Measurements of the vertical buccal bone gain and the gain in thickness in the alveolar bone crest were obtained 8 months after PDAR. Descriptive statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient analysis were conducted. After treatment, all patients showed bone formation (a mean vertical gain of 7.1±3.7 mm, associated with a horizontal mean gain of 4.5±1.4 mm in the alveolar bone crest). The intraclass correlation coefficient for the measurements performed using CBCT was 0.999. No gingival recession, greater than 1 mm, was observed. Lower-morbidity procedures without the use of biomaterials may be a useful in post-extraction alveolar ridge regeneration and/or preservation. PDAR promoted alveolar bone formation without flaps, grafts and membranes.