Periodontal status in smokers and never-smokers: Clinical findings and real-time polymerase chain reaction quantification of putative periodontal pathogens

Background: Smoking is a well-known risk factor for destructive periodontal disease, but its relationship with periodontal status and subgingival microbiota remains unclear. Inherent limitations of microbiological methods previously used may partly explain these mixed results, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been presented as a valid alternative. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical condition and microbiological profile of patients with chronic periodontitis as related to the habit of smoking.Methods: Fifty patients (33 to 59 years old), 25 smokers and 25 never-smokers, constituted the sample. The visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume were recorded. Real-time PCR quantified Porphyromonas gingivalis, Micromonas micros, Dialister pneumosintes, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and total bacteria in subgingival samples.Results: Smokers and never-smokers showed similar values for VPI, GBI, and BOP. Smokers had deeper PD in buccal/lingual sites and higher CAL independently of the tooth surface. The GCF volume was smaller in smokers, independent of the PD. Similar amounts of total bacteria and P. gingivalis were observed for both groups. Significantly higher numbers of D. pneumosintes and M. micros were present in smokers and associated with moderate and deep pockets. When heavy smokers were considered, higher counts of total bacteria, M. micros, and D. pneumosintes were observed.Conclusions: Smoking seems to have a detrimental impact on the periodontal status and microbiological profile of patients with periodontitis. Compared to never-smokers, smokers had deeper pockets, greater periodontal destruction, and higher counts of some putative periodontal pathogens.

Os efeitos da ação antrópica sobre a distribuição de macroinvertebrados no Rio Guareí, São Paulo

In this study, it was examined, during the period from March to December 2006, the effects of human disturbance on themacroinvertebrates that live near macrophytes in Guare River, São Paulo State - Brazil. It was questioned if the high conductivityrecorded in Guare River affected the distribution of the macroinvertebrates and what were the most important variables thataffect macroinvertebrates in a river with a strong nutrient concentration. The objective of this study was to investigate theeffects of environmental variables on densities and composition of the macroinvertebrates. Three stands of aquatic plantswere sampled with with 0.25 mm mesh net on a 0.07 m2 square metal frame. Air and water temperature, depth, pH, electricalconductivity, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen and macrophyte biomass were measured. A canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) was performed using the density of the macroinvertebrates and environmental variables. Chironomidae, Culicidae,Acanthagrion, Coryphaeschna, Erythrodiplax, Miathyria marcella, Micrathyria, Gastropoda, Ostracoda and Hemiptera werethe only taxa that showed significant correlation with the axes. From the results, we can conclude that the high conductivity recordedin Guare River due to the high amount of organic matter released during its course did not significantly affected thedistribution of the macroinvertebrates during the studied period. However, the ACC recorded that oxygen was the most significantenvironmental factor for the density variance of the macroinvertebrates, especially larval Odonata.

Ação do Profident sobre os tecidos gengivais. 2. Efeitos da ação do jato de bicarbonato de sódio sobre os tecidos gengivais, sob variação do ângulo de incidência. Análise histológica.

The effect of sodium bicarbonate jet (Profident System) on the gingival tissue was tested with comparison of application from 2 different angles: the angulation recommended by the manufacturer and ponted to the occlusal surface. The results showed a definite influence of the angulation on tissue trauma, with lesser degrees of injury when the modified angulation was applied.

Reaction of the human gingival tissue to different suture materials used in periodontal surgery.

The gingival reaction to 4 different suture materials used in periodontal surgery was studied in 36 patients. The gingiva was sutured prior to surgery and biopsies were taken at 3, 7 and 14 days to observe the tissue reaction. The histological examination showed that silk caused the most intense and longest inflammatory response. Polyester and perlon provoked shorter, less intense tissue reactions than silk, and nylon caused the least inflammatory response, with earlier tissue repair.

Acao antioxidante de extratos de alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) em files de peixes da especie pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg)

The antioxidant effect of plant extract has been an interesting issue for many researchers in past few years. Spices have been identified as products with large amounts of antioxidants, and rosemary is one the most studied spice. Studies have shown evidences that population with high intake of these substances have less incidence of coronary heart disease. The objective of this work was verify the antioxidant action of the commercial rosemary oleoresin Herbalox® (used to feed the pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fish. The juveniles pacu were fed with isocaloric and isoproteic diets, for two groups the lipid source was soybean oil and for the another it was corn oil. For each group of the different lipid sources, rosemary extract Herbalox® (were added in one lot and on the other which was used as control. The results showed that the addition of rosemary extracts to the ration protected them against peroxidation, when compared with the control, the lipid source also have influence on these protection.

Treatment of gingival recession: Comparative study between subepithelial connective tissue graft and guided tissue regeneration

Background: Various procedures have been proposed to treat gingival recession, but few studies compare these procedures to each other. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a clinical comparison of subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with a collagen membrane in the treatment of gingival recessions in humans. Methods: Twenty-four defects were treated in 12 patients who presented canine or pre-molar Miller Class I and/or II bilateral gingival recessions. Both treatments were performed in all patients, and clinical measurements were obtained at baseline and 18 months after surgery. These clinical measurements included gingival recession height (GR), root coverage (RC), probing depth (PD), keratinized tissue width (KT), and final esthetic result. Results: Both SCTG and GTR with a bioabsorbable membrane and bone graft demonstrated significant clinical and esthetic improvement for gingival recession coverage. The SCTG group was statistically significantly better than GTR for height of GR (SCTG = 0.2 mm, GTR = 1.12 mm, P = 0.02) and KT (SCTG = 4.58 mm, GTR = 2.5 mm, P <0.0001). However, PD was statistically significantly better for GTR than SCTG treatment (GTR = 1.66 mm, SCTG = 1.00, P = 0.01). The 2 procedures were statistically similar in root coverage (SCTG = 95.6%, GTR = 84.2%, P = 0.073). The esthetic condition after both treatments was satisfactory (P = 0.024). Conclusions: It was concluded that the gingival recessions treated with the SCTG group were superior for GR, RC, and KT clinical parameters, while GTR demonstrated better PD reduction. The final esthetic results were similar using both techniques.

Subgingival utilization of a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel for the treatment of periodontal pockets. A clinical and microbiological study.

This study evaluates the effect of subgingival irrigation with a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel in periodontal pockets as an adjunct procedure to scaling and root planing (SRP). Thirty-seven sites with probing depth (PD) of 5-7 mm and BANA positive in 6 patients with chronic periodontal disease were selected. Sites were assigned to different treatment groups consisting of SRP only (group 1), SRP + irrigation with collagen gel (group 2), or SRP + irrigation with collagen gel containing 1% chlorhexidine (group 3). Subgingival irrigation was performed after initial SRP and at 7, 14 and 21 days. Clinical measurements including PD, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival recession (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at the selected sites at baseline, 60 and 90 days and the BANA test was performed on plaque samples from the same sites at baseline and 90 days. There was an improvement in clinical parameters in all groups with a significantly greater decrease in GI and bleeding in the chlorhexidine group. There was a greater reduction of BANA positive sites in groups 2 and 3. The authors concluded that 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel is a promising adjunct to SRP in the treatment of adult periodontitis.

Use of aspartate aminotransferase in diagnosing periodontal disease: a comparative study of clinical and microbiological parameters

The objective of this study was to assess the association between the levels of enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) with the BANA hydrolysis microbiological test (Perioscan) and clinical periodontal diagnostic measurements, such as bleeding on probing, plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and attachment level in patients with chronic periodontitis using an enzymatic test (PocketWatch). One hundred and forty-seven sites were evaluated in 22 patients with a probing depth of > or = 5 mm at selected sites. AST and BANA enzymatic tests were carried out, and clinical parameters recorded. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis. There was no statistical correlation between AST levels and any of the analyzed parameters. The lack of any association between the factors studied does not indicate, however, that the latter cannot be used in diagnosing the actual periodontal condition of patients and/or sites. However, more research should be carried out to evaluate the true relationship between AST and periodontal disease.

Influência do alecrim (Rosmarinus officinallis L.) na atividade de água e oxidação lipídica de peixes de uma espécie de tilápia (Oreochromis ssp-var. vermelha Flórida) submetidos à salga

Salting have been a very utilized fish conservation method, however only in the last years the basic mechanism involved in salting fish has been understood. The objectives of this study were determine the addition in brine salt of rosemary leaves, rosemary extracts and tocopherol, and your action in the followed parameters: water activity (Aw), moisture, ash, salt content and TBARS. The results showed that the addition of antioxidants was difficulted the salt absorption, however didn't have differences between rosemary or tocopherol use. In the salting time of 3 hours the values of Aw and salt levels, was respectively: 0.77±0.01 and 14.42±1.69. for control treatment; 0.85±0.02 and 9.09±1.39for rosemary filtrate; 0.78±0.03 and 10.63±0.69 rosemary without filtrating and 0.85±0.02 and 11.96±1.78 tocopherol, showed that didn't grow indigenous bacterias. Lipid oxidation was evaluated by TBARS and the results showed the oxidative effect of salt and the pro oxidant effects of alls antioxidants used in brine salting.

Systemic use of metronidazole in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a pilot study using clinical, microbiological, and enzymatic evaluation

The aim of the present parallel, double-blind investigation was to evaluate the effect of using systemic metronidazole alone or associated to scaling and root planing on adult chronic periodontal disease, monitored at baseline, 30, 60 and 90 days. Twelve subjects were divided into three groups: the first group (Group I - 22 sites) was submitted to scaling and root planing (SRP) alone; the second group (Group II - 30 sites) received SRP and 250 mg of metronidazole (3 times a day for 10 days), and the third group (Group III - 31 sites) was treated with metronidazole alone. The clinical parameters evaluated were probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI) and bleeding upon probing (BP). Microbiological (BANA test) and enzymatic (Pocket Watch) tests were also performed. All three proposed treatments produced significant improvements in clinical conditions of subjects, from baseline, 30, 60 and 90-day period, except for clinical attachment level. The results obtained by microbiological and enzymatic tests did not show statistical differences among the groups for the 90-day period (r = 0.7924 and r = 0.7757, respectively). In relation to clinical parameters, statistical differences among groups were observed only for the gingival index (p = 0.0261) between Groups I and II, and probing depth (p = 0.0124) between Group I and the others. We conclude that the use of systemic metronidazole did not produce additional effects on the microbiological conditions of these patients with chronic periodontal disease.

Proteína da matriz do esmalte associada a R.T.G. e vidro bioativo no tratamento de furca grau III em cães

This study investigated, both histologically and histometrically, the efficacy of enamel matrix derived proteins (EMD) associated with bioactive glass (BG) and an absorbable membrane in the treatment of class III furcation defects in mongrel dogs. After surgical defect creation and chronification, the lesions were randomly divided into three groups according to the treatment employed: Test Group 1 - EMD + BG + membrane, Test Group 2 - EMD + membrane and Control Group - BG + membrane. After a 90-day healing period, the dogs were sacrificed. The descriptive analysis and the histometric data showed similar results for the experimental groups in all studied parameters (MANOVA, p > 0.05). The association of Emdogain® with bioglass and GTR, or with GTR only, showed similar results when compared with the ones obtained with bioglass associated with membrane in the treatment of class III furcation defects in dogs. The three modalities of treatment showed partial filling of the furcations, with bone and cementum regeneration limited to the apical portion of the defects.

Biocompatibility of acellular dermal matrix graft evaluated in culture of murine macrophages

The acellular dermal matrix allograft has been used as an alternative to autogenous palatal mucosal graft. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the biocompatibility of an acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm®) in culture of macrophages. For hydrogen peroxidase determination we used the method of Pick & Kesari, and the Griess method for nitric oxide determination,. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p ≤ 0,05) in the release of nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide by the macrophages exposed to acellular dermal matrix and the negative control. The results suggest that acellular dermal matrix did not activate the cell inflammatory response.

A biodiversidade bentônica em lagoa marginal ao rio Paranapanema na zona de sua desembocadura, na represa de Jurumirim

Coqueiral lake is a marginal lake located at the southeast São Paulo State, in the mouth zone of the Paranapanema river into Jurumirim Reservoir and it has high connectivity with the Paranapaneina river. This work aimed to verify the benthic biodiversity in areas of the lake bottom. 18 sampling sites in the lake were selected, including shallow and deep areas. The samples were taken every three months during one year. Physical and chemical water variables (level, transparency, dissolved oxygen, pH, and electric conductivity) were analyzed. Sediment samples were picked up in triplicate for fauna and abiotic factors analysis (granulometric composition and sediment organic content), using Petersen dredge. The material was sorted out and analyzed under stereoscopic microscope. Counting and identification of the organisms were accomplished and diversity, relative abundance, taxonomic richness and dominance index were calculated. The analysis revealed a fauna with low species diversity and, with Chironomidae and Ephemeroptera dominance. Ephemeroptera, Campsurus, dominated in the hottest period and with low lake depth. Organisms' distribution had as main factors depth, transparency, pH, and water temperature. In the comparison between shallow and deep areas, a small density of organism in the deep regions was observed.

Efficacy of Carisolv™ as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing on subgingival calculus removal

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of subgingival application of Carisolv™ gel as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) on calculus removal compared to conventional instrumentation. Forty-five teeth requiring extraction due to severe periodontal disease were randomized to the following treatments: 1) SRP alone; 2) placebo gel + SRP; 3) Carisolv™ gel + SRP. Either test or placebo gel was applied subgingivally for 1 min and then the root were instrumented until a smooth and calculus-free surface was achieved. Instrumentation time and the number of strokes required were recorded. After extraction, the efficacy of root surface instrumentation was measured by percentage of remaining calculus. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the treatment groups regarding either time required for instrumentation or the percentage of residual calculus. The subgingival application of Carisolv™ gel prior to SRP did not provide any additional benefit to root instrumentation compared to scaling and root planing alone.

Comparison of manual versus sonic and ultrasonic toothbrushes: a review.

PURPOSE: This review of the literature intends to evaluate the effect of brushes with high frequency motion when compared with manual toothbrushes regarding the indices of plaque and gingival bleeding. METHODS: Patients presenting gingivitis and/or chronic periodontitis were evaluated in addition to patients having osseointegrated implants and fixed orthodontic appliances. Pertinent literature was reviewed to select articles according to previously defined inclusion criteria. RESULTS: In the assessed studies results showed significant decreases in plaque and gingival indices by utilization of both types of brushes. However, in the selected studies where sonic brushes were tested in orthodontic and dental implant patients there was a more significant decrease in the indices. Furthermore, there was no indication of gingival recession attributed to product use. CONCLUSION: Future studies with a more homogeneous methodology and better experiment designs will be needed.