Adjuvant Therapy With Sodium Alendronate for the Treatment of Experimental Periodontitis in Rats

Background: This study assesses the effects of topical sodium alendronate (SA) as an adjuvant to the mechanical treatment of ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats. Methods: Ninety animals were subjected to the induction of periodontitis via the installation of a ligature around the mandibular left first molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed, and the animals were distributed into the following groups: 1) NT group (n = 30), no treatment; 2) SRP group (n = 30), scaling and root planing (SRP) and local irrigation with physiologic saline solution; and 3) SRP/SA group (n = 30), SRP and local irrigation with SA (10^?5 M). Ten animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 15, and 30 days after treatment. Histologic and histometric analyses were performed in the furcation region. The percentage of bone in the furcation (PBF) was measured. Immunohistochemical analyses for detecting the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and activated caspase‐3 were performed at the furcation region. Results: Compared with the other groups, the SRP/SA group showed less local inflammation and better tissue reparation during the entire experiment. There was more PBF in the SRP/SA group than in the other groups at days 7 and 15. Stronger OPG immunolabeling and weaker RANKL immunolabeling were observed in the SRP/SA group at 15 and 30 days. There were fewer TRAP‐positive cells in the SRP/SA group than in the NT group at all of the time points. There was no difference in the number of activated caspase‐3‐positive osteocytes among groups and time points. Conclusion: It can be concluded that topical use of SA as an adjuvant to SRP is effective in the treatment of experimental periodontitis.     

Evaluation of the adaptation interface of one-piece implant-supported superstructures obtained in Ni-Cr-Ti and Pd-Ag alloys

Several formulations of alternative alloys have been proposed for the substitution of gold-based alloys used in Dentistry. Recently, a Ni-Cr-Ti-based alloy has been introduced. The purpose of this work was to verify the marginal adaptation obtained with one-piece superstructures for implant-supported prostheses obtained in Ni-Cr-Ti alloy, compared to a semi-noble alloy Pd-Ag. Eight superstructures for each alloy were produced over 4 implants in the anterior region of the mandible. The superstructures were placed in a torquemeter and the fixation screw of implant #1 was tightened with a 20 Ncm load with the others loosened (Sheffield test). The unfitness (in mm) was measured using a three-dimensional optical measurer in each implant, in the buccal and lingual aspects. The obtained data were submitted to statistical analysis by the analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% level. Significant differences were found for the factors material (p<0.05), with Ni-Cr-Ti pieces better than Pd-Ag ones, and implants (p<0.01). There were no significant differences for the factor position and interactions among factors (p>0.05). Based on the analysis of the data, it is possible to conclude that the Ni-Cr-Ti alloy makes possible the obtainment of one-piece implant-supported superstructures with a smaller misfit compared to the one obtained in Pd-Ag alloy, traditionally indicated for this situation. Additional tests may verify the superiority of the Ni-Cr-Ti alloy.     

18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis

Prosthetic valve endocarditis is a major diagnostic challenge in clinical practice, due to the lower sensitivity of the modified Duke criteria and a higher percentage of cases with negative or inconclusive echocardiography results. The delay in establishing medical and surgical treatment increases the morbidity/mortality rate. New imaging techniques and 18F-FDG PET/CT in particular have meant a significant advance in cases of high clinical suspicion and negative or inconclusive echocardiography, increasing the overall sensitivity of the modified Duke criteria.We report the case of a male patient with prosthetic valve endocarditis, where 18F-FDG PET/CT provided the diagnostic key, determining the origin of the endocarditis and avoiding treatment delay.     

Objectively measured daily-life physical activity of moderate-to-severe Brazilian asthmatic women in comparison to healthy controls: A cross-sectional study

Considering the complex relationship between asthma symptoms and exercise, asthmatics are usually believed to be less active in daily life than healthy subjects. However, few studies have objectively assessed daily-life physical activity (DLPA) of asthmatic adults. Objective: To objectively assess DLPA of a sample of Brazilian asthmatic women in comparison to healthy controls, and to investigate the associations between DLPA and asthma control, health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression levels, and the Six-minute walk test (6MWT) in this population. Methods: Sixty-six women were included, 36 in the asthma group (AG) and 30 in the control group (CG). The AG was composed by clinically stable moderate-to-severe asthmatics. The CG was composed by apparently healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent DLPA assessment (considered as the average of steps taken during six consecutive days measured by a pedometer) and performed the 6MWT. Additionally, participants in the AG were assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire, the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: There was no difference between the AG and the CG regarding DLPA (7490.3 ± 3330.2 vs 6876.4 ± 3242.1 steps respectively, p = 0.45), even after adjustment for covariates. DLPA was significantly correlated to the activity limitation domain of the AQLQ among asthmatics (r = 0.43, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Despite the association between self-perceived activity limitation and DLPA among asthmatics, there were no differences regarding DLPA between a sample of moderate-to-severe Brazilian asthmatic women and apparently healthy controls.