The landscape of hematology research in Brazil: an analysis of data from citation databases

ABSTRACT Introduction: Scientometrics is the field concerned with measuring and analyzing academic literature, using specific metrics and data from bibliometric databases. Hematology is a broad area of science and medicine, from which several landmark scientific discoveries have emerged. Objective: The aim of this report is to provide a snapshot of the landscape of hematology research in Brazil, based on a comprehensive analysis of published studies in hematology whose authors were affiliated to Brazilian institutions from 1980 to 2020. Method: Articles, reviews and letters to the editor with at least one author affiliated to a Brazilian institution were retrieved from Incytes/Web of Science or Scopus databases. Importantly, only papers classified in the subject area "Hematology" by the embedded algorithms of each database were included. Results: Considering all published papers, Brazil is in the 22nd position, contributing with around 1.1% of papers in this period. A clear and sustained increase in publication output can be observed from the early 1990's to the present moment. Publicly-funded higher education institutions were the main contributors to the development and consolidation of the hematology scientific community, which has grown in diversity, with an increasing number of contributions from private institutions. In regard to funding, public agencies have been and remain by large as the most important funder of research in hematology in Brazil. Conclusion: We suggest that continuous monitoring of the temporal trends of some of the data compiled in our report could potentially contribute to a clearer picture of the development of hematology research in Brazil.

Saúde-game: um jogo sério para informar sobre o coronavírus e combater a falsa informação / Health-game: a serious game to inform about coronavirus and combat false information

O mercado de games digitais no Brasil tem um crescimento de destaque nos últimos anos. Nessa área têm se destacado os jogos educativos, que demonstram resultados positivos para a prática de gamificação no processo de aprendizado. Este artigo apresenta um jogo sério em formato de quiz que visa informar sobre a COVID-19, ressaltando a importância do compartilhamento de informações verídicas sobre o vírus. Faz-se uso de uma metodologia para regionalização de informações com ênfase nas situações cotidianas pretendendo, assim, combater falsas informações de forma prática, escalável e lúdica. Os resultados, obtidos a partir da validação com 30 estudantes que testaram o game, serviram de material de apoio para melhorias no jogo e apontam que, mesmo utilizando técnicas relativamente simples e já usuais no cenário de jogos sérios, é possível inovar nesse campo e fornecer à sociedade uma ferramenta conectada ao momento e às dificuldades por ele enfrentadas.

The market for digital games in Brazil has been growing prominently in recent years. In this area, educational games have been highlighted, which demonstrate positive results for the practice of gamification in the learning process. This article presents a serious quiz game that aims to inform you about the COVID-19, highlighting the importance of sharing truthful information about the virus. Making use of a methodology for regionalization of information with emphasis on everyday situations, thus intending to combat false information in a practical, scalable and playful way. The results, obtained from the validation with 30 students who tested the game, served as supporting material for improvements in the game and point out that, even using relatively simple and already usual techniques in the serious game scenario, it is possible to innovate in this field and provide society with a tool connected to the moment and difficulties it faces.

Mastectomia preventiva em situações de câncer de mama precoce / Preventive mastectomy in situations of early breast cancer: an integrative review

A mastectomia preventiva relacionada às neoplasias de mama precoces é um tema de grande importância na área da oncologia, especialmente para mulheres com alto risco genético de desenvolver câncer de mama. Objetivo: Descrever como a mastectomia relaciona-se com a prevenção de neoplasias de mama precoces. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Para construção da pesquisa, a coleta e análise de dados foi realizada através do Portal da Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde e da base de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online via PubMed, através dos Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS): "Mastectomia Profilática", "Neoplasias da Mama" e "Fatores de Risco" combinados entre si pelo operador booleano AND. Como critérios de inclusão: estudos relacionados à temática excluindo-se as revisões de literatura, com delimitação temporal dos últimos cinco anos, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. A questão norteadora foi construída com base na estratégia PICo de acordo com a descrição (População, Interesse e Contexto). Resultados: Foram encontrados 76 artigos, destes 64 foram excluídos devido aos filtros utilizados e a leitura dos resumos e na íntegra, restando apenas 12 estudos para compor a amostra final. Em suma, os estudos demonstram que a mastectomia preventiva pode oferecer às mulheres com alto risco genético uma opção para reduzir suas chances de desenvolver câncer de mama. Conclusão: A mastectomia preventiva relacionada às neoplasias de mama precoces é uma opção terapêutica complexa e individualizada, que busca reduzir o risco de desenvolvimento ou recorrência do câncer de mama em mulheres de alto risco

: Preventive mastectomy related to early breast neoplasms is a topic of great concern in the field of oncology, especially for women with a high genetic risk of developing breast cancer. Objective: To describe how mastectomy is related to the prevention of early breast cancer. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. For the construction of the research, data collection and analysis was carried out through the Virtual Health Library Portal and the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online database via PubMed, through the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): "Prophylactic Mastectomy","Breast Neoplasms" and "Risk Factors" combined with the Boolean AND operator. As inclusion criteria: studies related to the theme excluding literature reviews,with publication time delimitation of the last five years, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The research question was structured based on the PICo strategy according to the description (Population, Interest and Context). Results: 76 articles were found, of which 64 were excluded after the filters application. We performed the reading of abstracts and full text, and 12 studies were selected to compose the final sample. In summary, studies demonstrate that preventive mastectomy can offer women at high genetic risk an option to reduce their chances of developing breast cancer. Conclusion: Preventive mastectomy related to early breast neoplasms is a complex and individualized therapeutic option that seeks to reduce the risk of breast cancer development or recurrence in high-risk women

Screening for myeloid mutations in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and AML with myelodysplasia-related changes

ABSTRACT Introduction: One of the most critical complications in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is the progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The dynamics of clonal evolution in MDS and how acquired mutations can be used as biomarkers to track disease progression remains under investigation. Objective and method: Herein, we investigated the frequency of common myeloid clonal mutations (FLT3, NPM1, JAK2, IDH1 and IDH2) in 88 patients with MDS and 35 AML patients with myelodysplasia-related changes, followed at a single reference center in northeastern Brazil. Results: Overall, 9/88 (10%) ofthe MDSpatients and 9/35 (26%) of the secondary AML patients had at least one mutation. While the JAK2 V617F mutation was the most frequent in the MDS patients, the FLT3, NPM1, IDH1 and IDH2 mutations were more frequently found in the secondary AML group. Furthermore, there was a higher frequency of FLT3, NPM1, IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in MDS patients classified as high-risk subtypes than in those of lower risk. Conclusion: Despite the limited sample size, our data suggest that mutations in FLT3, NPM1, IDH1 and IDH2 genes could be potential biomarkers to detect early disease progression in MDS.

Consensus statement for diagnosis and treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a chronic, multi-systemic, progressive and lifethreatening disease characterized by intravascular hemolysis, thrombotic events, serious infections and bone marrow failure. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria results from the expansion of a clone of hematopoietic cells that due to an inactivating mutation of the X-linked gene PIG-A are deficient in glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked proteins. Early diagnosis, using flow cytometry performed on peripheral blood, the gold standard test to confirm the diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, is essential for improved patient management and prognosis. The traditional therapy for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria includes blood transfusion, anti-thrombosis prophylaxis or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The treatment that has recently become available is the complement blockade by the anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab. In this consensus, we are aiming to review the diagnosis and treatment of the paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patients, as well as the early recognition of its systemic complications. These procedures express the opinions of experts and have been based on the best available evidence and international guidelines, with the purpose of increasing benefits and reducing harm to patients.

DD Genotype and Atherosclerosis in Overweight Menopausal Women

Abstract Background Sex-specific pathology of coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been recognized. Women with obstructive or nonobstructive CAD associated with traditional risk factors have similar events; no studies have explored both populations in association with genetic markers. Objective To evaluate the DD genotype in overweight menopausal women and its association with CAD and traditional risk factors. Method This cross-sectional study included 356 menopausal women who underwent coronary angiography as CAD assessment. The patients' DNA was extracted and polymorphisms were detected with a single polymerase chain reaction assay. Two groups were formed based on luminal lesions (normal [n = 134] or pathological [n = 222]) with a cutoff value > 30%, considering overweight and age. The chi-square test, Student's t-test, and multivariate logistic regression were performed as appropriate (p < 0.05) using the following variables: overweight, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking status, sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of CAD. Results The mean age of the sample was 63 + 8 years, and the mean BMI was 28 + 5 kg/m2. The DD genotype was slightly more prevalent in the pathological group (30.2% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.079), but this significantly changed when BMI > 25 was considered (33% vs. 18%, p = 0.012). In multivariate analysis with two threshold levels (> 50 and > 60 years), diabetes was significantly associated with CAD in both models (p = 0.021 vs. 0.009) but the genotype was only associated with younger age (p = 0.034). Conclusion These data support an association between atherosclerosis and the renin-angiotensin system in overweight menopausal women that is dependent on the age at which the ischemic event occurs.

Salivary nitrite and systemic biomarkers in obese individuals with periodontitis submitted to FMD

Abstract The objective of this 9-month clinical study is to assess the impact of one-stage full-mouth disinfection (FMD) on salivary nitrite levels and systemic biomarkers and its correlation with total subgingival bacterial load in obese and non-obese patients with periodontitis. In total, 94 patients (55 obese and 39 non-obese) were initially evaluated, seven were lost during follow-up, resulting in 87 individuals at the end of the study. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months post periodontal treatment by FMD. Salivary nitrite levels were determined using Griess reagent. Blood samples were collected to determine C-Reactive Protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase and fasting blood glucose. Real-time PCR was used to determine the total subgingival bacterial load. FMD protocol resulted in increased salivary nitrite levels at 6- and 9-months post-treatment in the non-obese group (p<0.05). In obese individuals, FMD treatment led to an increase in salivary nitrite levels at 6 months (p<0.05); however, at 9 months, the nitrite levels returned to baseline levels. For both groups, the highest nitrite values were observed at 6 months. In addition, in both groups, FMD was associated with a decrease in biomarkers related to systemic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases, such as CRP (p<0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.05), and had no impact on the fasting blood glucose. This study demonstrates that obese patients with periodontitis present similar salivary nitrite levels when compared with non-obese individuals. FMD protocol resulted in increases in salivary nitrite levels and was associated with a positive impact on systemic biomarkers, regardless of obesity status.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo clínico, é avaliar o impacto da desinfecção bucal completa (DBC) nos níveis de nitrito salivar e biomarcadores sistêmicos e sua correlação com a carga bacteriana subgengival total em pacientes obesos e não obesos com periodontite. No total, 94 pacientes (55 obesos e 39 não obesos) foram avaliados inicialmente, sete foram perdidos durante o estudo, resultando em 87 indivíduos ao final. Os resultados foram avaliados no início do estudo, 3, 6 e 9 meses após o tratamento periodontal por DBC. Os níveis de nitrito salivar foram determinados usando o reagente de Griess. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para determinação da Proteína C Reativa (PCR), fosfatase alcalina e glicemia de jejum. A PCR em tempo real foi usada para determinar a carga bacteriana subgengival total. O protocolo de DBC resultou em níveis aumentados de nitrito salivar em 6 e 9 meses após o tratamento no grupo de não obesos (p <0,05). Em indivíduos obesos, o tratamento da DBC levou a um aumento nos níveis de nitrito salivar em 6 meses (p <0,05); no entanto, aos 9 meses, os níveis de nitrito voltaram aos níveis basais. Para ambos os grupos, os maiores valores de nitrito foram observados aos 6 meses. Além disso, em ambos os grupos, a DBC foi associada à diminuição dos biomarcadores relacionados à inflamação sistêmica e doenças cardiovasculares, como PCR (p <0,05) e fosfatase alcalina (p <0,05), e não teve impacto na glicemia de jejum. Este estudo demonstra que pacientes obesos com periodontite apresentam níveis de nitrito salivar semelhantes quando comparados a indivíduos não obesos. O protocolo de DBC resultou em aumentos nos níveis de nitrito salivar e foi associado a um impacto positivo nos biomarcadores sistêmicos, independentemente do status de obesidade.

Randomized clinical trials in periodontology: focus on outcomes selection

Abstract Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are human studies carried out to compare different treatments or interventions, and their results are used to support clinical decision-making and improve patient care. Herein, the aim of this study was to review the selection process of study outcomes in periodontology. Primary outcomes should draw the main conclusions of the study, whereas secondary outcomes should only be used to help explain the main findings and generate future research hypothesis. Outcomes are classified as clinically relevant (CROs) or surrogate outcomes. CROs - the first option for primary outcome variables - should convey not only substantial health benefits, but also be deemed important by patients. In periodontology, tooth loss/retention and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) are examples of CROs. While tooth loss has main limitations as a primary outcome, emerging evidence suggest that patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can accurately detect OHRQoL following periodontal therapy. When CROs cannot be assessed, validated surrogate outcomes can be used as proxies. Primary outcome variables should reflect a treatment endpoint at the patient level that can be easily used to inform decision-making in daily practice. These outcomes should allow the implementation of a treat-to-target concept in which the intervention can be clearly judged against a prespecified treatment target. Recently, the presence of at most 4 sites with periodontal probing depth ≥5 mm post-treatment was suggested as an effective endpoint for periodontal trials. In perspective, a combination of validated clinical parameters and PROMs will provide a more comprehensive assessment of periodontal treatments.

Epidemiological profile of cases of congenital syphilis in Belém City, Pará State, from 2009 to 2018 / Perfil epidemiológico da sífilis congênita em Belém, Pará, brasil de 2009 e 2018

Introduction: Congenital Syphilis (CS) is a systemic infectious disease caused by the bacterium spirochete Treponema pallidum, of vertical transmission, trans placentally, resulting from the non-treatment or inadequate treatment of infected mothers, thus determining alarming numbers in the national territory, as in Belém City (Pará State). Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile and incidence rate of CS in Belém, Pará. Methods: Quantitative, ecological, and descriptive study, conducted based on data available on DATASUS/TABNET from 2009 to 2018. Results: A total of 1,109 cases of CS were reported in Belém City. The mean incidence rate in this period was 5.4/1000 live births. As for newborns, 1,031 (92.97%) were diagnosed in the first week of life, 499 (45.00%) were male, 742 (66.91%) were pardo, and 860 (77.55%) classified as CS. Regarding maternal characteristics, the age group was inadequately filled in 100% of notifications, 476 (42.92%) had their level of education ignored at the time of filling out the forms, 768 (69.25%) underwent prenatal care, 490 (44.19%) were diagnosed with congenital syphilis at the time of delivery/curettage, and 636 (53.35%) reported no partner treatment. Conclusion: The profile studied showed an incidence rate above the parameters established for control, reflecting the increase in social inequalities, the lack of information about the disease, failure to register health organs, especially on the maternal age analyzed, low prevalence in the appropriate treatment of pregnant women's partners, resonating the need for improvements in the notification system.

Introdução: A Sífilis Congênita (SC) é uma doença infecciosa sistêmica causada pela bactéria espiroqueta Treponema pallidum, a qual possui transmissão vertical, transplacentalmente, resultado do não tratamento ou tratamento inadequado de mães infectadas, determinando, desse modo, números alarmantes em território nacional, como no município de Belém (PA). Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico e a taxa de incidência de SC em Belém, Pará. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo, ecológico e descritivo, realizado com base em dados disponíveis no DATASUS/TABNET de 2009 a 2018. Resultados: Foram notificados 1.109 casos de SC na cidade de Belém. A taxa média de incidência nesse período foi de 5,4/1000 nascidos vivos. Quanto aos recémnascidos, 1.031 (92,97%) foram diagnosticados na primeira semana de vida, 499 (45,00%) eram do sexo masculino, 742 (66,91%) da cor parda e 860 (77,55%) classificado como SC. Quanto às características maternas, a faixa etária foi inadequadamente preenchida em 100% das notificações, 476 (42,92%) tiveram seu nível de escolaridade ignorado no momento do preenchimento dos formulários, 768 (69,25%) realizaram pré-natal, 490 (44,19%) tiveram o diagnóstico de sífilis congênita no momento do parto/curetagem e 636 (53,35%) relataram ausência de tratamento do parceiro. Conclusão: O perfil estudado mostrou uma taxa de incidência acima dos parâmetros estabelecidos para controle, refletindo o aumento das desigualdades sociais, a falta de informação sobre a doença, falha no registro de órgãos de saúde, especialmente sobre a idade materna analisada, baixa prevalência no tratamento adequado dos parceiros das gestantes, ressaltando a necessidade de melhorias do sistema de notificação.

Clinical and microbiological evaluation of non-surgical periodontal therapy in obese and non-obese individuals with periodontitis: a 9-month prospective longitudinal study

Abstract Objective Obesity is a chronic disease that negatively affects an individual's general and oral health. The present study aimed to compare the clinical and microbiological effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy with the full mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol on obese and non-obese individuals at 9 months post-therapy. Methodology This clinical study was first submitted and approved by the Ethics Committee. Fifty-five obese patients and 39 non-obese patients with periodontitis were evaluated. The full-mouth periodontal clinical parameters, clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI), were monitored at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months after periodontal treatment with full mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol. The mean count of Tannerella forsythia , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Treponema Denticola , and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on subgingival biofilm samples. Demographic data were assessed by Chi-square test. For clinical and microbiological parameters, two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was used. Results In both groups, periodontal therapy using the one-stage full-mouth disinfection protocol significantly improved CAL, PD, GI, and PI (p<0.05). Obese and non-obese patients equally responded to non-surgical periodontal therapy (p>0.05). Microbial count found no major differences (p>0.05) between obese and non-obese individuals who had undergone non-surgical periodontal therapy. Conclusions Obesity did not affect the clinical and microbiological outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Validation of the Brazilian version of the Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT)

Abstract The present study aimed to validate (cross-culturally adapt and test psychometric properties) the Brazilian version of the Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT). A process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation was conducted by a group of dental researchers. The first draft of the Brazilian Portuguese version was pre-tested on a sample of 33 individuals leading up to the final version of the questionnaire. The Brazilian version of the HALT (B-HALT) was applied to 100 individuals with halitosis (organoleptic score ≥ 2) and 100 individuals without halitosis (organoleptic score < 2). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to evaluate the dimensionality of B-HALT. Cronbach's alpha (α) and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to measure its reliability. For convergent validity, Spearman's correlation was conducted between the B-HALT and the organoleptic scores. The discriminant validity was evaluated through the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. EFA confirmed the unidimensionality of B-HALT, which has also demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.96) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93). There was a positive correlation between B-HALT and organoleptic scores (r = 0.33; p < 0.001). B-HALT was able to discriminate between the groups with and without halitosis measured by the organoleptic method (p < 0.001) and self-reported halitosis (p < 0.001). B-HALT has demonstrated to be a reliable and valid tool to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life associated to halitosis in Brazilian adults.

Clinical trials sponsored by industry and other private organizations

Abstract The present manuscript discussed some relevant aspects related to private sponsored clinical trials in dentistry. For decades, the academy has been the major responsible for research in Brazil. Distant from the trade sector, academic research has not always provided clear benefits to society. A key aspect of making benefits clearer is the process of scientific knowledge transference to decision-makers, which is, in fact, the ground of evidence-based dentistry. Although private sponsoring of clinical research seems to be part of the research progress of the business rates, investment in Brazil is lower than those observed in other countries. It is particularly important to understand that instead of creating its own rules, dentistry imported the high-quality standards originally designed for pharmaceutical studies. Therefore, it is critical to understand the original rules and how dental items are classified by regulatory agencies. In fact, knowledge about international and local regulation is a basic assumption in industry-sponsored research. Despite globalization, the identification of industry-sponsored studies through open access databases is still very hard and time-demanding. A common concern when conducting industry-sponsored trials is study biases. Fortunately, many relevant organizations, academic and industry groups, have been working seriously against that. Finally, for less experienced researchers, many aspects related to industry-sponsored studies - such as confidentiality, authorship, budget - are deeply discussed until a final version of the trial agreement can be written and signed, protecting all sides. In short, the scenario should be improved, but it already represents a nice opportunity for dental research.

Disfunção erétil, hipertensão arterial e uso de anti-hipertensivos - Pesquisa ativa / Erectile disfunction, arterial hypertension and anti-hypertensives - Active research

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência da disfunção erétil (DE) em pacientes com hipertensão arterial (HA) primária em tratamento medicamentoso e sua relação e análise do impacto psicossocial. Métodos: O estudo abordou homens hipertensos em tratamento medicamentoso e idade superior a 40 anos que foram avaliados segundo o Índice Internacional de Função Erétil (IIFE- 5), Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão e um questionário sobre sua opinião quanto à relação da DE com as medicações anti-hipertensivas. A dosagem da testosterona sérica foi usada para exclusão de causas orgânicas da DE. Os dados foram analisados visando identificar o coeficiente de correlação entre as varáveis. Resultados: Foi observada prevalência de DE em 74% dos pacientes e, destes, 43% referiram piora do desempenho sexual após uso crônico da medicação anti-hipertensiva. Não foi possível provar uma correlação direta entre o uso de anti-hipertensivos e a DE, entretanto observou-se aumento do coeficiente de correlação em função da progressão da idade dos pacientes. Os betabloqueadores mostraram maior coeficiente de correlação com a DE (25%), seguido dos inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina (19%). Dos pacientes, 43% foram classificados com provável diagnóstico de ansiedade ou depressão e 35% com possível diagnóstico. Conclusão: Foi possível inferir, mas não afirmar uma correlação entre DE, HA e o uso de anti-hipertensivos

Objective: To determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with primary arterial hypertension (AH) undergoing drug treatment and its relationship and analysis of psychosocial impact. Methods: The study addressed hypertensive men on drug treatment and over 40 years of age who were evaluated according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIFE-5), Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a questionnaire about their opinion regarding the relationship between ED and antihypertensive medications. Serum testosterone dosage was used to rule out the organic causes of ED. Data were analyzed to identify the correlation coefficient between variables. Results: Prevalence of ED was observed in 74% of patients and, of these, 43% reported worsened sexual performance after chronic use of antihypertensive medications. It was not possible to prove any direct correlation between the use of antihypertensive drugs and ED, however an increase in the correlation coefficient was observed as a function of patients' age progression. Beta-blockers showed higher correlation coefficient with ED (25%), followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (19%). 43% of patients were classified with probable diagnosis of anxiety or depression and 35% with possible diagnosis. Conclusion: It was possible to infer but not to affirm a correlation between DE, HA and the use of antihypertensive drugs

Azithromycin and full-mouth scaling for the treatment of generalized stage iii and iv periodontitis: a 6-month randomized comparative clinical trial

Abstract The effectiveness of azithromycin combined with full-mouth scaling procedures was compared to quadrant-wise scaling combined with the same dosage of azithromycin when treating periodontitis patients over a 6-month period. In this randomized clinical trial study, thirty-four individuals diagnosed with generalized stage III and IV periodontitis underwent baseline, 3-month, and 6-month post-treatment examinations. The study population was randomly assigned to either full-mouth scaling (FMS) or quadrant-wise scaling and root planning (QSRP) in addition to their taking of systemic azithromycin (500 mg/day) for three consecutive days. Periodontal probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) were monitored along with the quantification of total bacterial load and red complex bacterial species (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola) in subgingival samples by real time polymerase chain reaction. The volume of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was also monitored over time. The primary outcomes included improvements of PD and CAL. Data was statistically analyzed through a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, multiple least significant difference (LSD) comparisons, Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, and paired Student t-tests (p<0.05). FMS and QSRP provided similar PD, CAL, GI, PI, and GCF improvements. After treatment, the FMS group displayed lower mean values of total bacterial load and red complex bacterial species in comparison to the QSRP group. FMS and QSRP in conjunction with systemic azithromycin appeared to be an effective and reliable short-term therapeutic approach for the treatment of generalized stage III and IV periodontitis. However, FMD demonstrated superiority in regard to the 6-month antibacterial effects when compared to QSRP.

Resumo A efetividade da azitromicina combinada com a técnica de desinfecção total da boca (DTB) foi comparada a raspagem por quadrante (RQ) utilizando a mesma dosagem de azitromicina no tratamento de indivíduos com periodontite generalizada estágio III e IV, em um período de 6 meses. Trinta e quatro indivíduos foram submetidos aos exames no baseline, 3 e 6 meses pós-tratamento. A população estudada foi alocada aleatoriamente no grupo DTB ou RQ associado a três dias consecutivos de azitromicina (500 mg/dia). Profundidade de sondagem (PS), nível clínico de inserção (NIC), índice gengival (IG) e o índice de placa (IP) foram monitorados, além da quantificação da carga bacteriana total e das espécies bacterianas do complexo vermelho (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia e Treponema denticola), em amostras subgengivais, a partir da reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real. O volume de fluido crevicular gengival (FCG) também foi monitorado ao longo do tempo. Os resultados primários foram melhorias de PS e NIC. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por Análise de variância (ANOVA), comparações múltiplas de diferença menor (LSD), Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman e teste t de Student emparelhado (p<0,05). DTB e RQ forneceram melhorias em PS, NIC, IG, IP e FCG semelhantes. Após o tratamento, o grupo DTB apresentou valores médios mais baixos da carga bacteriana total e de espécies bacterianas do complexo vermelho em comparação com o grupo RQ. DTB e RQ associado a azitromicina sistêmica mostraram ser similarmente uma abordagem terapêutica de curto prazo, eficaz e confiável para o tratamento de periodontite generalizada estágio III e IV. No entanto, DTB demonstrou superioridade sobre os efeitos antibacterianos aos 6 meses em comparação com RQ.

Intracranial Subdural Hematoma after Spinal Anesthesia: Report of Two Cases with different Outcomes

Spinal anesthesia is a technique commonly used for local anesthesia and in obstetric surgeries. Rarely, the formation of an intracranial subdural hematoma (SDH) may result from spinal anesthesia, constituting a serious condition that often leads to severe neurological deficits. The presentation and course of this pathology may occur in a completely different way, which makes its diagnosis and management difficult. In the present article, the authors report two cases of patients with intracranial SDH after spinal anesthesia with completely different presentations and outcomes, demonstrating the variability of the manifestations of this condition. A quick review of key points of its pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment was also performed.

Periodontitis and periodontopathogens in individuals hospitalized in the intensive care unit: a case-control study

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare periodontal conditions between intensive care unit (ICU) in-patients and non-ICU patients through clinical and microbiological periodontal parameters. This case-control study included 88 individuals hospitalized in ICU and 176 non-hospitalized controls. All individuals underwent a complete periodontal examination and microbiological sampling. The total bacterial load and counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were evaluated using qPCR. Data were analyzed through the Chi-square, Fisher exact, and t-Student tests, and the Spearman correlation, as appropriate. The prevalence of periodontitis was 39.7% among controls and 59.0% among ICU in-patients (OR=2.18; p=0.002). ICU in-patients had a significantly higher occurrence of cardiovascular disease (p=0.002; OR=2.20) and history of periodontal disease (p=0.031; OR=1.92) than controls. Bacterial counts of A. actinomycetemcomitans, T. denticola and P. gingivalis were significantly higher in ICU in-patients with periodontitis than in controls. The correlation between periodontal parameters and microbiological findings among cases and controls showed a significant and positive correlation between: total bacteria load and % of sites with probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm (cases: r=0.22 and controls: r=0.13) and P. gingivalis and % sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) (cases: r=0.22 and controls: r=0.23). Thus, ICU in-patients presented a higher prevalence of periodontitis and worse periodontal condition (higher mean plaque index, BOP, clinical attachment level ≥3 mm, and sites with PD 4 to 6 mm).

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as condição periodontais entre pacientes internados em Unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e indivíduos não hospitalizados através de parâmetros periodontais clínicos e microbiológicos. Este estudo caso-controle incluiu 88 indivíduos hospitalizados em UTI e 176 controles não hospitalizados. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos a um exame periodontal completo e amostragem microbiológica. A carga bacteriana total e as contagens de Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola e Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans foram avaliadas utilizando qPCR. Os dados foram analisados, conforme apropriado, por meio dos testes de Qui-quadrado, Fisher exato, t-Student, Mann-Whitney e correlação de Spearman. A prevalência de periodontite foi de 39,7% entre os controles e de 59,0% entre pacientes internados em UTI (OR=2,18, IC 95%: 1,29-3,68; p=0,002). Pacientes admitidos na UTI apresentram significativamente uma maior ocorrência de doença cardiovascular (p=0,002, OR=2,20) e história de doença periodontal (p=0,031; OR=1,92) do que os controles. As contagens bacterianas de A. actinomycetemcomitans, T. denticola e P. gingivalis foram significativamente maiores nos pacientes em UTI com periodontite do que nos controles. A correlação entre os parâmetros clínicos periodontais e os achados microbiológicos entre casos e controles mostrou correlação significativa e positiva entre: carga bacteriana total e % de sítios com profundidade de sondagem (PS) ≥4 mm (casos: r=0,22 e controles: r=0,13) e P. gingivalis e % de sítios com sangramento à sondagem (SS) (casos: r=0,22 e controles: r=0,23). Pacientes internados na UTI apresentaram maior prevalência de periodontite e pior condição periodontal (maior média de índice de placa, SS, de sítios com nível de inserção clínica ≥ 3mm e PS de 4 a 6 mm) do que os controles.