Electronic and valleytronic properties of crystalline boron-arsenide tuned by strain and disorder.

Ab initio density functional theory (DFT) and DFT plus coherent potential approximation (DFT + CPA) are employed to reveal, respectively, the effect of in-plane strain and site-diagonal disorder on the electronic structure of cubic boron arsenide (BAs). It is demonstrated that tensile strain and static diagonal disorder both reduce the semiconducting one-particle band gap of BAs, and a V-shaped p-band electronic state emerges - enabling advanced valleytronics based on strained and disordered semiconducting bulk crystals. At biaxial tensile strains close to 15% the valence band lineshape relevant for optoelectronics is shown to coincide with one reported for GaAs at low energies. The role played by static disorder on the As sites is to promote p-type conductivity in the unstrained BAs bulk crystal, consistent with experimental observations. These findings illuminate the intricate and interdependent changes in crystal structure and lattice disorder on the electronic degrees of freedom of semiconductors and semimetals.

Pythium and Phytopythium species associated with weeds collected in vegetable production fields in Brazil.

This study aimed to identify Pythium and Phytopythium species from weeds collected in vegetable fields and test their pathogenicity. Weeds with symptoms of damping-off, root rot or wilt were sampled in the Brazilian states of Ceará, Goiás and Pernambuco, as well as in the Distrito Federal, for isolation and identification of the causal agents. Once isolated, colonies with typical Pythium and Phytopythium characteristics grew in selective V8 medium. Procedures for species identification included morphology and amplification of the ITS and Cox II regions, which were compared with other accessions available at GenBank. The phylogenetic relationships among the isolates and pathogenicity to their original hosts were evaluated. Six Pythium species were identified: P. aphanidermatum, P. oopapillum, P. orthogonon, P. ultimum var. ultimum, P. myriotylum and P. sylvaticum, and two species of Phytopythium, Phy. chamaehyphon and Phy. oedochilum. In the pathogenicity tests, the 10 weed hosts showed symptoms of damping-off or root rot after inoculation, with exception of Portulaca oleraceae in which none of the isolates was pathogenic. Therefore, common weeds in vegetable fields areas can host different Pythium and Phytopythium species and play an important role in the epidemiology of vegetable diseases, in particular on pathogen survival and population increase.

How is cognition in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation Parkinson's disease patients?

The impairments in cognitive functions such as memory, executive function, visuospatial skills and language in Parkinson's disease (PD) are drawing increasing attention in the current literature. Studies dedicated to investigating the relationship between subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and cognitive functioning are contradictory. This systematic review aims to analyze the impact on the cognitive functioning of patients with PD and STN-DBS. Articles published in the 2007-2017 period were retrieved from the Medline/Pubmed databases using PRISMA criteria. The analysis of 27 articles revealed many conflicting results, precluding a consensus on a cognitive functioning standard and hampering the establishment of a neuropsychological profile for PD patients who underwent STN-DBS surgery. Further studies investigating this relationship are needed.

As deficiências nas funções cognitivas, como memória, função executiva, habilidades visuoespaciais e linguagem na doença de Parkinson (DP), estão cada vez mais chamando a atenção na literatura atual. Estudos dedicados a investigar a relação entre a estimulação cerebral profunda do núcleo subtalâmico (ECP-NST) e o funcionamento cognitivo são contraditórios. Esta revisão sistemática tem como objetivo analisar o impacto no funcionamento cognitivo de pacientes com DP e ECP-NST. Os artigos foram coletados nas bases de dados Medline / Pubmed publicadas no período de 2007-2017, utilizando os critérios do PRISMA. Após a análise de 27 artigos observou-se muitos resultados opostos, não sendo possível convencionar um padrão de funcionamento cognitivo o que dificulta o estabelecimento de um perfil neuropsicológico para pacientes com essa doença que foram submetidos à cirurgia de ECP-NST, sendo necessários mais estudos.

How is cognition in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation Parkinson's disease patients? / Como é a Cognição em Pacientes com Doença de Parkinson com Estimulação Cerebral Profunda no Núcleo Subtalâmico? Uma Revisão Sistemática

Abstract The impairments in cognitive functions such as memory, executive function, visuospatial skills and language in Parkinson's disease (PD) are drawing increasing attention in the current literature. Studies dedicated to investigating the relationship between subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and cognitive functioning are contradictory. This systematic review aims to analyze the impact on the cognitive functioning of patients with PD and STN-DBS. Articles published in the 2007-2017 period were retrieved from the Medline/Pubmed databases using PRISMA criteria. The analysis of 27 articles revealed many conflicting results, precluding a consensus on a cognitive functioning standard and hampering the establishment of a neuropsychological profile for PD patients who underwent STN-DBS surgery. Further studies investigating this relationship are needed.

Resumo As deficiências nas funções cognitivas, como memória, função executiva, habilidades visuoespaciais e linguagem na doença de Parkinson (DP), estão cada vez mais chamando a atenção na literatura atual. Estudos dedicados a investigar a relação entre a estimulação cerebral profunda do núcleo subtalâmico (ECP-NST) e o funcionamento cognitivo são contraditórios. Esta revisão sistemática tem como objetivo analisar o impacto no funcionamento cognitivo de pacientes com DP e ECP-NST. Os artigos foram coletados nas bases de dados Medline / Pubmed publicadas no período de 2007-2017, utilizando os critérios do PRISMA. Após a análise de 27 artigos observou-se muitos resultados opostos, não sendo possível convencionar um padrão de funcionamento cognitivo o que dificulta o estabelecimento de um perfil neuropsicológico para pacientes com essa doença que foram submetidos à cirurgia de ECP-NST, sendo necessários mais estudos.

Systematic review of neuropsychological instruments used in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson´s disease patients.

In addition to drug treatment, surgical intervention represents an alternative to PD patients with motor deficits. The most common intervention is subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS). It is extremely important to perform a neuropsychological assessment in patients with STN-DBS, not only to identify losses related to the disease, but also to compare influence on cognition both pre and postoperatively. OBJECTIVE: the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the instruments frequently used in studies related to STN-DBS in PD patients. METHODS: articles were retrieved from Medline/Pubmed databases published in the 2007-2017 period using PRISMA criteria. RESULTS: after analyzing 27 articles, the absence of a specific evaluation protocol for PD with STN-DBS was evident. CONCLUSION: non-motor symptoms are not given due importance in neuropsychological assessments. It is crucial to acknowledge that these symptoms have a major impact on the quality of life of patients. Greater engagement in assessing these aspects is required, in order to bridge the gaps in research.

Além do tratamento medicamentoso, a intervenção cirúrgica é uma alternativa aos pacientes com DP com déficits motores. A mais comum é a estimulação cerebral profunda do núcleo subtalâmico (ECP-NST). É extremamente importante realizar uma avaliação neuropsicológica em pacientes com ECP-NST, não apenas para identificar perdas relacionadas à doença, mas também para comparar a influência na cognição em cirurgias pré e pós-operatórias. OBJETIVO: esta revisão sistemática teve como objetivo investigar os instrumentos frequentemente utilizados em pesquisas relacionadas a ECP-NST em pacientes com DP. MÉTODOS: Os artigos foram coletados nas bases de dados Medline / Pubmed publicadas no período de 2007-2017, utilizando os critérios do PRISMA. RESULTADOS: após a análise de 27 artigos, percebeu-se a ausência de um protocolo de avaliação específico para a DP com ECP-NST. CONCLUSÃO: os sintomas não motores não tem recebido a devida importância na avaliação neuropsicológica. É fundamental reconhecer que eles representam grande influência na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. É necessário maior engajamento na avaliação desses aspectos, a fim de preencher as lacunas das pesquisas.

Hydrophilic modification of sandblasted and acid-etched implants improves stability during early healing: a human double-blind randomized controlled trial.

A randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate and compare the changes in implant stability quotient (ISQ) of implants of the same brand, design, length, and diameter but with two different surface treatments, placed in the posterior mandible: sandblasted and acid-etched (SAE) and chemically modified SAE (hydrophilic). Twenty implants of the same design, length, and diameter (cylindrical and compressive, 3.75×11mm) but with different surface treatments (control group: 10 SAE; test group: 10 modified SAE) were randomly assigned to placement in the posterior mandibular region in 20 different patients. ISQ values were assessed in a blinded manner for six consecutive weeks. The maximum and minimum ISQ values observed during follow-up were 76.0 and 48.5, respectively, in the test group, and 76.0 and 49.0, respectively, in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (P=0.19) in ISQ variation for the test group implants (modified SAE). Comparison between the test and control groups revealed a significant difference in the measurements: the ISQ in the test group was higher than that in the control group during the follow-up period (parametric Mann-Whitney test). This study demonstrated that implants with a modified SAE surface installed in the posterior mandible showed higher and faster ISQ stability during the healing period when compared to implants with a SAE surface.

Systematic review of neuropsychological instruments used in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson´s disease patients / Revisão Sistemática de Instrumentos Neuropsicológicos usados em Pacientes com Doença de Parkinson e Estimulação Cerebral Profunda no Núcleo Subtalâmico

ABSTRACT. In addition to drug treatment, surgical intervention represents an alternative to PD patients with motor deficits. The most common intervention is subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS). It is extremely important to perform a neuropsychological assessment in patients with STN-DBS, not only to identify losses related to the disease, but also to compare influence on cognition both pre and postoperatively. Objective: the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the instruments frequently used in studies related to STN-DBS in PD patients. Methods: articles were retrieved from Medline/Pubmed databases published in the 2007-2017 period using PRISMA criteria. Results: after analyzing 27 articles, the absence of a specific evaluation protocol for PD with STN-DBS was evident. Conclusion: non-motor symptoms are not given due importance in neuropsychological assessments. It is crucial to acknowledge that these symptoms have a major impact on the quality of life of patients. Greater engagement in assessing these aspects is required, in order to bridge the gaps in research.

RESUMO. Além do tratamento medicamentoso, a intervenção cirúrgica é uma alternativa aos pacientes com DP com déficits motores. A mais comum é a estimulação cerebral profunda do núcleo subtalâmico (ECP-NST). É extremamente importante realizar uma avaliação neuropsicológica em pacientes com ECP-NST, não apenas para identificar perdas relacionadas à doença, mas também para comparar a influência na cognição em cirurgias pré e pós-operatórias. Objetivo: esta revisão sistemática teve como objetivo investigar os instrumentos frequentemente utilizados em pesquisas relacionadas a ECP-NST em pacientes com DP. Métodos: Os artigos foram coletados nas bases de dados Medline / Pubmed publicadas no período de 2007-2017, utilizando os critérios do PRISMA. Resultados: após a análise de 27 artigos, percebeu-se a ausência de um protocolo de avaliação específico para a DP com ECP-NST. Conclusão: os sintomas não motores não tem recebido a devida importância na avaliação neuropsicológica. É fundamental reconhecer que eles representam grande influência na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. É necessário maior engajamento na avaliação desses aspectos, a fim de preencher as lacunas das pesquisas.

Cognitive deficits in older adults with mild cognitive impairment in a two-year follow-up study.

Characterizing cognitive decline in older adults with MCI over time is important to identify the cognitive profile of those who convert to dementia. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the two-year cognitive trajectory of elderly adults diagnosed with MCI, from geriatrics and neurology outpatient clinics of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: 62 older adults with MCI were submitted to a neuropsychological battery and re-evaluated after two years. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to assess differences between groups with respect to education, functioning, the Geriatric Depression Scale and diagnosis. RESULTS: 24.2% converted to dementia after two years. The group with declines in two or more cognitive functions had a higher conversion rate to dementia than the group with decline in executive functions (EF) only (Z = -2.11, p = .04). The EF decline group had higher scores on the depression scale than both the memory decline group (Z = -1.99, p = .05) and multiple decline group (Z = -2.23, p = .03). CONCLUSION: The present study found different cognitive decline profiles in elderly adults with MCI and differences between them regarding depressive symptoms and rate of conversion to dementia.

Caracterizar o declínio cognitivo em idosos com Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve (CCL) ao longo do tempo é importante para identificar o perfil cognitivo de quem converte para demência. OBJETIVO: Estudar as trajetórias evolutivas de dois anos de acompanhamento de idosos com CCL assistidos em clinicas de geriatria e neurologia de um Hospital Federal na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: 62 idosos com CCL foram submetidos a uma bateria neuropsicológica e reavaliados após dois anos. O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para avaliar as diferenças entre os grupos quanto a escolaridade, funcionalidade, escala de depressão geriátrica e diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: 24,2% converteram-se em demência após dois anos. O grupo com declínio em duas ou mais funções cognitivas apresentou maior porcentagem de conversão para demência do que o grupo com declínio apenas nas funções executivas (Z = -2,11, p = 0,04). O grupo de declínio das FEs, apresentou escores maiores na escala de depressão do que o grupo de declínio na memória (Z = -1.99, p = .05) e múltiplos declínios (Z = -2.23, p = .03). CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostrou que existem perfis diferentes de declínio cognitivo em idosos com CCL e que existem diferenças entre eles em relação a sintomas depressivos e a taxa de conversão para demência.

Cognitive deficits in older adults with mild cognitive impairment in a two-year follow-up study / Déficits cognitivos em idosos com comprometimento cognitive leve em dois anos de acompanhamento

ABSTRACT Characterizing cognitive decline in older adults with MCI over time is important to identify the cognitive profile of those who convert to dementia. Objective: This study examined the two-year cognitive trajectory of elderly adults diagnosed with MCI, from geriatrics and neurology outpatient clinics of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Methods: 62 older adults with MCI were submitted to a neuropsychological battery and re-evaluated after two years. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to assess differences between groups with respect to education, functioning, the Geriatric Depression Scale and diagnosis. Results: 24.2% converted to dementia after two years. The group with declines in two or more cognitive functions had a higher conversion rate to dementia than the group with decline in executive functions (EF) only (Z = -2.11, p = .04). The EF decline group had higher scores on the depression scale than both the memory decline group (Z = -1.99, p = .05) and multiple decline group (Z = -2.23, p = .03). Conclusion: The present study found different cognitive decline profiles in elderly adults with MCI and differences between them regarding depressive symptoms and rate of conversion to dementia.

RESUMO Caracterizar o declínio cognitivo em idosos com Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve (CCL) ao longo do tempo é importante para identificar o perfil cognitivo de quem converte para demência. Objetivo: Estudar as trajetórias evolutivas de dois anos de acompanhamento de idosos com CCL assistidos em clinicas de geriatria e neurologia de um Hospital Federal na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: 62 idosos com CCL foram submetidos a uma bateria neuropsicológica e reavaliados após dois anos. O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para avaliar as diferenças entre os grupos quanto a escolaridade, funcionalidade, escala de depressão geriátrica e diagnóstico. Resultados: 24,2% converteram-se em demência após dois anos. O grupo com declínio em duas ou mais funções cognitivas apresentou maior porcentagem de conversão para demência do que o grupo com declínio apenas nas funções executivas (Z = -2,11, p = 0,04). O grupo de declínio das FEs, apresentou escores maiores na escala de depressão do que o grupo de declínio na memória (Z = -1.99, p = .05) e múltiplos declínios (Z = -2.23, p = .03). Conclusão: O presente estudo mostrou que existem perfis diferentes de declínio cognitivo em idosos com CCL e que existem diferenças entre eles em relação a sintomas depressivos e a taxa de conversão para demência.

Alveolar ridge preservation using a non-resorbable membrane: randomized clinical trial with biomolecular analysis.

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the newly formed tissues in post-extraction sockets and to compare ridge dimensional changes with and without the use of a dense polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (d-PTFE). Twenty human extraction sockets (lower molars and premolars) received either an intentionally exposed d-PTFE membrane (test group) or no biomaterial (control group). After 4 months, during preparation for implant placement, bone and gingival tissues were collected for histological and biomolecular analysis. Clinically, the test and control groups showed mean gains of keratinized gingiva of 4.30±1.20mm and 2.50±2.20mm, respectively. A reduction in ridge width was observed in the control (2.90±2.70mm) and test (3.30±2.00mm) groups. The bone height alteration ranged from a reduction of 0.12±1.60mm to a gain of 0.60±3.60mm on average for both groups. Analysis of gene expression (OPG/RANKL) in gingival fibroblasts and osteoblasts revealed no difference between the two groups. Ridge preservation using the d-PTFE membrane increased the formation of keratinized tissue. A reduction in width and mild reduction/gain in height of the alveolar ridge was observed in both groups. The membrane had no influence on the healing process.

Quality assessment of systematic reviews of the significance of keratinized mucosa on implant health.

The aim of this overview was to assess the methods, quality, and outcomes of systematic reviews conducted to evaluate the importance of keratinized mucosa (KM) for the maintenance of peri-implant tissue health in humans. An electronic search was conducted without date or language restriction using the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to December 2015. The eligibility criteria included systematic reviews with/without meta-analysis and with a focus on the influence of KM on peri-implant health around implants. Two independent authors performed the quality analysis of the reviews with the AMSTAR guidelines and another checklist proposed in 2003. After screening, four systematic reviews were selected. The present study demonstrated the existence of structural and methodological variability among the systematic reviews with/without meta-analysis. None of the systematic reviews that were included in the study obtained the maximum score in the two quality analyses performed. All systematic reviews included reported a positive association between an adequate KM width (≥2mm) and peri-implant health. There is still insufficient data on the long-term survival and success rates of dental implants. Prospective studies evaluating the importance of KM for the long-term maintenance of dental implants are needed.

The impact of diabetes on dental implant failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that there is no difference in implant failure rate or marginal bone loss between type 1 or 2 diabetes subjects and non-diabetic subjects. An electronic search was conducted, without restrictions on date or language, in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases, and in the grey literature, through August 2015. The eligibility criteria included prospective and retrospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. The initial search resulted in 1093 titles from PubMed/MEDLINE, 164 from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, 134 from Web of Science, 228 from EMBASE, and four from the grey literature. Following the search and selection process, 14 studies published between 2000 and 2015 were included in this systematic review. According to the risk of bias analysis, all studies were classified as high quality. The results of this systematic review suggest that the number of implant failures does not differ between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Additionally, the results of the comparison between type 1 and 2 diabetes subjects showed no difference in the number of failures. With regard to marginal bone loss, there was a statistically significant difference favouring non-diabetic subjects.

Quality assessment of systematic reviews on alveolar socket preservation.

The aim of this overview was to evaluate and compare the quality of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, that have evaluated studies on techniques or biomaterials used for the preservation of alveolar sockets post tooth extraction in humans. An electronic search was conducted without date restrictions using the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to April 2015. Eligibility criteria included systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, focused on the preservation of post-extraction alveolar sockets in humans. Two independent authors assessed the quality of the included reviews using AMSTAR and the checklist proposed by Glenny et al. in 2003. After the selection process, 12 systematic reviews were included. None of these reviews obtained the maximum score using the quality assessment tools implemented, and the results of the analyses were highly variable. A significant statistical correlation was observed between the scores of the two checklists. A wide structural and methodological variability was observed between the systematic reviews published on the preservation of alveolar sockets post tooth extraction. None of the reviews evaluated obtained the maximum score using the two quality assessment tools implemented.

Effect of submucosal injection of dexamethasone after third molar surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyse the effectiveness of submucosal injection of dexamethasone to control the postoperative signs and symptoms resulting from impacted third molar surgery. An electronic search was conducted, without restriction on date or language, in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases until June 2015 . The eligibility criteria included non-randomized or randomized clinical trials in humans. After the search and selection process, eight articles were included. The fixed-effects or random-effects model, depending on heterogeneity, was built on the inverse-variance method used. The estimations of intervention were expressed as the mean difference (MD) in millimetres. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the submucosal injection of dexamethasone presents a reduction in the postoperative signs and symptoms resulting from impacted third molar surgery, especially those associated with oedema and pain. In relation to trismus, the meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference between dexamethasone and the placebo solution.

Immediate versus conventional loaded single implants in the posterior mandible: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare implant survival, marginal bone loss, and complications between immediate and conventional loading of single implants installed in the posterior mandible. An extensive electronic search was performed of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify relevant articles published up to January 2015. After the selection process, five studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. The results of the meta-analysis were expressed in terms of the odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD), with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results were pooled according to heterogeneity using the fixed- or random-effects model. There was no statistically significant difference between the two techniques (immediate loading vs. conventional loading) with regard to implant survival (OR 1.71, 95% CI 0.40 to 7.36; P=0.47). There was no statistically significant difference in marginal bone loss (SMD -0.58, 95% CI -1.55 to 0.38; P=0.24). The reported mechanical and biological complications were common to both types of intervention, with the exception of probing depth, which was greater following the immediate loading technique (SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.44), although this was not statistically significant (P=0.43).

Success of dental implants in smokers and non-smokers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this review was to test the null hypothesis of no difference in marginal bone loss and implant failure rates between smokers and non-smokers with respect to the follow-up period. An extensive electronic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify relevant articles published up to February 2015. The eligibility criteria included randomized and non-randomized clinical studies. After an exhaustive selection process, 15 articles were included. The meta-analysis was expressed in terms of the odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. There was a statistically significant difference in marginal bone loss favouring the non-smoking group (SMD 0.49, 95% CI 0.07-0.90; P=0.02). An independent analysis revealed an increase in marginal bone loss in the maxilla of smokers, compared to the mandible (SMD 0.40, 95% CI 0.24-0.55; P<0.00001). A statistically significant difference in implant failure in favour of the non-smoking group was also observed (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.68-2.30; P<0.00001). However, the subgroup analysis for follow-up time revealed no significant increase in implant failure proportional to the increase in follow-up time (P=0.26).

Implant survival rates, marginal bone level changes, and complications in full-mouth rehabilitation with flapless computer-guided surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review evaluated the implant survival rate, changes in marginal bone level, and complications associated with guided surgery for the treatment of fully edentulous patients followed up for longer than 1 year. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to retrieve studies published up until July 2014 that met predefined eligibility criteria. Thirteen studies were included. In studies on the guided surgery technique, a survival rate of 97.2% and a mean marginal bone loss of 1.45 mm were found during 1-4 years of follow-up. However, associated complications, such as implant loss, prosthesis or surgical guide fractures, and low primary stability, were often found, and there is a learning curve to achieve treatment success. Further longitudinal comparative studies should improve the technique and its success rate.

Effect of autologous platelet concentrates for alveolar socket preservation: a systematic review.

The current literature was reviewed to evaluate the effect of autologous plasma concentrates on the preservation of extraction sockets. A comprehensive literature search was performed from October 2013 to February 2014 in the MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. Four studies, published between the years 2010 and 2013, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. There were 102 extractions (55 tests, 47 controls) in 82 patients. There was considerable heterogeneity between studies with regard to the design, follow-up time, surgical techniques, and method of preparation of plasma concentrates, and therefore the data could not be analyzed quantitatively. The use of plasma concentrates seems to accelerate healing and soft tissue epithelialization in extraction sockets and reduce postoperative pain and discomfort. However, there is no evidence to date to confirm that plasma concentrates improve hard tissue regeneration.

Evaluation of survival and success rates of dental implants reported in longitudinal studies with a follow-up period of at least 10 years: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the survival and success rates of osseointegrated implants determined in longitudinal studies that conducted a follow-up of at least 10 years. A broad electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for relevant publications in indexed journals, evaluating the clinical performance of dental implants. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers analyzed titles, abstracts, and complete articles, prioritizing studies of the randomized clinical trial type. A total of 23 articles were included in this review. Ten prospective studies, nine retrospective studies, and four randomized clinical trials, which evaluated 7711 implants, were selected. The mean follow-up time of the studies included was 13.4 years. All of the studies reported survival rates and mean marginal bone resorption values, with cumulative mean values of 94.6% and 1.3mm, respectively. Fourteen studies related success rates. Taking into consideration the disparate outcome measures employed to assess dental implant performance and within the limitations of this systematic review, we may affirm that osseointegrated implants are safe and present high survival rates and minimal marginal bone resorption in the long term.

Identification of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Race 3 Infecting Tomatoes in Northeast Brazil.

The three races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) are important tomato pathogens throughout the world, causing severe economic losses (1). In Brazil, races 1 and 2 are widespread, but the current geographic distribution of race 3 is restricted to the mild climate areas of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro States in the southeast region (2,3). Here we report the spread of FOL race 3 to the warm northeast region of Brazil. Plants in commercial fields of the hybrid 'Alambra' (resistant to FOL races 1 and 2) were found displaying chlorosis, vascular browning, and wilt symptoms in Jaguaquara County, Bahia State, Brazil. Disease incidence ranged from 10 to 50%. The virulence profile of six isolates obtained from three distinct tomato-producing fields was investigated by root-dipping inoculation (106 conidia/ml) of 21-day-old seedlings from a set of FOL race differential accessions: 'Ponderosa' (susceptible to all races), 'IPA-5' (FOL race 1 resistance; I-1 locus); 'Alambra' and 'Floradade' (FOL races 1 and 2 resistance; I-2 gene), and Solanum pennellii 'LA 716' (resistant to all three races; I-3 locus). All six isolates were able to induce severe wilt symptoms in 100% of the plants from all lines but S. pennellii 'LA 716'. FOL race 3 identity was confirmed via PCR assays employing a specific set of primers that are able to discriminate all the three FOL races as well as F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici isolates (1). Total DNA was extracted from pure fungal colonies growing in agar medium. The typical FOL race 3 amplicon profiles (i.e. positive for the primers uni, sp13, and sp23 and negative for the primer sprl) were observed only in the six FOL 3 isolates from Bahia as well as in five reference isolates of race 3 (previously obtained from tomato in Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro States), thus confirming their race identities. This recent, fast, and wide geographic expansion of the FOL race 3 in Brazil suggests that the pathogen has been introduced into new tomato producing areas via either contaminated seeds or seedlings. Because of the complexity of establishing effective chemical and cultural control strategies, these epidemics caused by FOL race 3 in distinct areas of Brazil might cause the replacement of the currently grown susceptible hybrids by resistant ones. References: (1) Y. Hirano and T. Arie. J. Gen. Plant Pathol. 72:273, 2006; (2) A. Reis et al. Fitopatol. Bras. 30:426, 2005; (3) A. Reis and L. S. Boiteux. Hort. Bras. 25:451, 2007.