Exploring the Expression of Pro-Inflammatory and Hypoxia-Related MicroRNA-20a, MicroRNA-30e, and MicroRNA-93 in Periodontitis and Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells under Hypoxia.

Hypoxia associated with inflammation are common hallmarks observed in several diseases, and it plays a major role in the expression of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs). In addition, the miRNA target genes for hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and nuclear factor of activated T cells-5 (NFAT5) modulate the adaptation to hypoxia. The objective of the present study was to explore hypoxia-related miRNA target genes for HIF-1α and NFAT5, as well as miRNA-20a, miRNA-30e, and miRNA-93 expression in periodontitis versus healthy gingival tissues and gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) cultured under hypoxic conditions. Thus, a case-control study was conducted, including healthy and periodontitis subjects. Clinical data and gingival tissue biopsies were collected to analyze the expression of miRNA-20a, miRNA-30e, miRNA-93, HIF-1α, and NFAT5 by qRT-PCR. Subsequently, GMSCs were isolated and cultured under hypoxic conditions (1% O2) to explore the expression of the HIF-1α, NFAT5, and miRNAs. The results showed a significant upregulation of miRNA-20a (p = 0.028), miRNA-30e (p = 0.035), and miRNA-93 (p = 0.026) in periodontitis tissues compared to healthy gingival biopsies. NFAT5 mRNA was downregulated in periodontitis tissues (p = 0.037), but HIF-1α was not affected (p = 0.60). Interestingly, hypoxic GMSCs upregulated the expression of miRNA-20a and HIF-1α, but they downregulated miRNA-93e. In addition, NFAT5 mRNA expression was not affected in hypoxic GMSCs. In conclusion, in periodontitis patients, the expression of miRNA-20a, miRNA-30e, and miRNA-93 increased, but a decreased expression of NFAT5 mRNA was detected. In addition, GMSCs under hypoxic conditions upregulate the HIF-1α and increase miRNA-20a (p = 0.049) expression. This study explores the role of inflammatory and hypoxia-related miRNAs and their target genes in periodontitis and GMSCs. It is crucial to determine the potential therapeutic target of these miRNAs and hypoxia during the periodontal immune-inflammatory response, which should be analyzed in greater depth in future studies.

Importance of keratinized mucosa around dental implants: Consensus report of group 1 of the DGI/SEPA/Osteology Workshop.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the literature on (i) the relevance of the presence of a minimum dimension of keratinized peri-implant mucosa (KPIM) to maintain the health and stability of peri-implant tissues, and; (ii) the surgical interventions and grafting materials used for augmenting the dimensions of the KPIM when there is a minimal amount or absence of it. MATERIAL & METHODS: Two systematic reviews complemented by expert opinion from workshop group participants served as the basis of the consensus statements, implications for clinical practice and future research, and were approved in plenary session by all workshop participants. RESULTS: Thirty-four consensus statements, eight implications for clinical practice, and 13 implications for future research were discussed and agreed upon. There is no consistent data on the incidence of peri-implant mucositis relative to the presence or absence of KPIM. However, reduced KPIM width is associated with increased biofilm accumulation, soft-tissue inflammation, greater patient discomfort, mucosal recession, marginal bone loss and an increased prevalence of peri-implantitis. Free gingival autogenous grafts were considered the standard of care surgical intervention to effectively increase the width of KPIM. However, substitutes of xenogeneic origin may be an alternative to autogenous tissues, since similar results when compared to connective tissue grafts were reported. CONCLUSION: Presence of a minimum width of KPIM should be assessed routinely in patients with implant supported restorations, and when associated with pathological changes in the peri-implant mucosa, its dimensions may be surgically increased using autogenous grafts or soft-tissue substitutes with evidence of proven efficacy.

Efficacy of soft tissue augmentation procedures on tissue thickening around dental implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The first focused question (FQ1) was: What is the efficacy of connective tissue graft (CTG), as compared to the absence of soft tissue grafting procedure, in terms of gain in peri-implant soft tissue thickness (STT) reported by randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs)? The second focused question (FQ2) was: What is the efficacy of CTG, as compared to soft tissue substitutes, in terms of gain in peri-implant STT reported by RCTs or CCTs? MATERIALS AND METHODS: A manual and electronic search was performed for each question to identify RCTs and CCTs published up to July 2020. The primary outcome variable was changes in peri-implant STT and secondary outcomes were marginal bone level (MBL), clinical parameters for the diagnosis of peri-implant health, changes in the position of peri-implant soft tissues, esthetic outcomes, and patient-related outcome measures (PROMs). For primary and secondary outcomes, data reporting mean values and standard deviations for each study were extracted. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences as well as 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Eight trials were included to answer the first focused question and eight to answer the second one, providing data for 254 and 192 patients, respectively. For the first focused question, a statistically significant difference of 0.64 mm in STT was found in favor of the grafted group (n = 8; 95% CI [0.16; 1.13]; 95% PI [-1.06; 2.35]; p = .01). Moreover, sites treated with CTG exhibited statistically significant less recession than implants without a graft (n = 4; WMD = 0.50 mm; 95% CI [0.19; 0.80]; 95% PI [-0.70; 1.69]; p < .001). For the second focused question, the meta-analysis showed a statistically significant gain of STT in the CTG group when compared to soft tissue substitutes (n = 8; WMD = 0.51 mm; 95% CI [0.28; 0.75]; 95% PI [-0.09; 1.12]; p < .001). Furthermore, the use of CTG resulted in significantly higher pink esthetic score values (n = 3; WMD = 1.02; 95% CI [0.29; 1.74]; 95% PI [-3.67; 5.70]; p = .01) and less recession (n = 2; WMD = 0.50 mm; 95% CI [0.10; 0.89]; 95% PI [not estimable]; p = .014) when compared to soft tissue substitutes. No statistically significant differences between groups were observed for any of the following secondary variables: MBL, clinical parameters for the diagnosis of peri-implant health, position of the interproximal tissues, keratinized mucosa or PROMS (p > 0.05), except for medication intake, which was significantly higher when using CTG as compared to soft tissue substitutes (n = 2; WMD = 1.68; 95% CI [1.30; 2.07]; 95% PI [not estimable]; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue augmentation procedures are efficacious on soft tissue thickening and, in particular, CTG demonstrated a significant STT gain when compared to no graft or soft tissue substitutes.

Periodontists' Trends in the Management of Peri-implant Diseases.

PURPOSE: The scarce standard therapeutic protocols for the management of peri-implant diseases results in the empirical application of therapeutic modalities. The objective of this study was to carry out a survey to analyze the therapeutic trends of professionals with different academic backgrounds and levels of expertise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional internet-based study survey of board-certified members of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) was conducted. To assess the therapeutic trends, four clinical vignettes representing different scenarios of peri-implant biologic complications were provided to the participants. Differences in practice patterns were determined using chi-square test and Student t test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) test for qualitative variables. RESULTS: A total of 268 members of the AAP and EFP completed the survey. A significant difference in preferred treatment plan was found between EFP and AAP periodontists, resective therapy being the treatment of choice by the majority of the former (41.2%) and regenerative therapy by the latter (48.9%; P < .001). Overall, 48.1% of experts did not consider any intervention for the management of mucositis. Antibiotic prescriptions differed among groups, with statistical significance in each clinical case, and the explantation criteria were inconsistent and differed significantly among groups. CONCLUSION: Substantial variations exist concerning the decision-making to manage peri-implant diseases and conditions.

Clinical comparison of instrumentation systems for periodontal debridement: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical efficacy, chairside time and post-treatment hypersensitivity of four instruments used for subgingival periodontal debridement. MATERIALS & METHODS: Seventeen patients with stage II and III periodontitis were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial using a split-mouth design. Quadrants were randomly divided into four treatment groups: Group A: Gracey curettes-Hu-Friedy® ; Group B: piezoelectric ultrasonic (Satelec® ) with No.1S insert; Group C: diamond burs 40 µm (Intensiv Perioset® ); and Group D: piezosurgery ultrasonic (Mectron® ) with PP1 insert. Clinical outcomes, chairside time and hypersensitivity were assessed at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome variable was improvement in clinical attachment level. RESULTS: At 8 weeks post-treatment, Gracey curettes, piezoelectric ultrasonic (Satelec® ) and piezosurgery ultrasonic (Mectron® ) were statistically more effective than diamond burs in increasing attachment level and reducing probing pocket depth. Comparison of piezoelectric ultrasonic (Satelec® ) and piezosurgery ultrasonic (Mectron® ) with the other instruments showed a statistical difference (p < 0.001) in chairside time. Regarding post-treatment hypersensitivity, no statistical differences were observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Gracey curettes, piezoelectric ultrasonic (Satelec® ) and piezosurgery ultrasonic (Mectron® ) were clinically more effective than diamond burs 40 µm. The ultrasonic instruments showed a significant reduction in chairside time.

Periodontal and Periapical Outcomes of Surgical Extrusion: A Prospective Clinical Volumetric Study.

INTRODUCTION: Outcome predictors for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth mainly include cavity wall integrity and the presence of a 1.5-2 mm ferrule. However, in some clinical situations, the aforementioned predictors cannot be achieved. Three different techniques have been proposed to obtain an adequate ferrule respecting the supracrestal tissue attachment: surgical crown lengthening, orthodontic forced eruption, and surgical extrusion. There are little published prospective data evaluating periodontal changes after surgical extrusion. Therefore, the aims of this study were to report the outcome of surgical extrusion in single-rooted teeth, to digitally evaluate soft tissue volumetric changes after surgical extrusion, and to observe patient satisfaction regarding the treatment after a minimum of 1 year. METHODS: This prospective clinical study was performed between 2017 and 2020. Thirteen patients referred for surgical extrusion met the following inclusion criteria: nonsmokers; systemically healthy with at least 1 straight, single-rooted tooth with an insufficient ferrule; a favorable tooth crown-to-root ratio, and no periodontal pathology. Preoperative clinical variables included patient age, sex and phenotype, tooth number, tooth mobility, crown-to-root ratio, gingival index (GI), probing pocket depths at 6 sites, bleeding on probing (BOP), and mesial and distal interproximal papillae volume. Surgical extrusion was performed by a single operator who completed the root canal treatment/retreatment and restored the teeth with a crown. One year later, all patients were controlled, and the following variables were recorded: tooth mobility, crown-to-root ratio, GI, pocket depth, BOP, interproximal papillae aspect, soft tissue rebound, periapical healing, marginal bone loss, and patient-reported outcome measures of the treatment. All variables were analyzed using a descriptive method (mean, %). The Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate pre- and postoperative clinical parameters at a significance level of .05. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up period of 18.8 months, no teeth were extracted. Compared with preoperative GI and BOP, a significant reduction was observed at 1 year after surgery. Likewise, no significant differences in probing depths were shown, and only 1 tooth presented a type 2 mobility. The mean soft tissue rebound was -0.46 ± 0.69 mm. Overall, no significant interproximal papillae height loss was observed.Apical lesions were completely healed after surgery. The tooth crown-to-root ratio was favorable in all cases before extrusion, whereas in 3 cases it was appropriate (1 = 1), and only 1 case presented >25% of marginal bone loss during the follow-up period. The reported success rate was 92.3%, and patients were generally satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical extrusion of single-rooted teeth was successful with minimal or no soft tissue loss, and patients were satisfied with the surgical procedure and the esthetic result.

Keratinized mucosa changes around one-stage implants: A prospective case series.

BACKGROUND: The need of an adequate band of keratinized tissue (KT) to maintain periodontal health around teeth as well as around implants has been a debated topic over many years but still no conclusions have been drawn. OBJECTIVES: This prospective case series evaluates the changes undergone by the keratinized mucosa (KM) and the soft tissue volume around non-submerged implants before the prosthetic rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients were included. The primary outcome was to analyze the width of the KM at both buccal and lingual aspects compared to the pre-existing KT in the edentulous ridge only in mandibular (pre)molar area. The mucogingival line was marked with a surgical pen and an intra-oral scanner was used to take the impression of the implant area the day of the surgery (T0, baseline) and before the crown placement (T1, 3 months). Buccal soft tissue volume was measured at 1, 3, and 5 mm apical to the healing abutment position and a comparison between T0 and T1 was performed. Student t-test was used according to the distribution of the data (Shapiro-Wilk). RESULTS: The mean KT width at baseline was 4.54 ± 1.31 mm at buccal side and 5.04 ± 1.88 mm at lingual side. After 3 months, the mean KM values were 3.15 ± 1.03 mm and 3.72 ± 1.56 mm at the buccal and lingual aspects, respectively. The differences, 30.6% of KM reduction buccally and 26.1% of reduction lingually, were statistically significant for both sides. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this investigation, it was observed that the KM width from the baseline to the 3 months follow up presented a significant dimensional change in both the buccal and lingual aspects, whereas buccal soft tissue volume showed an increase between baseline and follow up.

Implant failure and associated risk indicators: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate early and late implant loss rates in a sample of patients who had received implant therapy in a university setting as well as patient- and implant-related variables for implant failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis in a cohort of patients who were treated with implant-supported restorative therapy during the period 2001-2012. Patients were randomly selected from an electronic database and scheduled for an appointment to record subject and implant characteristics. The primary study outcome was implant loss (i.e., early and late implant failure). RESULTS: A total of 190 patients and 710 implants were included. The mean time in function was 8.2 (SD 2.4) years. Four implants (0.6%) failed in four patients (2.1%) prior to connection of the restoration within a mean period of 1.5 (SD 1.3) months after surgical procedure. Moreover, 17 subjects (8.9%) exhibited late implant failure, representing 26 implants (3.7%), after a mean follow-up of 5 years (SD 2.2) from prosthesis connection. The final multivariable model indicated three factors related to late implant failure: subjects <55 years (OR = 3.62; 95% CI 1.46-10.22; p = .002), smokers/former smokers (OR = 6.25; 95% CI 1.70-17.52; p = .005), and implants with no access to interproximal hygiene (OR = 7.25; 95% CI 2.20-28.25; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The rate for early and late implant failure in a sample of 190 patients who had received implant therapy in a university setting was 2.1% and 8.9%, respectively, at subject level. Subjects <55 years and smokers/former smokers as well as implants with inadequate access to interproximal hygiene were significantly associated with late implant failure.

Diagnostic potential of peri-implant crevicular fluid microRNA-21-3p and microRNA-150-5p and extracellular vesicles in peri-implant diseases.

BACKGROUND: To explore the diagnostic usefulness of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and their subpopulations (micro-vesicles and exosomes), and microRNAs (miRNA-21-3p, miRNA-150-5p, and miRNA-26a-5p) in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of subjects with healthy, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis implants. METHODS: A total of 54 patients were enrolled into healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis groups. PICF samples were collected, EVs subpopulations (MVs and Exo) were isolated and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of miRNA-21-3p, miRNA-150-5p and miRNA-26a-5p was quantified by qRT-PCR. Logistic regression models and accuracy performance tests were estimated. RESULTS: PICF samples show the presence of EVs delimited by a bi-layered membrane, in accordance with the morphology and size (< 200 nm). The concentration of PICF-EVs, micro-vesicles and exosomes was significantly increased in peri-implantitis implants compared to healthy implants (P = 0.023, P = 0.002, P = 0.036, respectively). miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p expression were significantly downregulated in patients with peri-implantitis in comparison with peri-implant mucositis sites (P = 0.011, P = 0.020, respectively). The reduced expression of miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p was associated with peri-implantitis diagnosis (OR:0.23, CI 0.08-0.66, P = 0.007 and OR:0.07, CI 0.01-0.78, P = 0.031, respectively). The model which included the miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p expression had a sensitivity of 93.3%, a specificity of 76.5%, a positive predictive value of 77.8%, and a negative predictive value of 92.9%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.97 and 0.09, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the model was 0.84. CONCLUSIONS: An increase concentration of EVs with a downregulation expression of miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p could be related with the peri-implantitis development.

Influence of suturing technique on wound healing and patient morbidity after connective tissue harvesting. A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this randomized clinical trial were to investigate the influence of the suturing technique and the thickness of the pre- and postoperative palatal and flap mucosa on the early healing of the palate after harvesting a connective tissue graft. Furthermore, patient pain perception was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A subepithelial connective tissue graft was obtained from the palate with a single horizontal incision technique. Patients were randomly assigned to continuous interlocking suture group or criss-cross suture group. The thickness of the palatal mucosa and residual palatal flap was measured; however, these variables were not randomized. One week postoperatively, the donor site wound healing was recorded by the modified rate of early healing index (EHI). Patient's pain perception was assessed by a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found between suturing technique and wound healing (p = 0.215). Statistically significant differences were found between postoperative flap thickness and EHI at 1, 3 and 6 mm from the incision line (p < 0.001). Negative correlations reaching statistical significance were found between the number of days of discomfort and residual flap thickness measured at 1, 3 and 6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: No association between the suture technique and the EHI was observed. Moreover, postoperative palatal flap thickness was associated with early wound healing of the donor site. Finally, the greater the postoperative palatal flap thickness, the less intensity of the pain perceived by patients.

Vancomycin and tobramycin impregnated mineralized allograft for the surgical regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis: a 1-year follow-up case series.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis using a vancomycin and tobramycin impregnated allograft (VTA) after a 12-month period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients who required a regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis were recruited. For the 17 implant sites, a flap was raised, and after mechanical and chemical implant decontamination, a vancomycin and tobramycin impregnated allograft was placed in the defect and then covered with a collagen membrane. Soft tissues were sutured allowing a non-submerged healing. Clinical and radiographic variables were evaluated at baseline and at 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: No signs of continuous bone loss were observed and no implant was lost, yielding a 100% survival rate. All patient's clinical examination at 12 months revealed peri-implant health showing absence of suppuration and a statistically significant reduction in terms of bleeding on probing scores (70.6%, P = 0.001). Initial probing pocket depth (7.88 ± 1.22 mm) was significantly reduced at 12 months healing, a mean reduction of 4.23 ± 1.47 mm (P = 0.001) was achieved. The mean radiological infrabony defect at baseline reached 4.33 ± 1.62 mm, and was significantly reduced up to 0.56 ± 0.88 mm, which represents an 86.99 ± 18.2% bone fill from the original infrabony defect. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the study, the application of VTA with a collagen membrane yielded positive outcomes in terms of radiographic bone fill, pocket depth reduction, and attachment gain after a 12-month period. Thus, VTA plus a collagen membrane seem to be suitable for the regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of locally delivered antibiotic together with the bone graft may reduce the undesirable effects related to the systemic administration and the risk of resistances. In the light of the results obtained, these grafting materials might offer new treatment strategies in the surgical regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis.

Clinical signs of hypoxaemia in children aged 2 months to 5 years with acute respiratory distress in Switzerland and Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxaemia is a predictor of pneumonia-related mortality. WHO published recommendations for oxygen therapy based on clinical signs which state that, when oxygen is plentiful, it should be given to children with central cyanosis, inability to drink, severe chest indrawing, RR >70 breaths/min, grunting with every breath (in young infants) or those who display head nodding. These guidelines, however, are based on a few studies only. AIM: To assess the accuracy of combinations of clinical signs which predict hypoxaemia in pre-school children aged 2 months to 5 years with acute respiratory distress in hospitals in Switzerland and Senegal. METHODS: This observational study was conducted in four emergency units, two in Switzerland and two in Senegal. Patients aged 2 months to 5 years with acute respiratory distress were eligible for inclusion. Clinical signs were compared with transcutaneous blood saturation levels (SaO2). RESULTS: About 111 children were assessed, 67 in Switzerland and 44 in Senegal. The prevalence of hypoxaemia was 13%. Twelve models of combined symptoms were analysed. The WHO model, for when oxygen supply is ample, had the highest diagnostic performance with a sensitivity of 0.93 and a specificity of 0.60. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical signs alone are unreliable for the detection of hypoxaemia. The current WHO model, for ample oxygen supply proved to be the best clinical predictor, although a great number of non-hypoxaemic children were unnecessarily treated because of the low specificity of this model.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Chemical and Thermal Stress of the Mechanical Properties of Periodontal Curettes under Simulated Conditions of Sharpening Wear.

PURPOSE: To determine whether chemical and thermal stress as well as sharpening are aspects that must be considered to determine when a curette has become too weak to be used safely without the threat of breakage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total sample of 35 curette blades was divided into 2 principal groups, control (groups 1 to 3) and experimental (groups 4 to 6). The control group was divided into 3 colour-coded groups of 19 similar curette blades and was only subjected to progressive sharpening wear (not sterilised). The test group included 16 Gracey curette blades that were subjected to various degrees of progressive wear and different numbers of sterilisation cycles in 3 subgroups (subgroup 4 had 5 sterilisation cycles; subgroup 5 had 30 cycles and experimental subgroup 6 had 55 cycles). Using a universal testing machine, all blades were tested for strength until they fractured. RESULTS: No evidence was found that the simple presence or absence of sterilisation cycles produced a statistically significant difference between the two studied groups (sterilised and not sterilised). However, when comparing the six subgroups that underwent different numbers of sterilisation cycles, the analysis showed that the more sterilisation cycles a curette underwent, the more likely the curette was to fracture (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Sterilisation by itself does not produce a significant change in the fracture strength, whereas the number of sterilisation cycles clearly weakens the instrument. Sterilisation is a factor to control when evaluating the life of a periodontal curette for the patients' and professionals' safety.

Comparison of Periodontal Biotypes Between Maxillary and Mandibular Anterior Teeth: A Clinical and Radiographic Study.

Periodontal biotype is a key element influencing esthetic treatment outcomes in clinical practice. However, while the soft and hard tissue thicknesses of maxillary anterior teeth have been widely studied, information regarding mandibular anterior teeth is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship in terms of hard and soft tissue thickness between maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. The present study included 90 maxillary and 90 mandibular anterior teeth in 15 healthy patients. Clinical and cone beam computed tomography measurements were taken to determine gingival and buccal bone thickness, respectively, and a correlation was made between maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. No statistically significant differences were found when comparing gingival and buccal bone thickness at the crestal third and midpoint of maxillary and mandibular teeth (P > .05). However, some differences were observed at the apical third between the two groups. The results suggest that soft and hard tissue dimensions of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth are comparable, especially in the coronal third. However, more studies are necessary to confirm that maxillary anterior teeth can be used as a reference when dealing with mandibular incisors and canines.

[News in paediatrics]. / Pédiatrie.

Every pediatrician will be confronted with newborns oryoung infants with skin lesions in proximity of the vertebral column. It is important not to miss a spinal dysraphism because of the risk of meningeal infection or of the possible presence of a tethered cord. A practical algorithm is presented. Non-accidental injury in young infants and toddlers is not rare but difficult to detect. Bruises and fractures are highly suspicious for non-accidental injury and should trigger specific investigations. Emergency departments and hospitals are switching from hypotonic to isotonic solutions as maintenance infusions of children. They reduce the risk of hyponatremia without increasing that of hypernatremia, and they should be used preferentially in the majority of pediatric clinical settings.

Inhibition of de novo plaque growth by a new 0.03 % chlorhexidine mouth rinse formulation applying a non-brushing model: a randomized, double blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the plaque inhibitory effect of a new 0.03 % chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and 0.05 % cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthrinse formulation and to explore patients' experience and side effects after its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This short-term, randomized, double blind, parallel, clinical trial enrolled 150 periodontally healthy patients. These volunteers were randomly allocated to one of following mouthrinse groups (n = 50/group): 0.12 % CHX + 0.05 % CPC (Perio-Aid® Treatment alcohol-free), 0.03 % CHX + 0.05 % CPC new test formulation or to the placebo group. Clinical parameters (plaque, gingival, and stain indexes) and microbiological samples were taken at baseline, before supragingival cleaning, and after 4 days of undisturbed plaque growth, rinsing twice/day with one of the mouthrinses. RESULTS: Plaque reduction was similar for the 0.12 % CHX (-0.52 ± 0.55) and 0.03 % CHX (-0.47 ± 0.49) groups. Both showed significant reductions in plaque accumulation compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). The new formulation had less of a negative impact on taste perception when compared to the 0.12 % CHX solution. The new CHX mouthrinse was also able to control bacterial loads and reduce some periodontopathogens. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the new 0.03 % CHX + 0.05 % CPC formulation exerted clinical efficacy similar to that achieved by an already-marketed 0.12 % CHX + 0.05 % CPC mouthrinse, but with slightly fewer side effects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lower CHX mouthrinse formulations could be effective in the inhibition of plaque regrowth with reduced unpleasant subjective side effects.

Physical and Mechanical Evaluation of Five Suture Materials on Three Knot Configurations: An in Vitro Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of five suture materials on three knot configurations when subjected to different physical conditions. Five 5-0 (silk, polyamide 6/66, polyglycolic acid, glycolide-e-caprolactone copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene) suture materials were used. Ten samples per group of each material were used. Three knot configurations were compared A.2=1=1 (forward⁻forward⁻reverse), B.2=1=1 (forward⁻reverse⁻forward), C.1=2=1 (forward⁻forward⁻reverse). Mechanical properties (failure load, elongation, knot slippage/breakage) were measured using a universal testing machine. Samples were immersed in three different pH concentrations (4,7,9) at room temperature for 7 and 14 days. For the thermal cycle process, sutures were immersed in two water tanks at different temperatures (5 and 55 °C). Elongation and failure load were directly dependent on the suture material. Polyglycolic acid followed by glycolide-e-caprolactone copolymer showed the most knot failure load, while polytetrafluoroethylene showed the lowest (P < 0.001). Physical conditions had no effect on knot failure load (P = 0.494). Statistically significant differences were observed between knot configurations (P = 0.008). Additionally, individual assessment of suture material showed statistically significant results for combinations of particular knot configurations. Physical conditions, such as pH concentration and thermal cycle process, have no influence on suture mechanical properties. However, knot failure load depends on the suture material and knot configuration used. Consequently, specific suturing protocols might be recommended to obtain higher results of knot security.

Self-reported Oral Hygiene Habits in Smokers and Nonsmokers Diagnosed with Periodontal Disease.

PURPOSE: To determine whether smokers report having less adequate oral hygiene habits than nonsmokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a 24-item questionnaire addressing both smoking and oral hygiene habits, patients from three periodontal practices in Spain were evaluated. In order to assess the periodontal status of all patients, immediately following the survey, the patients were examined clinically and categorised according to the American Dental Association (ADA) classification for periodontal diseases. RESULTS: 762 patients with ADA type I gingivitis (4.1%), type II early periodontitis (31.2%), type III moderate periodontitis (39.2%) and type IV advanced periodontitis (25.5%) were surveyed. A total of 289 smokers (38.0%) and 402 (52.8%) nonsmokers participated in the study: 77 (10.1%) participants were identified as heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes/day), along with 122 (16.0%) moderate smokers (10-20 cigarettes/day) and 90 (11.8%) light smokers (<20 cigarettes/day). A greater proportion of nonsmokers brushed their teeth two (37.8%) or more (22.9%) times a day compared with moderate smokers (twice: 32.0%, more: 15.6%) and heavy smokers (twice: 32.5%, more: 15.6%), respectively (p < 0.05). Heavy smokers used dental floss statistically significantly less frequently (10.4%) than nonsmokers (21.6%) (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between smokers and nonsmokers regarding the use of mouthwashes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed comparable oral hygiene habits in nonsmokers and light smokers. However, heavy smokers were found to have worse oral hygiene habits than nonsmokers.