Search

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active oxygen‐releasing gel as an adjuvant, with and without antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), in the treatment of residual pockets in periodontal patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Methods: Patients with residual pockets with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) were divided into the following groups: SI (n = 17)—subgingival instrumentation in a single session; BM (n = 17)—SI followed by local application of active oxygen‐releasing gel inside the periodontal pocket for 3 min; BM + aPDT (n = 17)—SI followed by application of BM for 3 min and pocket irrigation with methylene blue, and 660‐nm diode laser irradiation at 100 mW for 50 s. The periodontal clinical parameters, serum levels of glycated hemoglobin, and immunological analysis of crevicular fluid were evaluated. All data were submitted to statistical analysis (α = 5%). Results: A significant reduction in BOP was verified at 90 and 180 days in the BM + aPDT group. The percentage of sites with PD ≥ 4 mm was significantly reduced at 90 days in BM + aPDT and BM, whereas after 180 days only BM showed a significant reduction. In the BM + aPDT group, there was a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor α levels at 90 days. There were no differences between the treatments. Conclusion: The use of adjuvant active oxygen‐releasing gel, with or without aPDT, resulted in the same clinical benefits as SI in the treatment of residual pockets in poorly controlled DM2 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grade C, Stage 3-4 Periodontitis (Perio4C) is a rapidly destructive disease caused by an unequilibrated immune response that starts after the primary contact of the periodontopathogens with the gingival tissue. However, it is still unclear how this imbalanced response initiates and what is the role of the connective tissue cells in the progression of this disease. Thus, this study aims to assess the local immune response of Perio4C patients through the exposure of primary gingival fibroblast cells (GFs) with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans protein extract (AaPE) and the quantification of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-10 super-family members (IL-10, IL-19, and IL-24) secreted by them.Methods: Gingival biopsies from nine periodontally health (PH) and eight Perio4C patients were harvested, and the primary culture of GFs was obtained. The cells were exposed to AaPE (5 and 20 μg/ml) and 12-myristate 13-phorbol acetate and ionomycin - calcium salt (PMA). The supernatant was collected after 1.5 and 3 h, and a cytokine panel was evaluated.Results: Clustering analysis indicated dissimilar and stimuli-dependent cytokine production between Perio4C and PH subjects. Perio4C GFs presented lower production of IL-4, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, IL-24, and IL-19, while IL-1β levels were similar to the PH group, leading to a disruption in the pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine ratio (p < 0.05). IL-1β and IL-10 super-family were the most discriminative representants for PH and Perio4C, respectively.Conclusion: GFs from individuals with Perio4C tended to hypo-respond to stimulation with AaPE, producing lower concentrations of some pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, trending to develop a pro-inflammatory extracellular environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) in the development of periodontitis (PE), associated or not with metabolic syndrome, (MS) in rats.Methods: Ninety-six rats were grouped according to a food protocol: high-fat diet for induction of MS or standard diet for the control groups (C). They were subdivided into groups with (+) and without (-) PE, receiving (*) or not (**) probiotic (PROB): C-**, CP-*, PE+**, PEP+*, MS- MSP-*, MSPE+**, and MSPEP+*. PROB administration started on the eighth week of the study and PE was induced on the 14th week by placing ligature on the animals' lower first molars. Euthanasia occurred in the 16th week. Biomolecular analyzes, immunoenzymatic assays, and microtomographic analyses were performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically (P < 0.05).Results: The PEP and MSPEP groups showed lower levels of alveolar bone loss when compared with the PE and MSPE groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The immunoenzymatic analysis showed higher levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and a higher receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in the MSPE group when compared with the MSPEP group (P < 0.05). The PEP group showed lower levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 when compared with the PE group. The use of PROB attenuated dyslipidemia parameters in animals with MS, with or without PE.Conclusion: B. lactis HN019 reduced more significantly the severity of PE in rats with MS, modulating both systemic metabolic and immunoinflammatory parameters in periodontal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between the IL10 promoter rs6667202 (C > A) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and grade C, stage 3 or 4 periodontitis (Perio4C) in the Brazilian population, where the altered A allele was detected more frequently in these patients. However, no functional analysis of this variation has yet been performed. Thus, the objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the functionality of rs6667202 in gingival fibroblasts (GFs) of individuals with Perio4C and with periodontal health (PH) stimulated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetencomitans protein extract (AaPE). Methods: Patients with PH and Perio4C were segregated according to their genotype (AA, AC, or CC), and a biopsy was performed to establish the culture of the GFs. After GFs exposure to AaPE at 5 µg/ml for 1.5 h, RNA was extracted to analyze IL10 expression by qPCR. Aliquots of the cell's supernatant were subjected to immunoenzymatic analysis (MAGpix) to detect interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). Results: In PH, the genotypes AA and AC are related to less expression of IL10 (p = 0.027 and p < 0.0001) and less production of IL‐10 (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001), when compared to CC. In Perio4C, there was no statistical difference between the genotypes (p > 0.05), although a lower IL‐10 expression and release compared with PH CC was seen (p = 0.033 and p < 0.001). Conclusion: The rs6667202 SNP is functional in PH, as it decreases the expression and production of IL‐10. In Perio4C, other factors may be masking its action by altering the IL‐10's response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) are highly prevalent and interrelated diseases, resulting in altered host response microbiota. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of DM on local levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and their relationship with cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases' (MMPs) profile. Methods: This case–control study included diabetic (n = 15) and non‐diabetic (n = 15) subjects presenting Stage 3‐4, Grade C, Periodontitis. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected, and LPS and LTA levels were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IL‐17, IL‐1β, IL‐4, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 were measured by LUMINEX/MAGpix. Mann–Whitney and Spearman's correlation tests were used to compared and to correlate variables (p < 0.05). Results: Higher levels of LTA, LPS, IL‐10, IL‐1β, and MMP‐2 (p < 0.05) and lower levels of IL‐17 were found in the DM group (p < 0.05). Non‐diabetic subjects presented higher LPS, IFN‐γ, IL‐17, and MMP‐2 levels and lower IL‐10 concentration (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was seen between LPS and cytokine profile in non‐diabetic. Local levels of LTA were positively correlated with IL‐17 and MMP‐2 and negatively with IL‐10. Conclusion: LTA and LPS drove the inflammatory profile through the modulation of cytokines and MMPs in a different manner in DM and non‐diabetic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High prevalence rates of peri-implant diseases have been reported; however, the lack of standardization of definition criteria has lead to variations in the observed estimates. In addition, scarce data are available concerning patient and implant related factors associated to peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of peri-implant diseases and their risk indicators at the patient and implant levels.Methods: One hundred forty-seven patients with 490 dental implants were included. Dental implants were clinically and radiographically evaluated to determine their peri-implant conditions. Patient-related conditions and implant and prosthetic-related factors were recorded. Multivariable Poisson regression was fitted and prevalence ratios (PR) were reported.Results: 85.3% of implants (95%CI 80.2 to 90.4) had mucositis and 9.2% (95%CI 4.7 to 13.7) had peri-implantitis. 80.9% (95%CI 73.8 to 86.8), and 19.1% (95%CI 12.6 to 25.5) of patients had mucositis and peri-implantitis. At the patient level, it was observed an increased probability of peri-implantitis in individuals with pocket depths ≥6 mm (PR = 2.47) and with ≥4 implants (PR = 1.96). Smoking increased the probability of peri-implantitis by three times (PR = 3.49). The final multilevel Poisson regression model at the implant level indicated that platform switching reduced the probability of peri-implantitis (PR = 0.18) and implants in function for ≥5 years increased this probability (PR = 2.11). The final model including patient and implant level indicators demonstrated that higher time of function (PR = 2.76) and smoking (PR = 6.59) were associated with peri-implantitis.Conclusion: Peri-implant diseases are highly prevalent in the studied sample, and factors associated with the occurrence of peri-implantitis were presence of pockets ≥6 mm, smoking, time of function, and type of platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aims to compare the performance of minimally invasive non-surgical and surgical approaches for the therapy of intrabony defects. Methods: Twenty-nine patients who presented with intrabony defects were randomly assigned to: 1 ) a minimally invasive non-surgical technique (MINST) group, or 2) minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) group. The chair time of each therapeutic procedure was calculated. The probing depth (PD), position of the gingival margin (PGM) and relative clinical attachment level (RCAL) were evaluated at 3 and 6 months after treatments. The patient perception of discomfort/pain experienced during and after therapy and patient satisfaction regarding treatments were also evaluated. Results: Significant PD reductions, RCAL gains, and no changes in the PGM were obtained at 3 and 6 months in MINST and MIST groups (P<0.05). No differences were observed between groups at any time points (P >0.05). Patient-oriented outcomes did not demonstrate differences between therapeutic approaches (P>0.05). Significant higher chair times were required in the MIST group than in the MINST group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Minimally invasive non-surgical and surgical approaches were successfully used for the treatment of intrabony defects and achieved periodontal health in association with negligible morbidity and suitable patient satisfaction. However, non-surgical therapeutic modality presented an advantage in terms of a reduction of treatment chair time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigates the impact of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) proteins on the outcome of a minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) for the treatment of intrabony defects. Methods: Thirty patients who presented with intrabony defects were randomly assigned to treatment with: 1) MIST plus EMD or 2) MIST alone. Probing depth (PD), position of the gingival margin (PGM), and relative clinical attachment level (RCAL) were evaluated at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Radiographs and markers in gingival crevicular fluid associated with periodontal regeneration were also evaluated. Results: Significant PD reductions, RCAL gains, and no changes in PGM were obtained at 3 and 6 months in both groups. Clinical and radiographic evaluations and levels of mediators of wound healing did not present differences between therapies at any time. Conclusion: The use of EMD did not provide superior benefits on the outcome of the minimally invasive surgical approach for the treatment of intrabony defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies evaluating the methylation status of cytokine genes may have relevance for inflammatory diseases in which the expression of some cytokines is altered, such as periodontitis. This study observes the DNA methylation status in the interleukin-8 (ILS) gene promoter in cells of the oral epithelium of subjects affected by generalized aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and compares it to those of control subjects. Methods: Genomic DNA from epithelial oral cells of 37 generalized AgP patients and 37 controls were purified and modified by sodium bisulphite. Modified DNA was submitted by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresed on 10% polyacrylamide gels, and stained. Results: Subjects who presented generalized AgP have a higher frequency of hypomethylation of the IL8 gene promoter in oral epithelium cells than that of controls (86.5% in the generalized AgP group versus 62% in the control group; P = 0.016; χ² test). Conclusions: A marked hypomethylated status is found in the oral epithelial cells of subjects presenting with generalized AgP, compared to controls, in the promoter region of the ILB gene. This hypomethylated status may reflect a generalized condition of oral epithelial cells, including gingival epithelium, because gingival epithelial cells were also collected during mouthwash use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the clinical and microbiological responses of amoxicillin + metronidazole (AMX + MET) versus clarithromycin (CLM) as adjuncts to one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD) in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).Methods: For this parallel, double-masked, pilot randomized clinical trial, 46 patients with GAgP were selected and randomly assigned into two groups: AMX+MET group (n = 23): FMUD associated with AMX (500 mg three times a day) and MET (400 mg three times a day) for 7 days; and CLM group (n = 23): FMUD associated with CLM (500 mg twice a day) for 7 days. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. The levels of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum from subgingival biofilm were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results: Both treatments significantly improved all clinical parameters compared with baseline and promoted a significant reduction of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis counts (P > 0.05). CLM succeeded in decreasing T. forsythia at 6 months (P < 0.05), but no antibiotic was able to reduce F. nucleatum. There was no difference between the two protocols regarding the reported adverse effects (P > 0.05).Conclusions: The results suggest that CLM is not superior than AMX + MET in the treatment of GAgP. However, this antibiotic led to good clinical outcomes and may be a possible alternative to AMX+MET in the treatment of severe periodontitis in young patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm this statement (NCT02969928). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring product found in numerous plants. Among its biologic properties, resveratrol may promote immunomodulatory effects on the host response. This study investigates the effect of continuous administration of resveratrol on the progression of experimental periodontitis in rats.Methods: Periodontitis was induced in rats in one of the first molars chosen to receive a ligature. Animals were assigned to one of two groups: 1) daily administration of the placebo solution (control group) or 2) 10 mg/kg resveratrol (RESV group). The therapies were administered systemically for 30 days: for 19 days before periodontitis induction and then for another 11 days. Then, the specimens were processed for morphometric analysis of bone loss, and the gingival tissue surrounding the first molar was collected for quantification of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, and IL-17 using a multiplexing assay.Results: Intergroup comparisons of the morphometric outcomes revealed higher bone loss values in ligated molars and unligated teeth in the control group than the RESV group (P <0.05). The immunoenzymatic assay of the gingival tissue showed a lower concentration of IL-17 in the RESV group than the control group (P <0.05), whereas no differences in the IL-1β and IL-4 levels of the groups were observed (P >0.05).Conclusions: Continuous administration of resveratrol may decrease periodontal breakdown induced experimentally in rats. In addition, lower levels of IL-17 were found in the RESV group. Future studies are important to confirm the mechanism through which resveratrol exerts its effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the microbial profile as well as the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) at different phases of endodontic treatment in teeth with vital pulp and associated periodontal disease., Methods: Ten patients were selected for this clinical study. Samples were taken from periodontal pockets (PPs) and root canals (RCs) using sterile paper points before and after chemomechanical preparation and after intracanal medication. For microbiological analysis, nested polymerase chain reaction and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization were used. Levels of LPS and LTA were assessed using limulus amebocyte lysate and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of 5%., Results: Bacterial DNA from 17 of the 17 species investigated was detected in samples of PPs, whereas 6 of the 17 species were not present in the initial samples of RCs using nested polymerase chain reaction. In the initial samples, 38 of 40 probes were detected in PPs, whereas 12 of 40 probes were detected in RCs using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Overall, endodontic procedures were efficient in modifying the microbiota of PPs and RCs. Levels of LPS and LTA were reduced after the endodontic procedures, although higher concentrations of both had been found in PPs compared with RCs., Conclusions: The microbiota of PPs and RCs in teeth with vital pulp and associated periodontal disease is polymicrobial, with the presence of gram-negative, gram-positive, facultative, and strict anaerobes. Chemomechanical preparation and calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication allowed the reduction of infectious content in both sites., (Copyright © 2020 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate clinical and radiographic characteristics in peri-implant marginal tissues in patients with a history of chronic periodontitis, rehabilitated using tissue-level or bone-level implants., Material and Methods: Using a split-mouth design, 20 patients with a history of chronic periodontitis were selected and received two different implants, tissue-level group (n = 20) and the bone-level group (n = 20). Peri-implant probing depth, relative peri-implant mucosal margin position, relative peri-implant clinical attachment level, peri-implant plaque index and peri-implant bleeding on probing were evaluated at prosthesis installation, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after implant loading. Radiographic marginal bone level was evaluated at implant insertion, prosthesis installation, 6 and 24 months after implant loading., Results: The mean difference of peri-implant marginal bone resorption from implant installation to 24 months in function was 0.75 ± 1.12 mm for the tissue-level group and 0.70 ± 0.72 mm for the bone-level group. No statistically significant difference was found between groups at all assessment periods for clinical and radiographic peri-implant evaluation., Conclusion: Under a rigid supportive therapy, both approaches performed likewise regarding clinical and radiographic parameters for rehabilitation of patients with a history of chronic periodontitis., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Propolis has been used in folk medicine since ancient times and it presented inhibitory effect on neutrophil recruitment previously. However, its effect on macrophage obtained from mice remains unclear., Aim of the Study: To demonstrate BRP effects on LPS activated peritoneal macrophage., Materials and Methods: Peritoneal macrophages, obtained from C57BL6 mice and activated with LPS, were treated with 50-80µg/mL of crude extract of Brazilian red propolis (BRP) during 48h. Cell viability, levels of NO, 20 cytokines and expression of 360 genes were evaluated., Results: BRP 60µg/mL reduced NO production by 65% without affecting the cell viability and decreased production IL1α, IL1β, IL4, IL6, IL12p40, Il12p70, IL13, MCP1 and GM-CSF. Molecular mechanism beyond the anti-inflammatory activity may be due to BRP-effects on decreasing expression of Mmp7, Egfr, Adm, Gata3, Wnt2b, Txn1, Herpud1, Axin2, Car9, Id1, Vegfa, Hes1, Hes5, Icam1, Wnt3a, Pcna, Wnt5a, Tnfsf10, Ccl5, Il1b, Akt1, Mapk1, Noxa1 and Cdkn1b and increasing expression of Cav1, Wnt6, Calm1, Tnf, Rb1, Socs3 and Dab2., Conclusions: Therefore, BRP has anti-inflammatory effects on macrophage activity by reducing NO levels and diminished release and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine and genes, respectively., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used to promote periodontal regeneration, little is known of its effect on the microbiome. Therefore, this investigation aims to identify changes in periodontal microbiome after treatment with EMD using a deep-sequencing approach., Methods: Thirty-nine patients with mandibular Class II buccal furcation defects were randomized to beta-tricalcium-phosphate/hydroxyapatite graft (BONE group), EMD+BONE, or EMD alone. Plaque was collected from furcation defects at baseline and 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Bacterial DNA was analyzed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and 16S pyrotag sequencing, resulting in 169,000 classifiable sequences being compared with the Human Oral Microbiome Database. Statistical comparisons were made using parametric tests., Results: At baseline, a total of 422 species were identified from the 39 defects, belonging to Fusobacterium, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Filifactor, and Parvimonas. All three regenerative procedures predictably altered the disease-associated microbiome, with a restitution of health-compatible species. However, EMD and BONE+EMD groups demonstrated more long-term reductions in a higher number of species than the BONE group (P <0.05), especially disease-associated species, e.g., Selenomonas noxia, F. alocis, and Fusobacterium., Conclusions: EMD treatment predictably alters a dysbiotic subgingival microbiome, decreasing pathogen richness and increasing commensal abundance. Further investigations are needed to investigate how this impacts regenerative outcomes.

Background: In previous results mice treated with high dilutions of antimony presented reduction of monocyte migration to the site of infection with increase in B lymphocytes population in the local lymph node., Aims: To know the mechanisms involved, a series of in vitro studies was done, using co-cultures of macrophages (RAW 264.7) and Leishmania (L.) amazonensis treated with different dilutions of antimony (Antimonium crudum or AC), in different times., Methodology: Spreading, phagocytosis, the oxidative activity of macrophages, the viability of free promastigotes and the cytokines/chemokines concentration in the supernatant were evaluated. The assays were performed in quadruplicate., Results: Cells treated with AC 30cH (10 -58 M) and AC 200cH (10 -398 M) presented a temporary reduction of the spreading after 02h of incubation, followed by increase after 48h, being the most significant increase observed after the AC 200cH treatment. However, the percentage of internalized parasites at 48, 96 and 120h of incubation was also higher in cells treated with AC 200cH. It is suggested that the AC 200cH improves the ability of phagocytes to internalize the parasites, but not to digest them. The cytokines-chemokines panel corroborated these results. Both dilutions potentiated the parasite-induced reduction of cytokines production, especially IL-6, IL 12 p40 and γ-IFN, after 48h of incubation. In addition, the production of MIP-1 beta (CCL4), a chemokine involved in chronic inflammation, was also reduced after 120h. A specific effect of AC 30cH was seen by the inhibition of two peaks of CCL2 (MCP-1) observed in infected macrophages, at 24 and 120h. Since this cytokine is an important chemokine for monocytes, it explains the results obtained formerly in vivo. The morphology of macrophages after acridine orange staining revealed that the treatment with AC 30cH reduced substantially the acid vacuoles in the cytoplasm, indicating a certain inability of these cells to digest the parasites. On the other hand, a large peak of VEGF-A, associated with increase of internalized parasites was observed after 120h of treatment with AC 200cH, which could be associated to the regulation of the chronic inflammation events by M1-M2 polarization. There was no statistical difference among groups regarding the production of TNF, NO and H 2 O 2 , showing that the drugs do not alter macrophage cytotoxic activity. A clear quantitative and qualitative variation of the modulatory effects of AC 30cH and 200cH was seen, in function of time., Conclusions: Both dilutions were able to potentiate the decrease of most of cytokines and chemokines induced by the parasite infection in vitro, which explains the clinical improvement seen previously in vivo, however, the mechanisms involved and the epidemiological significance of these findings are still under discussion., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in HIV patients., Methods: Twelve HIV patients from the CEAPE/UNIP, Brazil, with periodontitis were included in this 6-month, split-mouth, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Patients were placed in the following groups: Group SRP-scaling and root planning with an ultrasonic device (SRP); and Group SRP + PDT-SRP associated with a course of PDT with a diode laser with a wavelength of 660 nm and 0.03 W power associated with methylene blue 0.01% lasting 133 seconds. All clinical measurements (periodontal probing depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), full-mouth plaque index (FMPI), bleeding score (FMBS)), and microbiological parameters (detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa)) were assessed at baseline and at 45 days, and 3 and 6 months after therapy. The ANOVA/Tukey was used for statistical analysis (α = 5%)., Results: There were no differences in any of the investigated parameters observed at baseline in the two groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, participants in the SRP + PDT group presented a higher PPD reduction and CAL gain than those in the SRP group at 45 days and 3 and 6 months. At 6 months, sites receiving SRP + PDT showed a significant PPD reduction of 1.4 ± 0.5 mm, while those in the SRP group showed a 0.3 ± 0.8 mm reduction (P < 0.05). The CAL gain at the sixth month was 1.3 ± 0.5 mm and 0.2 ± 0.7 mm for participants in the SRP + PDT and SRP groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Microbiologically, both therapies presented a reduction in the detection of Pg, Tf, and Aa, and there was no difference between them (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: We concluded that PDT therapy used adjunctively to SRP could promote additional benefits in the treatment of HIV-associated periodontitis., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To determine fluoride concentrations in the typical Brazilian meal (rice with beans) and in processed infant foods, and to estimate their contribution towards dental fluorosis., Methods: The foods were purchased at supermarkets in the cities of Piracicaba and Campinas, Southeastern Brazil. The processed infant foods were bought in 2001 and the rice and beans in 2003, and they were analyzed immediately. Three brands of rice, three brands of beans and 36 samples of infant foods were analyzed, divided into five groups: ready-to-eat, porridges, formulated foods, powdered milk and others. For the rice and beans, fluoride concentrations were determined in the raw grains and after they were cooked with fluoridated (0.7 ppm) or distilled water. All the fluoride analyses were performed using a specific electrode. A dose of 0.07 mg/kg/day was considered to be the upper limit of fluoride exposure in terms of fluorosis risks., Results: The fluoride concentrations found in the grains of rice and beans were low. However, they increased 100 to 200-fold after cooking in fluoridated water. Even so, they were lower than what is found in some processed foods. A meal of rice and beans prepared with fluoridated water would be responsible for 29% of the threshold dose for fluoride intake in terms of acceptable fluorosis; the contribution from some processed foods reaches 45%., Conclusions: The typical Brazilian food, even when prepared with fluoridated water, is safer in terms of the risk of dental fluorosis than are some processed infant foods.