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The productivity of olive trees in arid and semi-arid environments is closely linked to irrigation. It is necessary to improve the efficiency of irrigation techniques to optimise the amount of olive fruit produced in relation to the volume of water used. Partial root-zone drying (PRD) is a water saving irrigation technique that theoretically allows the production of a root-to-shoot signal that modifies the physiology of the above-ground parts of the plant; specifically reducing stomatal conductance (gs) and improving water use efficiency (WUE). Partial root-zone drying has been successfully applied under field conditions to woody and non-woody crops; yet the few previous trials with olive trees have produced contrasting results. Thirty year-old olive trees (Olea europaea 'var. Chetoui') in a Tunisian grove were exposed to four treatments from May to October for three-years: 'control' plants received 100% of the potential evapotranspirative demand (ETc) applied to the whole root-zone; 'PRD100' were supplied with an identical volume of water to the control plants alternated between halves of the root-zone every ten-days; 'PRD50' were given 50% of ETc to half of the root-system, and; 'rain-fed' plants received no supplementary irrigation. Allowing part of the root-zone to dry resulted in reduced vegetative growth and lower yield: PRD100 decreased yield by ~47% during productive years. During the less productive years of the alternate bearing cycle, irrigation had no effect on yield; this suggests that withholding of water during 'off-years' may enhance the effectiveness of irrigation over a two-year cycle. The amount and quality of oil within the olive fruit was unaffected by the irrigation treatment. Photosynthesis declined in the PRD50 and rain-fed trees due to greater diffusive limitations and reduced biochemical uptake of CO2. Stomatal conductance and the foliar concentration of abscisic acid (ABA) were not altered by PRD100 irrigation, which may indicate the absence of a hormonal root-to-shoot signal. Rain-fed and PRD50 treatments induced increased stem water potential and increased foliar concentrations of ABA, proline and soluble sugars. The stomata of the olive trees were relatively insensitive to super-ambient increases in [CO2] and higher [ABA]. These characteristics of 'hydro-passive' stomatal behaviour indicate that the 'Chetoui' variety of olive tree used in this study lacks the physiological responses required for the successful exploitation of PRD techniques to increase yield and water productivity. Alternative irrigation techniques such as partial deficit irrigation may be more suitable for 'Chetoui' olive production.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the fracture strength of three-unit, implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) constructed from 3D-printed resin. It compares structures with and without fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) frameworks under conditions that mimic artificial aging., Materials and Methods: Forty FDPs were fabricated and divided into two groups: monolithic (n = 20) and bi-layer (n = 20). The monolithic group (MG) consisted entirely of FDPs made from 3D-printed resin for permanent restorations, while the bi-layer group (BG) featured FDPs with an FRC framework veneered with the same 3D-printed resin. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups: one subjected to artificial aging (MTG, n = 10; BTG, n = 10), and the other served as the baseline control (n = 10). All subgroups underwent a mechanical bending test, applying a single load to failure using a universal testing machine., Results: There was a statistically significant difference in fracture strength due to the presence of the FRC framework (p < 0.01). The framework became the FDP more resistant to load. The mean load to failure and standard deviations were as follows: MG 406.59N (±33.84), MTG 286.20N (±152.15), BG 1142N (±162.88), and BTG 945N (±211.52). Although no statistical differences in strength were observed between aged and nonaged subgroups, variations in failure patterns emerged, with the BG and BTG groups showing a predominance of failures compared to the MG., Conclusions: The inclusion of an FRC framework significantly enhanced the fracture strength of the FDPs. While the aging protocol did not alter the strength, failures predominantly occurred in the 3D-printed resin superstructure at the connectors. The highest rate of fractures occurred in the premolar connector., (© 2024 by the American College of Prosthodontists.)

This study evaluated the bacterial infiltration and the detorque of indexed and non-indexed abutments of Morse taper implants (MTI) after mechanical cycling (MC). 40 MTI were distributed into four groups: IIA (indexed implant abutments); NIIA (non-indexed implant abutments); IIAMC (indexed implant abutments submitted to MC); NIIAMC (non-indexed implant abutments submitted to MC), which were carried out under one million 5 Hz frequency and 3 Bar pressure. After mechanical cycling, all groups were immersed in a bacterial solution in Brain Heart Infusion Agar. After detorque, the bacteria infiltration was evaluated by counting the colony-forming units. For the bacterial infiltration, analysis was applied to the Kruskal-Wallis test (p = 0.0176) followed by Dunn's test. For the detorque analysis, the two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was applied, followed by the Tukey's test (p < 0.0001). Bacteria infiltration was highly observed in NIIA (p = 0.0027) and were absent in IIAMC and NIIAMC. The detorque values for IIA (19.96Ncm ± 0.19Ncm), NIIA (19.90Ncm ± 0.83Ncm), and NIIAMC (19.51Ncm ± 0,69Ncm) were similar and remained close to the initial value, while IIAMC (55.2Ncm ± 2.36Ncm) showed an extremely significant torque value increase (p < 0.0001). The mechanical cycling resulted in mechanical sealing of the implant-abutment interface, preventing bacterial infiltration in the indexed and non-indexed specimens, and increasing the detorque strength in the group of indexed abutments., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Introduction: One of the factors influencing the success of endodontic treatment is anatomic knowledge of the root canal system. Because of the difficulties of using conventional radiographic methods to evaluate root canals, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been very useful for evaluating the morphology of root canals. The purpose of this study was to use CBCT to evaluate differences in the anatomy of the mandibular first molars with respect to the patient's sex and the location of the tooth in a Brazilian population., Methods: The study included CBCT images from 198 patients (106 women and 92 men), representing a total of 342 teeth., Results: Of the 342 mandibular first molars included in the study, 0.3% had 2 canals, 75.1% had 3 canals, 23.7% had 4 canals, and 0.9% had 5 canals. The ages of the patients ranged from 19 to 81 years old, with an average age of 48.9 years. Women were more likely to have 2 canals on the distal root of the right side than men were (P < .05)., Conclusions: Because the Brazilian population has differences in root canal morphology compared with other populations around the world, further studies are needed to aid endodontic diagnosis and treatment., (Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The first choice for anterior rehabilitation has been metal-free materials due to their successful aesthetic results. However, the definitive clinical work accuracy may be affected by the lack of clinicians' expertise and familiarization with the latest techniques, as well as recurrent laboratory procedures. This manuscript presents a clinical experience with zirconia ceramic for anterior crowns and zirconia CAD/CAM abutments, including both clinical and laboratory steps after the implant installation. The 'emergence profile' and the 'double scanning' techniques obtained by the waxing technique appear to be a very promising procedure for aesthetic improvement of the single-implant zirconia restoration in anterior teeth.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal-dominant disorder that occurs due to mutations in the Cbfa 1 gene, also called Runx 2, located on the short arm of chromosome 6, affecting osteoblast skeletal-specific bones that have intramembranous ossification. This condition is characterized by hypoplastic clavicles, short stature, and great clinical significance in the stomatognathic complex, with involvement of facial bones, changes in the eruption patterns, including multiple supernumerary and retained teeth. This study reports six subjects of the same family with CCD identified in the Dentistry Clinic of Oral Diagnosis Department, Universidade Paulista, Campus Sorocaba, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. All cases had clinical and radiographic aspects of this important condition, such as short stature, hypertelorism, severe mobility of the shoulders, and supernumerary and retained teeth. Due to the rare incidence and phenotypic manifestations, CCD can be easily misdiagnosed. The oral commitments are one of the main (functional and aesthetic) causes of complaints in these subjects; and a dentist must establish the diagnosis as early as possible, followed by behaviors and practices that can minimize harmful manifestations of the syndrome and improve health associated with oral and multidisciplinary integration offering improvements in quality of life of these subjects., (© 2013 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Research supports the theory that the chronic infectious response occurring in periodontal disease may have a role as a risk modifier of systemic diseases. This study assessed the impact of HIV-associated chronic periodontitis treatment on systemic HIV-related markers (CD4 T lymphocytes cell counts and HIV viral load). Fifteen HIV patients presenting chronic periodontitis [at least eight sites presenting a probing depth (PD) >4 mm and bleeding] were included in this study. Patients received full mouth periodontal treatment with an ultrasonic device and supragingival plaque control. Medical (CD4 cell counts and HIV load) as well as periodontal clinical parameters [probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL)] were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. ANOVA/Tukey and Pearson's correlation tests were used for statistical analysis (α=5%). The results showed that PPD reduction and CAL gain were statistically significant at 3 and 6 months after periodontal therapy (p<0.05). At 6 months, CAL gain was 0.6±0.5 mm and PPD reduction was 0.7±0.5 mm. At the same time, a statistically significant increase in CD4 cell counts could be seen after the third month (p<0.05) and sixth month (p<0.05). Moreover, at 6 months, the relationship between the improvement in clinical parameters, i.e., PPD reduction, and the number of TCD4 lymphocytes could be highlighted. This was shown as the greater the PPD reduction, the greater the increase in TCD4 cells (r=0.68, p=0.02). These data suggest that periodontitis treatment could be associated with an improvement in medical conditions in HIV subjects.

The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has caused a reduction in mortality, thus contributing to an increase in the number of women with HIVࢧAIDS who reach the climacteric period, experience decline in ovarian function, and develop complications of viral infection and HAART, which can accelerate bone loss. The aim of this study was to detect possible alterations in the jaws of HIV-infected women by panoramic radiography. The study comprised a total of 120 women above 40 years of age who were divided into the following two groups: women who are HIV positive (Group I) and women with no known HIV infection (Group II). Measurement of the following three radiomorphometric indexes was performed by panoramic radiography: Mental Index (MI), Panoramic Mandibular Index (PMI) and Antegonial Depth (AD). A total of 70% of women in the control group and 50% of women in the HIV group were in the postmenopausal period, and the average values of both MI (p = 0.0054) and AD (p < 0.0001) for this period were lower in the HIV group than in the control group. For patients who were in the premenopausal period, the average AD was lower in the HIV group than in the control group (p = 0.0003). Despite the difference in the average age between groups, greater bone resorption in the mandible was found in the group of HIV-positive women.

Patients with HIV infection may develop common diseases with atypical clinical features. HIV infection can change the classic clinical course of syphilis and increase the incidence of malignant syphilis. Malignant syphilis is a rare subtype of secondary syphilis that presents special clinical and histological features and has been associated with several processes characterized by variable degrees of immunosuppression. It is necessary to consider the possibility of this entity in the differential diagnoses in HIV-infected patients with cutaneous lesions. The dental surgeon (or oral surgeon) is vital to the medical team for promoting the health and improving the quality of life of syphilis patients. A patient with HIV infection was referred to us for complaints of a white patch on the tongue, stinging and burning sensation on the tongue, loss of taste, and dryness of the mouth. On clinical examination, the patient was found to have a tabetic gait (the Prussian soldier gait) associated with Charcot arthropathy. We also identified bilateral lesions with ulceration and exposure of the tissue that were tender, characterized by discrete necrosis. The treatment that was initiated at that time involved cleaning the area with gauze to remove all the white patches, followed by rinsing with bicarbonate in water (one teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in half a glass of water) four times a day. Additionally, fluconazole (100 mg/day for 7 days) was prescribed. We diagnosed secondary malignant syphilis of approximately 5 days duration. As an adjunctive therapy, we performed low-intensity laser treatment using a GaAsAl (gallium-aluminum arsenide) laser at 790 nm. With this treatment there was progressive resolution of the lesions.

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.)

The recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is a pathological change found in the oral mucosa, characterized by painful single or multiple ulcers. The etiologic aspect of RAU is not well understood; however it is known that due to lower CD4 cell counts patients had higher prevalence of these oral lesions, and immunosuppressed patients with HIV are predisposed. Patient FC is African descent, 26 years old, male, HIV + CD4 67 cells/mm(3), with minor RAU in the upper and lower right side lip, measuring about 4 mm, and major RAU in tongue and the tonsillar pillar measuring 2 cm. The patient was treated with laser therapy with the objective to help reverse the damage and decrease the symptoms. After one week there was remission of the lesions. The laser showed to be an important alternative therapy that promoted analgesic, healing effects and improving the quality of life of patients.

We studied xerostomy and its correlation with periodontal and dental cavity diseases in HIV patients, through measurement of salivary flow and through variables such as saliva buffer capacity, salivary pH, periodontal index, MDF index, dental carie risk and risk of periodontal disease. One hundred patients were analyzed. They were distributed into two groups: Group I (test) - 50 patients evidently HIV+, from whom information was collected and analyzed regarding age, gender, skin color, habits, general and oral diseases, levels of T-CD4 lymphocytes, viral load and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); and Group II - (control) 50 HIV- patients, from whom information was collected and analyzed regarding age, gender, skin color, habits, general and oral diseases. In both groups, measurement of salivary flow, pH and buffer capacity was made. Group I presented high MDF, bacteria plaque and bleeding, with a greater susceptibility to the risks of oral cavities and periodontal disease. The salivary flow and the buffering capacity of the saliva were low, indicating a high level of xerostomy. Two important modifying factors influence these pathologies in an incisive way: one is immunossuppression and the other is HAART therapy. The control exhibited results that are closer to normality; it had better oral-health conditions.