Vitamin E Phosphate Coating Stimulates Bone Deposition in Implant-related Infections in a Rat Model.

Background: Implant-related infections are associated with impaired bone healing and osseointegration. In vitro antiadhesive and antibacterial properties and in vivo antiinflammatory effects protecting against bone loss of various formulations of vitamin E have been demonstrated in animal models. However, to the best of our knowledge, no in vivo studies have demonstrated the synergistic activity of vitamin E in preventing bacterial adhesion to orthopaedic implants, thus supporting the bone-implant integration.

BAG-S53P4 as bone graft extender and antimicrobial activity against gentamicin- and vancomycin-resistant bacteria.

Aim: To evaluate the suitability of bioactive glass (BAG)-S53P4 as a bone-graft extender for large bony defect filling in bone and joint infection.

Materials & Methods: Antimicrobial activity of BAG-S53P4 against clinically relevant strains isolated from bone and joint infections was evaluated by means of time-kill curves in presence of bone graft. Furthermore, the susceptibility to BAG of strains resistant to vancomycin and gentamicin was assessed.

In vitro comparison between α-tocopheryl acetate and α-tocopheryl phosphate against bacteria responsible of prosthetic and joint infections.

Biofilm-related infections represent a recurrent problem in the orthopaedic setting. In recent years, great interest was directed towards the identification of novel molecules capable to interfere with pathogens adhesion and biofilm formation on implant surfaces. In this study, two stable forms of α-tocopherol, the hydrophobic acetate ester and the water-soluble phosphate ester, were tested in vitro as coating for titanium prosthesis.

Reliability of a multiplex PCR system for diagnosis of early and late prosthetic joint infections before and after broth enrichment.

Early microbiological diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is essential for successful antimicrobial treatment; however, culture has limited sensitivity, particularly in patients who had received antibiotic therapy, and the utility of molecular methods for diagnosing PJIs remains debated. We investigated the reliability of a multiplex PCR system for the microbiological diagnosis of early and late PJIs. Samples of periprosthetic tissues, synovial fluid, and prosthetic implants from 47 patients with early (n=13) or late (n=34) PJI were analyzed by conventional culture and with the multiplex-PCR Unyvero ITI (U-ITI) cartridge system.

Antimicrobial Activity of Chlorquinaldol against Microorganisms Responsible for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Comparative Evaluation with Gentamicin and Fusidic Acid.

Skin and soft tissue infections are a major therapeutic challenge for clinicians. The emergence of pathogens with decreased susceptibility to available therapies has become an emerging problem often associated with treatment failure. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.

Terminal sterilization of equine-derived decellularized tendons for clinical use.

In the last few years, the demand for tissue substitutes has increased and decellularized matrices has been widely proposed in the medical field to restore severe damages thanks to high biocompatibility and biomechanical properties similar to the native tissues. However, biological grafts represent a potential source of contamination and disease transmission; thus, there is the need to achieve acceptable levels of sterility. Several sterilization methods have been investigated with no consensus on the outcomes in terms of minimizing structural damages and preserving functional features of the decellularized matrix for transplantation in humans.

Epidemiology and Antibiotic Resistance of Late Prosthetic Knee and Hip Infections.

Background: Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are still a major complication of hip and knee arthroplasties. Identification of the causative pathogens and knowledge of their antibiotic susceptibilities are essential for the management of these infections. The main purpose of the study was to identify and compare the causative bacteria of prosthetic knee and hip joint infections in a reference Italian orthopedic center and to characterize antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria involved.

Erythritol/chlorhexidine combination reduces microbial biofilm and prevents its formation on titanium surfaces in vitro.

Background: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of a novel air-polishing powder consisting of erythritol and chlorhexidine, assessing its ability to reduce previously grown microbial biofilm and to prevent biofilm formation on titanium surfaces.

Methods: Clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteroides fragilis and Candida albicans isolated from peri-implantitis lesions were used. Biofilm was grown on sandblasted titanium discs and treated with erythritol/chlorhexidine.

Improving the Bacterial Recovery by Using Dithiothreitol with Aerobic and Anaerobic Broth in Biofilm-Related Prosthetic and Joint Infections.

Biofilm-related infections are serious complications in the orthopaedic prosthetic field and an accurate, quick microbiological diagnosis is required to set up a specific antimicrobial therapy. It is well known that the diagnosis of these infections remains difficult due to the bacterial embedding within the biofilm matrix on the implant surfaces. Recently, the use of DL-dithiothreitol (DTT) has been proved effective in biofilm detachment from orthopaedic devices.

Treatment With Dithiothreitol Improves Bacterial Recovery From Tissue Samples in Osteoarticular and Joint Infections.

Background: Prosthetic implants, periprosthetic and osteoarticular tissues are specimens of choice for diagnosis of bone and joint infections. Homogenization is considered the best procedure for treatment of tissues samples, but, it is not always performed in all laboratories. Dithiothreitol (DTT) has been proposed as an alternative treatment to sonication for microbiological diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections.

Antibiofilm activity of sandblasted and laser-modified titanium against microorganisms isolated from peri-implantitis lesions.

Infections due to biofilm-producing microorganisms are one of the main causes for the failure of dental implants. Increasing efforts have been made in order to develop new strategies to prevent biofilm formation. In this study, the biofilm development on a newly designed laser-modified titanium implant surface was evaluated and compared to that on conventional sandblasted titanium used in implant dentistry.

How to Study Biofilms after Microbial Colonization of Materials Used in Orthopaedic Implants.

Over the years, various techniques have been proposed for the quantitative evaluation of microbial biofilms. Spectrophotometry after crystal violet staining is a widespread method for biofilm evaluation, but several data indicate that it does not guarantee a good specificity, although it is rather easy to use and cost saving. Confocal laser microscopy is one of the most sensitive and specific tools to study biofilms, and it is largely used for research.

Antimicrobial properties of platelet-rich preparations. A systematic review of the current pre-clinical evidence.

In recent years autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) have become popular in several medicine fields, representing a valuable adjunct to regenerative surgical procedures. Beneficial effects in the control of postsurgical discomfort and infection have also been frequently reported, suggesting that APC may possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The aim of the present review was to summarize the current evidence regarding the antimicrobial effects of platelet concentrates, investigated by in vitro and animal studies.

Antibiofilm agents against MDR bacterial strains: is bioactive glass BAG-S53P4 also effective?

Objectives: The treatment of bone and joint infections is challenging due to the presence of bacterial biofilm and the increasing emergence of multiresistant strains. BAG-S53P4 is a bone substitute that is characterized by osteoconductive and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of BAG-S53P4 against biofilm produced in vitro by multiresistant bacterial strains.

Antimicrobial activity and resistance selection of different bioglass S53P4 formulations against multidrug resistant strains.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two different formulations of bioglass BAG-S53P4 against multiresistant microorganisms involved in bone infections, and the capability of bioglass to select for resistance.

Methods: Antibacterial activity was evaluated by means of killing curves. The ability to select for resistant bacteria was evaluated by subculturing microorganisms in serial dilutions of bioglass.

Plasma components and platelet activation are essential for the antimicrobial properties of autologous platelet-rich plasma: an in vitro study.

Autologous platelet concentrates are successfully adopted in a variety of medical fields to stimulate bone and soft tissue regeneration. The rationale for their use consists in the delivery of a wide range of platelet-derived bioactive molecules that promotes wound healing. In addition, antimicrobial properties of platelet concentrates have been pointed out.

Biofilm removal and antimicrobial activity of two different air-polishing powders: an in vitro study.

Background: Biofilm removal plays a central role in the prevention of periodontal and peri-implant diseases associated with microbial infections. Plaque debridement may be accomplished by air polishing using abrasive powders. In this study, a new formulation consisting of erythritol and chlorhexidine is compared with the standard glycine powder used in air-polishing devices.

Poly(amido-amine)-based hydrogels with tailored mechanical properties and degradation rates for tissue engineering.

Poly(amido-amine) (PAA) hydrogels containing the 2,2-bisacrylamidoacetic acid-4-amminobutyl guanidine monomeric unit have a known ability to enhance cellular adhesion by interacting with the arginin-glycin-aspartic acid (RGD)-binding αVβ3 integrin, expressed by a wide number of cell types. Scientific interest in this class of materials has traditionally been hampered by their poor mechanical properties and restricted range of degradation rate. Here we present the design of novel biocompatible, RGD-mimic PAA-based hydrogels with wide and tunable degradation rates as well as improved mechanical and biological properties for biomedical applications.

Magnifying loupes versus surgical microscope in endodontic surgery: a four-year retrospective study.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the 4-year outcome of endodontic microsurgery using two different magnification devices. One-hundred and two teeth in 65 patients were included according to specific selection criteria. Endodontic surgery was performed under surgical microscope as magnification device in 63 teeth in 36 patients, while 39 teeth in 29 patients were treated under magnifying loupes.

Antimicrobial activity of pure platelet-rich plasma against microorganisms isolated from oral cavity.

Background: Autologous platelet concentrates (PCs) have been extensively used in a variety of medical fields to promote soft and hard tissue regeneration. The significance behind their use lies in the abundance of growth factors in platelets α-granules that promotes wound healing. In addition, antibacterial properties of PCs against various bacteria have been recently pointed out.

Investigation on the shaping ability of nickel-titanium files when used with a reciprocating motion.

Introduction: The introduction of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files into clinical practice has improved the quality of canal shaping, but increasing the curvature of the root canal (or the diameter of the master instrument that prepares the full working length) could result in more transportation, straightening, and aberration of the canal. Nickel-titanium instruments are significantly safer and have an extended cyclic fatigue life when used with a reciprocating movement. The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping ability of FlexMaster NiTi instruments when used in either continuous or reciprocating movements.

Effect of guided tissue regeneration on the outcome of surgical endodontic treatment of through-and-through lesions: a retrospective study at 4-year follow-up.

Purpose: The main purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the 4-year success rate of endodontic surgery in combination with a collagen resorbable membrane for the treatment of through-and-through periradicular lesions.

Materials And Methods: Patients with one or more teeth with a through-and-through periradicular lesion in need of endodontic surgery were treated. A clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months.

Effect of autologous growth factors in maxillary sinus augmentation: a systematic review.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the effect of autogenous platelet concentrates on the clinical and histomorphometric outcomes of maxillary sinus augmentation.

Materials And Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched using a combination of specific search terms. Furthermore, a hand searching of the relevant journals and of the bibliographies of reviews was performed.

Is platelet concentrate advantageous for the surgical treatment of periodontal diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The aim of the present review is to systematically evaluate the effects of autogenous platelet concentrates on clinical outcomes of the surgical treatment of periodontal diseases.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched using a combination of specific search terms. Furthermore, a hand search of relevant journals and bibliographies of reviews was performed.

Treatment of through-and-through bone lesion using autologous growth factors and xenogeneic bone graft: a case report.

Background: This pilot case study aimed at evaluating the possibility of achieving optimal hard and soft tissue regeneration using plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and anorganic bovine bone (ABB) for the surgical treatment of a large through-and-through periapical bone lesion.

Case Report: Maxillary incisors of a patient with through-and-through periapical lesion of endodontic origin were treated using modern endodontic surgical technique with the adjunct of PRGF. The PRGF clot was positioned over the palatal side of the lesion while the remaining bone defect was grafted with PRGF and ABB.