The interaction of bacterial pathogens with platelets.

In recent years, the frequency of serious cardiovascular infections such as endocarditis has increased, particularly in association with nosocomially acquired antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Growing evidence suggests a crucial role for the interaction of bacteria with human platelets in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular infections. Here, we review the nature of the interactions between platelets and bacteria, and the role of these interactions in the pathogenesis of endocarditis and other cardiovascular diseases

Van schuldbemiddeling tot collectieve schuldenregeling: intenties en knelpunten

status: publishe

Onderzoek naar de werking en de organisatie van erkende instellingen voor schuldbemiddeling met het oog op een mogelijke subsidiëring en stimulering van kwaliteit. Onderzoek in opdracht van het Departement Welzijn, Volksgezondheid en Gezin

status: publishe

The effects of periodontal therapy on vascular endothelial function: A pilot trial

Background Chronic periodontal infection is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Although the mechanism responsible for the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular events is not fully understood, it is hypothesized that the chronic inflammatory burden of periodontal disease may lead to impaired functioning of the vascular endothelium. Methods Twenty-two otherwise healthy adults with moderate to severe periodontitis who underwent complete mouth disinfection were evaluated to determine if periodontal therapy would result in improved endothelial function and a decrease in serum inflammatory markers. Subjects had measurements of periodontal disease severity, flow-mediated (endothelium-dependent), and nitroglycerin-mediated (endothelium-independent) dilation of the brachial artery, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and serum total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on 2 baseline visits separated by 1 month and, again, 1 month after treatment. Results There were no significant changes in clinical periodontal measures, flow-mediated dilation, nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, CRP, IL-6, total cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol between the repeated baseline measurements. Periodontal treatment, however, resulted in significant improvements in periodontal pocketing, flow-mediated dilation, and serum IL-6, as well as a trend toward reduction in serum CRP; there were no significant changes in nitroglycerin-mediated dilation or in cholesterol levels. Conclusions These results represent proof of concept that improvement in endothelial function, as measured by flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, may be possible through near-elimination of chronic oral infection and suggest that the conduct of a larger controlled trial is justified

The accuracy of computer‐guided implant surgery with tooth‐supported, digitally designed drill guides based on CBCT and intraoral scanning. A prospective cohort study

Objectives: The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate computer-guided implant surgery with tooth-supported drill guides based on CBCT scans and intraoral scanning. Materials and methods: For partially edentulous patients, a prosthetic and surgical planning was completed in the guided surgery software (coDiagnostiX) and drill guides were 3D-printed accordingly. Three months after implant placement, an intraoral scan of the implant's position was used to evaluate the accuracy of placement using the coDiagnostiX treatment evaluation tool. Deviations were reported in degrees and in distance at implant's entry point and apex. Several risk factors, which might influence the accuracy, were evaluated separately: treated jaw, flap design, prior augmentations, amount of unrestored teeth, crowding, location of implants, cortical interference, and implant's length and diameter. Results: A total of 66 patients received 145 Straumann tissue level implants that were eligible for accuracy analysis. The mean angular deviation was 2.72° ± 1.42. The mean three-dimensional deviation at the implant's entry point was 0.75 mm ± 0.34. At implant's apex, the mean was 1.06 mm ± 0.44. The amount of unrestored teeth (p =.002 & p =.003), the implant's location (p <.001), the implant's length (p =.004), and cortical interference (p =.033) had a significant influence on the accuracy of placement. Implant survival was 99.3% (n = 1 failed implant) at 12 and 24 months. Conclusions: Guided surgery with tooth-supported drill guides made in a digital workflow is a feasible treatment option. However, deviations do occur and the implant's length, location, cortical interference and the amount of unrestored teeth have a significant influence on the accuracy