Control of VOCs from printing press air emissions by anaerobic bioscrubber: Performance and microbial community of an on-site pilot unit

A novel process consisted of an anaerobic bioscrubber was studied at the field scale for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from a printing press facility. The pilot unit worked under high fluctuating waste gas emissions containing ethanol, ethyl acetate, and 1-ethoxy-2-propanol as main pollutants, with airflows ranging between 184 and 1253 m3 h−1 and an average concentration of 1126 ± 470 mg-C Nm−3. Three scrubber configurations (cross-flow and vertical-flow packings and spray tower) were tested, and cross-flow packing was found to be the best one. For this packing, daily average values of VOC removal efficiency ranged between 83% and 93% for liquid to air volume ratios between 3.5·10−3 and 9.1·10−3. Biomass growth was prevented by periodical chemical cleaning; the average pressure drop was 165 Pa m−1. Rapid initiation of anaerobic degradation was achieved by using granular sludge from a brewery wastewater treatment plant. Despite the intermittent and fluctuating organic load, the expanded granular sludge bed reactor showed an excellent level of performance, reaching removal efficiencies of 93 ± 5% at 25.1 ± 3.2 °C, with biogas methane content of 94 ± 3% in volume. Volatile fatty acid concentration was as low as 200 mg acetic acid L−1 by treating daily average organic loads up to 3.0 kg COD h−1, equivalent to 24 kg COD m−3 bed d−1. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) results revealed the initial shift of the domains Archaea and Bacteria associated with the limitation of the carbon source to a few organic solvents. The Archaea domain was more sensitive, resulting in a drop of the Shannon index from 1.07 to 0.41 in the first 123 days. Among Archaea, the predominance of Methanosaeta persisted throughout the experimental period. The increase in the proportion of Methanospirillum and Methanobacterium sp. was linked to the spontaneous variations of operating temperature and load, respectively. Among Bacteria, high levels of ethanol degraders (Geobacter and Pelobacter sp.) were observed during the trial

Patient-reported outcomes of immediate versus conventional loading with fixed full-arch prostheses in the maxilla: A nonrandomized controlled prospective study

Purpose: To compare patient satisfaction and postoperative pain and swelling for immediate versus conventional loading in partially edentulous patients requiring extraction of the remaining maxillary dentition and rehabilitation with fixed full-arch prostheses. Materials and Methods: This prospective, controlled, nonrandomized study with 12-month follow-up included 30 consecutive patients scheduled for fixed full-arch implant-supported maxillary rehabilitation. Fifteen patients were treated with conventional loading (control group) and the next 15 with immediate loading (test group). Ten-centimeter visual analog scales were used as assessment tools. Patient overall satisfaction and specific satisfaction with esthetics, chewing, speaking, comfort, self-esteem, ease of cleaning, and treatment duration were assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative pain and swelling levels were recorded daily during the first week. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, α = .05. Results: One test group patient was excluded, so the final sample included 29 patients. Between baseline and 3 months, in the test group general satisfaction and all specific satisfactions increased significantly with the exception of speech; in the control group overall satisfaction and self-esteem did not change, satisfaction with esthetics increased significantly, and satisfaction with speech, chewing, and comfort decreased significantly. After 12 months, satisfaction was significantly higher in the test group with the exception of ease of cleaning. Between 3 and 12 months, satisfaction improved in both groups but to a greater degree in the control group. After 12 months, there were no differences in satisfaction. No differences were found in either mean postoperative pain/swelling or maximum pain/swelling at the studied time points. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction for immediate loading was significantly higher than for conventional loading during the osseointegration period. After 12 months, when final prosthetic rehabilitations had been in function for some time, differences had disappeared. No differences were found between loading protocols in postoperative pain or swellin

Tratamiento del dolor orofacial en pacientes con síndrome del ligamento estilomandibular (síndrome de Ernest)

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de Ernest se define como una alteración del ligamento estilomandibular, caracterizado por la presencia de dolor en la región preauricular y en el ángulo mandibular, irradiado al cuello, el hombro y el ojo del mismo lado, asociado a dolor durante la palpación del ligamento estilomandibular. El objetivo es presentar las características clínicas, el tratamiento y la evolución de una serie de pacientes con el síndrome de Ernest. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio clínico, observacional, retrospectivo, entre los años 1998 y 2008. Se recogieron todos los datos con respecto a la edad, el sexo, el tiempo de evolución y las características del dolor. A todos los pacientes se les infiltró 40 mg de acetónido de triamcinolona en la inserción mandibular del ligamento estilomandibular. Resultados: Se incluyó a 6 pacientes. La edad media fue de 40,3 años (rango 35-51). El 100% eran mujeres. Cuatro de las 6 pacientes recibieron tratamientos odontológicos prolongados el mes previo a la aparición del dolor. El tiempo de evolución medio antes de la primera visita fue de 23 meses. Tras el tratamiento realizado, se obtuvo una resolución completa de todos los pacientes, con un periodo de seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Conclusiones: Se han analizado las características clínicas del dolor, el tratamiento recibido y la evolución de 6 pacientes con el síndrome de Ernest. Es importante realizar un correcto diagnóstico para poder establecer el tratamiento correcto. Creemos que esta enfermedad es más prevalente de lo encontrado en la literatura, pudiéndose confundir con otros dolores orofaciales. Abstract: Introduction: Ernest syndrome involves the stylomandibular ligament. It is characterised by pain in the preauricular area and mandibular angle, radiating to the neck, shoulder, and eye on the same side, and associated with pain during palpation of that ligament. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment, and course of the disease in a series of patients with Ernest syndrome. Methods: Retrospective observational study covering the period from 1998 to 2008. We recorded patients’ age, sex, duration of the disorder, and pain characteristics. All patients were injected with 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide at the mandibular insertion of the stylomandibular ligament. Results: The study included a total of 6 patients. Mean age was 40.3 years (range, 35-51). All of the subjects were women. Four patients had undergone lengthy dental treatments in the month prior to onset of the pain. The mean time between pain onset and first consultation was 23 months. The syndrome resolved completely in all cases after treatment, with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Conclusions: We analysed the clinical characteristics, treatment, and course of disease in 6 patients with Ernest syndrome. Correct diagnosis is the key to being able to provide proper treatment. This disorder is sometimes confused with other types of orofacial pain, and may therefore be more prevalent than the literature would indicate. Palabras clave: Síndrome de Ernest, Dolor miofascial, Estilomandibular, Síndrome de Eagle, Dolor orofacial, Keywords: Ernest syndrome, Myofascial pain, Stylomandibular, Eagle syndrome, Orofacial pai

Treatment of orofacial pain in patients with stylomandibular ligament syndrome (Ernest syndrome)

Introduction: Ernest syndrome involves the stylomandibular ligament. It is characterised by pain in the preauricular area and mandibular angle, radiating to the neck, shoulder, and eye on the same side, and associated with pain during palpation of that ligament. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment, and course of the disease in a series of patients with Ernest syndrome. Methods: Retrospective observational study covering the period from 1998 to 2008. We recorded patients’ age, sex, duration of the disorder, and pain characteristics. All patients were injected with 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide at the mandibular insertion of the stylomandibular ligament. Results: The study included a total of 6 patients. Mean age was 40.3 years (range, 35–51). All the subjects were women. Four patients had undergone lengthy dental treatments in the month prior to onset of the pain. The mean time between pain onset and first consultation was 23 months. The syndrome resolved completely in all cases after treatment, with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Conclusions: We analysed the clinical characteristics, treatment, and course of disease in 6 patients with Ernest syndrome. Correct diagnosis is the key to being able to provide proper treatment. This disorder is sometimes confused with other types of orofacial pain, and may therefore be more prevalent than the literature would indicate. Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de Ernest se define como una alteración del ligamento estilomandibular, caracterizado por la presencia de dolor en la región preauricular y en el ángulo mandibular, irradiado al cuello, el hombro y el ojo del mismo lado, asociado a dolor durante la palpación del ligamento estilomandibular. El objetivo es presentar las características clínicas, el tratamiento y la evolución de una serie de pacientes con el síndrome de Ernest. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio clínico, observacional, retrospectivo, entre los años 1998 y 2008. Se recogieron todos los datos con respecto a la edad, el sexo, el tiempo de evolución y las características del dolor. A todos los pacientes se les infiltró 40 mg de acetónido de triamcinolona en la inserción mandibular del ligamento estilomandibular. Resultados: Se incluyó a 6 pacientes. La edad media fue de 40,3 años (rango 35-51). El 100% eran mujeres. Cuatro de las 6 pacientes recibieron tratamientos odontológicos prolongados el mes previo a la aparición del dolor. El tiempo de evolución medio antes de la primera visita fue de 23 meses. Tras el tratamiento realizado, se obtuvo una resolución completa de todos los pacientes, con un periodo de seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Conclusiones: Se han analizado las características clínicas del dolor, el tratamiento recibido y la evolución de 6 pacientes con el síndrome de Ernest. Es importante realizar un correcto diagnóstico para poder establecer el tratamiento correcto. Creemos que esta enfermedad es más prevalente de lo encontrado en la literatura, pudiéndose confundir con otros dolores orofaciales. Keywords: Ernest syndrome, Myofascial pain, Stylomandibular, Eagle syndrome, Orofacial pain, Palabras clave: Síndrome de Ernest, Dolor miofascial, Estilomandibular, Síndrome de Eagle, Dolor orofacia

Inflammatory implant periapical lesion prior to osseointegration: A case series study

Purpose: To report 20 cases with implant periapical pathology diagnosed during the osseointegration phase, evaluating retrospectively the efficacy of the treatment with implant periapical surgery. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients in whom implant periapical surgery was performed between 1996 and 2010. The criteria for diagnosing implant periapical pathology and, accordingly, performing implant periapical surgery were: (1) acute pain during the osseointegration period (8 weeks after implant placement) located in the area of the affected implant or presence of mucous fistula in relation with the implant apex; (2) absence of implant mobility; (3) non-dull percussion of nonsubmerged implants; and (4) presence or absence of implant periapical radiolucency. Results: Twenty-two implants were diagnosed with periapical pathology in 20 patients (13 women and 7 men) with a mean age of 54.3 years (range, 32 to 70 years) and were consecutively treated by a surgical approach. In 19 implants, the diagnosis was acute apical peri-implantitis (nonsuppurated in 7 cases and suppurated in 12), as based on the symptoms and radiographic sign, and in 3 cases it was subacute apical peri-implantitis, as based on the presence of a fistula. After a minimum follow-up of 1 year, 20 implants remained functional, with no clinical or radiologic alterations; the survival rate of the treated implants was 91%. Conclusion: The early diagnosis of inflammatory implant periapical lesions during the osseintegration phase, and their prompt surgical treatment, led to a survival rate of the treated implants of 91%

Tilted implants for the restoration of posterior mandibles with horizontal atrophy: An alternative treatment

Purpose: Horizontal atrophy in the posterior mandible presents serious limitations on conventional implant placement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of tilted implants angled in a buccolingual direction for restoring atrophic posterior mandibular sectors. Materials and Methods: A cohort study was performed of 25 patients who had partial prostheses supported by more than 1 implant ($1 tilted and 1 axial implant) to restore molar areas in the mandible. When the bone thickness was at least 5 mm, axial implants were placed; when the alveolar ridge was narrower, the implant was placed with tilted angulation. The beds for these tilted implants were prepared using a lingual approach, tipping the implant apex toward the vestibule. Twelve months after loading, bone loss was evaluated and the success rates of the tilted and axial implants were calculated. Results: The study included 20 women and 5 men (mean age, 54.8 yr) who received 67 implants in the posterior mandibular sectors. Thirty-nine implants were placed with a buccal angulation and 28 implants were placed vertically. Mean bone losses of 0.59 0.26 mm among the tilted implants and 0.48 0.34 mm among the axial implants were observed 1 year after loading. The success rate of the tilted implants was 94.9%, and that of the axial implants was 100%. No significant differences in success rates or in bone loss between the tilted and axial implants were found at 12 months after loading. Conclusions: Twelve months after loading, tilted implants provided good results for the restoration of posterior mandibles with horizontal atrophy and no significant differences in success rates or marginal bone loss between tilted and axial implants were observed

Soft tissue cell adhesion to titanium abutments after different cleaning procedures: Preliminary results of a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objectives: A randomized controlled trial was performed to assess soft tissue cell adhesion to implant titanium abutments subjected to different cleaning procedures and test if plasma cleaning can enhance cell adhesion at an early healing time. Study Design: Eighteen patients with osseointegrated and submerged implants were included. Before re-opening, 18 abutments were divided in 3 groups corresponding to different clinical conditions with different cleaning processes: no treatment (G1), laboratory customization and cleaning by steam (G2), cleaning by plasma of Argon (G3). Abutments were removed after 1 week and scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze cell adhesion to the abutment surface quantitatively (percentage of area occupied by cells) and qualitatively (aspect of adhered cells and presence of contaminants). Results: Mean percentages of area occupied by cells were 17.6 ± 22.7%, 16.5 ± 12.9% and 46.3 ± 27.9% for G1, G2 and G3 respectively. Differences were statistically significant between G1 and G3 (p=0.030), close to significance between G2 and G3 (p=0.056), and non-significant between G1 and G2 (p=0.530). The proportion of samples presenting adhered cells was homogeneous among the 3 groups (p-valor = 1.000). In all cases cells presented a flattened aspect; in 2 cases cells were less efficiently adhered and in 1 case cells presented filipodia. Three cases showed contamination with cocobacteria Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, plasma of Argon may enhance cell adhesion to titanium abutments, even at the early stage of soft tissue healing. Further studies with greater samples are necessary to confirm these findings