Nathalie Maes

Localized Piezoelectric Alveolar Decortication for Orthodontic Treatment in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the benefits and clinical outcomes of piezocision, which is a minimally invasive approach to corticotomy that is used in orthodontic treatments. Twenty-four adult patients presenting with mild overcrowdings were randomly allocated to either a control group that was treated with conventional orthodontics or a test group that received piezo-assisted orthodontics. The piezocisions were performed 1 wk week after the placement of the orthodontic appliances. Neither grafting material nor sutures were used. All patients were followed every 2 wk, and archwires were changed only when they were no longer active. The periods required for the completion of the overall orthodontic treatments were calculated, and the periodontal parameters were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the orthodontic treatment. Patient-centered outcomes were assessed with a visual analog scale; analgesic use following the procedures was also recorded. The patient characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The overall treatment time was significantly reduced by 43% in the piezocision group as compared with the control group. In both groups, periodontal parameters (i.e., recession depth, pocket depth, plaque index, and papilla bleeding index) remained unchanged between the baseline and treatment completion time points. No increase in root resorption was observed in either group. Scars were observed in 50% of the patients in the piezocision group. Analgesic consumption was similar following orthodontic appliance placement and piezocision surgery. Patient satisfaction was significantly better in the piezocision group than in the control group. In these conditions, the piezocision technique seemed to be effective in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement. No gingival recessions were observed. The risk of residual scars might limit the indications for piezocision in patients with a high smile line (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02590835).

A new curcuma extract (flexofytol®) in osteoarthritis: results from a belgian real-life experience.

This retrospective observational study summarizes the experiences of 820 patients treated with a new Curcuma extract (Flexofytol®, 4-6 capsules per day), for more than 6 months for various forms of painful osteoarthritis. These experiences were reported by 110 Belgian general practitioners via a questionnaire that included quality-of-life parameters for assessing patient experience. Data were submitted to an independent statistician for analysis. Within the first 6 weeks, Flexofytol® improved patient pain, articular mobility, and quality of life. Excellent tolerance was reported, and more than half of these patients were able to discontinue analgaesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patient satisfaction was confirmed by their decision to maintain Flexofytol® therapy for more than 6 months. These data must be confirmed with randomized controlled studies. We currently conclude that Flexofytol® which is based on a new preparation of curcumin, is as a potential neutraceutical for the care of patients complaining of joint problems, with excellent tolerance and rapid benefits for articular mobility, pain, and quality of life.

sCD14 is not a bona-fide biomarker of microbial translocation in HIV-1 infected Africans living in Belgium.

Objective:To compare microbial translocation and its biomarkers in HIV-1-infected African and White patients of the Liège AIDS Reference Center. Design:The study is based on a cross-sectional dataset of HIV-infected patients treated at the Liège AIDS Reference Center. Groups of white and African patients have been randomly selected to be identical for sex, age and duration of treatment. Methods:sCD14, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and routine HIV-follow-up parameters were measured on plasma samples. Results:High values of LPS and LBP were observed in both groups of patients without significant difference between them. High values of sCD14 were observed in 53.1% of whites and only in 18.8% of African patients (P = 0.0042). A correlation between LPS and sCD14 was observed in whites but not African patients. Conclusion:Our observation suggests that factors not related to microbial translocation are responsible for lower sCD14 value in Africans.

Is the triple stimulation technique a better quantification tool of motor dysfunction than motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis

The triple stimulation technique (TST) was rarely used in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to compare TST and motor evoked potentials (MEP) for the quantification of motor dysfunction. Central motor conduction based on MEP (four limbs) and TST (upper limbs) was assessed in 28 MS patients with a median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 4. EDSS, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), grasping strength and motor components of the MS functional composite were evaluated. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between MEP, TST and clinical findings. TST was negatively correlated with EDSS (r = − 0.74, p < 0.0001) and to a lesser extent with T25FW (r = − 0.47, p < 0.05), and grasping strength (r = − 0.43, p < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis underlined the better correlation between clinical data and TST (R2 = 0.56, p < 0.0005) than with MEP (0.03 < R2 < 0.22, p > 0.05). This study evidenced the value of TST as a quantification tool of motor dysfunction. TST appeared to reflect a global disability since it was correlated not only to hand function but also to walking capacity.