Alveolar Bone Density and Width Affect Primary Implant Stability

Primary implant stability (PIS) depends on surgical technique, implant design, and recipient bone characteristics, among other factors. Bone density (BD) can be determined in Hounsfield units (HUs) using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Reliable prediction of PIS could guide treatment decisions. We assessed whether PIS was associated with recipient bone characteristics, namely, BD and alveolar ridge width (ARW), measured preoperatively by CBCT. We studied a convenience sample of 160 implants placed in 48 patients in 2016 and 2017. All underwent CBCT with a radiologic/surgical guide yielding values for ARW and BD. PIS measures used were the implant stability quotient (ISQ) from resonance frequency analysis and insertion torque (IT). IT was most influenced by the HU value at 0.5 mm outside the implant placement area, followed by the value within this area, and ISQ by the HU value at 0.5 mm outside the placement area, followed by implant placement site and apical ARW. ISQ values were significantly related to ARW in coronal (P < .05), middle (P < .01), and apical (P < .01) thirds. ISQs were higher with larger-diameter implants (P < .01). ISQ and IT were strongly correlated (P < .001). PIS in terms of ISQ and IT is positively correlated with edentulous alveolar ridge BD measured by CBCT, implying that implant stability may be predicted preoperatively. Wide alveolar ridges favored lateral PIS but did not affect rotational PIS. The most significant predictor of lateral and rotational PIS in our patients was the HU value at 0.5 mm outside the implant placement area.

Modulation of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Oxidative Markers by Curcumin Supplementation in a Physically Active Population: A Systematic Review

Physical activity, particularly high-intensity eccentric muscle contractions, produces exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The breakdown of muscle fibers and the consequent inflammatory responses derived from EIMD affect exercise performance. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol extracted from turmeric, has been shown to have mainly antioxidant and also anti-inflammatory properties. This effect of curcumin could improve EIMD and exercise performance. The main objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the effectiveness of curcumin supplementation on EIMD and inflammatory and oxidative markers in a physically active population. A structured search was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in the databases SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and Medline (PubMed) from inception to October 2019. The search included original articles with randomized controlled crossover or parallel design in which the intake of curcumin administered before and/or after exercise was compared with an identical placebo situation. No filters were applied to the type of physical exercise performed, the sex or the age of the participants. Of the 301 articles identified in the search, 11 met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form. The use of curcumin reduces the subjective perception of the intensity of muscle pain; reduces muscle damage through the decrease of creatine kinase (CK); increases muscle performance; has an anti-inflammatory effect by modulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8; and may have a slight antioxidant effect. In summary, the administration of curcumin at a dose between 150–1500 mg/day before and during exercise, and up until 72 h’ post-exercise, improved performance by reducing EIMD and modulating the inflammation caused by physical activity. In addition, humans appear to be able to tolerate high doses of curcumin without significant side-effects.