ABSTRACT. This study examines the effect of adding coffee husks (CH), cacao by-product (CBP) and passion fruit by-product (PBP) (fresh-matter basis) in the silage of elephant grass cv. Napier on nutritional characteristics. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement represented by three additives (CH, CBP or PBP) and four inclusion levels (0, 12, 24 or 36%). Four replicates were used per treatment. The material was ensiled in experimental mini-silos that were opened 60 days later for chemical analysis of the produced silages. The dry matter content of the silages with CH and PBP included at levels greater than 25% was adequate. The silage with PBP inclusion showed the highest crude protein levels and the best results for in vitro dry matter digestibility. In the silage containing CH, the neutral detergent fiber content decreased linearly with increasing inclusion of the husks. The silage with CBP showed the lowest dry matter and crude protein levels and the highest pH. In conclusion, the inclusion of up to 36% PBP in the ensiling of elephant grass is recommended, as the resulting material has potential for use in ruminant feeding at times of forage scarcity.

Resumo O biofilme subgengival periodontopatogênico é o principal agente etiológico da periodontite. Assim, a pesquisa de antimicrobianos como adjuvantes para o tratamento periodontal na literatura é intensa. Cloreto de cetilpiridínio (CPC) é um agente antimicrobiano comumente usado em enxaguatórios bucais. No entanto não foram encontrados na literatura estudos avaliando os efeitos do CPC em um modelo complexo de biofilme. Portanto, o objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as propriedades antimicrobianas do cloreto de cetilpiridinio 0,075% em um modelo de biofilme subgengival multiespécie in vitro. O biofilme subgengival composto por 31 espécies relacionadas à periodontite foi formado por 7 dias, utilizando o dispositivo calgary. Os tratamentos com CPC e clorexidina (CHX) 0,12% (controle positivo) foram realizados 2x/dia, por 1 min, do dia 3 até o final do período experimental, totalizando 8 tratamentos. Após 7 dias de formação do biofilme, a atividade metabólica do biofilme foi avaliada por reação colorimétrica e a composição microbiana dos biofilmes por hibridização DNA-DNA. A análise estatística foi realizada usando ANOVA com dados transformados via BOX-COX seguido do teste de Dunnett. Tanto o CPC como a CHX reduziram a atividade metabólica do biofilme em aproximadamente 60% e apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana contra 13 espécies diferentes. Especificamente, apenas os níveis de F.n. Vicentii e P. gingivalis foram reduzidos somente pelo tratamento com a CHX enquanto apenas o CPC reduziu A. odontolyticus e A. israelli. O CPC foi tão eficaz quanto o CHX como antimicrobiano através de biofilme subgengival complexo multiespecífico in vitro. No entanto, futuros estudos usando modelos in vivo de doença periodontal experimental devem ser realizados para comprovar tal efeito.

Abstract Periodontopathogenic subgingival biofilm is the main etiological agent of periodontitis. Thus, a search for antimicrobials as adjuvant for periodontal treatment in the literature is intense. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a well-known antimicrobial agent commonly used in mouthrinses. However, CPC effects on a complex biofilm model were not found over the literature. Therefore, the aim of this manuscript is to evaluate 0.075% CPC antimicrobial properties in a multispecies subgingival biofilm model in vitro. The subgingival biofilm composed by 31 species related to periodontitis was formed for 7 days, using the calgary device. The treatments with CPC and chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.12% (as positive control) were performed 2x/day, for 1 min, from day 3 until the end of experimental period, totaling 8 treatments. After 7 days of biofilm formation, biofilm metabolic activity was evaluated by a colorimetric reaction and biofilms microbial composition by DNA-DNA hybridization. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with data transformed via BOX-COX followed by Dunnett post-hoc. Both CPC and CHX reduced biofilm metabolic activity in 60% and presented antimicrobial activity against 13 different species. Specifically, only CHX reduced levels of F.n. vicentii and P. gingivalis while only CPC reduced A. odontolyticus and A. israelli. CPC was as effective as CHX as antimicrobial through in vitro complex multispecies subgingival biofilm. However, future studies using in vivo models of experimental periodontal disease should be performed to prove such effect.

Abstract: Periodontal diseases are considered a worldwide public health problem, owing to their high prevalence in developed and developing countries. Periodontitis may lead to tooth loss, which can impact oral health-related quality of life. Gingivitis and periodontitis have been extensively studied regarding their etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, prevention and treatment outcomes. However, most of these aspects are studied and discussed globally, which may hamper a clear interpretation of the findings and the design of effective plans of action for specific regions or populations. For example, in Latin America, epidemiological data about the distribution of periodontal diseases is still scarce, mainly when it comes to nationwide representative samples. This Consensus aimed to address the following topics related to periodontal diseases in Latin America: a) The impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health: a global reality; b) Periodontal diseases in Latin America; c) Strategies for the prevention of periodontal diseases in Latin America; d) Problems associated with diagnosis of periodontal conditions and possible solutions for Latin America; e) Treatment of Periodontitis. This consensus will help to increase awareness about diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases, in the context of Latin American countries.

Abstract: Gingivitis and periodontitis are associated with a negative impact on Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL), exerting a significant influence on aspects related to the patients' function and esthetics. Periodontitis has been associated with several systemic conditions, including adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), respiratory disorders, fatal pneumonia in hemodialysis patients, chronic renal disease and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this paper was to review the results of different periodontal treatments and their impacts on patients' OHRQoL and systemic health. Non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments are predictable procedures in terms of controlling infection, reducing probing pocket depth and gaining clinical attachment. In addition, the treatment of periodontitis may significantly improve OHRQoL and promote a reduction in the levels of systemic markers of inflammation, including some cytokines associated with cardiovascular diseases. Studies have also suggested that periodontal treatment may improve glycemic control in patients with DM. Strategies and actions for preventing the onset and recurrence of periodontitis, and the challenges facing the field of periodontology in the XXI century are presented in this review.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e analisar a existência de fatores preditivos do burnout em acadêmicos de enfermagem de uma unidade universitária pública. Método: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal. Utilizou-se, na coleta de dados, de dois instrumentos: um sociodemográfico e o Maslach Burnout Inventory ‒ Student Survey. Para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis foram ajustados modelos de regressões logísticas simples e múltipla. Resultados: Participaram da pesquisa 100 estudantes. Apresentaram a síndrome 20% da amostra. Os acadêmicos do segundo (p = 0,036) e do terceiro anos da graduação (p = 0,046), os que utilizavam medicamento (p = 0,002) e os que pensavam em desistir do curso (p = 0,001) apresentaram associação significativa com o burnout. No modelo de regressão logística múltipla, apenas os acadêmicos que pensavam em desistir do curso (p = 0,025) mantiveram associação significativa, ou seja, a probabilidade de um indivíduo da população da qual a amostra foi extraída apresentar a síndrome foi mais elevada nesta variável. Conclusão: A prevalência da síndrome correspondeu a 20%. Os fatores preditivos do burnout foram: segundo e terceiro anos da graduação, uso de medicamento e pensamento de desistir do curso.

Abstract Objective: To identify the prevalence and analyze the existence of predictive factors of burnout syndrome in nursing students of a public university unit. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Data were collected from two instruments: a sociodemographic instrument and the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Survey. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were adjusted to assess the association between variables. Results: There were 100 students who participated in the research, of which 20% presented burnout syndrome. Second (p = 0.036) and third year students (p = 0.046), those using medication (p = 0.002) and those considering dropping out (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with burnout. Only students who were thinking of dropping out of the course (p = 0.025) maintained a significant association in the multiple logistic regression model, which means that the probability of an individual from the population from which the sample was extracted presenting burnout syndrome was higher in this variable. Conclusion: The burnout syndrome prevalence corresponded to 20%. The predictors of burnout were: second and third years of the course, use of medication and thinking of dropping out from the course.

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia y analizar la existencia de factores predictivos del burnout en académicos de enfermería de una unidad universidad pública. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal. Se emplearon, en la recolección de datos, dos instrumentos: uno sociodemográfico y el Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Survey. Para evaluar la asociación entre las variables fueron ajustados modelos de regresión logística simple y múltiple. Resultados: Participaron en la investigación 100 estudiantes. Presentaron el síndrome el 20% de la muestra. Los académicos del segundo (p = 0,036) y del tercer curso del pregrado (p = 0,046), quienes utilizaban medicamento (p = 0,002) y quienes pensaban en desistir de la carrera (p = 0,001) presentaron asociación significativa con el burnout. En el modelo de regresión logística múltiple, solo los académicos que pensaban en desistir de la carrera (p = 0,025) mantuvieron asociación significativa, es decir, la probabilidad de que un individuo de la población de la que se extrajo la muestra presente el síndrome fue más elevada en esta variable. Conclusión: La prevalencia del síndrome correspondió al 20%. Los factores predictivos del burnout fueron: segundo y tercer cursos del pregrado, empleo de medicamento y pensamiento de desistir de la carrera.

Abstract Objective: To identify the prevalence and analyze the existence of predictive factors of burnout syndrome in nursing students of a public university unit. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Data were collected from two instruments: a sociodemographic instrument and the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Survey. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were adjusted to assess the association between variables. Results: There were 100 students who participated in the research, of which 20% presented burnout syndrome. Second (p = 0.036) and third year students (p = 0.046), those using medication (p = 0.002) and those considering dropping out (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with burnout. Only students who were thinking of dropping out of the course (p = 0.025) maintained a significant association in the multiple logistic regression model, which means that the probability of an individual from the population from which the sample was extracted presenting burnout syndrome was higher in this variable. Conclusion: The burnout syndrome prevalence corresponded to 20%. The predictors of burnout were: second and third years of the course, use of medication and thinking of dropping out from the course.

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia y analizar la existencia de factores predictivos del burnout en académicos de enfermería de una unidad universidad pública. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal. Se emplearon, en la recolección de datos, dos instrumentos: uno sociodemográfico y el Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Survey. Para evaluar la asociación entre las variables fueron ajustados modelos de regresión logística simple y múltiple. Resultados: Participaron en la investigación 100 estudiantes. Presentaron el síndrome el 20% de la muestra. Los académicos del segundo (p = 0,036) y del tercer curso del pregrado (p = 0,046), quienes utilizaban medicamento (p = 0,002) y quienes pensaban en desistir de la carrera (p = 0,001) presentaron asociación significativa con el burnout. En el modelo de regresión logística múltiple, solo los académicos que pensaban en desistir de la carrera (p = 0,025) mantuvieron asociación significativa, es decir, la probabilidad de que un individuo de la población de la que se extrajo la muestra presente el síndrome fue más elevada en esta variable. Conclusión: La prevalencia del síndrome correspondió al 20%. Los factores predictivos del burnout fueron: segundo y tercer cursos del pregrado, empleo de medicamento y pensamiento de desistir de la carrera.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e analisar a existência de fatores preditivos do burnout em acadêmicos de enfermagem de uma unidade universitária pública. Método: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal. Utilizou-se, na coleta de dados, de dois instrumentos: um sociodemográfico e o Maslach Burnout Inventory ‒ Student Survey. Para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis foram ajustados modelos de regressões logísticas simples e múltipla. Resultados: Participaram da pesquisa 100 estudantes. Apresentaram a síndrome 20% da amostra. Os acadêmicos do segundo (p = 0,036) e do terceiro anos da graduação (p = 0,046), os que utilizavam medicamento (p = 0,002) e os que pensavam em desistir do curso (p = 0,001) apresentaram associação significativa com o burnout. No modelo de regressão logística múltipla, apenas os acadêmicos que pensavam em desistir do curso (p = 0,025) mantiveram associação significativa, ou seja, a probabilidade de um indivíduo da população da qual a amostra foi extraída apresentar a síndrome foi mais elevada nesta variável. Conclusão: A prevalência da síndrome correspondeu a 20%. Os fatores preditivos do burnout foram: segundo e terceiro anos da graduação, uso de medicamento e pensamento de desistir do curso.

Abstract The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence on associations between diabetes mellitus (DM) and complications around dental implants. Electronic database searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the PROSPERO register were performed from 1990 up to and including May 2018, using MeSH terms and other keywords. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the associations of DM and implant complications (failure, survival, bone loss, peri-implant diseases, and post-surgery infection) were eligible. The quality of the included reviews was determined using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews Tool 2 (AMSTAR 2). Twelve systematic reviews were included. Implant survival rates ranged from 83.5% to 100%, while implant failure rates varied from 0% to 14.3% for subjects with DM. The three meta-analyses performed for event “implant failure” reported no statistically significant differences between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. An apparently increased risk of peri-implantitis is reported in patients with DM. According to the AMSTAR 2 classification, 50% of the reviews were classified as being of “critically low”, 25% as of “low” and 25% as of “moderate” quality. Evidence indicates high levels of survival and low levels of failure of implants inserted in patients with DM. However, DM was assessed as a whole in the majority of studies and, the actual influence of hyperglycemia on implant survival/failure is still uncertain. DM/hyperglycemia seems to be associated with a high risk of peri-implantitis. However, this conclusion is based on a limited number of systematic reviews.

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is an emerging process for biomaterials and medical devices. Direct Laser Metal Sintering (DLMS) is an AM technique used to fabricate Ti–6Al–4V implant materials with enhanced surface-related properties compared with wrought samples; thus, this technique could influence microbial adsorption and colonization. Therefore, this in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different implant production processes on microbial adhesion of periodontal pathogens. Titanium discs produced using two different processes—conventional and AM—were divided into three groups: conventional titanium discs with machined surface (G1), AM titanium discs with chemical treatment (G2) and AM titanium discs without chemical treatment (G3). Subgingival biofilm composed of 32 species was formed on the titanium discs, and positioned vertically in 96-well plates, for 7 days. The proportions of microbial complexes and the microbial profiles were analyzed using a DNA–DNA hybridization technique, and data were evaluated using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunnett tests (p < 0.05). Lower proportions of the red complex species were observed in the biofilm formed in G2 compared with that in G1 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the proportions of the microbial complexes were similar between G2 and G3 (p > 0.05). Compared with G1, G2 showed reduced levels of Porphyromonas gingvalis , Actinomyces gerencseriae, and Streptococcus intermedius , and increased levels of Parvimonas micra , Actinomyces odontolyticus, and Eikenella corrodens (p < 0.05). The microbial profile of G3 did not differ from G1 and G2 (p > 0.05). The results of this in vitro study showed that titanium discs produced via AM could alter the microbial profile of the biofilm formed around them. Further clinical studies should be conducted to confirm these findings.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adjunct systemic antibiotic treatment with metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX) in patients receiving non-surgical subgingival debridement (NSD) for peri-implantitis. Forty subjects presenting with at least one implant with severe peri-implantitis were randomized into an experimental group [treated with NSD plus MTZ (400 mg) and AMX (500 mg) three times a day for 14 days] and a control group treated with NSD plus placebo. Clinical parameters and submucosal biofilm profiles were evaluated up to 1 year post-treatment. Overall, both treatments improved clinical parameters over time. At 1 year, mean probing depth (PD), mean clinical attachment (CA) level and proportions of red complex pathogens did not differ significantly between the two groups. In addition, mean PD and CA changes to 1-year posttreatment did not differ significantly between the two groups between baseline and 1-year post-treatment. These results suggest that the addition of MTZ and AMX to the treatment protocol of patients undergoing NSD for with severe peri-implantitis does not improve the clinical and microbiological outcomes of NSD. The fact that half of the implants in both groups did not achieve clinical success (PD < 5 mm, no BoP, no bone loss) suggest that neither of the tested protocols were effective for treating severe peri-implantitis.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever o processo de construção e validação de uma cartilha educativa sobre atividade sexual de pessoas com lesão medular. Métodos Estudo metodológico em quatro etapas: pesquisa documental em blogs, revisão integrativa, construção da cartilha educativa, validação de conteúdo com 11 juízes, validação de aparência técnica com 3 juízes e validação de aparência com 37 pessoas do público-alvo. Considerou-se o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC) mínimo de 0,80. Resultados A cartilha apresentou IVC global de 0,91 pelos juízes profissionais de saúde; 0,87 pelos juízes designers gráficos; e 0,94 na validação de aparência pelo público-alvo. Entretanto, os juízes e público-alvo propuseram sugestões de melhorias da cartilha, que foram acatadas e modificadas para versão final do material. Conclusão A cartilha apresentou conteúdo e aparência adequados para promoção da atividade sexual saudável e satisfatória da pessoa com lesão medular.

Abstract Objective To describe the process of development and validation of an educational booklet about the sexual activity of people with spinal cord injury. Methods Methodological study performed in four steps: documentary search in blogs, integrative review, development of the educational booklet, and face and content validation, namely content validation with 11 referees, technical face validation with three referees, and face validation with 37 people from the target audience. The minimum value established for the content validity index (CVI) was 0.80. Results The booklet presented a global CVI of 0.91 after evaluation by healthcare professionals, 0.87 after inspection by graphic designers, and 0.94 after examination by members of the target audience. Despite the significantly high indexes, referees and people from the target audience proposed suggestions to improve the booklet, which were accepted and incorporated into the final version of the material. Conclusion The booklet showed content and face adequate to promote healthy and satisfactory sexual activity of people with spinal cord injury.

Resumen Objetivo Describir el proceso de construcción y validación de una libreta educativa sobre actividad sexual de personas con lesión medular. Métodos Estudio metodológico en cuatro etapas: investigación documental en blogs, revisión integrativa, construcción de la cartilla educativa, validación de contenido con 11 expertos, validación de apariencia técnica con 3 expertos y validación de apariencia con 37 personas del público objetivo. Se consideró un Índice de Validez de Contenido (IVC) mínimo de 0,80. Resultados La libreta obtuvo IVC global de 0,91 de los jueces profesionales de salud; 0,87 de los jueces diseñadores gráficos; y 0,94 en validación de apariencia del público objetivo. Expertos y público objetivo sugirieron mejoras en la libreta, acatadas y aplicadas para la versión final del material. Conclusión La libreta presentó contenido y apariencia adecuados para promoción de actividad sexual saludable y satisfactoria en portadores de lesión medular.

Abstract Objective To describe the process of development and validation of an educational booklet about the sexual activity of people with spinal cord injury. Methods Methodological study performed in four steps: documentary search in blogs, integrative review, development of the educational booklet, and face and content validation, namely content validation with 11 referees, technical face validation with three referees, and face validation with 37 people from the target audience. The minimum value established for the content validity index (CVI) was 0.80. Results The booklet presented a global CVI of 0.91 after evaluation by healthcare professionals, 0.87 after inspection by graphic designers, and 0.94 after examination by members of the target audience. Despite the significantly high indexes, referees and people from the target audience proposed suggestions to improve the booklet, which were accepted and incorporated into the final version of the material. Conclusion The booklet showed content and face adequate to promote healthy and satisfactory sexual activity of people with spinal cord injury.

Resumen Objetivo Describir el proceso de construcción y validación de una libreta educativa sobre actividad sexual de personas con lesión medular. Métodos Estudio metodológico en cuatro etapas: investigación documental en blogs, revisión integrativa, construcción de la cartilla educativa, validación de contenido con 11 expertos, validación de apariencia técnica con 3 expertos y validación de apariencia con 37 personas del público objetivo. Se consideró un Índice de Validez de Contenido (IVC) mínimo de 0,80. Resultados La libreta obtuvo IVC global de 0,91 de los jueces profesionales de salud; 0,87 de los jueces diseñadores gráficos; y 0,94 en validación de apariencia del público objetivo. Expertos y público objetivo sugirieron mejoras en la libreta, acatadas y aplicadas para la versión final del material. Conclusión La libreta presentó contenido y apariencia adecuados para promoción de actividad sexual saludable y satisfactoria en portadores de lesión medular.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever o processo de construção e validação de uma cartilha educativa sobre atividade sexual de pessoas com lesão medular. Métodos Estudo metodológico em quatro etapas: pesquisa documental em blogs, revisão integrativa, construção da cartilha educativa, validação de conteúdo com 11 juízes, validação de aparência técnica com 3 juízes e validação de aparência com 37 pessoas do público-alvo. Considerou-se o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC) mínimo de 0,80. Resultados A cartilha apresentou IVC global de 0,91 pelos juízes profissionais de saúde; 0,87 pelos juízes designers gráficos; e 0,94 na validação de aparência pelo público-alvo. Entretanto, os juízes e público-alvo propuseram sugestões de melhorias da cartilha, que foram acatadas e modificadas para versão final do material. Conclusão A cartilha apresentou conteúdo e aparência adequados para promoção da atividade sexual saudável e satisfatória da pessoa com lesão medular.

Abstract Objectives Using two groups of mini-implants (successful and failed) the objectives of this in vivo study were: to evaluate the microbial contamination by the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique and to quantify the bacterial endotoxin by the limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Material and Methods The 15 successful and 10 failed mini-implants (1.6 mm diameter × 7.0 or 9.0 mm long), placed in the maxilla and/or mandible, were obtained from 15 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Data were analyzed statistically by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test using the SAS software (a=0.05). Results All 40 microbial species were detected in both groups of mini-implants, with different frequencies. No differences were observed between the groups with respect to microbial complexes (blue, purple, yellow, green, orange, red and other species) and endotoxin quantification (p>0.05). Conclusion Neither microbial contamination nor endotoxin quantification was determinant for the early loss of stability of the mini-implants.

Abstract The aim of this randomized, single blinded clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of a pre-procedural mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), zinc lactate (Zn) and sodium fluoride (F) in the reduction of viable bacteria in oral aerosol after a dental prophylaxis with ultrasonic scaler. Sixty systemically healthy volunteers receiving dental prophylaxis were randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups (15 per group): (i) rinsing with 0.075% CPC, 0.28% Zn and 0.05% F (CPC+Zn+F), (ii) water or (iii) 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and (iv) no rinsing. Viable bacteria were collected from different locations in the dental office on enriched TSA plates and anaerobically incubated for 72 hours. The colonies were counted and species were then identified by Checkerboard DNA–DNA Hybridization. The total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) detected in the aerosols from volunteers who rinsed with CPC+Zn+F or CHX was statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower than of those subjects who did not rinse or who rinsed with water. When all locations were considered together, the aerosols from the CPC+Zn+F and CHX groups showed, respectively, 70% and 77% fewer CFUs than those from the No Rinsing group and 61% and 70% than those from the Water group. The mean proportions of bacterial species from the orange complex were statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower in aerosols from the CPC+Zn+F and CHX groups compared with the others two groups. In conclusion, the mouthwash containing CPC+Zn+F, is effective in reducing viable bacteria in oral aerosol after a dental prophylaxis with ultrasonic scaler.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Filifactor alocis and Dialister pneumosintes with the occurrence of periodontitis. Material and Methods Thirty subjects with chronic periodontitis (ChP) and 10 with periodontal health (PH) were included in the study. Nine subgingival biofilm samples were collected as follows: i) PH group - from the mesial/buccal aspect of each tooth in two randomly chosen contralateral quadrants; ii) ChP group - from three sites in each of the following probing depth (PD) categories: shallow (≤3 mm), moderate (4-6 mm) and deep (≥7 mm). Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization was used to analyze the samples. Results We found the three species evaluated in a higher percentage of sites and at higher levels in the group with ChP than in the PH group (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney test). We also observed these differences when the samples from sites with PD≤4 mm or ≥5 mm of subjects with ChP were compared with those from subjects with PH (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney test). In addition, the prevalence and levels of D. pneumosintes, and especially of F. alocis were very low in healthy subjects (0.12x105 and 0.01x105, respectively). Conclusion F. alocis and D. pneumosintes might be associated with the etiology of ChP, and their role in the onset and progression of this infection should be further investigated. The role of P. endodontalis was less evident, since this species was found in relatively high levels and prevalence in the PH group.