Doris Hissako Sumida is a dentist and has completed her PhD in Human Physiology from University of São Paulo and Post-doctoral studies from University of São Paulo. She has experience in physiology with emphasis in endocrinology and acting on the following subjects: food restriction, diabetes, GLUT4, insulin signal, periodontal disease, toxicity of fluoride, melatonin and bone metabolism. She has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of reputed Journals.

The fetal programming hypothesis suggests that intrauterine stimuli or aggression can induce metabolic and physiology changes in offspring, increasing the diseases risk in adulthood. Cytokines such as TNF-a have been associated with reduced GLUT4 expression. This study aimed to evaluate GLUT4 content, mRNA expression of the GLUT4 and IRS-1, Akt serine phosphorylation status in the gastrocnemius skeletal muscle (GSM), glycemia, insulinemia, TNF-α levels and change in body weight in offspring of rats with periodontal disease. Female Wistar rats were distributed into a control group (CN) and an experimental periodontal disease group (PD), in which a ligature was placed around the mandibular first molars. Seven days after ligature placement, both groups were mated with normal male rats. The ligatures remained throughout pregnancy until weaning, after which the male offspring were distributed into groups: CN-o, control rat offspring; and PD-o, periodontal disease rat offspring. The body weight from 0 to 75 days of age was measured. At 75 days, the glycemia, insulinemia, TNF-α levels, Akt serine phosphorylation, mRNA expression of the GLUT4 and IRS-1, and GLUT4 content in the GSM were measured in the offspring. Maternal periodontal disease causes low birth weight, insulin resistance, reduction in the Akt serine phosphorylation status, and decrease in mRNA expression of the GLUT4 and increase in mRNA expression of IRS1 in GSM of adult offspring. These metabolic alterations observed in later life can be attributed to the effect of ‘‘programming’’ and reinforce the importance of preventing maternal periodontal disease, aiming to prevent insulin resistance in the adulthood of offspring.

William J Maloney, DDS is a full-time faculty member at New York University College of Dentistry. He is the author of numerous publications and has been awarded the American College of Prosthodontists Achievement Award.

A wide array of individuals present to the dental office for the prosthetic replacement of missing teeth. Patients with substance use disorders are sure to be among these individuals. The prosthodontic rehabilitation of these patients often requires certain modifications for treatment. These patients often exhibit various oral/dental presentations which are not routinely encountered in other patients. Methamphetamines are one such drug. Users of methamphetamines have been known to have the buccal smooth surfaces of their teeth and the interproximal surfaces of the anterior teeth ravaged by decay. These individuals also may exhibit clenching of teeth, xerostomia and temporomandibular disorders. Caution also needs to be taken when administering local anesthesia or nitrous oxide. Heroin users often exhibit an increase in dental caries as a result of craving for sweets, poor oral hygiene and anxiety regarding dental treatment. Heroin users often also exhibit an increase in periodontal disease and oral fungal and viral infections. Cocaine users often exhibit gingival lesions, bruxism, cervical wear, an increased rate of periodontal disease and an increased rate of tooth decay. It is also important to note that corrosion of gold dental restorations is also seen in these patients. Epinephrine-impregnated retraction cords are also contraindicated. The use of cannabis can also precipitate various oral conditions which can complicate the

prosthodontic treatment of the patient. These conditions include alveolar bone loss, gingival hyperplasia and xerostomia. Tachycardia is also associated with acute marijuana toxicity.

Sheila Pestana Passos received her MSc degree in 2007 and a PhD degree in 2010, both in Prosthodontics from Sao Paulo State University, Brazil. She completed a portion of her PhD at The Western University, ON, Canada. She completed her Post-doctoral studies from University of Alberta School of Dentistry in 2015. She is currently working as Assistant Professor at the Restorative Division at the University of Alberta. She has published 29 papers in peer-reviewed journals. 

The advantages of zirconia implant abutments are enhanced esthetics with less gingival grey-blue discoloration than titanium abutments and enhanced biocompatibility. Dental zirconia (Y-TZP) is becoming the ceramic material of choice for implant abutments, especially in esthetic areas. Nevertheless, most of the data presented to date for zirconia abutments is for the standard platform implants. This lecture will focus on the esthetic parameters of zirconia abutments in implant dentistry. One of the studies that will be thoroughly discussed evaluated the standard and platform switching implant supported restorations as well as different implant designs. This investigation was conducted to assess complications, survival and success rates of zirconia abutments for implant-supported single crowns in esthetic zones. The peri-implant parameters were observed as well as mechanical complications, such as loss of retention and presence or absence of abutment fractures. The pros and cons of zirconia standard platform abutment designs compared to zirconia platform switching abutments will be presented in light of the current available knowledge.

Khaled Ekram has completed his DDS, BDS and PhD from Cairo University, Egypt. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University. He is a senior consultant of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, member of European Association of Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology (EADMFR), member of International Association of Dento- Maxillofacial Radiology (IADMFR) and program instructor for continuous education courses, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt (2010-2014).