Immune response of BALB/c mice infected with two strains of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

This work evaluated aspects of the immune response of BALB/c mice infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (T1 and C57). The fifteen BALB/c mice were euthanized after 70 days of infection and morphologically evaluated, also analyzing the innate and adaptive immune responses. The C57 strain induced more pronounced morphological changes than the T1 strain. There was an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells identified during infection with the C57 strain. Cytokines of the inflammatory profile IL-1α and IL-6 and regulatory IL-13 and IL-10 presented significant differences. Cytokines IL-2, IL-4, INF-γ, IL-22, IL-21, and IL-27 did not differ significantly between groups. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of the type of response and the immunological mechanisms involved during infection with different strains of C. pseudotuberculosis.

MTOR gene variants are associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The worst outcomes linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been attributed to the cytokine storm, which contributes significantly to the immunopathogenesis of the disease. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is essential for orchestrating innate immune cell defense including cytokine production and is dysregulated in severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) individuals. The individual genetic background might play a role in the exacerbated immune response. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between MTOR genetic variants and COVID-19 outcomes. METHODS: This study enrolled groups of individuals with severe (n = 285) and mild (n = 207) COVID-19 from Brazilian states. The MTOR variants, rs1057079 and rs2536, were genotyped. A logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were performed. We applied a genotyping risk score to estimate the cumulative contribution of the risk alleles. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma levels were also measured. RESULTS: The T allele of the MTOR rs1057079 variant was associated with a higher likelihood of developing the most severe form of COVID-19. In addition, higher levels of IL-6 and COVID-19 death was linked to the T allele of the rs2536 variant. These variants exhibited a cumulative risk when inherited collectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a potential pathogenetic role of MTOR gene variants and may be useful for predicting severe outcomes following COVID-19 infection, resulting in a more effective allocation of health resources.

Depression and associated factors among Brazilian adults: the 2019 national healthcare population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders represent a major public health challenge worldwide, affecting 80% of people living in low- and middle-income countries. Depression, a mental disorder, is a chronic disease of long duration that causes changes in the brain, resulting from a combination of genetic, physiologic, environmental, and behavioral factors. The aim of this study was to investigate possible factors associated with depression in Brazilian adults. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out using the public domain database of the 2019 National Health Survey, conducted in Brazil. Depression was considered the dependent variable, and through hierarchical analysis, predictor variables were investigated such as, at the distal level-socioeconomic variables, at the intermediate level-variables related to lifestyle behavior, health condition, and history, and at the proximal level-demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain the adjusted Odds Ratio and the respective 95% confidence interval to identify possible factors associated with depression. RESULTS: The study included 88,531 participant records with 10.27% diagnosed with depression. The adjusted association measurements, after selecting the independent variables in the hierarchical analysis, showed the following factors associated with depression with differing magnitudes: age, brown and white race/skin color, female sex, poor, very poor, or regular self-reported health condition, diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, work-related musculoskeletal disorder, history of smoking habit, and macroeconomic region. CONCLUSIONS: An effective strategy for preventing and managing depression in Brazilian adults must include the control of health status and lifestyle behavior factors, with actions and programs to reduce people's exposure to these factors, understanding that socioeconomic-demographic differences of each population can potentially reduce the disease burden.

Variants in interferon gamma inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) genes that modulate inflammatory response are associated with periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the association of genetic variants of the interferon gamma inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) genes with periodontitis. METHODS: The study involved 117 individuals with periodontitis and 389 without periodontitis, all Brazilians, miscegenated. Individuals with periodontitis presented at least 4 teeth with ≥ 1 site with probing depth ≥ 4 mm; clinical attachment level ≥ 3 mm on the same site and bleeding upon stimulus. Genotyping was performed using the Infinium Multi-Ethnic AMR/AFR-8 Bead Chip focused on Hispanic and African American populations with approximately 2 million markers of the human genome. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify associations in additive, dominant and recessive models adjusted for covariates age, obesity, mouth breathing, flossing, asthma, and ancestry. RESULTS: In IFI16, the rs75985579-A is positively associated with periodontitis in the additive (Odds Ratio adjusted (ORadjusted) 2.65, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.25-5.60, p value: 0.007) and dominant models (ORadjusted 2.56, 95%CI:1.13-5.81, p value: 0.017). In AIM2, the rs76457189-G, is associated negatively with periodontitis in two genetic models evaluated, additive (ORadjusted 0.21, 95%CI:0.05-0.94, p value: 0.022) and dominant (ORadjusted 0.21, 95%CI:0.05-0.94, p value: 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: These results have shown that variants in the IFI16 and AIM2 genes are associated with periodontitis. Individuals with at least one A (adenine) allele of the rs75985579 (IFI16) are more than twice as likely to have periodontitis, while individuals with the G (guanine) allele of rs76457189 (AIM2) are less likely to be diagnosed with periodontitis, providing a negative association with periodontitis.

Obesity in young women is positively associated with periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the association between excess body weight and periodontitis in adults, stratified by sex and age, and using different criteria for obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Enrolled in the study were 345 individuals with a minimum age of 18 years who had attended the Public Health Service in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. All individuals underwent a complete periodontal examination and anthropometric measurements and answered a questionnaire regarding their socioeconomic, demographic, health, and lifestyle conditions. Excess body weight (exposure factor) was defined using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were obtained by Poisson regression analysis with robust variance. RESULTS: Periodontitis was found in 74.2% of study participants, with the disease being more prevalent among those individuals with increased WC. The occurrence of overweight was 44.4% and that of obesity ranged from 29.9 to 70.8%, dependent upon the specific definition of obesity that was used. There was a positive association between obesity (WC > 88 cm) and periodontitis only among women, after adjustment for age, smoking habit, education level, diabetes, and family income (PRadjusted: 1.20; 95%CI: [1.01-1.44]). The magnitude of this positive association was higher among women aged 18 to 49 years when the outcome was severe periodontitis, and the exposure was obesity defined by WC. CONCLUSIONS: The findings draw attention to the high frequency of the diseases investigated: overweight, obesity and periodontitis. Moreover, obesity was positively associated with periodontitis in women and younger individuals, demonstrating that among those with obesity, there is a higher probability of having periodontitis. The smaller number study of men in the may have influenced the non-statistically significant association found in that group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Obese females and younger people are more likely to also have periodontitis. Periodontal evaluation and clinical management of individuals with obesity is recommended.

Gene expression profile of chronic oral graft-versus-host disease.

Among the complications observed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the primary cause of post-transplant mortality. The oral cavity is the second most affected organ target in chronic GVHD. Tissue damage results from the upregulation of inflammatory mediators, which play a critical role in the immunopathogenesis of the disease. This case series observational study aims to evaluate the participation of cytokines, chemokines, transcription factors, and heat shock proteins in the pathogenesis of oral GVHD (oGVHD), describing the mRNA expression of 28 genes selected. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from six participants with oGVHD and two without GVHD, and relative expression of transcripts with established roles as inflammatory mediators was determined in triplicate using the human RT2 Profiler™ PCR Array. The gene expression levels in the group with oGVHD were mainly up-regulated compared to those without GVHD. PBMC from oGVDH expressed consistently higher IFN-γ, TNF, IL-1ß, CCL2, HSP60 (HSPD1) and HSP90 (HSP90B1). These results can provide a basis for developing new molecular diagnostics and targets therapies for the clinical management of oGVHD.

Evaluation of systemic inflammatory response and lung injury induced by Crotalus durissus cascavella venom.

This study investigated the systemic inflammatory response and mechanism of pulmonary lesions induced by Crotalus durissus cascavella venom in murine in the state of Bahia. In order to investigate T helper Th1, Th2 and Th17 lymphocyte profiles, we measured interleukin (IL) -2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels in the peritoneal fluid and macerated lungs of mice and histopathological alterations at the specific time windows of 1h, 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h and 48h after inoculation with Crotalus durissus cascavella venom. The data demonstrated an increase of acute-phase cytokines (IL-6 and TNF) in the first hours after inoculation, with a subsequent increase in IL-10 and IL-4, suggesting immune response modulation for the Th2 profile. The histopathological analysis showed significant morphological alterations, compatible with acute pulmonary lesions, with polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration, intra-alveolar edema, congestion, hemorrhage and atelectasis. These findings advance our understanding of the dynamics of envenomation and contribute to improve clinical management and antiophidic therapy for individuals exposed to venom.

Microbiological findings of the maternal periodontitis associated to low birthweight / Achados microbiológicos da periodontite materna associados ao baixo peso ao nascer

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the association between the presence of periodontal pathogens and low birthweight. Methods This observational and case-control study consisted of mothers of infants weighing <2,500g (Group A), and mothers of newborns weighing ≥2,500g (Group B), born at Hospital da Mulher in Feira de Santana (BA), Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire covering demographic data, gestational history and aspects related to general and oral health was employed postpartum. Following a complete periodontal examination, biofilm samples were collected at six sites in the mouth. The participants were further categorized in terms of presence or absence of periodontitis. Differences between the groups were determined using Pearson's χ 2 test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were obtained using the Mantel-Haenszel test. Results Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Prevotella intermedia were detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 303 postpartum women were evaluated, 224 (73.9%) in Group B. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found for age, body mass index and history of previous low birthweight babies. Group A had a higher frequency of periodontitis (33.34%) than Group B (16.22%). P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were detected more frequently among women with periodontitis (74.19% and 88.70%, respectively). Conclusion In this population, there was no association between the presence of maternal periodontal pathogens and the occurrence of low birthweight infants.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a associação entre a presença de patógenos periodontais e o baixo peso ao nascer. Métodos Trata-se de estudo observacional e caso controle. Participaram mães de bebês com peso <2.500g (Grupo A) e de recém-nascidos com peso ≥2.500g (Grupo B) nascidos no Hospital da Mulher, em Feira de Santana, (BA). Dados demográficos, história gestacional e aspectos relacionados à saúde geral e bucal foram obtidos por meio de questionário semiestruturado, aplicado no período pós-parto. Após exame periodontal completo, as amostras de biofilme foram coletadas em seis locais na boca. As participantes foram também categorizadas quanto à presença ou ausência de periodontite. As diferenças entre os grupos foram obtidas pelo teste do χ 2 de Pearson, odds ratio e os intervalos de confiança pelo teste de Mantel-Haenszel. Resultados Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia e Prevotella intermedia foram detectados por reação em cadeia de polimerase. Avaliaram-se 303 mulheres pós-parto, sendo 224 (73,9%) do Grupo B. Diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos foram observadas quanto à idade, ao índice de massa corporal e a história de partos prévios com bebês de baixo peso ao nascer. O Grupo A apresentou maior frequência de periodontite (33,34%) do que o Grupo B (16,22%). P. gingivalis e P. intermedia foram detectados com maior frequência em mulheres com periodontite (74,19% e 88,70%, respectivamente). Conclusão Nessa população, não houve associação entre a presença de patógenos periodontais maternos e a ocorrência de bebês com baixo peso ao nascer.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B in individuals born between 1945-1985 on a Brazilian regional metropolis / Soroepidemiologia da hepatite B em indivíduos nascidos entre 1945-1985 em uma metrópole regional Brasileira

Background: hepatitis B prevalence can be influenced by social/cultural behavior and the Baby Boomer (BB) generation(1945-1964) may have been more susceptible to this infection. Objectives: We investigated the seroprevalence of markers for HBV infection and vaccination and its association with main risk factors. Methodology: a random sample of individuals aged 30-70 years old in a public clinical laboratory from a metropolitan area of Bahia/Brazil were tested for HBsAg/Total Anti-HBc/Anti-HBs/Anti-HBc-IgM and a socio-demographic questionnaire was applied. Results: of the650 participants, 349 were 51-70 yo (BB) and 301 were non-BB. The prevalences were HBsAg (2.3%), Total Anti-HBc (17.1%) and Anti-HBs (27.4%). Anti-HBcIgM (2.7%) was performed in 112 participants sera who had contact/infection with HBV. The laboratory profiles were characterized as susceptibility (68%), vaccine response (14.8%) and contact/infection with HBV (17.2%). BB participants were more susceptible and less vaccinated than non-BB. The higher frequency of contact/infection status was observed in the BB generation. Statistically significant differences were found for the contact/infection status in males(50,9%) illicit drug use (11,6%), syringe/needle sharing (7,1%), and blood transfusion (10,7%). Non-BB with contact/ infection profile reported more tattoo/piercing and BB reported higher use of glass syringes. Conclusion: the majority of the study population was susceptible to infection but participants older than 50 years showed both, a higher frequency of this profile and also a higher frequency of contact/infection status, thus suggesting the need for greater health care attention for this age group.

Introdução: a prevalência de hepatite B pode ser influenciada pelo comportamento sociocultural e a geração Baby Boomer (BB) (1945-1964) pode ter sido mais suscetível a esta infecção. Objetivos: Investigar a soroprevalência de marcadores para a infecção pelo VHB e resposta vacinal e associação com fatores de risco. Metodologia: soro de indivíduos de 30 a 70 anos randomicamente selecionados em um laboratório publico de análises clínicas na área metropolitana do Brasil foram testados para AgHBs/ Anti-HBc Total /Anti-HBs/Anti-HBc-IgM. Todos responderam questionário sociodemográfico contendo perguntas sobre fatores de risco para hepatite B. Resultados: dos 650 participantes, 349 eram BB (51-70 anos) e 301 eram não-BB (30-50 anos). As prevalências estimadas foram: HBsAg (2,3%), Anti-HBs (27,4%). Entre os Anti-HBc Total (17,1%) apenas 2,7% foram Anti-HBc IgM. Os perfis laboratoriais foram caracterizados como suscetibilidade (68%), resposta vacinal (14,8%) e contato com VHB (17,2%). Na distribuição por idade, os BB foram mais susceptíveis, menos vacinados e apresentaram maior frequência de contato/infecção que os não-BB. Diferenças estatisticamente significantes foram encontradas no status contato/infecção e as seguintes variáveis: sexo masculino, uso de drogas ilícitas, compartilhamento de seringas de vidro/agulhas e transfusão de sangue. Não-BB com status contato/infecção relataram ter mais tatuagem/piercing e BB relataram maior uso de seringas de vidro. Conclusão: a maioria da população estudada era suscetível ao VHB, mas os participantes com mais de 50 anos apresentaram tanto uma maior frequência desse status quanto do status contato/ infecção, sugerindo a necessidade de maior atenção à saúde para indivíduos desta faixa etária.

Impacto da perda dentária na qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde bucal de adultos / Impact of tooth loss on oral health-related quality of life of adults

Introdução: a perda dentária parece impor alterações físicas, biológicas e psíquicas que podem impactar negativamente na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre perda dentária e a percepção do seu impacto negativo na qualidade de vida. Metodologia: estudo transversal, conduzido com 306 adultos, atendidos em serviços públicos de saúde, em Feira de SantanaBa. O impacto na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal foi mensurado pelo OHIP-14. Foi realizado exame bucal e aplicado questionário estruturado para obter informações relacionadas às características socioeconômicas, demográficas, de estilo de vida e condições de saúde geral e bucal. Foi empregado o Teste qui-quadrado e estimadas as Razões de prevalência e intervalos de confiança a 95% (IC95%). Resultados: dentre as dimensões do OHIP-14, a perda dentária (≥7 dentes) foi estatisticamente associada com a dimensão "incapacidade física" (RP: 1,50; IC95%: 1,18-1,90, p=0,003). Conclusão: houve associação entre alta perda dentária e impacto da saúde bucal na qualidade de vida, expressa pela incapacidade física.

Introduction: tooth loss seems to impose physical, biological and psychological alterations which could impact negatively on quality of life of individuals. Objective: was to evaluate an association between tooth loss and oral health-related quality of life. This crosssectional study examined a sample of 306 adults, attended at public health services, in Feira de Santana-Ba. Metodology: the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to capture the impact on their quality of life. Oral examination was performed and a structured questionnaire was applied to obtain more information related to socioeconomic and demographic variables, lifestyle one and general and oral health conditions. The chi-square test was used and the prevalence ratios (PR) and confidence intervals at 95% (IC95%) were estimated. Results: among the specific dimensions of the OHIP-14, tooth loss (≥7 teeth) was statistically associated with the dimension "physical disability" (RP: 1.50; IC95%: 1.18-1.90, p=0.003). Conclusion: there was association between high tooth loss and oral health-related quality of life, expressed by physical disability

Detection of canine anti-DEA 1 antibodies using flow cytometry in dogs following DEA 1-positive blood transfusion / Detecção de anticorpos caninos anti-AEC 1 por citometria de fluxo em cães pós-transfundidos com sangue AEC 1 positivo

The shortage of dog blood donors in veterinary emergencies can lead to blood transfusions between animals whose blood type has not been identified. The antibody profile serves as a warning sign for animals that require a second blood transfusion, which is only advisable from compatible donor dogs. This article focuses on determination of anti-DEA 1 antibodies using the flow cytometry technique in dogs that have undergone a transfusion using DEA 1-positive blood, compared to results obtained from crossmatching. Blood from 18 DEA 1-positive donors ranked according to the chromatographic technique was used to transfuse thirty-three animals with unknown blood types and which demonstrated negative crossmatching to donors. On post-transfusion days 7, 14, 21 and 28, 45% and 27% of the animals tested positive for the anti-DEA 1 antibody, through crossmatching and flow cytometry, respectively. Detecting antibodies using the flow cytometric technique has high specificity and sensitivity, while crossmatching methods are highly sensitive but manifest low specificity. Following blood transfusion, animals that did not present as positive through crossmatching or flow cytometry were considered different from all other DEA 1-positive blood groups.(AU)

A escassez de cães doadores de sangue em situações de emergência na Medicina Veterinária pode levar a realização de transfusões de sangue entre animais que não tiveram seu tipo sanguíneo previamente determinado. O padrão de anticorpos serve como um sinal de alerta para animais que serão submetidos a uma segunda transfusão sanguínea, sendo essa somente recomendável a partir de cães doadores compatíveis. Este artigo aborda a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-AEC 1 pela técnica de citometria de fluxo em cães que receberam uma transfusão utilizando sangue do grupo AEC 1 positivo, comparando os resultados com aqueles obtidos a partir de reação cruzada. Foi utilizado sangue de 18 animais doadores do tipo AEC 1 positivo classificados por técnica cromatográfica para transfundir trinta e três animais com tipos sanguíneos desconhecidos, os quais mostraram reação cruzada negativa aos doadores. Nos dias 7, 14, 21 e 28 pós-transfusão, 45% e 27% dos animais mostraram-se positivos para os anticorpos anti-AEC 1, respectivamente, pela reação cruzada e através de citometria de fluxo. A pesquisa de anticorpos com o emprego da técnica de citometria de fluxo tem alta especificidade e sensibilidade, enquanto a reação cruzada, altamente sensível, tem baixa especificidade. Animais que não apresentaram positividade após a transfusão de sangue na reação cruzada e na citometria de fluxo concomitantemente foram considerados de qualquer outro grupo sanguíneo diferente do grupo sanguíneo AEC 1 positivo.(AU)

Factors associated with dental caries, periodontitis and intra-oral lesions in individuals with HIV / AIDS.

This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with oral diseases in individuals with HIV/AIDS. A cross sectional study was carried out which included 312 individuals registered in the Specialized Care Services for HIV/AIDS in three municipalities of the State of Bahia: Feira de Santana, Santo Antonio de Jesus and Juazeiro, Brazil. Socioeconomic-demographic characteristics related to life style and to dental caries, periodontitis and intra-oral mucosal lesions were investigated in patients with HIV/AIDS infection. Prevalence Ratio with 95% Confidence Interval and significance level of 5% were employed for the statistical analysis. The majority of the individuals evaluated were male with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 41.5 ± 11.3 years, and a mean time of HIV infection diagnosis (± standard deviation) of 5.2 ± 4.4 years. The presence of dental caries was observed in 78.7% of the sample, periodontitis in 25.4% and 36.2% showed intra-oral lesions. Oral health status showed a statistically significant association with the following variables: gender, age, schooling level, current occupation, family income, past and current smoking, antiretroviral use time, latest viral burden dosage, latest CD4-positive T lymphocyte count, use of complete/partial dental prosthesis, need for dental prosthesis, and use of dental floss. With the exception of those factors directly related to HIV/AIDS i.e., antiretroviral use time, latest viral burden dosage and latest CD4-positive T lymphocyte count, the factors associated with oral diseases in this population were the same as those associated with oral diseases in the non-HIV/AIDS population.

Condição bucal de gestantes e puérperas no município de Feira de Santana, em três diferentes períodos entre os anos de 2005 e 2015 / Condición bucal de gestantes y puérperas en el municipio de Feira de Santana, en tres diferentes momentos entre los años 2005 y 2015 / Oral health status of pregnant and puerperal women in the municipality of Feira de Santana, at three different times between 2005 and 2015

Objetivo: avaliar a condição bucal de gestantes e puérperas, usuárias de serviços públicos de saúde de Feira de Santana, BA, Brasil, em três momentos distintos do período 2005-2015. Métodos: estudo sobre características socioeconômico-demográficas, condição e cuidado com a saúde, estilo de vida e condição bucal de 1.245 participantes, obtidas de banco de dados de três investigações - I Estudo de intervenção (2005-2007), II Estudo caso-controle (2010-2011), III Estudo caso-controle (2012-2015). Resultados: comparando-se os três períodos, as frequências de gengivite (24,41% versus 8,90% versus 5,77%; p<0,01) e periodontite (44,64% vs 9,16% vs 11,55%; p<0,01) diminuíram; relativamente à condição dentária, as piores situações no número de dentes presentes, hígidos, extraídos e índice CPO-D observaram-se no período III, comparativamente ao período II. Conclusão: a condição periodontal melhorou nos anos estudados, coincidentemente com o processo de implantação de políticas de assistência pré-natal, saúde da mulher e saúde bucal, e de redistribuição de renda no município.

Objetivo: evaluar la condición bucal de gestantes y puérperas, usuarias de servicios públicos de salud de la ciudad de Feira de Santana/BA, en tres momentos distintos comprendidos entre 2005 y 2015. Metodos: se trata de un estudio con información sobre características socioeconómicas-demográficas, de condición y cuidado com la salud, de estilo de vida y de condición bucal de 1245 participantes obtenidas en un banco de datos de tres investigaciones previas: I (2005-2007), II (2010-2011), III (2012-2015). Resultados: tanto la frecuencia de gingivitis (24,41% versus 8,90% versus 5,77%; p<0,01) y periodontitis (44,64% vs 9,16% vs 11,55%; p<0,01) disminuyó; em relación a la condición dental, las peores situaciones en cuanto al número de dientes presentes, hígidos, extraídos y el índice CPO-D se observaron en el período III, en comparación con las del período II. Conclusión: se há mejorado la condición periodontal a lo largo de los años, período que coincide com el proceso de implantación de políticas de salud de la mujer, salud bucal, así como redistribución de ingresos en el municipio.

Objective: to evaluate the oral health condition of pregnant/postpartum women attending public services in the city of Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil, at three different times between 2005 and 2015. Methods: this is a study socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, health condition and health care, lifestyle and oral health status of 1,245 participants obtained from a database of three previous investigations: I Intervention Study (2005-2007); II Case-Control Study (2010-2011); III Case-Control Study (2012-2015). Results: comparing the three periods, the frequency of gingivitis (24.41% versus 8.90% versus 5.77%; p<0.01) and periodontitis (44.64% vs 9.16% vs 11.55%; p<0.01) was found to decrease; the worst dental conditions regarding the number of teeth present, healthy and extracted and the DMFT index were found in period III compared to period II. Conclusion: an improvement was seen in the participants' periodontal condition over time, which coincides with the implementation of policies pertaining to women's health, oral health and income redistribution in this city.

Humoral and cellular immune responses in mice against secreted and somatic antigens from a Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis attenuated strain: Immune response against a C. pseudotuberculosis strain.

BACKGROUND: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiologic agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CL), a chronic disease that affects goats and sheep. CL is characterized by the formation of granulomas in lymph nodes and other organs, such as the lungs and liver. Current knowledge of CL pathogenesis indicates that the induction of humoral and cellular immune responses are fundamental to disease control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice inoculated with a C. pseudotuberculosis strain isolated in the state of Bahia, Brazil. RESULTS: The lymphocyte proliferation and in vitro production of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and nitric oxide by spleen cells stimulated with secreted and somatic antigens from the studied strain were evaluated. IgG subclasses were also analyzed. Results showed a significant increase of Th1-profile cytokines after 60 days post-inoculation, as well as an important humoral response, represented by high levels of IgG2a and IgG1 against C. pseudotuberculosis. CONCLUSION: The T1 strain of C. pseudotuberculosis was shown to induce humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice, but, even at a dosage of 1x10(7) CFU, no signs of the disease were observed.

Severity of Periodontitis and Metabolic Syndrome: Is There an Association?

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Causal factors for MetS are not well defined or yet unidentified. Preliminary investigations suggest that infections and inflammation may be involved in the etiology of this syndrome. This study aims to estimate the association between the severity of periodontitis (exposure) and MetS (outcome). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 419 participants recruited from the Diabetes and Hypertensive Treatment Center, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. After administration of a questionnaire, general and oral clinical examination and laboratory tests were performed. Diagnosis of periodontitis and MetS was performed according to various criteria. The analysis of the effect of periodontitis on MetS used logistic regression analysis with adjustment for confounders. RESULTS: The prevalence of periodontitis was found to be between 34.61% and 55.37%, depending on the classification definitions used, and the prevalence of MetS ranged from 60.86% to 67.06%. In the group with periodontitis, 14.08% had severe and 41.29% had moderate levels of periodontitis. There was an association between severe periodontitis and MetS after adjustment for sex, age, household density, alcoholic beverage consumption, smoking habit, and cardiovascular disease (odds ratio ORadjusted_6 = 2.11, 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 4.40, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that periodontitis is associated with MetS, and that MetS prevalence is related to severe periodontitis.

Effect of maternal periodontitis and low birth weight--a case control study.

INTRODUCTION: Since the 1990s, evidence has been raised that there is an association between maternal periodontal disease and undesirable gestational events, for example low birth weight; this issue is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether there is an association between maternal periodontitis and low birth weight (LBW). METHODS: A case-control study was carried out on 951 mothers that had been cared for by the Brazilian Unified Health System in Petrolina-PE and Juazeiro-BA, Brazil. The case group (n = 269) consisted of mothers of newborns with birth weight <2500 g and a control group (n = 682) of mothers of newborns with birth weight ≥2500 g. An interview was realized, using a questionnaire as well as a full mouth examination to diagnose the periodontal condition. Women who had at least four teeth with probing depth ≥4 mm and clinical attachment loss ≥3 mm, with bleeding on probing at the same site, were diagnosed with periodontitis. The birth weight was obtained through the hospital book record. The main association was evaluated using the multivariate regression model, considering confounders. RESULTS: The frequency of periodontitis was 16.4% (case group) and 17.4% (control group). Periodontitis did not show an association with LBW (ORcrude = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.63-1.35), even after adjustment for the following confounders: maternal age, pre-gestational body mass index, number of pre-natal consultations, number of pregnancies, maternal schooling level, smoking habit during pregnancy and hypertension (ORadjusted = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.61-1.68). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed no association between maternal periodontal disease and low birth weight, even after appropriate adjustments for confounding factors.

Does periodontal infection have an effect on severe asthma in adults?

BACKGROUND: The effect of periodontal infection on systemic diseases and conditions has been the subject of numerous studies worldwide. It is considered that periodontitis may influence the hyperinflammatory response in patients with severe asthma as a result of immuno-inflammatory changes. This study aims to evaluate the influence of periodontitis on severe asthma in adults. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out, comprising 220 adult individuals: 113 diagnosed with asthma (case group) and 107 without asthma diagnosis (control group). The diagnosis of periodontitis was established after a full clinical examination using probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing. The diagnosis of severe asthma was based on the criteria recommended by the Global Initiative of Asthma (2012). Descriptive analyses of the variables were performed, followed by bivariate analyses, using the χ(2) test. Association measurements (odds ratio [OR]), with and without adjustment for potential confounders, were obtained. A significance level of 5% was used. RESULTS: The ORunadjusted for the main association was 4.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.47 to 7.75). In the logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, education level, osteoporosis, smoking habit, and body mass index, the ORadjusted was 4.82 (95% CI = 2.66 to 8.76), which was statistically significant. Individuals with periodontal infection showed, approximately, five times more likelihood to have bronchial inflammation than those without such periodontal tissue infection. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate the influence of periodontitis on severe asthma, given that the frequency of periodontitis is higher in individuals with severe asthma than in those without a diagnosis of bronchial inflammation.

Influence of periodontitis in the development of nosocomial pneumonia: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Although a number of studies on the role of periodontitis in the development of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) have been published, the debate surrounding the existence and nature of this association continues. The present study investigates the influence of periodontitis in NP. METHODS: This case-control study involved 315 individuals: 85 cases (with NP) and 230 controls (without NP), at a general hospital in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. Sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and lifestyle habits were recorded. A full-mouth periodontal examination was performed and periodontal condition assessed. The diagnosis of NP was made in accordance with established medical criteria, after physical, microbiologic, and/or radiographic examination. Logistic regression was used to calculate the strength of the association between periodontitis and NP. RESULTS: Individuals with periodontitis were three times as likely to present with NP (unadjusted odds ratio [OR unadjusted] = 3.06, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.82 to 5.15) as those without periodontal disease. After adjusting for age, time between hospitalization and data collection, last visit to dentist, smoking habit, and present occupation, the association measurement had a slight decrease (OR adjusted = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.59 to 5.19), but the results continued to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that periodontal infection may influence the development of NP, highlighting that periodontitis is a factor positively associated with this respiratory tract infection.

Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY-induced production of interleukin-6 and IL-6 polymorphism in chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: In chronic periodontitis (CP), the gene polymorphism of interleukin-6 (IL-6) to 174C/G has been associated with the altered production of this cytokine. The aim of this pilot study is to compare the allelic and genotypic frequencies in patients with CP with control individuals without periodontitis (NP) and to measure the production of IL-6 by whole blood cells stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY protein. METHODS: DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells of 49 patients with CP and 60 control individuals classified as NP, and genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers. Whole blood cells from 29 patients with CP and 30 control individuals were stimulated for 48 hours with HmuY, and IL-6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The proportion of individuals carrying the G allele at position -174 of the IL-6 gene was higher in the group with CP (85.7%) than in the normal control group (73.3%; P <0.03). P. gingivalis HmuY-induced production of IL-6 was higher in the group with CP (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that P. gingivalis HmuY may be associated with increased IL-6 production during CP. Furthermore, patients with periodontitis and individuals with higher HmuY-induced production of IL-6 show a high frequency of the G allele at position -174.

Actinomycotic osteomyelitis of the mandible: an unusual case.

BACKGROUND: Actinomycotic osteomyelitis is an infection in soft tissues and/or bones, being associated with trauma or a previous nonspecific infection. This article presents an unusual case of mandibular osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old male patient was referred for endodontic treatment of the lower right first molar about 16 months ago and removal of lower right third molar approximately 3 years before. The panoramic radiography showed change in bone density in the region of ill-defined mandibular angle boundaries, and the computed tomography (CT) showed mixed density image in the mandibular angle, with discreet expansion of cortical vestibular and lingual. Biopsy was performed, and content was aspirated in small quantity and purulent tissue fragments were sent to anatomical-pathological examination. The collected purulent secretion was colored for cytopathologic study, which showed infection by Actinomyces. DISCUSSION: In this case, the causative agent was Actinomyces, which makes it even more unusual. The origin of the microorganism has not been clearly established; however, the diagnosis allowed long-term treatment with antibiotics, which has resulted in the resolution of the case.