Salivary biomarkers present in patients with periodontitis without clinical distinction: findings from a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A new classification for periodontitis has been adopted in clinical practice. However, there are still discussions regarding this new classification and difficulties in its adoption, both by professionals and researchers. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate which salivary biomarkers are present in periodontitis, following the new classification of periodontal diseases through meta-analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was carried out in the scientific databases: PubMed, Scielo and Google scholar to select studies. The selection of studies was followed by two authors upon reading of the title, abstract and full text. The necessary data were collected and statistical analyses were performed using the Review Manager statistical software version 5.4, with calculation of Mean Difference, heterogeneity (I²) and funnel plot with P < 0.05. RESULTS: After following the selection criteria, 9 articles were selected for comparison. The studies address the presence of biomarkers in the saliva of patients with periodontitis and their possible use in the monitoring and diagnosis of the disease. For the meta-analytic comparison, a sample size of 1,983 individuals was used. Statistical analyses showed that nitric oxide, IL-6, IL-1B and osteoprotegerin are substances that are significantly present in patients with periodontitis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IL-6, nitric oxide, IL-1B, TNF-α and osteoprotegerin are among the most present biomarkers in patients with periodontitis, and may be used in the future as a monitoring of periodontal disease. The present study also revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of these biomarkers for clinical distinction from periodontitis.

Case report of Curtobacterium isolated from a catheter tip sample misidentified as Cronobacter.

The Curtobacterium genus is a member of the family Microbacteriaceae, and Curtobacterium species are recognized as plant pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate a dubious result of species identification for an infection located on a catheter tip of a patient with Covid-19. A strain isolated from a catheter tip sample, identified by VITEK® 2 as Cronobacter spp., was submitted to polyphasic analysis: Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) using VITEK® MS, real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting dnaG gene, and 16S rRNA full gene Sanger sequencing analysis for confirmation. The strain presented negative result using qPCR and could not identified by MALDI-TOF MS. 16S rRNA full gene Sanger sequencing analysis identified the strain as Curtobacterium spp. The Gram-variable characteristic (Gram-negative instead of Gram-positive) of the isolated strain was the responsible for the misidentification by VITEK® 2 and VITEK® MS did not identify the strain. 16S rRNA full gene sequencing analysis identified the strain as Curtobacterium genus, but other complementary techniques are necessary to identify at species level.

Neurotrophin Receptors TrkA, p75NTR, and Sortilin Are Increased and Targetable in Thyroid Cancer.

Neurotrophin receptors are emerging targets in oncology, but their clinicopathologic significance in thyroid cancer is unclear. In this study, the neurotrophin tyrosine receptor kinase TrkA (also called NTRK1), the common neurotrophin receptor p75NTR, and the proneurotrophin receptor sortilin were analyzed with immunohistochemistry in a cohort of thyroid cancers (n = 128) and compared with adenomas and normal thyroid tissues (n = 62). TrkA was detected in 20% of thyroid cancers, compared with none of the benign samples (P = 0.0007). TrkA expression was independent of histologic subtypes but associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0148), suggesting the involvement of TrkA in tumor invasiveness. Nerves in the tumor microenvironment were positive for TrkA. p75NTR was overexpressed in anaplastic thyroid cancers compared with papillary and follicular subtypes (P < 0.0001). Sortilin was overexpressed in thyroid cancers compared with benign thyroid tissues (P < 0.0001). Neurotrophin receptor expression was confirmed in a panel of thyroid cancer cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels. Functional investigations using the anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line CAL-62 found that siRNA against TrkA, p75NTR, and sortilin decreased cell survival and cell migration through decreased SRC and ERK activation. Together, these data reveal TrkA, p75NTR, and sortilin as potential therapeutic targets in thyroid cancer.

What do we know about the α/ß for prostate cancer?

Since last decade, the debate on the parameter which reflects prostate cancer sensitivity to fractionation in a radiotherapy treatment, the α/ß, has become extensive. Unlike most tumors, the low labeling indices (LI) and large potential doubling time that characterize the prostate tumor led some authors to consider that it may behave as a late responding tissue. So far, the existing studies with regard to this subject point to a low value of α/ß, around 2.7 Gy, which may be considered as a therapeutic gain in relation to surrounding normal tissues by using fewer and larger fractions. The aim of this paper is to review several estimates that have been made in the last few years regarding the prostate cancer α/ß both from clinical and experimental data, as well as the set of factors that have potentially influenced these evaluations.

Intracranial compliance in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with the cardiovascular autonomic nervous control.

The intracranial compliance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and the association with cardiovascular autonomic control have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess intracranial compliance using the noninvasive intracranial pressure (niICP) and the monitoring of waveform peaks (P1, P2, and P3) and the relationship with cardiovascular autonomic control in T2DM patients. Thirty-two men aged 40-60 years without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) were studied: T2DMG (n=16) and control group CG (n=16). The niICP was evaluated by a noninvasive extracranial sensor placed on the scalp. Cardiovascular autonomic control was evaluated by indices of the baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), from temporal series of R-R intervals of electrocardiogram and systolic arterial pressure, during supine and orthostatic positions. The participants remained in the supine position for 15 min and then 15 min more in orthostatism. T2DMG presented a decrease of the P2/P1 ratio during the orthostatic position (P<0.001). There was a negative moderate correlation between the P2 peak with cardiovascular coupling (K2HP-SAPLF) in supine (r=-0.612, P=0.011) and orthostatic (r=-0.568, P=0.020) positions in T2DMG. We concluded that T2DM patients without CAN and cardiovascular complications presented intracranial compliance similar to healthy subjects. Despite preserved intracranial adjustments, T2DM patients had a response of greater magnitude in orthostatism. In addition, the decoupling between the heart period and blood pressure signal oscillations in low frequency appeared to be related to the worsening of intracranial compliance due to the increased P2 peak.

Evaluation of sorghum straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate for biotechnological production of xylitol by Candida guilliermondii.

A preliminary study on xylitol production by Candida guilliermondii in sorghum straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate was performed. Hydrolysate had high xylose content and inhibitors concentrations did not exceed the commonly found values in other hemicellulosic hydrolysates. The highest xylitol yield (0.44 g/g) and productivity (0.19 g/Lh) were verified after 72 hours.

Methodology for radionuclides quantification through "in vitro" bioassay.

In Brazil, the radionuclides used for therapy are: (131)I, (153)Sm, (90)Y and (177)Lu, both for routine or research protocols. The radionuclide activity excreted by patients may be quantified by bioassay analysis and constitutes a powerful tool for individual treatment planning. The Bioassay Laboratory (LBIOVT) of the Institute of Radiation Protection and Dosimetry (IRD) has equipments for gamma and beta spectroscopy. These systems are calibrated in energy and efficiency using reference sources supplied by the National Laboratory of Radiation Metrology (LMNRI/IRD). The LBIOVT has operational procedures according ISO-ABNT-17025 recommendations and participates of international and national intercomparisons. The patient samples are collected immediately after radiopharmaceutical administrations, at the hospital or at the patient residence, and are handled, stored and transported according national radiation protection regulations. The radionuclide specific activity (Bq/L) is referenced to date and time of excretion, for the estimation of the individual biological half-live. The volume of excreta may carefully manipulated in order to avoid losses and misinterpretation in the activity quantification. The process of the LBIOVT accreditation and its participation in intercomparisons may guarantee the confidence of the results, allowing the minimization of the uncertainties in the individual monitoring.

Protocol for 18F-FDG quantification in PET-CT whole-body exams.

The aim of the present work is to propose a protocol for quantification of (18)F-FDG activities at organ level through whole body exams with Positron Emission Tomography. They were selected patients with normal uptake or a single tumor. In the period 2004-2005, 745 patients were studied. Among then, it was selected 97 adults for the normal uptake control group. The main studies were: intestine; colon, rectum, lung, lymphoma and melanoma, liver, esophagus, gonads and breasts. For "prospective screening", it were selected 20 patients with the identical physical characteristics of the control group. For internal dosimetry, the main organs should be elected according the kinetics of (18)F-FDG, either considering normal uptake or pathologies. Absorbed doses due to Computed Tomography and F-FDG uptake were estimated. Comparisons between internal and external exposures, for the same organ, point out higher doses due to external irradiation, except for bladder and kidneys. For individual dose estimation, parameters such the effective half-life should be known and this information may be achieved by an adaptation of the routine protocol.

Reliability analysis of stabilisation pond systems.

This article presents a reliability analysis of 116 full-scale pond systems in Brazil, comprising 73 primary facultative ponds and 43 anaerobic -facultative pond systems. A methodology developed by Niku et al. (1979) is used for the determination of the coefficients of reliability, in terms of the compliance of effluent BOD, COD, TSS and FC to discharge standards or effluent quality targets. The design concentrations necessary to meet the prevailing discharge standards and the expected compliance percentages have been calculated from the coefficients of reliability obtained. The results showed that few units, under the observed operating conditions, would be able to present reliable performances in terms of compliance with the analyzed standards. For the four constituents (BOD, COD, TSS and FC) and both systems (facultative ponds and anaerobic-facultative systems), the variability of the effluent quality was very large, leading to a high variability of the coefficient of variation (CV) and the coefficient of reliability (COR). The effluent quality from the facultative ponds showed a larger distance to both the desired values and the discharge standard values, compared with the anaerobic-facultative systems.

Intracranial compliance in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with the cardiovascular autonomic nervous control

The intracranial compliance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and the association with cardiovascular autonomic control have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess intracranial compliance using the noninvasive intracranial pressure (niICP) and the monitoring of waveform peaks (P1, P2, and P3) and the relationship with cardiovascular autonomic control in T2DM patients. Thirty-two men aged 40-60 years without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) were studied: T2DMG (n=16) and control group CG (n=16). The niICP was evaluated by a noninvasive extracranial sensor placed on the scalp. Cardiovascular autonomic control was evaluated by indices of the baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), from temporal series of R-R intervals of electrocardiogram and systolic arterial pressure, during supine and orthostatic positions. The participants remained in the supine position for 15 min and then 15 min more in orthostatism. T2DMG presented a decrease of the P2/P1 ratio during the orthostatic position (P<0.001). There was a negative moderate correlation between the P2 peak with cardiovascular coupling (K2HP-SAPLF) in supine (r=-0.612, P=0.011) and orthostatic (r=-0.568, P=0.020) positions in T2DMG. We concluded that T2DM patients without CAN and cardiovascular complications presented intracranial compliance similar to healthy subjects. Despite preserved intracranial adjustments, T2DM patients had a response of greater magnitude in orthostatism. In addition, the decoupling between the heart period and blood pressure signal oscillations in low frequency appeared to be related to the worsening of intracranial compliance due to the increased P2 peak.

Considerations on the effect of anti-sandfly antibodies on biological parameters of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae).

The immunization of vertebrate hosts with vector components may be an alternative for the control of diseases transmitted by insects. In the present study we evaluated the effects of anti-sandfly antibodies on some of the biological parameters of female Lutzomyia longipalpis, a vector of visceral leishmaniasis. Rabbits were immunized with extracts of gut from blood-fed (GB) or sugar-fed (GS) females, carcass of sugar-fed (CS) or blood-fed (CB) females, and with repeated sandfly bites (BITE). Immune sera showed increased antibody titers compared to pre-immunized animals, and specific bands were detected by Western Blot. An analysis of biological parameters revealed a decline in fecundity in the group of females fed on rabbits immunized with GB and BITE. Longevity and mortality were studied in females with oviposition (parous) and without oviposition (nulliparous). Nulliparous females that fed on rabbits immunized with bites died in the highest percentage. A mortality analysis after egg laying revealed a peak on the fifth day in all the groups, but females fed on rabbit subjected to repeated bites showed a shift towards the third day.

High-Frequency Acceleration: Therapeutic Tool to Preserve Bone following Tooth Extractions.

A common problem in clinical dentistry is the significant and rapid bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. Currently there is no solution for the long-term preservation of alveolar bone. Previously, we showed that high-frequency acceleration (HFA) has an osteogenic effect on healthy alveolar bone. However, it is not known if HFA can preserve alveolar bone after extraction without negatively affecting wound healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of HFA on alveolar bone loss and the rate of bone formation after tooth extraction. Eighty-five adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: control, static (static load), and HFA. In all groups, the maxillary right third molar was extracted. The HFA group received HFA for 5 min/d, applied through the second molar. The static group received the same magnitude of static load. The control group did not receive any stimulation. Some animals received fluorescent dyes at 26 and 54 d. Samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 28, and 56 for fluorescence microscopy, micro-computed tomography, histology, RNA, and protein analyses. We found that HFA increased bone volume in the extraction site and surrounding alveolar bone by 44% when compared with static, while fully preserving alveolar bone height and width long-term. These effects were accompanied by increased expression of osteogenic markers and intramembranous bone formation and by decreased expression of osteoclastic markers and bone resorption activity, as well as decreased expression of many inflammatory markers. HFA is a noninvasive safe treatment that can be used to prevent alveolar bone loss and/or accelerate bone healing after tooth extraction.

Basic aminopeptidase from rabbit kidney: purification and partial characterization.

The aminopeptidase activity of a homogenate of rabbit kidney treated with Triton X-100 was measured using L-aminoacyl-2-naphthylamides (AA-NA). After gradient elution ion-exchange chromatography, four peaks of aminopeptidase activity were eluted. The enzyme eluted at 450 microS containing 33.5% of the activity towards Arg-NA was applied to a Superdex 75 column and presented only one protein band on 10% SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This enzyme has an apparent molecular mass of 78 kDa, is five-fold activated by 0.15 M NaCl and the highest Vmax/KM ratio was obtained with Arg-NA. Enzyme activity was inhibited 100% by 0.13 mM sodium p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, 20% by 0.75 mM EDTA and 100% by 0.66 mM o-phenanthroline. Puromycin and bestatin behaved like competitive inhibitors with a Ki of 0.60 mM and 5.0 microM and 5.0 microM, respectively.

Experimental murine mycobacteriosis: evaluation of the functional activity of alveolar macrophages in thalidomide- treated mice.

Thalidomide is a selective inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine involved in mycobacterial death mechanisms. We investigated the role of this drug in the functional activity of alveolar macrophages in the presence of infection induced by intranasal inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in thalidomide-treated and untreated adult Swiss mice. Sixty animals were inoculated with 5 x 10(6) M. avium by the respiratory route. Thirty animals received daily thalidomide (30 mg/kg mouse) and 30 received water by gavage up to sacrifice. Ten non-inoculated mice were used as a control group. Lots of animals from each group were evaluated until 6 weeks after inoculation. Infection resulted in an increased total number of inflammatory cells as well as increased activity of pulmonary macrophages. Histologically, intranasal inoculation of bacilli resulted in small mononuclear infiltrates located at the periphery of the organ. Culture of lung fragments revealed the presence of bacilli only at the beginning and at the end of the experimental period. Thalidomide administration did not affect the microbiological or histological features of the infection. Thalidomide-treated and untreated animals showed the same amount of M. avium colonies 3 weeks after infection. Although it did not affect bacillary clearance, thalidomide administration resulted in a decreased percent of spread cells and release of hydrogen peroxide, suggesting that factors other than TNF-alpha play a role in the killing of mycobacteria by alveolar macrophages. Thalidomide administration also reduced the number of spread cells among resident macrophages, suggesting a direct effect of the drug on this phenomenon.

Toxocara spp. eggs in public squares of Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brazil.

The visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a syndrome observed in human infection with helminth larval eggs such as the Toxocara spp. that usually infects dogs and cats. Among the risk factors involved in the occurrence of VLM, particularly important is the size of these animal populations. Sorocaba is a city with a dog population twice as large as that recommended by the World Health Organization. This fact has led to a survey of the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs in public square soils of this city. Thirty squares were selected, fifteen located in the outskirts of the city and fifteen downtown. Soil samples were collected from five distinct sites in the same area. The material was homogenized and drained and 100 g was mixed with a saturated solution of magnesium sulfate and 5% potassium iodine. The floating material was analyzed under the light microscope. Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 16 squares, nine of which were located in the outskirts of the city and seven downtown. It was concluded that Sorocaba squares present a high rate of contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs. The squares in the outskirts of the city presented a higher occurrence of these eggs in comparison with those downtown, although the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

[Ecological aspects of American tegumentary leishmaniasis: 8. Evaluation of the enzootic activity of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, in forest and peridomiciliary environments of the Ribeira Valley region, São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Aspectos ecológicos da leishmaniose tegumentar Americana. 8. Avaliação da atividade enzoótica de Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, em ambiente florestal e peridomiciliar, região do Vale do Ribeira, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

The evidence of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in the non-forest environment in the Ribeira Valley region, São Paulo, Brazil, has made this epidemiologic four years' study possible, viewing the enzootic activity of L. (V.) braziliensis. Furthermore, the natural infection in small mammals and the domestic dog population has been completed in collecting of phlebotomine sandflies in the forest and peridomiciliar environments. Positive test-results have only been found in resident dogs (Canis familiaris) with a rate of 5.6 and 2.4% for serological and parasitological test respectively. Among silvatic and synanthropic rodents collected, Oryzomys (Olygoryzomys) and Rattus rattus are pre-eminent having both been collected in equal proportions, in peridomiciliar environment. The sandfly Lutzomyia intermedia has contributed only with 166 feminine specimens due to insecticide (DDT) application on and in the human and domestic habitations. From the general epidemiologic standpoint the fragile L. (V.) braziliensis cycle in the unforested areas as well as the canine and small mammals roles as a domiciliar infection source are discussed, and their potencial in the dispersion of this parasite in the researched area is analysed too.

[Detection of transmissible forms of enteroparasites in water and vegetables consumed at schools in Sorocaba, São Paulo state, Brazil]. / Detecção de formas transmissíveis de enteroparasitas na água e nas hortaliças consumidas em comunidades escolares de Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil.

Water and raw vegetables consumed in ten nursery schools were evaluated for the presence of transmissible forms of enteroparasites. The water was submitted to filtration through membranes. The washed membrane water was submitted to the Faust method. The in natura and washed vegetables were washed and the water analyzed by the sedimentation method. Contamination was not detected in one school; in two schools, all the materials were contaminated; in four schools, two items were contaminated and in three, one material presented contamination. The water presented a contamination index of 0.7% contamination (Hymenolepis diminuta, Strongyloides stercoralis and Ancylostomatidae); the vegetables in natura, 3.9% (Strongyloides stercoralis, Ancylostomatidae, Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia) and the washed samples 1.3% (Strongyloides stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia). The water and vegetables are enteroparasites vehicles. The larval form predominated. The vegetables in natura presented higher contamination than those that were washed. Elimination of these forms in vegetables was not guaranteed by washing.

[Prevalence of microbiota in the digestive tract of wild females of Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae)]. / Prevalência da microbiota no trato digestivo de fêmeas de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae) provenientes do campo.

We dissected the digestive tract of 245 females in pools of 35 flies forming 7 groups. These flies were Lutzomyia longipalpis originating from Lapinha Cave, Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais. Out of the 8 species of bacteria isolated there was a predominancy of Gram negative bacterias (GNB) in the group of non-fermenters of sugar belonging to the following species: Acinetobacter lwoffii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas putida and Flavimonas orizihabitans. The group of GNB fermenters were: Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella ozaenae. In the Gram positive group we isolated the genera Bacillus thuringiensis and Staphylococcus spp.

[Helminth eggs and larvae in restrooms at municipal nursery schools in Sorocaba, SP, Brazil, and their frequency in children feces]. / Ovos e larvas de helmintos nos sanitários de pré-escolas municipais de Sorocaba, SP e suas freqüências nas fezes das crianças.

The purpose of this research was to establish a relationship between the presence of helminth eggs in the water closet elements and the frequency of these eggs in the feces of their users. 1050 kindergarten children's feces were examined by the spontaneous sedimentation method in three samples of feces, which were positive in 162 children presenting 184 eggs or helmints larvs. From the 465 water closet elements, constituted of : toilet seat, internal and external door knobs, latch, faucet handle and discharge valve, of 12 Infant Educational Centers of Sorocaba, examined by sticking some transparent adhesive tape on microscopy slides, were found 18 eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides; 1 of Enterobius vermicularis and 4 larvs of nemathoids partially deformed were found in 23 infected elements. There wasn't significance relationship between the elements of water closets and user's feces contamination.

[Frequency of intestinal helminth eggs in public restrooms in Sorocaba, SP]. / Estudo da freqüência de ovos de helmintos intestinais em sanitários de uso público de Sorocaba, SP.

Four hundred and five water closets were investigated: 11 located at public squares, 2 at the railroad station, 4 at the bus station, 55 at bars and restaurants, 146 at state schools, 116 at municipal schools, 8 at private schools, 36 at public health centers, 16 at sports centers, 8 at orphanages and 3 at shopping malls. Microscopy slides with adhesive tape were used. The material was obtained by sticking the tape onto the following elements: 4 spots on the toilet seat, internal and external door knobs, latch, faucet handle and discharge valve (push button or pulling string). Out of the 405 water closets studied, 22 (5.43%) were contaminated. Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostomatidae, Enterobius vermiculares, Taenia sp and Hymenolepis nana were found. In 2 water closets eggs of 2 parasites were found simultaneously.