Anti-Adherence and Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles against Serotypes C and K of Streptococcus mutans on Orthodontic Appliances.

Background and Objectives: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main microorganism associated with the presence of dental caries and specific serotypes of this bacteria have been related to several systemic diseases limiting general health. In orthodontics, white spot lesions (WSL), represent a great challenge for clinicians due to the great fluctuation of their prevalence and incidence during conventional orthodontic treatments. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been demonstrated to have great antimicrobial properties in several microorganisms, including S. mutans bacteria, there is no available information about anti adherence and antimicrobial properties of AgNP exposed to two of the most relevant serotypes of S. mutans adhered on orthodontic materials used for conventional therapeutics. The objective of this study was to determine anti-adherence and antimicrobial levels of AgNP against serotypes c and k of S. mutans on conventional orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: An AgNP solution was prepared and characterized using dispersion light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antimicrobial and anti-adherence activities of AgNP were determined using minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and bacterial adherence testing against serotypes c and k of S. mutans clinically isolated and confirmed by PCR assay. Results: The prepared AgNP had spherical shapes with a good size distribution (29.3 ± 0.7 nm) with negative and well-defined electrical charges (−36.5 ± 5.7 mV). AgNP had good bacterial growth (55.7 ± 19.3 µg/mL for serotype c, and 111.4 ± 38.6 µg/mL for serotype k) and adherence inhibitions for all bacterial strains and orthodontic wires (p < 0.05). The serotype k showed statistically the highest microbial adherence (p < 0.05). The SS wires promoted more bacterial adhesion (149.0 ± 253.6 UFC/mL × 104) than CuNiTi (3.3 ± 6.0 UFC/mL × 104) and NiTi (101.1 ± 108.5 UFC/mL × 104) arches. SEM analysis suggests CuNiTi wires demonstrated better topographical conditions for bacterial adherence while AFM evaluation determined cell wall irregularities in bacterial cells exposed to AgNP. Conclusions: This study suggests the widespread use of AgNP as a potential anti-adherent and antimicrobial agent for the prevention of WSL during conventional orthodontic therapies and, collaterally, other systemic diseases.

Determination and identification of antibiotic-resistant oral streptococci isolated from active dental infections in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) of oral streptococci from active dental infections in adults and its association with age and gender. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 59 subjects from 18 to 62 years old. Ninety-eighth samples obtained from the subjects were cultivated in agar plates containing antibiotics amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (A-CA), clindamycin, and moxifloxacin (concentrations of 16, 32 or 64 µg/ml). PCR assay was performed to identify bacterial species. RESULTS: The bacterial species that showed more antibiotic-resistance (AR) was S. mutans (45.9%), followed by S. gordonii (21.6%), S. oralis (17.6%), S. sanguinis (9.5%), S. salivarius (5.4%) and S. sobrinus (0%). Moreover, clindamycin (59.4%) showed the highest frequency of AR. Moxifloxacin and A-CA showed an susceptibility >99.1%, while clindamycin showed the lowest efficacy (93.3%); there was a significant statistically difference (p < .01). The age group between 26 and 50 years old (32.2%) and females (28.8%) showed more multiresistance. Clindamycin showed a statistical difference (p < .05) when comparing groups by gender. CONCLUSIONS: Clindamycin was the antibiotic with the highest frequency of ARB and lower bactericidal effect. Moxifloxacin and A-CA showed the highest efficacy and the lowest ARB frequency. Streptococcus mutans was the bacterial specie that showed an increased frequency of AR.

Association of cytokines polymorphisms with chronic peridontitis and rheumatoid arthritis in a Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: Historically, it has been shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PE) share pathophysiological similarities and possibly a genetic background. In order to elucidate the genetic background between both diseases, we evaluated the distributions of five SNPs genotypes and all the possible haplotypes composed in subjects with isolated RA, PE, combined diseases and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 280 Mexican subjects. Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal epithelial cells collected by cheek scrapings and analyzed for the determination of the following SNPs: IL-1α + 4845 (rs17561), IL-1α -889 (rs1800587), IL-1ß + 3954 (rs1143634), IL-1ß -511(rs16944) and TNF-α -308 (rs1800629). RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex and smoking status, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a no significant association in the genotype frequencies of TNF-α -308 and IL-1α + 4845 SNPs. Otherwise a significant association was observed in IL-1ß + 3954 and IL-1ß -511 (p < 0.05) while IL-1α -889 was of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.054). Also, we found three negative associated haplotypes with PE: IL-1α + 4845 G/IL-1ß -511 A, IL-1ß + 3954 C/IL-1ß -511 A and interestingly IL-1α -889 C/IL-1ß -511 A also with a positive association with RA. CONCLUSIONS: Some genotypes and haplotypes are associated with the diseases. But it seems that the genetic background of the association between RA and PE needs to be explored deeper.

Association between periodontitis, periodontopathogens and preterm birth: is it real?

PURPOSE: To identify the association between periodontitis and periodontal pathogens with preterm birth despite the strict control of some important confounders, such as infectious processes and criteria for diagnosis of periodontitis during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study were included 70 healthy puerperal women between 20 and 35 years without a history of genitourinary infections during pregnancy. Based on the gestational age they were divided into two groups: 45 with term birth (>37 weeks) and 25 with preterm birth (<37 weeks). Previous informed consent, a gynecologic and dental history that included gynecologic and obstetric background, periodontal status applying different authors' criteria of periodontitis diagnosis, presence of periodontopathogens, dental caries and oral hygiene were recorded. RESULTS: There was no association between periodontitis, periodontopathogens and preterm birth. There were no statistical differences applying different authors' criteria diagnosis of periodontitis. Gingivitis status was similar, but probing depth was greater in preterm birth subjects, perhaps they are young women, and this finding could be an early sign of periodontitis. In like manner, the main periodontal bacterial species are not associated with preterm birth, general hygiene and care habits are poorer than term birth subjects. CONCLUSION: We could suggest that preterm birth is a multifactorial condition and the role of periodontitis and the periodontopathogens itself is not sufficient to trigger the preterm birth. There are factors such as infectious processes and diagnostic criteria for periodontitis that could be responsible for controversial results.

[Evaluation of dental treatment impact in a northwestern Mexican school children population]. / Evaluación del impacto del tratamiento odontológico en una población escolar del noroeste de México.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate through functional teeth index, the impact in schoolchildren in communities with and without dental community support. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in communities with dental care provided by dental clinics of Sinaloa State University. The study sample was 2,083 schoolchildren. We used the criteria proposed by WHO for the index of decayed, missing-teeth (DMFT) for permanent dentition, index for prima- ry teeth (dmft) and the rate of functional teeth (RFT). For bivariate analysis, the nonparametric tests Pearson f and Mann-Whitney U were used. RESULTS: The comparisons of DMFT (0.20) and RFT (13.95) of children with and DMFT (0.43) and RFT (14.82) of children without community dental support showed statistical significant difference (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in DMFT and RFT between samples with and without community dental support (p < 0.05). The age showed a statistically significant difference between the DMFT and dmft (p < 0.05). Primary dentition required more dental care than permanent dentition. There was access for dental treatment, but it is not used for the population. CONCLUSIONS: The RFT provided precise information than DMFT, mainly due to register the changes of actions focused to recover the teeth function in the oral cavity.

Characterization of Green Synthesized Nanoparticles with Anti-diabetic Properties. A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Plants are used in medicine because they are low-cost, widely available, and have few side effects (compared to pharmacological treatment). Plants have phytocompounds with antidiabetic properties that can be delivered using nanoparticles (NPs). OBJECTIVE: To describe the antidiabetic properties of green synthesized NPs (GSNPs) and their characterization methods. METHODS: Three databases were searched using the terms "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "antidiabetic effects," "phytochemicals," "plants," and "nanoparticles." Studies describing the antidiabetic effects (in vitro or animal models) of NPs synthesized by plant extracts and characterizing them through UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and DLS were included. RESULTS: 16 studies were included. In vitro studies reported enzyme inhibition values between 11% (H. polyrhizus) and 100% (A. concinna) for alfa-amylase and between 41.1% (M. zapota) and 100% (A. concinna) for alfa-glucosidase. Animal studies with Wistar Albino rats having diabetes (induced by alloxan or streptozotocin) reported improved blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL after treatment with GSNPs. Regarding characterization, NP sizes were measured with DLS (25-181.5 nm), SEM (52.1-91 nm), and TEM (8.7-40.6 nm). The surface charge was analyzed with zeta potential (-30.7 to -2.9 mV). UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to confirm the formations of AgNPs (360-460 nm), AuNPs (524-540 nm), and ZnONPs (300-400 nm), and FTIR was used to identify plant extract functional groups. CONCLUSIONS: GSNP characterization (shape, size, zeta potential, and others) is essential to know the viability and stability, which are important to achieve health benefits for biomedical applications. Studies reported good enzyme inhibition percentages in in vitro studies, decreasing blood glucose levels and improving lipid profiles in animal models with diabetes. However, these studies had limitations in the methodology and potential risk of bias, so results need careful interpretation.

[Predicting risk of caries in schoolchildren from northwestern Mexico: longitudinal study]. / Predicción de riesgo de caries en escolares del noroeste de México: estudio longitudinal.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the caries risk through the Bratthall's Cariogram (BC) and the frequency of dental caries in a Mexican northwest children population for 12 months period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 583 scholar children between 6 and 10 years old from Sinaloa state was involved for 12 months period (2007-2008). The Bratthall's Cariogram was used to predict caries risk and the. WHO's criteria were used to obtain the caries index. The caries risk association with clinical variables was analyzed by logistic regression analysis and Sperman's Rho rank correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation between DMFT index and BC. RESULTS: The caries risk increased with respect to age (p < 0.05), the CB identified correctly children for high risk (85%) and low risk (65%) caries for a 12 months period. The baseline values of BC showed a positive correlation with DMFT index (0.86 and p = 0.0001); the diagnostic test evaluation showed the following values: positive predictive value of 87%, negative predictive value of 63%, sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 63%. CONCLUSIONS: The caries risk increased with the age in the studied population. The Bratthall's Cariogram is a useful screening test to evaluate the risk for dental caries at individual and population levels.

Propylene Glycol Potentiates the Inhibitory Action of CTZ Paste on Antibiotic-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from the Root Canal: An In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to evaluate if the change of vehicle for CTZ (Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, zinc oxide, and Eugenol) paste improves the inhibition of Enterococcus faecalis in vitro. The vehicles evaluated alone and mixed with CTZ were Eugenol, propylene glycol (PG), super-oxidized solution (SOS), grapefruit-seed extract (GSE), and 0.9% saline solution as a negative control. A clinical isolate of E. faecalis was morphologically and biochemically characterized, and its antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using 20 antimicrobial agents. Once characterized, the clinical isolate was cultivated to perform the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method with paper discs embedded with the different vehicles mixed or used alone, and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and the means were compared using Tukey test with a significance level of p < 0.05. For vehicles used alone, GSE presented the greatest inhibition showing a statistically significant difference with the rest of the vehicles. When vehicles were mixed with the CTZ paste, PG showed a greater inhibition with a statistically significant difference from the rest of the vehicles. In conclusion, the vehicle used to mix the CTZ paste plays an important role in the inhibition of E. faecalis in vitro; therefore, we consider that this can be an important factor to achieve success in the use of this technique.

Noninvasive Glucose Measurements Through Transcutaneous Raman Spectroscopy: A Review.

BACKGROUND: People living with diabetes need constant glucose monitoring to avoid health complications. However, they do not monitor their glucose levels as often as recommended, probably because glucose measurement devices can be painful, costly, need testing strips or sensors, require lancing the finger or inserting a sensor with risk of infection, and can be inaccurate or have failures. Therefore, developing new alternatives for noninvasive glucose measurements that overcome these disadvantages is necessary, being Raman spectroscopy (RS) a solution. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide an overview of the current glucose-monitoring technologies and the uses and advantages of RS to improve noninvasive transcutaneously glucose-monitoring devices. RESULTS: The skin has been used to assess glucose levels noninvasively because it is an accessible tissue where glucose can be measured in the interstitial fluid (ISF) in the epidermis (especially in the stratum corneum). The most selected skin sites to apply RS for noninvasive glucose measurements were the nailfold, finger, and forearm because, in these sites, the penetration depth of the excitation light can reach the stratum corneum (10-20 µm) and the ISF. Studies found that RS is a good optical technique to measure glucose noninvasively by comparing glucose levels obtained by RS with those from invasive methods such as glucose meters with testing strips during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). CONCLUSIONS: New alternatives for noninvasive glucose measurements that overcome the disadvantages of current devices is necessary, and RS is a possible solution. However, more research is needed to evaluate the stability, accuracy, costs, and acceptance.

Differences in erythrocytes size and shape in prediabetes and diabetes assessed by two microscopy techniques and its association with dietary patterns. Pilot study.

Hemorheology and microcirculation alterations are caused by erythrocyte size and shape (ESS) modifications. People´s diets can alter erythrocyte functions and membrane fluidity by changing cell membrane components. The aim was to identify differences in ESS obtained by scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and assess their relationship with dietary patterns. The study population included 31 participants (14 healthy, 11 with prediabetes, and 6 with T2DM). Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were obtained using principal component analysis. ESS (diameter, height, axial ratio, thickness, and concave depth) were obtained by SEM and AFM. Differences in ESS between groups were observed with SEM (height) and AFM (height, axial ratio, and concave depth). T2DM presented smaller erythrocytes, more elongated and more altered forms. Two dietary patterns were identified: (1) Unhealthy: more refined cereals, high-fat dairy, fast food, sugary beverages, and fewer fruits, fish, seafood, low-fat dairy, and water. (2) Prudent: higher consumption of refined cereals, vegetables, poultry, low-fat dairy and nuts, and lower tortillas, eggs, high-fat dairy, and legumes. Tertile 3 of the Unhealthy dietary pattern had 80% of healthy participants. A difference in diameter and height (0.44 and 0.32 µm, respectively) obtained by SEM was observed when comparing tertile 2 (smaller erythrocytes) versus tertile 3 in the Unhealthy dietary pattern. SEM and AFM are excellent tools to assess ESS. Unhealthy dietary patterns might be associated with altered ESS. HIGHLIGHTS: SEM and AFM are excellent tools to assess erythrocyte size and shape modifications. Two dietary patterns were identified: healthy and prudent. Smaller erythrocytes were observed in the second tertile of the unhealthy pattern.

Clinical evaluation of the accuracy of conventional radiography and apex locators in primary teeth.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the accuracy of conventional radiography and 2 apex locators (Root ZX and ProPex) in determining the working length of root canals in primary teeth and to compare the results with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). METHODS: A general medical and oral history was obtained from 1,600 children and 50 children were selected. The working lengths of the primary teeth root canals were determined with conventional radiography and 2 apex locators (Root ZX and ProPex). These results were compared with the ideal standard using SEM. To determine the difference among means of the different methods, the Wilcoxon test was applied. To determine the accuracy of the methods with the ideal standard (SEM), the Lin interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. RESULTS: Sixty-one canals were evaluated and there were no significant difference in the 3 techniques in accuracy of determination of the working length of the canals. The most accurate method of determining the working length of the root canals in primary teeth was the Root ZX (ICC=0.72), followed by the ProPex (ICC=0.70), and the least accurate was conventional radiography (ICC=0.67). CONCLUSION: The apex locators were more accurate than conventional radiography in determining the working length.

Association between caries, obesity and insulin resistance in Mexican adolescents.

AIM: To determine the association among dental caries, obesity and insulin resistance in Mexican adolescents. METHODS: Body mass index, obesity (OB) blood pressure, insulin level, insulin resistance (IR), triglycerides level, serum HDL-cholesterol (cHDL), DMFT index and salivary flow were measured. RESULTS: Anthropometric measures showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05). Insulin level was 8.98 for healthy subjects, whereas for OB-IR group was 25.35, there was a statistical significant difference (p < 0.05). Triglycerides level was 88.50 for healthy subjects and 169.40 mg/dL for OB-IR; cHDL was 52.88 for healthy and 41.82 mg/dL for OB-IR group, both showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Salivary flow was 4.30 for healthy and for OB-IR group was 5.48 ml/min showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05). DMFT index was 3.02 for healthy and for OB-IR adolescents was 4.78, showed a significant statistical diference (p < 0.05). The caries component of DMFT index was 1.84 for healthy and was 3.52 for OB-IR adolescents, showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05). According to the multivariate analysis, DMFT (OR = 3.10; IC 95% = 0.20-1.02, p = 0.042) and decay (OR = 3.30; IC 95% = 0.19-1.0, p = 0.011) were associated with subjects with OB-IR. CONCLUSION: OB-IR Mexican adolescents showed a positive association with DMFT.

Application of atomic force microscopy to assess erythrocytes morphology in early stages of diabetes. A pilot study.

The study aim was to assess the application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate erythrocyte morphology in early stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the association with biochemical, anthropometric, diet, and physical activity indicators. This was a pilot cross-sectional study with four groups: healthy individuals, people with prediabetes (PDG), metabolic syndrome (MSG), and diabetes mellitus group (DMG). Blood samples were obtained to assess the erythrocyte morphology and biochemical parameters. Anthropometrical measurements were taken. Besides, a diet and a physical activity questionnaire were applied. The evaluation of the erythrocyte morphology through the AFM showed quantitative and qualitative alterations in the cell's form and size. Compared to the healthy group, the PDG had a reduction in height (-0.80 µm, p < 0.05), and an increase in axial ratio (-0.09 µm, p < 0.05); the MSG had lower concave depth (-0.19 µm, p < 0.05); and the DMG had a decreased height (-0.46 µm, p < 0.05) and concave depth (-0.29 µm, p < 0.05), and higher axial ratio (+0.08 µm) and thickness (+0.32 µm, p < 0.05). The PDG vs. DMG had a statistically significant difference in concave depth (+0.23 µm, p < 0.05) and thickness (-0.26 µm, p < 0.05). The MSG was different than the DMG in variables like axial ratio (-0.05 µm) and thickness (-0.25 µm). Besides, higher values of age, HbA1c, triglycerides, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and physical inactivity were associated with altered erythrocyte morphology. AFM is a promising instrument to assess early but subtle changes in erythrocyte morphology (height, axial ratio, concave depth, thickness) before significant pathological conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. HbA1c might have a major effect in altered morphology, vs. metabolic parameters like high triglycerides, body mass index, waist, and physical inactivity.

Corrigendum to "In Vitro Determination of Genotoxicity Induced by Brackets Alloys in Cultures of Human Gingival Fibroblasts".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2020/1467456.].

Atomic force microscopy observation of the enamel roughness and depth profile after phosphoric acid etching.

The aim was to compare the enamel surface roughness (ESR) and absolute depth profile (ADP) (mean peak-to-valley height) by atomic force microscopy (AFM) before and after using four different phosphoric acids. A total of 160 enamel samples from 40 upper premolars were prepared. The inclusion criterion was that the teeth have healthy enamel. Exclusion criteria included any of the following conditions: facial restorations, caries lesions, enamel hypoplasia and dental fluorosis. Evaluations of the ESR and ADP were carried out by AFM. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare continuous variables and the Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the differences between before and after etching. There were statistically significant differences (P

[Epidemiologic study on dental caries and treatment needs in schoolchildren aged six to twelve years from San Luis Potosi]. / Estudio epidemiológico sobre caries dental y necesidades de tratamiento en escolares de 6 a 12 años de edad de San Luis Potosí.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the experience, prevalence and severity of dental caries, as well as the Significant Caries Index (SiC) and the treatment needs (TN) in schoolchildren aged six to twelve years. Equally, to estimate the effect of caries in primary dentition on caries in permanent dentition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was realized in 3865 schoolchildren from San Luis Potosí City, Mexico. Subjects were clinically evaluated by three standardized examiners (kappa > 0.85). For detection of caries was employed the WHO's criteria for primary (dmft) and permanent (DMFT) dentitions. In the statistical analyzes non-parametric test and logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Mean of age was 8.69 +/- 1.79 and 51.3% were women. In the primary dentition: dmft index was 1.88 +/- 2.34 and the caries prevalence (dmft >0) of 56.8%. In account to severity 22.0% and 5.6% have dmft >3 and dmft >6, respectively. In children of six years, the caries prevalence was 56.0% and the SiC of 5.45. In the permanent dentition: DMFT index was 1.11 +/- 2.03 and the caries prevalence (DMFT >0) of 36.8%. In account to severity 11.8% and 2.8% have DMFT >3 and DMFT >6, respectively. In children of twelve years, the DMFT index caries 4.14 +/- 4.15 and the SiC of 9.15. The TN index was of 88.5% for primary dentition and 93.6% for the permanent. In logistic regression we observed associated to caries prevalence in permanent dentition; presence of caries in primary dentition (OR = 6.37; p < 0.001), female sex (OR = 1.33; p < 0.001) and higher age (OR = 1.69; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Caries prevalence to six years old and DMFT index to twelve years old were highest to values established by WHO. Caries severity in the primary dentition was two times than observed in the permanent dentition. High TN in both dentitions was observed. Presence of caries in primary dentition was a strong risk indicator for to present caries in permanent dentition.

In Vitro Determination of Genotoxicity Induced by Brackets Alloys in Cultures of Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Orthodontic brackets release ions that can be reabsorbed in the oral mucosa, potentially causing complications, including cytotoxic effects and mutagenic alterations. The aim was to evaluate the genotoxicity induced by orthodontic appliance alloys in cultures of human gingival fibroblasts by comet assay. Eluates were obtained from the following brackets alloys: EconoLine (SS: stainless steel), MiniMirage (Ni-Ti: nickel-titanium), Nu-Edge (Co-Cr: cobalt-chromium), In-Vu (PC-polycrystals (PC) aluminum oxide), and Monocrystal IZE (monocrystalline (MC) aluminum oxide). Each bracket was sterilized and exposed to a corrosive process for 35 days. The obtained eluates were tested for genotoxicity of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFA) by the alkaline comet assay. All study groups showed genotoxic effects; there was a significant difference (p < 0.0001) among groups. The eluates obtained from Ni-Ti showed a 16-times greater genotoxic effect. There were differences in genotoxicity after comparing the Ni-Ti with SS (p < 0.01) and Co-Cr brackets (p < 0.001). The ceramic was more genotoxic than metallic brackets (SS and Co-Cr), but less than the Ni-Ti. This in vitro model will be useful for further study of early DNA damage caused by brackets and other biomaterials used in the oral cavity before their introduction into the clinical setting.

Dental plaque microbiota of pet owners and their dogs as a shared source and reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation aimed to detect coincidences in the antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) profiles between members of a group living in a household and to compare them between other groups in order to establish if an exchange of ARG occurs and if dental plaque microbiota can be considered as a source and reservoir of ARG that can be shared between humans and pets. METHODS: One hundred sixty dental plaque samples were obtained from four groups: Shelter dogs group (n=20), adult pet owners and dogs group (AD group, n=40), adult pet owners, children and dogs group (ACD group, n=60), and adult non-pet owners and children group (AC group, n=40). DNA was obtained, and specific primers with polymerase chain reaction for ARG detection were used. RESULTS: The AD group exhibited the most coincidences in their ARG profiles, 14 (70%) of the 20 profiles coincided in 100% followed by the ACD group with 9 (45%) coincidences. While the AC group was the less coincident group, only 7 (35%) of the 20 profiles coincided. tetM was the most prevalent with 53.1%, followed by tetQ with 52.5% and cfxA with 51.2%, while the less prevalent were tetW with 31.8%, blaTEM-1 with 27.5%, and ermC with 18.7%. CONCLUSION: Dental plaque microbiota can be considered as a source and reservoir of ARG that can be shared between humans and dogs living in a household. The dogs seem to play an important role in the transference of ARG, and the children appear to be the most affected by carrying the most significant number of ARG.

Detection of periodontal bacterial DNA in serum and synovial fluid in refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients.

AIM: To identify periodontal bacterial DNA (PBDNA) by PCR in subgingival dental plaque (SDP), serum and synovial fluid (SF) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with periodontal disease (PD) patients and to explore the possible PBDNA transport pathways from mouth to joints. METHODS: This cross-sectional prolective study involved 19 subjects with RA and PD. Informed consent, health and dental questionnaires were obtained. SDP, SF and serum samples were obtained, and leucocytes were isolated from blood. DNA was extracted and PCR assays to detect main PD species were carried out. Cultures on agar plates and broth, from each sample, were performed. RESULTS: Hundred percentage of patients showed PBDNA in SDP and SF and 83.5% in serum. Prevotella intermedia (89.4% and 73.6%) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (57.8% and 42.1%) were the species most frequently detected in SDP and SF, respectively. In SDP, 4.05 different bacterial species were found followed by 1.19 in serum and 2.26 in SF. Culture onto agar plates and broth did not show any bacterial growth, leucocytes were not positive to PBDNA by PCR. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PBDNA could have a role on the RA aetiology. The possible pathway of transport of PBDNA from mouth to joints could be via the free form of DNA.

Dental treatment under general anesthesia in healthy and medically compromised developmentally disabled children: a comparative study.

AIM: To compare the type, number of procedures and working time of dental treatment provided under dental general anesthesia (DGA) in healthy and medically compromised/developmentally disabled children (MCDD children). DESIGN: This cross-sectional prospective study involved 80 children divided into two groups of 40 children each. Group 1 consisted of healthy and Group 2 consisted of MCDD children. RESULTS: Healthy children needed more working time than MCDD children, the means being 161 +/- 7.9 and 84 +/- 5.7 minutes, respectively (P = 0.0001). Operative dentistry and endodontic treatments showed a significant statistical difference (P = 0.0001). The means of procedures were 17 +/- 5.0 for healthy children and 11 +/- 4.8 for MCDD children (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Healthy children needed more extensive dental treatment than MCDD children under DGA. The information from this sample of Mexican children could be used as reference for determining trends both within a facility as well as in comparing facilities in cross-population studies.