Detection and comparison of prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis through culture and Real Time-polymerase chain reaction in subgingival plaque samples of chronic periodontitis and healthy individuals.

Introduction: The micro-flora of oral cavity is a myriad of micro-organism. Any infection of oral cavity leads to diseased condition which is a transitional transformation of the micro-organism in a specific paradigm depending upon the diseased condition. Periodontitis is one of the predominant chronic diseases which is a multifactorial infection. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key etiological agent in causing periodontitis. To study the predominance of these bacteria in the diseased condition is important to detect, quantify and to find its efficacy by comparing different methods for identification. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of P. gingivalis by anerobic culture and by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from subgingival plaque samples of chronic periodontitis and healthy individual and to compare efficacy of two methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 subjects were considered, and subgingival plaque was collected using paper points. Individual were equally divided into two groups: chronic periodontitis (200) and healthy individuals (200). Each plaque sample collected was divided into two aliquots of which the first aliquot was subjected for anerobic culture to isolate P. gingivalis. Phenotypical identification was done morphologically and biochemically further quantification of P. gingivalis was done by colony-forming unit. The second aliquot was subjected for DNA extraction and real-time PCR was conducted to detect and quantify P. gingivalis using specific primer. Results: Out of 400 samples, 73% showed detection of P. gingivalis by culture method and through reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), the detection was 75%. Individual detection of P. gingivalis by culture in chronic periodontitis was 89.5% and 54.4% in healthy individuals, while detection by RT-PCR was found to be 91.5% in chronic periodontitis and 58% in healthy individuals. However, comparison between two techniques in detection of P. gingivalis was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: When we compared RT-PCR with culture RT-PCR showed higher positivity. RT-PCR is more sensitive and requires less time to detect. However, in the present study, culture also showed good positivity, suggesting proper dilution and with extended incubation, the specificity of culture can be improved to a great extent.

Comparison of culture and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for identification of various Capnocytophaga species from subgingival plaque samples of healthy and periodontally diseased individuals.

Introduction: Capnocytophaga are facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli and recognized as opportunistic pathogens of various extraoral infections. Only a few studies attempted to identify all the seven species of Capnocytophaga phenotypically and genotypically in healthy individuals and patients with chronic periodontitis. Studies to determine the prevalence of Capnocytophaga in subgingival plaque samples from healthy individuals, chronic gingivitis and periodontitis among Indian population are lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and compare the presence of Capnocytophaga species phenotypically through microbial culture and biochemical tests and genotypically through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in subgingival plaque of healthy individuals and patients with chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 subjects, 100 each with gingivitis, periodontitis and periodontally healthy gingiva subjected, were included. Subgingival plaque was collected and was cultured for phenotypic identification (microbial culture and biochemical test), and for genotypic identification, DNA extraction was done and PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to identify the genus Capnocytophaga and also to identify different species of Capnocytophaga. Results: Of 300 individuals, Capnocytophaga species were identified from 237 (79%) individuals by PCR and 82 (27.33%) by culture. The prevalence of Capnocytophaga ochracea was found to be higher with both the methods followed by Capnocytophaga gingivalis and Capnocytophaga granulosa. Capnocytophaga genospecies, Capnocytophaga leadbetteri and Capnocytophaga Sputigena were isolated only by culture with very low prevalence that is 1.33%, 1.33% and 0.66%, respectively. We could not get any isolate of Capnocytophaga haemolytica by any of the two methods. Conclusion: Capnocytophaga species could be found in gingival sulci as well as periodontal pockets and can be detected by culture and PCR-RFLP. However, higher prevalence of these species in healthy compared to disease requires further analysis to determine their role in healthy and diseased periodontium.

Covid-19-associated fungal osteomyelitis of jaws and sinuses: An experience-driven management protocol.

Invasive fungal co-infections with COVID-19 are currently being reported at an alarming rate. Our study explores the importance of early identification of the disease, probable etiopathogenesis, clinical and radiological features and a treatment protocol for COVID-19 Associated Fungal Osteomyelitis of Jaws and Sinuses (CAFOJS). A one-year prospective study from June 2020 to May 2021 was conducted among CAFOJS diagnosed patients at a tertiary care center in South India. Demographic details, COVID-19 infection and treatment history, time taken for initiation of symptoms after COVID-19 diagnosis, medical history and clinical features were recorded. All patients were managed with a standard diagnostic and intervention protocol which included pre-operative and post-operative administration of Inj. Amphotericin B 50 mg (liposomal), early aggressive surgical debridement and tab. Posaconazole GR 300 mg OD for 90 days after discharge. Thirty-nine (78%) patients were diagnosed with CAFOJS out of 50 osteomyelitis patients. 35 patients (90%) were diabetic and 21 patients (54%) were known to receive steroids during the COVID-19 treatment. Sole existence of Mucorales spp. was seen in 30 patients (77%), Aspergillus fumigatus in 2 patients (5%), Curvularia spp. in 2 patients (5%). Concomitant existence of Mucorales and Aspergillus fumigatus was reported in two patients (5%) and Candida albicans in three patients (8%). Patients underwent treatment with standard protocol and no recurrence noted. CAFOJS is a clinical entity with aggressive presentation and warrants early diagnosis and treatment. LAY SUMMARY: Invasive fungal infections of head and neck region cause necrosis of bones affected by it, especially maxilla. Early diagnosis and treatment are advocated in such infections due to its aggressive clinical presentation compared to similar infections before COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevalence and antimicrobial profile of Shigella isolates in a tertiary care hospital of North Karnataka: A 12-year study.

Context: Shigella is a common cause of bacillary dysentery. Although it is reported worldwide, the majority of the infections are seen in developing countries with Shigella flexneri being the most common isolate. Prevalence of Shigella species and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles vary according to geographic area and season. Aims: In the present study, the epidemiology and antimicrobial profile of Shigella from stool samples received at our hospital for a period of 12 years (January 2006 to December 2017) was evaluated. Subjects and Methods: A total of 4578 stool samples were collected from the cases of acute gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. Samples were processed for culture and sensitivity according to standard microbiological techniques. The presumptive identification of Shigella species was done using standard conventional biochemical tests and confirmed using antisera. Results: A total of 189 (4.2%) samples yielded Shigella spp. Isolation of Shigella spp. were more frequent from males (58.2%). S. flexneri was the commonest species isolated (47.6%) followed by Shigella sonnei(11.6%), Shigella dysenteriae (4.2%) and Shigella boydii (2.1%). Non-typeable Shigella was commonly recovered. The isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin (76.7%) and co-trimoxazole (75%) while highest susceptibility was observed to ceftriaxone (79.2%). Conclusions: S. flexneri was the most prevalent species isolated at this centre. Shigella isolates from the study showed alarming resistance to recommended antibiotics. Non-typeable Shigella accounted for 34.4% isolates. Molecular discrimination between Shigella and Escherichia coli is essential.

Trend of human brucellosis over a decade at tertiary care centre in North Karnataka.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease. India having a major agrarian population is expected to have a higher prevalence. However, due to lack of laboratory facility or awareness among clinicians, the disease is largely underreported. The aim of this study was to know the prevalence and trend of human brucellosis over a decade, in patients attending a teaching hospital in North Karnataka, and to understand their geographical distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from January 2006 to December 2015 at a tertiary care teaching hospital in North Karnataka. A total of 3610 serum samples were evaluated from suspected cases of brucellosis. All serum samples were initially screened by Rose Bengal plate test, and positive samples were further analysed by Serum agglutination test (SAT) using standard Brucella abortus antigen from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. A titre above or equal to 1:80 IU/ml was considered as positive. Demographic data such as age, sex and native place of these patients were also analysed. RESULTS: We observed that human brucellosis is present in North Karnataka. The overall seropositivity of brucellosis in suspected cases was 5.1%. The positive titres ranged from 1:80 to 163,840 IU/ml. The majority of the patients were from Gadag, Koppal and Haveri districts of North Karnataka. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the presence of human brucellosis in the northern part of Karnataka. Further studies to understand the prevalence of animal brucellosis in these areas will help in implementing prevention measures.

Transmission of Balamuthia mandrillaris through solid organ transplantation: utility of organ recipient serology to guide clinical management.

A liver, heart, iliac vessel and two kidneys were recovered from a 39-year-old man who died of traumatic head injury and were transplanted into five recipients. The liver recipient 18 days posttransplantation presented with headache, ataxia and fever, followed by rapid neurologic decline and death. Diagnosis of granulomatous amebic encephalitis was made on autopsy. Balamuthia mandrillaris infection was confirmed with immunohistochemical and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Donor and recipients' sera were tested for B. mandrillaris antibodies. Donor brain was negative for Balamuthia by immunohistochemistry and PCR; donor serum Balamuthia antibody titer was positive (1:64). Antibody titers in all recipients were positive (range, 1:64-1:512). Recipients received a four- to five-drug combination of miltefosine or pentamidine, azithromycin, albendazole, sulfadiazine and fluconazole. Nausea, vomiting, elevated liver transaminases and renal insufficiency were common. All other recipients survived and have remained asymptomatic 24 months posttransplant. This is the third donor-derived Balamuthia infection cluster described in solid organ transplant recipients in the United States. As Balamuthia serologic testing is only available through a national reference laboratory, it is not feasible for donor screening, but may be useful to determine exposure status in recipients and to help guide chemotherapy.

Association of platelet count and serological markers of dengue infection- importance of NS1 antigen.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is an acute viral infection with potential fatal complications. Specific antibody detection has been the mainstay of diagnosis which is prone for both false positive and false negative reactions. The newer parameter NS1 appears to be highly specific and reliable for diagnosis of dengue infection from the first day of fever. Platelet count is the only accessory test for diagnosis of dengue infection in the peripheral laboratories. Therefore, we tried to evaluate the association of platelet counts against NS1 and IgM/IgG in dengue infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples from clinically suspected dengue cases were tested for NS1, IgM and IgG by immunochromatography-based test. Platelet counts were obtained for all positive cases and 150 dengue seronegative cases of fever that served as controls. Test results of dengue-specific parameters were compared against platelet counts. The proportions obtained were compared by Standard error of the difference between the proportions (SEP test). RESULTS: Of 2104 samples tested, 320 were positive for one or more dengue parameters. Of the 320, 95 were positive for NS1 only, 161 showed IgM only while 9 showed IgG only. More than one marker was detected in the remaining 55 samples. Thrombocytopenia was more consistently associated whenever NS1 was detected compared to antibody detection (P value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of NS1 in the diagnosis of dengue increases the detection rate significantly. In cases of fever, thrombocytopenia is more consistently found in dengue positive rather than dengue negative subjects. It correlates well when NS1 and IgM are detected simultaneously.

Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit.

CONTEXT: Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. AIMS: This study was conducted to determine the incidence of central venous catheter-related infections (CRIs) and to identify the factors influencing it. So far, there are very few studies that have been conducted on CRBSI in the intensive care unit in India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational study carried out in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) over a period of 1 year from January to December 2004. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 patients with indwelling central venous catheters of age group between 20 and 75 years were included. The catheters were cultured using the standard semiquantitative culture (SQC) method. Statistical analysis used SPSS-10 version statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 54 CVC catheters with 319 catheter days were included in this study. Of 54 patients with CVCs studied for bacteriology, 39 (72.22%) catheters showed negative SQCs and also negative blood cultures. A total of 15 (27.77%) catheters were positive on SQC, of which 10 (18.52%) were with catheter-associated infection and four (7.41%) were with catheter-associated bacteremia; the remaining one was a probable catheter-associated bacteremia. CRIs were high among catheters that were kept in situ for more than 3 days and emergency procedures where two or more attempts were required for catheterization (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis of covariance duration of catheter in situ for >3 days, inexperienced venupucturist, more number of attempts and emergency CVC were associated with more incidence of CVCBSIs, with P <0.02. The duration of catheter in situ was negatively correlated (-0.53) and number of attempts required to put CVC was positively correlated (+0.39) with incidence of CVCBSIs. Sixty-five percent of the isolates belonged to the CONS group (13/20). Staphylococcus epidermidis showed maximum susceptibility to amikacin, doxycycline and amoxycillin with clavulanic acid and was susceptible to vancomycin (100%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was 100% susceptible to amikacin and ciprofloxacin. Escherichia coli was susceptible to amikacin and cefotaxime. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of CRI was 27.77% (15/54). Catheter-associated BSIs were 47.31 per 1000 catheter-days. CRI was low in the catheters inserted by the experienced venipuncturists, elective procedure and CVC kept in situ for ≤3 days. S. epidermidis was the most common isolate.

Comparative study of Candida in oral submucous fibrosis and healthy individuals / Estudo comparativo de Candida em fibrose submucosa oral e indivíduos saudáveis

PURPOSE: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a high-risk precancerous condition that predominantly affects Indian youngsters due to the habit of gutkha chewing. Candida may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of premalignant and malignant lesions. The aim of this study is to compare the incidence, intensity, and species of Candida found in OSMF patients and healthy individuals. METHODS: This study included 20 OSMF patients and 20 healthy controls. A detailed history of each patient was recorded along with a clinical examination. Samples were collected with the oral rinse technique and cultured on Sabouraud's agar medium. The isolated yeast species were counted and identified based on Gram staining, a germ tube test, chlamydospore formation and a sugar assimilation test. RESULTA: In total, 40 percent of OSMF patients and 15 percent of healthy controls yielded Candida organisms on culture. C. albicans was the predominant species isolated, but C. krusei and C. tropicalis were also identified. Gender, gutkha habit and clinical staging had no influence on the candidal carriage in OSMF patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence and intensity of Candida (primarily C. albicans) was greater in OSMF patients than in healthy controls, but these findings were within the normal limit (3-47 percent). Therefore, Candida may not be an etiologic factor in malignant transformation. However, controversy still exists over whether the chewing of betel quid in cases of OSMF has an inhibitory effect or promotes the adherence and invasion of Candida.

OBJETIVO: Fibrose submucosa oral (FSO) é uma condição pré-maligna de alto risco que predominantemente afeta jovens da Índia devido ao hábito de mascar 'gutkha'. Candida pode ter um papel importante na etiopatogenia de lesões pré-malignas e malignas. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a incidência, intensidade e Candida spp encontradas em pacientes com FSO e em indivíduos saudáveis. METODOLOGIA: Este estudo incluiu 20 pacientes com FSO e 20 controles saudáveis. Obteve-se de cada sujeito uma história detalhada e exame clínico. As amostras foram coletadas com uma técnica de enxágue bucal e cultivadas em meio Agar Sabouraud. As espécies isoladas foram contadas e identificadas com base em coloração Gram, teste de tubo de ensaio e teste de assimilação de açúcar. RESULTADOS: No total, 40 por cento dos pacientes com FSO e 15 por cento dos controles saudáveis apresentaram resultado positivo de cultura para Candida. C. albicans foi a espécie predominante isolada, mas C. krusei e C. tropicalis também foram identificados. O sexo, hábito de mascar 'gutkha' e estadiamento clínico não influenciaram a presença de fungos nos pacientes com FSO. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência e intensidade de Candida (primariamente C. albicans) foi maior nos pacientes com FSO que nos sujeitos controle, mas estes achados estavam dentro dos limites normais (3-47 por cento). Portanto, Candida pode não ser um fator etiológico na transformação maligna. Entretanto, ainda há controvérsias se o hábito de mascar 'betel' em casos de FSO teria um efeito inibidor ou promoveria a aderência e invasão de Candida.

Comparative study of adherence of oral Candida albicans isolates from HIV sero-positive individuals and HIV sero-negative individuals to human buccal epithelial cells.

AIM: Candida albicans occurs as a commensal of the gastrointestinal tract. Under predisposing conditions, candida can produce a broad array of infections. HIV seropositive individuals show increased oral colonization compared to the HIV seronegative healthy individuals. C. albicans shows a variety of pathogenic factors. We have studied one such factor here; the adherence property of C. albicans isolated from HIV seropositive individuals and HIV seronegative to Human Buccal Epithelial Cells (HBEC) of normal healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Concentrated oral rinse specimen were collected from 50 healthy volunteers (control group) and 25 HIV positive individuals (test group) and used for isolation of C. albicans. Adherence assay was done using C. albicans isolates from both groups on HBEC collected from HIV sero-negative, normal individuals. The adherence assay method described by Kimura and Pearsall was used with minor modification. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The results of Adhesion assay were subjected to statistical analysis using student "t" test. RESULTS: C. albicans isolated from both the groups were tested for their adherence property to normal HBEC. The isolates from test group showed more adherence to HBEC compared to those of the control group, with average rate of adherence being 56.6%. The control group showed average adherence rate of 29.1%. This was statistically significant with p value equal to 0.05. CONCLUSION: C. albicans from HIV infected individuals showed significant rise in degree of adhesion to the buccal epithelial cells than the isolates from healthy controls, suggesting the enhancement of virulence factors such as adherence in the presence of predisposing condition.

Comparison of maxillofacial space infection in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Orofacial space infections are common presentations in maxillofacial clinics even in the post-antibiotic era. One of the main factors determining the spread of infection is the host defense mechanism. Diabetes is one of the most common systemic illness suppressing the immunity of an individual and increasing their susceptibility to infections. This study was carried out to compare the spaces involved, the severity of infection, the virulent organism, the efficacy of empirical antibiotics, the length of hospital stay, and the complications encountered in the management of maxillofacial space infection of odontogenic origin in diabetic patients as compared with nondiabetic patients. METHODOLOGY: A 4-year prospective study was carried out on patients with maxillofacial space infection of odontogenic origin. The patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of presence or absence of diabetes. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were identified out of which 31 were diabetic. The organisms commonly isolated were Streptococcus species with submandibular space being the most common space involved in both the groups. The empirical antibiotic used was amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid combined with metrogyl in 70.27% cases. CONCLUSION: Streptococcus species is still the most common causative pathogen irrespective of the diabetic status of the patient. The same empirical antibiotic therapy of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid combined with metrogyl along with hyperglycemia control and surgical drainage of infection yielded satisfactory resolution of infection in the diabetic patients as well.

Regional differences within the dentition for plaque, gingivitis, and anaerobic bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation assessed regional differences in dental plaque and gingivitis within the human dentition in conjunction with microbiological analyses of dental plaque. METHODS: Forty-one adults (23 males and 18 females; age range 19-44 years) were enrolled, and a calibrated dental examiner completed whole mouth examinations for dental plaque (PI) and gingivitis (GI) using the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein Index (TMQH) and the L6e-Silness (LS) Index, respectively. Dental plaque samples were collected from the anterior surfaces and posterior teeth to determine viable anaerobic bacteria. During this visit, subjects underwent a whole mouth dental prophylaxis and were provided a marketed fluoride dentifrice for twice-daily oral hygiene. Subjects were recalled on day 15 and day 30 for whole mouth assessments of PI and GI, followed by the collection of dental plaque from the anterior and posterior teeth for microbiological analyses during these visits. RESULTS: Low plaque and gingival scores were common on anterior surfaces, in contrast to greater frequencies of higher PI and GI scores on the posterior regions or the entire dentition. Correspondingly, mean scores for PI and GI were significantly lower among the anterior surfaces in comparison to all other regions of the mouth (posterior, Ramfjord surfaces, or the entire dentition) over each phase of the study (p < 0.0001). While prophylaxis resulted in lower clinical scores from baseline to the day-15 recall visit (p < 0.05), anterior surfaces demonstrated lower scores than posterior regions during this recall visit (p < 0.05). Although dental plaque scores increased from the day-15 to the day-30 evaluations, gingival scores maintained broad reductions, with anterior scores consistently lower than the corresponding posterior regions (p <0.05). Microbiological analyses indicated significantly lower numbers of viable bacteria from the anterior surfaces in comparison to posterior regions at both recall visits (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anterior surfaces routinely demonstrated lower levels of dental plaque scores than the other regions of the dentition. Higher gingival inflammation levels were also correlated with increased plaque deposits associated with posterior teeth. Microbiological analyses confirm clinical observations with significantly higher numbers of viable bacteria in the dental plaque collected from the posterior regions. The human dentition demonstrates significant regional differences in the prevalence of dental plaque, gingivitis, and corresponding anaerobic bacteria, with posterior surfaces consistently reporting higher scores than the anterior regions. These consistent differences should be taken into account in performing plaque and gingivitis studies when assessing the efficacy of oral health products for controlling dental health.

Isolation of Salmonella enterica serotype Isangi from a suspected case of enteric encephalopathy.

Nontyphoidal salmonella species are thought to be potentially infectious to humans and many are documented to cause human diseases. We isolated S. Isangi from the blood of a 30-year-old man with complaints of diarrhoea, fever, and altered sensorium. The serotype of the isolate was confirmed at National Salmonella Centre (Vet.), Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar, India. The isolate was not an extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producer and the patient responded well to ceftriaxone. We reviewed the literature concerning infections caused by salmonella; however, did not find any report related to S. Isangi infection in human beings from India.

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of polyacrylic acid-nanoclay nanocomposite and its application in sonosorption studies of malachite green dye.

Synthesis of nanoclay nanocomposite has been undertaken by using polyacryalic acid (PAA) in aqueous medium and ultrasound environment and its application in dye removal has been investigated. The synthesized product was characterized by using FTIR and XRD techniques. The sonosorption capacity of the product namely PAA-nanoclay composite was determined by choosing malachite green (MG) dye as a model pollutant. The effects of various parameters such as nanocomposite loading, pH, various process conditions etc. have been studied. On comparing the results obtained with that of nanoclay as an adsorbent, it was found for an initial concentration of 500mg/l, the PAA-nanoclay nanocomposite exhibited higher percentage of pollutant removal (68%) and for nanoclay it was 54%. The adsorption data has been correlated using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The fit of the Freundlich isotherm model was found to be good in the entire range of concentration for the experimental sorption data obtained on the nanoclay nanocomposite. A plausible reaction mechanism for use of PAA-nanoclay nanocomposite as an adsorbent is also proposed.

Biofilm inhibition and antimicrobial activity of a dentifrice containing salivary substitutes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A healthy mouth harbours the continuous combined action of a salivary defence system with that of a salivary peroxidase system, containing lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulin and growth factors. This system maintains neutral pH and creates an oral environment where harmful bacteria are inhibited, thus preventing the formation of biofilms. The objective of this clinico-microbiological trial was to evaluate the anti-plaque effect of a dentifrice containing salivary substitutes, compared with a placebo-control dentifrice and to assess the effect of dentifrice on oral bacterial count. METHODS: The design was a randomized controlled, double-blind, parallel study comparing a placebo-dentifrice to a dentifrice formulation containing salivary substitutes. Toothpaste slurry rinses were used over a 96-h period by 20 volunteers who refrained from all other oral hygiene procedures. Commercially available fluoride toothpaste was used as control. Plaque was scored and unstimulated salivary samples were collected at day 0 and after 4 days. A microbiological analysis was carried out for the salivary samples. Data were analyzed by using Student's t-tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant mean difference in plaque scores after using test paste (1.19 + 0.31) in comparison with those using placebo toothpaste (1.95 + 0.33). The difference between mean increase in colony forming units for the test and the placebo group was (25.2 + 8) x 10(5) and (17.5 + 6.01) x 10(5), respectively, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study support the hypothesis that toothpaste containing salivary substitutes prevents dental biofilm formation and exhibits antimicrobial property when compared with a placebo dentifrice.

Inconsistencies between human genetic cytolocations and those derived using genomic sequence.

One result of the publishing of the human genome sequence is the ability to define objects through their position on the consensus sequence. While this has simplified the process of creating order maps for genes on a chromosome, it has created discrepancies between the published cytolocations of human genes, as presented through genetic references, and those locations derived computationally from the genomic sequence. For the 6,830 records with HUGO gene symbols shared between the online version of Mendelian Inheritance in Man and Ensembl, 18% of the records have a discrepancy of at least one cytogenetic band between the datasets. Discordance between data sets at this frequency would have a significant impact on the utility of datasets created by the amalgamation of numerous biological databases.