Assessment of Pulpal Oxygen Saturation in Caries-free and Carious Maxillary Primary Central Incisors Using a Customized Dental Pulse Oximeter.

Introduction: Pulpal status is best determined by assessing the pulp vitality, which proves to be important yet sceptical with the use of conventional thermal and electrical testing methods. The use of pulse oximetry helps to arrive at a definitive diagnosis by detecting the pulpal oxygen saturation. Aim: To assess and compare the pulpal oxygen saturation in caries-free and carious maxillary primary central incisors using a customized dental pulse oximeter sensor probe. Materials and methods: A total of 225 maxillary primary central incisors were selected from children aged 3-6 years. Teeth were categorized into group I-caries-free teeth, group II-deep caries lesion, and group III-pulpectomized teeth (n =75 in each group). Pulpal oxygen levels were assessed using a three-dimensionally (3D) designed custom-made probe, and the readings were tabulated. The values were subjected to statistical analysis using paired t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's HSD post hoc test. Results: The mean oxygen saturation levels of teeth in group I (92.03%) were statistically significantly high compared to group II (64.36%), that was statistically significant. Readings noted from group III, which was kept as control, was 0%. Conclusion: The obtained results showed that the caries-free group exhibited higher saturation compared to the carious group. 3D designed customized pulse oximeter can be used as an adjunct to assess the pulp vitality in primary teeth. How to cite this article: Kanumuru KR, Solomon N, Ramkumar H, et al. Assessment of Pulpal Oxygen Saturation in Caries-free and Carious Maxillary Primary Central Incisors using a Customized Dental Pulse Oximeter. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(4):560-564.

Adverse effects of orthodontic forces on dental pulp. Appearance and character. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively assess recent data on the effects of orthodontic forces on the dental pulp and to critically evaluate, whether any of the changes are permanent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles published between 2/2009 and 2/2022 were searched electronically on the PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases. The initial search retrieved 780 publications and, applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 33 relevant articles were identified. Twenty articles fulfilled the requirements for high (n = 1) or moderate (n = 19) methodological quality and were included. All assessments were made independently by three researchers. RESULTS: Orthodontic forces appeared to cause a reduction in pulpal blood flow and a reduction in tooth sensibility, as indicated by increased response thresholds and increased amounts of negative responses to tooth sensibility tests. In addition, there were increases in the expression or activity levels of enzymes and neuropeptides associated with hypoxia and inflammation. Fibrotic tissue formation in the pulp was also reported. CONCLUSIONS: Except for some histological and morphological alterations, the observed pulpal changes were in most cases only temporary, appearing within days of initiating the treatment and usually lasting for weeks. There were no clear signs of permanent damage.

Comparison of pulp sensibility test responses in normotensive and hypertensive individuals: A clinical study.

Background: Pulp sensibility testing is an essential part of the diagnostic process in the assessment of pulpal health. Several lines of evidence suggest an interaction between control of blood pressure and pain regulatory mechanisms. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare pulp sensibility test responses in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight patients participated in the study, with 49 individuals each in the hypertensive and normotensive groups. A minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 sound teeth were included in the study each from the anterior, premolar, and molar, i.e., 4 teeth from either arch. A total of 832 teeth were tested. The value and time when the responses evoked for electric pulp test (EPT) and cold test were recorded respectively. Statistical Analysis: For intergroup and intragroup analyses, independent t-test and paired t-test were utilized. Results: A statistically significant difference was noted in values for EPT as well as cold test responses when both the groups were compared (P < 0.01). Higher values were obtained with the hypertensive group. Conclusion: Patients with established hypertension showed an increased threshold to electric pulp testing and cold stimulus as compared to normal healthy individuals.

Reliability of Electric Pulp Test, Cold Pulp Test or Tooth Transillumination to Assess Pulpal Health in Permanent Dog Teeth.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of electric pulp test (EPT), cold pulp test (CPT) and tooth transillumination (TTI) in the assessment of pulpal health in dog teeth. Forty-five client-owned dogs requiring tooth extraction or pulpectomy were included. For each patient, one affected and two control healthy teeth were evaluated with EPT, followed by CPT and TTI. Direct pulp inspection was used as a gold standard. The real pulpal health (vital or necrotic) was determined by the presence or absence of bleeding after creating access to the pulp chamber. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of EPT, CPT and TTI were obtained for each pulp test using the binomial Clopper-Pearson exact method to establish confidence intervals. Forty-five affected teeth were tested. Forty-three were tested with EPT, CPT, and TTI, and two were tested solely with EPT and CPT. All dogs tested with EPT and TTI were included in the study whereas 21 out of 45 (47%) dogs tested with CPT were excluded. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were respectively 0.96, 1.00, 1.00, 0.96 and 0.98 for EPT; 1.00, 0.89, 0.92, 1.00 and 0.95 for CPT; and 0.59, 0.95, 0.94, 0.67 and 0.76 for TTI. This study concluded that EPT is a highly reliable diagnostic test to evaluate pulpal health in dogs. The high accuracy of CPT is conditional on the patient's responsiveness to stimulation applied to its control healthy teeth. TTI was the least reliable test in the study.

Response to Pulp Sensibility Tests after Full Pulpotomy in Permanent Mandibular Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Retrospective Data Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study analyzed the 12-month pulp sensibility (cold and electric) test response after mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) full pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. METHODS: The records of 120 subjects from 3 completed and 1 ongoing clinical study on MTA full pulpotomy were retrieved. Ninety-six first and second mandibular molar teeth with a diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis that underwent a single-visit MTA full pulpotomy and had completed a 12-month clinical, radiographic, and pulp sensibility (cold and electric) test follow-up were included. The data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, the Pearson chi-square test, and the McNemar test. The significance level was predetermined at P < .05. RESULTS: A higher percentage of teeth (94.7%) responded to the electric pulp test in comparison with the cold test (13.5%) (P < .05). Sex-based responses to the electric pulp test (P > .05) and the cold test were similar (P > .05). The age-based response was similar for the electric pulp test (P > .05) but was significant for the cold test (P < .05). The tooth quadrant (left and right), the tooth (mandibular first and second molar), and the location of restoration (proximal or occlusal) did not influence the response of either the electric pulp test (P > .05) or the cold test (P > .05). At the 1-year follow-up, all the teeth that were classified as clinically and radiographically successful responded to the electric pulp test; however, only 13 teeth responded to the cold test (P = .00). CONCLUSIONS: The majority (94.7%) of the teeth that underwent MTA full pulpotomy responded to the electric pulp test at a 1-year time interval.

An evaluation of the repeatability of electric pulp sensibility tests.

The accuracy, reliability and reproducibility of electric pulp tests (EPT) have been investigated but there is conflicting information about their repeatability. The aim of this study was to investigate whether EPT are repeatable over time. EPT results from 180 healthy teeth in 39 patients with 2-10 readings per tooth (total 692 readings) were analysed. Single measures intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged from 0.776 to 0.845 in teeth with 2-7 repeated measures (P < 0.001), indicating good repeatability. With eight or more measures per tooth, the ICC was low, indicating poor repeatability over longer follow-up times, but only seven teeth in two subjects were included in this analysis. The Pearson correlation showed no statistically significant correlation for 2-7 readings but when all readings were included, there was a statistically significant negative correlation. Hence, EPT has good repeatability.

Preserving the vitality of teeth adjacent to a large radicular cyst in periapical microsurgery: a case report with 4-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Radicular cysts may enlarge considerably, cause extensive bone destruction, and jeopardize the integrity of the associated vital teeth. The different treatment approaches are aimed mainly at eliminating the cystic epithelial membrane while reducing the risk of injury to vital structures. Contrary to other treatment modalities, preapical surgery offers an unequivocal single occasion resolution for the patient. However, it has been associated with higher risk of collateral damages. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient presented with a large radicular cyst originating from a maxillary lateral incisor. The adjacent central and canine teeth initially failed to exhibit responses to sensibility tests but showed signs of vitality. Microsurgical management was aimed at enucleating the cystic membrane while maintaining adjacent teeth vitality. Upon careful and controlled cyst enucleation under the dental operating microscope, the neurovascular bundle of one of the involved teeth was visualized and its integrity was maintained throughout the procedure. RESULTS: The procedure was successful and follow up recalls revealed recovery of normal sensibility of tooth 11 and 13 with complete bone regeneration around their apices. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the present case report, we demonstrated that complete excision of large periapical cyst can be performed without sacrificing the vitality of the adjacent teeth, by preserving the integrity of their neurovascular supply through controlled microsurgical enucleation, and by a potential apical vascular repair ensuing unintended injury. Diagnosing the pulp vitality of non-offending teeth whose apices protrude into the cystic lumen is a complex process and can be misleading. Pressure from the growing cyst can inhibit vital teeth responses to neural-based sensibility tests leading to false negative results. Thus, in such cases, the use of blood perfusion-based vitality testing is recommended for correct initial diagnosis.

Does dental fluorosis affect electric pulp test response and/or optimum probe placement site?

The placement site of electric pulp tester (EPT) probe on the tooth affects the threshold values obtained. The aim of this study was to determine and compare threshold levels and appropriate placement sites for EPT probe on fluorotic and normal teeth. Equal numbers of fluorotic and non-fluorotic maxillary central incisors of 40 subjects were assessed. The mean of three threshold readings from an EPT was taken from the labial surface at the incisal edge, incisal third, middle third and cervical third. Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman ANOVA followed by post hoc tests were used to compare threshold scores. Significantly higher thresholds were recorded for fluorotic teeth at the incisal edge and incisal third. The lowest thresholds were obtained for the incisal edge in both fluorotic and non-fluorotic teeth when compared to the cervical third. There was no statistically significant difference among corresponding test sites between the genders and age groups.

Comparison of Pulp Sensibility Tests Responses in Type 2 Diabetes Patients and Healthy Individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a common disease that may have some influence on sensory nerves. The aim of this study was to evaluate dental pulp responses to 2 pulp sensibility tests (ie, cold and electric) in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with healthy individuals. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-two premolar teeth in 51 patients who had type 2 diabetes and 347 premolar teeth in 53 individuals with no medical conditions were investigated. The patients with type 2 diabetes were unified and had fasting plasma glucose <300, hemoglobin A1C <10, less than a 10-year history of diabetes mellitus, and no history of hypertension. Electric and cold pulp sensibility tests were performed for all teeth. The cold test results were recorded by the Heft-Parker visual analog scale, and the electric pulp test results were recorded based on the pulp tester's grade that evoked a response. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between upper and lower premolar teeth in healthy individuals compared with the patients with diabetes in response to the cold and electric pulp tests (P > .05). In the patients with diabetes, the response of their upper premolars to the cold test was significantly reduced in diabetic patients >45 years of age (ß = -1.15, P = .013). However, there was no significant correlation between the cold test and age in the lower premolars of both diabetic and nondiabetic participants (P > .05). There was also no significant correlation between the need for a higher number of the electric pulp test current to evoke a response in maxillary and mandibular premolars of the patients with diabetes and nondiabetic participants with age (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between the reduction of maxillary premolar teeth responses to the cold test in diabetes patients >45 years of age.

Effect of at-home bleaching on oxygen saturation levels in the dental pulp of maxillary central incisors

Abstract The present study assessed oxygen saturation (SaO2) levels before, during, and after at-home bleaching treatment in the pulps of healthy maxillary central incisors. SaO2 levels were measured in 136 healthy maxillary central incisors using a pulse oximeter. The bleaching protocol consisted of 10% carbamide peroxide gel placed in individual trays and used for four hours daily for 14 days. SaO2 levels were assessed before bleaching (T0), immediately after the first session (T1), on the 7th day of treatment (T2), on the 15th day (the day following the last session) (T3), and 30 days after completion of the bleaching protocol (T4). Data were statistically analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE), Student's t test (p<0.05) and Pearson's correlation. Mean pulp SaO2 levels were 85.1% at T0, 84.9% at T1, 84.7% at T2, 84.3% at T3, and 85.0% at T4. Gradual reductions in SaO2 levels were observed, with significant differences (p<0.001) during the course of home bleaching treatment. However, 30 days after the end of the bleaching protocol, SaO2 levels returned to baseline levels. Home bleaching caused a reversible transient decrease in SaO2 levels in the pulps.

Resumo Este estudo verificou o grau de saturação de oxigênio (SaO2) pulpar antes, durante e após o clareamento dental caseiro em incisivos centrais superiores hígidos. O nível de SaO2 foi verificado em 136 incisivos centrais superiores hígidos usando oxímetro de pulso. A técnica de clareamento empregou peróxido de carbamida 10% em moldeira individual por quatro horas diárias durante 14 dias. Os níveis de SaO2 foram analisados antes do clareamento (T0), imediatamente após a primeira sessão (T1), no sétimo dia de tratamento (T2), no décimo quinto dia (um dia após a última sessão) (T3) e 30 dias após o término do clareamento dental (T4). A análise estatística utilizou o modelo de equações de estimações generalizadas (GEE), teste t de Student (p<0,05) e correlação de Pearson. Os níveis médios de SaO2 pulpar foram 85,1% em T0, 84,9% em T1, 84,7% em T2, 84,3% em T3 e 85,0% em T4. Foi observada uma redução gradual dos níveis de SaO2, com diferenças significantes (p<0,001) durante o clareamento dental caseiro. No entanto, 30 dias após o término do clareamento dental, houve retorno aos valores iniciais. O clareamento dental caseiro provocou uma diminuição transitória reversível no grau de SaO2 pulpar.

Hand Sensibility in Healthy Young Children.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were (1) to assess hand sensibility in healthy young children using instruments validated for adults; (2) to identify which test tools are suitable; and (3) to compare the dominant and nondominant sides. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy children aged seven to 11 years (mean = 9.5 years) were investigated. Sensibility was assessed with the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, two-point discrimination, localization test, and stereognosis object recognition. RESULTS: The thinnest Semmes-Weinstein filament (D = 2.83 mm) was felt at 94% of examined points. A two-point discrimination at the smallest distance of 2 mm was found in the thumb in 84% of children and in the index finger in 94%. Only 60% felt this distance in the fifth digit. The difference between little finger and index finger was statistically significant. Near-maximum value on the localization test was scored in both hands. All children had a 100% score for both hands in the stereognosis object recognition. CONCLUSIONS: Most children can detect touch in the digits at low pressure. The majority are able to discern two points 2 mm apart in the first and second digits, but significantly less so in the fifth digit. Children are well able to localize on which side of a fingertip pressure is applied. Objects are recognized well. There appear to be no differences between the dominant and nondominant hands in either test. Adjustment of sensory test protocols routinely used in adults is necessary to optimize hand sensation testing in children, in view of the detection limits.

Fluconazol como alternativa terapéutica en infecciones asociadas a Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Fluconazole as a therapeutic alternative in infections associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) es un microorganismo cuya importancia como agente infeccioso ha permanecido a través de los años, pero que se ha convertido en una emergencia y un grave problema de salud pública, como respuesta a la evolución en su comportamiento ante los antimicrobianos de primera línea para su tratamiento y al surgimiento de cepas multi-resistentes, lo que amerita el uso de alternativas terapéuticas que permitan su control. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el comportamiento in vitro de M. tuberculosis ante el antimicótico fluconazol, para su posible uso como alternativa terapéutica. Para ello, se evaluaron 6 cepas de M. tuberculosis: 2 resistentes a rifampicina, 2 resistentes a isoniazida y 2 sensibles a ambos antimicrobianos, Se utilizó el método de Concentración Inhibitoria Mínima, utilizando la técnica en microplaca con Azul de Alamar y la técnica de dilución en tubo. Ambas metodologías mostraron sensibilidad ante bajas concentraciones de fluconazol (0,0625 µg/ml). Todas las cepas fueron sensibles a la combinación fluconazol/isoniazida; mientras que, a la combinación fluconazol/rifampicina mostraron resistencia, indicando el efecto antagónico de la rifampicina sobre el fluconazol. Los resultados permiten concluir y sugerir el posible uso terapéutico del fluconazol ante las infecciones asociadas por M. tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is a microorganism whose importance as an infectious agent has remained over the years but which has become a recent emergency and a serious public health problem in response to the evolution in its behavior against first-line antimicrobials, for its treatment and the emergence of multi-resistant strains, which require the use of therapeutic alternatives that allow its control. The objective of the work was to evaluate the in vitro behavior of M. tuberculosis before the antifungal agent fluconazole, for its possible use as a therapeutic alternative. To this, six strains were evaluated M. tuberculosis: 2 resistants to rifampicin, 2 resistants to isoniazid and 2 sensitive to both antimicrobials. We used the method of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, using the microplate technique with Alamar Blue and the tube technique. Both methodologies showed sensitivity to low concentrations of fluconazole (0.0625 µg/ml). All strains were sensitive to the fluconazole / isoniazid combination; whereas, when exposed to the fluconazole / rifampicin combination, the strains showed resistance, indicating the antagonistic effect of rifampicin on fluconazole. The results allow us to conclude and suggest the possible therapeutic use of fluconazole against infections associated with M. tuberculosis.

Long-term Prognosis of Pulpal Status of Traumatized Teeth Exhibiting Contradictory Results between Pulp Sensibility Test and Ultrasound Doppler Flowmetry: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: In this retrospective study, we investigated long-term (over 3 years) follow-up results of teeth that exhibited contradictory results between the pulp sensibility test (thermal or electric pulp test) and ultrasound Doppler flowmetry (UDF) until 1 year after trauma to inspect the prognosis of the pulp. METHODS: Data were collected from the records of trauma patients in our hospital between February 2012 and May 2015. The teeth that had continuously shown contrasting results on the pulp sensibility test and UDF until 1 year after trauma were chosen for the study. Cases with follow-up records of more than 3 years after trauma were finally included, and a retrospective chart review was performed. RESULTS: Data from 343 teeth in 147 patients who visited the hospital with traumatic dental injuries were examined. Among these, 13 teeth from 7 patients were included, and the record of each case was reviewed. All the subjects showed negative responses on the pulp sensibility test and positive responses on UDF until 1 year after trauma. Ultimately, 8 of the 13 teeth recovered pulp sensibility. Two teeth failed to recover pulp sensibility and became symptomatic; root canal treatment was performed on the teeth. The remaining 3 teeth belonged to patients suffering from nerve damage; therefore, the pulp sensibility test was not feasible. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, UDF can be effectively used for the evaluation of pulpal status in traumatized teeth.

Oxygen Saturation in the Dental Pulp of Maxillary and Mandibular Molars - Part 2

Abstract This study determined the oxygen saturation (SaO2) in dental pulp of healthy maxillary and mandibular molars. Mean of SaO2 was evaluated in 112 maxillary and mandibular molars using pulse oximetry. Quantitative variables were described by mean and standard deviation. Variables with symmetric distribution were compared by Student t test and Mann-Whitney test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to correlate quantitative variables. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences in SaO2 levels between the molar groups, followed by post-hoc Tukey. The significance level established at p<0.05. Mean of oxygen saturation for the 112 molar dental pulps was 85.09%. There was no significant correlation (r=-0.007; p=0.977) between the mean of SaO2 of molar pulps with patient´s indicator finger (92.89%). There was a significant difference (p=0.037) between the mean of SaO2 of the first (85.76%) and second maxillary molars (81.87%), and it was not significant (p=0.1775) between the first and second mandibular molars. Maxillary molars had lower pulpal SaO2 (83.59%) than mandibular molars (86.89%) (p=0.018). The mean of the patient's response time to the cold stimulus was 1.12 s (maxillary molars 1.25 s and mandibular molars 0.99 s)(p=0.052). There was no significant correlation between the time response of the patient to the cold stimulus and the SaO2 for molars. The mean oxygen saturation level was 85.09%. The mandibular molars presented higher SaO2 level than maxillary molars.

Resumo Este estudo determinou o nível de saturação de oxigênio (SaO2) em polpas dentais hígidas de molares. O nível de SaO2 foi avaliado em 112 molares superiores e inferiores usando oxímetro de pulso. As variáveis quantitativas foram descritas pela média e desvio padrão. As variáveis com distribuição simétrica foram comparadas pelo teste t de Student e teste de Mann-Whitney. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para correlacionar variáveis quantitativas. A análise de variância foi utilizada para avaliar as diferenças nos níveis de SaO2 entre os grupos de molares, seguido de Tukey pós-hoc. A significância foi estabelecida em 0,05. O nível médio de SaO2 para as polpas de 112 molares foi de 85,09%, não havendo correlação com a média de SaO2 do dedo indicador do paciente (92,89%). Houve diferença significativa entre o nível médio de SaO2 dos primeiros molares superiores (85,76%) e os segundos molares superiores (81,87%) e não foi significativo entre os primeiros e os segundos molares inferiores. Os molares superiores apresentaram menor nível de SaO2 (83,59%) do que os molares inferiores (86,89%). A média do tempo de resposta do paciente ao estímulo com frio foi de 1,12 s (molares superiores 1,25 segundos e molares inferiores 0,99 segundos). Não houve correlação significativa entre o tempo de resposta do paciente ao estímulo com frio e o nível de saturação de oxigênio para os molares. Em resumo, o nível médio de saturação de oxigênio foi de 85,09%. Os molares inferiores apresentaram maior nível de SaO2 do que os molares superiors

Oxygen Saturation in the Dental Pulp of Maxillary Premolars in Different Age Groups - Part 1

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine oxygen saturation levels in the dental pulp of maxillary premolars in different age groups. A total of 120 human maxillary premolars with normal dental pulps were selected covering the following age groups: 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 and 40-44 years (n=24 each group). Oxygen saturation was assessed using pulse oximetry. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences in oxygen saturation levels and Tukey's test was used to identify the age groups that differed from each other. Significance was set at 0.05. Mean oxygen saturation of 120 premolars was 86.20% considering all age groups. Significantly reduced levels were found in the oldest group compared to the other groups: 40 to 44 years - 80.00% vs. 89.71, 87.67, 88.71, and 84.80% for age groups 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 years, respectively. The mean oxygen saturation levels were similar between 20 and 39 years of age (86.20%) in the whole sample, but reduced significantly in the 40-44-year age group, suggesting that older patients present lower oxygen saturation results even in the absence of pulp tissue injury.

Resumo Este estudo determinou os níveis de saturação de oxigênio (SaO2) em polpas dentárias de pré-molares superiores em diferentes faixas etárias. Foram selecionados 120 pré-molares superiores humanos com polpas dentárias normais, abrangendo os seguintes grupos etários: 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 e 40-44 anos (n=24 para cada grupo). A saturação de oxigênio foi avaliada utilizando oximetria de pulso. A análise de variância foi utilizada para avaliar diferenças nos níveis de saturação de oxigênio, e o teste de Tukey foi utilizado para identificar os grupos etários que diferiam uns dos outros. A significância foi estabelecida em 0,05. A saturação média de oxigênio foi de 86,20% considerando todos os grupos etários. Níveis significativamente reduzidos foram encontrados no grupo de indivíduos de maior idade em comparação aos outros grupos: 40 a 44 anos - 80,00% vs. 89,71, 87,67, 88,71 e 84,80% para os grupos etários 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 anos. Os níveis médios de saturação de oxigênio foram semelhantes entre os 20 e os 39 anos de idade (86,20%), mas reduziram-se significativamente na faixa etária de 40-44 anos, sugerindo que os pacientes mais idosos apresentam menor saturação de oxigênio mesmo na ausência de lesão do tecido pulpar.

Microbiological analysis and sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus spp. in subclinical mastitis of dairy goats / Análise microbiológica e perfil de sensibilidade do Staphylococcus spp. em mastite subclínica de caprinos leiteiros

Subclinical mastitis in goats causes economic losses and risks to public health. Given the need for research that shows the most isolated staphylococci species and sensibility tests comparing the resistance between coagulase-negative (CNS) and positive Staphylococcus (CPS) goats with subclinical mastitis, the aim of this study was to identify the microorganisms isolated from milk samples of goats with subclinical mastitis, as well as define the staphylococci species and determine the sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus spp. to antimicrobials. To collect samples, tests were performed for mug of black background and California mastitis test (CMT), collecting milk from CMT positive animals. A total of 226 samples from seven herds of dairy goats was collected and forwarded to the laboratory, where they were seeded for the isolation of the microorganism and implementing the antibiotic sensibility test. Of these, 122 samples had bacterial growth and the most isolated staphylococci species were: S. epidermidis (24.55%), S. lugdunensis (15.40%) and S. intermedius (13.64%). Samples showed increased resistance to antimicrobials: penicillin (81.8%), oxacillin (60.0%) and ampicillin (55.5%). Greater sensitivity to: enrofloxacin (99.1%), erythromycin (98.2%), gentamicin (98.2%) and vancomycin (98.2%) were observed. The S. epidermidis showed higher antimicrobial resistance to amoxicillin and penicillin than S. lugdunensis and S. intermedius. Similar resistance in vitro between CNS and CPS was observed to most antimicrobials. It is important to control the overuse of antibiotics to prevent the emergence of resistant strains.

A mastite subclínica em caprinos acarreta prejuízos econômicos e riscos à saúde pública. Tendo em vista a necessidade de pesquisas que demonstrem as espécies de estafilococos mais isoladas e os testes de sensibilidade que comparem a resistência entre Staphylococcus coagulase negativa (SCN) e positiva (SCP) de cabras com mastite subclínica, os objetivos do presente estudo foram identificar os microrganismos isolados de amostras de leite de cabras com mastite subclínica, bem como definir as espécies de estafilococos e determinar o perfil de sensibilidade de Staphylococcus spp. aos antimicrobianos. Para realizar a coleta das amostras, foram executados os testes da caneca de fundo preto e California mastitis test (CMT) com o leite dos animais reagentes ao CMT. Coletaram-se 226 amostras provenientes de sete rebanhos de caprinos leiteiros, as quais foram encaminhadas para o laboratório, onde foram semeadas para o isolamento do microrganismo e a realização do teste de antibiograma. Dessas amostras, 122 tiveram crescimento bacteriano e as espécies mais isoladas de estafilococos foram: S. epidermidis (24,55%), S. lugdunensis (15,40%) e S. intermedius (13,64%). As amostras apresentaram maior resistência aos antimicrobianos penicilina (81,8%), oxacilina (60,0%) e ampicilina (55,5%). Observou-se maior sensibilidade para enrofloxacina (99,1%), eritromicina (98,2%), gentamicina (98,2%) e vancomicina (98,2%). O S. epidermidis apresentou maior resistência antimicrobiana para a amoxicilina e a penicilina do que o S. lugdunensis e o S. intermedius. Foi verificada uma resistência in vitro semelhante entre os estafilococos coagulase negativa e positiva para a maioria dos antimicrobianos testados. É importante o controle do uso abusivo de antimicrobianos para evitar o surgimento de cepas resistentes.

Methodology for determination of two new sensory thresholds: Compromised acceptance threshold and rejection threshold.

The existing methodologies for determining thresholds generate unreliable estimates of the point at which the intensity of a stimulus begins to compromise acceptance or result in sensory rejection of a product. Thus, a new methodology was proposed for determination of two new sensory thresholds: the compromised acceptance threshold (CAT) and the rejection threshold (RT). In this new methodology, increasing or decreasing series of stimulus intensity are measured together with a standard stimulus (control sample) by means of acceptance tests. In the present study, the CAT and RT were determined for sucrose concentrations in grape nectar, demonstrating that when reducing the sucrose concentration of grape nectar form 9.00% (w/v) to 6.87% there begins to occur impairment of product acceptance (CAT), and when reducing the sucrose concentration from 9.00% to 3.83% there begins to occur sensory rejection (RT) of the product. When compared to existing threshold determination methodologies, the proposed methodology permitted for calculating, with greater reliability, the points at which compromise of acceptance (CAT) and sensory rejection (RT) of the product begin to occur. In addition to the case study presented, the proposed methodology has a wide range of applications in science and in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Vibrotactile evaluation: osseointegrated versus socket-suspended transfemoral prostheses.

This study investigated detection thresholds of vibrometric stimuli in patients with transfemoral amputation supplied with osseointegrated (OI) and socket-suspended prostheses. It included 17 patients tested preoperatively with socket-suspended prostheses and after 2 yr with OI prostheses and a control group (n = 17) using socket-suspended prostheses, evaluated once. Assessments on the prosthetic and intact feet were conducted at six frequencies (8, 16, 32, 64, 125, and 250 Hz). Furthermore, measurements were conducted to investigate how vibrometric signals are transmitted through a test prosthesis. The results showed that the OI group had improved ability to detect vibrations through the prosthesis at 125 Hz (p = 0.01) at follow-up compared with the preoperative measurement. Compared with the control group, the OI group at follow-up had better ability to detect high frequency vibrations through the prosthesis (125 Hz, p = 0.02; 250 Hz, p = 0.03). The vibrometric signal transmitted through the test prosthesis was reduced at 8, 125, and 250 Hz but was amplified at 16, 32, and 64 Hz. Differences between the OI and the control groups were found in the highest frequencies in which the test prosthesis showed reduction of the vibrometric signal. The study provides insight into the mechanisms of vibration transmission between the exterior and bone-anchored as well as socket-suspended amputation prostheses.

Identification and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mycoplasma from Female Cervical Secretions:Analysis of 2263 Cases / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To study infection status and drug resistance of Ureaplasma urealyticum(Uu) and Mycoplasma hominis(Mh) in the female genital tract.METHODS The retrospective analysis of identification and the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of mycoplasma in 2263 female cervical secretions from Jan 2007 to Jun 2008 were conducted.RESULTS In 2263 cases,the positive rate of mycoplasma was 66.46%.The infection only by Uu accounted for 45.03%,by Mh for 1.46%,and the mixed infection for 19.97%.The results of drug sensibility test showed that drug resistances of mycoplasma were diffirent among three types of mycoplasma infections.CONCLUSIONS The infectious rate of mycoplasma from female cervical secretions is on big rise.It is important to culture and test the drug sensitivities of mycoplasma for choosing drugs rationally and control the resistant strains.