Systemic circulating inflammatory burden and periodontitis in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between systemic inflammatory burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and periodontitis in adolescents, including mediating pathways triggered by their common risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a population-based sample study (n = 405) of Brazilian adolescents (17-18 years old), direct and mediation pathways triggered by "Socioeconomic Status," "Adiposity," Smoking, and "Blood Pressure" were modelled for the association between the "Systemic Circulating Inflammatory Burden of CVD Risk" (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and the "Initial Periodontitis" (bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm, clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥ 4 mm), both as continuous latent variables, using structural equation modeling. Sensitivity analysis was performed for the outcomes "Gingivitis" (visible plaque; BoP); "Moderate Periodontitis" (PD ≥ 5 mm and CAL ≥ 5 mm) and periodontitis (CDC-AAP case definition). RESULTS: Higher "Systemic Circulating Inflammatory Burden of CVD Risk" was directly associated with higher "Initial Periodontitis" (standardized coefficient [SC] = 0.178, P value < 0.001). Lower "Socioeconomic Status" (SC = - 0.022, P value = 0.015) and Smoking (SC = 0.030, P value = 0.021) triggered the "Initial Periodontitis", mediated by "Systemic Circulating Inflammatory Burden of CVD Risk". Sensitivity analysis showed a dose-response relationship between "Systemic Circulating Inflammatory Burden of CVD Risk" and "Moderate Periodontitis" (SC = 0.323, P value = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: "Systemic Circulating Inflammatory Burden of CVD Risk" appeared as an underlying mechanism of early periodontal breakdown in adolescents, also triggered by social vulnerability and smoking. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The association between periodontitis and CVD in adulthood seems to establish much earlier in life than had been previously studied, giving impetus to preventive approaches focused on their common risk factors.

Genotypic diversity of Salmonella ser. Abortusequi isolates from Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abortusequi (S. Abortusequi) is a serotype restricted to equines, which produces abortion outbreaks. Nowadays the disease is being reported in different countries including Argentina thus generating an important impact in the equine industry. Molecular characterization of the 95 kb virulence plasmid and the spvC gene of S. Abortusequi demonstrated their importance in the pathogenicity of the serotype. In the last decades, high clonality of S. Abortusequi was identified in Japan, Mongolia and Croatia. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to characterize S. Abortusequi isolates obtained in Argentina between 2011 and 2016 by virulence-gene profiling and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: S. Abortusequi isolates were studied by virulence-gene profiling and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Four virulence profiles and nine pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pulsotypes were identified among the 27 isolates included in the study. Different strains were found in the same outbreak and/or farm suggesting the presence of different sources of infection or mutation of isolates. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The number of related and nonrelated strains. More isolates may be necessary for a more intensive study. CONCLUSIONS: Most strains presented the same virulence profile, being positive for all the studied genes except gipA and sopE1, which are involved in intestinal virulence. Only few isolates showed different results in the same outbreak or farm. Unlike other studies, our results demonstrate a considerable diversity of S. Abortusequi pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pulsotypes, which suggests that different sources of infection may be involved within the same outbreak.

Flow rate, pH and calcium concentration of saliva of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Alterations in salivary parameters may increase the caries risk in diabetic children, but, contradictory data on this issue have been reported. The aims of this study were to compare salivary parameters (flow rate, pH and calcium concentration) between healthy and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) individuals. The sample consisted of 7- to 18-year-old individuals divided into two groups: 30 subjects with T1DM (group A) and 30 healthy control subjects (group B). Fasting glucose levels were determined. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva was collected. The pH of unstimulated saliva was measured with paper strips and an electrode. Calcium concentrations in stimulated saliva were determined with a selective electrode. Group A individuals had inadequate blood glucose control (HbA1C >9%), with means ± SD unstimulated salivary flow rate of 0.15 ± 0.1 mL/min compared to 0.36 ± 0.2 mL/min for group B (P < 0.01). Stimulated salivary flow rate was similar by both groups and above 2.0 mL/min. Saliva pH was 6.0 ± 0.8 for group A and significantly different from 7.0 ± 0.6 for group B (P < 0.01). Salivary calcium was 14.7 ± 8.1 mg/L for group A and significantly higher than 9.9 ± 6.4 mg/L for group B (P < 0.01). Except for elevated calcium concentrations in saliva, salivary parameters favoring caries such as low saliva pH and unstimulated salivary flow rate were observed in T1DM individuals.

Flow rate, pH and calcium concentration of saliva of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Alterations in salivary parameters may increase the caries risk in diabetic children, but, contradictory data on this issue have been reported. The aims of this study were to compare salivary parameters (flow rate, pH and calcium concentration) between healthy and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) individuals. The sample consisted of 7- to 18-year-old individuals divided into two groups: 30 subjects with T1DM (group A) and 30 healthy control subjects (group B). Fasting glucose levels were determined. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva was collected. The pH of unstimulated saliva was measured with paper strips and an electrode. Calcium concentrations in stimulated saliva were determined with a selective electrode. Group A individuals had inadequate blood glucose control (HbA(1C) >9%), with means +/- SD unstimulated salivary flow rate of 0.15 +/- 0.1 mL/min compared to 0.36 +/- 0.2 mL/min for group B (P < 0.01). Stimulated salivary flow rate was similar by both groups and above 2.0 mL/min. Saliva pH was 6.0 +/- 0.8 for group A and significantly different from 7.0 +/- 0.6 for group B (P < 0.01). Salivary calcium was 14.7 +/- 8.1 mg/L for group A and significantly higher than 9.9 +/- 6.4 mg/L for group B (P < 0.01). Except for elevated calcium concentrations in saliva, salivary parameters favoring caries such as low saliva pH and unstimulated salivary flow rate were observed in T1DM individuals.

Starch-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and starch-poly(lactic acid) fibre-mesh scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications: structure, mechanical properties and degradation behaviour.

In scaffold-based tissue engineering strategies, the successful regeneration of tissues from matrix-producing connective tissue cells or anchorage-dependent cells (e.g. osteoblasts) relies on the use of a suitable scaffold. This study describes the development and characterization of SPCL (starch with epsilon-polycaprolactone, 30:70%) and SPLA [starch with poly(lactic acid), 30:70%] fibre-meshes, aimed at application in bone tissue-engineering strategies. Scaffolds based on SPCL and SPLA were prepared from fibres obtained by melt-spinning by a fibre-bonding process. The porosity of the scaffolds was characterized by microcomputerized tomography (microCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Scaffold degradation behaviour was assessed in solutions containing hydrolytic enzymes (alpha-amylase and lipase) in physiological concentrations, in order to simulate in vivo conditions. Mechanical properties were also evaluated in compression tests. The results show that these scaffolds exhibit adequate porosity and mechanical properties to support cell adhesion and proliferation and also tissue ingrowth upon implantation of the construct. The results of the degradation studies showed that these starch-based scaffolds are susceptible to enzymatic degradation, as detected by increased weight loss (within 2 weeks, weight loss in the SPCL samples reached 20%). With increasing degradation time, the diameter of the SPCL and SPLA fibres decreases significantly, increasing the porosity and consequently the available space for cells and tissue ingrowth during implantation time. These results, in combination with previous cell culture studies showing the ability of these scaffolds to induce cell adhesion and proliferation, clearly demonstrate the potential of these scaffolds to be used in tissue engineering strategies to regenerate bone tissue defects.

A cartilage tissue engineering approach combining starch-polycaprolactone fibre mesh scaffolds with bovine articular chondrocytes.

In the present work we originally tested the suitability of corn starch-polycaprolactone (SPCL) scaffolds for pursuing a cartilage tissue engineering approach. Bovine articular chondrocytes were seeded on SPCL scaffolds under dynamic conditions using spinner flasks (total of 4 scaffolds per spinner flask using cell suspensions of 0.5 x 10(6) cells/ml) and cultured under orbital agitation for a total of 6 weeks. Poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) non-woven scaffolds and bovine native articular cartilage were used as standard controls for the conducted experiments. PGA is a kind of standard in tissue engineering approaches and it was used as a control in that sense. The tissue engineered constructs were characterized at different time periods by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue stainings, immunolocalisation of collagen types I and II, and dimethylmethylene blue (DMB) assay for glycosaminoglycans (GAG) quantification assay. SEM results for SPCL constructs showed that the chondrocytes presented normal morphological features, with extensive cells presence at the surface of the support structures, and penetrating the scaffolds pores. These observations were further corroborated by H&E staining. Toluidine blue and immunohistochemistry exhibited extracellular matrix deposition throughout the 3D structure. Glycosaminoglycans, and collagen types I and II were detected. However, stronger staining for collagen type II was observed when compared to collagen type I. The PGA constructs presented similar features to SPCL at the end of the 6 weeks. PGA constructs exhibited higher amounts of matrix glycosaminoglycans when compared to the SPCL scaffolds. However, we also observed a lack of tissue in the central area of the PGA scaffolds. Reasons for these occurrences may include inefficient cells penetration, necrosis due to high cell densities, or necrosis related with acidic by-products degradation. Such situation was not detected in the SPCL scaffolds, indicating the much better biocompatibility of the starch based scaffolds.

Application of Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology to achieve exponential growth for aggregated shipworm bacterium.

Here we report the successful implementation of the Plackett-Burman multifactorial design to screen the limiting components for growth and subsequent use of the response surface methodology (RSM) to design a medium that supported exponential growth of the aggregated morphology of the shipworm bacterium, Teredinobacter turnirae. The results obtained with the help of Plackett-Burman design indicated limitations of three components in the growth medium, MnCl2.4H2O, Na2CO3, and K2HPO4. The concentrations of these three components were further optimized using RSM. By increasing the concentrations of the above-mentioned components by 4-fold, 12-fold, and 12-fold, respectively, it became possible to achieve exponential growth of the culture.

Production of an endoglucanase by the shipworm bacterium, Teredinobacter turnirae.

The nutritional behavior of a cellulolytic nitrogen-fixing shipworm bacterium, Teredinobacter turnirae, is described, with respect to various carbon and nitrogen sources, in terms of endoglucanase production. Also, the effects of various surfactants on enzyme production are reported. Among the carbon sources, sucrose results in the maximum enzyme production, followed by cellulose. Ammonium phosphate proves to be the best nitrogen source for endoglucanase production. Various surfactants enhance the enzyme titers, with Triton X-100 yielding the best results. A combination of the above-mentioned components improves the enzyme production by 3.6-fold.

Pleomorphism of the marine bacterium Teredinobacter turnirae.

AIMS: A morphology transition for the marine bacterium, Teredinobacter turnirae is reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: When grown in the rod-shaped morphology, the cells require high concentrations of NaCl (0.3 mol x l(-1)) and secrete extracellular protease and endoglucanase activity. When this bacterium is grown in a medium containing casein as a sole carbon and nitrogen source, a major change in morphology to a stable aggregated form is obtained. CONCLUSION: In the aggregated morphology, much higher protease production rates (170 Units x ml(-1) x d-1 for aggregates vs. 15 Units x ml(-1) x d(-1) for rods, for the same initial biomass) and negligible endoglucanase titres are obtained. In addition, the aggregated morphology does not require sodium chloride for growth. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The phenomenon reported here describes a novel relationship between the cell morphology and the biochemical characteristics of the bacterium.

Distribution of IS900 restriction fragment length polymorphism types among animal Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates from Argentina and Europe.

Sixty-one Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates from cattle and deer from the Buenos Aires province, an important livestock region in Argentina, were typed by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) analysis based on IS900. Four different RFLP patterns (designated 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'E') were identified in BstEII digests of genomic DNA. The most frequently observed type, pattern 'A', was found in 46 isolates (75%). The second, pattern 'E', included 8 isolates (13%), while the third, pattern 'B', included 6 isolates (10%). Pattern 'C' was found for only one isolate. All of the deer isolates were classified as pattern 'A', while cattle isolates represented all four RFLP patterns. Twenty-one isolates representing the four different BstEII-RFLP patterns were digested with PstI. Twenty isolates showed identical PstI-RFLP pattern. BstEII-RFLP patterns from Argentine cattle and deer were compared with patterns found in cattle, goat, deer, rabbit, and human isolates from Europe. The most common pattern in Argentina, pattern 'A', was identical to a less frequently occurring pattern R9 (C17) from Europe. The other Argentine patterns 'B', 'C' and 'E', were not found in the Europe. These results indicate that the distribution of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis genotypes in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina is different from that found in Europe.

La vacuna antiaftosa con adyuvante oleoso y su posible influencia en el diagnóstico de la tuberculosis en bovinos

Se investigó la posible influencia de la vacuna antiaftosa con adyuvante oleoso - aplicada de acuerdo con el Plan Nacional de Erradicación - sobre la respuesta a la tuberculina PPD, y sobre el nivel de anticuerpos séricos anti-Mycobacterium bovis determinado por un enzimoinmunoensayo (ELISA). Se incluyeron 40 bovinos de un establecimiento oficialmente libre de tuberculosis. Se efectuaron dos vacunaciones con seis meses de intervalo, pruebas tuberculínas y sangrías para ELISA. Las sangrías se realizaron al inicio del estudio, a los cinco días y a los 90 días después de cada vacunación. Los resultados obtenidos en ambas pruebas diagnósticas de tuberculosis, antes y después de dos vacunaciones con vacuna antiaftosa con adyuvante oleoso no mostraron interferencia de esa vacuna sobre la especificidad de las respuestas tuberculínicas o de los niveles de anticuerpos anti-M.bovis. Se analizó también la presencia de anticuerpos anti-M.paratuberculosis por ELISA, hallándose resultados positivos en 6 por ciento de los animales.

[Pure spinal leptomeningeal cysticercosis]. / Cisticercose espinhal leptomeníngea pura.

An adult female patient presented with an exclusively spinal leptomeningeal infestation by cysticercosis (restricted to the cauda equina), verified in surgery. The rôle of the vertebral vein system in the spread of cysticercosis larvae is discussed. A commentary on the possibility that cysticercosis of the basal cisterns may be due to ascending migration of primarily spinal cysticerel, as originally proposed by Isamat de la Riva, is stated.

Cisticercose espinhal leptomeníngea pura / Pure spinal leptomeningeal cysticercosis

Relato de um caso com verificaçäo cirúrgica de cisticercose espinhal, forma leptomeníngea restrita à cauda eqüina, em paciente adulto. E discutido o papel do sistema venoso vertebral na infestaçäo dos espaços subaracnóideos na neurocisticercose, originando formas clínicas primariamente espinhais

Microbiology of diarrhoea in young beef and dairy calves in Argentina.

Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium sp, and Salmonella spp. were investigated in the faeces of 452 diarrhoeic calves from 36 beef and 33 dairy herds. Animals surveyed were from a few days of age up to approximately 1 month of life. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) was studied in 212 calves, aged 15 days or less. The animals were from the Provinces of Buenos Aires (59% of the calves), Córdoba (18%), Santa Fe (16%), Entre Ríos (5%) and La Pampa (2%). A minimum of 4 calves were sampled on each farm. In beef calves rotavirus was excreted by 45.1% of the animals. Cryptosporidium by 30.5% and Sàlmonella serovars Arechabaleta, Livingstone, Panama and Typhimurium by 1.9%. In dairy calves Cryptosporidium was excreted by 29.6%, rotavirus by 23% and Salmonella serovar Dublin by 1.6%, ETEC was not detected in any calf. Rotavirus was the most widespread agent, detected in 32 (88.9%) beef herds and excreted by more than 50% of the calves in half of these herds. In contrast, rotavirus was only detected in 19 (57.5%) dairy herds and was excreted by more than 50% of the calves in 6 of these herds. Crytosporidium oocysts were identified in 27 (75%) beef and in 23 (69.7%) dairy farms. Salmonellosis due to serovar Dublin was associated with diarrhoea in 2 dairy herds. Concurrent infection with two or three agents occurred in 36 (8%) calves and 38 (55.1%) farms; the combination rotavirus-Cryptosporidium was found in 32 (6.9%) calves an in 33 (47.8) farms.

Mycrobiology of diarrhoea in young beef and dairy calves in Argentina

Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium sp. y Salmonella spp. fueron investigados en las heces de 452 terneros diarreicos provenientes de 36 rodeos de cría y 33 de tambo. Los animales muestreados tenían desde pocos días de vida hasta aproximadamente 1 mes de edad. Escherichia coli enterotoxigénica (ETEC) fue buscada en 212 terneros de 15 o menos días de edad. Los animales provenían de las Provincias de Buenos Aires (59%) de los terneros), Córdoba (18%), Santa Fe (16%), Entre Ríos (5%) y la Pampa (2%). Um mínimo de 4 terneros fue muestreado en cada establecimiento. En terneros de cría, rotavirus fue excretado por el 45,1% de los animales Cryptosporidium por el 30,5% y Salmonela serovariedades Arechabaleta, Livingstone, Panama y Typhimurium por el 1,9% (Cuadro 1). En terneros de tambo Cryptossporidium fue excretado per el 29,6%, rotavirus por el 23% y Salmonella serovariedad Dublin por el 1,6%. ETEC no fue detectado en ningún ternero. Rotavirus fue el agente más difundido, detectado en 32(88,9%) rodeos de cría (Cuadro 2) y excretado por más del 50% de los terneros en la mitad de esos rodeos. En contraste rotavirus fue solamente detectado en 19(57,5%) tambos y fue excretado por más del 50% de los terneros en 6 de esos rodeos. Se identificaron oocistos de Cryptosporidium en 27(75%) rodeos de cría y en 23(69,7%) tambos. La salmonelosis por la serovariedad Dublin se asoció con diarrea en 2 tambos. Infecciones concurrentes con dos o tres agentes ocurrieron en 36(8%) terneros y en 38(55,1%) establecimientos; la combinación rotavirus-Cryptosporidium se encontró en 31(6,9%) terneros y en 33(47,8) establecimientos

Microbiology of diarrhoea in young beef and dairy calves in Argentina.

Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium sp, and Salmonella spp. were investigated in the faeces of 452 diarrhoeic calves from 36 beef and 33 dairy herds. Animals surveyed were from a few days of age up to approximately 1 month of life. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) was studied in 212 calves, aged 15 days or less. The animals were from the Provinces of Buenos Aires (59

of the calves), Córdoba (18

), Santa Fe (16

), Entre Ríos (5

) and La Pampa (2

). A minimum of 4 calves were sampled on each farm. In beef calves rotavirus was excreted by 45.1

of the animals. Cryptosporidium by 30.5

and SOlmonella serovars Arechabaleta, Livingstone, Panama and Typhimurium by 1.9

. In dairy calves Cryptosporidium was excreted by 29.6

, rotavirus by 23

and Salmonella serovar Dublin by 1.6

, ETEC was not detected in any calf. Rotavirus was the most widespread agent, detected in 32 (88.9

) beef herds and excreted by more than 50

of the calves in half of these herds. In contrast, rotavirus was only detected in 19 (57.5

) dairy herds and was excreted by more than 50

of the calves in 6 of these herds. Crytosporidium oocysts were identified in 27 (75

) beef and in 23 (69.7

) dairy farms. Salmonellosis due to serovar Dublin was associated with diarrhoea in 2 dairy herds. Concurrent infection with two or three agents occurred in 36 (8

) calves and 38 (55.1

) farms; the combination rotavirus-Cryptosporidium was found in 32 (6.9

) calves an in 33 (47.8) farms.

Mycrobiology of diarrhoea in young beef and dairy calves in Argentina

Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium sp. y Salmonella spp. fueron investigados en las heces de 452 terneros diarreicos provenientes de 36 rodeos de cría y 33 de tambo. Los animales muestreados tenían desde pocos días de vida hasta aproximadamente 1 mes de edad. Escherichia coli enterotoxigénica (ETEC) fue buscada en 212 terneros de 15 o menos días de edad. Los animales provenían de las Provincias de Buenos Aires (59%) de los terneros), Córdoba (18%), Santa Fe (16%), Entre Ríos (5%) y la Pampa (2%). Um mínimo de 4 terneros fue muestreado en cada establecimiento. En terneros de cría, rotavirus fue excretado por el 45,1% de los animales Cryptosporidium por el 30,5% y Salmonela serovariedades Arechabaleta, Livingstone, Panama y Typhimurium por el 1,9% (Cuadro 1). En terneros de tambo Cryptossporidium fue excretado per el 29,6%, rotavirus por el 23% y Salmonella serovariedad Dublin por el 1,6%. ETEC no fue detectado en ningún ternero. Rotavirus fue el agente más difundido, detectado en 32(88,9%) rodeos de cría (Cuadro 2) y excretado por más del 50% de los terneros en la mitad de esos rodeos. En contraste rotavirus fue solamente detectado en 19(57,5%) tambos y fue excretado por más del 50% de los terneros en 6 de esos rodeos. Se identificaron oocistos de Cryptosporidium en 27(75%) rodeos de cría y en 23(69,7%) tambos. La salmonelosis por la serovariedad Dublin se asoció con diarrea en 2 tambos. Infecciones concurrentes con dos o tres agentes ocurrieron en 36(8%) terneros y en 38(55,1%) establecimientos; la combinación rotavirus-Cryptosporidium se encontró en 31(6,9%) terneros y en 33(47,8) establecimientos (AU)