Systemic administration of probiotics reduces the severity of apical periodontitis.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of systemic administration of probiotics on the severity of apical periodontitis (AP). METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used. AP was induced in the maxillary left/right first molars. The animals were arranged into groups: Control, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Probiotics were administered orally for gavage (109 colony-forming units diluted in 5 mL of water for 30 days) during the development of AP. After 30 days, cardiac puncture was performed to analyse the complete blood count. Moreover, microbiological analysis of the root canal contents and saliva was performed. Then, the animals were euthanized and the jaw removed for histopathological and IL-10, IL-1ß and IL-6 immunolabeling analyses. After the Shapiro-Wilk test of normality, the Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn's test was performed for nonparametric data, and analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test was performed for parametric data (P < 0.05). RESULTS: No significance difference was observed in the blood profiles and in the counts of microorganisms from the saliva samples among the groups (P > 0.05). Total microorganism counts in the root canal, the inflammatory infiltrate and the immunostaining for IL-1ß and IL-6 in AP were significantly lower in the probiotic groups when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). IL-10 was significantly more immunolabled in the probiotic groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Supplementation with probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus) had a significant effect on the severity of apical periodontitis in rats, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory effect of probiotics on the development of apical periodontitis.

Osteoradionecrosis prevalence and associated factors: A ten years retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is one of the most serious complications of head and neck radiotherapy and is considered a public health problem worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ORN in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck malignancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, in which all medical records of patients undergoing head and neck radiation in the period between 2006 to 2015 (10 years) were examined. Clinical and demographic data were extracted. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was employed to access the relationship between ORN and independent variables (p < 0.05; 95% CI). RESULTS: The sample comprised 413 medical records of patients undergoing radiotherapy. The prevalence of ORN was 9.7 %. Most participants were males (78.2%). The mean age of subjects was 55 years (± 14 years). The mandible was the main site of occurrence of ORN (85.0%). The following variables were associated with ORN : presence of oral mucositis (PR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.30-7.03), history of smoking (PR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07-0.74), number of teeth removed before radiotherapy (PR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.11) and visit to the dentist before radiation (PR = 0.08; 95% CI: 1.02-1.11). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ORN was low and was associated with the presence of oral mucositis and the number of removed teeth before radiation. Visiting the dentist before radiotherapy and stop-ping smoking were protective factors for ORN.

Mesodesma mactroides Gill Cells Exposed to Copper: Does Hyposmotic Saline Increase Cytotoxicity or Cellular Defenses?

Gill cells of filter feeding mollusks have cellular defense mechanisms, such as multixenobiotic resistance (MXR), that allow them to extrude possible contaminants. To analyze the cytotoxicity and cellular defenses of gills in the clam Mesodesma mactroides, gill cells were exposed to copper in both iso- and hyposmotic solutions. Analysis of MXR activity by fluorescence microscopy showed that hyposmotic saline activated defenses, whereas the presence of copper in isosmotic solution inhibited the activation of defenses. Cell viability was decreased in cells exposed to copper in isosmotic saline, but not in cells exposed to hyposmotic saline. We conclude that when cells cannot defend themselves due to decreased MXR, cell death occurs. In addition, gill cells under hyposmotic conditions have a greater capacity for defense and a lower rate of cellular mortality than when they are maintained under isosmotic conditions.

Assessment of the hemodynamic profile in periodontal tissues of diabetic subjects with periodontitis by optical spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the hemodynamics of periodontal tissues has not been assessed previously. The primary objective of this study was to validate optical spectroscopy as a periodontal diagnostic tool for subjects with type 2 DM and chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a portable optical near-infrared spectrometer, optical spectra were obtained from healthy (n = 127), gingivitis (n = 115), and periodontitis (n = 109) sites of 65 subjects with type 2 DM and chronic periodontitis. Healthy (n = 65) sites of 15 nondiabetic subjects without periodontitis were used as controls. A modified Beer-Lambert unmixing model that incorporates a nonparametric scattering-loss function was used to determine the relative contribution of deoxygenated hemoglobin and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2 ) to the overall spectrum. The balance between tissue oxygen delivery and oxygen utilization in periodontal tissues was assessed. RESULTS: In diabetic subjects, tissue oxygen saturation and HbO2 concentration were significantly decreased in the periodontitis sites (p < 0.01) compared with the healthy and gingivitis sites. Furthermore, tissue oxygenation in healthy sites of control subjects was significantly higher than that in sites of diabetic subjects (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In summary, the results of this study suggest that optical spectroscopy can monitor the hemodynamic profile in diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis. Furthermore, healthy sites of diabetic subjects presented lower tissue oxygenation than did those of nondiabetic subjects.

A multiplex panel of short-amplicon insertion-deletion DNA polymorphisms for forensic analysis.

We have previously developed a panel of 40 insertion-deletion (INDEL) human DNA polymorphisms that was proven to ad-equately cover the span of global human genetic diversity. The panel was found to have very low matching probabilities with respect to both the global and Brazilian populations. To optimize the panel for application with degraded DNA samples, which are commonly encountered in fo-rensic analysis, we have significantly reduced the amplicon size of the INDELs and developed a new multiplex panel. The panel has an ampli-con size ranging from 50 to 153 base pairs, with a mean of 93 base pairs. It could be amplified by polymerase chain reaction in two multiplex re-actions, which were then combined for electrophoretic separation and identification of the individual products in the ABI3130 four-color DNA analyzer. The results of the new panel were fully validated.

Relationship between galactomannan structure and physicochemical properties of films produced thereof.

In this work five sources of galactomannans, Adenanthera pavonina, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Ceratonia siliqua and Sophora japonica, presenting mannose/galactose ratios of 1.3, 1.7, 2.9, 3.4 and 5.6, respectively, were used to produce galactomannan-based films. These films were characterized in terms of: water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeabilities (WVP, O 2 P and CO 2 P); moisture content, water solubility, contact angle, elongation-at-break (EB), tensile strength (TS) and glass transition temperature (T g ). Results showed that films properties vary according to the galactomannan source (different galactose distribution) and their mannose/galactose ratio. Water affinity of mannan and galactose chains and the intermolecular interactions of mannose backbone should also be considered being factors that affect films' properties. This work has shown that knowing mannose/galactose ratio of galactomannans is possible to foresee galactomannan-based edible films properties.

Subgingival biodiversity in subjects with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is a bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Inflammatory mediators may negatively affect glycemic control, and increased glucose levels and resultant glycation end-products may alter the host response against bacterial infection. However, no agreement has been reached regarding the effect of DM on periodontal subgingival microbiota. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the subgingival biodiversity in deep periodontal pockets of subjects with chronic periodontitis and either uncontrolled type-2 diabetes or no diabetes using 16S rRNA gene cloning and sequencing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve subjects with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes (glycated hemoglobin > 8%) and eleven nondiabetic subjects presenting severe and generalized chronic periodontitis were selected. Subgingival biofilm from periodontal pockets > 5 mm were assessed using the 16S rRNA gene cloning and sequencing technique. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in subgingival microbiota between diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. Diabetic subjects presented higher percentages of total clones of TM7, Aggregatibacter, Neisseria, Gemella, Eikenella, Selenomonas, Actinomyces, Capnocytophaga, Fusobacterium, Veillonella and Streptococcus genera, and lower percentages of Porphyromonas, Filifactor, Eubacterium, Synergistetes, Tannerella and Treponema genera than nondiabetic individuals (p < 0.05). Moreover, some phylotypes, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Veillonella parvula, V. dispar and Eikenella corrodens were detected significantly more often in diabetic subjects than in nondiabetic subjects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Subjects with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis presented significant dissimilarities in subgingival biodiversity compared with nondiabetic subjects.

Antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat product.

Meat products represent an important component of the human diet and are a good source of nutrients. Food-borne microorganisms are the main pathogens that cause human diseases as a result of food consumption, especially products of animal origin. The objective of the present research was to verify the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris against strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat products. For this, the analyses of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were performed in microdilution plates. The association of the product with antimicrobials was also studied using disk diffusion. And the anti-adherent activity, which was determined in the presence of sucrose, in glass tubes. Thyme oil showed a strong inhibitory activity against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, with the MIC values ranging from 64 to 512 µg/mL, and bactericidal effect for most strains, with MBC values ranging from 256 to 1,024 µg/mL. T. vulgaris oil exhibited varied interactions in association with the antimicrobials, with synergistic (41.67%), indifferent (50%) and antagonistic (8.33%) effects. Regarding the anti-adherent activity, the test product was effective in inhibiting the adherence of all bacterial strains under study. Therefore, thyme oil presents itself as an antibacterial and anti-adherent agent against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, being a natural product that can represent an interesting alternative in the efforts to combat foodborne diseases.

Partial- and full-mouth scaling and root planing in type 2 diabetic subjects: a 12-mo follow-up of clinical parameters and levels of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis-related factors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of full-mouth scaling and root planing (FMSRP) and partial-mouth scaling and root planing (PMSRP), up to 12 mo after treatment, on clinical parameters, and levels of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis-related factors in type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four subjects received FMSRP (n = 17) or PMSRP (n = 17) within 24 h or in multiple sessions, respectively. Clinical parameters and local levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, IL-4, receptor activator of NF-ß ligand and osteoprotegerin were assessed at baseline, and 3, 6 and 12 mo after therapies. RESULTS: Clinical parameters improved after both therapies (p < 0.05), and no between-group differences were observed at any time-point (p > 0.05). Overall, there were no considerable differences in the local levels of the biomarkers studied between groups (p > 0.05). The IL-23 concentration and total amount of IFN-γ increased in the FMSRP group and decreased in the PMSRP group from baseline to 3 mo and from baseline to 6 mo, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both PMSRP and FMSRP promoted benefits in clinical parameters and showed a similar modulation of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis-related factors at 12 mo in type 2 diabetic subjects.

A preliminary study on the FAM5C expression in generalized chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The Family with sequence similarity 5 member C (FAM5C) has been suggested to contribute in aggressive periodontitis. However, there is no data regarding its role in chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FAM5C expression in chronic periodontitis and to study association of FAM5C with key immunoinflammatory markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gingival biopsies were harvested from periodontally healthy subjects (n = 10) and chronic periodontitis subjects (n = 15). The levels of mRNA of FAM5C, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-6, IL-23, IL-10, IL-4, interferon-c, toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, transforming growth factor-b, transcription factor forkhead box p3, and transcription factor orphan nuclear receptor C2 were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: FAM5C mRNA levels were not different between periodontally healthy and diseased tissues (P > 0.05). Gene expressions of IL-17, TNF-a, OPG, RANKL, TLR-2, and TLR-4 were higher in periodontitis, when compared to periodontally healthy sites (P < 0.05), while no differences between groups were observed for the other genes evaluated (P > 0.05). There were no correlations between the gene expression of FAM5C and the other immunoinflammatory markers (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it seems that FAM5C expression does not contribute to chronic periodontitis.

Possible involvement of IL-21 and IL-10 on salivary IgA levels in chronic periodontitis subjects.

Specific cytokines and the costimulatory protein CD40 play role in inducing immunoglobulin (Ig)A production by B cells in the humoral immune response. However, to date, the role of these mediators was not investigated in chronic periodontitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the local levels of interleukin (IL)-21, IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), IL-4, IL-10 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) on chronic periodontitis subjects and their relationship with the salivary levels of IgA. Gingival biopsies and un-stimulated saliva were collected from chronic periodontitis (n = 15) and periodontally healthy (n = 15) subjects. The mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-21, IL-21R, CD40L in the gingival biopsies were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The salivary levels of IgA and the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in the gingival biopsies were analyzed by ELISA. The mean levels of IgA were significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy group (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels for IL-21 was higher (P < 0.05) in the chronic periodontitis when compared to the healthy group. However, the expression of IL-21R and CD40L did not differ between groups. The IL-10 was significantly elevated at mRNA and protein levels in chronic periodontitis when compared to periodontally healthy group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the mRNA levels as well as the protein amount of IL-4 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in chronic periodontitis than healthy ones. In conclusion, the upregulation of IL-21 and IL-10 and downregulation of IL-4 in periodontitis tissues may be collectively involved in the increased levels of salivary IgA in chronic periodontitis subjects.

Mobilization of peripheral-blood stem cells by concurrent administration of daniplestim and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with breast cancer or lymphoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and hematopoietic activity of daniplestim administered concurrently with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for peripheral-blood stem-cell (PBSC) mobilization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the initial dose-escalation phase, 25 patients with adenocarcinoma of the breast (AB; 13 patients) or lymphoma (12 patients) were given daniplestim at doses ranging from 0.1 to 3.75 microgram/kg/d plus G-CSF 10 microgram/kg/d. In the randomized phase, 52 patients with AB (27 patients) or lymphoma (25 patients) were randomized within disease categories to the daniplestim dose chosen in the dose-escalation phase plus G-CSF 10 microgram/kg/d (D+G) or placebo plus G-CSF 10 microgram/kg/d (P+G) for up to 7 days. RESULTS: A daniplestim dose of 2. 5 microg/kg/d was chosen for further study because it was hematopoietically active and had an acceptable side-effect profile. In the randomized phase, in patients with AB, D+G was associated with a higher probability (P =.0696) of collecting >/= 2.5 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg and significantly higher circulating CD34(+) cell counts (P =.0498) on days 6 through 9 after the initiation of dosing. The target level was more likely to be reached with additional leukaphereses in the patients given D+G. Patients given P+G did not benefit from additional leukaphereses beyond the first procedure. The type of mobilization did show a trend toward a shorter duration of neutropenia in the D+G group. The adverse events with D+G consisted largely of mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, including headache and fever, and occurred more frequently than with P+G. CONCLUSION: Daniplestim administered at 2.5 microgram/kg/d is tolerable and active when combined with G-CSF, and the combination may prove more effective than G-CSF alone in promoting the collection of adequate numbers of CD34(+) cells for PBSC infusion in patients with AB.

In vitro antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of propolis containing nanohydroxyapatite.

The high number of biomaterial associated infections demands new strategies to prevent this problem. In this study the suitability of nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA)-based surfaces containing two Brazilian extracts of propolis (green and red ones) to prevent bacterial growth and biofilm formation, as well as its non-cytotoxic nature, was investigated. Optical density, colony forming units and MTT reduction assay were used to assess the materials' antibacterial activity against planktonic and sessile growth of Staphylococcus aureus. NanoHA matrix was able to absorb both types of propolis and the obtained results revealed the antibacterial effectiveness of the novel materials expressed as the reduction of bacterial growth and biofilm formation ability. Additionally, cell culture tests showed the growth of fibroblasts with high metabolic activity and without membrane damage. Therefore, these nanoHA-based surfaces containing natural products deriving from bees may be a promising bioactive biomaterial to be further studied with the aim of application to orthopaedic or dental devices.

Long term effects of a first pregnancy on the hormonal environment: estrogens and androgens.

An early (but not a late) first pregnancy is known to be protective for breast cancer. This effect might be mediated through a long term change in the hormonal environment caused by the early first pregnancy. To investigate the possibility of such a change we carried out a prospective longitudinal study of serum and urinary estrogens and serum androgens in four groups of women, namely early (age, 18-23 yr) first pregnancy (n = 15), early control (n = 20), late (age, 29-40 yr) first pregnancy (n = 9), and late control (n = 20). The pregnancy groups were studied before (initial visit) and 7-19 months after a first pregnancy (return visit). The control groups were similarly studied, but without an intervening pregnancy. The following were measured: serum estrone (E1), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and E1 sulfate; urinary total E1, E2, E3, and glucosiduronates of these three estrogens; and serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA). There was no significant change between the initial and return visits in serum E1, E2, E1 sulfate, or any of the urinary estrogens in either pregnancy group or in the corresponding control groups. There was, however, a significant increase in serum E3 between initial and return visits for both pregnancy groups compared with the control values. There was no significant change in serum testosterone. There was a marked significant decrease in both serum DHAS and DHA between initial and return visits in both pregnancy groups compared with the corresponding control group values. There was also a significant increase in the serum E3 to DHA ratio in both pregnancy groups. A cross-sectional study (measuring serum DHAS and DHA only) was then carried out in a series of parous and nulliparous women. The serum DHAS and DHA levels were markedly and significantly lower in parous than in nulliparous women, as expected. There was no significant relationship between serum DHAS or DHA levels and months elapsed (up to 150) since last delivery, indicating that the changes last at least for this period of time. There was no significant relationship between serum DHAS or DHA levels and parity (one to three previous pregnancies), indicating that the changes occur only after a first pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Surface effects and desorption of tetracycline supramolecular complex on bovine dentine.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, the substantivity, and surface effects of the inclusion compound tetracycline: beta-cyclodextrin on bovine roots. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by dentine slabs which had been immersed in the inclusion complex in concentrations 8.0%, 4.0%, 2.0%, 1.0%, 0.5% and 0.25% for 5min compared to a control of tetracycline hydrochloride. Each slab was tested in a broth of overnight culture of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Y4-FDC). The inclusion complex significantly inhibited the A. actinomycetemcomitans (p<0.01) verified at concentrations from 1.0% to 8.0%. The substantivity of tetracycline was evaluated by the measure of desorption from the slabs previously immersed in solution samples and removed at 24h intervals. The tetracycline encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrin showed a flow rate near to zero order in comparison to free tetracycline. The surface morphology determined by SEM showed a more homogeneous and integrated layer with the complex compared to the effect of free tetracycline. We concluded that the root surfaces treated with tetracycline: beta-cyclodextrin release lower concentrations of active drug over 5 days at inhibitory concentrations against A. actinomycetemcomitans with enhanced disponibility in comparison to tetracycline.

Relationship between refractive error and visual acuity in the Prospective Evaluation of Radial Keratotomy (PERK) Study.

As part of the Prospective Evaluation of Radial Keratotomy (PERK) study, we examined the relationship between post-operative refractive error and visual acuity without correction. We included 394 eyes (one eye per patient) with refractive errors ranging from -3.00 to +3.00 diopters one year after radial keratotomy. Within each 1-D range of the spherical equivalent of the refractive error, the visual acuity spanned five to ten Snellen lines. For visual acuities of 20/16 to 20/50, the refractive error spanned 3 to 5 D. Additionally, operated eyes had a better average uncorrected visual acuity than unoperated eyes with a similar refractive error. Within the narrow range of refraction between -2.00 and -2.50 D, the mean uncorrected visual acuity was 20/125 for 56 unoperated eyes and 20/63 for 29 operated eyes, a difference of three Snellen lines.

Unintentional ileostomy: a complication of the videolaparoscopic method? Report of the first case.

Jejunostomy is widely acknowledged in the literature as a means for enteral nutrition. Complication rates range from 16% to 46% for the classical open technique and from 11% to 70% for the several mini-invasive techniques currently in use, including the laparoscopic techniques. The most probable complications are abscess, intestinal obstruction, abdominal wall infection, intraperitoneal leakage, enterocutaneous fistula, and loss, elbowing, or even rupture of the enteral probe. The authors report the case of a patient with severe malnutrition concomitant with advanced gastric cancer who underwent jejunostomy because of an incapacity for normal oral feeding. Previous attempts to pass a nasal enteral probe were not successful, even with the aid of endoscopy. Videolaparoscopy was indicated for adequate staging of the neoplasm and for performance of video-assisted jejunostomy. During the procedure, an extensive carcinomatous process was observed that rendered comprehension of the abdominal anatomy extremely difficult. Consequently, while attempting jejunal catheterization, unintentional catheterization of the terminal ileum took place. The authors discuss this first reported case of unintentional ileostomy and review the literature.

Chromobacterium violaceum infection in Brazil. A case report.

We report the second case of infection with Chromobacterium violaceum that occurred in Brazil. A farm worker living in the State of São Paulo presented fever and severe abdominal pain for four days. At hospitalization the patient was in a toxemic state and had a distended and painful abdomen. Chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral pneumonia and hypoechoic areas in the liver. The patient developed failure of multiple organs and died a few hours later. Blood culture led to isolation of C. violaceum resistant to ampicillin and cephalosporins and sensitive to chloramphenicol, tetracyclin, aminoglicosydes, and ciprofloxacin. Autopsy revealed pulmonary microabscesses and multiple abscesses in the liver. The major features of this case are generally observed in infections by C. violaceum: rapid clinical course, multiple visceral abscesses, and high mortality. Because of the antimicrobial resistance profile of this Gram-negative bacillus, for appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy it is important to consider chromobacteriosis in the differential diagnosis of severe community infections in Brazil.

Full-mouth scaling and root planing in type 2 diabetic subjects: one-year microbiological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the microbiological effects of full-mouth (FM) and partial-mouth (PM) scaling and root planing (SRP) in type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis (ChP), up to 12 months. METHODS: Thirty-four type 2 diabetic subjects with ChP received either FMSRP (n = 17), in two sessions within two consecutive days, or PMSRP (n = 17) in four sessions within 21 days. Six subgingival biofilm samples per subject were analysed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species at baseline, 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Both therapies significantly reduced the levels of the red complex species up to 12 months (p < 0.05). The levels of three putative pathogens from the orange complex were significantly reduced in the FMSRP group, whereas a single orange complex species was significantly decreased in the PMSRP group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the proportions of the host-compatible Actinomyces species were significantly increased in both groups at 3 and 12 months. No significant differences were observed between groups for the counts and proportions of the individual species and the proportions of microbial complexes at any time point (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the bacterial species evaluated after FMSRP and PMSRP in the treatment of type 2 diabetic subjects with ChP, up to 12 months.

Electroretinography in dogs using a fiber electrode prototype.

We compared two electroretinography (ERG) electrodes in dogs using ERG standards of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV). Ten healthy Yorkshire terrier dogs (mean age, 2.80 ± 1.42 years; 6 females) weighing 5.20 ± 1.56 kg were evaluated using an ERG system for veterinary use. Dark- and light-adapted ERG responses were recorded using an ERG-Jet electrode and a fiber electrode prototype. The examinations were performed during 2 visits, 3 weeks apart. Both electrodes (ERG-Jet or fiber prototype) were used on each animal and the first eye to be recorded (OD × OS) was selected randomly. Three weeks later the examination was repeated on the same animal switching the type of electrode to be used that day and the first eye to be examined. The magnitude and waveform quality obtained with the two electrode types were similar for all ERG responses. ERG amplitudes and implicit times obtained from dogs using the fiber electrode prototype were comparable to those obtained with the ERG-Jet electrode for rod, maximal rod-cone summed, cone, and 30-Hz flicker responses. The fiber electrode prototype is a low-cost device, available as an alternative instrument for clinical veterinary ERG recording for retinal function assessment.