A unique substitution at position 333 on the glycoprotein of rabies virus street strains isolated from non-hematophagous bats in Brazil

The amino acid R or K at position 333 on the glycoprotein of the rabies virus is considered necessary for virulence in adult mice. Although some exceptions exist, substitution at this position causes expression of a phenotype that is either less pathogenic or non-virulent. To date, such substitutions have only been found in fixed strains of rabies virus. In this study, the authors found 333H, 333N, and 333Q substitutions at this position in rabies virus street strains isolated from non-hematophagous bats in Brazil. These strains showed pathogenicity and lethality on passage using adult mice with the intracerebral route and were confirmed rabies-positive by immunofluorescent assay. This suggests that these strains maintain virulence. Our findings indicate that rabies virus street strains with these substitutions exist in the field and may result in infection cycles.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of recent and archived Erysipelothrix spp. isolated from Brazilian swine

One hundred fifty-one Erysipelothrix spp. isolates from Brazilian swine were characterized by serotyping, determination of antimicrobial susceptibility, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Among all isolates, 139 were classified in 18 different serotypes and serotype 2b was the most frequent. The susceptibility profiles of the isolates were very similar among each other, which did not permit subtyping Erysipelothrix spp. isolates by the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Despite the fact that AFLP and PFGE provided the same discriminatory index (0.98), PFGE was more discriminatory than AFLP, given the types of groups it generates. Regardless the technique employed (AFLP or PFGE), no discrimination between recent and historical isolates was established, neither a fixed epidemiologic pattern for their grouping was observed. Nevertheless, AFLP could be an interesting alternative for discriminating the Erysipelothrix species, while PFGE could be an indication for discerning this bacterium according to the serotypes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In vitro algaecide effect of sodium hypochlorite and iodine based antiseptics on Prototheca zopfii strains isolated from bovine milk

Prototheca zopfii has been considered one of the most important causes of environmental mastitis in Brazil. These algae are refractory to conventional therapy and cause great damage to the mammary gland. The present study evaluated the in vitro algaecide effect of sodium hypochlorite and iodine based antiseptics on 27 P. zopfii strains isolated from the milk of cattle. Low concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (0.0390625-0.15625%) and iodine (0.15625-0.625%) were effective against the isolates. These antiseptics may be recommended for hygiene routines, pre and postdipping and cauterization of bovine mammary glands infected by P. zopfii. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-invasive detection of aortic and coronary atherosclerosis in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia by 64 slice multi-detector row computed tomography angiography

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare disorder characterized by the early onset of atherosclerosis, often at the ostia of coronary arteries. In this study we document for the first time that aortic and coronary atherosclerosis can be detected using 64 slice multiple detector row computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA). We studied five HoFH patients (three females, two males, mean age 19.8 +/- 2.9 years, age range 15-23 years, with a mean low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 618 +/- 211 mg/dL) using 64 slice CTCA. None of the patients showed evidence of ischemia with standard exercise testing. Calcified and mixed atherosclerotic plaques adjacent to or compromising the coronary artery ostia were found in all study subjects. Coronary plaques causing significant obstruction were found in one patient, who had previously undergone coronary artery bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement. Two other patients were noted to have non-obstructive calcified, mixed and non-calcified coronary artery plaques. Our data suggest that CTCA could be a useful non-invasive method for detection of early aortic and coronary atherosclerosis specifically affecting the coronary ostia in HoFH subjects. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Periodontal attachment loss in an untreated isolated population of Brazil

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, and severity of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and to investigate the association of demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk indicators with CAL in an untreated isolated population in Brazil. Methods: All subjects aged >= 12 years were identified by a census. Participants were submitted to a full-mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured, written questionnaire. Results: Among the 214 subjects who were interviewed and examined clinically, CAL >= 5 mm in at least one site was observed in 8% of the 12- to 19-year-olds and in all dentate subjects >= 50 years of age; the age-dependent prevalence of CAL >= 7 mm in at least one site ranged from 5% among 12- to 19-year-olds to 83% among subjects >= 50 years old. Multivariate analysis identified plaque (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8), supragingival calculus (OR = 2.9 to 10.6), age >= 30 years (OR = 11.4), and smoking (OR = 2.4) as risk indicators for CAL >= 5 mm and smoking (OR = 8.2) as a risk indicator for CAL >= 7 mm. Conclusions: CAL is highly prevalent in this isolated population. The high occurrence of CAL in young age groups and the confirmation of traditional risk indicators for CAL in this study suggest that other factors, such as host susceptibility, may be needed to explain the high levels of CAL found. Age and behavioral factors were risk indicators associated significantly with the CAL found in this population and may be useful indicators of high-risk subjects for periodontal diseases.

Tooth loss prevalence and risk indicators in an isolated population of Brazil

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, and risk indicators of tooth loss in an isolated population of Brazil. Material and methods. Two-hundred-and-forty-two subjects, ranging in age from 14 to 82 years (mean 36.2 years), were identified by census in an isolated population of Brazil. All consenting subjects received a full-mouth clinical (DFT index and information about missing teeth) and periodontal examination of 6 sites per tooth. Furthermore, they were interviewed using a structured written questionnaire in order to gather information about demographic, environmental, and biological variables. Results. Of the 200 subjects (80% response rate), 19 (9.5%) were edentulous, 90% had lost at least one tooth, and 39% had lost more than 8 teeth. The mean number of teeth lost was 9.5 (95% CI = 8.2-10.8). First mandibular molars were the most commonly missing teeth. In a multiple logistic regression analysis based on a theoretical hierarchical model of tooth loss, having more than 8 teeth lost was strongly associated with adult age (OR = 18.3-17.3, 95% CIs = 4.8-69.7 and 4.0-75.1) and female gender (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 1.9-18.2) in the final model. Conclusions. Tooth loss was highly prevalent and extensive in this isolated population. Demographic and behavioral factors played an important role in tooth loss prevalence in this population.

Risk indicators for increased probing depth in an isolated population in Brazil

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, and severity of probing depth (PD) and to investigate the associations between demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk indicators and PD in a periodontally untreated and isolated population in Brazil. Methods: The target population consisted of all individuals aged >= 12 years as identified by a census. Consenting participants were submitted to a full-mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured written questionnaire. Results: Among the 214 subjects who were interviewed and clinically examined, PD >= 4 mm was observed in 54% to 83% of the subjects, depending on age, whereas the age-dependent prevalence of PD :6 mm ranged from 5% among 12- to 19-year-olds to 50% among 40- to 49-year-olds, decreasing to 40% among subjects >= 50 years of age. Multivariate analyses identified supragingival calculus (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4 to 10.3; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 2.5 to 11.6 and 4.0 to 26.2 for 20% to 50% and > 50% of the sites, respectively) as a risk indicator for PD A mm, whereas age :40 years (OR = 9.0; 95% CI: 1.7 to 48.5), being a moderate/heavy smoker (OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.4 to 10. 1), and having supragingival calculus in 20% to 50% of sites (OR = 6.8; 95% CI: 1.4 to 32.4) or in >50% of sites (OR = 15.3; 95% CI: 3.2 to 73.6) were risk indicators for PD >= 6 mm. Having undergone urgency dental treatment was a protective factor for PD A and >= 6 mm (OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2 to 0.8). Conclusions: Increased PD is highly prevalent in this isolated population. Behavioral factors played a significant role as risk indicators for increased PD in this isolated population.

Congenital Bilateral Perisylvian Syndrome: Familial Occurrence, Clinical and Psycholinguistic Aspects Correlated with MRI

Objective: Congenital bilateral perisylvian syndrome (CBPS) is frequently caused by polymicrogyria (PMG). The aim of this study was to correlate the clinical and psycholinguistic aspects with neuroradiological data of patients with CBPS. Methods: Thirty-one patients were studied. We performed a clinical investigation of the patients and their families, including MRI scanning, neuropsychological tests and language evaluation. Results: The statistical analysis showed that: a) prenatal events are associated with the non-familial type of PMG; b) diffuse PMG is associated with pseudobulbar signs, as opposed to BPPP; c) motor deficit is associated with diffuse PMG; d) epilepsy is equally present in patients with both familial or non-familial PMG, but is more frequently seen in patients with diffuse PMG; e) dyslexia and SLI can be a feature of both the diffuse or BPPP, and either familial or sporadic cases of PMG. Conclusions: The severity of clinical manifestations in CBPS is correlated with the extent of cortical involvement. Most patients with CBPS have a history of speech delay or language difficulties and no epilepsy. Dyslexia can be found in patients with PMG.

Characterization of language and reading skills in familial polymicrogyria

Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a malformation of cortical development characterized by an excessive number of small gyri and abnormal cortical lamination, giving the cortical surface an irregular and gross appearance. The severity of clinical manifestations correlates with the extent of cortical involvement. The objective of the present study was to describe three families with linguistic features of developmental language disorder and reading impairment, and to establish a neuroanatomic correlation through neuroimaging. Subjects have been submitted to a comprehensive protocol including psychological assessment, language evaluation, neurological examination, and neuroimaging investigation. In our families, children usually had the diagnosis of developmental language disorder while adults had the diagnosis of reading impairment. MRI showed perisylvian polymicrogyria in several subjects of each family. Our data support the idea that there is a co-occurrence of developmental language disorder and reading impairment and both conditions may be associated with polymicrogyria. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Combined Regenerative Approach for the Treatment of Aggressive Periodontitis: Long-term Follow-up of a Familial Case

This article reports the longitudinal follow-up of a familial case of aggressive periodontitis treated by a combined regenerative approach that consisted of root conditioning, bone grafting, and membrane positioning. Treatment resulted in attachment level gain, reduction of probing depth, absence of bleeding on probing, and complete bone filling of the defect. The short-term results obtained after surgery were maintained after 6 years, suggesting that the combined regenerative approach is able to completely arrest the disease with long-term stability. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2009; 29: 69-79.)

Bite force, electromyography, and mandible mobility during the 6-month period after surgical treatment for isolated fractures of the zygomatico-orbital complex

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the behavior of masticatory muscles after fractures of the zygomatico-orbital complex (ZOC) and subsequent surgical treatment, by using analyses of bite force, electromyography (EMG), and mandible mobility during a 6-month period after surgery. Study design. Five patients with fractured ZOCs treated surgically by using an intraoral approach and fixation exclusively in the region of the zygomaticomaxillary buttress were evaluated. The control group included 12 other patients. During postoperative follow-up, bite force, mandible mobility, and EMG analysis of the masticatory muscles were evaluated. Results. There was an increase in bite force with time, but a decline in EMG activity during the same period. In the mandible mobility analysis, only maximum mouth-opening values increased significantly after the surgical treatment. Conclusions. The masticatory musculature, according to bite force and EMG, returned to its normal condition by the second month after surgery, and maximum mouth opening was observed after the first month. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011;111:e1-e7)

Eag 1, Eag 2 and Kcnn3 gene brain expression of isolated reared rats

The Eag1 and Eag2, voltage-dependent potassium channels, and the small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (Kcnn3) are highly expressed in limbic regions of the brain, where their function is still unknown. Eag1 co-localizes with tyrosine hydroxilase enzyme in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Kcnn3 deficiency leads to enhanced serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission accompanied by distinct alterations in emotional behaviors. As exposure to stress is able to change the expression and function of several ion channels, suggesting that they might be involved in the consequences of stress, we aimed at investigating Eag 1, Eag2 and Kcnn3 mRNA expression in the brains of rats submitted to isolation rearing. As the long-lasting alterations in emotional and behavioral regulation after stress have been related to changes in serotonergic neurotransmission, expressions of serotonin Htr1a and Htr2a receptors in male Wistar rats` brain were also investigated. Rats were reared in isolation or in groups of five for nine weeks after weaning. Isolated and socially reared rats were tested for exploratory activity in the open field test for 5 min and brains were processed for reverse-transcription coupled to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Isolated reared rats showed decreased exploratory activity in the open field. Compared to socially reared rats, isolated rats showed reduced Htr2a mRNA expression in the striatum and brainstem and reduced Eag2 mRNA expression in all examined regions except cerebellum. To our knowledge, this is the first work to show that isolation rearing can change Eag2 gene expression in the brain. The involvement of this channel in stress-related behaviors is discussed.

Dynamics of Aeromonas species isolated from wastewater treatment system

Aeromonas are widely distributed in the aquatic environment, and are considered to be emerging organisms that can produce a series of virulence factors. The present study was carried out in a sanitary sewage stabilization pond treatment system, located in Lins, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Most probable number was applied for estimation of the genus Aeromonas. Colony isolation was carried out on blood agar ampicillin and confirmed by biochemical characterization. Aeromonas species were isolated in 72.4% of influent samples, and in 55.2 and 48.3% of effluent from anaerobic and facultative lagoons, respectively. Thirteen Aeromonas species were isolated, representing most of the recognized species of these organisms. Even though it was possible to observe a tendency of decrease, total elimination of these organisms from the studied system was not achieved. Understanding of the pathogenic organism`s dynamics in wastewater treatment systems with a reuse potential is especially important because of the risk it represents.

Clonal Relationship among Atypical Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Different Animal Species and Humans

Forty-nine typical and atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) strains belonging to different serotypes and isolated from humans, pets (cats and dogs), farm animals (bovines, sheep, and rabbits), and wild animals (monkeys) were investigated for virulence markers and clonal similarity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The virulence markers analyzed revealed that atypical EPEC strains isolated from animals have the potential to cause diarrhea in humans. A close clonal relationship between human and animal isolates was found by MLST and PFGE. These results indicate that these animals act as atypical EPEC reservoirs and may represent sources of infection for humans. Since humans also act as a reservoir of atypical EPEC strains, the cycle of mutual infection of atypical EPEC between animals and humans, mainly pets and their owners, cannot be ruled out since the transmission dynamics between the reservoirs are not yet clearly understood.

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum: report of nine familial cases with evidence of autosomal dominant inheritance and review of the literature

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS; OMIM 164210) is a complex condition characterized by defects of aural, oral, mandibular and vertebral development. The aetiology of this condition is likely to be heterogeneous; most cases are sporadic, however, familial cases suggesting autosomal recessive end autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported. In this study, we describe the clinical aspects of nine familial cases with evidence of autosomal dominant inheritance and compare them with reports in the literature. Interfamilial and intrafamilial clinical variabilities were observed in this study (reinforcing the necessity of careful examination of familial members). We suggest that oculoauriculovertebral spectrum with autosomal dominant inheritance is characterized mainly by bilateral auricular involvement and rarely presents extracranial anomalies. Clin Dysmorphol 18:67-77 (C) 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.