Comparison between qualitative and semiquantitative catheter-tip cultures: laboratory diagnosis of catheter-related infection in newborns

Este estudo prospectivo avaliou os métodos semiquantitativo e qualitativo de cultura de cateter para o diagnóstico de infecção relacionada a cateter (IRC) em recém-nascidos (RN). Foram incluídas pontas de cateteres provenientes de recém-nascidos internados na Unidade Neonatal do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP. Foram utilizadas as técnicas semiquantitativa e qualitativa de cultura de cateter. Para o diagnóstico de IRC, os microrganismos isolados das culturas de cateteres e de hemoculturas periféricas foram identificados e submetidos ao teste de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos. O padrão ouro correspondeu ao diagnóstico de certeza de IRC, com o isolamento do mesmo microrganismo (espécie e perfil de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos) isolado em hemocultura periférica. Foram estudados 85 cateteres provenientes de 63 RN. A cultura semiquantitativa, embora tenha apresentado menor sensibilidade (90%), apresentou uma maior especificidade (71%) em comparação à sensibilidade de 100% e especificidade de 60% encontradas na cultura qualitativa. Através da identificação dos microrganismos obtidos nas culturas de cateteres, observou-se uma predominância de espécies de Estafilococos coagulase-negativa (ECN). A espécie Staphylococcus epidermidis foi a prevalente (77,5%) nos cateteres com culturas semiquantitativas positivas. Dos 11 episódios de IRC diagnosticados, 8 (72,7%) foram associados a espécies de ECN, dos quais 6 eram da espécie S. epidermidis. Também foram detectados dois casos de IRC por S. aureus e um caso por Candida parapsilosis. O método de cultura semiquantitativo cateter apresentou vantagens para o diagnóstico de IRC em RN quando comparado com o método qualitativo tradicional.

Usefulness of catheter tip culture in the diagnosis of neonatal infections

Objective: To determine the number of colony-forming units (CFU) that best correlates with catheter-related infections (CRI) in newborns.Methods: This was a prospective study of semiquantitative cultures of catheter tips obtained from newborns in the neonatal unit at Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The microorganisms isolated from catheter and peripheral blood cultures were identified and submitted to a drug susceptibility test. The optimal cutoff point was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: A total of 85 catheters obtained from 63 newborns were studied. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the predominant species in the catheters (75%). Eight of 11 (72.7%) CRI episodes were associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci, six of which were of the S. epidermidis type. ROC curve analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff point for the diagnosis of CRI was 122 CFU.Conclusions: The cutoff point of 122 CFU correlated best with the diagnosis of CRI in newborns.

Influence of Ridge Inclination and Implant Localization on the Association of Mandibular Kennedy Class I Removable Partial Denture

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tendency of displacement of the supporting structures of the distal extension removable partial denture (DERPD) associated to the implant with different inclinations of alveolar ridge and implant localizations through a two-dimensional finite-element method. Sixteen mandibular models were fabricated, presenting horizontal, distally descending, distally ascending, or descending-ascending ridges. All models presented the left canine and were rehabilitated with conventional DERPD or implant-retained prosthesis with the ERA system. The models were obtained by the AutoCAD software and transferred to the finite-element software ANSYS 9.0 for analysis. A force of 50 N was applied on the cusp tips of the teeth, with 5 points of loading of 10 N. The results were visualized by displacement maps. For all ridge inclinations, the assembly of the DERPD with distal plate retained by an anterior implant exhibited the lowest requisition of the supporting structures. The highest tendency of displacement occurred in the model with distally ascending ridge with incisal rest. It was concluded that the association of the implant decreased the displacement of the DERPD, and the anterior positioning of the implant associated to the DERPD with the distal plate preserved the supporting structures for all ridges.

Evaluation of Different Retention Systems on a Distal Extension Removable Partial Denture Associated With an Osseointegrated Implant

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of a mandibular distal extension removable partial denture (DERPD) associated with an implant and different retention system, by bidimensional finite element method. Five hemimandible models with a canine and external hexagon implant at second molar region associated with DERPD were simulated: model A, hemimandible with a canine and a DERPD; model B, hemimandible with a canine and implant with a healing abutment associated to a DERPD; model C, hemimandible with a canine and implant with an ERA attachment associated to a DERPD; model D, hemimandible with a canine and implant with an O'ring attachment associated to a DERPD; and model E, hemimandible with a canine and implant-supported prosthesis associated to a DERPD. Cusp tips were loaded with 50 N of axial or oblique force (45 degrees). Finite element analysis was performed in ANSYS 9.0. model E showed the higher displacement and overload in the supporting tissues; the patterns of stress distribution around the dental apex of models B, C, and D were similar. The association between a DERPD and an osseointegrated implant using the ERA or O'ring systems shows lower stress values. Oblique forces showed higher stress values and displacement. Oblique forces increased the displacement and stress levels in all models; model C displayed the best stress distribution in the supporting structures; healing abutment, ERA, and O'ring systems were viable with RPD, but DERPD association with a single implant-supported prosthesis was nonviable.

An in vitro evaluation of apicoectomies and retropreparations using different methods

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Genetic polymorphism of Streptococcus mutans in Brazilian family members

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The center of the incisive papilla for the selection of complete denture maxillary anterior teeth in 4 racial groups

Objectives: To evaluate the use of the center of the incisive papilla as a guide for the selection of the proper width of maxillary dentures in 4 racial groups. Method and Materials: One hundred sixty stone casts were obtained from impressions of the maxillary arch of white, black, mixed, and Asian subjects. The occlusal surfaces of the casts were photocopied and the images placed on a digitizer. The most anterior and posterior points of the papilla and cusp tips of the canines were digitized. Dentofacial Planner Plus software was used to calculate the distance from a line passing through the cusp tips of the canines to the center of the papilla, defined as the midpoint of the anterior and posterior points of the papilla. The selection error (in millimeters) due to the clinical application of the method of the incisive papilla was calculated and analyzed. Results: In all studied racial groups, there was no coincidence between the center of the incisive papilla and the canine line. The utilization of the center of the papilla would lead to the selection of wider artificial teeth. In 24.9% of the white, 19.3% of the mixed, 32.9% of the black, and 15.5% of the Asian populations, errors greater than 4 mm would be present with the utilization of the papilla. Conclusion: The method of the center of the incisive papilla is not accurate, but may aid in initial artificial teeth selection for the racial groups studied. (Quintessence Int 2008;39:841-845)

Influence of light guide tip used in the photo-activation on degree of conversion and hardness of one nanofilled dental composite

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Evaluation of Ultrasonic and ErCr:YSGG Laser Retrograde Cavity Preparation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Melatonin reduces LH, 17 beta-estradiol and induces differential regulation of sex steroid receptors in reproductive tissues during rat ovulation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Modelos de minimização de biomassa residual

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Anatomia de ápices radiculares de feijão cv. carioca submetidos a níveis de boro em solução nutritiva

Foram estudadas as alterações anatômicas em ápices radiculares do feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Carioca), quando submetidos a diferentes níveis de boro em solução nutritiva. Através de um experimento inteiramente casualizado, foram realizados três tratamentos como se segue: T1 0,50 mg L-1 de boro (testemunha); T2 0,25 mg L-1 de boro (nível intermediário); T0 omisso em boro; sendo feitas amostragens em três estágios sucessivos de desenvolvimento da planta, no decorrer de seu ciclo. As alterações foram avaliadas efetuando-se secções longitudinais de ápices radiculares, sendo analisados comparativamente por meio de estudo cito-histológico com o emprego de microscópio de luz. Considerando como testemunha as plantas submetidas ao nível de 0,50 mg L-1 de boro na solução nutritiva, pôde-se verificar que a omissão desse micronutriente, na solução nutritiva, provocou inibição da divisão e alongamento celular, hipertrofia de células, desorganização de elementos vasculares em raiz, impedindo que a planta completasse seu ciclo, morrendo ao redor do 55o. dia após o transplante. O nível de 0,25 mg L-1 de boro, na solução nutritiva, embora tenha provocado desorganização no ápice radicular, não impediu o desenvolvimento da planta.

Application of C-banding in two Arachis wild species, Arachis pintoi Krapov. and W.C. Gregory and A-villosulicarpa Hoehne to mitotic chromosome analyses

Two wild diploid (2n = 20 chromosomes) and self-pollinating Arachis species, Arachis Pintoi Krapov and W.C.Gregory and A. villosulicarpa Hoehne were submmited to C-band technique to karyotype analyses. Root tips were employed in the analyses. Morphometric data chose that chromosome lengths varied from 3.12 in A. villosulicarpa to 1.45 in A. Pintoi. Karyotype formula obtained was 10sm to A. Pintoi and 9sm + 1m to A. villosulicarpa. There was a predominance of pericentromeric C-band in all mitotic metaphasic chromosomes in both species. Besides C-band values, both species still did not differ in respect to chromosome absolute and relative lengths, centromeric index, symmetry index and total karyotype haploid length. C-band and morphometric data did not show strong or significant differences which could separate these two species of peanut which belong to evolutive different sections.

A new species of Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes : Characidae) from rio Portuguesa, rio Orinoco basin, Venezuela

A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from tributaries of the rio Portuguesa, rio Orinoco Basin, Venezuela. The new species is diagnosed from congeners by the presence of two large hooks on each side of the anal fin in adult males ( processes of last unbranched and first branched anal-fin rays), distal third of caudal-fin black except for its distal tips ( which are hyaline), anal-fin rays v, 19-21, and dorsal-fin rays ii, 8. Comments on its generic status and putative relationships are provided.

Endogenous and exogenous polyamines in the organogenesis in Curcuma longa L.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)