Acquisition and loss of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia over a 5-year period: effect of a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice

Objectives: The present study describes the natural history of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia over a 5-year period and the effect of a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice on these organisms in a normal adult population. Material and Methods: Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 504 adult volunteers. Probing pocket depths (PPD) and relative attachment levels were measured using an automated probe. Participants were matched for disease status (CPI), plaque index, age and gender, and allocated to receive either a triclosan/copolymer or placebo dentifrice. Re-examination and subgingival plaque sampling was repeated after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years. P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. intermedia were detected and quantitated using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression and generalised linear modelling were used to analyse the data. Results: This 5-year longitudinal study showed considerable volatility in acquisition and loss (below the level of detection) of all three organisms in this population. Relatively few subjects had these organisms on multiple occasions. While P. gingivalis was related to loss of attachment and to PPD greater than or equal to3.5 mm, there was no relationship between A. actinomycetemcomitans or P. intermedia and disease progression over the 5 years of the study. Smokers with P. gingivalis had more PPD greater than or equal to3.5 mm than smokers without this organism. There was no significant effect of the triclosan dentifrice on P. gingivalis or A. actinomycetemcomitans . Subjects using triclosan were more likely to have P. intermedia than those not using the dentifrice; however this did not translate into these subjects having higher levels of P. intermedia and its presence was uniform showing no signs of increasing over the course of the study. Conclusion: The present 5-year longitudinal study has shown the transient nature of colonisation with P. gingivalis , A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. intermedia in a normal adult population. The use of a triclosan-containing dentifrice did not lead to an overgrowth of these organisms. The clinical effect of the dentifrice would appear to be independent of its antimicrobial properties.

The effect of a triclosan-containing dentifrice on the progression of periodontal disease in an adult population

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of unsupervised, long-term use of a 0.3% triclosan/2% copolymer dentifrice on the progression of periodontal disease in a general adult population. Methods: Five hundred and four volunteers were enrolled in a double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Participants were matched for disease status, plaque index, age and gender. At the baseline examination, probing pocket depths and relative attachment levels were recorded and participants were assigned to either the test or control group. Re-examinations took place after 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. Subgingival plaque samples were collected at each examination and assayed for Porphyromonas gingivalis , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia . A generalised linear model was used to analyse the data, with a number of covariates thought to influence the responses included as the possible confounding effects. Results: The triclosan/copolymer dentifrice had a significant effect in subjects with interproximal probing depths greater than or equal to3.5 mm, where it significantly reduced the number of sites with probing depths greater than or equal to3.5 mm at the following examination, when compared with the control group (p

Distribution of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in atherosclerotic carotid arteries: significance for sampling procedures

Despite extensive efforts to confirm a direct association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis, different laboratories continue to report a large variability in detection rates. In this study, we analyzed multiple sections from atherosclerotic carotid arteries from 10 endartectomy patients to determine the location of C. pneumoniae DNA and the number of sections of the plaque required for analysis to obtain a 95% confidence of detecting the bacterium. A sensitive nested PCR assay detected C. pneumoniae DNA in all patients at one or more locations within the plaque. On average, 42% (ranging from 5 to 91%) of the sections from any single patient had C. pneumoniae DNA present. A patchy distribution of C. pneumoniae in the atherosclerotic lesions was observed, with no area of the carotid having significantly more C. pneumoniae DNA present. If a single random 30-mum-thick section was tested, there was only a 35.6 to 41.6% (95% confidence interval) chance of detecting C. pneumoniae DNA in a patient with carotid artery disease. A minimum of 15 sections would therefore be required to obtain a 95% chance of detecting all true positives. The low concentration and patchy distribution of C. pneumoniae DNA in atherosclerotic plaque appear to be among the reasons for inconsistency between laboratories in the results reported.

Epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for detection of West Nile virus antibodies in domestic mammals

We evaluated the ability of epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to detect West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies in domestic mammals. Sera were collected from experimentally infected horses, cats, and pigs at regular intervals and screened in ELISAs and plaque reduction neutralization tests. The diagnostic efficacies of these techniques were similar.

Detection of West Nile Virus Infection in birds in the United States by blocking ELISA and immunohistochemistry

A blocking ELISA targeting an immunodominant West Nile epitope on the West Nile Virus NS1 protein was assessed for the detection of West Nile-specific antibodies in blood samples collected from 584 sentinel chickens and 238 wild birds collected in-New Jersey from May-December 2000. Ten mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) experimentally infected with West Nile virus and six uninfected controls were also tested. The ELISA proved specific in detecting WNV antibodies in 9/10 chickens and 4/4 wild birds previously confirmed as positive by Plaque Reduction Neutralization test (PRNT) at the Center for Disease Control, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Fort Collins, CO, USA (CDC). Nine out of the ten experimentally infected mallard ducks also tested positive for WN antibodies in the blocking ELISA, while 6/6 uninfected controls did not. Additionally, 1705 wild birds, collected in New Jersey from December 2000-November 2001 and Long Island, New York between November 1999 and August 2001 were also tested for WN antibodies by the blocking ELISA. These tests identified 30 positive specimens, 12 of which had formalin-fixed tissues available to allow detection of WN specific viral antigen in various tissues by WNV-specific immunohistochemistry. Our results indicate that rapid and specific detection of antibodies to WN virus in sera from a range of avian species by blocking ELISA is an effective strategy for WN Virus surveillance in avian hosts. In combination with detection of WN-specific antigens in tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) the blocking ELISA will also be useful for confirming WN infection in diseased birds.

Sistema de avalia????o e premia????o por resultados da Embrapa

O presente trabalho apresenta conceitos e aspectos operacionais do Sistema de Avalia????o e Premia????o por Resultados da Embrapa/SAPRE, implantado em 1996, cujo objetivo ?? o de elevar o desempenho das unidades de pesquisa, equipes e empregados da Empresa, recompensando os mais produtivos. O Sistema ?? constitu??do por 6 componentes: a) avalia????o de unidades; b) premia????o de unidades; c) avalia????o de equipes e empregados; d) premia????o de equipes e empregados; e) premia????o nacional de projetos e f) premia????o por excel??ncia. As unidades s??o avaliadas em conformidade a: a) cumprimento de metas; b) efici??ncia relativa; c) avalia????o de qualidade t??cnica; d) impacto s??cio-econ??mico; e) avalia????o de imagem. A conjuga????o desses fatores constitui o ??ndice de Desempenho Institucional de uma unidade, base para o c??lculo financeiro de sua premia????o. A avalia????o de equipes e empregados de cada unidade compreende o respectivo desempenho em: a) cumprimento de metas individuais; b) capta????o de recursos; c) criatividade em pesquisa e desenvolvimento (P&D); d) qualidade t??cnica dos projetos de pesquisa. Os empregados com melhor desempenho, individualmente e por equipes de trabalho, s??o premiados com um b??nus financeiro. Al??m disso, o SAPRE inclui a premia????o de projetos, que, no ??mbito nacional, se destacam em termos de criatividade, parceria, capta????o de recursos, qualidade t??cnica e melhoria de processos. Tamb??m s??o premiados com trof??us e diplomas os dois melhores empregados (um pesquisador e um de suporte ?? pesquisa) de cada unidade descentralizada e da sede como um todo.

Oral rapamycin attenuates atherosclerosis without affecting the arterial responsiveness of resistance vessels in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of the immunosuppressant rapamycin (Rapamune®, Sirolimus) on both resistance vessel responsiveness and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient 8-week-old male mice fed a normal rodent diet. Norepinephrine (NE)-induced vasoconstriction, acetylcholine (ACh)- and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced vasorelaxation of isolated mesenteric bed, and atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated. After 12 weeks of orally administered rapamycin (5 mg·kg-1·day-1, N = 9) and compared with untreated (control, N = 9) animals, rapamycin treatment did not modify either NE-induced vasoconstriction (maximal response: 114 ± 4 vs 124 ± 10 mmHg, respectively) or ACh- (maximal response: 51 ± 8 vs 53 ± 5%, respectively) and SNP-induced vasorelaxation (maximal response: 73 ± 6 vs 74 ± 6%, respectively) of the isolated vascular mesenteric bed. Despite increased total cholesterol in treated mice (982 ± 59 vs 722 ± 49 mg/dL, P < 0.01), lipid deposition on the aorta wall vessel was significantly less in rapamycin-treated animals (37 ± 12 vs 68 ± 8 µm2 x 103). These results indicate that orally administered rapamycin is effective in attenuating the progression of atherosclerotic plaque without affecting the responsiveness of resistance vessels, supporting the idea that this immunosuppressant agent might be of potential benefit against atherosclerosis in patients undergoing therapy.

Simultaneous selection in progenies of yellow passion fruit using selection indices

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of simultaneous selection (selection indices) using estimated genetic gains in yellow passion fruit and to make a comparison between the methodologies of Mulamba & Mock and Elston. The study was conducted with 26 sib progenies of yellow passion fruit for intrinsic production characteristics including fruit number, fruit mass, fruit length and diameter, and for the fruit characteristics skin thickness, soluble solids and acidity. Two methodologies were applied: first, in the joint analysis of fruit characteristics and of intrinsic production characteristics in a single phase of selection; and second, in the analysis in two phases, in which priority was given to the intrinsic production characteristics in the first phase, and later, in the second phase, the best fruit characteristics were chosen among the progenies of the first phase. The analysis of variance was applied to the data to detect genetic variability among progenies. The Elston's selection indice was unable to provide distribution of genetic gains consistent with the purposes of the study, as it selected a single progeny of passion fruit. However, the index based on the sum of ranks of Mulamba & Mock was more suitable, as it provided a balanced distribution of gains, selecting a larger number of progenies. The methodology of selection using indices is advantageous in passion fruit, since it contributes to higher genetic gains for all the traits evaluated, and the selection in a single phase was proved efficient for progeny selection.

Algumas observaçoes sobre a margem de contribuiçao

O artigo procura mostrar alguns conceitos de há muito conhecidos e empregados pelos economistas, no campo de administração contábil e financeira. O conceito de margem de contribuição, mostra novidades no cálculo do ponto de eouilibrio. A área de significância dos dados é importante para não chegar-se a projeções absurdas. É mostrada também a falácia da análise do custo total, onde os custos fixos, conforme sua programação, apresentam custos totais diferentes. Finalmente, é apresentado um gráfico para mostrar a imporiãncia da margem de contribuição.

Vector competence experiments with Rocio virus and three mosquito species from the epidemic zone in Brazil

First-generation progeny of field-collected Psorophora ferox, Aedes scapularis, and Aedes serratus from the Rocio encephalitis epidemic zone in S.Paulo State, Brazil, were tested for vector competency in the laboratory. Psorophora ferox and Ae. scapularis are susceptible to per os infection with Rocio virus and can transmit the virus by bite following a suitable incubation period. Oral ID50S for the two species (10(4.1) and 10(4.3) Vero cell plaque forming units, respectively) did not differ significantly. Infection rates in Ae. serratus never exceeded 36%, and, consequently, an ID50 could not be calculated for this species. It is unlikely that Ae. serratus is an epidemiologically important vector of Rocio virus. The utility of an in vitro feeding technique for demonstrating virus transmission by infected mosquitoes and difficulties encountered in working with uncolonized progeny of field-collected mosquitoes are discussed.

Peroral susceptibility of Aedes albifasciatus and Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from Argentina to western equine encephalitis virus

The transmission cycle of western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus in South America is unknown. A WEE virus strain was isolated from Aedes albifasciatus in Argentina during the WEE epizootic of 1982-83. Also, Culex pipiens from Argentina was reported to be able to transmit WEE virus experimentally, but other results indicate that Cx. pipiens from the USA is refractory to this virus. We determined the susceptibility of Argentina strains of Ae. albifasciatus and Culex pipiens complex mosquites to infection by WEE virus by the oral route. Adult females were fed on chicks infected with a WEE virus strain isolated in Cordoba Province, Argentina, or were fed on a blood/virus suspension. Each mosquito ingested between 10(1.6) to 10(6.4) vero cell plaque-forming units of virus. Each of 28 Ae. albifasciatus was positive for virus from the fourth day postfeeding, and there was evidence for virus replication. In contrast, 0/44 Cx. p. quinquefasciatus and only 1/15 Cx. p. pipiens was positive. Aedes albifasciatus is susceptible to infection by WEE virus and should be considered a potential vector of this virus in Argentina. Both subspecies of Cx. pipiens are refractory to peroral infection by WEE virus and probably do not play a role in the WEE virus cycle in Argentina.

Simplificação do índice CPO dos 18 aos 25 anos

O índice CPO pode ser estimado pelo dobro do valor obtido pelo exame de dois hemiarcos (superior direito e inferior esquerdo), e pelo quádruplo do valor observado em seis dentes (primeiro molar e incisivo central superiores direitos, primeiro pré-molar superior esquerdo, segundo molar e incisivo lateral inferiores esquerdos e segundo pré-molar inferior direito). As estimativas foram feitas por métodos da estatística descritiva, em termos de média, composição percentual e coeficiente de prevalência de cárie, tendo-se levantado dados em 100 indivíduos de 18 a 25 anos.

Prevalencia de la caries dental en escolares de nivel primario de una región metropolitana de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina

Se describen los resultados de un estudio epidemiológico del estado de la salud bucal en escolares de nivel primario (6 y 12 años) matriculados en establecimientos municipales, provinciales y privados de la Ciudad de Córdoba, Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. En los niños de 6 años de escuelas municipales, la prevalencia de caries en elementos temporarios fue de moderada a alta, resultando baja para los escolares provinciales y privados (ceo-d = 4,44 , 2,31 y 1,27, respectivamente). Tanto en escolares municipales como provinciales, los componentes de mayor peso en el ceo-d fueron dientes cariados y con extracción indicada, en tanto que en los privados correspondió a dientes obturados. La proporción de niños sin caries activa fue de 13,6% en las escuelas municipales, 52,2% en las provinciales y 76,9% en las privadas. En los escolares de 12 años, la prevalencia de caries en dentición permanente resultó baja y comparable en los tres grupos de escuelas, registrándose un índice CPO-D que osciló entre 1,85 (municipales) y 2,59 (privados). Para ambas edades, las necesidades de tratamiento odontológico fueron elevadas en las tres poblaciones escolares. Se concluye que los niveles de salud dental alcanzados por los escolares municipales y provinciales a la edad de 12 años deben atribuirse principalmente al impacto producido por la aplicación de medidas preventivas, cuya eficiencia podría ser aumentada si se orientaran a atender edades más tempranas, sobre todo en las poblaciones de mayor riesgo.

Prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en ingresantes universitarios

Con el objetivo de conocer la prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) y su relación con antecedentes familiares de enfermedad, se estudiaron 3.357 ingresantes al 1er año de la Universidad de Mar del Plata, en el año 1991 que completaron su revisación médica obligatoria. La prevalencia de antecedentes familiares de hipercolesterolemia, hipertensión, diabetes mellitus, obesidad, enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) fue: 27,5%, 42,1%, 26,9 %, 27,2 % y 42,1% respectivamente. El 80,5% de los alumnos reportó al menos uno de los antecedentes familiares estudiados. La prevalencia de hipertensión (presión arterial sistólica > 140 mmHg y/o presión arterial diastólica 90 mmHg) y de hipercolesterolemia ( 210 mg/dl) en los participantes fue 7,0% y 14,4%. Se observó asociaciones de hipertensión con Indice de masa corporal (IMC), sexo masculino y edad. El 27,1% manifestó su condición de fumador, no presentándose diferencias entre sexos. El hábito se correlacionó positivamente con la edad y se observaron distintas prevalencias según la carrera universitaria elegida. La presencia de colesterolemia aumentada se correlacionó con la edad, el IMC y los antecedentes familiares de obesidad (OR: 1,32 IC95% = 1,06-1,64) e hipercolesterolemia (OR:1,38 IC95% = 1,10-1,69). Se detectó en un 3,7% anormalidades en el aparato cardiovascular. Se observó asociación con antecedentes de enfermedad cardíaca familiar. La prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovasculares hallados representan un toque de atención dada la juventud de la población considerada y muestran la necesidad de insistir en medidas educativas y de promoción de conductas preventivas.

Costo-efectividad de intervenciones para insuficiencia renal crónica terminal

OBJETIVO: Analisó el costo-efectividad en intervenciones para pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica terminal (IRCT) en términos de los costos económicos de cada intervención, los años de vida ganados y la calidad de vida que generan tres alternativas comparables y mutuamente excluyentes: diálisis peritoneal contínua ambulatoria (DPCA), la hemodiálisis (HD) y el trasplante renal (TR). MÉTODO: El diseño del estudio fue de tipo longitudinal. Los costos de cada intervención se determinaron mediante la técnica de manejo de caso promedio. Las medidas para evaluar los criterios de efectividad elegidos fueron la probabilidad de sobrevida y el Año de Vida Ajustado por Calidad (QALY, Quality Adjusted Life Year) medido por el Indice de Rosser. RSULTADOS: Los costos de manejo anual de caso fueron: diálisis peritoneal $5,643.07, hemodiálisis $9,631.60 y trasplante $3,021.63. En cuanto a la efectividad, la sobrevida del injerto de trasplante renal resultó de 89,9% y 79,6% a uno y tres años respectivamente, mientras que los pacientes sometidos a DPCA tienen una sobrevida de 86,2% y 66,9% a un año y a tres años respectivamente. En cuanto a los QALY's, los resultados para cada intervención fueron: DPCA 0,879; HD 0,864; y para el TR 0,978. CONCLUSIÓN: La intervención más costo-efectiva resultó el trasplante renal con un coeficiente de 3,088.69, seguido de la DPCA y la hemodiálisis, cuyos coeficientes fueron de 6,416.95 y 11,147.68 respectivamente. Por lo tanto se recomienda promover y utilizar el trasplante renal como la intervención más costo-efectiva para pacientes con IRCT.