Modificaciones del ambiente oral en el tratamiento con ortodoncia fija / Modifications of the oral environment due fixed orthodontic treatment

Objetivo. Evaluar las condiciones del ambiente oral de distintos sectores de la boca de pacientes previo y durante el tratamiento ortodóntico. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo en 46 pacientes con tratamiento de ortodoncia fija. Los parámetros clínicos, microbiológicos de saliva y placa bacteriana fueron registrados antes del tratamiento (t0) y a los 45 (t1), 90 (t2) y 135 días (t3) del inicio. Resultados. Antes del tratamiento se registraron valores elevados del componente "cariados" del índice CPO-D y niveles regulares del IHOs. El 57% de los pacientes mostró apiñamiento dental inferior. Durante el tratamiento, el índice de placa ortodóntica IPO disminuyó respecto al IHOs a t0, aunque mantuvo valores no deseables para la salud bucal (p=0,001). La capacidad amortiguadora disminuyó en t1 y t2 pero recuperó los valores iniciales en t3 (p=0,001). Se aislaron Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans y Lactobacillus en todas las muestras de placa bacteriana, con un aumento significativo en el sector posterior (p<0,0001). Los niveles de S. mutans, Lactobacillus y α-amilasa salival en la placa bacteriana de la zona posterior aumentaron durante el tratamiento (p =0,0002; p=0,002 y p=0,0059, respectivamente). Conclusiones. La conjunción de factores de riesgo cariogénico, tales como apiñamiento dental, baja capacidad amortiguadora salival, altos niveles de α-amilasa y S. mutans en la placa bacteriana, altos valores de IPO y el bajo flujo salival a tiempos cortos, demuestra la importancia del monitoreo individualizado de los pacientes al inicio el tratamiento ortodóntico, en especial en los sectores bucales de difícil acceso para la higiene bucal.

Objective. To evaluate the conditions of the oral environment of different sectors of the mouth in patients before and during orthodontic treatment. Methods. A prospective study in 46 patients with fixed orthodontic treatment. Clinical and microbiological parameters of saliva and bacterial plaque were collected before treatment (t0) and at 45 (t1), 90 (t2), and 135 days (t3) after the start of treatment. Results. Before treatment, high values of 'decayed' component of the DMF-T and regular levels of the OHIs were registered. Fifty-seven percent of patients showed lower dental crowding. During treatment, the orthodontic plaque index OPI decreased with respect to OHIs at t0, although it maintained undesirable values for oral health (p=0.001). The buffering capacity decreased at t1 and t2 but recovered to initial values at t3 (p=0.001). Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Lactobacillus were isolated in all the bacterial plaque samples, with a significant increase in the posterior sector (p<0.0001). Levels of S. mutans, Lactobacillus, and α-salivary amylase in the bacterial plaque of the posterior area were increased during treatment (p=0.0002; p=0.002; p=0.0059, respectively). Conclusions. The conjunction of cariogenic risk factors, such as dental crowding, low salivary buffering capacity, high levels of α-amylase and S. mutans in bacterial plaque, high values of OPI, and low salivary flow at short times, demonstrates the importance of individualized monitoring of patients at the beginning of orthodontic treatment, especially in oral sectors where oral hygiene is more difficult.

Candida albicans Modulates Murine and Human Beta Defensin-1 during Vaginitis.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) are two forms of a disease caused by Candida spp. ß-defensin (BD) is one of the most important families of antimicrobial peptides in the female genital tract and includes molecules that exert essential local functions as antimicrobial and PMN chemoattractant peptides. However, the information on their role during murine and human VVC and RVVC is limited. Thus, we analyzed the behavior and contribution of BD1 to the local response in a VVC mice model and the local cytokine profile and human BD1 and BD3 expression in cervicovaginal lavage from patients with VVC and RVVC. We demonstrated that, in patients with RVVC BD1, mRNA and protein expression were severely diminished and that the aspartate proteinase and lipase secreted by C. albicans are involved in that decrease. This study provides novel information about the pathogenesis of VVC and describes a highly efficient C. albicans escape strategy for perpetuating the infection; these results may contribute to the development of new or combined treatment approaches.

Candida lipases: a review on biochemical, molecular and pathogenic aspects. / [Lipasas de especies Candida: una revisión sobre aspectos bioquímicos, moleculares y patogénicos.]

In the last half century there was a significant increase in the incidence of fungal infections being likely to become a global health priority. The sophisticated degree of host-Candida interaction is the product of different virulence strategies used by the fungus to invade the tissues and the various defense mechanisms that it develops to control it. There is a significant amount of literature that indicates that this opportunistic commensal fungus has components that can be considered virulence factors related to the stage of the infectious process. Among the virulence factors of this fungus can be mentioned the adherence to cell surfaces, the formation of biofilms and the production of hydrolytic enzymes. The most studied hydrolases secreted by C. albicans are aspartyl proteinases, phospholipases and esterases, while lipases have been the least studied. These enzymes would have the function to facilitate active penetration into the cells, participating in the digestion and synthesis of lipid esters for their nutrition and contributing to the invasion of the tissue by hydrolyzing the lipid components of the host cell membranes. There is also bibliographic evidence that these enzymes are capable to damage cells and molecules of the immune system to avoid the antimicrobial activity.Taking into account the foregoing, this review provides an updated description of biochemical and molecular characteristics of the lipases secreted by Candida, its role as a virulence factor and its potential for the development of new antifungal drugs.

En el último medio siglo se produjo un aumento significativo en la incidencia de infecciones fúngicas siendo probable que se conviertan en una prioridad de salud global. El sofisticado grado de interacción hospedador-Candida es producto de diferentes estrategias de virulencia que utiliza el hongo para invadir los tejidos y de los diversos mecanismos de defensa que este último desarrolla para controlarlo. Existe bibliografía que indica que este hongo comensal oportunista posee componentes que pueden ser considerados factores de virulencia asociados a la etapa del proceso infeccioso. Dentro de los factores de virulencia de este hongo pueden mencionarse la adherencia a las superficies celulares, la formación de biofilms y la producción de enzimas hidrolíticas. Las hidrolasas secretadas por C. albicans más estudiadas son las aspartil proteinasas, las fosfolipasas y las esterasas, mientras que las lipasas han sido las menos exploradas. Estas enzimas tendrían como función facilitar la penetración activa en las células, participar en la digestión y síntesis de ésteres de lípidos para su nutrición y contribuir a la invasión del tejido al hidrolizar los componentes lipídicos de las membranas celulares del hospedador. También hay evidencia bibliográfica que indica que estas enzimas son capaces de dañar células y moléculas del sistema inmune para evitar la actividad antimicrobiana. Teniendo en cuenta lo precedente, esta revisión, proporciona una actualizada descripción de las características bioquímicas y moleculares de las lipasas secretadas por el hongo Candida, su rol como factor de virulencia y su potencial para el desarrollo de nuevos fármacos antifúngicos.

Study of virulence factor of Candida species in oral lesions and its association with potentially malignant and malignant lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the association between malignant and premalignant lesions and the virulence factor profile of Candida spp. recovered from different oral lesions. DESIGN: Candida spp. isolated from malignant lesions (squamous cell carcinoma, OC, n = 25), atypical lichen planus (AL, n = 11), chronic candidiasis (CC, n = 25), and asymptomatic carriers (WI, n = 15, control strains.) Isolates were identified in chromogenic medium, colony morphology and biochemical tests. The lipolytic and proteinase activity was determined on supplemented agar with olive oil and BSA, respectively. The biofilm formation with XTT reduction assay and cellular surface hydrophobicity (CSH) by water-hydrocarbon method were performed. RESULTS: All isolates recovered from oral lesions produced the four virulence factors studied with significantly higher levels than in WI isolates. Interestingly, lipolytic activity was absent in WI isolates. The proteolytic activity was similar in AL and OC isolates. OC isolates showed significantly higher CSH values than other clinical isolates. Non-albicans species showed higher biofilm formation than C.albicans (P = 0.03.) There were no significant differences in virulence factors among species. A strong positive correlation was found between proteinase and lipase activity (r = 0.90, P < 0.0001), and between hydrophobicity and biofilm (R = 0.81, P < 0.0001.) CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that OC Candida isolates exhibited a significant higher attributes of virulence than other lesions fungus isolates, providing evidence about the association between Candida pathogenicity and lesions severity.

Comparative study of preventive protocols in children at high cariogenic risk.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two preventive protocols -fluoride gel (F) alone or combined with chlorhexidine varnishes (CHX) - on sialochemical, clinical and microbiological parameters in a group of children at high cariogenic risk Two therapeutic-preventive protocols were applied in 73 children at high cariogenic risk (average age 6.2 +/- 1.4 years old) and clinical parameters (simplified oral hygiene index: OHI-S; decayed, missing and filled teeth: dmf index; sugar intake and exposure to fluoride), as well as sialochemical parameters (salivary pH and flow, buffer capacity) and microbiological parameters (CFU/mg of dental biofilm of Streptococcus mutans group) were recorded and correlated before and after the protocols. Association was found between parameters that cause deficient control of dental biofilm: high values of OHIS index, CFU/mg dental biofilm, sugar intake and the d component of dmft index, and lower values of salivary flow rate and buffer capacity. After the protocols, a significant decrease was found in OHI-S and CFU/mg dental biofilm. No significant difference was found with children's gender and age. The association observed between OHI-S and cariogenic bacteria emphasizes the importance of prevention, especially regarding the oral health of the most vulnerable children. The early inclusion of F associated with CHX in the initial step of preventive and therapeutic protocols would provide benefits regarding oral microbe control while children acquire new habits of oral hygiene.

Oral ecosystem alterations in celiac children: a follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this work were (1) to assess the oral health status of children with celiac disease (CD) with or without compliance with a gluten-free diet and in non-celiac children in a follow-up study and (2) to identify oral ecosystem changes that could be used as non-invasive monitoring methods for CD patients. STUDY DESIGN: An 18-month follow-up study in children of both genders, who were 4-12 years old during the study period, was performed. Decayed-missing-filled in temporary (dmft) and permanent teeth (DMFT), enamel alterations, oral hygiene, and gingival index were measured. Oral smears were collected by brushing. Flow rate, calcium, phosphate, pH, buffer capacity, fluoride, and Ca/P ratio were measured in saliva. Salivary protein profiles were performed. RESULTS: Most CD patients (80%) presented typical symptoms between 12 and 24 months old. Children with CD had a significantly low frequency of enamel alterations (30%) (p=0.0001). A high percentage of patients (63.15%) reported having had aphthous ulcers at several times. The celiac group showed significantly more polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in smears (20% PMNs per area, p=0.0459) than the control group (0% PMNs per area) at baseline. In CD children, 90% of the samples that showed PMNs at baseline did not present them after 18 months. However, 10% of the smears of CD patients presented PMNs at the end of this study. Compliance with the gluten-free diet was controlled to detect the maintenance or worsening of signs and symptoms during the medical controls. CONCLUSIONS: The main differences amongst CD children who did or did not comply with a gluten-free diet and control children are the presence of PMNs in oral mucosa and protein salivary patterns; these findings could be considered as markers for CD, in conjunction with other signs and symptoms.

Comparative study of preventive protocols in children at high cariogenic risk

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la eficacia de dos protocolos preventivos - fluoruro (F) sólo o combinando conclorhexidina (CHX)- sobre indicadores clínicos, sialoquímicos y microbiológicos, en una población de niños de altoriesgo cariogénico. Se aplicaron dos protocolos terapéutico-preventivos en 73 niños en edad escolar de alto riesgo cariogénico y se determinarony correlacionaron parámetros clínicos (índice de higiene oral simplificado IHO-S, ceo-d, consumo de azúcar y exposición a fluoruros), sialoquímicos (pH y flujo salival, capacidad amortiguadora) y microbiológicos (UFC/mg de biofilm dental de Streptococcus grupo mutans) antes y después de la aplicación de los tratamientos. Se observó una asociación entre los parámetros que producenuna deficiente control de placa bacteriana: altos valores de IHO-S, de UFC/mg biofilm dental, de consumo de azúcar, del componente c del índice ceo-d y los menores valores de flujo salival y de capacidad amortiguadora. Luego de la aplicación de los tratamientos, se observó una disminución significativade IHO-S y UFC/mg biofilm dental. No se observaron diferencias significativas con el género y la edad de los niños.La asociación observada entre los niveles de higiene oral y de bacterias cariogénicas enfatiza la importancia de la prevención y atención de la salud de los niños más vulnerables. La incorporación del F asociada a la CHX en la etapa inicial de los protocolos terapéutico-preventivos ofrecería tempranamente beneficios en el control microbiano mientras se incorporan hábitos de higiene oral.(AU)

Comparative study of preventive protocols in children at high cariogenic risk

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la eficacia de dos protocolos preventivos - fluoruro (F) sólo o combinando conclorhexidina (CHX)- sobre indicadores clínicos, sialoquímicos y microbiológicos, en una población de niños de altoriesgo cariogénico. Se aplicaron dos protocolos terapéutico-preventivos en 73 niños en edad escolar de alto riesgo cariogénico y se determinarony correlacionaron parámetros clínicos (índice de higiene oral simplificado IHO-S, ceo-d, consumo de azúcar y exposición a fluoruros), sialoquímicos (pH y flujo salival, capacidad amortiguadora) y microbiológicos (UFC/mg de biofilm dental de Streptococcus grupo mutans) antes y después de la aplicación de los tratamientos. Se observó una asociación entre los parámetros que producenuna deficiente control de placa bacteriana: altos valores de IHO-S, de UFC/mg biofilm dental, de consumo de azúcar, del componente c del índice ceo-d y los menores valores de flujo salival y de capacidad amortiguadora. Luego de la aplicación de los tratamientos, se observó una disminución significativade IHO-S y UFC/mg biofilm dental. No se observaron diferencias significativas con el género y la edad de los niños.La asociación observada entre los niveles de higiene oral y de bacterias cariogénicas enfatiza la importancia de la prevención y atención de la salud de los niños más vulnerables. La incorporación del F asociada a la CHX en la etapa inicial de los protocolos terapéutico-preventivos ofrecería tempranamente beneficios en el control microbiano mientras se incorporan hábitos de higiene oral.

Antifungal and post-antifungal effects of chlorhexidine, fluconazole, chitosanand its combinations on Candida albicans

Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the antifungal and post-antifungal effects of chlorhexidine, fluconazole,chitosan and its combinations on virulence factors of Candida albicans. Study Design: Ten isolated strains of Candida albicans obtained from 10 patients with oral candidiasis and acollection strain of C. albicans were treated with antifungal agents in different concentrations or combinationsof them. Virulence factors analyzed were the cell surface hydrophobicity, the germinative tube development, the phospholipase activity and the post-antifungal effect of that exposure. Results: Virulence factors of the isolated strains obtained from patients together with the collection strain showed significant decreases with the different antifungal treatments, except for hydrophobicity and phospholipase activity.The development of germinative tube was the most sensitive factor to all the antifungal agents used. Untreated strains as well as the ones treated with antifungal agents showed a positive correlation among the virulence factorsanalyzed. No synergic effects arose from the combinations of the used drugs. Conclusions: C. albicans isolated strains from patients showed high phospholipase activity and germinative tubeproduction, which corroborates their capacity to infect the oral mucosa and the high prevalence of species. Asa whole, our results imply that short exposures to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the antifungal agents underanalysis, isolated or combined, can modulate the way virulence factors get manifested, thus decreasing their pathogenicity (AU)

Antifungal and post-antifungal effects of chlorhexidine, fluconazole, chitosan and its combinations on Candida albicans.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to assess the antifungal and post-antifungal effects of chlorhexidine, fluconazole, chitosan and its combinations on virulence factors of Candida albicans. STUDY DESIGN: Ten isolated strains of Candida albicans obtained from 10 patients with oral candidiasis and a collection strain of C. albicans were treated with antifungal agents in different concentrations or combinations of them. Virulence factors analyzed were the cell surface hydrophobicity, the germinative tube development, the phospholipase activity and the post-antifungal effect of that exposure. RESULTS: Virulence factors of the isolated strains obtained from patients together with the collection strain showed significant decreases with the different antifungal treatments, except for hydrophobicity and phospholipase activity. The development of germinative tube was the most sensitive factor to all the antifungal agents used. Untreated strains as well as the ones treated with antifungal agents showed a positive correlation among the virulence factors analyzed. No synergic effects arose from the combinations of the used drugs. CONCLUSIONS: C. albicans isolated strains from patients showed high phospholipase activity and germinative tube production, which corroborates their capacity to infect the oral mucosa and the high prevalence of species. As a whole, our results imply that short exposures to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the antifungal agents under analysis, isolated or combined, can modulate the way virulence factors get manifested, thus decreasing their pathogenicity.

Evaluation of clinical dental variables to build classifiers to predict celiac disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of salivary variables to build statistical models for predicting celiac disease in symptomatic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 52 children with celiac disease diagnosed by bowel biopsy, grade III or IV (4 to 12 years old, both sexes) and 23 healthy children as a control group. A logistic regression model was applied to evaluate an individual's belonging to one group or another. The performance of the model was evaluated by the value of area under the ROC curve. The salivary variables included in the model were the concentration of total proteins, calcium, Ca/P molar ratio, buffer capacity and salivary flow. RESULTS: The total proteins (p = 0.0016) and Ca/P molar ratio (p = 0.0237) variables were significantly associated with the celiac condition. The value of the area under the ROC curve, estimated from the probabilities of the logistic model, showed that salivary component values allow the celiac condition of patients to be predicted with 85% accuracy (p <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Logistic discriminant analysis built with salivary variables shows that these are good for predicting this eating pathology with 85% accuracy.

Evaluation of clinical dental variables to build classifiers to predict celiac disease

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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of salivary variables to build statistical models for predicting celiac disease in symptomatic children. Materials and Methods: the study group consisted of 52 children with celiac disease diagnosed by bowel biopsy, grade III or IV (4 to 12 years old, both sexes) and 23 healthy children as a control group. A logistic regression model was applied to evaluate an individual’s belonging to one group or another. The performance of the model was evaluated by the value of area under the ROC curve. The salivary variables included in the model were the concentration of total proteins, calcium, Ca / P molar ratio, buffer capacity and salivary flow.Results: The total proteins (p = 0.0016) and Ca / P molar ratio (p = 0.0237) variables were significantly associated with the celiac condition. The value of the area under the ROC curve, estimated from the probabilities of the logistic model, showed that salivary component values allow the celiac condition of patients to be predicted with 85% accuracy(p <0.0001). Conclusion: Logistic discriminant analysis built with salivary variables shows that these are goodfor predicting this eating pathology with 85% accuracy

Alterations of the oral ecosystem in children with celiac disease.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this work is to evaluate the alterations of the oral ecosystem in symptomatic children with celiac disease (CD), to establish a particular pattern of oral markers that can be used as presumptive diagnosis of CD. MATERIAL & METHODS: A sample of n=52 children with CD diagnosis according to the modified criteria of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN), 1990, was studied. A dental clinical evaluation of soft and hard tissues was performed. Saliva samples were obtained; in which buffer capacity, total proteins, calcium and phosphate were measured and SDS PAGE 12% electrophoretic profiles were performed. In addition, oral mucosa smears were collected by brushing. RESULTS: Low frequency of enamel structural alterations was found, particularly in the permanent teeth of children with CD. These alterations had characteristics of chronological coherence (31.7%), bilateralism (26.8%) and symmetry (29.23%). The celiac smears in the celiac group (20%) showed signifcant presence of polymorphic nuclei and free nuclei. The celiac group had significant differences in buffer capacity, IgA levels, minute volume, calcium and Ca/P ratio (p<0.05). The protein profiles of CD children showed the absence of bands of low, medium and high molecular weight. CONCLUSION: Our results enable us to develop an alteration pattern corresponding to the oral ecosystem of CD children. In the CD patients, the most relevant variables were tooth enamel alterations, oral mucosa morphology, and modifications of salivary parameters, which would enable the dentist to refer these patients to specialist physician.

Efecto del quitosán de alto peso molecular y del alginato de sodio sobre la hidrofobicidad y adhesión de Candida albicans a células / Effect of the high molecular weight chitosan and sodium alginate on Candida albicans hydrophobicity and adhesion to cells

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del quitosán de alto peso molecular (QAPM) y del alginato de sodio (NaAL) sobre la hidrofobicidad superficial de Candida albicans y la adhesión de esta levadura a células epiteliales y fibroblastos de distinto origen. Diseño del estudio: Para el estudio de la hidrofobicidad, las levaduras (n=7) se hicieron crecer en agar glucosado de Sabouraud suplementado con QAPM o NaAL o en ausencia de los mismos (controles). La determinación de la hidrofobicidadse realizó por el método de adhesión a hidrocarburos utilizando dos solventes orgánicos (xileno y cloroformo). En los estudios de adhesión, las levaduras se pusieron en contacto con soluciones de biopolímeros y luego se enfrentaron a diferentes células (fibroblastos humanos y de rata y células epiteliales Hep-2). La cuantificación se realizó por microscopía óptica.Resultados: Se observó una disminución del 44% de la hidrofobicidad en presencia de QAPM y del 82%, con NaAL, o del 30% con QAPM y 19% con NaAL, cuando los solventes orgánicos empleados fueron cloroformo o xileno, respectivamente. La adhesión de C. albicans a células epiteliales y fibroblastos humanos disminuyó significativamente con ambos biopolímeros. En el caso de los fibroblastos de encía de rata, sólo se observó una disminución con NaAL. En ninguno de los experimentos se observaron diferencias significativas en asociación al tipo de fibroblasto empleado. Conclusiones: Los biopolímeros resultaron efectivos en la reducción de la hidrofobicidad y la adhesión de C. albicans a células, las cuales son importantes factores de virulencia relacionados con la colonización de los tejidos blandos del hospedador o superficies acrílicas presentes en el sistema estomatognático

The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the effect of the high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC) and of sodium alginate (NaAL) on surface hydrophobicity of Candida albicans and on adhesion of the yeast to epithelial cells and fibroblasts of different proceeding.For this study, a collection strain and seven isolates of C. albicans from saliva (patients with denture stomatitis) were grown in Sabouraud glucose agar supplemented with HMWC or NaAL or in absence of them (control). Hydrophobicity was determined by adhesion to hydrocarbons method using two organic media (xylene and chloroform). For adhesion experiments, aqueous suspensions of yeasts were contacted with solutions of biopolymers and different cells (rat and human fibroblasts and epithelial cells Hep-2). The quantification of adhesion was made by optical microscopy.Results: a decrease in hydrophobicity was observed in the presence of HMWC (44%) and of NaAL (82%) when chloroformwas employed as organic medium, meanwhile the decreases were of 30% with HMWC and 19% with NaAL in the presence of xylene. Adhesion of C. albicans to epithelial cells and human fibroblasts decreased significantly with both biopolymers. In the case of rat fibroblasts, a decrease was observed only with NaAL. None of experiments showed significant differences associated to fibroblast type.Conclusions: biopolymers showed effectiveness in reducing hydrophobicity and adhesion of C. albicans to cells, which are important virulence factors related to colonization of the soft tissues of host or acrylic surfaces present in the oral system

Effect of the high molecular weight chitosan and sodium alginate on Candida albicans hydrophobicity and adhesion to cells.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the effect of the high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC) and of sodium alginate (NaAL) on surface hydrophobicity of Candida albicans and on adhesion of the yeast to epithelial cells and fibroblasts of different proceeding. For this study, a collection strain and seven isolates of C. albicans from saliva (patients with denture stomatitis) were grown in Sabouraud glucose agar supplemented with HMWC or NaAL or in absence of them (control). Hydrophobicity was determined by adhesion to hydrocarbons method using two organic media (xylene and chloroform). For adhesion experiments, aqueous suspensions of yeasts were contacted with solutions of biopolymers and different cells (rat and human fibroblasts and epithelial cells Hep-2). The quantification of adhesion was made by optical microscopy. RESULTS: A decrease in hydrophobicity was observed in the presence of HMWC (44%) and of NaAL (82%) when chloroform was employed as organic medium, meanwhile the decreases were of 30% with HMWC and 19% with NaAL in the presence of xylene. Adhesion of C. albicans to epithelial cells and human fibroblasts decreased significantly with both biopolymers. In the case of rat fibroblasts, a decrease was observed only with NaAL. None of experiments showed significant differences associated to fibroblast type. CONCLUSIONS: Biopolymers showed effectiveness in reducing hydrophobicity and adhesion of C. albicans to cells, which are important virulence factors related to colonization of the soft tissues of host or acrylic surfaces present in the oral system.

[High molecular weight chitosan and sodium alginate effect on secretory acid proteinase of Candida albicans]. / Efecto del quitosan de alto peso melecular y del alginato de socio sobre la proteinasa ácida secretoria de Candida albicans.

The effect of high molecular weight chitosan (HMWCh) and sodium alginate (NaAL) on acid proteinase secretion of Candida albicans (one of culture collection and five isolates) was evaluated. The secretion of acid proteinase was induced in the presence and the absence of these polymers in different concentrations and their enzymatic activity was determined. HMWCh and NaAL significantly diminished the enzymatic activity (>76% for the collection strains and > 89% for the isolates, p < 0.05). HMWCh did not modify protein concentrations, but NaAL did. It can be concluded that both polymers can inhibit the proteinase activity of Candida albicans.

Estado de salud bucodental de escolares residentes en localidades abastecidas con agua de consumo humano de muy alto y muy bajo contenido de fluoruros / State of oral health among schoolchildren living in towns supplied with drinking water containing very high and very low levels of fluoride

Descreve e analisa os resultados de uma pesquisa epidemiológica de corte transversal destinada a avaliar o estado de saúde buco-dental de escolares de 6-7 e 12-13 anos, residentes em Sampacho e Porteña, duas localidades da Província de Córdoba (Argentina), abastecidas com água potável contendo quantidade de F- muito diferentes. Em Sampacho, o nível de F- é de 9,05 mg/l enquanto que em Porteña a concentraçäo é de 0,19 mg/l. A proporçäo de escolares (6-7 e 12-13 anos) que näo apresentaram cárie foi significativamente maior em Sampacho do que em Porteña, enquanto, que os índices ceo-d, ceo-s, CPO-D e CPO-S resultaram consideravelmente mais altos nesta última localidade. A severidade da doença de cárie nas crianças de 12-13 anos de Sampacho esteve compreendida entre as categorias baixa e moderada (CPO-D = 2,53), enquanto que em suas similares em Porteña atingiu o grau de moderada e alta (CPO-D=4,41). Näo se registrou nenhum caso de fluorose dental em Porteña enquanto que em Sampacho houve uma alta proporçäo de crianças que apresentou fluoroses leve (6-7 anos) e leve ou intensa (12-13 anos). Os níveis salivares de cálcio, fosfatos, tiocianato, proteínas totais e lg A secretora foram muito similares nos escolares de ambas localidades, e também entre crianças com diferentes tipos de cárie e diferentes graus de gravidade de fluorose. Conclui ser necessária a aplicaçäo de medidas sanitárias urgentes (preventivas ou curativas) para reduzir ou controlar as doenças de cárie em Porteña e a fluorose dental em Sampacho

Condición socioeconómica, salud bucodental y factores asociados en la población infantil (5 años) de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina / Socio-economic status, oral health and related factors in a child population (5 years old) of the Cordoba city, Argentina

Se exponen e interpretan los resultados de una investigación referida al estado de salud bucodental de preescolares (5 años) de la ciudad de Córdoba (Argentina). El 95,8 por ciento de los niños del nivel económico social más alto (NES I) tenía un ceo-d menor o igual que el percentilo 80 de la población infantil, mientras que en la categoría socioeconómica más baja (NES III) sólo el 66,9 por ciento de los niños no excedía ese valor. Las superficies oclusales de los molares fueron las que presentaban mayor experiencia de caries, aunque la enfermedad se inició preferentemente en el segundo molar superior (NES I) y en el segundo molar inferior (NES III). El consumo de golosinas incrementó la frecuencia de caries en los niños de los NES I y II, no así en los del NES III. La práctica del cepillado y del control odontológico tuvieron muy poco efecto sobre la salud bucodental. Las concentraciones salivales de calcio, fosfatos, proteínas totales, glucoproteínas e IgA secretoria resultaron casi idénticas en todos los niveles socioeconómicos y no estuvieron relacionadas con la experiencia de caries