Streptococcus dentisani inhibits the growth of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: in vitro assay.

BACKGROUND: Probiotic bacteria inhibit aggregation, biofilm formation, and dimorphism of Candida spp. However, the effects of a new probiotic, Streptococcus dentisani, on the growth of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of S. dentisani on the different phases of C. albicans and C. glabrata biofilm development. METHODS: Growth quantification and ultrastructural analyses were performed on biofilms of C. albicans ATCC 90028, C. glabrata ATCC 2001, and clinical isolates of C. albicans from oral candidiasis (CA-C1), caries (CA-CR1), and periodontal pocket (CA-P1) treated with cell suspensions of S. dentisani CECT 7746. Cell viability was determined by quantifying colony-forming units (CFU/mL). The ultrastructural analyses were done with atomic force microscopy. RESULTS: S. dentisani induced a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of CFU/mL of immature and mature biofilm in all strains of C. albicans and C. glabrata. Microscopic analysis revealed that S. dentisani reduced C. albicans density in mixed biofilm. The fungus-bacteria interaction affected cell membrane integrity in yeast. CONCLUSION: For the first time, our data elucidate the antifungal effect of S. dentisani on the development of C. albicans and C. glabrata biofilms, supporting its usefulness as a niche-specific probiotic to prevent and treat oral dysbiosis.

Impact of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment on the Concentration and Level of MRP-8/14 (Calprotectin) as an Inflammatory Biomarker in Women with Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NS-PT) on periodontal parameters and inflammatory biomarkers in the concentration and level of calprotectin (CLP) in women with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this quasi-experimental study, we evaluated 30 women (mean age: 52.0 ± 5.8 years) with periodontitis and RA who had been diagnosed and treated for RA for more than 3 years and whose activity markers remained at similar values without significant reduction over three consecutive months. Patients underwent NS-PT, which included plaque control, scaling, and root planing. Serum and saliva samples, periodontal indices, RA activity markers, Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the C-reactive protein (CRP) and CLP contents were measured at the beginning of the study and 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used in the analysis. The mean age was 52.0 ± 5.8 years. Compared to the baseline results, all periodontal indices were significantly reduced 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT (p < 0.001). DAS28 was also significantly reduced after 12 weeks (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the serum CLP concentration decreased 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT (p < 0.0001). Of the patients, 100% presented lower levels of CRP and ESR (p < 0.0001). Overall, NS-PT reduced inflammation and disease activity, highlighting the importance of oral health in the control and treatment of systemic diseases such as RA and confirming that NS-PT effectively reduces periodontitis activity and plays a key role in modulating RA activity. Therefore, NS-PT should be considered as an adjunct treatment for RA.

Bactericidal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles on Oral Biofilms Related to Patients with and without Periodontal Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Periodontal disease (PD) is a multifactorial oral disease regularly caused by bacterial biofilms. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have offered good antimicrobial activity; moreover, there is no available scientific information related to their antimicrobial effects in biofilms from patients with PD. This study reports the bactericidal activity of AgNP against oral biofilms related to PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AgNP of two average particle sizes were prepared and characterized. Sixty biofilms were collected from patients with (30 subjects) and without PD (30 subjects). Minimal inhibitory concentrations of AgNP were calculated and the distribution of bacterial species was defined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Well-dispersed sizes of AgNP were obtained (5.4 ± 1.3 and 17.5 ± 3.4 nm) with an adequate electrical stability (-38.2 ± 5.8 and -32.6 ± 5.4 mV, respectively). AgNP showed antimicrobial activities for all oral samples; however, the smaller AgNP had significantly the most increased bactericidal effects (71.7 ± 39.1 µg/mL). The most resistant bacteria were found in biofilms from PD subjects (p < 0.05). P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia were present in all PD biofilms (100%). CONCLUSIONS: The AgNP showed efficient bactericidal properties as an alternative therapy for the control or progression of PD.

A systematic review of the protein composition of whole saliva in subjects with healthy periodontium compared with chronic periodontitis.

CONTEXT: Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease linked to oral microbiota dysbiosis. This disease progresses to infection that stimulates a host immune/inflammatory response, with progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting structures. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to present a robust critical evaluation of the evidence of salivary protein profiles for identifying oral diseases using proteomic approaches and summarize the use of these approaches to diagnose chronic periodontitis. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search was conducted from January 1st, 2010, to December 1st, 2022, based on PICO criteria following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and by searching the three databases Science Direct, Scopus, and Springer Link. STUDY SELECTION: According to the inclusion criteria, eight studies were identified to analyze the proteins identified by proteomics. RESULTS: The protein family S100 was identified as the most abundant in patients with chronic periodontitis. In this family, an increased abundance of S100A8 and S100A9 from individuals with the active disease was observed, which strongly relates to the inflammatory response. Moreover, the ratio S100A8/S100A9 and the metalloproteinase-8 in saliva could differentiate distinct periodontitis groups. The changes in protein profile after non-surgical periodontal therapy improved the health of the buccal area. The results of this systematic review identified a set of proteins that could be used as a complementary tool for periodontitis diagnosis using salivary proteins. CONCLUSION: Biomarkers in saliva can be used to monitor an early stage of periodontitis and the progression of the disease following therapy.

Use and management of disinfectants by dentists in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, during the covid-19 pandemic / Uso y manejo de desinfectantes por odontólogos de San Luis Potosí, México durante la pandemia covid-19

Introduction: Chlorine, ethyl alcohol, and quaternary ammonium are disinfectants with antiviral activity against SARS-Cov2. However, there are no previous reports of their use and handling for cleaning and disinfection in dental offices. Objetive: To determine the use and management of disinfectants in critical and non-critical areas used by dentists in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: A validated cross-sectional survey was applied online to 100 dentists in San Luis Potosí between February and June 2021. Participants were informed about the handling of personal data according to the standard DOF regulations (DOF 07-05-2010). Results: A total of 100 dentists were included in the study, 63% female and 37% male, with a mean age of 26 years. The most widely used disinfectants during the pandemic in critical areas were Lysol® and 0.1% sodium hypochlorite in non-critical areas. Eighty-five percent of dentists know the adverse effects of inappropriate use of disinfectants, 72% did not have any sign or symptom associated with the use of disinfectants. The most used protection barrier was gloves (97%). Sixty-seven per cent of dentists disposed of disinfectant waste down the drain. Conclusion: Sodium hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds and/or ethanol are used to clean non-critical and critical areas in dental offices. However, appropriate measures for their management are not adopted. It is necessary to implement educational strategies to improve the use and management of disinfectants in dental practice.

Introducción: Cloro, alcohol etílico y amonio cuaternario son desinfectantes que muestran actividad antiviral contra el SARS-Cov2, sin embargo, no existen reportes previos de su uso y manejo para la limpieza y desinfección en clínicas dentales. Objetivo: Determinar el uso y manejo de los desinfectantes en áreas críticas y no críticas empleados por los odontólogos en San Luis Potosí durante la COVID-19. Material y Métodos: Encuesta transversal validada y aplicada on-line a 100 odontólogos de San Luis Potosí durante febrero-junio 2021. Se informó a los participantes sobre el manejo de datos personales de acuerdo a la norma (DOF 05-07-2010). Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 100 odontólogos, 63% del sexo femenino y 37% del sexo masculino, con una edad promedio de 26 años. Los desinfectantes más utilizados durante la pandemia en las áreas críticas fueron el Lysol® y el hipoclorito de sodio al 0.1% en áreas no críticas. El 85% de los odontólogos conocen los efectos adversos del uso inadecuado de los desinfectantes, 72% no tuvieron algún signo o síntoma asociado al uso de desinfectantes. La barrera de protección más utilizada fueron los guantes (97%). El 67% de los odontólogos eliminó los desechos de desinfectantes por la coladera. Conclusión: Para la limpieza de las áreas no críticas y críticas en las clínicas dentales se utilizan el hipoclorito de Sodio y compuestos de amonio cuaternario y/o etanol, sin embargo, no se utilizan las medidas adecuadas para su manejo. Es necesario implementar estrategias educativas para mejorar el uso y manejo de desinfectantes en la práctica dental.

Anti-Adherence and Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles against Serotypes C and K of Streptococcus mutans on Orthodontic Appliances.

Background and Objectives: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main microorganism associated with the presence of dental caries and specific serotypes of this bacteria have been related to several systemic diseases limiting general health. In orthodontics, white spot lesions (WSL), represent a great challenge for clinicians due to the great fluctuation of their prevalence and incidence during conventional orthodontic treatments. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been demonstrated to have great antimicrobial properties in several microorganisms, including S. mutans bacteria, there is no available information about anti adherence and antimicrobial properties of AgNP exposed to two of the most relevant serotypes of S. mutans adhered on orthodontic materials used for conventional therapeutics. The objective of this study was to determine anti-adherence and antimicrobial levels of AgNP against serotypes c and k of S. mutans on conventional orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: An AgNP solution was prepared and characterized using dispersion light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antimicrobial and anti-adherence activities of AgNP were determined using minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and bacterial adherence testing against serotypes c and k of S. mutans clinically isolated and confirmed by PCR assay. Results: The prepared AgNP had spherical shapes with a good size distribution (29.3 ± 0.7 nm) with negative and well-defined electrical charges (−36.5 ± 5.7 mV). AgNP had good bacterial growth (55.7 ± 19.3 µg/mL for serotype c, and 111.4 ± 38.6 µg/mL for serotype k) and adherence inhibitions for all bacterial strains and orthodontic wires (p < 0.05). The serotype k showed statistically the highest microbial adherence (p < 0.05). The SS wires promoted more bacterial adhesion (149.0 ± 253.6 UFC/mL × 104) than CuNiTi (3.3 ± 6.0 UFC/mL × 104) and NiTi (101.1 ± 108.5 UFC/mL × 104) arches. SEM analysis suggests CuNiTi wires demonstrated better topographical conditions for bacterial adherence while AFM evaluation determined cell wall irregularities in bacterial cells exposed to AgNP. Conclusions: This study suggests the widespread use of AgNP as a potential anti-adherent and antimicrobial agent for the prevention of WSL during conventional orthodontic therapies and, collaterally, other systemic diseases.

Prevalence of Candida albicans in primary endodontic infections associated with a higher frequency of apical periodontitis in type two diabetes mellitus patients.

To identify the prevalence of C. albicans in primary endodontic infections of type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and compare their clinical and radiographical characteristics with a non-diabetic control group, establishing the possible relationship between primary endodontic infection, T2DM, and C. albicans, since diabetes mellitus (DM), influences the development, course, and response to the treatment of apical periodontitis, but the presence of Candida albicans (C. albicans) has not been considered before. A total of 120 patients were selected and divided into two groups: 60 T2DM diagnosed patients and 60 non-diabetic controls. A clinical examination and radiographic analysis were performed to establish a periapical index score (PAI). Root canal samples were taken. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, and specific primers were used to identify C. albicans by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A twofold increase in the prevalence of C. albicans in T2DM patients was observed in contrast to control patients (p = 0.0251). Sixty-five percent of T2DM patients with positive C. albicans scored a ≥ 3 PAI, while only 27% of the patients without C. albicans had a ≥ 3 PAI score (p = 0.0065). Long-term DM patients presented C. albicans more frequently (p < 0.0001). In this study, long-term T2DM patients carried C. albicans in their root canals more frequently when having a primary endodontic infection. Furthermore, this C. albicans presence seems to be related to a higher frequency of apical periodontitis.

The frequency and severity of dental caries, and counts of cariogenic bacteria in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to exhibit periodontitis than patients without RA. However, the frequency and severity of dental caries in patients with RA is still unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate whether higher counts of cariogenic bacteria are present in RA patients in contrast to healthy subjects, and to ascertain whether the frequency and severity of dental caries are increased in RA patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 160 adults: an RA group (n = 80) and a control group matched by age and gender (n = 80). The participants' dental status scores were determined based on the following indices: the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, the Filled and Sound Teeth (FS-T) index, Treatment Needs Index (TNI), Care Index (CI), and Integrative Dental Caries Index (IDCI). DNA copies of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus) were quantified using realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The IDCI showed that the RA group was more affected, mainly presenting moderate to severe dental caries. The RA group also had higher global DMFT scores than the control group and scored higher on the decayed component of the DMFT index. The TNI and CI indicated that RA patients required more dental attention and appropriate treatment. The Streptococcus mutans count was significantly higher in the RA group. CONCLUSIONS: A complete basic oral examination, along with oral health instruction including adequate oral and dental hygiene, is crucial to prevent dental caries and associated complications in RA patients, since they appear to be more vulnerable than the non-RA population.

Filifactor alocis and Dialister pneumosintes in a Mexican population affected by periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis: An exploratory study.

Filifactor alocis and Dialister pneumosintes have been associated with the initiation and progression of periodontitis (PE). We determined and compared the frequency of both bacteria in patients with PE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and PE/RA simultaneously. Detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction in the subgingival biofilm. Bacteria were more frequent in patients with PE, and clinical periodontal parameters such as pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were significantly higher in patients with PE/RA. F. alocis and D. pneumosintes could influence PD and CAL, hence participating in the initiation and progression of PE in patients with RA.

Estudio comparativo de tres materiales de impresión en su capacidad para reproducir el margen cervical de la preparación mediante las técnicas de doble hilo y cofia de trasferencia / Comparative study of three impression materials in their capacity to reproduce the cervical margin of preparation using techniques of coping and double cord

En prótesis fija la integridad marginal o perfección del margen es de suma importancia así como una impresión que copie perfectamente el terminado de la preparación ya que de esto depende la adaptabilidade de la prótesis que permita la supervivencia de la restauración y el mantenimiento de la salud periodontal en la boca del paciente. En este estudio se compara la capacidad de tres materiales de impresión (2 siliconas por adición y 1 poliéter) para copiar el margen cervical de la preparación mediante las técnicas de doble hilo y cofia de trasferencia. Se utilizaron 96 primeros molares inferiores izquierdos divididos en 6 grupos de 16 c/u se restauraron los dientes con ionómero de vidrio, resina o poste colado según fuera el caso, se prepararon los dientes con terminación en chamfer, el grupo 1: técnica de doble hilo con silicone por adición (Silicona 1), grupo 2: técnica de doble hilo con poliéter, grupo 3: técnica de cofia de transferência con silicona (Silicona 1), grupo 4: técnica de cofia de transferencia con poliéter, grupo 5: Técnica de doble hilo con silicona (Silicona 2), grupo 6: Técnica de cofia con silicona (Silicona 2). Posteriormente fueron observados en el estereomicroscopio para evaluar la cantidad de burbujas e irregularidades en el margen cervical según la escala de Jokstad. Donde la prueba estadística de Chi-cuadrada con un nivel de confianza de < 0.05 no mostró diferencia estadística significativa entre las técnicas de impresión de doble hilo y la de cofia de trasferencia, independientemente del material usado. Aunque numéricamente la técnica de doble hilo se comportó mejor que la técnica de cofia por lo que se sugiere su uso.

In fixed prosthesis, the integrity of perfection of the margin is of utmost importance, as well as an impression that perfectly copies the finish of the preparations, since the adaptability of the prosthesis that ensures survival of the restoration and periodontal health depends on this. This study compares the capacity of 3 different materials (2 silicones addition and 1 polyether) to copy the cervical margin of the preparation in the impression between the techniques of double cord and coping. We used 96 lower left molars divided into 6 groups of 16 each. The teeth were restored with glass ionomer, resin or cast post and core depending on the case, the margins were finished in a chamfer (group 1), double thread with addition silicone (group 2), double thread with polyether, (group 3), coping with PVS, (group 4), coping with polyether, (group5) double cord with PVS (group 6), coping With PVS. They were subsequently evaluated in a stereomicroscope to observe the number of bubbles and irregularities in the cervical margin according to the Jockstad scale, where the Chi-square test with a confidence level of <0.05 showed no statistically significant difference between impression techniques and coping regardless of material used. Although numerically the double-thread technique behaved better than coping technique, so it is suggested its use.

Detection of the antimicrobial resistance genes blaTEM-1, cfxA, tetQ, tetM, tetW and ermC in endodontic infections of a Mexican population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of genes encoding resistance to three groups of antimicrobial agents in root canal samples from primary infection or post-treatment disease in Mexico. METHODS: A total of 64 subjects requiring root canal treatment because of primary infection or post-treatment disease were enrolled in this cross-sectional analytical study. Root canal samples were obtained and DNA was isolated. Specific primers for six antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and seven bacterial taxa (five genera and two species) were used. Student's t-test, χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were applied where appropriate to detect statistical differences. RESULTS: The blaTEM-1, ermC and tetM genes were found more frequently in the post-treatment disease group compared with the primary infection group. The occurrence of assessed bacteria was similar in both groups, except for Enterococcus spp. and Porphyromonas endodontalis, which were found at a significantly higher frequency in the post-treatment disease group. It was observed that the post-treatment disease group harboured more ARGs. The most frequent ARG was tetW, whereas tetQ and cfxA were not detected in any case. With respect to bacterial taxa, Fusobacterium spp. was present in 100% of samples, whereas Porphyromonas gingivalis was not observed in any of the samples. CONCLUSIONS: At least one ARG was detected in all cases; moreover, 32.8% of samples were positive for four ARGs, 54.7% for three ARGs, 9.4% for two ARGs and only 3.1% for one ARG. This indicates a high prevalence and diversity of ARGs in these root canal samples.

Distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes in patients affected by Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 394 subjects divided into four groups, RA, PE, RA and PE and healthy subjects. PE was diagnosed by using clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD) indexes. Presence of P. gingivalis and its genotypes was identified by polymerase chain reaction in subgingival biofilm. RESULTS: P. gingivalis was more frequent in patients with RA (82.69%), and fimA II genotype was the most frequent in all groups, especially in PE/RA (76.71%). There was statistical difference (p < .05) regarding the frequency of P. gingivalis genotypes such as fimA Ib, II and III. CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of P. gingivalis fimA II genotypes was different among groups, it could play a critical role in the presence of PE in RA patients.

Dental Decay and Oral Findings in Children and Adolescents Affected by Different Types of Cerebral Palsy: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare dental caries and oral findings in patients affected by different types of Cerebral Palsy (CP). STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study involved 120 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of CP. WHO diagnostic criteria were used to determine DMFT (caries diagnosis), the pocket depth and attachment level (periodontitis diagnosis). Additionally, the study evaluated dental erosion, traumatic dental injuries, treatment needs index (TNI), oral habits, malocclusions, gingival overgrowth, and dental fluorosis. RESULTS: The most frequent CP type was spastic (62.5%), followed by mixed (18.3%), ataxic (10%), and athetoid (9.1). Patients affected by mixed CP showed a higher prevalence in decayed, DMFT index and TNI compared with the other types of CP (p<0.05). The frequency of malocclusion in the clinical evaluation was 87.5% and in plaster models was 49.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries was an important issue in mixed and athetoid CP groups. Oral habits and malocclusions were the most significant oral health problems in individuals with CP.

Periapical Healing of Endodontically Treated Teeth Filled Only in the Apical Third: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence from a clinical viewpoint that the bacteria persisting within the root canal system do not have a significant impact on the treatment outcome as long as an adequate apical sealing is performed. METHODS: A total of 42 patients with pulp necrosis and a periapical index (PAI) score of 5. Root canal treatment was performed in which the root canal filling was limited to the apical third of the root. In the control group, the root canal filling was performed up to the canal orifice. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and the χ2 or the Fisher exact test (when appropriate). RESULTS: All cases presented clinical success, absence of pain, swelling, sinus tract, tenderness to palpation or percussion and presented normal tooth mobility. Fifteen months were enough for all cases of both groups to be classified with a PAI score of ≤2. There was no statistical difference between the cases that ended the study with a PAI-1 or PAI-2 score. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, no significant differences in healing rates after complete obturation or only apical third obturation were observed. An adequate apical sealing can improve periapi-cal healing, thus intracanal remnant bacteria apparently have no significant impact, at least for the first 15 months of follow-up.

Association of cytokines polymorphisms with chronic peridontitis and rheumatoid arthritis in a Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: Historically, it has been shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PE) share pathophysiological similarities and possibly a genetic background. In order to elucidate the genetic background between both diseases, we evaluated the distributions of five SNPs genotypes and all the possible haplotypes composed in subjects with isolated RA, PE, combined diseases and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 280 Mexican subjects. Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal epithelial cells collected by cheek scrapings and analyzed for the determination of the following SNPs: IL-1α + 4845 (rs17561), IL-1α -889 (rs1800587), IL-1ß + 3954 (rs1143634), IL-1ß -511(rs16944) and TNF-α -308 (rs1800629). RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex and smoking status, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a no significant association in the genotype frequencies of TNF-α -308 and IL-1α + 4845 SNPs. Otherwise a significant association was observed in IL-1ß + 3954 and IL-1ß -511 (p < 0.05) while IL-1α -889 was of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.054). Also, we found three negative associated haplotypes with PE: IL-1α + 4845 G/IL-1ß -511 A, IL-1ß + 3954 C/IL-1ß -511 A and interestingly IL-1α -889 C/IL-1ß -511 A also with a positive association with RA. CONCLUSIONS: Some genotypes and haplotypes are associated with the diseases. But it seems that the genetic background of the association between RA and PE needs to be explored deeper.

Quantitative and functional analysis of CD69+ T regulatory lymphocytes in patients with periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is chronic inflammatory process that affects the attachment structures of the teeth and constitutes a significant cause of tooth loss in adults. Although different bacteria play an important role in the triggering of this condition, the progression and severity of the disease are strongly affected by the host immune response, which is under the control of different immune regulatory mechanisms, including T regulatory (Treg) cells. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and function of CD69+ Treg lymphocytes in patients with chronic periodontal disease. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples (n = 33) and gingival tissue (n = 9) were obtained from patients with chronic periodontal disease. Blood samples from 25 healthy individuals were also studied. Levels of CD69+ Treg lymphocytes in peripheral blood and gingival tissue were determined by six-color multiparametric flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. The immune regulatory function of CD69+ Treg cells was tested by an in vitro assay of inhibition of lymphocyte activation. RESULTS: Percentages of CD69+ Treg cells were significantly higher in the peripheral blood from patients with active periodontal disease compared to healthy controls, and these percentages inversely correlated with the periodontal attachment loss. Increased numbers of these Treg cells were detected in the gingival tissue from active PD patients compared to their peripheral blood. However, the suppressive function of CD69+ Treg cells was significantly diminished in patients with periodontal disease compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that CD69+ Treg cells seem to be another important piece in the complex immunopathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Percepción del cuidador primario sobre las intervenciones de enfermería al paciente en estado terminal / Perception of the primary caregiver on nursing interventions in terminally ill patients

Resumen:

Introducción: la esperanza de vida en México se ha incrementado. Esto implica que el porcentaje de personas con enfermedades crónicas e incurables aumente e indudablemente los lleve a finalizar su vida, lo cual provocará un impacto y un desgaste en su cuidador, manteniéndolo en crisis y vulnerable ante múltiples situaciones.

Objetivo: analizar la percepción del cuidador primario sobre las intervenciones de enfermería en el paciente en estado terminal.

Metodología: estudio transversal analítico en 39 cuidadores primarios de pacientes hospitalizados. Se diseñó un cuestionario con 37 ítems y dos apartados sobre variables sociodemográficas, de comunicación, intervenciones de enfermería y comportamiento ante la terminalidad, validado por tres expertos, con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.94 en contabilidad. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y las pruebas chi cuadrada y Kruskal Wallis.

Resultados: los cuidadores fueron mujeres en 79.5 %, hijas en 56.4 %, con rango de edad de 40-60 años, 59 % casadas, 53.8 % dedicadas al hogar y 56.4 % habitaban en la misma casa que su paciente; la dimensión mejor percibida fue la comunicación con 51.3 %, la menos favorecida fue el comportamiento ante la terminalidad; la percepción global fue regular, con un 87.2 %. Conclusión: los resultados evidencian áreas de oportunidad en cuidados al final de la vida, sobre todo en el comportamiento ante la terminalidad.

Abstract:

Introduction: Life expectancy in Mexico has increased. This means that the percentage of people with chronic and incurable diseases raised and undoubtedly leads to life's end, this will have an impact and wear on caregivers, keeping them in crisis and vulnerable in multiple situations. Objective: To analyze the perception of the primary caregiver on nursing interventions in terminally ill patients.

Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical study in 39 primary caregivers of hospitalized patients. A questionnaire with 37 items and two sections on sociodemographic variables, communication, nursing interventions and behavior facing the end of life, validated by experts 3/3, with a Cron-bach's alpha of 0.94 in reliability was designed. Descriptive statistics, as well as chi square test and Kruskal Wallis test were used.

Results: The caregivers were women in 79.5%, 56.4% daughters with age range 40-60 years, 59% married, 53.8% housewives and 56.4% live in the same house as the patient; the best perceived dimension was communication 51.3%, the least favored was the behavior facing the end of life; the overall perception was fair, with 87.2%

Conclusion: The results show areas of opportunity in end-of-life care, especially in the behavior before the end of life.

Association between periodontitis, periodontopathogens and preterm birth: is it real?

PURPOSE: To identify the association between periodontitis and periodontal pathogens with preterm birth despite the strict control of some important confounders, such as infectious processes and criteria for diagnosis of periodontitis during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study were included 70 healthy puerperal women between 20 and 35 years without a history of genitourinary infections during pregnancy. Based on the gestational age they were divided into two groups: 45 with term birth (>37 weeks) and 25 with preterm birth (<37 weeks). Previous informed consent, a gynecologic and dental history that included gynecologic and obstetric background, periodontal status applying different authors' criteria of periodontitis diagnosis, presence of periodontopathogens, dental caries and oral hygiene were recorded. RESULTS: There was no association between periodontitis, periodontopathogens and preterm birth. There were no statistical differences applying different authors' criteria diagnosis of periodontitis. Gingivitis status was similar, but probing depth was greater in preterm birth subjects, perhaps they are young women, and this finding could be an early sign of periodontitis. In like manner, the main periodontal bacterial species are not associated with preterm birth, general hygiene and care habits are poorer than term birth subjects. CONCLUSION: We could suggest that preterm birth is a multifactorial condition and the role of periodontitis and the periodontopathogens itself is not sufficient to trigger the preterm birth. There are factors such as infectious processes and diagnostic criteria for periodontitis that could be responsible for controversial results.

Antimicrobial Properties of Biofunctionalized Silver Nanoparticles on Clinical Isolates of Streptococcus mutans and Its Serotypes.

(1) Background: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the principal pathogen involved in the formation of dental caries. Other systemic diseases have also been associated with specific S. mutans serotypes (c, e, f, and k). Silver nanoparticles (SNP) have been demonstrated to have good antibacterial effects against S. mutans; therefore, limited studies have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of biofunctionalized SNP on S. mutans serotypes. The purpose of this work was to prepare and characterize coated SNP using two different organic components and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of SNP in clinical isolates of S. mutans strains and serotypes; (2) Methods: SNP with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or chitosan (CS) coatings were prepared and the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of SNP were evaluated; (3) Results: Both types of coated SNP showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans bacteria and serotypes. Better inhibition was associated with smaller particles and BSA coatings; however, no significant differences were found between the different serotypes, indicating a similar sensitivity to the coated SNP; (4) Conclusion: This study concludes that BSA and CS coated SNP had good antimicrobial activity against S. mutans strains and the four serotypes, and this study suggest the widespread use of SNP as an antimicrobial agent for the inhibition of S. mutans bacteria.

Silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial activities against Streptococcus mutans and their cytotoxic effect.

Microbial resistance represents a challenge for the scientific community to develop new bioactive compounds. The goal of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against a clinical isolate of Streptococcus mutans, antibiofilm activity against mature S. mutans biofilms and the compatibility with human fibroblasts. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs against the planktonic clinical isolate was size and concentration dependent, with smaller AgNPs having a lower minimum inhibitory concentration. A reduction of 2.3 log in the number of colony-forming units of S. mutans was observed when biofilms grown in a CDC reactor were exposed to 100 ppm of AgNPs of 9.5±1.1 nm. However, AgNPs at high concentrations (>10 ppm) showed a cytotoxic effect upon human dermal fibroblasts. AgNPs effectively inhibited the growth of a planktonic S. mutans clinical isolate and killed established S. mutans biofilms, which suggests that AgNPs could be used for prevention and treatment of dental caries. Further research and development are necessary to translate this technology into therapeutic and preventive strategies.