N-Glycans on the extracellular domain of the Notch1 receptor control Jagged-1 induced Notch signalling and myogenic differentiation of S100ß resident vascular stem cells.

Notch signalling, critical for development and postnatal homeostasis of the vascular system, is highly regulated by several mechanisms including glycosylation. While the importance of O-linked glycosylation is widely accepted, the structure and function of N-glycans has yet to be defined. Here, we take advantage of lectin binding assays in combination with pharmacological, molecular, and site-directed mutagenetic approaches to study N-glycosylation of the Notch1 receptor. We find that several key oligosaccharides containing bisecting or core fucosylated structures decorate the receptor, control expression and receptor trafficking, and dictate Jagged-1 activation of Notch target genes and myogenic differentiation of multipotent S100ß vascular stem cells. N-glycans at asparagine (N) 1241 and 1587 protect the receptor from accelerated degradation, while the oligosaccharide at N888 directly affects signal transduction. Conversely, N-linked glycans at N959, N1179, N1489 do not impact canonical signalling but inhibit differentiation. Our work highlights a novel functional role for N-glycans in controlling Notch1 signalling and differentiation of vascular stem cells.

Disease-Relevant Single Cell Photonic Signatures Identify S100ß Stem Cells and their Myogenic Progeny in Vascular Lesions.

A hallmark of subclinical atherosclerosis is the accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC)-like cells leading to intimal thickening and lesion formation. While medial SMCs contribute to vascular lesions, the involvement of resident vascular stem cells (vSCs) remains unclear. We evaluated single cell photonics as a discriminator of cell phenotype in vitro before the presence of vSC within vascular lesions was assessed ex vivo using supervised machine learning and further validated using lineage tracing analysis. Using a novel lab-on-a-Disk(Load) platform, label-free single cell photonic emissions from normal and injured vessels ex vivo were interrogated and compared to freshly isolated aortic SMCs, cultured Movas SMCs, macrophages, B-cells, S100ß+ mVSc, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their respective myogenic progeny across five broadband light wavelengths (λ465 - λ670 ± 20 nm). We found that profiles were of sufficient coverage, specificity, and quality to clearly distinguish medial SMCs from different vascular beds (carotid vs aorta), discriminate normal carotid medial SMCs from lesional SMC-like cells ex vivo following flow restriction, and identify SMC differentiation of a series of multipotent stem cells following treatment with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- ß1), the Notch ligand Jagged1, and Sonic Hedgehog using multivariate analysis, in part, due to photonic emissions from enhanced collagen III and elastin expression. Supervised machine learning supported genetic lineage tracing analysis of S100ß+ vSCs and identified the presence of S100ß+vSC-derived myogenic progeny within vascular lesions. We conclude disease-relevant photonic signatures may have predictive value for vascular disease.

The calcium binding protein S100ß marks hedgehog-responsive resident vascular stem cells within vascular lesions.

A hallmark of subclinical atherosclerosis is the accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC)-like cells leading to intimal thickening. While medial SMCs contribute, the participation of hedgehog-responsive resident vascular stem cells (vSCs) to lesion formation remains unclear. Using transgenic eGFP mice and genetic lineage tracing of S100ß vSCs in vivo, we identified S100ß/Sca1 cells derived from a S100ß non-SMC parent population within lesions that co-localise with smooth muscle α-actin (SMA) cells following iatrogenic flow restriction, an effect attenuated following hedgehog inhibition with the smoothened inhibitor, cyclopamine. In vitro, S100ß/Sca1 cells isolated from atheroprone regions of the mouse aorta expressed hedgehog signalling components, acquired the di-methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me2) stable SMC epigenetic mark at the Myh11 locus and underwent myogenic differentiation in response to recombinant sonic hedgehog (SHh). Both S100ß and PTCH1 cells were present in human vessels while S100ß cells were enriched in arteriosclerotic lesions. Recombinant SHh promoted myogenic differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived S100ß neuroectoderm progenitors in vitro. We conclude that hedgehog-responsive S100ß vSCs contribute to lesion formation and support targeting hedgehog signalling to treat subclinical arteriosclerosis.

Does the presence of parents in the dental operatory room influence children's behaviour, anxiety and fear during their dental treatment? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The presence of parents during the dental appointment can affect the child's behaviour and, consequently, the success of the treatment. AIM: This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether parents' presence in the operatory room influences children's behaviour, anxiety and fear during dental treatment. DESIGN: EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, OpenGrey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Databases were searched. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials in which some measure assessing children's behaviour and/or anxiety and fear during dental treatment with the presence and absence of parents were included. Two reviewers assessed studies for selection, extracted data, evaluated bias (Joanna Briggs Institute) and graded the certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Random-effects meta-analyses using mean difference (MD) and narrative synthesis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 2846 papers were identified, and after a 2-phase selection, sixteen studies were included (five in meta-analyses). There was no difference in children's behaviour in the presence or absence of parents (P = .23, P = .40, P = .60 and P = .89, respectively). The presence or absence of parents did not influence children's anxiety (P = .94 and P = .97) or fear (DM: -0.08; CI:-0.34-0.19, P = .24). All included studies presented a high risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was considered to be very low. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that parents' presence in the operation room does not influence children's (up to 12 years old) behaviour, anxiety and fear during dental treatment with very low certainty of evidence. Methodological limitations of included studies, however, suggest that better designed trials are needed to adequately understand this issue.

Resident multipotent vascular stem cells exhibit amplitude dependent strain avoidance similar to that of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and presents as a narrowing or occlusion of the arterial lumen. Interventions to re-open the arterial lumen can result in re-occlusion through intimal hyperplasia. Historically only de-differentiated vascular smooth muscle cells were thought to contribute to intimal hyperplasia. However recent significant evidence suggests that resident medial multipotent vascular stem cells (MVSC) may also play a role. We therefore investigated the strain response of MVSC since these resident cells are also subjected to strain within their native environment. Accordingly, we applied uniaxial 1 Hz cyclic uniaxial tensile strain at three amplitudes around a mean strain of 5%, (4-6%, 2-8% and 0-10%) to either rat MVSC or rat VSMC before their strain response was evaluated. While both cell types strain avoid, the strain avoidant response was greater for MVSC after 24 h, while VSMC strain avoid to a greater degree after 72 h. Additionally, both cell types increase strain avoidance as strain amplitude is increased. Moreover, MVSC and VSMC both demonstrate a strain-induced decrease in cell number, an effect more pronounced for MVSC. These experiments demonstrate for the first time the mechano-sensitivity of MVSC that may influence intimal thickening, and emphasizes the importance of strain amplitude in controlling the response of vascular cells in tissue engineering applications.

Label-free discrimination analysis of de-differentiated vascular smooth muscle cells, mesenchymal stem cells and their vascular and osteogenic progeny using vibrational spectroscopy.

The accumulation of vascular smooth muscle (SMC)-like cells and stem cell-derived myogenic and osteogenic progeny contributes significantly to arteriosclerotic disease. This study established whether label-free vibrational spectroscopy can discriminate de-differentiated 'synthetic' SMCs from undifferentiated stem cells and their myogenic and osteogenic progeny in vitro, compared with conventional immunocytochemical and genetic analyses. TGF-ß1- and Jagged1-induced myogenic differentiation of CD44+ mesenchymal stem cells was confirmed in vitro by immunocytochemical analysis of specific SMC differentiation marker expression (α-actin, calponin and myosin heavy chain 11), an epigenetic histone mark (H3K4me2) at the myosin heavy chain 11 locus, promoter transactivation and mRNA transcript levels. Osteogenic differentiation was confirmed by alizarin red staining of calcium deposition. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) maps facilitated initial screening and discrimination while Raman spectroscopy of individual cell nuclei revealed specific spectral signatures of each cell type in vitro, using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). PCA fed Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) enabled quantification of this discrimination and the sensitivity and specificity value was determined for all cell populations based on a leave-one-out cross validation method and revealed that de-differentiated SMCs and stem-cell derived myogenic progeny in culture shared the greatest similarity. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy discriminated undifferentiated stem cells from both their myogenic and osteogenic progeny. The ability to detect stem cell-derived myogenic progeny using label-free platforms in situ may facilitate interrogation of these important phenotypes during vascular disease progression.

The anti-caries activity and toxicity of an experimental propolis-containing varnish.

We investigated the anti-caries effects of an experimental propolis varnish in vivo, and further tested its toxicity against fibroblasts. Fifty-six SPF female Wistar rats were infected with Streptococcus mutans UA159 (SM) and allocated into four groups (n = 14/group): G1, propolis varnish (15%/PV); G2, chitosan varnish (CV/vehicle); G3, gold standard (GS/Duraphat®); and G4, untreated. The animals received a single varnish application on their molars and were submitted to a high cariogenic challenge (Diet-2000, 56% sucrose, and 5% sucrose-added water, ad libitum) for 4 weeks. Total cultivable microbiota and SM were counted, and smooth-surface and sulcal caries were scored. PV, CV and GS cytotoxic effects were tested against fibroblasts. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with the Tukey-Kramer test (p ≤ 0.05). Total microbiota and SM counts did not differ among the treatments (p = 0.78), or in relation to the untreated group (p = 0.52). PV reduced development of smooth-surface enamel caries compared with the untreated group (p = 0.0018), with no significant difference from GS (p = 0.92); however, the PV effects were no longer observed when the dentin was affected. Neither PV nor GS prevented enamel sulcal lesion onset, but GS significantly reduced the severity of dentinal sulcal lesions (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in fibroblast viability between PV and GS (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, PV prevented smooth-surface enamel caries and showed low cell toxicity. Nevertheless, due to the high cariogenic challenge, its effects were not sustained throughout the experiment. Further studies are encouraged to establish a protocol to sustain the long-term anti-caries activity of PV in the oral cavity.

The anti-caries activity and toxicity of an experimental propolis-containing varnish

Abstract We investigated the anti-caries effects of an experimental propolis varnish in vivo, and further tested its toxicity against fibroblasts. Fifty-six SPF female Wistar rats were infected with Streptococcus mutans UA159 (SM) and allocated into four groups (n = 14/group): G1, propolis varnish (15%/PV); G2, chitosan varnish (CV/vehicle); G3, gold standard (GS/Duraphat®); and G4, untreated. The animals received a single varnish application on their molars and were submitted to a high cariogenic challenge (Diet-2000, 56% sucrose, and 5% sucrose-added water, ad libitum) for 4 weeks. Total cultivable microbiota and SM were counted, and smooth-surface and sulcal caries were scored. PV, CV and GS cytotoxic effects were tested against fibroblasts. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with the Tukey-Kramer test (p ≤ 0.05). Total microbiota and SM counts did not differ among the treatments (p = 0.78), or in relation to the untreated group (p = 0.52). PV reduced development of smooth-surface enamel caries compared with the untreated group (p = 0.0018), with no significant difference from GS (p = 0.92); however, the PV effects were no longer observed when the dentin was affected. Neither PV nor GS prevented enamel sulcal lesion onset, but GS significantly reduced the severity of dentinal sulcal lesions (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in fibroblast viability between PV and GS (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, PV prevented smooth-surface enamel caries and showed low cell toxicity. Nevertheless, due to the high cariogenic challenge, its effects were not sustained throughout the experiment. Further studies are encouraged to establish a protocol to sustain the long-term anti-caries activity of PV in the oral cavity.

An Emerging Role for SNARE Proteins in Dendritic Cell Function.

Dendritic cells (DCs) provide an essential link between innate and adaptive immunity. At the site of infection, antigens recognized by DCs via pattern-recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), initiate a specific immune response. Depending on the nature of the antigen, DCs secrete distinct cytokines with which they orchestrate homeostasis and pathogen clearance. Dysregulation of this process can lead to unnecessary inflammation, which can result in a plethora of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the secretion of cytokines from DCs is tightly regulated and this regulation is facilitated by highly conserved trafficking protein families. These proteins control the transport of vesicles from the Golgi complex to the cell surface and between organelles. In this review, we will discuss the role of soluble n-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor proteins (SNAREs) in DCs, both as facilitators of secretion and as useful tools to determine the pathways of secretion through their definite locations within the cells and inherent specificity in opposing binding partners on vesicles and target membranes. The role of SNAREs in DC function may present an opportunity to explore these proteins as novel targets in inflammatory disease.

Efeito de verniz de própolis em Streptococucus mutans e em modelo experimental de cárie / Effect of propolis varnish in Streptococcus mutans and in dental caries experimental model

Produtos naturais são fontes de agentes terapêuticos eficazes e inovadores, oferecendo diversos princípios ativos a serem testado, favorecendo a descoberta e desenvolvimento de novos produtos. A própolis tem efeito antimicrobiano comprovado sobre bactérias cariogênicas, atraindo muitos estudos para esse fim. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito do verniz experimental de própolis em modelo experimental de cárie dentária e na redução de Streptococcus mutans (SM) na saliva e em biofilme de crianças de 8 a 11 anos utilizando uma única aplicação do produto. No experimento em modelo animal de alto desafio cariogênico, 56 ratas wistar foram infectadas com SM e alocadas em quatro grupos (n=14): G1 - verniz de quitosana (veículo); G3 - Duraphat...

Propolis--based chitosan varnish: drug delivery, controlled release and antimicrobial activity against oral pathogen bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is the most prevalent oral disease in several Asian and Latin American countries. It is an infectious disease and different types of bacteria are involved in the process. Synthetic antimicrobials are used against this disease; however, many of these substances cause unwarranted undesirable effects like vomiting, diarrhea and tooth staining. Propolis, a resinous substance collected by honeybees, has been used to control the oral microbiota. So, the objective of this study was to develop and characterize sustained-release propolis-based chitosan varnish useful on dental cariogenic biofilm prevention, besides the in vitro antimicrobial activity. METHODS: Three formulations of propolis - based chitosan varnish (PCV) containing different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%) were produced by dissolution of propolis with chitosan on hydro-alcoholic vehicle. Bovine teeth were used for testing adhesion of coatings and to observe the controlled release of propolis associated with varnish. It was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, casting time, diffusion test in vitro antimicrobial activity and controlled release. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were tested for the main microorganisms involved in the cariogenic biofilm through the microdilution test in 96-well plates. RESULTS: The formulations presented a tooth surface adherence and were able to form films very fast on bovine tooth surface. Also, propolis-based chitosan varnishes have shown antimicrobial activity similar to or better than chlorhexidine varnish against all oral pathogen bacteria. All microorganisms were sensitive to propolis varnish and chitosan. MIC and MBC for microorganisms of cariogenic biofilme showed better results than chlorhexidine. Propolis active components were released for more than one week. CONCLUSION: All developed formulations turn them, 5%, 10% and 15% propolis content varnish, into products suitable for clinical application on dental caries prevention field, deserving clinical studies to confirm its in vivo activity.

Surgical management of pulmonary hydatidosis in children.

UNLABELLED: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), the most common manifestation of the infestation with the larval form of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is a public health problem in endemic areas such as Moldavia. AIM: To retrospectively analyze pediatric patients who underwent surgery for pulmonary hydatid cyst over a 5-year period in order to assess the need for extensive lung resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the interval January 2007 - January 2012 30 pediatric patients with pulmonary hydatid cyst were surgically treated in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at the Iasi "St. Maria" Children's Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of these patients. RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 3 to 14 years, and 21 patients (70%) came from rural areas. Respiratory symptoms (cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, fatigue, and dyspnea) were the main complaints. Chest radiography, computed tomography and serological tests made the diagnosis in all cases. The most common location of cystic lesions was the left lower lobe (40%). All patients were treated by enucleation and capitonnage of the residual cavity. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 cases (16.67%) and in one case (3.33%) a new hydatid cyst was diagnosed in the right lung after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of choice was cyst enucleation with capitonnage, thus sparing the pulmonary parenchyma. Major lung resections are to be avoided in children when no severe lung destruction is detected.

Propolis varnish: antimicrobial properties against cariogenic bacteria, cytotoxicity, and sustained-release profile.

Varnishes are preparations that differ in the polymeric matrix and therapeutical agents. In dentistry they are used to prevent caries. In this study we developed a propolis varnish, considering propolis properties against cariogenic bacteria. To a chitosan polymeric base (CHV) was added ethanolic propolis extract in different concentrations: PV1 (5%), PV2 (10%), and PV3 (15%). Antimicrobial activity was carried out against Streptococcus mutans (SM), Streptococcus sanguinis (SG), Streptococcus salivarius (SS), and Lactobacillus casei (LC) through agar diffusion method. The three propolis concentrations incorporated were effective in inhibiting the growth of all microorganisms, but without significant difference between the zones of inhibition observed. Cytotoxicity assay was done by MTT method. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test. None of the varnishes were cytotoxic, keeping 80% of viable cells, while CHV allowed cellular proliferation (120%). Sustained-release test was carried out by applying 40 µ L of each varnish in the buccal surface of bovine teeth and kept in an ethanol/water solution removed in regular times. According to the "independent model approach," the release profiles were distinct from each varnish and the most prolonged was PV3 (8 weeks). Varnish formulations had satisfactory antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria and have a low cytotoxicity (<50%).

Epidemiological aspects of hydatidosis in children, in some areas of north-eastern Romania.

UNLABELLED: Hydatid cyst is a major public health problem in the pediatric population, both in terms of its frequency and of its endemic character in certain regions. The aim of the study was to present the incidence of hydatidosis in children who were hospitalized in pediatric clinics specialized in surgery of the Emergency Hospital for Children "St. Maria" from lasi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study conducted in the interval 2008-2012 in a series of 194 children patients from Moldova, Romania. RESULTS: The peak incidence of the hydatid disease is located around the age of 11-14 years (33%) in male patients (55%) from rural areas (79%) and families with low socioeconomic level. The hepatic localization of the hydatid cyst (50.51%) among children was more common than pulmonary localization (16.49%). Liver and lung localization was found in 22.16% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Hydatidosis remains a major health problem requiring drastic measures to limit the spread and transmission of the parasite in humans, primarily by reducing the number of stray dogs.

[Pulmonary toxoplasmosis in immunosuppressed patient]. / Toxoplasmoza pulmonara la pacientul imunodeprimat.

Pulmonary toxoplasmosis occurs mainly in immunosuppressed patients and its diagnosis mainly relies upon biological confirmation of the parasite. We present the case of a 47 years patient in medullar aplasia after induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia that developed pulmonary infiltrates of parasitic origin. The diagnosis of pulmonary toxoplasmosis was established after identification of the parasite in brochioloalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and peripheral blood. Serological tests are of limited utility in immunosuppressed patients. We used classical methods for the diagnosis of parasitosis but they are being replaced by molecular methods. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) allows a highly specific and sensitive diagnosis on any sample but it cannot be performed in any center.

[Adult toxocariasis]. / Toxocaroza la adult: studiu epidemiologic privind incidenta în zona moldovei.

AIM: Epidemiological study on a statistically significant population for determining the true degree of Toxocara canis infections in the adults from Moldova, Romania. METHODS: 457 patients, 416 females and 41 males (91% and 9%, respectively) entered the study. Mean age of the investigated patients was 44.50 +/- 12.706 years, with small differences between sexes. 49.2% were from rural and 50.8% from urban areas. Data on living conditions, animals in the household, and source of drinking water were obtained through direct questioning. At present there is no definitive diagnostic method for Toxocara infection, as the actual sensitivity and specificity of serological tests cannot be determined accurately. IgG antibody titer specific for T. canis was assessed by ELISA in all study patients. RESULTS: Most infections were recorded in 2009 (51.4%), 15.3% in 2008, 17.1% in 2010 14.0% in 2011, and 2.2% (10 cases) in 2012. An IgG titer of 1/100 was found in 40.7% of the patients. Toxocariasis prevalence in our geographic area was 51.7%, without significant sex differences. However, while the percentages of negative determinations were similar for both sexes (42.5% in females and 46.3% in males), almost twice more men (9.8% vs. 4.6% women) had a 1/10 determination, while 21,4% of the women had a 1/50 determination as compared to 9,8% of the males. The source of water was not, at least in this study group, a major cause of disease in adults. The statistical results show a major and significant influence of human contact with the dog. Thus, in dog owners 1/50 and 1/100 determinations being found in equal percentages (26% of the total), while in those having both dogs and cats the 1/100 determination was the most common (40.7% of the total). CONCLUSIONS: Our data can be the basis for a nation-wide seroprevalence study and programs to eradicate this infection.

Correlation between asthma and Toxocara canis infection.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between asthma and toxocariasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have studied 76 patients with asthma and 88 controls (without asthma) aged 5-16 years. An ELISA test based on the detection of anti-Toxocara canis (E/S antigen) serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and E (IgE) was done in both groups. Ordinary allergens and E/S antigen of T. canis infections were used to evaluate cutaneous reactivity. RESULTS: Seroprevalence in asthma patients was 68.42% and in the controls 13.63%. This difference was significant. The percentage of asthmatic patients with two anti-Toxocara antibodies was 26.31%, and of 4.54% in controls. All asthma patients with anti-Toxocara IgE had cutaneous reactivity to Ag E/S. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma patients with anti-Toxocara IgE and IgG may have toxocariasis.

Clinical and biological features of adult toxocariasis.

AIM: To determine the main clinical signs and symptoms of adult toxocariasis and the relationship between anti-Toxocara canis antibody levels, symptoms, and the other biological parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study conducted in the interval 2008 - 2011 in a series of 457 adult patients from Moldova, Romania. The ELISA method was used to detect the presence of IgG antibodies against T. canis. Fasting blood samples were collected from all patients who then underwent the following tests by standard methods: hemoglobin, hematocrit, eosinophils, lymphocytes, white blood cell count, SGOT, SGPT. RESULTS: An IgG titer of 1/100 was most commonly found in case of allergies, physical asthenia, sensation of constriction in the anterior cervical area, right hypochondriac pain, paresthesies, nervousness (anxiety) and lipotimic states; a 1/50 titer was most often associated with hive reactions, dysphonia, lower limb edema, and pale/yellow axy skin. In patients with laterocervical adenopathy the most frequent determinations were 1/100 (34.0%), followed by 1/50 (22.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The statistically significant clinical signs and symptoms may represent a starting point in making a diagnosis of toxocariasis. Of the non-specific laboratory findings we mention: hyperleukocytosis , hypereosinophilia and low hen)atocit, elevated transaminases level having a high sensitivity and specificity. The diagnosis of certainty is made by determining IgG for T. canis or the presence of larvae in the biopsy tissues. Key-

[Sensitization to ascaris lumbricoides and asthma severity in children]. / Influenta ascaridiozei asupra severitatii astmului bronsic la copil.

UNLABELLED: There is little information concerning asthma severity and sensitization to Ascaris lumbricoides in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The relationship between sensitization to Ascaris lumbricoides and asthma severity in 219 patients with a high prevalence of parasitic exposure (IgE antibodies) was studied by using linear, multivariate and logistic regression. RESULTS: Sensitization to Ascaris lumbricoides was associated with positive skin tests for aeroallergens, increased total serum IgE, increased eosinophils, reductions in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio, increased airway Methacholine, bronchodilator responsiveness, and hospitalizations for asthma in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization to Ascaris lumbricoides is associated with increased severity of asthma among Romanian children. This association is mediated by a high degree of atopy among the asthma children sensitized to Ascaris lumbricoides and belonging to a population with a low prevalence of helminthiasis.

Clinical Evidence of the Efficacy of a Mouthwash Containing Propolis for the Control of Plaque and Gingivitis: A Phase II Study.

The aim of this study was to evidence the clinical efficacy of an alcohol-free mouthwash containing 5.0% (W/V) Brazilian green propolis (MGP 5%) for the control of plaque and gingivitis. Twenty five subjects, men and women aging between 18 and 60 years old (35 ± 9), were included in a clinical trials phase II study who had a minimum of 20 sound natural teeth, a mean plaque index of at least 1.5 (PI), and a mean gingival index of at least 1.0 (GI). They were instructed to rinse with 10 mL of mouthwash test for 1 minute, immediately after brushing in the morning and at night. After 45 and 90 days using mouthwash, the results showed a significant reduction in plaque and in gingival index when compared to samples obtained in baseline. These reductions were at 24% and 40%, respectively (P < .5). There were no important side effects in soft and hard tissues of the mouth. In this study, the MGP 5% showed evidence of its efficacy in reducing PI and GI. However, it is necessary to perform a clinical trial, double-blind, randomized to validate such effectiveness.