Toxoplasma gondii clonal type III is the dominant genotype identified in Grenadian pigs.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread zoonotic protozoan parasite capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals. Although the genotypes of T. gondii in pigs have been reported worldwide, there is no information on the genotypes and diversity of T. gondii in pigs in Grenada, West Indies. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to isolate, genotype and determine the diversity of T. gondii genotypes in pigs. METHODS: We carried out a modified agglutination test (MAT) on blood from 149 pig hearts collected from a local meat market. Myocardial tissue homogenate from pigs that tested positive for T. gondii was homogenized and inoculated into mice for isolation of the parasite. We collected mouse tissues and extracted DNA for genotyping based on 11 polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism markers (SAG1, SAG2, alt. SAG2, SAG 3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, C22-8, C 29-2 and Apico). RESULTS: Out of the 149 pig hearts, 31 (20.8%) tested positive for T. gondii on MAT. Bioassays in mice yielded 12 isolates designated TgpgGr1 to TgpgGr12. Molecular characterisation of T. gondii revealed four genotypes as follows: ToxoDB #2-clonal type III (seven isolates); ToxoDB #7 (three isolates); ToxoDB #13 (one isolate); ToxoDB #30 (1 isolate). Overall, ToxoDB #2 was the most common (58%). Toxo database (DB) # 13, which causes interstitial pneumonia in affected mice, has also been reported. CONCLUSION: The genetic diversity of T. gondii in pigs in Grenada is lower than that in other surrounding Caribbean areas.

The Clinical Pattern and Prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus among Adult and Children Patients with Dental Caries

Abstract Objective: To explore the clinical pattern, host factors, and presentation of Streptococcus mutans related to caries incidence among children and adults visiting Universitas Airlangga dental clinic. Material and Methods: This was an observational study with a cross-sectional approach with 50 patients in each group of carious children (6-12 years) and adults (18-35 years). Dental decay samples were taken by sterile excavator, put in a BHI's transport medium, and directly incubated overnight at 37 ºC. The next day, they were sub-cultured microbiologically in Tryptone Yeast Cystine Sucrose Bacitracin (TYCSB) selective medium. Bacterial species and serogroups were examined by PCR. All patient's data were collected from medical records and direct observation. Results: Caries were mostly media type in both children and adults. Oral hygiene (OHIS) in children was higher than in adults but not significantly different according to their DMFT. The highest scores for decay, missed and filled teeth were 16, 8 and 7, with an average of 6.82, 1.22 and 0.63, considered quite high. Conclusion: The prevalence of S. mutans was higher in children's caries than in adults, but among the adult patients the co-incidence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus was associated with higher DMFT. The mutans serotypes e, f, and d were more prevalent among children than adults.

Difference of Chemical Bonds Between UDMA Bonding Agents with Ethanol Solvent and Acetone Solvent on Dentin Collagen

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the difference of chemical bonds between urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) bonding agents with ethanol solvent and acetone solvent on dentin collagen. Material and Methods: This experimental comparison study used three groups: G1 (Control): UDMA and collagen; G2: UDMA, collagen and ethanol; and G3: UDMA, collagen and acetone. The groups were then pelleted and analysed with FTIR, then the peak value of carbonyl absorption band from each study group was calculated. The result of FTIR analysis and the peak of carbonyl absorption band (P) was calculated using the formula: P = (BC / AB) X 100; AB. BC is measured in centimeters. The study of chemical bond differences between ethanol-solvent UDMA agents compared with acetone-solvent on dentin collagen resulted in a graph of peak of carbonyl absorption bands of UDMA and dentin collagen groups. To determine the chemical bonds of UDMA from the top of the carbonyl ester absorption bands with wavenumber absorption in range 1700-1750 cm-1, the decreasing peak of the carbonyl absorption bands is assumed as more chemical bonds that formed. Data were analysed using Anova one way and Tukey HSD test. Results: There were significant differences between the three study groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: UDMA bonding agents' chemical bonds with acetone solvent are much higher than the chemical bonds between UDMA bonding agents with ethanol solvent on dentin collagen.

Evaluation of prevalence of different types of cancer and its chemotherapy in various ethnic groups of Pakistan: A retrospective study

The objective of the study was to evaluate different types of cancer and its chemotherapy in various ethnic groups of Pakistan. Ethnic groups includes, Pukhtoons, Punjabis, Sindhis, Muhajirs, Siraikis, Memoons, Hazaras, Hindkos, Baltis, Gilgitis, Kashmiris, and Afghanis. The data was collected from well reputed hospitals located in the different provinces of Pakistan. The collected data was taken from 15 hospitals where around 8500 patients visited during 2010 to 2017. From the visited patients, 8356 were analyzed for their ethnicity, age and sex while, 144 patients (male 77 and female 67) were excluded from analysis due to incomplete information or loss of follow-up. Among 8356 patients, 3762 were male (45%) whereas, 4594 were female (55%). The chemotherapy was carried out as per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines (NCCN- guidelines). The most common five prevalent cancer among these ethnic groups were Head and Neck, Blood, Respiratory, Genito-urinary and Breast cancer. The most common cancer in female was breast cancer while, head and neck cancer was more prevalent in male. It can be concluded that the prevalence of cancer in Pakistan is very alarming, which may be due to lack of awareness, illiteracy, lack of national cancer control programs, and economics issues.