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Objetivos: Detectar el genoma proviral de HTLV-1 mediante el desarrollo de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Diseño: Descriptivo. Institución: D.A. Microbiología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, UNMSM. Participantes: Personas con y... more
Objetivos: Detectar el genoma proviral de HTLV-1 mediante el desarrollo de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Diseño: Descriptivo. Institución: D.A. Microbiología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, UNMSM. Participantes: Personas con y sin sospecha de HTLV-I. Principales medidas de resultados: detección de HTLV-1 mediante PCR. Resultados: El 71,4% de los pacientes con sospecha clínica de HTLV-I fue reactivo por métodos Inmunológico. Elisa HTLV I-II Biokit detectó 5 casos reactivos (X=2,359 ± DE: 0,7309); los dos casos con sospecha clínica de HTLV- I fueron no reactivos (DO: 0,007 y 0,04); los tres casos con antecedente clínico de estrongiloidiosis fueron no reactivos al Elisa (DO: 0,029, 0,001 y 0,00). El promedio de los sueros no reactivos con antecedente clínico de HTLV-1 y estrongiloidiosis fue 0,0154 ±0,018. En el grupo de voluntarios sanos, el promedio de las DO fue 0,0085 ± 0,0068. Al comparar los grupos, se observó que hubo diferencias significativas entre el grupo HTLV-1 y...
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Objetivos: Caracterizar las moléculas de respuesta humoral anti Paragonimus mexicanus/P. peruvianus para diferenciar la infección en fase aguda y fase crónica, mediante la evaluación de la dinámica de la respuesta inmune. Diseño:... more
Objetivos: Caracterizar las moléculas de respuesta humoral anti Paragonimus mexicanus/P. peruvianus para diferenciar la infección en fase aguda y fase crónica, mediante la evaluación de la dinámica de la respuesta inmune. Diseño: Observacional, longitudinal. Institución: Instituto de Medicina Tropical Daniel A. Carrión, Facultad de Medicina, UNMSM Material biológico: Animales de experimentación. Principales medidas de resultados: Determinación de IgG e IgM anti Paragonimus. Resultados: Existió diferencia significativa de medias de la DO entre los grupos crónico y no infectados para los anticuerpos IgG anti ES de Paragonimus. Los anticuerpos IgM anti Paragonimus tuvieron una ligera elevación entre los días 7 a 20 post inoculación (pi), y una tendencia hacia la disminución entre los días 40 y 60 pi. Conclusiones: La dinámica de producción de anticuerpos IgG e IgM anti Paragonimus mediante Elisa indirecto, diferenció la fase aguda de la fase crónica, en los gatos inoculados.
Resumen: El presente estudio aleatorizado multicéntrico tenía por objetivo comparar la eficacia terapéutica de las proteínas derivadas de la matriz del esmalte (Emdogain®, grupo experimental) con la de la regeneración tisular guiada por... more
Resumen: El presente estudio aleatorizado multicéntrico tenía por objetivo comparar la eficacia terapéutica de las proteínas derivadas de la matriz del esmalte (Emdogain®, grupo experimental) con la de la regeneración tisular guiada por medio de membranas (Resolur ...
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The objective of this multicenter, randomized trial was to compare enamel matrix derivative (EMD; test) with barrier membranes (control) for the treatment of mandibular buccal Class II furcation defects. Forty-five patients with 90... more
The objective of this multicenter, randomized trial was to compare enamel matrix derivative (EMD; test) with barrier membranes (control) for the treatment of mandibular buccal Class II furcation defects. Forty-five patients with 90 comparable defects on contralateral molars were included. Defects were randomly assigned to EMD or bioabsorbable barrier membrane; the contralateral defect received the alternative treatment. Assessments at baseline and 8 and 14 months included gingival margin levels, probing depths, bleeding on probing, vertical attachment levels, and vertical bone sounding from a stent at five buccal sites/ tooth. Defect dimensions were recorded at surgery and during reentry at 14 months. Change of open horizontal furcation depth was the primary outcome variable. Adverse reactions and patient perceptions were also noted. Both treatment modalities led to significant clinical improvements. The median reduction of open horizontal furcation depth was 2.8 mm with the corresponding interquartile interval (1.5 mm, 3.5 mm) at test sites compared with 1.8 mm (1.0 mm, 2.8 mm) at control sites. The Hodges-Lehmann estimator of the advantage (reduction test versus control) was 0.75 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.125 mm, 1.375 mm, P = 0.033, Wilcoxon). The frequency of complete furcation closure was 8/45 (test) and 3/45 (control); partial closure, 27/45 in both groups; no change, 9/45 and 11/45, respectively; and deterioration, 1/45 and 4/45, respectively. The frequency of no pain or no swelling at 1 week post-surgery was 62% and 44%, respectively, at the test sites and 12% and 6% at the control sites. There was a significantly greater reduction in horizontal furcation depth and a comparatively lower incidence of postoperative pain/swelling following enamel matrix derivative compared to membrane therapy.
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Research Interests: Medical Microbiology, Bolivia, Adolescent, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Phylogeny, and 16 moreHumans, Child, Animals, Young Adult, Infant, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Middle Aged, Genotype, Public health systems and services research, Swine, Feces, hepatitis E, Hepatitis E Virus, Swine Diseases, and Child preschool
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a livestock disease that has serious economic repercussions. Here, we report the laboratory results for samples from suspected outbreaks that were sent for confirmation of FMD in Pakistan. From January 2010... more
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a livestock disease that has serious economic repercussions. Here, we report the laboratory results for samples from suspected outbreaks that were sent for confirmation of FMD in Pakistan. From January 2010 to December 2011, 132 suspected outbreaks were investigated, and samples from 58 out of the 76 outbreaks sent to the National Veterinary Laboratory (NVL) were positive. The highest proportion of positives were of serotype O (65.52 %), followed by serotype A (24.14 %) and serotype Asia-1 (10.35 %), whereas amongst the samples sent to the World Reference Laboratory, Pirbright, UK (WRL), samples from 48 out of 56 outbreaks were confirmed to be FMD positive, with the following serotypes identified: O (56.25 %), Asia-1 (37.50 %) and A (6.25 %). The outbreaks affected cattle, buffalo and mixed (cattle and buffalo) herds at rates of 91, 70 and 76 %, respectively. The trend of positive outbreaks was higher in the months of winter and late spring (November ...
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There are several T. vivax specific primers developed for PCR diagnosis. Most of these primers were validated under different DNA extraction methods and study designs leading to heterogeneity of results. The objective of the present study... more
There are several T. vivax specific primers developed for PCR diagnosis. Most of these primers were validated under different DNA extraction methods and study designs leading to heterogeneity of results. The objective of the present study was to validate PCR as a diagnostic test for T. vivax trypanosomosis by means of determining the test sensitivity of different published specific primers with different sample preparations. Four different DNA extraction methods were used to test the sensitivity of PCR with four different primer sets. DNA was extracted directly from whole blood samples, blood dried on filter papers or blood dried on FTA cards. The results showed that the sensitivity of PCR with each primer set was highly dependant of the sample preparation and DNA extraction method. The highest sensitivities for all the primers tested were determined using DNA extracted from whole blood samples, while the lowest sensitivities were obtained when DNA was extracted from filter paper pr...
Research Interests: Microbiology, Bolivia, Sample Preparation, Veterinary Parasitology, Sheep, and 13 moreDNA Extraction, Animals, Male, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Fisheries Sciences, Cattle, SHEEP DISEASES, Study design, Trypanosomiasis, Veterinary Sciences, Diagnostic Test, Sensitivity and Specificity, and Trypanosoma vivax
The factors influencing the risk of acquisition of Helicobacter pylori infection are not well established. One hundred four children (0-17 years of age) requiring an endoscopy for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms had... more
The factors influencing the risk of acquisition of Helicobacter pylori infection are not well established. One hundred four children (0-17 years of age) requiring an endoscopy for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms had demographic and dietary data collected and biopsy specimens of the gastric antrum stained for the identification of H. pylori. The 52 (50%) infected subjects were significantly older than the uninfected ones with no difference in gender, crowding, source of drinking water, or exposure to domestic animals. Increased prevalence of infection was associated with increased consumption of food from street vendors, and decreased consumption of fruits in the subgroup that denied consuming food from street vendors. No association was found with consumption of fish, chicken, beef, beans, vegetables, rice, cheese, milk, and unboiled water. These findings support the role of food prepared under unhygienic conditions as a probable mechanism of transmission of H. pylori in...
Research Interests: Diet, Peru, Helicobacter pylori, Adolescent, Humans, and 17 moreChild, Developing Country, Female, Male, Drinking Water, Infant, Data Collection, Risk factors, Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection, Newborn Infant, Risk Factors, Water Microbiology, Bacterial Infection, H Pylori, The American, Child preschool, and food handling
The control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in vaccinated populations relies upon surveillance activities such as clinical inspections (CI) and serological monitoring. New evidence to refine current surveillance guidelines has been... more
The control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in vaccinated populations relies upon surveillance activities such as clinical inspections (CI) and serological monitoring. New evidence to refine current surveillance guidelines has been provided by evaluating (1) the diagnostic performance of CI and serological tests for detection of FMD virus (FMDV) non-structural proteins (NSP), and (2) the within-herd transmission of the virus in partially immune cattle. Data came from 23 affected herds during an epidemic of FMDV type O in Bolivia, in 2007. All cattle (n=957) in these herds were clinically inspected and serum samples were collected one month after the last animal with clinical signs was detected. Samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against NSP using the PANAFTOSA 3ABC-ELISA test and a subset of samples were tested using the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay (EITB). Data from clinical and serological diagnoses were analysed using a Bayesian model. The sensitivity Se and specificity Sp of the tests, as well as the prevalence and the within-herd reproduction ratio R of FMDV were estimated. In addition, risk factors for infection were identified. The Se of CI, the 3ABC-ELISA and the EITB tests were estimated to be 0.30, 0.88 and 0.96 respectively. The estimated Sp, in the same order, were 0.88, 0.93 and 0.97. The within-herd prevalence of infected animals ranged from 0.04 to 0.91 and R ranged from 1.02 to 2.68. It was observed that cattle coming from areas with high vaccination coverage had a lower risk of becoming infected than home-bred cattle from the affected herds, where vaccination coverage was thought to be low. Although these estimates come from herds kept under specific conditions, they provide a reference for future surveillance design and can inform simulation models for surveillance and control of FMD in similar cattle populations.
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We report a case of an immunocompetent Peruvian patient from the Andes with a one-month history of meningoencephalitis. Cryptococcus gattii was identified from a cerebrospinal fluid culture through assimilation of D-proline and... more
We report a case of an immunocompetent Peruvian patient from the Andes with a one-month history of meningoencephalitis. Cryptococcus gattii was identified from a cerebrospinal fluid culture through assimilation of D-proline and D-tryptophan as the single nitrogen source. Initially, the patient received intravenous antifungal therapy with amphotericin B. The patient was discharged 29 days after hospitalization and continued with oral fluconazole treatment for ten weeks. During this period, the patient showed clinical improvement with slight right-side residual weakness. Through this case report, we confirm the existence of this microorganism as an infectious agent in Peru.
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With Ham, Leeuwenhoek discovered animalcules in human semen in 1677, without theoretical interpretations. Discussions focused on the respective role of ovum and animalcules during two centuries with erroneous doctrines. Modern ideas on... more
With Ham, Leeuwenhoek discovered animalcules in human semen in 1677, without theoretical interpretations. Discussions focused on the respective role of ovum and animalcules during two centuries with erroneous doctrines. Modern ideas on status and origin of animalcules are associated with the development of the cell theory. Animalcules became spermatozoa. In 1875, Hertwig observed that the head of spermatozoon becomes a pronucleus and combines with the female pronucleus, thus establishing the concept that fertilization is the conjugation of two cells. During the first half of 20th century, endocrinology and genetics influenced management of infertile couples. Cryopreservation, analyses of ultrastructural morphology improved knowledges of normal and abnormal male gametes. In Vitro Fertilization and more IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection opened new views on the role of spermatozoa in human generation. Genetics and procreation were more and more so linked that each perspective of further...
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Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIv) of H5 and H7 subtypes are able to mutate to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv), which are lethal for most poultry species, can cause large epidemics and are a serious threat to... more
Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIv) of H5 and H7 subtypes are able to mutate to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv), which are lethal for most poultry species, can cause large epidemics and are a serious threat to public health. Thus, circulation of these LPAIv in poultry is undesirable. To date, these mutations cannot be reliably predicted and they can already take place within the first infected farm. Early detection and eradication of LPAI infected farms would minimise the probability of this mutations to happen. Because LPAI infections are associated with mild and unspecific clinical signs, detection of infected flocks is mainly based on serological surveillance.The goal of this thesis was to develop the framework of a serological surveillance programme for early detection of LPAI. Data of the current surveillance programmes in the European Union and the Netherlands were evaluated to quantify the risk of introduction of a LPAIv into the different poultry sec...
Research Interests: European Union, Public Health, Text, Risk factors, Sample Size, and 11 moreMathematical Model, Early Detection, Sampling strategy, Risk Factors, Economic Efficiency, Diagnostic Test, Low Risk, Population dynamic, Highly pathogenic avian influenza, Low pathogenic avian influenza, and Sampling Frequency
Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a specific form of periodontal disease, with rapid destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth in otherwise young healthy individuals. We recently showed a higher frequency of the interleukin-4 (IL-4)... more
Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a specific form of periodontal disease, with rapid destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth in otherwise young healthy individuals. We recently showed a higher frequency of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) -34TT and -590TT genotype in AgP patients compared to controls (P<0.05). Herein, we demonstrated that this specific IL-4 genotype exerts its function by increasing expression of IL-4 and STAT6, and producing higher concentrations of IL-4 in activated CD4+ cells of patients with AgP. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the IL-4-specific genotype on IL-13, IL-2 and IFN-γ expression and production in activated CD4+ cells of patients with AgP and healthy controls. Results revealed higher IFN-γ and IL-2 expression and significantly increased IL-13 production in the cells of the patients who were homozygous for the -34T and -590T alleles in comparison with the patients who were homozygous for the -34C and -590C alleles (P<0.05). Results of controls with the -34C and -590C alleles were similar to those of AgP with the same genotype. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to show an effect of the -34TT and -590TT genotype on IL-13 production. There is an increased production of IL-13 by the T cells of aggressive periodontitis patients with the IL-4 genotype.
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Research Interests: Dentistry, Adolescent, Disease susceptibility, Down Syndrome, Periodontology, and 12 moreHumans, Child, Diabetes mellitus, Disease, Children and Adolescents, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Diabetes complications, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Periodontitis, Aggressive periodontitis, Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and Hypophosphatasia
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This multicenter, randomized trial compared enamel matrix derivative (EMD) with barrier membranes for the treatment of Class II mandibular furcations with regard to secondary outcomes. The influence of furcation morphology on the... more
This multicenter, randomized trial compared enamel matrix derivative (EMD) with barrier membranes for the treatment of Class II mandibular furcations with regard to secondary outcomes. The influence of furcation morphology on the effectiveness of either treatment was also evaluated. Forty-eight patients (age range 28 to 73 years; 22 females, 26 males) with buccal Class II furcation involvements in both contralateral lower first or second molars were included. After initial periodontal treatment, defects were randomized to either EMD or bioabsorbable guided tissue regeneration (GTR) barrier. Study design and the results for the primary parameter were previously described. Results of the following secondary outcome variables are reported here: changes of the hard tissue boundaries describing the anatomical situation of the furcation defect and changes in the following clinical parameters between baseline and 14 months: plaque, level of gingival margin, probing depth, bleeding on probing, attachment level, and bone sounding at five sites/tooth at the buccal side. Descriptive statistics were applied for changes in clinical parameters and measurements of hard tissue boundaries. The differences observed under treatment with EMD or membrane were analyzed by means of the Wilcoxon two-sample test. The difference between the effect of the EMD and membrane treatment was estimated by means of the Hodges-Lehmann estimator. Overall, similar healing results were observed for both treatments. However, there was slightly more recession in the mid-furcation site following membrane treatment (P = 0.04). Additionally, different treatment effects could be detected for the distances from the stent or cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to the buccal bone crest, mid-distal root (Pstent = 0.01; PCEJ = 0.07) and for the distance from the stent or CEJ to the buccal bone crest, mid-mesial root (Pstent = 0.01; PCEJ = 0.01). There was no measurable bone resorption in EMD sites, whereas a slight resorption occurred with membrane treatment. Furcation morphology at the time of surgery was not associated with clinical outcome, irrespective of the treatment. With regard to secondary outcome parameters, enamel matrix derivative treatment led to a similar regenerative result as the membrane procedure.
Research Interests: Dentistry, Research Design, Nonparametric Statistics, Treatment Outcome, Periodontology, and 15 moreHumans, Female, Male, Follow-up studies, Mandible, Sample Size, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Study design, Dental Plaque Index, Randomized Clinical Trial, Gingival Recession, Oral Surgical Procedures, and Postoperative care
Host modifying factors, such as genetic predisposition, may increase severity of periodontitis. Genetic polymorphisms in interleukin-4 (IL-4) genes seem to influence host response to microbial challenge. Two IL-4 polymorphisms were found... more
Host modifying factors, such as genetic predisposition, may increase severity of periodontitis. Genetic polymorphisms in interleukin-4 (IL-4) genes seem to influence host response to microbial challenge. Two IL-4 polymorphisms were found in association with asthma and atopy, and later with aggressive periodontitis in Caucasians. There seems to be a trend for racial differences regarding polymorphisms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate if these IL-4 polymorphisms were associated with periodontal disease in a Brazilian population of African heritage. Sixty patients were divided into two groups: periodontitis group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) Blood samples were taken and genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Identification of 70 bp repeat polymorphism in intron 2 and in the -590 position of the promoter region was performed through PCR-RFLP and electrophoresis in agarose gel. No significant differences were found in the genotype frequency of the polymorphisms between control and periodontitis group. Chi square test and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis. We concluded that the studied IL-4 polymorphisms were not related to periodontal disease susceptibility in this African-American Brazilian population.
Research Interests: Genetics, Dentistry, Polymorphism, Statistical Analysis, Brazil, and 24 moreCameroon, Angola, Adolescent, Humans, African American, Periodontal Disease, Blood sampling, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Risk factors, Introns, Aged, Middle Aged, Gene Polymorphism, Genomic DNA, Adult, Genetic Polymorphism, Periodontitis, Risk Factors, Chi Square Test, Genetic Predisposition, Control Group, Racial differences, Case Control Studies, and Interleukin
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Evaluation of effects of patient factors on the outcome of regenerative treatment of buccal mandibular class II furcation defects. Fifty-one patients were recruited. In the intention-to-treat population 21 patients were allocated into the... more
Evaluation of effects of patient factors on the outcome of regenerative treatment of buccal mandibular class II furcation defects. Fifty-one patients were recruited. In the intention-to-treat population 21 patients were allocated into the sequence left treatment with enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) and right guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and 27 in the sequence left GTR and right EMD. Evaluated patient factors were: smoking, age, gender, hypertension and oral hygiene status. Outcome parameters included change of: (a) horizontal depth of the defect at the deepest point (b) distance from the fornix of the furcation to bone crest of the defect, (c) distance from stent to the bottom of the defect, (d) pocket depth and (e) attachment level at the middle of the furcation. In patients 54 years of age and older, in males, in non-smokers and in patients with "poor" hygiene EMD-treated sites showed a significant higher mean reduction of the parameters d (age), b (gender, hygiene) a (smoking, hygiene) when compared with sites treated with GTR. These data provided an indication of a possible effect of patient factors on the outcome of regenerative treatment of buccal mandibular class II furcation defects.
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Recently, interleukin (IL) 4 gene polymorphisms have been analyzed in association with periodontitis. Genetic differences between Caucasian and Japanese patients with periodontitis have previously been detected. The aim of the present... more
Recently, interleukin (IL) 4 gene polymorphisms have been analyzed in association with periodontitis. Genetic differences between Caucasian and Japanese patients with periodontitis have previously been detected. The aim of the present study was to analyze IL-4 genotypes in Caucasian and Japanese patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). One hundred and twenty-four subjects were included in the study, 31 Japanese and 30 Caucasian patients with generalized AgP, plus 30 Japanese and 33 Caucasian healthy controls. IL-4 polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction. A logistic regression was used to investigate the possible association of the genotypes with the disease in both populations. Odds ratio (OR) estimates were analyzed for allele frequencies. No significant association of IL-4 polymorphisms with the risk of AgP was determined in either population. However, the allele frequencies showed different results between populations. The carriage of the polymorphism in intron 2 was higher in Caucasian patients compared with controls (OR: 2.0, 95% confidence interval: [1.0;4.2]. Furthermore, the frequency of the IL-4 promoter/intron 2 composite genotype (PP+/IP+) in patients and controls, respectively, was found to be approximately 25% and 60% higher in the Japanese population than in the Caucasian population. There was no evidence of an association of IL-4 genotypes and AgP in either population, although the frequencies of the IL-4 genotypes in the Japanese and the Caucasians were different.
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Periodontitis is the result of a complex interplay between oral bacteria and the host response, often modulated by behavioral factors. Early-onset periodontitis (EOP) is defined by the age of onset, the distribution of lesions and... more
Periodontitis is the result of a complex interplay between oral bacteria and the host response, often modulated by behavioral factors. Early-onset periodontitis (EOP) is defined by the age of onset, the distribution of lesions and specific microbial pathogens. Studies in twins suggested a genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. EOP heritable factors may be related to immune mechanisms which could enhance the pathogenic potential of plaque bacteria in susceptible individuals. Among others, Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a potent cytokine in the immune response and is a potent down regulator of macrophage function. In the present study, we report a specific genotype of the IL-4 gene, which was detected by specific primers and PCR analysis. In the EOP-group 27.8% were IL-4 promotor- and intron polymorphism positive (PP+ and IP+). None of the age-matched healthy controls or patients with adult periodontitis (n=25) carried the markers. Moreover, serum IL-4 levels of PP+ and IP+ patients were below the detection limit and significantly different (p<0.01) from the IL-4 concentrations of healthy controls and PP- and IP- patients.
Research Interests: Dentistry, Polymorphism, Macrophages, Disease susceptibility, Humans, and 14 moreClinical, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Introns, Genotype, Adult, Dental Plaque, Periodontitis, Dental Plaque Index, Aggressive periodontitis, Genetic Markers, Case Control Studies, Interleukin, Down-Regulation, and Alveolar bone loss
Different cytokine genotypes have been described in periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic association of two previously described interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms in patients with aggressive... more
Different cytokine genotypes have been described in periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic association of two previously described interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms in patients with aggressive (AP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) and to investigate possible associations with clinical manifestations. Based on clinical parameters and radiographs, 23 patients with CP and 18 patients with AP were included in the study. Additionally, 21 age-matched healthy subjects served as a control group. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood samples and the IL-10 promoter sequences from positions - 597 to - 824 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Polymorphisms were detected by restriction-enzyme cleavage. The A and C alleles at the - 597 position were associated with the T and C alleles at the - 824 position, respectively. Fisher's exact test was used for the statistical analysis. No significant differences were observed in the allele frequencies between controls and AP patients (p = 0.70) or CP patients (p = 0.43), although the previously reported association between allele A at position - 597 and allele T at position - 824 was observed in our population. We conclude that the investigated polymorphisms are not associated with periodontal disease.
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The aim of the present study was to measure interleukin-1beta concentrations and neutrophil elastase activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during experimental gingivitis in humans. 12 healthy young men participated. After... more
The aim of the present study was to measure interleukin-1beta concentrations and neutrophil elastase activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during experimental gingivitis in humans. 12 healthy young men participated. After prophylaxis, they performed optimal hygiene to reach plaque and gingivitis indices of or approaching zero. All oral hygiene measures were then ceased for a period of 18 days. The Quigley-Hein plaque index (PLI) and Saxer & Mühlemann papillary bleeding index (PBI) were assessed. GCF samples were taken from the mesiobuccal site of two contralateral teeth in the upper jaw by means of periopapers at baseline and on days 3, 7, 14 and 18. After measuring the gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCFV) with the Periotron 8000, the samples were analyzed in our laboratory for the detection of IL-1beta concentration by ELISA. PLI and PBI showed a reduction prior to baseline reaching almost zero, both increasing from day 0 to day 18 (PLI=from 0.1 to 2.9, PBI=from 0 to 2.0). IL-1beta concentration increased from 229.25 ng/ml (day 0) to 526.13 ng/ml (day 18). Clinical data and IL-1beta concentrations were correlated with elastase activity (EA). No significant correlation could be demonstrated between the clinical parameters assessed and IL-1beta or EA (Spearman rank correlation coefficient). A correlation between GCFV and PBI from day 0 to day 18 could be demonstrated. Overall, both IL-1beta and EA showed an increase from baseline throughout the whole study.
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A new microassay for the detection of elastase activity (EA) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) has been established. GCF was collected with Periopaper strips and quantified in a Periotron. Enzyme activity was measured in a microtiter... more
A new microassay for the detection of elastase activity (EA) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) has been established. GCF was collected with Periopaper strips and quantified in a Periotron. Enzyme activity was measured in a microtiter plate reader, using a fluorometric assay. To ensure quality and precision of the assay, recovery rates were determined at different activities with a recovery of >90%. In a 2nd step, stability of the enzyme was investigated during storage at room temperature, +4 degrees C, -22 degrees C, -88 degrees C. GCF samples retained elastase activity of almost 100% after a storage of 3 days at -22 degrees C. In a group of 12 healthy volunteers, elastase activity was assayed throughout an 18 day experimental gingivitis protocol. Median activity increased from 481 microU/microl at baseline to 1444 microU/microl at day 18, which was accompanied by the development of the signs of gingivitis. The increase of EA during the experimental phase of the study was highly significant (p<0.001) and correlated well with the increasing severity of gingivitis. The data suggest that elastase activity in GCF is an excellent quantitative measure of gingival inflammation.
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To evaluate long-term clinical and radiographic parameters of osseointegrated implants in non-smoker patients with a previous history of chronic periodontitis. Fifty-four screw-type implants with a moderately roughened surface and... more
To evaluate long-term clinical and radiographic parameters of osseointegrated implants in non-smoker patients with a previous history of chronic periodontitis. Fifty-four screw-type implants with a moderately roughened surface and internal hexagonal implant-abutment connection were placed according to a two-phase protocol and 40 reference teeth were analysed at baseline, and after 5 and 10 years. Pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing were analysed 6x/tooth in all teeth, implants and reference teeth. Radiographic peri-implant bone level was measured on the mesial and distal surfaces. The prevalence of peri-implantitis and the survival rate of the implants were assessed at the patient and implant levels. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wald Z-test, at α = 5%. In implants, the CAL at 5 years was 0.3 mm higher, and at 10 years 1.2 mm higher in comparison to baseline. The corresponding data for the reference teeth were 0 mm and 0.5 mm respectively. Multilevel testing showed statistical difference for PPD between implants and teeth over time. After 10 years, the mean mesial bone loss was 0.63 ± 0.26 mm, and the mean distal bone loss was 0.56 ± 0.25. The survival rates were 100% and 92.3% for the implants in the mandible and the implants in the maxilla respectively. Screw-type implants with internal hexagon placed in patients with a previous history of periodontitis attending a regular maintenance programme demonstrated stable clinical and radiographic results after 5 and 10 years.
Research Interests: Dentistry, Osseointegration, Survival Analysis, Treatment Outcome, Dental Implants, and 17 moreProspective studies, Humans, Female, Male, Follow-up studies, Mandible, Maxilla, Middle Aged, Longitudinal Studies, Surface Properties, Dental Prosthesis Design, Dental Implant-Abutment Design, Chronic Periodontitis, Long Term, Peri-implantitis, Cohort Studies, and Alveolar bone loss
The up-regulation of the B7-H1 receptors in host cells might influence the chronicity of inflammatory disorders that frequently precede the development of human cancers. B7-H1 expression has been detected in the majority of human cancers,... more
The up-regulation of the B7-H1 receptors in host cells might influence the chronicity of inflammatory disorders that frequently precede the development of human cancers. B7-H1 expression has been detected in the majority of human cancers, leading to anergy and apoptosis of activated T cells, and enabling tumor cells to overcome host response. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a putative periodontal pathogen, is an etiologic agent of periodontitis and expresses a variety of virulence factors. In this study, the expression of B7-H1 and B7-DC receptors on squamous cell carcinoma cells SCC-25 and BHY and primary human gingival keratinocytes (PHGK) was analyzed after infection with two virulent P. gingivalis strains in vitro. After 48h, the cells were stained with antibodies for human B7-H1 and B7-DC and further analyzed by flow cytometry. RNA was extracted and gene expression of B7-H1 or B7-DC was quantified by real time PCR. After infection with P. gingivalis, both B7-H1 and B7-DC receptors were up-regulated. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) increased from 4.5 to 9.9 (B7-H1) and from 6.9 to 15.0 (B7-DC) (p<0.05, respectively) in SCC-25 cells. PHGK showed an increase from 4.8 to 12.4 (B7-H1) and from 5.5 to 15.6 (B7-DC) (p<0.05, respectively). Streptococcus salivarius K12, a commensal bacterium, caused no up-regulation. After 24h, the expression of B7H1 and B7-DC mRNA in infected cells, normalized to GAPDH and in relation to non-infected cells, was 6.4 fold (B7-H1) and 8.6 fold (B7-DC) higher. In PHGK B7-H1/DC mRNA expression increased 8.2 fold (B7-H1) and 5.9 fold (B7DC) (p<0.05) respectively. The results of the study demonstrate that in contrast to S. salivarius K12 virulent P. gingivalis strains are able to induce the expression of the B7-H1 and B7-DC receptors in squamous carcinoma cells and human gingival keratinocytes, which might facilitate immune evasion by oral cancers.
Research Interests: Flow Cytometry, Apoptosis, Gene expression, Biological Sciences, real time PCR, and 15 moreVirulence, Humans, Keratinocytes, PD, MHC, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oral Cancer, Immunobiology, Immune Evasion, T lymphocytes, mRna expression levels, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), Gingiva, Virulence factor, and PORPHYROMONAS GINGIVALIS
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The role of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis has not been previously examined. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression and production of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 in CD4+ cells from the... more
The role of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis has not been previously examined. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression and production of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 in CD4+ cells from the peripheral blood of patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and periodontally healthy controls. Gene expression was analysed in inactivated and activated CD4+ cells by real-time PCR. Cells were activated for 4, 8 and 24 h with anti-CD3/CD28 antibody, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) outer membrane protein (OMP). Protein levels were measured in supernatants of activated CD4+ cells by bead-based immunoassay (CBA). Statistics were performed using U test (p < 0.05). In controls, IL-4 expression was increased in inactivated CD4+ cells (p = 0.05), and IFN-γ and IL-2 expressions were increased in activated CD4+ cells: IFN-γ with anti-CD3/anti-CD28, P.g. OMP and PHA (p < 0.05); IL-2 with P.g. OMP and PHA (p < 0.05). In patients, although IL-4 and IL-13 expressions were higher in activated CD4+ cells, there were no differences compared to controls. The production of IL-4 and IL-2 was higher in the patients' CD4+ cells activated with PHA (p < 0.05). Although the results showed a predominantly Th1 mRNA profile in activated CD4+ cells of controls, protein concentrations showed no clear Th1 or Th2 profiles. The functional pathways of the Th cell immune response in aggressive periodontitis are still not well understood in order to develop individualised diagnostic and treatment plans.
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The aim of this prospective controlled randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the additional effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in attachment gain. Twenty-two patients showing contralateral intrabony defects were included. Defects... more
The aim of this prospective controlled randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the additional effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in attachment gain. Twenty-two patients showing contralateral intrabony defects were included. Defects were randomized to beta-TCP (Cerasorb) in combination with PRP (test) or alone (control). Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and relative AL (RAL) were assessed at the first, initial, re-evaluation (or basis examinations) and 6 months after surgery. Defect dimensions were recorded at baseline surgery (day 0) and during re-entry surgery (after 6 months), with vertical depth of the defect as primary outcome variable. An early healing index (EHI) was assessed 3 days, 1, 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. Both treatments led to clinical improvements. The median reduction of open vertical depth was 1.9 mm (interquartile intervals, 0.75 and 2.5 mm) at test sites, compared with 2.6 mm (1.8 and 3.5 mm) at control sites (p = 0.19, Wilcoxon). The median reductions of PPD and CAL at the four sites in close proximity to the defect in the interproximal area at test sites were 0.8 and 0.28 mm, and at control sites 0.4 and 0.13 mm, respectively. The EHI showed a reduction from grade 3 after 3 days to grade 1 after 4 weeks. PRP did not improve the results achieved with beta-TCP in the treatment of intrabony defects.
Research Interests: Dentistry, Clinical Trial, Wound Healing, Treatment Outcome, Bone Regeneration, and 12 moreProspective studies, Humans, Calcium Phosphates, Platelet Rich Plasma, Randomized Clinical Trial, Indexation, Chronic Periodontitis, Bone Substitutes, Oral Surgical Procedures, Probing Pocket Depth, Clinical Attachment Level, and Alveolar bone loss
In this study, we analyzed the production of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 by activated CD4+ cells obtained from aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients in comparison with healthy subjects (HC). CD4+ cells were automatically... more
In this study, we analyzed the production of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 by activated CD4+ cells obtained from aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients in comparison with healthy subjects (HC). CD4+ cells were automatically separated from lymphocytes obtained from peripheral blood of patients with AgP and healthy controls. Cells were activated for 4, 8, and 24 h with three different stimuli: anti-CD3/anti-CD28, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) outer membrane protein (OMP). Protein levels were measured in supernatants of activated CD4+ cells by a bead-based immunoassay (CBA). In addition, serum antibodies against P. gingivalis were determined. Data were analyzed using U test (p < 0.05). T helper cells of AgP patients activated with P. gingivalis OMP produced higher levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in comparison with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Neither the activation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 nor the activation with PHA showed significantly different production of IL-1β and IL-6 by the cells 25 % of patients and 17 % of controls presented with high serum reactivity to P. gingivalis. In view of these results, it is possible to conclude that P. gingivalis contributes to the pathogenesis of AgP by inducing high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6 by peripheral CD4+ T helper cells. In accordance with the clinical parameters and the immunological data, we suggest that full-mouth disinfection with adjunctive systemic antibiotics might be the anti-infectious non-surgical periodontal treatment of choice in this type of patients. Microbiological analyses at the beginning and at the end of the periodontal treatment are recommended. However, it is necessary to verify these data in longitudinal clinical studies.
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Research Interests: Genetics, Adolescent, Association study, Genetics of complex disease, Humans, and 17 moreFemale, Male, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Young Adult, Risk factors, Meta Analysis, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Coronary heart disease, European Continental Ancestry Group, Risk Factors, Aggressive periodontitis, Coronary Artery Disease, Case Control Studies, and Cohort Studies
In addition to lignin, the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chryso-sporium has the ability to degrade a wide spectrum of recalcitrant organopollutants in soils and aqueous media. Most of the organic compounds are degraded under ligninolytic... more
In addition to lignin, the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chryso-sporium has the ability to degrade a wide spectrum of recalcitrant organopollutants in soils and aqueous media. Most of the organic compounds are degraded under ligninolytic conditions with the in-volvement of the ...
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The American Journal of the Medical Sciences. Wolters Kluwer Health Logo. All Issues. ...
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A case of a six-year-old female patient diagnosed with congenital bronchobiliary fistula is presented. Only 20 cases have been reported in the literature of this disease in this institution. The patient showed signs and symptoms of a... more
A case of a six-year-old female patient diagnosed with congenital bronchobiliary fistula is presented. Only 20 cases have been reported in the literature of this disease in this institution. The patient showed signs and symptoms of a respiratory illness from birth that complicated progressively. She was submitted to multiple imaging studies like chest X rays, CT, ultrasound and Tc-99m HIDA cholescintigraphy. This procedure confirmed the presence of a bronchobiliary fistula that was corrected by surgery, with subsequent improvement of clinical symptoms.
Research Interests: Humans, Child, Female, Recurrence, Bronchoscopy, and 4 moreRadiopharmaceuticals, Fiber Optic Technology, Cough, and Bile
... Agradecimientos A las biólogas Claudia Venegas, Juliet Healy y Rosario Arispe que apoyaron en el trabajo de campo. ... Referencias Baldi, R., D. De Lamo, M. Failla, P. Ferrando, M. Funes, P. Nugent, S. Puig, S. Rivera & J. Von... more
... Agradecimientos A las biólogas Claudia Venegas, Juliet Healy y Rosario Arispe que apoyaron en el trabajo de campo. ... Referencias Baldi, R., D. De Lamo, M. Failla, P. Ferrando, M. Funes, P. Nugent, S. Puig, S. Rivera & J. Von Thüngen. 2006. ...
We present a retrospective evaluation of our experience in the period that goes from January 1992 to December 1998, clinical records of 58 patients ages from 2 months old to 15 years, male and female, who were treated at the GI service of... more
We present a retrospective evaluation of our experience in the period that goes from January 1992 to December 1998, clinical records of 58 patients ages from 2 months old to 15 years, male and female, who were treated at the GI service of Instituto de Salud del Ni o, were reviewed. All of them had esophageal stenosis and were included in the Esophageal Dilatation Program with Savary-Gilliard bougies. The causes of Esophageal Stenosis in the study were: Caustic agents 37.9%, gastro esophageal reflux (GER) 20.7%, surgery sequela 19.0%, related to esophageal esclerotherapy 12.1%, foreign body itself or maneuvers to retrieve them 8.6%, stomach adenocarcinoma invading the esophagus. Patients were classified in three groups: Group 1: stenosis due to caustic agents Group 2: stenosis due to GER Group 3: The remaining causes mentioned above., In each the following was calculated: the arithmetical media, the range of dilatations sessions and the total number of them. The higher figures took place in group 1. So we conclude that the number of sessions is directly related with the cause of the stenosis, requiring more number of dilatations to get a better response. Finally the response to treatment is evaluated considering a good response in 72.4%. A mild response in 15.5% and therapeutic failure in 12.1% of patients. The rate of complications was 10.3 per patient and 1.1 in relation to the total number of dilatation sessions. The main complications were: gastric perforation, duodenal perforation, pneumomediastinum, esophago-tracheal fistulae andi pseudodiverticulum formation, with resolution as seen in posterior controls. These complications occured after the proceeding took place. The treatment was installed according to each case. The patients with duodenal perforation died. We conclude that esophageal dilatations in infants with esophageal stenosis, of different ethiology, are secure and efficient.
... Agradecimientos. A las biólogas Claudia Venegas, Juliet Healy y Rosario Arispe que apoyaron en el trabajo de campo. ... Referencias. Baldi, R., D. De Lamo, M. Failla, P. Ferrando, M. Funes, P. Nugent, S. Puig, S. Rivera &... more
... Agradecimientos. A las biólogas Claudia Venegas, Juliet Healy y Rosario Arispe que apoyaron en el trabajo de campo. ... Referencias. Baldi, R., D. De Lamo, M. Failla, P. Ferrando, M. Funes, P. Nugent, S. Puig, S. Rivera & J. Von Thüngen. 2006. ...
The study area is located at Ancash region - Peru, where target glaciers are part of the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical cordillera on the world. Two remote sensing mapping techniques were applied in order to map glacier areas... more
The study area is located at Ancash region - Peru, where target glaciers are part of the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical cordillera on the world. Two remote sensing mapping techniques were applied in order to map glacier areas using both Thematic Mapper (LANDSAT) and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflectance (ASTER) images. The LANDSAT image used for this study
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It was evaluated in vivo the cytoprotective capacity of the fruit of Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. MC VAUGH "Camu camu (Myrtacea) against mutagenic damage caused by potassium bromate (68.5 mg/k) on three mouse cell lines (liver, kidney and... more
It was evaluated in vivo the cytoprotective capacity of the fruit of Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. MC VAUGH "Camu camu (Myrtacea) against mutagenic damage caused by potassium bromate (68.5 mg/k) on three mouse cell lines (liver, kidney and blood cells). Mice (n = 120) were divided into three groups which drank ad libitum: distilled water; TI (negative control) and TIII (positive control), the TII group (positive control) drank the aqueous extract (2 %) of the fruit of Camu-camu. After ten days, only the TII and TIII groups were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of KBr03 (68.5 mg/k). The camu-camu treatment lasted 35 days more, where they were euthanized to determine the frequency of DNA damage by means of the alkaline comet assay protocol. It was observed in all cell lines a cytoprotective effect of camu-camu (p<0.05) with respect with the negative control. The DNA-damaging effects of oxidative KBrO3 action is inhibited by the 2% aqueous extract of camucamu fruit, probably by the presence of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and flavonoids.