Structural features of lipid A of Piscirickettsia salmonis, the etiological agent of the salmonid rickettsial septicemia

The composition and structure of lipid A isolated from the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Piscirickettsia salmonis were investigated by chemical analyses, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS), and electrospray ionization (ESI) combined with the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Our study revealed moderate compositional and structural heterogeneity of lipid A with respect to the content of phosphate groups and 4-amino-4-deoxy-L-arabinopyranose (Ara4N) residues and with regard to the degree of acylation. It appeared that at least two molecular species were present in lipid A. The major species represented the hexaacyl lipid A consisting of the ss-(1--> 6)-linked D-glucosamine (GlcN) disaccharide backbone carrying two phosphate groups. The first one at the glycosidic hydroxyl group of the reducing GlcN I and the second one at the O-4' position of the non-reducing GlcN II. The primary fatty acids consisted of three 3-hydroxytetradecanoic [C14:0(3-OH)] and one 3-hydroxyhexadecanoic [C16:0(3-OH)] acids. The latter was amide-linked to GlcN I and one C14:0(3-OH) was amide-linked to GlcN II. Two secondary fatty acids were represented by C14:0(3-OH) and were equally distributed between the O-2' and O-3' positions. The phosphate group at O-4' carried a non-stoichiometric substituent Ara4N. The minor lipid A species contained exclusively C14:0(3-OH) with an asymmetric distribution (4+2) at GlcN II and GlcN I, respectively. The P. salmonis lipid A resembles structurally strongly endotoxic enterobacterial lipid A. This could be one of the reasons for the observed high endotoxicity of P. salmonis.     

A short-term clinical evaluation of IPS Empress 2 crowns

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of all-ceramic crowns made with the IPS Empress 2 system after an observation period of 12 to 60 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine IPS Empress 2 crowns were placed in 21 patients. The all-ceramic crowns were evaluated clinically, radiographically, and using clinical photographs. The evaluations took place at baseline (2 days after cementation) and at 6-month intervals for 12 to 60 months. Survival rate of the crowns was determined using Kaplan-Meier statistical analysis. RESULTS: Based on the US Public Health Service criteria, 95.24% of the crowns were rated satisfactory after a mean follow-up period of 58 months. Fracture was registered in only 1 crown. One endodontically treated tooth failed as a result of fracture at the cervical margin area. CONCLUSION: In this in vivo study, IPS Empress 2 crowns exhibited a satisfactory clinical performance during an observation period ranging from 12 to 60 months.     

Gingival crevicular fluid prostaglandin E(2) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis following phase I periodontal therapy and adjunctive use of flurbiprofen

BACKGROUND: It has been established that smoking is an important risk factor for the initiation and progression of chronic periodontitis (CP). This study investigates the effects of phase I periodontal therapy and adjunctive flurbiprofen administration on prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from smoker and non-smoker patients with CP. METHODS: Twenty-one non-smoker and 21 smoker patients with CP were divided into four groups according to treatment modalities. Group 1 (non-smokers with CP) and group 3 (smokers with CP) patients received daily 100-mg flurbiprofen tablets in a 2 x 1 regimen for 10 days together with scaling and root planing (SRP). Patients in group 2 (non-smokers with CP) and group 4 (smokers with CP) received placebo tablets in a 2 x 1 regimen for 10 days together with SRP. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements were recorded and GCF samples were collected at baseline and on day 10 of drug intake from each sampling area by a single examiner who was unaware of the treatment modality. Assays for GCF PGE(2) and TBARS were carried out by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorometric method, respectively. RESULTS: All groups showed statistically significant reductions in PI and GI scores following the phase I periodontal treatment on day 10 (P <0.05), but no statistical differences were observed in PD and CAL scores after the therapy. In groups 1 and 2, the reduction of GCF PGE(2) and TBARS levels were not significant after the therapy compared to baseline levels. In group 3, GCF PGE(2) and TBARS levels exhibited a statistically significant decrease (P <0.05) after the therapy. Group 4 showed significant reductions (P <0.05) in GCF PGE(2) levels after the therapy. No statistically significant reductions were observed in group 4 with regard to GCF TBARS levels. When groups 1 and 3 were compared according to GCF TBARS levels after the therapy, a more statistically significant reduction was observed in group 3 (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that additional flurbiprofen administration may have more inhibitory effects on GCF levels of PGE(2) and TBARS in the groups of smokers compared to non-smokers with CP.     

Evaluation of gingival crevicular fluid and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in chronic periodontitis patients with or without coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Most studies have evaluated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients, and a few investigations have examined gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) CRP levels. The aims of this study were to determine GCF and serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (HsCRP) in CP patients with or without coronary artery disease (CAD) and to investigate the relationship between the GCF and serum HsCRP levels in CP patients with and without CAD. METHODS: Thirty CP patients with angiographically proven CAD, 20 CP patients, and 17 healthy individuals were included in the study. Clinical parameters were recorded, and serum and GCF samples were collected. The level of HsCRP in GCF was assayed by a high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The HsCRP level was assayed in the plasma on a nephelometer. RESULTS: The serum HsCRP levels were significantly higher in CP patients with or without CAD than in the control group, and there was a correlation between serum HsCRP levels and clinical parameters and between serum HsCRP levels and GCF volume. There was no statistically significant difference in GCF HsCRP levels between the groups. There was no correlation between GCF HsCRP levels and clinical parameters, GCF volume, or serum HsCRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CP and CP + CAD had statistically significant elevations in serum HsCRP levels compared to healthy subjects. However, HsCRP levels of GCF did not differ from those of the control and CP groups or the control and CP + CAD groups. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between GCF CRP levels and periodontal diseases.     

Effects of scaling and root planing and sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline on oral and systemic biomarkers of disease in patients with both chronic periodontitis and coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) +/- sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -1, -8, -13 and on serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) and lipid fractions in patients with both chronic periodontitis (CP) and coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients were randomly distributed into two groups (Placebo or SDD; 6 weeks) and both received two regimens of SRP. At baseline and 6 weeks, GCF and blood were collected and clinical indices were recorded. MMPs, HsCRP and lipid fractions were assayed. RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements for all clinical parameters, GCF volumes, GCF MMPs and serum levels of HsCRP, apolipoprotein-A (APO-A), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lipoprotein-a between pre- and post-treatment in both groups. Between groups, there were statistically significant greater improvements in pocket depth (PD), gingival index (GI), APO-A and HDL, favouring the group receiving SDD adjunctive to SRP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Greater improvement was detected for PD and GI, and for serum levels of APO-A and HDL cholesterol when using SRP+SDD compared with SRP+placebo in this study. An investigation with larger numbers of patients and a longer duration of drug treatment is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.     

Inter- and intra-tester reliability of sensibility testing in healthy individuals

Static two-point discrimination (S2PD) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) tests are the most widely used tests for evaluation of sensory deterioration. It is a necessity to know the inter- and intra-tester reliability of these tests to determine the suitability of method. Another important point in evaluation of sensory deterioration is whether or not there is a reference point which can be compared with the test results. So, it is important to know the reliability of sensory evaluation tests on the healthy extremities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-tester reliability of the S2PD and SWM tests applied to the fingers of healthy individuals. One hundred and sixty three healthy fingers from 83 individuals were included into the study. An experienced orthopaedic surgeon and a physiotherapist examined all the individuals separately. The reliability of the S2PD test was found to be little and low. The reliability of the SWM test was determined as low and moderate. The reproducibility scores of both tests were at a poor level. Therefore, in the evaluation of states with sensory deterioration, the use of the healthy contralateral extremities as a standard reference point could be considered unreliable. Prognosis, grading or follow-up of treatment should not be made according to the results of the S2PD and SWM tests only. It would be more correct to use these tests as a diagnostic tool rather than quantitative follow-up for neurological function in pathological conditions.     

The effect of diclofenac on matrix metalloproteinase levels in the rotator cuff

Introduction

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in physiological events such as restructuring of the tissue, morphogenesis, wound healing and normal developmental process. Use of diclofenac sodium following rotator cuff repair can disrupt healing of tendon through acting on MMPs.

Materials and methods

Supraspinatus tendons of rats (n = 84) were detached from their insertion on humerus, and repaired to anatomic footprint. Rats were divided into study group (n = 42) and control group (n = 42). Study group received a dose of 1 mg/kg daily diclofenac sodium subcutaneously. The rats were killed at weeks 1, 3 and 6, and seven rats from each groups were included in biomechanical and immunohistological examinations. Immunohistological staining of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP13 were used.

Results

Maximum load was reduced in the study group at the end of week 1 (8.76 vs. 5.28 N) (p = 0.01). MMP-3 level was statistically significantly lower in the study group at the end of week 1. MMP-13 level and stiffness decreased towards week 6 in the study group while in the control group the level of MMP-2 decreased towards week 6.

Conclusion

Diclofenac has an impact on the levels of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-13, which are needed for normal healing process, and it can also lead to disruption of tendon healing.     

Transfer of Ochratoxin A into Tea and Coffee Beverages

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, immunotoxic, neurotoxic, reprotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic (group 2B), being characterized by species and sex differences in sensitivity. Despite the fact that OTA is in some aspects a controversial topic, OTA is the most powerful renal carcinogen. The aim of this study was to make a small survey concerning OTA content in black tea, fruit tea, and ground roasted coffee, and to assess OTA transfer into beverages. OTA content was measured using a validated and accredited HPLC-FLD method with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.35 ng/g. The OTA amount ranged from LOQ up to 250 ng/g in black tea and up to 104 ng/g in fruit tea. Black tea and fruit tea, naturally contaminated, were used to prepare tea infusions. The transfer from black tea to the infusion was 34.8% ± 1.3% and from fruit tea 4.1% ± 0.2%. Ground roasted coffee naturally contaminated at 0.92 ng/g was used to prepare seven kinds of coffee beverages. Depending on the type of process used, OTA transfer into coffee ranged from 22.3% to 66.1%. OTA intakes from fruit and black tea or coffee represent a non-negligible human source.     

Estimated beginning time of local anesthesia effectiveness in forced cold air application: A preliminary study

Background: The literature has reported that forced cold air anesthesia decreases the discomfort effect of various laser therapies. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the average beginning time of the local anesthetic effect of the forced cold air application when it is applied to all body surfaces except the face. Materials and methods: A total of 52 participants (26 females and 26 males) were included in this study. During application of the forced cold air, the beginning time of local anesthesia effectiveness for each volunteer was determined by giving painful stimuli. The results were then analyzed statistically. Results: The mean beginning time value of the local anesthesia was 52.88 (ranging between 30 and 60) seconds in the female group and 56.34 (ranging between 30 and 60) seconds in the male group. The mean beginning time value of the local anesthesia was 54.61 (ranging between 30 and 60) seconds in both genders. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (Z = ? 0.834, p = 0.404). Conclusion: Forced cold air anesthesia—which is a quick, safe, cost-effective, and practical local anesthesia method—seems to be useful and effective when used alone in laser treatment.     

Evaluation of choroidal and retinal thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography in non-diabetic haemodialysis patients

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of haemodialysis with a high ultrafiltration rate on the choroidal and retinal thickness of non-diabetic end-stage chronic renal failure (CRF) patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Twenty-one eyes of 21 male CRF patients aged between 46 and 80 years were included in this prospective study. Retinal and choroidal thicknesses of the patients were measured using high-resolution OCT line scans with the activated enhanced depth imaging mode before and shortly after haemodialysis. Retinal and choroidal thickness measurements were taken at the fovea and at two points that were 1,500 μm nasal and temporal to the fovea. The relationships between the haemodynamic changes, intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were also evaluated. The mean choroidal thicknesses before haemodialysis at the subfoveal, temporal and nasal locations were 232.81 ± 71.92, 212.43 ± 70.50 and 182.14 ± 68.88 μm, respectively. The mean choroidal thicknesses after haemodialysis at the subfoveal, temporal and nasal locations were 210.90 ± 65.53, 195.38 ± 66.48 and 165.19 ± 66.73 μm, respectively. There were significant differences between the choroidal thicknesses before and after haemodialysis (p < 0.001 for all). The mean retinal thicknesses before haemodialysis at the foveal, temporal and nasal locations were 215.86 ± 41.06, 308.86 ± 37.73 and 338.00 ± 33.32 μm, respectively. The mean retinal thicknesses after haemodialysis at the foveal, temporal and nasal locations were 216.90 ± 39.70, 313.86 ± 32.89 and 335.29 ± 36.85 μm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the retinal thicknesses before and after haemodialysis (p > 0.05 for all). The mean CCT decreased insignificantly from 550.48 ± 17.46 to 548.10 ± 21.12 μm (p = 0.411). The mean IOP decreased significantly from 14.09 ± 2.58 to 12.54 ± 2.23 mmHg (p = 0.003), which did not correlate with the CCT [r = (?)0.134, p = 0.562]. Haemodialysis with a high ultrafiltration volume did not alter the retinal thickness but caused a significant choroidal thinning and an IOP decrease in non-diabetic end-stage CRF patients.