A transmission electron microscopical study of the tegument of Maritrema feliui (Digenea: Microphallidae)

The tegument of the microphallid digenean Maritrema feliui, examined by means of TEM, is described as a syncytial epithelium organised into two layers. The outer layer is an external anucleate, cytoplasmic region connected to a second region composed of nucleate perikarya (cytons) deeply embedded in the surrounding cortical parenchyma. The surface layer of the tegument is covered by a plasma membrane with many deep invaginations, which are apparently pinocytotic. This layer also bears numerous large, electron-dense spines of two types, which are intracellular and attached to the basal plasma membrane. Its cytoplasm is rich in free ribosomes, contains numerous mitochondria, disc-shaped granules frequently arranged in a rouleau, and several large, moderately electron-dense, membranous bodies. The subtegumentary perikarya and their nuclei, which are both flattened, are described in detail, as are their connections with the surface tegument. These perikarya appear to be the source of the disc-shaped granules and some of the other inclusions present in the surface layer. The main characteristics of the tegumental structure of M. feliui are commented upon in relation to the findings of previous publications and their suggested functions.     

Dengue nonstructural protein-1 status is not associated to circulating levels of interleukin-17, C-reactive protein and complement in children with acute dengue

BackgroundDuring dengue infection increase in plasma level of various substances have been reported. Some of those molecules are related to the virus biology and others result of the interaction virus–host. Nonstructural protein-1 (NS1) secreted by dengue virus has been reported to have a role in dengue pathogenesis. NS1 is capable of interacting with complement to evade viral clearance. However, there is little information about the presence of serum NS1 and the levels of other molecules related to dengue pathogenesis.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the association of the NS1 status and the circulating levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), C-reactive protein (CRP), C3 and C4 in acute dengue.Study designIn this study the serum presence of NS1, IL-17, CRP, C3 and C4 was determined in children with acute dengue. IL-17, CRP, anti dengue-IgG content was measured by ELISA, C3 and C4 levels by an immunoturbidimetric assay and NS1 by an immunochromatographic assay.ResultsAll patients were positive for dengue infection as shown by antibodies anti-dengue and/or virus isolation. Increased levels of IL-17, CRP and C4 no related to the presence of NS1 were found in the patients. Values of C3 remained similar to controls.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that NS1 does not module the production of studied molecules during dengue infection.     

Molecular epidemiology,resistance profiles and clinical features in clinical plasmid-mediated AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae

During the 30 months of surveillance period, 85 pAmpC-producing isolates were detected (prevalence 0.56% overall): bla_CMY-2 gene in 70 E. coli, 2 K. pneumoniae and 6 P. mirabilis isolates; and the bla_DHA-1 gene in 4 E. coli and 3 K. pneumoniae. In 8.23% of them, other β-lactamases (predominantly OXA-1) were identified. All pAmpC-producing isolates were susceptible to carbapenems, whereas high resistance to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was observed among pAmpC-producing isolates (80%, 60%, and 44.7%, respectively). In hospital patients, predisposing factors such as prior antibiotic use, previous hospitalization, presence of an indwelling device, invasive urinary tract procedures and mechanical ventilation were observed. In the community setting, urinary tract infection was the most common type of infection related to pAmpC-producing isolates. A wide heterogeneity of clones was found among our E. coli isolates by PFGE, suggesting that this mechanism of resistance is not due to the dissemination of a clonal strain. Surveillance of these resistance mechanisms in the community is thus needed. Awareness of pAmpC dynamic is required to prevent introduction into hospitals and to control the spread of this emerging resistance within the community.     

Esthetic perception of facial profile changes in Class II patients treated with Herbst or Forsus appliances

ObjectiveTo evaluate the esthetic perceptions of orthodontists and laypersons for facial profile changes after orthodontic treatment using Herbst or Forsus appliances.Materials and MethodsPre- and posttreatment facial profile contour images of 20 Class II patients treated with Herbst (group H; n = 10) and Forsus (group F; n = 10) appliances were analyzed by 30 orthodontists and 30 laypersons, who graded them from 1 (unattractive) to 10 (very attractive) using a visual analog scale. Two assessments were carried out with a 15 day-interval. In the first evaluation, 40 images were presented in a random sequence. In the second evaluation, initial and final facial profile images of each patient were randomly presented side by side. To compare groups in relation to treatment method, Mann-Whitney tests were used. To evaluate differences between time points, Wilcoxon tests were used.ResultsIn the first evaluation, there was a significant difference between initial and final images only for group H, for both laypersons (P = .017) and orthodontists (P = .037). There was also a significant difference between laypersons and orthodontists in their ratings of posttreatment Herbst appliance profiles (P = .028). There was no significant difference between initial and final facial profile images for group F and no significant differences between or within evaluator groups in their ratings of initial or final Forsus appliance profiles. In the second evaluation, there was a significant difference between appliance groups only for laypersons, who considered cases treated with the Herbst appliance more attractive than those treated with the Forsus (P = .031). Laypersons also considered Herbst profiles more attractive than did orthodontists (P = .047).ConclusionsClass II malocclusion treatment using the Herbst appliance may produce a more esthetically improved facial profile silhouette compared with Forsus appliances. The magnitude of perceived changes may not be considered clinically relevant.     

Influence of foraminal enlargement on the apical extrusion of filling material: Volumetric analysis using micro‐computed tomography

The aim of this study was to compare the root canal instrumentation techniques that involve foraminal enlargement versus those not involving it, in regard to the apical extrusion of filling material, using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Twenty‐two premolars with single canals were instrumented using the ProTaper Universal System and then randomly divided into two groups (n = 11): Group NFE, without foraminal enlargement, and Group FE, with foraminal enlargement. Instrumentation was performed up to 1 mm short of the apical foramen, and foraminal patency was maintained at each instrument change in both groups. Prior to obturation, the apical portion of the specimens was wrapped in adhesive paper to ensure complete separation between apex and extruded material. The canals were filled according to the continuous wave of condensation technique. The apically extruded material was collected and measured using micro‐CT. Extrusion in Group FE was significantly higher than in Group NFE (0.928 mm³ vs. 0.148 mm³; P < 0.001).