Surface ultrastructure of prestomal teeth of some flies in the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae

Prestomal teeth of flies in the families Calliphoridae (Chrysomya pinguis, Chrysomya villeneuvi, and Chrysomya chani), Muscidae (Hydrotaea (= Ophyra) chalcogaster) and Sarcophagidae (Boettcherisca peregrina) were presented using scanning electron microscopy. The slight to deep bifurcation of the tips of their teeth were similarly observed in all species examined. The anatomical feature of prestomal teeth of the flies examined may contribute to the understanding of their feeding behavior and the medical importance of their role in the future.     

Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody levels among Thai healthcare providers receiving homologous and heterologous COVID‐19 vaccination regimens

BackgroundWe examined SARS‐CoV‐2 anti‐spike 1 IgG antibody levels following COVID‐19 vaccination (AstraZeneca [AZ], Sinovac [SV], Pfizer‐BioNTech [PZ]) among Thai healthcare providers.MethodsBlood specimens were tested using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We analyzed seven vaccination regimens: (1) one dose of AZ or SV, (2) two doses of homologous (2AZ, 2SV) or heterologous (1AZ + 1PZ) vaccines, and (3) three doses of heterologous vaccines (2SV + 1AZ, 2SV + 1PZ). Differences in antibody levels were assessed using Kruskal–Wallis statistic, Mann–Whitney test, or Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank test. Antibody kinetics were predicted using fractional polynomial regression.ResultsThe 563 participants had median age of 39 years; 92% were female; 74% reported no underlying medical condition. Antibody levels peaked at 22–23 days in both 1AZ and 2SV vaccinees and dropped below assay''s cutoff for positive (35.2 binding antibody units/ml [BAU/ml]) in 55 days among 1AZ vaccinees compared with 117 days among 2SV vaccinees. 1AZ + 1PZ vaccination regimen was highly immunogenic (median 2279 BAU/ml) 1–4 weeks post vaccination. 2SV + 1PZ vaccinees had significantly higher antibody levels than 2SV + 1AZ vaccinees 4 weeks post vaccination (3423 vs. 2105 BAU/ml; p‐value < 0.01), and during weeks 5–8 (3656 vs. 1072 BAU/ml; p‐value < 0.01). Antibodies peaked at 12–15 days in both 2SV + 1PZ and 2SV + 1AZ vaccinees, but those of 2SV + 1AZ declined more rapidly and dropped below assay''s cutoff in 228 days while those of 2SV + 1PZ remained detectable.Conclusions1AZ + 1PZ, 2SV + 1AZ, and 2SV + 1PZ vaccinees had substantial IgG levels, suggesting that these individuals likely mounted sufficient anti‐S1 IgG antibodies for possible protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.     

Dental treatment as perceived etiology of temporomandibular disorders

ABSTRACT

Objective: To characterize patients who believe their temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms are caused by their prior dental treatment.

Methods: A sample of 337 patients were selected and classified into dental treatment-related and non-dental treatment-related groups, according to their personal belief of their TMD etiology. The relationship between patients’ perceived etiology and patient characterization was analyzed using Chi-square and t-test.

Results: One-hundred and thirty-one patients perceived that the cause of their TMD was dental-related. Within this group, 27.5% of the 131 patients considered that their TMD was specifically caused by prior dental treatment. These patients possessed significantly greater disability (self-reported work disability, family interference, and higher level of depression) compared to the patients who did not believe their TMD was caused by dental treatment.

Conclusion: Dentists should recognize that their dental treatments could possibly be the cause of patients’ TMD symptoms, according to patients’ beliefs.     

Paper-based immunosensor with signal amplification by enzyme-labeled anti-p16INK4a multifunctionalized gold nanoparticles for cervical cancer screening

The aim of this study was to develop a paper-based immunosensor for cervical cancer screening, with signal amplification by multifunctionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The AuNPs were functionalized with a highly specific antibody to the p16^INK4a cancer biomarker. The signal was amplified using a combination of the peroxidase activity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme-antibody conjugate and the peroxidase-like activity of the AuNPs. The immune complex of p16^INK4a protein and multifunctionalized AuNPs was deposited on the nitrocellulose membrane, and a positive result was generated by catalytic oxidation of peroxidase enzyme substrate 3,3’,5,5’-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). The entire reaction occurred on the membrane within 30 min. Evaluation in clinical samples revealed 85.2% accuracy with a kappa coefficient of 0.69. This proof of concept study demonstrates the successful development of a highly accurate, paper-based immunosensor that is easy to interpret using the naked eye and that is suitable for cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings.     

TB, HIV-associated TB and multidrug-resistant TB on Thailand's border with Myanmar, 2006-2007

Objective To measure the burden and improve management of tuberculosis (TB), HIV‐associated TB and MDR TB in Tak Province, Thailand, which borders Myanmar. Methods From September 2006 to August 2007, we collected uniform data about TB cases and enhanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and testing. We provided mycobacterial culture and drug‐susceptibility testing in public or non‐governmental organization facilities. Patients were classified by nationality and, for non‐Thais, by migration status. Results Of 1662 TB cases in the 12‐month period, 1087 (65%) occurred in non‐Thais. Of non‐Thais, 415 (38%) lived in Myanmar but crossed the border for healthcare. HIV infection was diagnosed in 18% of Thais compared with 12% of non‐Thais (P < 0.01); HIV status was unknown for 22% of Thais and 27% of non‐Thais (P = 0.02). Overall, multidrug‐resistant (MDR) TB was diagnosed in 27 patients, 19 (70%) in non‐Thais. Among TB cases never previously treated for TB, no MDR cases were diagnosed in Thais or in Myanmar refugees, but six cases were diagnosed in migrants from Myanmar. Conclusions In Thailand, TB, HIV‐associated TB and MDR TB in migrants from Myanmar are important public health problems; they need to be resolved in both the countries.     

Pineapple juice as an agent for the digestion of fish prior to the harvesting of metacercariae

The efficacy of crude pineapple juice obtained from Ananus comosus in digesting fish for the harvesting of trematode metacercariae was investigated. No significant difference was found between the total number of metacercariae detected from fish (Cirrhina jullieni) digested by acid pepsin and those digested by freshly prepared pineapple juice that was kept for 15 days at a temperature of either -4 degrees C or -75 degrees C. However, fewer metacercariae were found when using juice that had been kept for more than 30 days. This study showed that freshly prepared pineapple juice kept frozen for 15 days could be used instead of commercial acid pepsin to digest fish for harvesting metacercariae, some of which could be used for further biological studies.     

Association of radiographic and clinical findings in patients with temporomandibular joints osseous alteration

Objectives

To characterize the relationship between radiographic and clinical characteristics of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osseous changes.

Materials and methods

TMJ cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 73 patients (142 joints) with changes in osseous component of TMJ were included in this study. Based on both clinical and radiographic findings, each TMJ was diagnosed as either non-degenerative joint disease (non-DJD) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) criteria. The DJD group was further classified into two subgroups of osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis. The data were analyzed using t test and Pearson’s correlation. Level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.

Results

Statistically significant relationships were found between TMJ crepitation sound and 4 radiographic characteristics of DJD. DJD group demonstrated statistically significant higher CBCT bone change score (BCS) and age. In contrast, there was no significant difference of BCS between osteoarthrosis and osteoarthritis groups within the DJD group.

Conclusions

Crepitation sounds and osseous changes in TMJ radiograph are confirmed to be important diagnostic criteria for TMJ DJD. However, degree of TMJ osseous changes does not correlate significantly with clinical pain symptom.

Clinical relevance

For TMJ DJD diagnosis, dentists should consider both clinical examination for TMJ crepitation and radiographic assessment for TMJ bony changes.