Real time polymerase chain reaction analysis in the patients treated with fixed appliances after the orthodontic treatment: A follow-up study

This study aimed to compare the changes in the salivary cariogenic bacteria levels using qPCR and oral hygiene status after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances during the retention phase concerning the patient and treatment variables. In this study, saliva samples were collected from 35 patients before debonding (T₀) and after five weeks of debonding on retention (T₁). The saliva samples were collected to extract the genomic DNA, and using specific probes and primers using real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the changes in S. mutants, S. sobrinus, L. Casei after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Additionally, OHI levels were also measured. The current study confirms the statistical association between T0 and T1 groups of S. mutants (p = 0.028) and S. sobrinus (p = 0.049). However, a lack of association was observed with L. Casei (p > 0.05). The number of bacteria was decreased from the T₀ group and increased in the T₁ group in Streptococcus mutants (S. mutants) and Streptococcus Sobrinus (S. sobrinus) while in Lactobacillus Casei (L. Casei) it was vice versa between T₀ and T₁ groups. The Oral Hygiene Levels (OHI) levels were also found to be statistically associated (p = 0.003). This study concludes that comparing the salivary cariogenic bacterial levels at T₀ (before debonding of fixed orthodontic appliances), with T1 (Five weeks after the debonding), and despite better oral hygiene, there was increase in salivary S mutants and S sobrinus levels. The current study suggested that orthodontic patients need careful hygienic procedures during the retention period. Future studies are recommended with additional follow-up and a large sample size.     

氟对正畸儿童牙面菌斑变形链球菌的影响

目的:观察和探讨2%氟化钠对正畸患者牙面菌斑内细菌总数及变形链球菌数的影响.方法:选择34例正畸儿童,分为两组,试验组涂布2%氟化钠;对照组不做处理.分别于戴用矫治器前,戴入后1月采集上颌牙唇颊面菌斑,测定菌斑中细菌总数及变形链球菌数.结果:对照组戴用后1月,细菌总数及变形链球菌数较戴用前明显增加(P＜0.01).对照组与试验组戴用后1月相比,试验组细菌总数及变形链球菌数明显少于对照组(P＜0.05).结论:戴用固定矫治器后,牙面菌斑内细菌总数及变形链球菌数较戴用前增加,应用2%氟化钠可明显抑制正畸患者口腔内变形链球菌数,减少龋坏发生.     

Salivary Nickel and Chromium Levels in Orthodontic Patients with and Without Periodontitis: a Preliminary Historical Cohort Study

Many periodontal patients may need orthodontic treatment. Alterations in oral environment particularly the reduction of pH in periodontal patients could affect metal ion release from orthodontic appliances. However, there is no study on metal ion release in periodontal patients. The aim of this preliminary study was to comparatively evaluate, for the first time, salivary levels of nickel and chromium in periodontal patients (versus healthy controls) under orthodontic treatment for 2 months. In this in vivo study, 40 subjects were evaluated. Patient selection and standardization of orthodontic treatment protocols were prospectively designed and performed. Two groups of n = 20 each (control: healthy orthodontic patients, cohort: orthodontic patients with periodontitis) underwent similar protocols of fixed orthodontic treatment for 2 months. After 2 months, salivary nickel and chromium concentrations of the case and cohort groups were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The values were compared between the two groups using t test. There were 10 men and 10 women in each group. The mean age of patients was 34.6 ± 3.6 years old. The salivary level of nickel was 338.2 ± 235.5 ng/ml and 182.8 ± 116.5 ng/ml in the cohort and control groups, respectively (P = 0.0118). The salivary level of chromium was 7.4 ± 3.15 ng/ml in the cohort and 6.35 ± 2.39 ng/ml in the control group (P = 0.2214). Salivary level of nickel might be considerably higher in periodontal patients undergoing 2 months of orthodontic treatment compared to orthodontic patients with healthy gingivae.

     

Screening of biochemical parameters in the orthodontic treatment with the fixed appliances: A follow-up study

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in vital salivary parameters such as calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, buffering capacity, pH, flow-rate and Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) in fixed orthodontic treatment patients during the retention period. In this study, saliva samples were collected from 35 patients before de-bonding (T₀) and after 4 to 5 weeks of de-bonding or on retention period (T₁). The biochemical parameters such as calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured with saliva samples. Additionally, flow-rate, buffering capacity, pH and OHI levels was also measured. The current study results showed reduction in calcium, alkaline phosphatase, pH, flow-rate and OHI levels during T₁ (p < 0.05). However, phosphorous and buffering capacity levels were increased at T₁. The phosphorous levels showed non statistically significant difference when compared between T₀ and T₁ (p = 0.42). The remaining salivary parameters showed statistically significant difference when compared between T₀ and T₁ (p < 0.05). The present study concludes that there was a statistically significant decrease in the calcium, alkaline phosphatase, pH, flow rate and OHI values a month after de-bonding and increased in the buffering capacity values.     

复方茶多酚含漱液对正畸儿童牙面菌斑中致龋菌的影响

目的观察复方茶多酚含漱液对正畸儿童牙面菌斑中细菌总数和变形链球菌数的影响,以及牙菌斑内原位pH的改变。方法选择42例戴用固定矫治器的正畸儿童,随机分为2组,试验组用复方茶多酚含漱液漱口,对照组用蒸馏水漱口。分别于戴用矫治器前,戴入后1月采集上下颌牙唇颊面菌斑,测定菌斑中细菌总数及变形链球菌数,同时测定牙菌斑原位pH。结果对照组戴用后1月,细菌总数及变形链球菌数较戴用前明显增加(P0.01),牙菌斑原位pH较戴用前降低(P0.01)。试验组与对照组戴用后1个月相比,试验组细菌总数及变形链球菌数明显少于对照组(P0.01),牙菌斑原位pH高于对照组(P0.01)。结论戴用固定矫治器后,牙面菌斑内细菌总数及变形链球菌数较戴用前增加,牙菌斑原位pH较戴用前降低,应用茶多酚含漱液可明显抑制正畸儿童口腔内变形链球菌数,减少龋坏发生。     

Comparative assessment of the cell-surface antigens and gene expression profiles of the gingival tissue biomarkers in subjects with fixed functional and removable functional orthodontic appliances

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the cellular components of the gingiva during orthodontic treatment with fixed and removable appliances. The cellular and molecular cues of pathologies of the gingival tissue associated with the use of different orthodontic appliances could be studied.Materials and methodsTissue samples of gingiva were received from healthy patients undergoing gingivectomy for aesthetic purpose and from patients with fixed and removable functional orthodontic appliances undergoing gingivectomy for gingival overgrowth. The collected samples were stored in a sterile container with phosphate-buffered saline and to carry out further processes it was transported to the laboratory.ResultsCells positive for ECAD and NCAD were found to be increased in fixed appliances where as CD90 and CD105 positive cells showed no significant difference in all the three groups. CD24 and CD146 positive cells were increased significantly in removable and fixed than normal whereas CD133 positive cells were decreased in removable and fixed than normal. CD44 positive cells showed no noticeable change in all three groups. The gene expression levels of KRT5, SOX2, NANOG, and CXCL5 were found to be significantly increased in removable and fixed appliance groups. However, KRT8, CXCL10, and TIMP1 were increased only in fixed appliance group but CXCL10 showed decreased expression in removable appliance group. KRT6A, MYC, and MMP9 were decreased in fixed appliance group whereas MYC and MMP9 were increased in removable appliance group. KRT6A, KRT8, and TIMP1 showed no significant difference in removable appliance group.ConclusionThis study demonstrated essential roles of various genes, showing their contribution in regulating cell proliferation and migration in both the removable and fixed functional appliances.     

The Effect of Stress on Salivary Metal Ion Content in Orthodontic Patients

Psychological stress can alter the environment in favor of corrosion of orthodontic alloys by changing the properties of saliva. This study aimed to assess the effect of stress induction on salivary nickel and chromium content in fixed orthodontic patients. Thirty patients were enrolled in this experiment. Saliva sample collection was performed at four time points: T1, before insertion of orthodontic appliances; T2, 3 months after the initiation of orthodontic treatment, before induction of stress; T3, 15 min following the induction of stress by Trier Social Stress Test; and T4, 30 min following the induction of stress. Ion content was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The obtained data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test. The mean amount of salivary nickel increased from 11.9?±?5.1 μg/L at T1 to 14.1?±?5.3 μg/L at T4. This increase was found significant only at T4 comparing to T1. The average salivary chromium content changed from 4.1?±?2.3 μg/L at T1 to 5.1?±?3.3 μg/L at T4. None of the differences were significant for chromium. In conclusion, induction of stress in this study led to a significant increase in nickel release from orthodontic appliances into saliva. The salivary chromium content however was not significantly altered, yet gradually increased.     

Toxic effects of chlorpyrifos on the growth,hematology, and different organs histopathology of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Chlorpyrifos is a widely applied insecticide that permeates on most waterways and affects aquatic organisms. The growth performances, hematological and histological impacts on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus following a 60 day of exposure to varying concentrations of chlorpyrifos 20 EC (T₁ 08 µgL^?1, T₂ 16 µgL^?1, and T₃ 32 µgL^?1) were compared to a control T_c 0 µgL^?1. The 96-hour LC50 of chlorpyrifos 20 EC was calculated as 46.80 μgL^?1. The water quality parameters were recorded regularly. The value of dissolved O₂ and NH₃ stayed rather steady, although temperature varied considerably. It was revealed that as chlorpyrifos levels go up, the percentage of weight gain (WG %), specific growth rates (SGR), and survival rate decreases. The control group T_c had the highest percentages of SGR weight (1.16 ± 0.58) and the T₃ group had the lowest percentages of SGR weight (0.25 ± 0.77). The hematological assessment showed significant differences of hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell counts and red blood cell numbers between chlorpyrifos treatment and control group (P < 0.05). Histological alterations in the liver, gills, and muscle tissues reported to be worse for T₃ as compared to others. There were no statistical differences in GSI, HSI values between control and treatment groups. The chlorpyrifos 20 EC was shown to be highly toxic to O. niloticus at sub-lethal dosages.     

Serum Thyrotropin in Graves’ Disease: A More Reliable Index of Circulating Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin Level than Thyroid Function?

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between serum thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) on one hand and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), free thyroxine (T₄), and triiodothyronine (T₃) levels on the other in Graves’ disease, inasmuch as TSH may be suppressed in the presence of TSI because TSI may bind to the TSH receptor on the thyroid gland membrane and thus eliminate the need for circulating TSH for stimulating the thyroid gland.MethodsWe determined serum TSI levels in 37 women and 13 men with Graves’ disease, stratified into 4 groups on the basis of serum TSH levels irrespective of serum free T₄ and T₃ levels. Our reference ranges were 0.72 to 1.74 ng/dL for free T₄, 80 to 200 ng/dL for T₃, and to 4.0 μU/mL for TSH.ResultsMean serum TSI concentrations were highest (215% ± 28%) in patients with undetectable TSH levels (< 0.03 μU/mL) and lowest (103% ± 9%) in those with supernormal TSH concentrations (> 4.0 μU/mL). TSI levels were intermediate in the other study groups: 157% ± 16% in patients with subnormal though detectable TSH levels (0.03 to 0.39 μU/mL) and 125% ± 12% in those with normal TSH levels (0.4 to 4.0 μU/mL). Moreover, a progressive decline in TSI levels with increasing serum TSH concentrations was noted, along with a significant negative correlation (r = -0.45; P < 0.01) between serum TSI and TSH concentrations. Finally, relationships between free T₄ and T₃ levels on one hand and TSI or TSH levels on the other were not significant, with a considerable variability in free T₄ and T₃ levels being noted in individual study groups.ConclusionSerum TSH is frequently suppressed after treatment with antithyroid drugs or radioiodine (¹³¹I), irrespective of clinical thyroid function as expressed by increased, normal, or decreased free T₄ and T₃ concentrations. In an individual patient with Graves’ disease, the serum TSH level may be more reflective of the circulating TSI concentration than is thyroid gland function as expressed by free T₄ and T₃ concentrations and therefore may be as reliable a predictor of remission as TSI. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:615-619)     

Three-dimensional assessment of transverse dentoskeletal mandibular dimensions after utilizing two designs of fixed mandibular expansion appliance: A prospective clinical investigation

The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate and compare the dentoskeletal transverse mandibular arch dimensions following the use of two designs of fixed mandibular expanders using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Twenty orthodontic patients, 12 females and 8 males, with mean age of 13.4 ± 0.5 years were selected and randomly divided into two equivalent groups; group A consisted of 10 patients (4 boys, 6 girls) who were treated with modified Williams expander and group B consisted of 10 patients (4 boys, 6 girls) who were treated with a two-arm fixed expander. Consistent expansion instructions were given to all patients according to a standardized slow protocol of one quarter turn twice/week for both expanders. Routine orthodontic records as well as mandibular CBCTs were obtained before (T1) and immediately after expansion (T2) to estimate changes in dentoskeletal mandibular transverse dimensions. The data was statistically analyzed and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Mandibular intercanine, inter-premolar, intermolar widths; and arch perimeter were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) following expansion with both fixed expanders. However, the changes in inter-premolar width, intercanine width, and arch perimeter were significantly augmented in two-arm fixed expander group than modified Williams’s group. In contrast, their effects on the skeletal mandibular body width were non-significant (p > 0.05). Both expanders yielded significant and equivalent dentoalveolar effects that were more evident with two-arm fixed expander than the William one. Both fixed designs enhanced mandibular transverse dental dimensions; however, they were unsuccessful to create any considerable skeletal effects.     

The effects of gradual or abrupt changes in salinity on digestive enzymes activity of Caspian kutum,Rutilus kutum (Kamensky, 1901) larvae

This study investigates the effects of gradual or abrupt changes in rearing salinity on food transit time and digestive enzymes activity of Caspian kutum (Rutilus kutum) larvae. The larvae (532 ± 0.05 mg) were supplied and randomly allocated into 12 tanks at a density of 45 fish per tank. Experimental treatments were fresh water (salinity 0) [FW] as control, exposure to salinity 5 [T₁], and gradual transfer to salinity 10 in two steps of first to 5 h, then and after 12 h to a salinity of 10 [T₂], and abrupt change (direct transfer to a salinity of 10 [T₃]). Results showed at 8 h after start of feeding that the larvae intestine was filled with food pellets except in treatment T₁. Enzyme activity responded to salinity change as follows: the highest trypsin, amylase, and chymotrypsin activities were observed in T₁; however, these were not significantly different to treatment T₃ (P > 0.05). Trypsin activity peaks in the FW and T₂ groups occurred 8 h after feeding, and in T₃ and T₁ groups 5 h after feeding. Peak chymotrypsin and alkaline phosphatase activity was observed 5 and 8 h after feeding in all experiments, respectively. The highest α amylase activity in FW and T₂ groups occurred 5 h after feeding, while in T₃ and T₁ these peaks were observed 8 h after feeding. These results indicate that salinity had some noticeable effects on the activities of digestive enzymes after feeding.     

Porcine model of congenital heart defect with decreased pulmonary blood flow

A porcine model was produced to study the pathophysiology of congenital heart defect (CHD) with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Twenty piglets (1–2 months) were randomly divided as mild to moderate stenosis/T₁ group (n = 7) in which artificial atrial septal defect (ASD) with pulmonary artery banding generated a systolic pressure gradient of 20–30 mmHg; severe stenosis/T group (n = 7) group with a systolic pressure gradient of ≥30–50 mmHg; and controls/C group (n = 6) underwent sham surgery. At 1 month postoperatively, 64-slice computed tomography (CT) was performed. At 2 months, left-chest surgery was performed to measure ASD diameter, arterial blood gas, hemoglobin, and Trans-PABP. Our data show successful establishment of porcine CHD model. ASDs in T₁/T₂ groups were 8.0 ± 0.5/8.9 ± 1.4 mm, respectively. Trans-PABP showed that the pressure increase in T₂ was higher (P < 0.01) than in T₁ group. Arterial blood PaO₂ and SaO₂ of T_1/T₂ groups were significantly lower than controls. AoD was significantly lower in T₁ than in C group. Balloon dilation was significantly lower than AoD in T₁/T₂ groups. Besides, one animal in T₁, two animals in T₂ ,and one animal in C group died. We conclude that ASD with pulmonary artery banding is a successful intervention to establish such a model, and our findings may influence the treatment of patients with similar heart disease.     

Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Therapy on Urinary Nickel Levels: A Long-term Retrospective Cohort Study

Nickel constitutes about 8?C60?% of orthodontic alloys. It is known as an allergenic/cytotoxic trace metal. Therefore, it should be investigated in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment which might last for 2 or 3?years. However, no controlled studies have assessed the influence of orthodontic treatments of longer than 5?months on its systemic levels. Thus, the aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate systemic nickel in patients undergoing orthodontic therapy for a minimum period of 1?year. In this study, urinary nickel concentrations in 20 female and 10 male patients being treated with stainless steel appliances were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The same procedure was done on a control group of the patients?? same-gender near-age siblings (n?=?30). The effect of treatment and gender on urinary nickel levels were assessed using a repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a Tukey test (???=?0.05). The mean treatment duration was 17.1?±?6.4?months (range, 12?C21). The mean nickel concentrations in male and female patients were 9.67?±?3.25 and 9.9?±?3.83???g/L, respectively. These statistics for male and female control subjects were 6.65?±?2.57 and 8.43?±?2.94???g/L, respectively. The ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between the urinary nickel levels of the treatment and the control groups (P?=?0.009) but not between the genders (P?=?0.194). The interaction between gender and treatment was also nonsignificant (P?=?0.337). The Tukey test indicated that the increase in nickel was higher in male patients, in comparison to their brothers (P?<?0.05). It could be concluded that orthodontic therapy for longer durations with stainless-steel archwires might elevate slightly, but significantly, urinary nickel levels.     

Increased risk of advanced prostate cancer associated with MnSOD Ala-9-Val gene polymorphism

We aimed to investigate the association between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) Ala-9-Val gene polymorphism and the initiation and/or progression of prostate cancer (PCa) as well as to evaluate its potential interactions with advanced age and smoking status. MnSOD Ala-9-Val gene polymorphism was carried out in 134 (mean age 64.1 ± 7.48) PCa patients and 159 (mean age 62.5 ± 7.53) healthy controls with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels (<4 ng/ml) and normal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings in this prospectively designed study. PCa patients were classified as low stage disease (T₁ or T₂ and N₀M₀ stages) and high stage disease (T₃ or T₄ and N₀M₀ or N₁ or M₁ stages). Genotypes for MnSOD Ala-9-Val gene polymorphism were identified by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFPL). Despite lack of association between different genotypes of MnSOD Ala-9-Val gene polymorphism and the presence of PCa, patients with Ala/Ala genotype were at an increased risk of high stage disease compared with those with the Val/Val genotype [odds ratio (OR), 3.77; 95% CI, 1.30–10.94; P = 0.012]. However, no significant difference was observed in the distribution of each genotype among PCa patients, with respect to tumor grade. On the other hand, smoking status and aging did not seem to change the association between genotypes and PCa risk. Ala/Ala genotype of MnSOD polymorphism may have an effect on adverse features of PCa such as high stage disease.     

The efficacy of three formulations of Lippia sidoides Cham. essential oil in the reduction of salivary Streptococcus mutans in children with caries: A randomized,double-blind,controlled study

Essential oils of many plants have been previously tested in the treatment of oral diseases and other infections. This study was a randomized, double-blind, in parallel with an active control study, which aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three formulations of the Lippia sidoides Cham. essential oil (LSO) in the reduction of salivary Streptococcus mutans in children with caries. 81 volunteers, aged 6–12 years, both genders, with caries, were recruited to participate in this study, and randomly assigned to either one of five different groups. Each group received topical treatment with either 1.4% LSO toothpaste, 1.4% LSO gel, 0.8% LSO mouthwash, 1% chlorhexidine gel, or 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash. A 5-ml volume of each gel was placed inside disposable trays, and applied for 1 min, every 24 h, for 5 consecutive days. The mouthwash groups used 5-ml volume of a mouthwash inside disposable syringes. In the toothpaste group, children brushed their teeth for 1 min, once a day for 5 days. Saliva was collected before and after treatment. MS colonies were counted, isolated and confirmed through biochemical tests. Differences in MS levels measured in different days within the same treatment group was only verified with LSO toothpaste, chlorhexidine gel and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Comparison between groups of LSO mouthwash, toothpaste and gel showed that the toothpaste group expressed significantly lower MS levels than the mouthwash and gel groups at day-30. Chlorhexidine significantly reduced MS levels after 5 days of treatment, but these levels returned to baseline in other periods of the study. LSO toothpaste reduced MS levels after 5 days of treatment, and MS levels remained low and did not return to baseline during subsequent analysis. Hence, LSO toothpaste demonstrated the most long-lasting MS reduction in saliva, whereas other LSO formulations did not effectively reduce MS levels in children with dental caries.     

Effects of Long-Term Fixed Orthodontic Treatment on Salivary Nickel and Chromium Levels: a 1-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Effect of long-term orthodontic treatment on salivary nickel and chromium has not been quite assessed except in few retrospective studies with controversial results. The aim of this prospective study was to measure salivary levels of these ions during 1?year of orthodontic treatment. Saliva samples were collected from 20 orthodontic patients, before treatment (control) and 6 and 12?months later. Nickel and chromium concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using one- and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, Bonferroni, Friedman (???=?0.05), and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests (???=?0.016). Average nickel level changed from 9.75?±?5.02 to 10.37?±?6.94 and then to 8.32?±?4.36???g/L in 1?year. Average chromium concentration changed from 3.86?±?1.34 to 4.6?±?6.11 and then to 2.04?±?1.66???g/L. Alterations in nickel values were not statistically significant [P?=?0.468 (ANOVA)], but fluctuations in chromium levels were [P?=?0.021 (Friedman)]. The decrease in chromium concentration after 12?months was significant compared to the control [P?=?0.004 (Wilcoxon)]. Although slightly increased after 6?months, the concentration of both ions dropped to levels slightly lower than the control groups after 12?months.     

The Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances and Fluoride Mouthwash on the Oral Microbiome of Adolescents – A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

While the aesthetic effect of orthodontic treatment is clear, the knowledge on how it influences the oral microbiota and the consequential effects on oral health are limited. In this randomized controlled clinical trial we investigated the changes introduced in the oral ecosystem, during and after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances in combination with or without a fluoride mouthwash, of 10–16.8 year old individuals (N = 91). We followed several clinical parameters in time, in combination with microbiome changes using next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. During the course of our study, the oral microbial community displayed remarkable resilience towards the disturbances it was presented with. The effects of the fluoride mouthwash on the microbial composition were trivial. More pronounced microbial changes were related to gingival health status, orthodontic treatment and time. Periodontal pathogens (e.g. Selenomonas and Porphyromonas) were highest in abundance during the orthodontic treatment, while the health associated Streptococcus, Rothia and Haemophilus gained abundance towards the end and after the orthodontic treatment. Only minor compositional changes remained in the oral microbiome after the end of treatment. We conclude that, provided proper oral hygiene is maintained, changes in the oral microbiome composition resulting from orthodontic treatment are minimal and do not negatively affect oral health.     

Mn and Cu concentrations in mixed saliva of elementary school children in relation to sex,age, and dental caries

To examine the standard Mn and Cu concentrations in mixed saliva from children and the relationship between these levels and dental caries, resting mixed saliva samples obtained from 527 children of an elementary school in Kitakyushu City were collected at 10:00–11:30 a.m. during December 2004. The Mn and Cu concentrations were determined using simultaneous multi-element atomic absorption spectrometry. The standard Mn and Cu levels were 22.0±15.2 and 3.8±4.1 ng/mL, respectively, in the sound teeth group. Mn levels were significantly higher in boys (25.4±17.4 ng/mL) than girls (19.1±12.3 ng/mL) and also higher in upper (25.5±16.4 ng/mL) than lower (19.0±13.5 ng/mL) grades. The Cu level was unaffected by sex and age in the sound teeth group. The Cu level in children with caries experience (5.7±5.3 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of the sound teeth group. Moreover, the Cu levels in children with untreated caries were significantly higher than that of the sound teeth group, and increased with the number of untreated teeth. No significant difference was found in the Cu concentrations between the group in which all decayed teeth were treated and the sound teeth group. The Mn levels were similar with or without caries and treatment. These findings indicate that the Mn level in mixed saliva depended on sex and age, and suggest the possibility of Cu dissolving into mixed saliva by demineralization due to dental caries.     

Effect of Fluoridated Water on Plasma Insulin Levels and Glucose Homeostasis in Rats with Renal Deficiency

Glucose intolerance in fluorosis areas and when fluoride is administered for the treatment of osteoporosis has been reported. Controlled fluoridation of drinking water is regarded as a safe and effective measure to control dental caries. However, the effect on glucose homeostasis was not studied so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the intake of fluoridated water supply on glucose metabolism in rats with normal and deficient renal function. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into eight groups of four rats. Renal insufficiency was induced in four groups (NX) which received drinking water containing 0, 1, 5, and 15 ppm F (NaF) for 60 days. Four groups with simulated surgery acted as controls. There were no differences in plasma glucose concentration after a glucose tolerance test between controls and NX rats and among rats with different intakes of fluoride. However, plasma insulin level increased as a function of fluoride concentration in drinking water, both in controls and in NX rats. It is concluded that the consumption of fluoridated water from water supply did not affect plasma glucose levels even in cases of animals with renal disease. However, a resistance to insulin action was demonstrated     

Effect of supplemental palm oil on nutrient utilization,feeding economics and carcass characteristics in post-weaned Muzafarnagari lambs under feedlot condition

Thirty male post-weaned Muzafarnagari lambs, of about 3 months of age and similar body weight (18.47 ± 1.31 kg), were divided into 5 similar groups in order to observe the effect of graded levels of palm oil supplementation on growth, nutrient utilization, cost of feeding, carcass characteristics and meat quality under feedlot regimen. Lambs in different treatment groups were fed with concentrate mash supplemented with 0% (T₁), 2.5% (T₂), 5.0% (T₃), 7.5% (T₄) and 10% (T₅) palm oil and gram straw (Cicer arietinum) ad libitum. The growth trial was continued for 12 weeks. A metabolism trial of 6 days collection was conducted after 60 days of experimental feeding. After 90 days of feeding, randomly selected three animals from each group were slaughtered according to standard procedure for assessment of carcass traits and meat quality. Separated thoracic portion of Longissimus thoracis muscle from each carcass was collected for analysis of moisture, protein and fat. Accelerated growth in lambs under T₃ (P < 0.05) was observed as compared to other treatments with similar DM intake. Similarly, DM intake (kg)/kg gain was found most efficient (P < 0.01) in T₃ and least efficient in 10% palm oil supplemented T₅. Due to this, feed cost (rupees)/kg weight gain was calculated less (44.23) in T₃ than other palm oil supplemented treatments. DM, CP, Ca and P intakes were similar in all treatment groups during metabolism trial. Intake ratio of Ca and P was recorded 3.68:1.00, 3.42:1.00, 3.37:1.00, 3.69:1.00 and 3.44:1.00 in T₁ to T₅ treatments, respectively. Water intake and water intake/kg DM intake was also similar in different treatment groups. OM digestibility was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in 2.5% palm oil supplemented T₂ ration as compared to other treatments. DM, CP, EE, CF, NFE and P digestibilities were found similar among different treatment groups. TDN percentage in the feed increased from 60.16 (T₁) to 66.17 (T₅), which was mainly due gradual increase of palm oil in the diet, although the difference was non-significant. Whereas, DCP percentage in feed gradually depressed (P < 0.05) due to higher level of palm oil supplementation. Nitrogen retention (%) as percentage of N-absorbed was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in palm oil supplemented groups than control T₁, being highest in T₃ and T₄. This could be the reason for higher body weight gain in T₃ and T_4. Dressing and meat percentages (empty weight basis) ranged from 52.00 (T₄) to 55.06 (T₂) and 58.10 (T₂) to 62.27 (T₅), respectively, however, the differences were similar. Muscle fat% (DM basis) increased (P < 0.01) from 19.84 (T₁) to 28.94 (T₅) due to palm oil addition. Meat protein% (DM basis) remained unaffected due to these treatments, which ranged from 59.95 (T₁) to 70.47 (T₂). Result indicates that addition of 5% palm oil in concentrate mixture improved growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of weaned Muzafarnagari lambs keeping the quality of meat unaffected.