Relationship of cariogenic bacteria levels with periodontal status and root surface caries in elderly Japanese

Objective: The relationship of the levels of cariogenic bacterial species with periodontal status and decayed root surfaces was investigated in elderly Japanese subjects. Methods: Three hundred and sixty‐eight individuals (each 75 years old) were examined for periodontal status (pocket depth, attachment loss), root surface caries and salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB). Results: Values >4 mm of attachment loss (rAL4) and for average attachment loss (aAL) of sites measured were significantly higher in subjects with LB than those without. Multiple regression analysis also showed a correlation between aAL and rAL4 values with the presence of LB (aAL p = 0.003; rAL4 p = 0.002). Further, multiple regression analysis of interacting factors regarding decayed root surfaces showed that LB carriers had a greater incidence of decayed root surface caries (p = 0.003), while MS and LB levels were correlated to the number of decayed root surfaces (LB p = 0.010; MS p = 0.026). Conclusion: Our results indicate that considerable attachment loss elevates the possibility of having LB, thus increasing the risk of root surface caries. It was also found that LB and MS measurements may be useful indicators of decayed root surfaces in elderly individuals with attachment loss.     

Level of education and incidence of caries in the elderly: a 5-year follow-up study

Objective: This study aimed to examine the possible association between level of education and 5‐year caries increment in the elderly inhabitants of Helsinki. Background: Low salivary flow and high numbers of salivary microorganisms are associated with the presence of caries, but cannot predict the increment in caries in the elderly. Materials and methods: This study group was derived from a population‐based Helsinki Aging Study, which consisted of a random sample of elderly born in 1904, 1909 and 1914. The 71 dentate elderly who underwent clinical oral examinations at baseline (1990–91) and 5 years later (1995–96) were included in the study group. Decayed, Missing or Filled Tooth (DMFT) and Root Caries Index (RCI) indexes were used to study subject’ caries experience. Data on subjects’ education came from questionnaire studies. The subjects were divided into four groups according to their level of education and occupation. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate relationships between subjects’ caries experience and level of education. Results: At baseline the elderly with high level of education had more teeth and more root surfaces at risk than those with low level of education. Number of teeth decreased (?1.085, p < 0.0001), while both DMFT (1.164, p < 0.0001) and RCI (0.081, p < 0.0001) indices increased during follow‐up. The increments in DMFT and RCI were not directly associated with the level of education. Multivariate analysis in which subjects’ gender, number of teeth, level of education, frequency of eating and frequency of brushing were taken into consideration, showed no significant association with caries increment. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that the level of education of the elderly is not directly associated with the increment in caries.     

Prevalence and Correlates of Dental Caries in an Elderly Population in Northeast China

Objectives

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of dental caries in elderly population in northeast China.

Methods

A community-based, cross-sectional study among 2376 elderly subjects (age: 65–74 years) from nine urban areas and nine rural areas in three provinces of northeast China was conducted using multistage stratified random sampling per the World Health Organization oral health survey methodology. Decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed-filled teeth (DFT) indices were used to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries. Face-to-face questionnaire survey on oral health was performed in a randomly selected subset (n = 1197). T test and chi square test were employed to compare groups for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

67.5% of elderly subjects reported dental caries (average DFT = 2.68±3.40), and the prevalence was higher in urban areas (P<0.01). Missing teeth accounted for 80.72% of DMFT, and filled teeth due to caries accounted for 2.08% with a rate higher in urban areas (P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis indicated significant association among elderly population in urban areas (OR 1.713; 95% CI 1.337–2.195), smoking (OR 1.779; 95% CI 1.384–2.288), and individuals without dental insurance (OR 2.050; 95% CI 1.120–3.754) with dental caries.

Conclusions

The prevalence of dental caries in the elderly population in northeast China is high. The elderly from urban areas who smoke and who do not have a dental insurance are at a higher risk to develop dental caries.     

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Ovarian Tumors

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors.

Methods

The scientific literature databases PubMed, Cochrane Library and CNKI were comprehensively searched for studies relevant to the use of CEUS technique for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian cancer. Pooled summary statistics for specificity (Spe), sensitivity (Sen), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR⁺/LR⁻), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and their 95%CIs were calculated. Software for statistical analysis included STATA version 12.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) and Meta-Disc version 1.4 (Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain).

Results

Following a stringent selection process, seven high quality clinical trials were found suitable for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. The 7 studies contained a combined total of 375 ovarian cancer patients (198 malignant and 177 benign). Statistical analysis revealed that CEUS was associated with the following performance measures in differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors: pooled Sen was 0.96 (95%CI = 0.92∼0.98); the summary Spe was 0.91 (95%CI = 0.86∼0.94); the pooled LR⁺ was 10.63 (95%CI = 6.59∼17.17); the pooled LR− was 0.04 (95%CI = 0.02∼0.09); and the pooled DOR was 241.04 (95% CI = 92.61∼627.37). The area under the SROC curve was 0.98 (95% CI = 0.20∼1.00). Lastly, publication bias was not detected (t = −0.52, P = 0.626) in the meta-analysis.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the high clinical value of CEUS in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors. Further, CEUS may also prove to be useful in differential diagnosis at early stages of this disease.     

Caries clinical trial of a remineralising toothpaste in radiation patients

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a specially formulated remineralising toothpaste in controlling caries in a high‐risk population: head and neck radiation patients. Design: The study compared the performance of the remineralising toothpaste with a conventional fluoride dentifrice using double‐blind randomisation. Materials and methods: Test products: The products compared contained equivalent quantities of fluoride (1100 p.p.m.). The dual‐phase remineralising toothpaste, Enamelon^®, also delivered soluble calcium and phosphate ions, essential components of teeth, from separate phases. Both groups had all caries restored at baseline and used a fluoride rinse daily. Subjects: Fifty‐seven subjects who received radiation to the head and neck causing saliva hypofunction, entered the study, while 44 completed the 10–12 month visit. Measurements: Examinations included coronal and root caries using the Pitts Diagnostic Criteria, salivary flow rate, plaque and gingival indices and microbiological counts over a 1‐year period. Results: The average net increment per year for root caries per subject was 0.04 (±.052) in subjects completing the study using the remineralising toothpaste and 1.65 (±0.51) for root caries in subjects completing the study using the conventional fluoride dentifrice. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03), suggesting lower net root surface increment/year for the remineralising toothpaste relative to the conventional toothpaste. No significant differences were noted on coronal surfaces. Conclusion: The results indicate that the remineralising toothpaste provides a significant benefit in preventing and remineralising root caries in high‐risk patients.     

Caries and periodontal disease of the elderly in Pomerania, Germany: results of the Study of Health in Pomerania

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the oral health status of older adults living in north‐eastern Germany. Materials and Methods: Representative samples of adults aged 60 years or older were examined as part of Study of the Health in Pomerania, a cross‐sectional, population‐based study. Data on 1446 subjects aged 60–79 years were evaluated for coronal caries using the decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index, root caries using the root caries index (RCI), calculus, plaque, bleeding on probing, pocket depth and attachment loss. Results: The prevalence of edentulousness varied from 16% in the 60–65‐year‐old group to 30% in the 75–79‐year‐old group, whereas the median number of remaining natural teeth per subject varied from 14 in the youngest age group (60–65 years) to one in the oldest (75–79 years). Among subjects aged 60–69 years, a quarter (26%) of the teeth examined had coronal restoration against 17% in the oldest age group (70–79 years). Coronal caries was found in 2% of the teeth in both age groups. Among teeth with gingival recession, 6% had fillings on root surfaces and 2% had root caries, irrespective of age. In all, 11% of the subjects had at least one untreated coronal lesion and 27% had at least one untreated root caries lesion. Plaque score, calculus score and bleeding on probing were higher in the oldest age group (70–79 years). The prevalence of periodontal disease expressed as the presence of at least one periodontal pocket of 4 mm and more, was higher in men and among the younger subjects (men aged 60–69 years: 85% vs. 71% in 70–79‐year‐old men; women aged 60–69 years: 71% vs. 62% in 70–79‐year‐olds). The prevalence of attachment loss of 3 mm or more followed a similar pattern. Conclusions: It seems therefore that in this population, the major oral health concern is related to caries and the small number of teeth retained among the dentate subjects.     

Oral health of the elderly living in residential homes in Slovenia

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00497.x
Oral health of the elderly living in residential homes in Slovenia Objectives:  To evaluate oral health status of the elderly, living in eight randomly selected residential homes for senior citizens across the country. Background: The percentage of the elderly is growing worldwide. With ageing, risks of various oral diseases, including dental caries and periodontal disease, are growing. Methods: Altogether 296 elderly people (88 men, 208 women) of average age 79.89 ± 7.4 years were questioned about their medical condition and oral health practice and examined orally. Evaluation of clinical examination was carried out by DMFT, plaque index ( 10 ) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN). Results: Of 296 participants, 106 (35.8%) were edentulous, 95 (32.1%) had one to nine teeth and 95 persons (32.1%) had 10 or more teeth. The average number of teeth in an individual was small: 6.76 ± 7.47. The average number of teeth with caries lesions was 3.59 ± 4.70, filled teeth 1.94 ± 3.63 and teeth without caries or fillings 1.19 ± 2.41. The average DMFT value was 30.75. In 69.5% of participants, dental plaque was visible with the naked eye. Of 171 subjects, in whom CPITN index was appraised, 81.9% would need oral hygiene education, 56.7% would need scaling and root planning and 21.6% would need periodontal surgical treatment. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate poor oral health of the elderly living in residential homes situated in different towns in Slovenia. It is of utmost importance to highlight the necessity of improving oral health care of this population.     

Identification of Lactobacillus from the Saliva of Adult Patients with Caries Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has been presented as a superior method for the detection of microorganisms in body fluid samples (e.g., blood, saliva, pus, etc.) However, the performance of MALDI-TOF MS in routine identification of caries-related Lactobacillus isolates from saliva of adult patients with caries has not been determined. In the present study, we introduced a new MALDI-TOF MS system for identification of lactobacilli. Saliva samples were collected from 120 subjects with caries. Bacteria were isolated and cultured, and each isolate was identified by both 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS. The identification results obtained by MALDI-TOF MS were concordant at the genus level with those of conventional 16S rRNA-based sequencing for 88.6% of lactobacilli (62/70) and 95.5% of non-lactobacilli (21/22). Up to 96 results could be obtained in parallel on a single MALDI target, suggesting that this is a reliable high-throughput approach for routine identification of lactobacilli. However, additional reference strains are necessary to increase the sensitivity and specificity of species-level identification.     

Polymorphisms in sweet taste genes (TAS1R2 and GLUT2), sweet liking,and dental caries prevalence in an adult Italian population

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between sweet taste genes and dental caries prevalence in a large sample of adults. In addition, the association between sweet liking and sugar intake with dental caries was investigated. Caries was measured by the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index in 647 Caucasian subjects (285 males and 362 females, aged 18–65 years), coming from six villages in northeastern Italy. Sweet liking was assessed using a 9-point scale, and the mean of the liking given by each individual to specific sweet food and beverages was used to create a sweet liking score. Simple sugar consumption was estimated by a dietary history interview, considering both added sugars and sugar present naturally in foods. Our study confirmed that polymorphisms in TAS1R2 and GLUT2 genes are related to DMFT index. In particular, GG homozygous individuals for rs3935570 in TAS1R2 gene (p value = 0.0117) and GG homozygous individuals for rs1499821 in GLUT2 gene (p value = 0.0273) showed higher DMFT levels compared to both heterozygous and homozygous for the alternative allele. Furthermore, while the relationship sugar intake–DMFT did not achieve statistical significance (p value = 0.075), a significant association was identified between sweet liking and DMFT (p value = 0.004), independent of other variables. Our study showed that sweet taste genetic factors contribute to caries prevalence and highlighted the role of sweet liking as a predictor of caries risk. Therefore, these results may open new perspectives for individual risk identification and implementation of target preventive strategies, such as identifying high-risk patients before caries development.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12263-015-0485-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The role of anti‐PAc (361–386) peptide SIgA antibody in professional oral hygiene of the elderly

Objective: Measurement of salivary IgA antibody (PAc‐peptide antibody, PPA) to amino acid residues 361–386 of Streptococcus mutans PAc, which possess a multiple binding motif to various HLA‐DR molecules and a B‐cell epitope that recognises the inhibiting antibody to S. mutans, is an indicator for the population numbers of mutans streptococci (MS) in human saliva. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of PPA in infection control of MS after professional oral hygiene care. Materials and methods: Thirty‐nine dependently living institutionalised elderly subjects (75.9 ± 7.5 years; 10 males, 29 females) participated in the study. The measurements of PPA, MS, total streptococci (TS) and lactobacilli (LB) were performed by ELISA and culture techniques from saliva, plaque and tongue samples from the elderly. Results: After treatment using professional oral care, the numbers of MS decreased significantly at 6 months in saliva and tongue samples from the group not having PPA in comparison with the primary data; whereas in the PPA‐detected group, a significant decrease in MS number was shown immediately following professional care at 1–12 months in all samples. There was little difference in the numbers of LB at any of the time points. The numbers of TS decreased rapidly in PPA‐not detected group in comparison with the PPA‐detected group. Conclusion: PPA may be more effective for controlling MS number in the oral cavity after professional treatment. The measurement of PPA may be used for preventive instruction to dental caries at the chair side in the clinical setting.     

The effects of using different mustard seeds and starter cultures on some properties of hardaliye

In this research, hardaliye a traditional fermented Turkish beverage was produced by modification of traditional method and investigated for some properties.Lactobacillus sanfrancisco (LB16),Lactobacillus acetotolerans (LB21),Lactobacillus pontis (LB26),Lactobacillus paracasei ssp.paracasei (LB30) as starter cultures were added into pasteurised grape juice. Production of hardaliye using either white or black mustard seeds withLactobacillus paracasei ssp.paracasei LB30 reached to minimum pH value. It was determined that, lactobacilli which was added as starter cultures and mustard seeds had no clear effect on decrease in total sugar contents. During the 7-day fermentation period, lactic acid bacteria count in hardaliye, produced using white mustard seeds, changed from 4. 60, 4.69, 4.47 and 4.79 log CFU/ml to 4.92, 4.94, 5.90 and 6.83 log CFU/ml respectively and in the other samples, produced using black mustard seeds changed from 4.25, 4.07, 4.07 and 4.20 log CFU/ml to 6.60, 7.20, 6.54 and 6.77 log CFU/ml respectively.     

Effect of a 0.05% Neutral NaF Mouthrinse on Coronal and Root Caries of Adults1

Three-year coronal and root caries increments were compared in adults rinsing with either a 0.05% neutral NaF mouthrinse or a placebo mouthrinse. 1006 subjects, initially 20–65 years old (mean age: 39.9 yrs). who resided in fluoride deficient communities used a fluoride or placebo mouthrinse daily in their homes and brushed with an A.D.A. accepted fluoride dentifrice provided by the study. After three years, 731 subjects remained. Compliance was good. There were no significant differences (t-test, p≤ 0.05) in coronal DMFT, coronal DMFS, root DFT and root DFS between the two groups. In subjects exhibiting root caries at the final examination, the DF root surface increment was 25.1% less in the fluoride mouthrinse users compared to those using the placebo rinse, but this difference was not statistically significant. The only significant difference in the caries increment between the two study groups was found for the mesio-distal root surfaces of 45–65 year old participants.     

The Antifungal Imidazole Clotrimazole and its Major In Vivo Metabolite are Potent Blockers of the Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel in Murine Erythroleukemia Cells

Clotrimazole (CLT), a member of the antifungal imidazole family of compounds, has been found to inhibit both calcium (Ca²⁺)-activated ⁸⁶Rb and potassium (K) fluxes of human red cells and to inhibit red cell binding of ¹²⁵I-charybdotoxin (ChTX) [11]. We have now used patch-clamp techniques to demonstrate reversible inhibition of whole cell K_Ca2+ currents in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells by submicromolar concentrations of CLT. Inhibition was equivalent whether currents were elicited by bath application of the Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 or by dialyzing cells with a pipette solution containing micromolar concentrations of free Ca²⁺. The extent of inhibition of whole cell MEL K_Ca2+ currents was voltage-dependent, decreasing with increasing test potential. We also determined the single channel basis of the CLT inhibition in MEL cells by demonstrating the inhibition of a calcium-activated, ChTX-sensitive K channel by CLT in outside-out patches. The channel was also blocked by the des-imidazolyl metabolite of CLT, 2-chlorophenyl-bisphenyl-methanol (MET II) [15], thus demonstrating that the imidazole ring is not required for the inhibitory action of CLT. Single K_Ca2+ channels were also evident in inside-out patches of MEL cells. Block of K current by CLT was not unique to MEL cells. CLT also inhibited a component of the whole cell K current in PC12 cells. Channel specificity of block by CLT was determined by examining its effects on other types of voltage-sensitive currents. CLT block showed the following rank order of potency: K currents in PC12 cells > Ca²⁺ currents in PC12 cells ≫ Na currents in sympathetic neurons. These results demonstrate that direct inhibition of single K_Ca2+ by CLT can be dissociated from inhibition of cytochrome P-450 in MEL cells. Received: 10 September 1996/Revised: 12 December 1996     

Metabolic syndrome is not a risk factor for kidney dysfunction in obese non-diabetic subjects

Objective: To investigate whether insulin resistance (IR) and the metabolic syndrome (MS) are associated with kidney dysfunction in obese non‐diabetic (OND) subjects. Methods and Procedures: Three‐hundred and eighty (113M/267F; age = 41 ± 14 years) OND subjects (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²; range = 43 ± 8 kg/m²) were studied. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and serum creatinine were evaluated. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated (e‐GFR) with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as e‐GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m². Results: e‐GFR was associated with gender (being lower in women) (P = 0.001) and age (P < 0.0001). CKD was present in 32 subjects (8.4%), who were older (P < 0.0001) and more frequently affected by hypertension (P = 0.04) as compared to subjects without CKD. MS was present in 212 (55.8%) subjects. They were older (P< 0.001), had lower e‐GFR (P = 0.02) and were more frequently affected by CKD (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.3, 1.1–5.1) than those without MS. However, differences in e‐GFR values and in the risk of CKD were no longer statistically significant after adjusting for age (P = 0.99 for e‐GFR and OR, 95% CI = 1.2, 0.5–2.8 for the risk of CKD, respectively). Homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA_IR) index was neither higher in subject with CKD (P = 0.1) nor inversely correlated with e‐GFR (r = 0.1, P = 0.1). Discussion: In OND individuals the risk of CKD is independent of the MS and related abnormalities. This suggests that these individuals are not susceptible to a further deleterious role on kidney function on the top of that played by obesity itself.     

An in vitro dynamic microcosm biofilm model for caries lesion development and antimicrobial dose-response studies

Some dynamic biofilm models for dental caries development are limited as they require multiple experiments and do not allow independent biofilm growth units, making them expensive and time-consuming. This study aimed to develop and test an in vitro dynamic microcosm biofilm model for caries lesion development and for dose-response to chlorhexidine. Microcosm biofilms were grown under two different protocols from saliva on bovine enamel discs for up to 21 days. The study outcomes were as follows: the percentage of enamel surface hardness change, integrated hardness loss, and the CFU counts from the biofilms formed. The measured outcomes, mineral loss and CFU counts showed dose-response effects as a result of the treatment with chlorhexidine. Overall, the findings suggest that biofilm growth for seven days with 0.06 ml min^?1 salivary flow under exposure to 5% sucrose (3 × daily, 0.25 ml min^?1, 6 min) was suitable as a pre-clinical model for enamel demineralization and antimicrobial studies.     

Factors associated with missing teeth in the Brazilian elderly institutionalised population

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00655.x Factors associated with missing teeth in the Brazilian elderly institutionalised population Objective: Identify factors associated with missing teeth in the elderly institutionalised population in Brazil. Methodology: Cross‐sectional study of elderly institutionalised Brazilians with 1192 subjects. A questionnaire was applied as well as an epidemiological survey of oral health conditions in accordance with WHO. Factorial analysis was carried out with variables related to missing teeth, as well as the Fisher’s exact test, chi‐squared test and multiple logistic regression. Results: Mean age was 76.3 (±9.8), 53.5% (638) of subjects were women and 717 (60.2) were dependent. Mean of Decayed Missing and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT index) was 29.4 (±4.9). The subjects that did not use upper and lower dentures were 61.5% (732) and 79.2% (944), respectively. Median number of missing teeth per person was 27.88 (±6.8) with a mean of 4 (±6.6) teeth present and 2.4 (±4.5) caries‐free teeth. Factors associated with missing teeth following multivariate analysis were: age, sex, self‐assessment of oral health, access to health services, type of institution and area of the country. Conclusions: High level of tooth loss and low level of rehabilitation demonstrate precarious oral health. It is therefore necessary to improve institutional access mechanisms to public health facilities for the institutionalised elderly.     

The Contribution of Qualitative CEUS to the Determination of Malignancy in Adnexal Masses,Indeterminate on Conventional US – A Multicenter Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of qualitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in discrimination of adnexal masses which were undetermined by conventional ultrasound (US). A total of 120 patients underwent transabdominal CEUS. The initial enhancement time and intensity compared with the uterine myometrium, contrast agent distribution patterns and dynamic changes of enhancement were assessed. The sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy (ACC) and Youden’s index were calculated for contrast variables. The gold standard was the histological diagnosis. There were 48 malignant tumors and 72 benign tumors. The enhancement features of malignant masses were different from benign ones. Earlier or simultaneous enhancement with inhomogeneous enhancement yielded the highest capability in differential diagnosis, and Sen, Spe, PPV, NPV, ACC, Youden’s index was 89.6%, 97.2%, 93.2%, 95.6%, 93.3%, and 0.88, respectively. The qualitative evaluation of CEUS is useful in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses where conventional US is indeterminate.     

嗜水气单胞菌TPS-30株丝氨酸蛋白酶基因与溶血素基因在大肠杆菌中的融合表达

嗜水气单胞菌丝氨酸蛋白酶和溶血素是该菌重要的致病因子与保护性抗原。致病性嗜水气单胞菌TPS-30株为江浙一带鱼类暴发病病原主要血清型O:9的代表株。研究利用PCR方法扩增嗜水气单胞菌TPS-30株的丝氨酸蛋白酶基因(Spe)和溶血素基因(Hly),将基因Spe和Hly通过柔性片段进行融合,并将融合片段插入pET32a的多克隆位点,构建成重组融合表达载体pET32a-Spe-Hly。将重组载体转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3),经异丙醛-β-D-硫代半乳糖苷(IPTG)诱导表达,获得融合蛋白Spe-Hly。表达产物经SDS-PAGE检测,显示与预期大小约130kD相吻合的融合蛋白带。纯化融合蛋白并对鲫鱼进行免疫攻毒试验。结果表明,丝氨酸蛋白酶基因和溶血素基因融合表达载体构建成功,并成功获得了融合蛋白Spe-Hly,对鲫鱼的免疫保护率达81.4%。这为基因工程亚单位多价疫苗的开发提供基础。       

Validation of Self-Reported Information on Dental Caries in a Birth Cohort at 18 Years of Age

Objective

Estimate the prevalence of dental caries based on clinical examinations and self-reports and compare differences in the prevalence and effect measures between the two methods among 18-year-olds belonging to a 1993 birth cohort in the city of Pelotas, Brazil.

Method

Data on self-reported caries, socio-demographic aspects and oral health behaviour were collected using a questionnaire administered to adolescents aged 18 years (n = 4041). Clinical caries was evaluated (n = 1014) by a dentist who had undergone training and calibration exercises. Prevalence rates of clinical and self-reported caries, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, absolute and relative bias, and inflation factors were calculated. Prevalence ratios of dental caries were estimated for each risk factor.

Results

The prevalence of clinical and self-reported caries (DMFT>1) was 66.5% (95%CI: 63.6%–69.3%) and 60.3% (95%CI: 58.8%–61.8%), respectively. Self-reports underestimated the prevalence of dental caries by 9.3% in comparison to clinical evaluations. The analysis of the validity of self-reports regarding the DMFT index indicated high sensitivity (81.8%; 95%CI: 78.7%–84.7%) and specificity (78.1%; 95%CI: 73.3%–82.4%) in relation to the gold standard (clinical evaluation). Both the clinical and self-reported evaluations were associated with gender, schooling and self-rated oral health. Clinical dental caries was associated with visits to the dentist in the previous year. Self-reported dental caries was associated with daily tooth brushing frequency.

Conclusions

Based on the present findings, self-reported information on dental caries using the DMFT index requires further studies prior to its use in the analysis of risk factors, but is valid for population-based health surveys with the aim of planning and monitoring oral health actions directed at adolescents.     

焦化废水处理系统中不同培养基分离的细菌种群多样性

以焦化废水处理系统的微生物群落为对象,对3种不同培养基（YPG、LB、WW）分离细菌的能力及分离物的种群多样性组成进行了比较研究。同一悬浮污泥样品在YPG、LB和WW培养基上的活菌计数结果分别为1.6×10.6 CFU/mL、7.0×10.5 CFU/mL和98×10.5CFU/mL。从每种培养基10-4稀释度平板上共分离137株分离物。将所有分离物扩增近全长的16S rDNA并用限制性内切酶HinfI对PCR产物进行ARDRA（Amplified rDNA restriction analysis）多态性分析,共得到14种不同的操作分类单元（Operational Taxonomic Unit, OUT）。其中YPG培养基上的分离物显示了8种不同的OTUs,而WW培养基和LB培养基分离物只分别显示了6种和4种OTUs。YPGOTU1和WWOTU6所包含的菌株分别占到总分离物的30%和22.3%,为优势分离物。ERICPCR基因组指纹图分析表明,前者的34株分离物共有20种不同的指纹图类型,而后者的25株分离物只有3种。因此,就分离焦化废水处理系统中的细菌及对分离物进行种群多样性的研究而言,YPG培养基比其他两种培养基更合适。