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Background: Fungal keratitis is a severe eye infection that can result in blindness and visual impairment, particularly in developing countries. Fusarium spp. are the primary causative agents of this condition. Diagnosis of Fusarium keratitis (FK) is challenging, and delayed treatment can lead to serious complications. However, there is limited epidemiological data on FK, especially in tropical areas. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the clinical, laboratorial and epidemiological characteristics of FK in a tropical semi‐arid region of Brazil. Patients/Methods: Adult patients with laboratory‐confirmed FK diagnosed between October 2019 and March 2022 were evaluated. Fusarium isolates were characterized at molecular level and evaluated regarding antifungal susceptibility. Results: A total of 226 clinical samples from patients suspected of keratitis were evaluated; fungal growth was detected in 50 samples (22.12%); out of which 42 were suggestive of Fusarium spp. (84%). Molecular analysis of a randomly selected set of 27 isolates identified F. solani species complex (n = 14); F. fujikuroi sensu lato (n = 6) and F. dimerum sensu lato (n = 7); a total of 10 haplotypes were identified among the strains. All but one Fusarium strains were inhibited by amphotericin B, natamycin and fluconazole. Most patients were male (71.42%; 30 out of 42), aged from 27 to 73 years old. Trauma was the most important risk factor for FK (40.47%; 17 out of 42). Patients were treated with antifungals, corticoids and antibiotics; keratoplasty and eye enucleation were also performed. Conclusions: The study provided insights into the characteristics of FK in tropical regions and emphasized the importance of enhanced surveillance and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Model‐based testing (MBT) relies on models of the system's behaviour to generate abstract tests. Testers can reuse formal models using MBT to increase confidence in critical systems (e.g., medical and avionic systems). In this article, we investigate the current abstract test generation approaches for CPN to provide insights for testers who need to select a suitable one when applying the MBT using CPN. We conduct a systematic literature review to investigate the existing abstract test generation approaches designed for CPN. Subsequently, focusing on specific implementations and advantages/disadvantages, we experiment with formal models of medical systems during our empirical analysis to improve the discussion on existing abstract test generation approaches for CPN. Our study shows that CPN provides reliable tests quickly, depending on the abstract test generation approach applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological variations and the androgen receptor ( AR) expression were studied in viscacha epididymis in relation to sexual maturity. The animals were divided into immature, pre-pubertal and adult, according to their corporal weight and testicular histology. The epididymides were studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry for AR and morphometric analysis. In pre-pubertal and adult animals, four well-differentiated segments (initial, caput, corpus and cauda) were observed, while in immature animals, three segments were identified (initial-caput segment, corpus and cauda). In each segment, the structural parameters and the relative cell distribution were different between the groups. The serum testosterone levels of pre-pubertal and adults showed a very significant increase related to sexual maturity. The AR expression in epithelial and fibromuscular stromal cells was different between the groups. In conclusion, the present work demonstrates that the morphological characteristics of the viscacha epididymis vary while sexual maturity is reached, the development of initial and caput is subsequent to corpus and cauda development and the androgens might play an important role during this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We have recently described the association between the IgE antibody response to Ole e I (the major antigen from olive tree pollen) and the DR7-DQ2 haplotype in a Spanish population. Objective and methods Due to the linkage disequilibrium between DR7and DO2, and thus the difficult distinction between the role of these two antigens in the T-cell activation response, we decided to solve this question by two approaches: 1. The study of another ethnic group, individuals of Arabic origin, with a presumably distinct disequilibrium linkage between DR and DQ antigens. Genomic DNA typing was performed in 46 subjects (allergic and non-allergic) by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and results showed that patients with specific IgE antibodies α-Ole e I, were DR7 and/or DQ2. These data show a similar restriction pattern to those previously described for Spanish patients. The phenotypic frequency of DR7 antigen is significantly greater than in the non-allergic population, with a corrected P(Pc) value of 0.03. 2. The analysis of the genetic requirements of Ole e I response, using T-cell lines specific for this antigen. This was first carried out by blocking the proliferative response of these T-cell lines with specific anti-human HLA class II antibodies and then testing the genetic restriction of this response using a panel of histocompatible and histoincompatible Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs). Both experiments corroborate the hypothesis that DR7 and DQ2 are implicated in the recognition of Ole e I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the efficacy of alendronate, a bisphosphonate, in reducing alveolar bone loss caused by experimental periodontitis in cynomolgus monkeys. Periodontitis was initiated in adult monkeys by ligating mandibular molar teeth at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and subsequently inoculating the ligature with Porphyromonas (bacteroides) gingivalis. Controlateral, homologous non-ligated teeth served as controls. Animals received, intravenously, either saline (placebo) or alendronate at 0.05 or 0.25 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 16 weeks. After the animals were scarified, coronal sections through mandibular molars were subjected to histomorphometrical analysis.No overt side-effects were observed in any of the animals participating in this study. In placebo-treated animals, ligation and inoculation resulted in significant bone loss both at the CEJ and at the furcation. Alendronate at 0.05mg/kg significantly reduced bone loss associated with the experimental periodontitis at both sites. In contrast, the dose of 0.25 mg/kg was ineffective in attenuating alveolar bone loss in the furcation area and only slightly effective in preventing it at the CEJ area. The results of the histomorphometric analysis correlate closely with those of the radiographic analysis of the same experiment. These data indicate that alendronate could reduce the loss of alveolar support associated with periodontitis and suggest that bisphosphonates, by virtue of their significant inhibitory action on osteoclasts, may become a treatment modality in the battle against alveolar bone destruction during periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of gaps at the implant‐abutment interface (IAI) favors accumulation of bacterial biofilm, which may result in inflammation of the peri‐implant tissues. Bacterial biofilm accumulation at the IAI may lead to deleterious inflammation within the surrounding tissues, adversely affecting treatment outcome and interfering with long‐term esthetics and function. Therefore, the risk of bacterial leakage should always be at the forefront of investigations. Aim/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial leakage at the IAI of 4 tapered connection implant systems associating it with the microgap between implant and abutment as well as possible conformational errors of the implant platform. Material and Methods: Four brands of implants with tapered abutment connection were tested. Bacterial leakage was assessed using 0.3 µL of _I_Escherichia coli_i_ suspension inoculated into the abutment screw chamber of the implants, which were then torqued and incubated at 37°C for 14 days. All specimens used for the microbiological experiment were then cut lengthwise and the microgap measured at three points on each side of the sample using scanning electron microscopy (up to 5000×). Microtomography was used to assess implant platform circularity to validate the microscopic findings qualitatively. Results: Two samples from the Nobel Biocare system, four from the Ankylos system, four from the Neodent system and five from the Conexão system were positive for bacterial leakage, with no significant difference between groups. The Neodent system had the highest mean microgap values (5.84 ± 9.83 µm), followed by Nobel Biocare systems (5.17 ± 4.10 µm) Ankylos (3.47 ± 3.28 µm) and Conexão (2.72 ± 3.19 µm), with no significant difference between systems. All systems showed conformational errors of circularity on microtomography images. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: The tapered connection systems evaluated herein were not able to halt bacterial leakage nor were they free from conformational errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calibration in diagnosis and treatment planning is difficult to achieve due to variations that exist in clinical interpretation. To determine if dental faculty members are consistent in teaching how to diagnose and treat periodontal disease, variations among dental students can be evaluated. A previous study reported high variability in diagnoses and treatment plans of periodontal cases at Indiana University School of Dentistry. This study aimed to build on that one by extending the research to two additional schools: Marquette University School of Dentistry and West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Diagnosis and treatment planning by 40 third- and fourth-year dental students were assessed at each of the schools. Students were asked to select the diagnosis and treatment plans on a questionnaire pertaining to 11 cases. Their responses were compared using chi-square tests, and multirater kappa statistics were used to assess agreement between classes and between schools. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effects of school, class year, prior experience, and GPA/class rank on correct responses. One case had a statistically significant difference in responses between third- and fourth-year dental students. Kappas for school agreement and class agreement were low. The students from Indiana University had higher diagnosis and treatment agreements than the Marquette University students, and the Marquette students fared better than the West Virginia University students. This study can help restructure future periodontal courses for a better understanding of periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning.

Background, Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of bacterial antigens for Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients after periodontal treatment was associated with progressive alveolar bone loss., Method: 39 (39) subjects in good general health previously diagnosed with adult periodontitis within the last 2 years, and still presenting with probing depth >5 mm in 2 to 6 teeth, were studied. All subjects were treated with scaling and root planing. Half of the subjects were randomly assigned to receive adjunctive systemic doxycycline (200 mg the 1st day, then 100 mg per day for 21 days). Subgingival plaque samples were taken at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after therapy. A modified ELISA test (Evalusite, Periodontal Test Kit, Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY) was used to test for plaque antigens associated with P. gingivalis, P. intermedia and A. actinomycetemcomitans. Progressive alveolar bone loss was determined using digital subtraction radiography with standardized radiographs taken at baseline and 6 months after treatment., Results: The presence of P. gingivalis in plaque after treatment was significantly associated with progressive bone loss (positive predictive value 84%, negative predictive value 85%, odds ratio 31.9, p<0.0001). In contrast, the presence of P. intermedia in plaque after treatment was not indicative of progressive loss (positive predictive value 39%, negative predictive value 82%). Too few sites had evidence of A. actinomycetemcomitans to be amenable to statistical analysis. No significant difference in bone loss was attributable to the systemic antibiotic therapy., Conclusion: These data indicated that, in this population, the presence of P. gingivalis in plaque after treatment might be indicative of progressive alveolar bone loss.

Peroxidase activity in human whole saliva is derived from salivary peroxidase and myeloperoxidase. Present spectrophotometric assays are relatively non-specific and influenced by ions present in salivary secretions, resulting in an over and/or underestimation of peroxidase activities. Specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies would greatly simplify the identification of salivary peroxidase and myeloperoxidase in human saliva and determine the relative contribution of each enzyme to the total peroxidase activity in human saliva. In the present study, a highly purified preparation of myeloperoxidase was used to raise polyclonal antibodies against the antigen. The antibodies were purified and extensively characterized in terms of their ability to interact with the antigen, with other mammalian peroxidases, and with other proteins present in salivary fluids. The antibodies recognized only myeloperoxidase and did not cross-react with any of the substances tested, showing that these antibodies can be used to detect and differentiate myeloperoxidase from other peroxidases in saliva. We have also developed and tested a sandwich ELISA which can be used in a clinical setting to quantify myeloperoxidase in whole saliva and gingival crevicular fluid.

Bleeding on probing (BOP) and the gingival index have been used to clinically characterize the degree of gingival inflammation. It is, however, unclear to what extent these parameters correlate to each other and to probing pocket depth (PD). The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the association between BOP and GI bleeding (scores of 2 and 3), as well as the relationship of these variables to PD, in a group of patients presenting with naturally-occurring gingivitis. Based on screening examinations of 125 subjects with at least 20 teeth, no more than 4 sites with PD over 6 mm, a BOP frequency of 30% or greater, and no systemic condition that would influence the inflammatory response, were selected. 2 weeks after screening they were examined at 6 sites per tooth for plaque index, GI, PD and BOP. A standardized pressure sensitive probe (Florida Probe) with 20 g probing force was used for BOP and PD measurements. In this population, means of 40.9% (S.E. = 1.36) BOP sites and 35.3% (S.E. = 1.81) GI bleeding sites per patient were found. A total of 20,008 sites ranging in PD up to 5.9 mm were evaluated; however, the majority of sites (19,723, 98.6%) presented with < 4 mm PD. When sites were evaluated, BOP demonstrated a positive correlation with PD, whereas GI bleeding correlated with PD. For sites characterized by the absence of BOP as well as the absence of GI bleeding (scores 0 and 1), the highest % of agreement between the 2 indices (77.7%) was found in shallow sites (0.1-2 mm).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)