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AIMS Periodontal diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD, ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD]) have been reported to present with increased salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) concentrations of cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary and GCF levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-17A and their associations with the periodontal statuses of UC, CD and non-IBD patients, and to analyze the interrelationships among these cytokines, IBD conditions, and periodontal diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed with a total of 131 patients (62 women and 69 men, mean age 42.96±13.02 years). Patients were divided into three groups: UC, CD, and non-IBD. Periodontal status was defined according to the 2017 World Workshop Disease Classification. Salivary and GCF cytokine levels were analyzed using ELISA. RESULTS UC and CD patients diagnosed as having periodontitis and gingivitis presented with significantly higher levels of TNF-α and lower levels of IL-10 as compared with non-IBD patients (p

Background Intraprostatic inflammation is frequently observed in the prostate and linked to prostatic diseases, including prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and cancer. The etiology of prostate diseases is unclear. Periodontal diseases are associated with an increased risk of prostate diseases. In men, chronic prostatitis and moderate/severe periodontitis have significantly elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Treatment of periodontal disease reduced PSA levels in men. The presence of periodontal pathogens deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was identified in the prostate fluid of prostatitis patients. These pathogenic bacteria might have the potential to trigger prostatitis progressing to prostatic adenocarcinoma. The mechanism(s) explaining the etiology of association between periodontal disease and prostate cancer remains unclear. However, the presence of periodontal pathogens has not been analyzed in the prostate gland. Objective To identify and compare the presence of specific periodontal pathogens in the areas of BPH, inflammation, and cancer of the prostate glands diagnosed with malignancy. Materials and methods Whole-mount radical prostatectomy sections from men (n=30) were identified for BPH, inflammation, and cancer areas and marked for tissue procurement. The tissues were subjected to DNA isolation and analysis of microbial DNA and total bacterial load for the following pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis strain ATCC 33277, Prevotella intermedia strain B422, Treponema denticola strain 35405, Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. fusiform strain, Tannerella forsythia strain ATCC 43037, and Campylobacter​​​​​​​ rectus strain ATCC 33238performed real-time PCR. The universal bacterial primer pairs were used to detect genomic DNA (gDNA) from the total bacteria present in the samples. All species-specific primers were designed to target the variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Data were analyzed using the 2-ΔΔCT method, statistically validated using unpaired t-test and ANOVA test. Results A total of 90 samples of prostate tissue specimens were analyzed for periodontal pathogens; only one pathogen (F. nucleatum subsp. fusiform strain ATCC 51190) showed a significant difference compared to the expression of S. epidermidis (internal control). In particular, F. nucleatum expression was 9, 11.9, and 10.3-fold higher in BPH, inflammation, and cancer, respectively, at p-value 0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference between F. nucleatum (folder change) among the three areas (p-valve>0.05). Conclusion Fusobacterium nucleatum is identified in the prostates that harbor cancer, chronic inflammation, and BPH.

Background Periodontal disease is a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease triggered by periodontal microbial interaction present in the dysbiotic biofilm and the host's immune response further leads to the destruction of the supporting periodontal apparatus, which may, in turn, lead to tooth loss. Smoking is an environmental risk factor for periodontitis, and it enhances the secretion of various enzymes from host cells, which results in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. The albumin concentration is related to nutrition and inflammation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme found in various cells of the periodontium, is considered to cause the destruction of the periodontium. The study aimed to compare the serum albumin and serum ALP levels in smokers and non-smokers with generalized chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods The cross-sectional study included a total of 60 subjects. Subjects were divided into two groups, which included non-smokers with generalized chronic periodontitis (NS+P) and smokers with generalized chronic periodontitis (S+P). Clinical parameters analyzed were plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. The serum ALP and albumin levels were analyzed using a fully automated analyzer. Results The serum ALP levels were higher in the S+P group compared to the NS+P group. Conversely, the serum albumin levels were lower in the S+P group compared to the NS+P group. Conclusion There was a significant correlation of increased serum ALP levels and decreased serum albumin levels in the S+P group compared to the NS+P group.

Background The enrollment of international periodontal students in U.S. dental schools has been increasing in recent years. Interest in applying to a periodontics specialty program may differ between U.S and international dental school graduates. The purpose of this study is to assess, from the perspective of periodontal residents, (1) factors that interest dental students to apply to periodontics programs and (2) differences in background and interest between U.S and international graduates. Methods A 20-question survey was sent out electronically to periodontics residents. The survey questions were designed to obtain information on the participants’ backgrounds, factors that influenced them to specialize in periodontics, and their preferred features of graduate periodontics programs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for socio-demographic variables, a Wilcoxon two sample test to compare mean Likert scale scores, and Fisher’s exact test for associations between comparison groups. Results Of the two hundred residents invited to participate, 28% responded. The majority of the respondents stated that interest in implantology, previous exposure to periodontal procedures, interest in improving periodontal surgery skills, a good relationship with periodontics faculty, the residency curriculum, advanced program and faculty reputation as influencing factors in selecting periodontics as specialization. The majority of international graduates have up to $50,000 dollars in student debt; by comparison, half of the domestic graduates have a debt of over $250,000 dollars (p ≤ 0.05). Working experience as a dentist was significantly greater among international residents (73%) in comparison to U.S graduates (32%). In contrast with international graduates, U.S graduates more frequent reported that good relationships with the periodontics predoctoral faculty contributed to their interest in periodontics (p ≤ 0.05). Program cost and location had a greater impact on the decision of U.S. graduates than international graduates (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Overall, factors associated with personal finance and predoctoral education have a greater impact on the decision of American graduates than international graduates to pursue an advanced education in periodontics, which may influence the increased enrollment of international students.

Background: The enrollment of international periodontal students in U.S. dental schools has been increasing in recent years. Interest in applying to a periodontics specialty program may differ between U.S and international dental school graduates. The purpose of this study is to assess, from the perspective of periodontal residents, (1) factors that interest dental students to apply to periodontics programs and (2) differences in background and interest between U.S and international graduates. Methods: A 20-question survey was sent out electronically to periodontics residents. The survey questions were designed to obtain information on the participants’ backgrounds, factors that influenced them to specialize in periodontics, and their preferred features of graduate periodontics programs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for socio-demographic variables, a Wilcoxon two sample test to compare mean Likert scale scores, and Fisher’s exact test for associations between comparison groups. Results: Of the 200 hundred residents invited to participate, 28% responded. The majority of the respondents stated that interest in implantology, previous exposure to periodontal procedures, interest in improving periodontal surgery skills, a good relationship with periodontics faculty, the residency curriculum, advanced program and faculty reputation as influencing factors in selecting periodontics as specialization. The majority of international graduates have up to $50,000 dollars in student debt; by comparison, half of the domestic graduates have a debt of over $250,000 dollars (p ≤ 0.05). Working experience as a dentist was significantly greater among international residents (73%) in comparison to U.S graduates (32%). In contrast with international graduates, U.S graduates more frequent reported that good relationships with the periodontics predoctoral faculty contributed to their interest in periodontics (p ≤ 0.05). Program cost and location had a greater impact on the decision of U.S. graduates than international graduates (p ≤ 0.05).Conclusions: Overall, factors associated with personal finance and predoctoral education have a greater impact on the decision of American graduates than international graduates to pursue an advanced education in periodontics, which may influence the increased enrollment of international students.

Resumo: Komagataella phaffii, anteriormente conhecida como Pichia pastoris, é um organismo modelo comummente usado na pesquisa e na indústria. Tem sido considerada para a produção de produtos de alto valor agregado, especialmente proteínas. Suas aplicações biotecnológicas envolvem principalmente a utilização de fontes clássicas de carbono como glicose, glicerol, sorbitol e metanol, embora muitos outros substratos também tenham sido pesquisados. As biomassas lignocelulósicas são ricas em açúcares fermentáveis, como a xilose, o segundo açúcar mais abundante na natureza, que pode ser usado para a produção de produtos químicos renováveis. No entanto, a utilização microbiana da xilose depende da capacidade inata de utilização desta pelo microrganismo, e de sua tolerância aos compostos inibidores presentes nos hidrolisados lignocelulósicos. Atualmente, entende-se que P. pastoris não é capaz de utilizar xilose como fonte de carbono a menos que seja modificada para isso, e sua sensibilidade a tais inibidores é pouco compreendida. Neste estudo, apresentamos as respostas moleculares e fisiológicas de P. pastoris aos principais componentes do hidrolisado lignocelulósico: inibidores derivados da lignocelulose, e a xilose. A análise fisiológica e transcricional de P. pastoris X33 para ácido acético, furaldeídos e hidrolisado de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar mostrou que eles afetam o metabolismo celular de forma dose-dependente, e se correlacionam positivamente com a quantidade de genes diferencialmente expressos. Ao contrário de outras leveduras industriais como Saccharomyces cerevisiae, P. pastoris pode consumir concomitantemente ácido acético com glicose como fonte de carbono, possivelmente ajudando a reduzir sua toxicidade para as células. A tolerância ao inibidor, e a capacidade de utilização da xilose de 25 isolados diferentes naturais e um de laboratório de Komagataella, de seis espécies diferentes, também foram avaliadas. Nenhum isolado com tolerância aos inibidores distintamente maior foi identificado, entretanto linhagens capazes de crescer em xilose foram. Três linhagens de melhor crescimento foram selecionadas e submetidas à engenharia adaptativa de laboratório (ALE) para otimização do consumo de xilose. A caracterização detalhada da assimilação da xilose pela via de oxirredução foi confirmada por ensaios utilizando marcação com isótopos de carbono 13C, apesar de precisar de mais de dez dias para duplicar. Por fim, uma estratégia de engenharia genética foi empregada para melhorar a tolerância de P. pastoris X33 ao ácido acético. Para isso, o gene homólogo HAA1, previamente descrito em S. cerevisiae como fator de transcrição envolvido na resposta ao estresse com ácido acético, foi identificado e superexpresso em P. pastoris X33. Isso melhorou o crescimento da levedura na presença de 2g.L-1 4,9 vezes após 24 h de cultivo. Juntos, os resultados apresentados aqui abrem caminho para a compreensão do metabolismo de P. pastoris na presença de hidrolisados lignocelulósicos, ácido acético, furaldeídos e xilose. Abstract: Komagataella phaffii, previously known as Pichia pastoris, is a common model organism used in research and industry. It has been considered for the production of high value-added products, especially proteins. Its biotechnological applications mostly involve the utilization of classical carbon sources like glucose, glycerol, sorbitol, and methanol, although many other substrates have also been researched. Lignocellulosic biomasses are rich in fermentable sugars, like xylose, the second most abundant sugar in nature, which can be used for the production of renewable chemicals. The microbial utilization of xylose is dependent on the innate utilization capacity by the microorganism, and its tolerance to inhibitory compounds present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. The current understanding is that P. pastoris is not capable of utilizing xylose as a carbon source unless engineered towards it, and its sensitivity to such inhibitors is poorly understood. In this study, we present the molecular and physiological responses of P. pastoris to the major lignocellulosic hydrolysate components: lignocellulose-derived inhibitors, and xylose. The physiological and transcriptional analysis of P. pastoris X33 to acetic acid, furaldehydes, and sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate showed they affect cell metabolism in a dose-dependent way, and it positively correlates with the amount of differentially expressed genes. Unlike other industrial yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, P. pastoris can co-consume acetic acid with glucose as carbon source, possibly helping it reduce its toxicity to the cells. The inhibitor tolerance and xylose utilization capacity of 25 different natural and one laboratory Komagataella isolates of six different species was also evaluated. No isolates with higher tolerance towards inhibitors were identified, however, strains capable of growing on xylose were. The three best growing strains were selected and underwent adaptative laboratory evolution (ALE) for xylose consumption optimization. Detailed characterization of xylose assimilation via the oxidoreductase pathway was confirmed using carbon isotope 13C labeling, despite it needing more than ten days to duplicate. Finally, a genetic engineering strategy was employed to improve P. pastoris X33 tolerance towards acetic acid. For this, the homologous HAA1 gene previously described in S. cerevisiae as a transcriptional factor involved in acetic acid stress response was identified and overexpressed in P. pastoris X33. These improved yeast?s growth in the presence of 2g.L-1 4.9-fold after 24 h of cultivation. Altogether the results presented here paves the way to understanding P. pastoris metabolism in presence of lignocellulosic hydrolysates, acetic acid, furaldehydes, and xylose. Made available in DSpace on 2021-12-09T02:09:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese-RESPOSTAS-MOLECULARES-E-FISIOLO769GICAS.pdf: 3288317 bytes, checksum: 38402fc6f623be765820308dcd1c3e57 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021 Título em inglês: Molecular and physiological responses of Pichia pastoris to lignocellulosic hydrolysate components. Tese (Doutorado em Biologia Molecular) - Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Molecular, Brasília, 2021. Orientadora: Prof. Dra. Ildinete Silva Pereira, coorientador: Prof. Dr. João Ricardo Moreira de Almeida (pesquisador da Embrapa Agroenergia), coorientador do estágio sanduíche: Prof. Dr. Diethard Mattanovich.

The number of graduates of U.S. dental schools enrolled in U.S. postdoctoral programs in periodontics has been decreasing. The aims of this study were to determine the perspectives of periodontics department chairs regarding 1) features of a school's predoctoral curriculum that promote student interest in advanced periodontal education and 2) characteristics of a periodontal residency program that make it more attractive to dental students over other specialty programs. In 2015, a 14-question survey was designed and sent to chairs of periodontics departments at all 65 U.S. dental schools at the time. Questions addressed number of instructional hours; specialty clinic rotations; elective courses; number of applicants to periodontal residency; existence of a residency program; length of the residency program; and externships, fellowships, and financial stipends offered. The survey response rate was 73.8%. The results showed that departments offering more than seven clinical credit hours in periodontics to predoctoral students had the greatest number of residency applicants. Most of the applicants were from institutions that offered specialty clinic rotations, elective courses, and residency programs in periodontics. The number of applicants did not change significantly if a stipend or fellowship was offered. However, the availability of an externship was significantly associated with a greater number of applicants (p=0.042). These results suggest that offering periodontal clinical rotations, elective courses, and especially externships in periodontics during predoctoral education may encourage more graduating students to pursue postdoctoral periodontal education.

Background: Chronic inflammation and infections are associated with increased risk of prostate cancer development. There is considerable evidence that proves the interrelationship between bacterial/viral infections and carcinogenesis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. In this narrative review, we investigate the relationship between periodontal disease and prostate cancer by reviewing previous studies of the association and possible mechanisms that may explain this link. Methods: A comprehensive search for articles published was performed using the key words, “periodontal disease”, “prostate disease”, “prostate cancer”, “prostatic inflammation”. Thorough reviews of each study were conducted and assessed for eligibility, and data was summarized. Results: The role of inflammatory responses in the prostate as drivers of malignancy appears to be predisposed by periodontal pathogens and/or periodontitis inflammatory mediators. Conclusion: Periodontal diseases might be associated with prostate cancer. However, the mechanism(s) explaining this relationship remains unclear and requires further elucidation.

AIMS Periodontal diseases (PDs) affect nearly half of Americans ≥30 years old and are common in human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) adults. A validated measure of oral hygiene skill could improve tailored prevention-focused health communication. METHODS We developed Oral Hygiene Skill Mastery (OHSIM), a provider-observed measure of toothbrushing and flossing ability. We examined OHSIM's inter-rater reliability (IRR) and concurrent validity using a blinded, cross-sectional study design with a convenience sample of HIV+/- adults. Clinical outcome measures included bleeding on probing (BOP) and abbreviated plaque and gingival indices. Analyses included IRR and, after identifying relevant predictor variables for each outcome, backward elimination regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to demonstrate concurrent validity. RESULTS We saw 173 research participants (reliability: n = 61; validity: n = 112). The average IRR was α = 0.73 for toothbrushing and α = 0.84 for flossing. Toothbrushing and flossing skill were moderately correlated (r = 0.49, P