Search Results (17)

Objectives: Comparison of clinical, radiological, and microbiological outcomes following periodontal regeneration procedures with or without local antibiotic therapy. Methods: Forty patients, each presenting with a single vertical defect, were randomly assigned to either the test (SRP+ANB+MIST/M-MIST) or the control group (SRP+MIST/M-MIST). The periodontal regenerative procedures were carried out according to the general minimally invasive surgical technique principles, and the vertical bone defect was filled with an enamel matrix derivative (EMD—Emdogain^®). Periodontal condition assessments were performed two weeks before the procedure, on the day of the surgical procedure, and at follow-up visit after 6 months. Radiographs were taken two weeks before, and 6 months after the surgery. To determine the microbiological profile of the surgical sites, subgingival plaque samples were collected for PCR analysis. Results: In both groups, a statistically significant pocket depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain were observed over the 6-month follow-up period. The difference between the groups for PD and CAL parameters at 6 months was not statistically significant. Both groups showed a statistically significant reduction in the radiological depth and width of intrabony defects. Microbiological analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups two weeks after subgingival antibiotic application for Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia. Conclusions: Periodontal tissue regeneration procedures according to minimally invasive principles (MIST/M-MIST) with the use of EMD lead to improvements in clinical and radiological parameters. Local antibiotic application results in a reduction in bacterial counts in short-term observations. Its use prior to regeneration procedures does not lead to additional improvements in clinical and radiological parameters. Full article

Mangroves play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecological balance. This study focused on the impact of branch-breaking behavior on the mortality of Rhizophora stylosa in the Guangxi Shankou Mangrove Reserve. However, we found mangrove mortality in areas devoid of egret habitation, prompting a reevaluation of our research hypothesis. Further investigation suggested that nesting behavior was the primary cause of mangrove mortality. A comparison of the data from areas with egrets (Egretta garzetta, Ardea intermedia) and lesser rice-field rats (Rattus losea) activity indicated significant mechanical damage caused by rats to mangroves as the main cause of mortality. Additionally, we found that the biological characteristics of R. stylosa, particularly its stunted growth and recovery abilities after branch breaking, were key factors affecting its survival. These findings imply that rat-induced mortality may not occur in other less susceptible mangrove species. The results contradict assumptions regarding the impact of egret behavior and highlight the importance of the biological characteristics of R. stylosa. This offers fresh insights into mangrove conservation and management, emphasizing the need for ongoing observation and hypotheses verification. Future studies should explore the influence of lesser rice-field rats’ activity and the intrinsic characteristics of R. stylosa on the ecosystem’s long-term stability. Full article

To improve the clinical and microbiological outcomes of non-surgical mechanical periodontal therapy, the adjunctive use of antimicrobials has been utilized in treating moderate-to-severe periodontitis. In our study, the retrospective design included previously collected health-related patient data, obtained from the printed and digital charts of patients who received systemic or local antibiotic adjuncts to SI (subgingival instrumentation). A total of 34 patients (diagnosed with generalized Stage III/IV periodontitis) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were evaluated. The samples were tested for the following bacterial strains: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia), Tanererella forsythia (T. forsythia), and Treponema denticola (T. denticola). The inter-group comparisons of the bacterial species did not show statistically significant differences between groups. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects after SI and the adjunctive use of systemically administered (SA) AMX (amoxicillin) + MET (metronidazole) (administered for 7 days), with locally delivered (LDD) piperacillin + tazobactam in step 2 of periodontal therapy. Results: Overall, all parameters were improved in the groups, with a significant difference in inter-group comparison regarding the full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) (p < 0.05) in favor of the SA group, and the p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Statistically significant PPD (probing pocket depth) reductions and CAL (clinical attachment level) gains were observed in both groups at the 3-month follow-up. In conclusion, within the limitations, the outcomes of this study suggest that SI, with adjunctive local or systemic antibiotic therapy, provided comparable clinical improvements. Systemic AMX + MET protocols were more efficacious with regard to the reduction in FMBS. Follow-up studies with larger patient numbers are needed to further investigate this effect. Full article

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how a zirconia implant surface treated with laser technology affects the degree of biofilm formation. (2) Methods: Experimental titanium (Ti) disks were produced that were sandblasted with large grit and acid-etched (T), and they were compared with zirconia (ZrO₂) discs with a machined (M) surface topography; a hydrophilic surface topography with a femtosecond laser (HF); and a hydrophobic surface topography with a nanosecond laser (HN) (N = 12 per surface group). An in vitro three-species biofilm sample (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi)) was applied to each disc type, and bacterial adhesion was assessed after 48 and 72 h of incubation using an anaerobic flow chamber model. Statistical significance was determined using the Kruskal–Wallis H test, with Bonferroni correction used for the post-hoc test (α = 0.05). (3) Results: Compared to the T group, the M group exhibited more than twice as many viable bacterial counts in the three-species biofilm samples (p < 0.05). In comparison to the T group, the HF group had significantly higher viable bacterial counts in certain biofilm samples at 48 h (Aa and Pi) and 72 h (Pi) (p < 0.05). The HN group had higher viable bacterial counts in Pi at 48 h (5400 CFU/mL, p < 0.05) than the T group (4500 CFU/mL), while showing significantly lower viable bacterial counts in Pg at both 48 (3010 CFU/mL) and 72 h (3190 CFU/mL) (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The surface treatment method for zirconia discs greatly influences biofilm formation. Notably, hydrophobic surface treatment using a nanosecond laser was particularly effective at inhibiting Pg growth. Full article

Within the northeastern part of the Black Sea, the vegetation of charophytes was studied using the Braun-Blanquet approach. For the first time, five communities are described, including three associations and two subassociations from the alliance Charion canescentis Krausch 1964, the order Charetalia intermediae Sauer 1937, and the class Charetea intermediae F. Fukarek 1961. Diagnoses of the described syntaxa are given. A comparison with the Baltic and Mediterranean communities of charophytes is made. It is shown that all northeastern Black Sea communities with the dominance of charophytes, in contrast to Western European ones, include Lamprothamnium papulosum with high constancy. At the same time, the investigated communities are characterized by a lower occurrence and abundance of higher aquatic plants (except for Nanozostera noltei) and a slightly higher occurrence of red and green algae. An indirect ordination analysis showed the ecological isolation of the described phytocenoses and revealed two main factors influencing the floristic composition of communities—the granulometric composition of bottom sediments and water eutrophication. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the essential oils of Cuminum cyminum (CEO) and Foeniculum vulgare (FEO) on the clinically isolated Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia). Subgingival plaque samples were collected from periodontal pockets (≥6 mm) of patients with generalized severe periodontitis. Microbiological and molecular tests were performed to isolate and confirm P. intermedia. A previously isolated P. gingivalis was used. The hydrodistillation method was used to extract the CEO and FEO. The antibacterial activity of the examined oils against the confirmed clinical strains was determined using the disc diffusion and broth dilution methods to determine the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal concentrations (MBC). The antibiofilm properties of CEO and FEO were determined using the tube method. The t-test was used for comparisons of inhibition zones. Both CEO and FEO presented inhibition zones against both clinically isolated bacteria. The CEO and FEO revealed antibacterial activity with MIC values of 3.125 µL/mL and MBC of 6.25 µL/mL against P. gingivalis, respectively. In addition, their MIC and MBC against P. intermedia were 0.195 µL/mL and 3.125 µL/mL, respectively. Finally, the essential oils showed moderate to strong antibiofilm activities against the clinically isolated P. gingivalis and P. intermedia, respectively. This study supports the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of CEO and FEO against clinically isolated P. gingivalis and P. intermedia. Further studies should focus on using these essential oils as an adjunct to periodontal therapy. Full article

Elevated serum immunoglobulin (Ig) antibody levels are observed in Crohn’s disease patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary IgA and IgG antibody levels against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Prevotella intermedia in Crohn’s disease patients. Eighty-eight participants (47 Crohn’s disease patients and 41 systemically healthy age- and gender-matched controls) were included in the study. Oral and medical health statuses were recorded and salivary samples were collected. Salivary P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and P. intermedia carriage were analyzed with DNA sequencing technique, salivary levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, and IgM were measured with the Luminex^® xMAP™ technique, and salivary IgA and IgG antibody levels against P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and P. intermedia were detected by ELISA. As result, higher salivary IgG2 (p = 0.011) and IgG3 (p = 0.006), P. gingivalis IgA (p < 0.001), A. actinomycetemcomitans IgG (p = 0.001), and P. intermedia IgG (p < 0.001) antibody levels were detected in the Crohn’s disease group compared to the controls. Salivary P. gingivalis carriage was lower in the Crohn’s disease group in comparison to the controls (p = 0.024). In conclusion, salivary IgA antibody responses against P. gingivalis and IgG antibody responses against P. intermedia have independent associations with Crohn’s disease. Full article

Species of the genus Drosera, known for carnivorous plants, such as sundew, have been traditionally used for centuries as medicinal plants. Efficacy-determining compounds are naphthoquinones and flavonoids. Flavonoids possess a broad spectrum of bioactive properties, including biofilm inhibitory activity. Biofilms render antibiotics ineffective, contributing to the current rise in antimicrobial resistance. In this study, the biofilm inhibitory activity of two European sundew species (Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera intermedia) grown agriculturally in Germany and four commercial sundew products (declared as Drosera longifolia, Drosera sp. and Drosera planta trit.) against three multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains was tested. The aim of the study was to comparatively investigate the biofilm inhibitory potential of sundew species extracts grown locally in northern Germany and commercial sundew products. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration of the European sundew species was approx. 35 µg mL⁻¹. In comparison, commercial sundew products ranged in concentration from 75 to 140 µg mL⁻¹. Additionally, individual compounds isolated from European sundew were tested. Among these compounds, biofilm inhibitory activity was determined for four of the eight substances, with 2″-O-galloyl hyperoside standing out for its activity (38 µg mL⁻¹). The whole plant extracts of Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera intermedia proved to be more effective than the commercial products and the single compounds in its biofilm inhibition activity against Escherichia coli strains. Sundew extracts may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for targeting biofilm production. Full article

During pregnancy, there are several metabolic changes and an alteration in the composition of microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavity, with an increase in pathogenic bacteria that promote the onset of gingival diseases. This review is based on research in reference to the PICO model (Problem/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome), related to changes in the oral microbiome of pregnant women and possible oral consequences in patients with COVID-19. The results showed a growth of some pathogenic bacteria in pregnant women, including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum, and the selective growth of the Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella species, probably due to the fact that these bacteria use progesterone as a source of nutrition. These same bacteria are implicated in the development of periodontal disease. Periodontal pockets have bidirectional interactions between the oral cavity and the systemic circulatory system through the peripheral gingival blood vessels. The affinity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to specific membrane receptors is now clear, and could involve the internal and external epithelial lining or the fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament. According to the results of the present review, the control of oral microbiome changes during pregnancy would be welcomed. The use of probiotics could help clinicians manage pregnant patients, reducing inflammatory indexes. Future studies should focus not only on changes in the level of the oral microbiome in pregnancy or the correlation between periodontal disease and COVID-19, but also on oral changes induced by both clinical situations. Full article

Periodontitis and dental caries are two major bacterially induced, non-communicable diseases that cause the deterioration of oral health, with implications in patients’ general health. Early, precise diagnosis and personalized monitoring are essential for the efficient prevention and management of these diseases. Here, we present a disk-shaped microfluidic platform (OralDisk) compatible with chair-side use that enables analysis of non-invasively collected whole saliva samples and molecular-based detection of ten bacteria: seven periodontitis-associated (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter rectus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola) and three caries-associated (oral Lactobacilli, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus). Each OralDisk test required 400 µL of homogenized whole saliva. The automated workflow included bacterial DNA extraction, purification and hydrolysis probe real-time PCR detection of the target pathogens. All reagents were pre-stored within the disk and sample-to-answer processing took < 3 h using a compact, customized processing device. A technical feasibility study (25 OralDisks) was conducted using samples from healthy, periodontitis and caries patients. The comparison of the OralDisk with a lab-based reference method revealed a ~90% agreement amongst targets detected as positive and negative. This shows the OralDisk’s potential and suitability for inclusion in larger prospective implementation studies in dental care settings. Full article

The high consumption of energy, mainly in the automotive sector, is supplied by fossil fuels, which, when combusted, generate polluting gases leading to the great problem of climate change. This has led society to seek alternatives. Bioethanol is a biofuel that can be obtained from the fermentation of different raw materials rich in sucrose such as sugarcane, which can be mixed with gasoline and used to reduce polluting emissions. The following investigation focused on studying the efficiency of three selected native yeasts in the fermentation of black sugarcane POJ 27-14 variety juice to produce bioethanol and other byproducts of biotechnological interest. A comparison between the size of the inoculum of three selected native yeasts (Lev6, Lev9, and Lev30) and two reference commercial controls in the fermentation process was performed. The phylogenetic classification was carried out based on the analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence, 5.8S ribosomal RNA, and internal transcribed spacer 2. Lev6 and Lev30 were classified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while Lev9 was Candida intermedia, with 99% nucleotide sequence identity. The results showed that the optimal growth temperature was 30 °C with constant agitation (200 rpm) for biomass production. The Lev30 strain presented the highest yield in the production of biomass from sugarcane juice fermentation, while the Lev6 strain presented the highest yield in ethanol production. Additionally, among native yeasts, Lev6 registered the highest ethanol concentration (Q) and volumetric productivity (Qp) values of 0.61 (g/L/h) and 43.92 g/L, respectively, which were comparable with the control yeasts. The gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated the presence of ethanol in all samples (98% to 99% relative percentages) along with some therapeutic substances such as (2-aziridinylethyl) amine and tetraacetyl-d-xylonic nitrile with greater efficiency than commercial controls from the alcoholic fermentation of black sugarcane juice. Full article

The objective was to characterize and compare the subgingival microbiota in patients diagnosed according to the World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions 2018. For this cross-sectional study, Spanish and Colombian subjects (characterized as health/gingivitis, periodontitis in stages I-II or stages III-IV) were clinically assessed, and subgingival samples were taken and processed by culture. The comparisons among patients with periodontal status (and between countries) was made using Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, ANOVA and chi-square tests. The final sample consisted of 167 subjects. Eikenella corrodens and Parvimonas micra were more frequently detected in health/gingivitis and Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontitis (p < 0.05). Higher total counts were observed in Colombia (p = 0.036). In Spain, significantly higher levels of P. gingivalis and Campylobacter rectus were observed, and of Tannerella forsythia, P. micra, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces odontolyticus and Capnocytophaga spp. in Colombia (p < 0.001). P. micra was more prevalent in health/gingivitis and stage I-II periodontitis in Colombia, and P. gingivalis in all periodontitis groups in Spain (p < 0.05). As conclusions, significant differences were detected in the microbiota between health/gingivitis and periodontitis, with minor differences between stages of periodontitis. Differences were also relevant between countries, with Colombia showing larger counts and variability of bacterial species. Full article

We reviewed the current published literature on the impact of oral microbiota on oral cavity leukoplakia (OLK), aiming at clarifying its role in disease transformation. The analysis unveiled that bacterial richness and diversity in the oral cavity tend to be decreased in OLK compared to healthy controls, with a reduction in the prevalent commensals, such as Streptococci, and elevation of anaerobes. Moreover, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia are recurrent findings, and they already have been linked to periodontal disease. These microbial community changes may also represent a marker for the transition from OLK to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Unfortunately, the reviewed studies present several limitations, making an objective comparison difficult. To overcome these biases, longitudinal studies are necessary. Full article

The current study aims to assess how a novel fungi product made from the filamentous fungus Neurospora intermedia, cultivated on bread residuals, is perceived using questionnaires. Participants were asked to rate characteristic attributes of a fungi burger patty and state their preference when comparing it to Quorn and hamburger patties. The data were analyzed to assess whether gender or age was statistically associated with preference profiles. Neither age nor gender was associated with the preference profiles regarding the comparison of burger patties. Except for age and bitterness, age and gender were also not associated with the preference profiles regarding the sensory characteristics of the fungi burger patty. Most of the participants liked the characteristics of the fungi burger patty. The results indicate that fungi products from waste can become accepted products when information dissemination targets environmental benefits. Moreover, to be commercially accepted, the chewiness and bitterness of the product should be improved. Other improvements should target the overall taste in order to cater to people who prefer meat-based protein sources. Full article

Y chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) have been widely harnessed for forensic applications, such as pedigree source searching from public security databases and male identification from male–female mixed samples. For various populations, databases composed of Y-STR haplotypes have been built to provide investigating leads for solving difficult or cold cases. Recently, the supplementary application of Y chromosomal haplogroup-determining single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for forensic purposes was under heated debate. This study provides Y-STR haplotypes for 27 markers typed by the Yfiler^™ Plus kit and Y-SNP haplogroups defined by 24 loci within the Y-SNP Pedigree Tagging System for Shandong Han (n = 305) and Yunnan Han (n = 565) populations. The genetic backgrounds of these two populations were explicitly characterized by the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) plots based on 27 Y-STRs. Then, population comparisons were conducted by observing Y-SNP allelic frequencies and Y-SNP haplogroups distribution, estimating forensic parameters, and depicting distribution spectrums of Y-STR alleles in sub-haplogroups. The Y-STR variants, including null alleles, intermedia alleles, and copy number variations (CNVs), were co-listed, and a strong correlation between Y-STR allele variants (“DYS518~.2” alleles) and the Y-SNP haplogroup QR-M45 was observed. A network was reconstructed to illustrate the evolutionary pathway and to figure out the ancestral mutation event. Also, a phylogenetic tree on the individual level was constructed to observe the relevance of the Y-STR haplotypes to the Y-SNP haplogroups. This study provides the evidence that basic genetic backgrounds, which were revealed by both Y-STR and Y-SNP loci, would be useful for uncovering detailed population differences and, more importantly, demonstrates the contributing role of Y-SNPs in population differentiation and male pedigree discrimination. Full article