Detection and sampling methods for isolation of Candida spp. from oral cavities in diabetics and non-diabetics

The purpose of this study was to detect Candida spp. on the tongue and in the subgingival sites in healthy and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), and to compare the accuracy of sampling methods. This study included 131 patients divided into four groups: healthy control (group A), nondiabetics + CP (Group B), diabetics with good metabolic control + CP (group C) and diabetics with poor glycoregulation + CP (Group D). Cotton swab samples from tongue and subgingival samples were obtained from each patient with help of sterile paper points and a sterile curette. Swab cultures were made on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The number of CFUs was counted. The sampling methods for subgingival plaque were compared by Receiving Operator Curve (ROC). The presence of Candida spp. on the tongue was statistically significant among groups (group D vs. others three groups:.2: p lt 0.005 for each group). Positive findings of subgingival Candida spp. did not differ among the groups. There were no significant differences in the quantification of Candida spp., neither on the tongue, nor in the subgingival samples. 17.2% of diabetic patients revealed the presence of Candida spp. in the subgingival samples, with negative finding on tongue. There was a significant difference in the sampling methods for subgingival plaque (p = 0.000). Candida spp. is more prevalent on the tongue of diabetics. The sampling of subgingival plaque by a sterile curette is more accurate than with paper points. Subgingival plaque may represent a reservoir of commensals. It is necessary to standardize the sampling of subgingival plaque

Toll like receptors 2 and 4 polymorphisms in chronic otitis media

Toll like receptors (TLRs) are the pattern recognition receptors, important for the innate immune system, the first line of defense against bacterial infections which are the main cause of otitis media (OM). Our aim was to investigate the association of TLR4 (Thr399Ile and Asp299Gly) and TLR2 (Arg753Gln) most common polymorphisms with OM prevalence as well as with morphologic changes of middle ear during chronic otitis media. We had 111 controls and 186 patients divided into three groups of COM: nonsuppurative OM, suppurative OM and cholesteatoma. Frequencies of the genotypes of the TLR 2 gene polymorphism were significantly different between men and women having nonsuppurative OM (p=0.03).5th Congress of the Serbian Genetic Society : Book of abstracts; September 28 - October 2, Kladovo, 2014

Rresence of different Candida species at denture wearers with type 2 diabetes and clinically healthy oral mucosa: Pilot study

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to examine prevalence of different Candida spp. at diabetics and nondiabetics wearing dentures without clinical signs of Denture Stomatitis (DS) and to study if some local and systematic factors are confounders for harboring Candida at these subjects. Material and Methods: Total of 60 subjects wearing partial or complete upper acrylic denture having at least half of palatal mucosa covered by denture were selected and stratified into three experimental groups: systematically health subjects; patients with diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and good glycoregulation; and T2D subjects with poorly regulated blood sugar level. Cotton swab samples were obtained from each patient from hard palate mucosa and denture surface. Swab cultures were made on Sabouraud dextrose agar and ChromAgar Media for distinciton of various Candida spp. Density growth was also measured. Results: Frequency of Candida spp. findings were similar between groups. At healthy subjects, only C.albicans was detected. At diabetics, C.albicans was the most common isolated species, followed by C.glabrata and C.tropicalis. Negative finding of yeasts on palatal mucosa, but positive on denture surface were detected at all groups, with the highest frequency (33.4%) at diabetics with poor glycoregulation. Denture surface was heavier colonized than hard palate mucosa. Duration of diabetes in years were only independent predictors for harboring Candida spp. at denture surface (Exp B=1.186, CI=1.047-1.344, p=0.007). Conclusions: Prosthesis of denture wearers without DS may serve as reservoir of Candida spp. Presence of more pathogenic and resistant non-albicans species are related to diabetics, even without clinical signs of DS

Korelacija između koncentracije receptora 2 faktora nekroze tumora u serumu i destrukcije parodoncijuma kod bolesnika sa dijabetes melitusom tip 2 - studija preseka

Introduction: The role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is well documented in pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis (CP) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Considering short half-life of TNFα, tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2) is used as prosperous surrogate marker of TNFα activity. Objective The aim was to detect TNFR2 serum concentration and correlate it with periodontal destruction in patients with diagnosed T2D and nondiabetics. Methods The study included 85 patients divided into three groups: T2D + CP (group T2D, n = 34); nondiabetics + CP (Group PD, n = 27); and healthy controls (group HC, n = 24). T2D was diagnosed according to WHO criteria (2013) and periodontitis was diagnosed using International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions criteria (1999). TNFR2 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results There was no difference in TNFR2 level among the groups (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.482). Significant correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient) was observed between clinical attachment loss (CAL) and TNFR2 concentration in PD group (rp = -0.460, p = 0.016). In T2D group, correlations were observed between TNFR2 concentration and CaL (rp = 0.363, p = 0.005) and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) (rp = 0.345, p = 0.046) and periodontalepithelial surface area (PESA) (rp = 0.578, p = 0.000). Conclusion Higher concentration of TNFR2 was associated with higher CAL, PESA, and PISA scores in T2D group. Contrary to that, nondiabetics with higher values of CAL exhibited lower concentration of TNFR2, presenting potential protective effect on periodontal destruction. These results imply that diabetes may alter TNFR2 secretion originated from periodontium.Uvod: Uloga faktora nekroze tumora-alfa (TNFα) dokazana je u patogenezi hronične parodontopatije (HP) i dijabetesa melitusa tipa 2 (DM tip 2). S obzirom na to da je poluživot TNFα veoma kratak, receptor 2 faktora nekroze tumora (TNFR2) koristi se kao marker aktivnosti TNFα. Cilj rada Cilj ovog rada je određivanje koncentracije TNFR2 u serumu i koreliranje sa parametrima destrukcije parodoncijuma kod zdravih i ispitanika sa dijagnostikovanim DM tip 2. Metode rada U studiju je uključeno 85 pacijenata podeljenih u tri grupe: DM tip 2 + HP (DM grupa, n = 34), zdravi ispitanici + HP (PD grupa, n = 27) i zdrave kontrole (ZK grupa, n = 24). Dijagnoza DM tip 2 postavljena je na osnovu kriterijuma SZO (2013), dok je dijagnoza HP postavljena na osnovu kriterijuma Internacionalne radionice za klasifikaciju stanja i oboljenja parodoncijuma (1999). Koncentracija TNFR2 merena je ELISA metodom. Rezultati Koncentracija serumskog TNFR2 nije se razlikovala među grupama (Kraskal-Volis, p = 0,482). Postoji značajna korelacija (Pirson) između nivoa pripojnog epitela (NPE) i koncentracije TNFR2 u PD grupi (rp = -0,460, p = 0,016). U DM tip 2 grupi, statistički značajna korelacija uočena je između koncentracije TNFR2 i NPE (rp = 0,363, p = 0,005), kao i parametara uticaja inflamacije iz parodoncijuma na sistemsko zdravlje - PISA (rp = 0,345, p = 0,046) i PESA (rp = 0,578, p = 0,000). Zaključak Kod pacijenata sa dijabetesom veće koncentracije TNFR2 odgovaraju većim vrednostima NPE, PESA i PISA. Nasuprot tome, kod sistemski zdravih ispitanika sa HP veće vrednosti NPE su povezane sa manjim koncentracijama TNFR2, što bi moglo govoriti o potencijalnoj zaštitnoj ulozi ovog citokina na destrukciju parodoncijuma. Rezultati govore da dijabetes može uticati na sekreciju TNFR2 iz parodoncijuma

The Allele 2 of the VNTR Polymorphism in the Gene That Encodes a Natural Inhibitor of IL-1β, IL-1RA Is Favorably Associated With Chronic Otitis Media

Objectives Chronic otitis media (COM) is followed by irreversible tissue damage and destruction of the middle ear structures, with the possibility of complications under the maintenance of inflammation. Inflammatory mediators such as cytokines play a crucial role in the initial stage of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the polymorphisms in two innate immunity/inflammation cascade genes from interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene cluster with COM with regard to cholesteatoma. Methods In the cross-sectional case-control study, DNA samples were collected from 189 patients with COM and 119 controls from a population of Serbia. The +3953 C/T (rs1143634), TaqI polymorphism in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) gene and 86 bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR, rs2234663) polymorphism in the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Results The IL-1β TaqI polymorphism was not significantly different in patients compared with the control group. The significant difference between patients and controls was observed for both, genotype and allele frequencies of IL-1RA VNTR polymorphism (chi-square P<0.01). We found that carriers of IL-1RA allele 2 (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.29 to 0.76; P=0.004) have a favorable association with COM, using multivariate logistic analysis that included both polymorphisms, age and sex. The IL-1RA allele frequency distribution was significantly different with regard to cholesteatoma. Conclusion The carriers of allele 2 of VNTR IL-1RA polymorphism had a decreased odds ratio for COM, which is in agreement with findings in other inflammatory disease and its previous association with higher IL-1RA levels. Possible down-regulation of IL-1 mediated proinflammatory signaling pathways via IL-1RA in COM as well as results of our study should be further investigated and replicated

Properties of fly ash and slag from power plants

This paper describes the physical, chemical and mineral properties of ash and slag, which were taken from thermal power plants Nikola Tesla A, Nikola Tesla B, Kostolac A and Kostolac B. The knowledge of the mineralogical material composition is important because the type of minerals directly determines the properties of the fly ash and slag and their possible application. Laboratory tests showed that ash and slag samples consist of the following minerals: amorphous materials, quartz, feldspar, mullite, melilite, cristobalite, haematite and calcite. The fly ash and slag chemical properties are the most important indicators in the evaluation of their suitability as a building material. The ash and slag chemical composition is composed of the following chemical components: SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, S, Na2O and K2O. Results of laboratory tests show that fly ash and slag have variable chemical, mineralogical and physical properties that are dependent on the natural composition, quality of coal from basin, the manner of combustion and place of ash deposition

Management of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis in pediatric patients : a 15-Year single-center experience

BACKGROUND: The major clinical dilemma managing acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) in pediatric population is distinguishing uncomplicated rhinosinusitis from a complicated bacterial ARS and orbital complications, the latter requiring antimicrobials and surgical intervention. However, factors associated with severe orbital complications and the optimum management strategy remains controversial. The objectives of this study were to characterize the clinical outcomes of children with orbital complications of ARS and to identify risk factors associated with disease severity. METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated the clinical outcomes of 61 children admitted for orbital complications between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2017. Descriptive statistics were performed to examine the demographics and clinical findings. We compared groups using Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and χ for categorical variables. RESULTS: Although two-thirds of children had received prehospital antibiotics, half of the cohort presented with post-septal orbital complications. While 83% of isolates obtained from the same patients were susceptible to the prehospital antibiotics given, the majority of those who received prehospital antibiotics nevertheless required surgical intervention. We observed significant association between the age of presentation and disease severity. Children >5 years of age presented with more severe orbital complications despite prehospital antibiotics and were more likely to require surgical intervention (P 5 years with ARS due to worse orbital complications despite prehospital antibiotics.PostprintPeer reviewe

Polymorphisms in Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 genes and their expression in chronic suppurative otitis media

Objective: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have a prominent role in inducing innate immune response. It has been suggested that regulation of TLRs is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media. TLR 2 and TLR 4 polymorphisms were connected with susceptibility to acute otitis and chronic otitis with effusion. The objective of this study was to establish expression of TLR 2 and 4 on middle ear mucosa in different types of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), and the influence of gene polymorphisms TLR 2 Arg753Gln and TLR 4 Thr399Ile and Asp299Gly to susceptibility to CSOM. Material and methods: Middle ear mucosa and full blood samples were obtained from 85 patients With chronic suppurative otitis media with and without cholesteatoma. Control group for mucosal TLR expression consisted of 71 samples of middle ear mucosa taken from patients with otosclerosis, and control group for DNA polymorphism consisted of 100 full blood samples in healthy subjects. DNA polymorphism detection was done with restriction fragment length polymorphism in RI PCR. Expression of TLR 2 and 4 was determined with immunohistochemical staining. Results: TLR 2 and TLR 4 expression on the middle ear mucosa was not influenced by age of the patients with chronic otitis media. Incidence of TLR 2 Arg753Gln polymorphism was significantly higher in patients with chronic otitis media, compared to control group. Significant association between TLR 2 Arg753Gln polymorphism and different types of mucosal changes in patients with chronic otitis media was established. TLR 2 and 4 expression on experimental group mucosa was significantly different compared to control group, where there was no expression (p = 0.000). Strong dependence of TLR 2 and TLR 4 expression on middle ear mucosa with different mucosal changes and immunohistochemical activity after staining was detected. Conclusion: Certain polymorphisms in TLR genes could be indicative for susceptibility to chronic otitis media. Expression of TLR 2 and 4 on middle ear mucosa was more dependable on different types of mucosal changes and type of CSOM than on bacteria found in the specimens. This can indicate that the type of mucosal changes are closely correlated with TLRs activity in middle ear. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Laboratory testings of fly ash

Elektrofilterski pepeo (leteći pepeo) je jedan od najzastupljenijih otpadnih materijala nastao sagorijevanjem uglja. Čine ga sitnije čestice, sastoji se uglavnom od amorfno-staklastog materijala, mulita i kvarca, koji se sakuplja elektrostatičkim separatorima (filterima) iz plinovitih produkata nastalih uslijed sagorijevanja uglja. U radu su prikazana pucolanska svojstva, mehanička svojstva, kemijski i mineralni sastav i svojstva elektrofilterskog pepela dobivenog u procesu sagorijevanja u termoelektrani Nikola Tesla A (TENT A) s dodatkom veziva hidratiziranog vapna i cementa. Cilj istraživanja je mogućnost uporabe elektrofilterskog pepela za izradu elemenata cestovnih konstrukcija (gornji i donji stroj puta). Elektrofilterski pepeo se može primjenjivati za izradu elemenata cestovne konstrukcije, ali treba voditi računa da se ugrađivanje odvija u segmentima, izoliranim od utjecaja površinskih i podzemnih voda.Fly ash is one of the most common waste materials created by burning of coal. It is composed of smaller particles, consisting mainly of aluminosilicate-glass, mullite and quartz, which are collected by electrostatic separators (filter) of gaseous products arising from the combustion of coal. This paper presents the pozzolanic properties, mechanical properties, chemical and mineral composition of fly ash obtained in the combustion process in a power plant Nikola Tesla A (PPNT A) with the addition of a binder hydrated lime and cement. The aim of research is to test the possibility of using the fly ash from PPNT A for making elements of road structures (top and bottom layers of the road). Fly ash can be used to create elements for road structures, but it must be taken into account that the embedding is done in segments, isolated from the influence of surface water and groundwater

Presence of Different Candida Species at Denture Wearers With Type 2 Diabetes and Clinically Healthy Oral Mucosa-Pilot Study

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to examine prevalence of different Candida spp. at diabetics and nondiabetics wearing dentures without clinical signs of Denture Stomatitis (DS) and to study if some local and systematic factors are confounders for harboring Candida at these subjects. Material and Methods: Total of 60 subjects wearing partial or complete upper acrylic denture having at least half of palatal mucosa covered by denture were selected and stratified into three experimental groups: systematically health subjects; patients with diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and good glycoregulation; and T2D subjects with poorly regulated blood sugar level. Cotton swab samples were obtained from each patient from hard palate mucosa and denture surface. Swab cultures were made on Sabouraud dextrose agar and ChromAgar Media for distinciton of various Candida spp. Density growth was also measured. Results: Frequency of Candida spp. findings were similar between groups. At healthy subjects, only C.albicans was detected. At diabetics, C.albicans was the most common isolated species, followed by C.glabrata and C.tropicalis. Negative finding of yeasts on palatal mucosa, but positive on denture surface were detected at all groups, with the highest frequency (33.4%) at diabetics with poor glycoregulation. Denture surface was heavier colonized than hard palate mucosa. Duration of diabetes in years were only independent predictors for harboring Candida spp. at denture surface (Exp B=1.186, CI=1.047-1.344, p=0.007). Conclusions: Prosthesis of denture wearers without DS may serve as reservoir of Candida spp. Presence of more pathogenic and resistant non-albicans species are related to diabetics, even without clinical signs of DS