In vivo extracellular matrix protein expression by human periodontal ligament after stimulation with orthodontic force

It is well known that the orthodontic force applied to teeth generates a series of events that remodel the periodontal ligament (PDL). Extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) are described as molecular regulators of these events. However, the exact contribution of these proteins in human PDL modeling by orthodontic force application in vivo is not known. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the protein expression of fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin by human PDL from teeth on which orthodontic force was applied. Twenty healthy individuals were included in the study. PDL was obtained from teeth after a 3-week treatment with orthodontic force. PDL-protein samples were separated on 7.5% SDS-PAGE Western blot analysis with specific monoclonal antibodies for fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin. Bands were visualized with an enhanced chemiluminescence detection system and densitometric. Scanning of bands was carried out to compare differences in protein expression. A significant increment in fibronectin (13.9%), laminin (16.5%) and vitronectin (14.2%) expression was found in PDL from teeth treated with orthodontic force for 3 weeks in comparison with teeth in the control group. Our results support the concept that molecular changes take place by application of orthodontic forces to the PDL. Over expression of these proteins suggests that extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling could be generated in response to mechanical stress.Keywords: Extracellular matrix proteins, periodontal ligament, orthodontic forceAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(34), pp. 5599-5604, 23 August, 201

Reproductive and seminal characteristics of Pelibuey rams infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in the subclinical stage

Objective: To evaluate the reproductive and seminal characteristics of Pelibuey rams infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in the subclinical phase. Design/methodology/approach: In order to determine whether paratuberculosis (PTB) affects the reproductive variables and seminal quality in Pelibuey rams naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in the subclinical phase, weekly evaluations were conducted, over a period of two months, of the variables live weight, scrotal circumference, ejaculation latency and seminal characteristics: volume, pH, masal motility and progressive individual motility, concentration, live spermatozoids and dead spermatozoids, in five rams infected by MAP and a further five uninfected rams, of average weight and age 53.58 kg (± 3.26) and 2.91 years (± 0.59), respectively. Results: PTB was not found to affect the reproductive and seminal variables evaluated. Limitations of the study/implications: It would have been convenient to carry out the evaluation of the seminal characteristics for a longer time, however, the sampling was stopped in order to ensure the animal welfare of the rams as far as possible, since they began to show signs of PTB. Findings/Conclusions: The Pelibuey rams diagnosed with PTB in subclinical phase did not present any effect on the reproductive and seminal characteristics. Meanwhile, reproductive management can be carried out with PTB-infected Pelibuey lambs in a subclinical phase.Objective: To evaluate the reproductive and seminal characteristics of Pelibuey rams infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in the subclinical phase. Design/methodology/approach: In order to determine whether paratuberculosis (PTB) affects the reproductive variables and seminal quality in Pelibuey rams naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in the subclinical phase, weekly evaluations were conducted, over a period of two months, of the variables live weight, scrotal circumference, ejaculation latency and seminal characteristics: volume, pH, masal motility and progressive individual motility, concentration, live spermatozoids and dead spermatozoids, in five rams infected by MAP and a further five uninfected rams, of average weight and age 53.58 kg (± 3.26) and 2.91 years (± 0.59), respectively. Results: PTB was not found to affect the reproductive and seminal variables evaluated. Limitations of the study/implications: It would have been convenient to carry out the evaluation of the seminal characteristics for a longer time, however, the sampling was stopped in order to ensure the animal welfare of the rams as far as possible, since they began to show signs of PTB. Findings/Conclusions: The Pelibuey rams diagnosed with PTB in subclinical phase did not present any effect on the reproductive and seminal characteristics. Meanwhile, reproductive management can be carried out with PTB-infected Pelibuey lambs in a subclinical phase

Sensibilidad y especificidad de PCR anidada y spoligotyping como pruebas rápidas de diagnóstico de tuberculosis bovina en tejido fresco

Quick diagnosis of tuberculosis in cattle is critical to decide whether or not to quarantine or depopulate a herd. Currently, decisions are based on culture, which takes between four and eight weeks to accomplish. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate relative sensitivity and specificity of two PCR´s (MPB70 and IS6110) and spoligotyping as quick diagnostic tests for cattle tuberculosis in fresh tissue.El diagnóstico rápido de tuberculosis en ganado es crítico para decidir si un hato debe someterse a cuarentena de manera definitiva o despoblarse. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la sensibilidad y la especificidad relativa de dos PCR´s (MPB70 y IS6110) y spoligotyping como pruebas rápidas de diagnóstico de tuberculosis bovina en tejido fresco

Spatiotemporal Changes in Plasmodium vivax msp142 Haplotypes in Southern Mexico: From the Control to the Pre-Elimination Phase

For 20 years, Plasmodium vivax has been the only prevalent malaria species in Mexico, and cases have declined significantly and continuously. Spatiotemporal genetic studies can be helpful for understanding parasite dynamics and developing strategies to weaken malaria transmission, thus facilitating the elimination of the parasite. The aim of the current contribution was to analyze P. vivax-infected blood samples from patients in southern Mexico during the control (1993–2007) and pre-elimination phases (2008–2011). Nucleotide and haplotype changes in the pvmsp142 fragment were evaluated over time. The majority of multiple genotype infections occurred in the 1990s, when the 198 single nucleotide sequences exhibited 57 segregating sites, 64 mutations, and 17 haplotypes. Nucleotide and genetic diversity parameters showed subtle fluctuations from across time, in contrast to the reduced haplotype diversity and the increase in the R2 index and Tajima’s D value from 2008 to 2011. The haplotype network consisted of four haplogroups, the geographical distribution of which varied slightly over time. Haplogroup-specific B-cell epitopes were predicted. Since only high-frequency and divergent haplotypes persisted, there was a contraction of the parasite population. Given that 84% of haplotypes were exclusive to Mesoamerica, P. vivax flow is likely circumscribed to this region, representing important information for parasite surveillance

Detección y descripción anatomopatológica de tuberculosis en una colonia de Ankole-Watusi

The purpose of this study was to detect tuberculosis (TB)-infected animals in a captive Ankole-Watusi colony using tuberculin test, bacterial isolation and identification, and describing the anatomopathological findings at posting. Double, comparative tuberculin intradermal test (CTIT) was applied to 15 watusis. One animal was a positive reactor while other two were suspicious. All three animals were killed in the search of lesions. Samples were collected for histopathology and bacteriology. At postmortem examination, two animals showed lesions consistent with TB, with purulent exudate in both lymph nodes and lungs. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from the animals that showed gross lesions. HE-stained histopathological preparations from the affected tissues showed lymphadenitis and pyogranulomatous pneumonia. Using ZN stain, scarce acid-alcohol resistant bacteria were observed. CTIT showed to be a useful diagnostic tool in this particular species in order to detect sick animals and to correlate growth lesions at necropsy with histopathology and bacterial isolation. Abscess-like TB lesions are commonly found in deer and other wild animals, but these have also been described in cattle. Such lesions are likely common in Ankole watusi as well. Captive wild animals should be routinely subjected to TB diagnostic procedures for the early detection of infected animals, since they are potential reservoirs for domestic cattle, other captive wild animals, and very importantly, for humans.El objetivo del estudio fue detectar animales infectados con tuberculosis en una colonia en cautiverio de Ankole-Watusi, empleando la prueba de tuberculina, aislamiento e identificación del agente, y describir los hallazgos anatomopatológicos observados a la necropsia. A quince watusis, se les aplicó la prueba de tuberculina doble comparativa, resultando un animal reactor y dos sospechosos. Los tres animales se sacrificaron, se determinó la presencia de lesiones y se tomaron muestras de tejidos. A la necropsia dos animales presentaron lesiones tuberculosas con exudado purulento en linfonodos y pulmón. A partir de los animales con lesiones aparentes, se aisló Mycobacterium bovis y a la histopatología con la tinción de HE en los tejidos afectados, se observó una linfadenitis y neumonía piogranulomatosa, con la tinción de ZN se observaron muy escasas bacterias ácido-alcohol-resistentes. La prueba de la tuberculina demostró ser útil en esta especie para detectar animales enfermos, correlacionando las lesiones a la necropsia con la histopatología y el aislamiento bacteriano. Las lesiones tuberculosas con el aspecto de abscesos se encuentran comúnmente en venados y en otros animales salvajes, pero también se han descrito en bovinos y probablemente sea común en esta especie animal. Se debe de considerar la detección oportuna de los animales salvajes en cautiverio que están infectados con tuberculosis, mediante prácticas rutinarias de diagnóstico, ya que constituyen reservorios de infección para los bovinos domésticos, la demás fauna silvestre en cautiverio y sobre todo para los humanos

Purification, Biochemical Characterization, and Bioactive Properties of a Lectin Purified from the Seeds of White Tepary Bean (Phaseolus Acutifolius Variety Latifolius)

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