Distinctive features of the microbiota associated with different forms of apical periodontitis

Microorganisms infecting the dental root canal system play an unequivocal role as causative agents of apical periodontitis. Although fungi, archaea, and viruses have been found in association with some forms of apical periodontitis, bacteria are the main microbial etiologic agents of this disease. Bacteria colonizing the root canal are usually organized in communities similar to biofilm structures. Culture and molecular biology technologies have demonstrated that the endodontic bacterial communities vary in species richness and abundance depending on the different types of infection and different forms of apical periodontitis. This review paper highlights the distinctive features of the endodontic microbiota associated with diverse clinical conditions

Risk factors for native kidney dysfunction in patients with abdominal multivisceral/small bowel transplantation

Kidney dysfunction is a recognized complication after non-renal solid organ transplantation, particularly after intestinal transplant. In our study, we reviewed data on 33 multivisceral transplant (MVT)- and 15 isolated small bowel (ISB)-transplant patients to determine risk factors for kidney dysfunction. Kidney function was estimated by modified diet in renal disease (MDRD) and Schwartz formula for adults and children, respectively. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined as an increase in the serum Cr (sCr) greater than twofold. Kidney function declined significantly at one yr after transplantation with 46% of subjects showing an estimated GFR (eGFR) <60 mL/min. Patients with an episode of AKI were more likely to have reduced eGFR than those without AKI (p < 0.025). In linear regression analyses, age, pre-transplant sCr, eGFR at postoperative day (POD) 30, 90, 180, 270, and tacrolimus level at POD 7 showed significant correlation with one yr post-transplant eGFR (p < 0.05). Pediatric patients and patients with MVT had lesser decline in kidney function compared with adults or patients with ISB. In conclusion, risk factors for post-transplant kidney dysfunction in intestinal transplantation included age, pre-transplant sCr, AKI episode, eGFR at POD 30, 90, 180, 270, and tacrolimus level at POD 7

Mapping of quantitative trait loci and confirmation of the FAT1 region on chromosome 4 in an F2 population of pigs

The objective was to map QTL on porcine chromosome 4 and to associate them with carcass and internal organ traits in an F2 population. The F1 population was produced by outbreed crossing, using two native Brazilian breed Piau boars and 18 commercial sows. A total of 617 F2 animals issued from 11 F1 boars and 54 F1 sows were typed for a total of five microsatellite markers. The data were analyzed by multiple regressions developed for the analysis of crosses between outbred lines, using the QTL Express software. Significant evidence for QTL was found for pig chromosome 4 regarding carcass and internal organ traits. All QTL were detected in the same region of the chromosome, designated FAT1