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Journal of the Indian Society of... Oct 2023The aim of the study was to compare the cariogenicity of human breast milk (HBM), bovine milk, and infant milk formulas. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
AIM
The aim of the study was to compare the cariogenicity of human breast milk (HBM), bovine milk, and infant milk formulas.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Ninety children of 1-4 years were randomly selected according to the type of milk they consume and were divided into five groups: Group I - HBM, Group II - cow milk, Group III - buffalo milk, Group IV - Lactogen 2, and Group V - Dexolac 4. Three parameters were assessed (salivary pH, plaque pH, and Streptococcus mutans count). Baseline salivary pH was measured, plaque sample was collected from children before feeding, and then, children were fed with milk. The second sample was collected after 45 min of feeding and the third sample after 3 h of second sample collection. Collected plaque samples were assessed for plaque pH and were sent to microbiological laboratory and cultured on blood agar. The intergroup comparison was done by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test. Intragroup comparison was done by one-way anova and Bonferroni test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
No statistically significant difference in intra- and intergroup comparisons of salivary pH was noted. However, with regard to plaque pH, there is a statistically significant difference in the second sample in Groups III, IV, and V. There was an increase in colony-forming units of S. mutans in plaque samples from baseline to the third sample in Groups IV and V.
CONCLUSION
Lactogen 2 and Dexolac 4 showed greater cariogenic activity, buffalo milk is mildly cariogenic, whereas HBM and cow milk showed least cariogenicity.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Child; Female; Humans; Infant; Buffaloes; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Milk; Milk, Human; Streptococcus mutans
PubMed: 38235812
DOI: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_450_23 -
Cureus Dec 2023Subdural empyema is a collection of pus in the subdural space between the dura mater and the arachnoid. It carries very high morbidity and mortality as it can spread...
Subdural empyema is a collection of pus in the subdural space between the dura mater and the arachnoid. It carries very high morbidity and mortality as it can spread anywhere in the brain; however, the risk can be mitigated with appropriate surgical and medical intervention. Being protected by the skull, cranial infections are usually preceded by a significant risk factor, either an external invader such as skull fractures secondary to trauma, penetrating injury, prior surgery, or, more commonly, in more than 50% of cases, due to spread of an internal infection such as ear or sinus infections. Anaerobic and aerobic bacteria can cause subdural empyema. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria are notorious for developing this kind of infection; for example, different groups of gram-positive streptococci and staphylococci, gram-negative , and other gram-negative bacilli can cause subdural empyema. While streptococci are more frequent with sinus infection causing subdural empyema, staphylococci are associated with skin invasion secondary to either head trauma or cranial surgery. is a gram-positive alpha-hemolytic pathogen belonging to the larger group that itself is a subgroup from viridans streptococci, aka . S is an oral commensal flora and is considered to be a low-virulence bacteria in immunocompetent patients but can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Subdural empyema tends to occur more often in immunocompromised patients such as diabetic patients, those with human immunodeficiency virus infection, and those using immunosuppressive medications. The clinical course ranges from indolent to fulminant. The size and location of the abscess play a role in clinical presentation. Headache is the most common presenting symptom, but patients can also present with fever, nausea, seizure, or altered mental status. Diagnosis can be obtained with CT and MRI scans of the brain. Prompt drainage of the abscess and lengthy antibiotics improve the prognosis significantly. Our case highlights a rare origin of subdural empyema from the direct spread of a skin abscess.
PubMed: 38234954
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50708 -
Microbiology Spectrum Feb 2024MecA is a highly conserved adaptor protein encoded by prokaryotes from the phylum. MecA mutants exhibit similar pleiotropic defects in a variety of organisms, although...
MecA is a highly conserved adaptor protein encoded by prokaryotes from the phylum. MecA mutants exhibit similar pleiotropic defects in a variety of organisms, although most of these phenotypes currently lack a mechanistic basis. MecA mediates ClpCP-dependent proteolysis of its substrates, but only several such substrates have been reported in the literature and there are suggestions that proteolysis-independent regulatory mechanisms may also exist. Here, we provide the first comprehensive characterization of the MecA interactome and further assess its regulatory role in Clp-dependent proteolysis. Untargeted coimmunoprecipitation assays coupled with mass spectrometry revealed that the MecA ortholog from the oral pathobiont likely serves as a major protein interaction network hub by potentially complexing with >100 distinct protein substrates, most of which function in highly conserved metabolic pathways. The interactome results were independently verified using a newly developed prokaryotic split luciferase complementation assay (SLCA) to detect MecA protein-protein interactions . In addition, we further develop a new application of SLCA to support measurements of MecA relative protein binding affinities. SLCA results were independently verified using targeted coimmunoprecipitation assays, suggesting the general utility of this approach for prokaryotic protein-protein interaction studies. Our results indicate that MecA indeed regulates its interactome through both Clp-dependent proteolysis as well as through an as-yet undefined proteolysis-independent mechanism that may affect more than half of its protein interactome. This suggests a significant aspect of the MecA regulatory function still has yet to be discovered.IMPORTANCEDespite multiple decades of study, the regulatory mechanism and function of MecA have remained largely a mystery. The current study provides the first detailed roadmap to investigate these functions in other medically significant bacteria. Furthermore, this study developed new genetic approaches to assay prokaryotic protein-protein interactions the split luciferase complementation assay (SLCA). SLCA technology is commonly employed in eukaryotic genetic research but has not yet been established for studies of bacterial protein-protein interactions. The SLCA protein binding affinity assay described here is a new technological advance exclusive to the current study and has not been reported elsewhere.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Streptococcus mutans; Proteolysis; Luciferases; Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38230956
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03691-23 -
Archives of Razi Institute Aug 2023The eucalyptus tree is an excellent source of antimicrobial agents; it is used in many oral cure products. The bitter taste of these agents could compromise their usage....
The eucalyptus tree is an excellent source of antimicrobial agents; it is used in many oral cure products. The bitter taste of these agents could compromise their usage. Therefore, fortifying the extracts with non-nutritive sweeteners could be a promising procedure for masking their unpleasant taste. This study was an evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus (alcoholic and aqueous) extracts against salivary . It aimed to investigate the effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on the antimicrobial activity of these extracts against salivary . The test microbes were sensitive to different concentrations of eucalyptus alcoholic and aqueous extract, and the inhibition zone increased as the concentration of the extracts increased. All the Mutans isolates were killed at a concentration of 75 mg/ml for the alcoholic extract and 175 mg/ml for the aqueous extracts. In this experiment, the concentration of up to 15% stevia and up to 5% sucralose did not affect the antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus alcoholic extract. While the concentration of up to 1% of stevia and sucralose did not interfere with the antimicrobial activity of aqueous eucalyptus extract against salivary . An increase in the concentration of non-nutritive sweeteners in this experiment appeared to interfere with the antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus extract against salivary .
Topics: Animals; Eucalyptus; Non-Nutritive Sweeteners; Sweetening Agents; Streptococcus mutans; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 38226369
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.4.1203 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... 2023Some kinds of electrolysed water have been reported to exhibit antioxidant and bactericidal activity. However, studies on the effect of electrolysed hydrogen-rich water...
CONTEXT
Some kinds of electrolysed water have been reported to exhibit antioxidant and bactericidal activity. However, studies on the effect of electrolysed hydrogen-rich water (EHW) with a neutral pH on cariogenic bacteria are limited.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using EHW as a mouthwash by examining its various effects on cariogenic bacteria.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To test the bactericidal and anti-biofilm formation effects of EHW on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, bacterial growth curves, colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, and crystal violet staining of biofilms were examined after exposing the bacterial pellets to EHW or tap water as a control for one minute. In addition, the expressions of glucosyltransferase and glucan-binding proteins encoding genes were examined using real-time PCR.
RESULTS
Bacterial growth and biofilm formation were inhibited, and the number of CFUs was significantly reduced in the EHW group compared to the control group. The expression of genes encoding glucosyltransferases (gtfB, gtfC, and gtfI) and glucan-binding proteins (gbpC and dblB) were also decreased in the EHW group compared to the control.
CONCLUSIONS
Exposing cariogenic bacteria to EHW at neutral pH for one minute can effectively inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm formation in vitro, suggesting that EHW is a promising mouthwash.
Topics: Mouthwashes; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antioxidants; Streptococcus mutans; Hydrogen
PubMed: 38197349
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_948_22 -
AIDS Research and Therapy Jan 2024Empyema caused by Streptococcus constellatus (S. constellatus) is rare in patients with HIV. To analyze the clinical data of a patient living with HIV (PLHIV), who got... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Empyema caused by Streptococcus constellatus (S. constellatus) is rare in patients with HIV. To analyze the clinical data of a patient living with HIV (PLHIV), who got empyema caused by S. constellatus, investigating the diagnosis and treatment of this disease through literature review to improve the clinical understanding of this disease.
CASE PRESENTATION
We have reported here a 58-year-old male PLHIV with cough, wheezing, and fever for 20 days. He has a history type 2 diabetes, alcohol abuse, and a teeth extracted. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple encapsulated pleural effusions, pneumatosis, and partial compressive atelectasis in the right lung. Submission of pleural efusions timely, and then cultures revealed S. constellatus. After comprehensive treatment, including antibiotics, closed pleural drainage, and intrapleural injection of urokinase, the pleural efusion was absorbed, and chest computed tomography also confirmed the improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
S. constellatus should not be neglected as a pus pathogen in patients with HIV. comprehensive treatment is important for empyema of S. constellatus.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Streptococcus constellatus; Empyema, Pleural; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; HIV Infections; Drainage
PubMed: 38173032
DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00587-z -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023
Topics: Dental Caries Susceptibility; Biofilms; Streptococcus mutans
PubMed: 38106468
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1332907 -
JAC-antimicrobial Resistance Dec 2023Antibody-deficient patients are at high risk of respiratory tract infections. Many therefore receive antibiotic prophylaxis and have access to antibiotics for...
BACKGROUND
Antibody-deficient patients are at high risk of respiratory tract infections. Many therefore receive antibiotic prophylaxis and have access to antibiotics for self-administration in the event of breakthrough infections, which may increase antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
OBJECTIVES
To understand AMR in the respiratory tract of patients with antibody deficiency.
METHODS
Sputum samples were collected from antibody-deficient patients in a cross-sectional and prospective study; bacteriology culture, 16S rRNA profiling and PCR detecting macrolide resistance genes were performed. Bacterial isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF, antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion and WGS of selected isolates was done using Illumina NextSeq with analysis for resistome and potential cross-transmission. Neutrophil elastase was measured by a ProteaseTag immunoassay.
RESULTS
Three hundred and forty-three bacterial isolates from sputum of 43 patients were tested. Macrolide and tetracycline resistance were common (82% and 35% of isolates). (B) and (A) were the most frequent determinants of macrolide resistance. WGS revealed viridans streptococci as the source of AMR genes, of which 23% also carried conjugative plasmids linked with AMR genes and other mobile genetic elements. Phylogenetic analysis of isolates suggested possible transmission between patients attending clinic.In the prospective study, a negative correlation between sputum neutrophil elastase concentration and Shannon entropy α-diversity (Spearman's ρ = -0.306, = 0.005) and a positive relationship with Berger-Parker dominance index (ρ = 0.502, < 0.001) were found. Similar relationships were noted for the change in elastase concentration between consecutive samples, increases in elastase associating with reduced α-diversity.
CONCLUSIONS
Measures to limit antibiotic usage and spread of AMR should be implemented in immunodeficiency clinics. Sputum neutrophil elastase may be a useful marker to guide use of antibiotics for respiratory infection.
PubMed: 38098890
DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad135 -
Cancer Science Feb 2024Thrombosis is a well-known cardiovascular disease (CVD) complication that has caused death in many patients with cancer. Oral bacteria have been reported to contribute...
Thrombosis is a well-known cardiovascular disease (CVD) complication that has caused death in many patients with cancer. Oral bacteria have been reported to contribute to systemic diseases, including CVDs, and tumor metastasis. However, whether oral bacteria-induced thrombosis induces tumor metastasis remains poorly understood. In this study, the cariogenic oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans was used to examine thrombosis in vitro and in vivo. Investigation of tumor metastasis to the lungs was undertaken by intravenous S. mutans implantation using a murine breast cancer metastasis model. The results indicated that platelet activation, aggregation, and coagulation were significantly altered in S. mutans-stimulated endothelial cells (ECs), with elevated neutrophil migration, thereby inducing thrombosis formation. Streptococcus mutans stimulation significantly enhances platelet and tumor cell adhesion to the inflamed ECs. Furthermore, S. mutans-induced pulmonary thrombosis promotes breast cancer cell metastasis to the lungs in vivo, which can be reduced by using aspirin, an antiplatelet drug. Our findings indicate that oral bacteria promote tumor metastasis through thrombosis formation. Oral health management is important to prevent CVDs, tumor metastasis, and their associated death.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Female; Streptococcus mutans; Biofilms; Endothelial Cells; Thrombosis; Breast Neoplasms
PubMed: 38096871
DOI: 10.1111/cas.16010 -
MBio Jan 2024Type 4 filaments (T4F) are nanomachines ubiquitous in prokaryotes, centered on filamentous polymers of type 4 pilins. T4F are exceptionally versatile and widespread...
Type 4 filaments (T4F) are nanomachines ubiquitous in prokaryotes, centered on filamentous polymers of type 4 pilins. T4F are exceptionally versatile and widespread virulence factors in bacterial pathogens. The mechanisms of filament assembly and the many functions they facilitate remain poorly understood because of the complexity of T4F machineries. This hinders the development of anti-T4F drugs. The significance of our research lies in characterizing the simplest known T4F-the Com pilus that mediates DNA uptake in competent monoderm bacteria-and showing that four protein components universally conserved in T4F are sufficient for filament assembly. The Com pilus becomes a model for elucidating the mechanisms of T4F assembly.
Topics: Streptococcus sanguis; Fimbriae, Bacterial; Bacteria; Fimbriae Proteins; DNA
PubMed: 38095871
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02667-23