Treatment options of periapical cysts of deciduous teeth: report of a case and systematic review of the literature

AIM

Periapical cysts of primary teeth are pathologic entities which are seldom encountered in the clinical practice. Most frequently, these lesions arise in correspondence with primary teeth presenting previous pulp therapy, severe carious lesions, or a history of previous trauma. The aim of the present study is to systematically review the treatment modalities of periapical cysts of the deciduous, along with the reporting of a clinical case.

MATERIALS

A case of periapical cyst treated with marsupialization occurring in an 11-year-old patient is described. A literature search was devised to retrieve studies reporting the treatment of periapical cysts, and involved papers published in the Cochrane Oral Health Group specialist trials, MEDLINE via PubMed, and EMBASE up to March 2023. A total of 39 articles were retrieved. Following title and abstract analysis, 27 articles were selected for full-text analysis, with the final inclusion of 24 articles.

CONCLUSION

Periapical cysts of primary teeth present an overall good prognosis irrespective of the treatment option adopted. The performance of a prompt diagnosis appears of utmost importance, as the extraction of the primary teeth involved implies the management of the residual space for the correct positioning of the corresponding permanent teeth.

Early orthodontic treatment need in paediatric age: a prospective observational study in Italian school-children

AIM

This study evaluates the prevalence of Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) in Italian school-children.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence of IOTN in patients undergoing a first visit at the Santa Chiara Hospital Paediatric Dentistry Unit in Pisa, Italy. Two thousand, one hundred ninetynine subjects met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study; data on age, gender and concomitant systemic pathologies were collected from medical records. All participants were examined for individual IOTN: the presence of anterior and/or unilateral/bilateral crossbite with or without midline deviation, bad habits (finger, sucking habits, mouth breathing, and tongue thrust), overjet > 3 mm, lack of space for 1.2 and 2.2 eruption were investigated. The presence of one of the above mentioned parameters was considered positive for IOTN. Chi-square test was used to evaluate any statistically significant difference (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study confirms the presence of a significant percentage of paediatric patients who need IOTN; early treatment is highly recommended to reduce malocclusion outcomes in the adult population.

Parental attitude toward children's oral health during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Italy

AIM

During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictive rules were imposed around the world to limit the spread of the virus. The present study aims to investigate how the pandemic and the consequent restrictions have affected the lives and oral health of Italian families with children aged 0-14 years.

MATERIALS

Through a questionnaire distributed online from December 2020 to March 2021 the following aspects were investigated: family income during the pandemic, fear of the pandemic, dietary habits, perceived risk of infection in a dental practice and perceived children oral health status during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

The pandemic has not drastically changed the socio-economic conditions, the dietary habits and the oral health condition of most Italian children. Nevertheless, the pandemic seems to have highlighted significant macro-regional differences regarding the satisfaction with the response of the regional health services to the pandemic. The continuation of the pandemic and the possible socio-economic effects could favour new changes in lifestyles, oral health and discrepancies regarding health care access, which deserve to be the subject of further investigation.

Age, gender and degree of inclusion are predictors of timing for spontaneous repositioning of intruded primary teeth in pre-school children

AIM

To investigate the timing for spontaneous repositioning of primary teeth with intrusive luxation in relation to degree of inclusion, gender and age of injured children.

METHODS

This retrospective study analysed records of 1- to 6-year-old children referred to the Section of Paediatric Dentistry, C.I.R. Dental School, University of Turin (Italy) between January 2009 and December 2020 for traumatic intrusion of primary teeth. Time to the total re-eruption was calculated, and related factors were explored using Cox and Kaplan-Meier analyses.

CONCLUSION

Timing for spontaneous re-eruption seems to be associated to age, particularly as far as total intrusion of primary teeth is concerned. This observation could be related to the degree of bone mineralisation, which is modified during growth.

Mechanics of facial growth in young patients

AIM

The aim of this work is to focus on the impact of occlusion on facial development.

METHODS

Literature was searched using Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library. The key words and mesh used were bone remodelling, facial growth, masticatory muscles, children. Only articles written in English were included in the study.

CONCLUSION

Disturbances in the harmonious interplay of the masticatory muscles may result in facial alteration and asymmetries. If not treated, the dysplastic pattern of growth continues and worsens with time.

Clinicopathological findings and risk factors associated with Cytauxzoon spp. infection in cats: A case-control study (2008–2021)

In Europe, Cytauxzoon spp. infection was documented in domestic and wild felids. Cats often develop a subclinical infection, while fatal disease is rare. Currently, information on the epidemiology, risk factors and clinicopathological findings of Cytauxzoon spp. infection remains limited and obtained by a single subject or small groups of cats. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate clinicopathological findings and to describe risk factors associated with Cytauxzoon spp. infection in domestic cats. Infected cats (n = 39) and non-infected (n = 190) cats were selected from the database of the referral San Marco Veterinary Laboratory between 2008 and 2021. Demographic information, a preset questionnaire considering lifestyle, environment, and clinical status, and a CBC performed contextually with the PCR analysis were recorded for all cats. Data on the biochemical profile and serum protein electrophoresis were also evaluated when available. Compared to the control group, infection was more likely to occur in stray cats (24/39, 61.5%, P &lt; 0.001), living totally/partially outdoors (36/39, 92.3%, P &lt; 0.001), in an urban context (37/39, 94.9%, P = 0.002), taken or recently adopted from colonies (34/35, 97.1, P &lt; 0.001), with irregular or absent parasite preventive treatments (39/39, 100%, p = 0.005), without fleas (28/35, 80%, P = 0.047) and without clinical signs (22/39, 56.4%, p = 0.026) at the time of medical evaluation. Anemia was not associated with infection, but in cats without clinical signs, the percentage of anemic-infected cats (7/22, 31.8%, P = 0.009) was higher compared to non-infected cats (5/65, 7.7%). Furthermore, a decrease in total iron serum concentration approximating the lowest reference interval [median values (IQR): 79 μg/dL (52.25) vs. 50.5 μg/dL (34), P = 0.007] was likely in infected cats. No other laboratory findings were associated with infection. Interestingly, a partial/total outdoor lifestyle was a risk factor for infection (OR: 8.58, 95% CI: 2.90–37.0, P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the present study revealed that Cytauxzoon spp. infection manifests itself prevalently as a subclinical infection, based on physical examination and laboratory findings, in domestic European cats. However, subclinical infected cats were more likely to be anemic compared to non-infected.

Impairment of salivary function in juvenile idiopathic oligoarticular arthritis is a sign of early onset disease

AIM

Recent evidences of the presence of reduced stimulated salivary flow rate and altered saliva composition in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (o-JIA) suggest a specific damage to the salivary glands. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether reduced salivary flow rate could be related to age and gender at disease onset in o-JIA.

METHODS

A total of 57 Caucasian patients (41 females and 16 males) aged 5 to 16 years affected by o-JIA were consecutively enrolled in the study. Information on medication intake, dietary and oral hygiene habits were gathered through a standardised questionnaire. All patients underwent oral and sialometry examination.

CONCLUSION

Early onset disease would seem to be associated with salivary glands impairment. Regular dental and salivary gland function assessments may be highly recommended in o-JIA patients considering that saliva collection is a non-invasive and inexpensive procedure.

Predisposing factors involved in the aetiology of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: a case-control study

AIM

The aetiology of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is currently unclear. Over time, several aetiological hypotheses have come forward, including pre- and perinatal medical problems and postnatal illness. The aim of this case-control study is the identification of possible predisposing factors involved in MIH aetiology.

METHODS

Methods Study Design: By hypothesising the probability of at least one predisposing factor present 2.5 times more in MIH cases than in controls, with an estimated prevalence of MIH patients requiring therapy equal to 30%, at a unilateral alpha level of 5% and a power of 80%, 63 couples of subjects are needed with an allocation ratio of 1:1; individual matching for age and gender was carried out. After clinical examination, 78 children with MIH (EAPD criteria) were recruited (mean age 9.36 years). An anamnestic form filled-in by a parent was used to collect data on possible predisposing factors including demographic characteristics, pregnancy, birth, childhood medical illness and medications' intake.

STATISTICS

One-tail McNemar chi square test was used to evaluate the significance of the association between predisposing factor and MIH; odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were computed.

CONCLUSION

A multifactorial aetiology may be advocated for MIH development; in particular, further investigations are required to confirm and clarify the role of genetic factors.

Impact of self-ligating orthodontic brackets on dental biofilm and periodontal pathogens in adolescents

The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate periodontal health and subgingival microbiological alterations in adolescents treated with fixed self ligating orthodontic brackets in comparison to subject without any orthodontic appliance. A total of 40 adolescents (23 females and 17 males; mean age: 13.2 ± 3.2 years) were included: 30 subjects with self ligating brackets (test group) and 10 patients without orthodontic appliances (control group). Follow-ups were as follows: T1 (1 month), T2 (3 months), T3 (6 months) from the beginning of the orthodontic therapy. Clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index and clinical attachment level) were measured for every patient and a microbiological analysis was performed. Mann Whitney test was performed to evaluate clinical parameters between test and control group and Friedman test and Fisher test were adopted to evaluate intra group differences at different follow-ups. Student T-test was performed to compare clinical attachment level between the two groups. Significance level was set at p<0.05. No periodontal pathogens and no clinical attachment loss were found in the whole sample. A slightly higher plaque index and gingival inflammation were recorded in the test group in comparison to the controls.

Oral manifestations in paediatric patients with hepatobiliary diseases: a review

It is well known that greenish pigmentation of the teeth is seen in children following remission of severe jaundice and clinical and serum bilirubin, a degradation product of haemoglobin, may be permanently trapped in forming dental hard tissues causing discolouration and enamel and dentine hypoplasia. Neonatal jaundice is the most common cause of hyperbilirubinemia and pigmentation of the deciduous teeth is the consequence of this condition. Various hepatobiliary pathologies may have a clinical finding in the oral cavity; furthermore, oral manifestations of hepatic pathologies are not just limited to the pigmentation of the deciduous teeth but also the permanent dentition and the mucous membranes can be affected.

Impact of Sjögren's syndrome on oral health and quality of life: an observational cross-sectional study

Sjögren's Syndrome is a complex disease, due to an autoimmune physiopathology, that strongly impacts both patients' primary needs (nutrition and speaking), and patients' relationship life related factors (psychological health and quality of life). In Literature, few studies had investigated oral health status in Sjögren's syndrome and its impact on patients' quality of life, so the aim of this study was to analyse that issue. 30 patients were enrolled, within the Department of Rheumatology (University of Pisa), both first diagnosis patients' and both patients who had been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome in the past. For each patient, a medical record was filled out together with the compilation of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire. Then, during a specialistic rheumatologic visit, Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Damage Index Score (SSDDI) was determined. Results showed a direct proportion between years from diagnosis and severity of oral health issues. It was found that these issues were related to soft tissue damage and an overall worse, reported quality of life and psychological health.

Use of extra-oral scanner for the study of arch form in a sample of Italian adolescents with ideal occlusion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shape and the average size of the maxillary and mandibular arch in an Italian adolescents' sample with correct occlusion, using the digital technology. The study sample was composed, after the use of an extra-oral scanner and after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, by the digitized dental casts of 79 Italian adolescents (39 females and 40 males), aged 14±1 years, with correct occlusion. On each model, both upper and lower, the reference points of the dental arches (FA), of the alveolar bone (WALA ridges) and of the incisal edge of the central incisors were identified. With these points, using a software, fourteen parameters were evaluated for each cast: basal and dental intermolar and inter-canine width, basal and dental molar and canine depth, basal and dental molar and canine ratio, overjet, overbite. Finally, the shape of the arches was assessed, dividing it into ovoid, triangular or square. Chi-square test and Student's T-test for each parameter were adopted with a p<0,05 significance level. The results showed that the ovoid form was the most frequent, followed by the triangular one for the upper arch and by the rectangular one for the lower arch. On the canine level, both upper and lower, both for dental and for basal references, the triangular shape showed the lowest width and ratio values and the highest depth values in comparison with the other two groups. The square one showed the opposite situation, and the ovoid one presented in the intermediate value. On the molar level the trend is quite similar to the canine one. The results obtained maybe suggest that on a significant percentage of the patients of the sample is expected to use a preformed ovoid arch wire, and the data found could be useful to study the adequacy of the arch wires currently on the market or to design new ones. .

Frequency of DEA 1 antigen in 1037 mongrel and PUREBREED dogs in ITALY

Background

The prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA 1) in canine population is approximately 40–60%. Often data are limited to a small number of breeds and/or dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate frequency of DEA 1 in a large population of purebred and mongrel dogs including Italian native breeds and to recognize a possible association between DEA 1 and breed, sex, and genetic and phenotypical/functional classifications of breeds. Frequencies of DEA 1 blood group collected from screened/enrolled blood donors and from healthy and sick dogs were retrospectively evaluated. The breed and the sex were recorded when available. DEA 1 blood typing was assessed by immunocromatographic test on K3EDTA blood samples. The prevalence of DEA 1 antigen was statistically related to breed, gender, Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and genotypic grouping.

Results

Sixty-two per cent dogs resulted DEA 1+ and 38% DEA 1-. DEA 1- was statistically associated with Dogo Argentino, Dobermann, German Shepherd, Boxer, Corso dogs, the molossian dogs, the FCI group 1, 2 and 3 and the genetic groups “working dogs” and “mastiff”. DEA 1+ was statistically associated with Rottweiler, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, Bernese mountain dog, Golden Retriever, the hunting breeds, the FCI group 4, 6, 7 and 8 and the genetic groups “scent hounds” and “retrievers”. No gender association was observed.

Conclusions

Data obtained by this work may be clinically useful to drive blood donor enrollment and selection among different breeds.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of canine and feline hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in northern Italy

BACKGROUND

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), the agents of infectious anemia, have been reported in dogs and cats. Little data are available on hemoplasma infections in Italy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the species of hemoplasmas and their prevalence in dogs and cats of northern Italy.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from 117 candidate blood donor dogs, 278 free-roaming dogs and 227 free-roaming cats in 2014 and 2015. Samples were first screened for hemoplasmas with a SYBR green real time PCR. The positive samples were confirmed by a second SYBR green real time PCR and sequencing. Co-infections were detected using species-specific SYBR green real time PCR.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence in dogs was 4.5% (18/395). Among the donors only one dog was positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (0.8%). The overall prevalence of infection in free-roaming dogs was 6.1% (17/278), which was significantly higher than in candidate donors (P < 0.05). Both M. haemocanis (13/278; 4.7%) and "Candidatus M. haematoparvum" (4/278; 1.4%) were identified. In dogs, no significant association was found between hemoplasma infection and gender, age or origin. The overall prevalence in cats was 13.2% (30/227). All three feline hemoplasma species were detected, i.e. "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (28; 12.3%), "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" (11; 4.8%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (9; 4.0%). Half of the infected cats were co-infected (15; 6.6%) with different species of hemoplasmas. Risk factor analysis confirmed that older age, male gender and FIV positivity are predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection in cats.

CONCLUSION

This study found that candidate blood donor dogs in northern Italy show a negligible risk for hemoplasma infection, confirming the appropriateness of the candidate selection criteria and the low prevalence in the study area. Accordingly, testing for hemoplasma should be considered optional for canine blood donor screening. Hemoplasma infection was instead common in free-roaming cats, and is expected to be non-negligible in owned cats with outdoor access. Feline candidates for blood donation will therefore need to be carefully selected.

Exposure to vector-borne pathogens in candidate blood donor and free-roaming dogs of northeast Italy

Background

Many vector-borne pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes occur in northeast Italy, representing a potential threat to animal and human populations. Little information is available on the circulation of the above vector-borne pathogens in dogs. This work aims to (i) assess exposure to and circulation of pathogens transmitted to dogs in northeast Italy by ticks, sandflies, and mosquitoes, and (ii) drive blood donor screening at the newly established canine blood bank of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie.

Methods

Blood samples from 150 privately-owned canine candidate blood donors and 338 free-roaming dogs were screened by serology (IFA for Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocythophilum, Babesia canis, Rickettsia conorii, R. rickettsii), microscopic blood smear examination, and blood filtration for Dirofilaria spp. All candidate donors and seropositive free-roaming dogs were tested by PCR for L. infantum, E. canis, A. phagocythophilum, Babesia/Theileria and Rickettsia spp. The dogs had no clinical signs at the time of sampling.

Results

Overall, 40 candidate donors (26.7 %) and 108 free-roaming dogs (32 %) were seroreactive to at least one vector-borne pathogen. Seroprevalence in candidate donors vs free-roaming dogs was: Leishmania infantum 6.7 vs 7.1 %; Anaplasma phagocytophilum 4.7 vs 3.3 %; Babesia canis 1.3 vs 2.7 %; Ehrlichia canis none vs 0.9 %; Rickettsia conorii 16 vs 21.3 % and R. rickettsii 11 vs 14.3 %. Seroreactivity to R. rickettsii, which is not reported in Italy, is likely a cross-reaction with other rickettsiae. Filariae, as Dirofilaria immitis (n = 19) and D. repens (n = 2), were identified in free-roaming dogs only. No significant differences were observed between candidate donors and free-roaming dogs either in the overall seroprevalence of vector-borne pathogens or for each individual pathogen. All PCRs and smears performed on blood were negative.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that dogs are considerably exposed to vector-borne pathogens in northeast Italy. Although the dog owners reported regularly using ectoparasiticides against fleas and ticks, their dogs had similar exposure to vector-borne pathogens as free-roaming dogs. This prompts the need to improve owner education on the use of insecticidal and repellent compounds in order to reduce the risk of arthropod bites and exposure to vector-borne pathogens. Based on the absence of pathogens circulating in the blood of healthy dogs, the risk of transmission of these pathogens by blood transfusion seems to be low, depending also on the sensitivity of the tests used for screening.

Vertebral Polyostotic Lymphoma in a Young Dog

An unusual clinical presentation of lymphoma with vertebral involvement in a dog is reported. A 20-month-old intact female Golden Retriever presented with progressive paraparesis and anorexia. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry profile demonstrated pancytopenia and hypercalcemia. Ventral fusion of the lumbar vertebrae by new bony tissue deposition was evident on X-ray and CT scan. Fine needle aspiration revealed neoplastic lymphoid cells in lymph nodes and bone marrow. Histologically, vertebral bone and osteophytes, liver, bone marrow, kidney, and lymph nodes were diffusely infiltrated by neoplastic, lymphoid cells, with scant cytoplasm and round hyperchromatic nuclei. Polyostotic and medullary T-cell lymphoma with spondylosis was diagnosed. Lymphoma mainly affecting bone is uncommon in the dog. The present case differs from previously described polyostotic lymphomas in clinical signs of the disease, mainly attributable to spondylarthrosis. In addition, lymphomatous proliferation was associated with osteoproductive lesions of the vertebrae.

Use of Fine Needle Aspirates and Flow Cytometry for the Diagnosis, Classification, and Immunophenotyping of Canine Lymphomas

Fifty canine lymphomas were classified cytomorphologically using the updated Kiel classification scheme. Aspirates of lymph nodes from dogs with lymphoma were stained using 5 canine-specific antibodies and 3 human-specific antibodies that cross-react with canine lymphocytes. The antibody-stained aspirates were analyzed by flow cytometry. A total of 32 (64%) of the 50 lymphomas were characterized as B-cell origin and 18 (36%) were of T-cell origin. B-cell lymphomas were identified in 12 females and 20 males with a mean age of 8.35 years. T-cell lymphomas were identified in 8 females and 10 males with a mean age of 7.9 years. A minority of the lymphomas were low-grade B-cell and T-cell lymphomas (6/50, 12% and 4/50, 8%, respectively). The most common morphologic types were high-grade centroblastic and unclassifiable plasmacytoid for B- and T-cell lymphomas (18/50, 36% and 7/50, 14%, respectively).

First detection of Cytauxzoon spp. infection in European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) of Italy

Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging, tick-transmitted, protozoan disease affecting domestic and wild felids and caused by Cytauxzoon felis, Cytauxzoon manul and Cytauxzoon spp. This study aimed to determine the presence of infection with Cytauxzoon spp. in Felis silvestris silvestris in Italy, in order to enhance the comprehension of its pattern distribution among domestic cat populations. In addition, wildcats were tested for other endemic vector-borne pathogens in Italy. The carcasses of 21 F. s. silvestris were collected from central and northern regions of Italy. All the animals were submitted to necropsy and samples of the spleens were collected. Cytauxzoon infection was surveyed by a conventional PCR amplifying a portion of the SSU-rDNA of species of Piroplasmida. The samples were also screened for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Leishmania spp. using SYBR Green Real-Time PCR (rPCR) assays. Four animals (19%) were positive for Piroplasmida-PCR assay and three sequenced amplicons were obtained (14.3%), clustering with the Italian, Spanish, French and Romanian Cytauxzoon spp. isolates and with C. manul found in Mongolia. The samples were negative for the other pathogens screened. The present results showed that Cytauxzoon spp. may infect both F. s. silvestris and F. s. catus.

Correlation between viral load, plasma levels of CD4 - CD8 T lymphocytes and AIDS-related oral diseases: a multicentre study on 30 HIV+ children in the HAART era

This experimental retrospective multicenter study carried out on 30 seropositive children treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), between the ages of 18 months and 14 years, in the clinical categories Centers for Disease Control (CDC) classification 1993 A (mildly symptomatic), B (moderately symptomatic) and C (severely symptomatic) aims to: 1) clinically and immunologically demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of HAART; 2) monitor the frequency of AIDS-related oral diseases in seropositive children with HAART therapy; 3) monitor the plasma levels of total CD4, CD4 percent, CD8 percent, CD4-CD8 lymphocytes and viral load from 1997 to 30 April, 2011. The statistic methods used are the analysis of covariance and the Bonferroni Test. More than 100 AIDS-related oral diseases were found in the study samples, the most frequent being: oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, HSV-1 herpetic esophagyitis, herpetic gingivolstomatitis (RHOG), recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), parotid swelling, oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL), Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), linear gingival erythema (LGE), necrotizing gingivitis (NUG), facial lipodistrophy, facial-cervical lymphadenopathy (FCL), xerostomia, dysgeusia, hyposmia, oral mucosa hyperpigmentation (OMP). The Bonferroni test showed a significant difference between the mean plasma values (mpVTL) of total CD4, CD4 percentage, CD4-CD8 T lymphocytes and Viral Load (VL) of the various oral diseases found in the study samples. The therapeutic benefits of HAART are: immune reconstitution; reduction of the HIV/AIDS-related stomatology diseases; prevention and cure of the AIDS correlated neoplasias; reduction in maternal-fetal transmission of the HIV virus. The negative effects of HAART in relation to odontostomatolgy are: increase in oral lesions from HPV; xerostomia; dysgeusia/ageusia, hyposmia, perioral paresthesia; hyperpigmentation of oral mucosa; facial lipodystrophy, recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). No case of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome or human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oral diseases were found in this study.

Detection of erythrocyte binding IgM and IgG by flow cytometry in sick dogs with Babesia canis canis or Babesia canis vogeli infection

The aim of this study was to examine by means of flow cytometry immunophenotyping (FCI) if sick dogs infected with Babesia canis canis (B. c. canis) or Babesia canis vogeli (B. c. vogeli) had anti-erythrocyte membrane binding IgG and/or IgM at the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis of Babesia infection was assessed by blood smear and by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 30 sick dogs. Signalment, clinical history, physical examination and laboratory tests of B. c. canis (n=24) and of B. c. vogeli (n=6) infected dogs were studied. The majority of B. c. canis infected dogs showed anemia (92%) predominantly non-regenerative (94%), while the B. c. vogeli infected dogs had a regenerative anemia (67%). Eccentrocytosis was present in 33% of the B. c. canis infections. Four of six B. c. vogeli infected dogs had erythrocytes membrane antibodies. One dog resulted uncertain and one resulted negative to FCI. In contrast, all the B. c. canis infected dogs were negative for erythrocytes membrane binding immunoglobulins detection. In addition, the mean percentages of erythrocytes binding IgG and IgM were statistically much lower in B. c. canis than in B. c. vogeli infected dogs. At the time of the diagnosis, the formation of erythrocyte membrane binding IgG and IgM by immune mechanisms appears not to be involved in B. c. canis infections while it is present in the majority of B. c. vogeli infections.

Evaluation of efficacy of estrogen and phytotherapy in oral cavity alterations of women in menopause

AIM

Hypo-estrogenism during menopause is the cause of numerous disturbances affecting various structures such as the oral cavity which can present with the following symptoms: changes in salivary secretion, gingivitis, bleeding and altered taste sensation. The object is to study whether hormone replacement therapy prescribed for female patients in menopause have any beneficial effect on the oral discomfort which affects the quality of life of these patients.

METHODS

The study enrolled 95 female patients; 14 were the control group and received no hormone replacement therapy while 81 patients underwent two types of therapy: 38 were prescribed estrogen therapy and 43 phytotherapy. The main outcome measures were alterations of the oral cavity: salivary change, gingivitis, bleeding and taste changes.

RESULTS

It was observed that the patients receiving treatment had an improvement or disappearance of symptoms in the oral cavity and that estrogen was more effective than phytotherapy regarding the salivary change while the gingivitis, bleeding and taste changes was the same for both therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen and phytotherapy have beneficial effect on oral discomfort in women in menopause. The proposed treatment can have a beneficial effect on osteopenia and osteoporosis and therefore also on possible increase of future tooth loss during menopause.

Hematologic abnormalities and flow cytometric immunophenotyping results in dogs with hematopoietic neoplasia: 210 cases (2002-2006)

BACKGROUND

Growing interest in veterinary oncohematology has facilitated the recent development and advancement of new techniques, such as flow cytometry, for immunophenotyping hematopoietic neoplasia in animals.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study was to characterize hematologic abnormalities and flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) results in cases of hematopoietic neoplasia in dogs.

METHODS

Signalment, CBC data, and FCI results were obtained for 210 dogs with blood samples submitted to our laboratory. Immunophenotyping was carried out using an Epics XL-MCL flow cytometer and a panel of 10 antibodies (CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD79, CD21, CD14, CD34, CD41/61, CD61). The prevalence and severity of hematologic abnormalities was determined for the different types of hematopoietic neoplasms.

RESULTS

Based on cell morphology and phenotype, cases were classified as: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL, n=51), acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n=33), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, n=61), and leukemic high-grade lymphoma (L-HGL, n=65). Most cases of ALL (47/51) and L-HGL (41/65) had a B-cell phenotype, while most cases of CLL (54/61) had a T-cell phenotype, with a high prevalence of the large granular lymphocyte subtype (49/61). Anemia was found in 85% of all cases and was significantly more severe in ALL and AML compared with CLL and L-HGL. Neutropenia was seen in 64-78% of acute leukemias (AML and ALL) in contrast to no cases of CLL and 11% of L-HGL. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 88-90% of acute leukemias in contrast to 15% of CLL and 40% of L-HGL. Thrombocytopenia was more prevalent (71% vs 22%) and significantly more severe in T-cell vs B-cell L-HGL.

CONCLUSION

A standard CBC is useful in suggesting the type of hemoproliferative disorder and may also help to predict the phenotype, especially in cases of L-HGL.

A retrospective study of 60 cases of eccentrocytosis in the dog

BACKGROUND

Eccentrocytes are RBCs that appear in a peripheral blood smear to have their hemoglobin shifted to one side of the cell. This abnormality, which is confined to the RBC membrane and cytoskeleton, is induced by oxidative damage. Eccentrocytes have been reported rarely in dogs and are associated with onion and garlic ingestion and the administration of oxidant drugs.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the occurrence and severity of eccentrocytosis in dogs and the diseases or disorders associated with eccentrocytes.

METHODS

Detailed history, and results of physical examination, CBC, biochemical and coagulation profiles, and urinalysis from all canine patients admitted during a 2.5-year period were evaluated. Eccentrocytes, when observed, were graded 1+ (few) to 4+ (many). The severity of eccentrocytosis was compared with that of anemia and reticulocytosis.

RESULTS

Eccentrocytes were found in blood smears from 60 of 4251 dogs (1.4%) and were associated with mild to moderate anemia in 40 (66.6%) of the cases. Eccentrocytosis was found in 16 (26.6%) dogs with drug administration, 11 (18.3%) with presumptive onion and garlic ingestion, 8 (13.3%) with vitamin K antagonist intoxication, 7 (11.6%) with ketoacidotic diabetes, 5 (8.3%) with T-cell lymphoma, 4 (6.6%) with severe infections, 1 (1.6%) with compensated diabetes mellitus, and 8 (13.3%) with other conditions. Certain dog breeds, such as Whippet, Boxer, and English Setter, and young dogs seemed to be overrepresented.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe, for the first time, associations between eccentrocytes and diabetes mellitus, T-cell lymphoma and vitamin K antagonist intoxication in dogs. The significance of eccentrocytes should not be underestimated, because they can be a signal of an oxidative process.

Artifactual changes in canine blood following storage, detected using the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer

BACKGROUND

Artifactual changes in blood may occur as a consequence of delayed analysis and may complicate interpretation of CBC data.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize artifactual changes in canine blood, due to storage, using the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected into EDTA from 5 clinically healthy dogs. Within 1 hour after blood sample collection and at 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after storage of the samples at either 4 degrees C or room temperature (approximately 24 degrees C), a CBC was done using the ADVIA 120 and multispecies software. A linear mixed model was used to statistically evaluate significant differences in values over time, compared with initial values.

RESULTS

The HCT and MCV were increased significantly after 12 hours of collection at both 4 degrees C and 24 degrees C, and continued to increase through 48 hours. The MCHC initially decreased significantly at 12-24 hours and then continued to decrease through 48 hours at both temperatures. Changes in HCT, MCV, and MCHC were greater at 24 degrees C than at 4 degrees C at all time points. A significant increase in MPV and a decrease in mean platelet component concentration were observed at all time points at 24 degrees C. Samples stored at 24 degrees C for 48 hours had significantly higher percentages of normocytic-hypochromic RBCs, and macrocytic-normochromic RBCs, and lower platelet and total WBC counts.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed analysis of canine blood samples produces artifactual changes in CBC results, mainly in RBC morphology and platelet parameters, that are readily detected using the ADVIA 120. Refrigeration of specimens, even after 24 hours of storage at room temperature, is recommended to improve the accuracy of CBC results for canine blood samples.

Role of chemical interactions in bacterial adhesion to polymer surfaces

Development of biomaterial-related infections is attracting an increasing interest due to the significant percentage of implant failure in the hospital care. Recent literature puts in evidence the dependence of the infection risk on the different biomaterials used, because of the different interactions between material surface and micro-organisms. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying the adhesion of bacteria to the biomaterial surface are still unclear. Aim of this work is to study the initial events of the processes responsible for the bacterial adhesion on polymers in order to prevent the development of bacterial infections and the consequent failure and replacement of biomedical devices. Electrostatic and Lifshitz-van der Waals forces are usually considered responsible for the interactions at the biomaterial interface. A new term that involves Lewis acid-base interactions is here introduced to better describe the bacterial adhesion to the polymer surface. Two requirements are needed to test this hypothesis: the development of an ideal polymeric surface in terms of chemical and morphological properties and the choice of a specific bacterial strain to be utilized as "probe". Experiments were worked out using an Escherichia coli (Gram-) strain that represent one of the principal isolates from infected biomaterial implants and its adhesion was investigated on polymers having different acid/basic character. The findings indicate that the bacterial adhesion is influenced by the chemical properties of the polymeric surface. These results may be interpreted taking into account a mechanism in which the acid/base (Lewis) interaction plays an important role.

[Possible consequences of urban pollution caused by radio frequency]

The AA. report the results of an inquest on the health effects of radio wave pollution in an area of Trieste, where television transmitters and broadcasting are installed. The following results were obtained: the measure of electromagnetic fields showed in the mentioned area a power density 10-100 times higher than that + in other zones of Trieste. According to present knowledge, the observed values of EM fields may have some psychological, behavioural and neurovegetative effects on exposed subjects. Clinical examination, integrated by the analysis of some seventy biochemical and functional parameters, showed nothing but minor changes of hypophyseal-suprarenal hormones and a relevant incidence of neurovegetative troubles. Some difficulties were found in the interpretation of psychological troubles, which may be reactive to broadcasting installation or secondary to radio wave exposure.