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Acquisition of mutans streptococci at an early age is a risk factor for later caries development. Following our recent finding that human milk may inhibit adhesion of Streptococcus mutans the aim of the present study was to identify compounds in human milk preventing adhesion of mutans streptococci to saliva- or gp340-coated hydroxyapatite (s-HA and gp340-HA) using an in vitro model system. Superdex 200 fractions of human milk and purified proteins were screened for binding inhibition of the S. mutans strain Ingbritt. Avid inhibition was seen to both s-HA and gp340-HA for caseins, lactoferrin, IgA and IgG, and moderate inhibition for α-lactalbumin and bile salt-stimulated lipase, whereas albumin and lysozyme had no effect. The inhibitory epitope in β-casein was delineated to its C-terminal LLNQELLNPTHQIYPVTQPLAPVHNPISV stretch by use of synthetic peptides. Similarly, a peptide (SCKFDEYFSQSCA) corresponding to the human lactoferrin stretch that is highly homologous to the previously shown inhibitory stretch of bovine lactoferrin was found to inhibit S. mutans Ingbritt binding. Inhibition by human milk, IgA, and the inhibitory β-casein peptide was universal among 4 strains of S. mutans (Ingbritt, NG8, LT11, JBP) and 2 strains of S. sobrinus (6715 and OMZ176). IgG inhibited 4, α-lactalbumin 3 and lactoferrin 2 of these 6 strains. It was also confirmed that none of the milk components coated on HA mediated S. mutans Ingbritt adhesion, which was consistent with the finding that no milk protein was recognized on Western blots by gp340/DMBT1 monoclonal antibodies.

The aim of the present case-control study was to investigate dental caries, various caries-related factors as well as gingival condition, in 12- to 16-year-olds with long-term asthma (n = 20) and a matched healthy control group (n = 20). Data on dietary and oral hygiene habits, numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva were also obtained. The plaque pH drop after a sucrose rinse was measured up to 40 min at 2 approximal tooth sites. A lower salivary flow rate was found in the asthma group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The mean (± SD) of DFS, including manifest and initial caries, was 4.9 ± 5.5 in the asthma and 1.4 ± 2.3 (p < 0.01) in the control group. Only 1 adolescent in the asthma group was caries free compared to 13 in the control group. Concerning pH in plaque, adolescents with asthma had a lower initial value (p < 0.01) and final pH (p < 0.05) than the control group. The Cariogram data showed that 55% of the subjects in the control group had ‘a high chance of avoiding caries’ compared to 10% in the asthma group (p < 0.01). The asthmatic adolescents had higher numbers of sites with gingival bleeding (p < 0.01). To conclude, adolescents with long-term asthma had a higher total DFS and caries risk (according to Cariogram), decreased salivary rate, more gingival bleeding and lower plaque pH than adolescents without asthma.

Background Mutans streptococci (MS) are closely related to the development of dental caries and are usually established in the oral cavity during early childhood. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with the presence of MS in Swedish 1-year-olds. Methods Parents completed a questionnaire on different caries-associated factors and an oral bacterial sample was collected from 1,050 (526 boys, 524 girls) 1-year-olds. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for colonization with MS. Results MS were found in 27% of the 1-year-olds with teeth. High or very high MS scores (2–3) were found in 72 (7%) of the children. MS score was correlated to the number of erupted teeth (p < 0.001). No difference due to gender was found. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that presence of bacteria was associated with: caries in a sibling , other beverages than water between meals , and more than 8 erupted teeth . High or very high MS scores (2–3) were associated with other beverages than water between meals , and more than 8 erupted teeth . Conclusions Number of teeth present, diet and family aspects were factors associated with presence of MS in 1-year-olds. To develop high or very high MS scores, the number of erupted teeth and dietary habits are important.

Adhesion of bacteria to pellicle-coated tooth surfaces is the first step in biofilm formation on teeth. The aim of this study was to explore whether human milk prevents or promotes adhesion of cariogenic Streptococcus mutans to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (HA) using an in vitromodel system. S. mutans binding to HA coated with human parotid saliva (s-HA) or human milk was studied, in addition to binding inhibition to s-HA by human milk. S. mutans did not bind to HA coated with milk. S. mutans binding to s-HA was inhibited by milk from 15 (71 %) of 21 women, whereas milk from the remaining 6 mothers enhanced binding of S. mutans to s-HA. Inhibition of S. mutans binding correlated with bacterial binding to s-HA (r = 0.76). Human milk does not mediate adhesion of S. mutans to HA in vitro, but affects adhesion in an individually varying fashion. Phenotypic variations in milk and saliva glycosylation may explain the inhibitory capacity and possibly affect susceptibility to colonization by S. mutans in childhood.

Glycoprotein gp-340 aggregates bacteria in saliva as part of innate defence at mucosal surfaces. We have detected size- and glycoforms of gp-340 between human saliva samples (n = 7) and lung gp-340 from a proteinosis patient using antibodies and lectins in Western blots and ELISA measurements. Western blots of saliva samples, and of gp-340 purified, from the seven donors using a gp-340 specific antibody distinguished four gp-340 size variants, designated I to IV (n = 2,2,2 and 1). While saliva gp-340 variants I to III had single bands of increasing sizes, variant IV and lung gp-340 had double bands. Purified I to IV proteins all revealed a N-terminal sequence TGGWIP upon Edman degradation. Moreover, purified gp-340 from the seven donors and lung gp-340 shared N-glycans, sialylated Galβ1-3GalNAc and (poly)lactosamine structures. However, the larger size gp-340 grouping II/III (n = 4) and smaller size grouping I/IV correlated with a secretor, Se(+), and a non secretor, Se(-), dependent glycoform of gp-340, respectively (p = 0.03). The Se(+) glycoforms contained ABH, Leb, Ley and polylactosamine structures, while the Se(-) glycoforms lacked ABH antigens but expressed Lea, Lex and lactosamine structures. By contrast, lung gp-340 completely lacked ABH, Lea/b, Lex/y or sLex structures. Gp-340 and secretor typing of saliva from additional donors (n = 29) showed gp-340 glycoforms I to IV for 6, 16, 4 and 0 donors, respectively, and 3 non-typeable donors, and verified that gp-340 glycoforms I and II/III correlate with Se(-) and Se(+) phenotypes, respectively (p < 0.0001). The glycoforms of saliva and lung gp-340 mediated differential aggregation of Leb- (Helicobacter pylori), sialylpolylactosamine- (Streptococcus suis) or sialic acid- (Streptococcus mutans) binding bacteria. In conclusion, variant size- and glycoforms of gp-340 are expressed by different individuals and may modulate the biological properties of gp-340 pertinent to health and disease.

Antecedentes: El té verde, obtenido de la Camellia sinensis, es una de las bebidas más populares en el mundo y ha estado recientemente en el foco de atención de la investigación científica por sus efectos benéficos en la salud general. Varios estudios sugieren que, entre los polifenoles encontrados en el té verde, la epigalocatequina-3-galato (EGCG) es el compuesto más bioactivo y es el responsable de su actividad antimicrobiana. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática cualitativa de la literatura donde se evalúe la actividad antibacteriana de la EGCG contra el Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Métodos: Se identificaron estudios relevantes incluidos en las bases de datos bibliográficas Pubmed (1966- junio 2015), Scopus (1960- junio 2015), Web of Science (1900- junio 2015) y Google Académico. Los datos de estudios in vitro que investigaron la eficacia antibacterial de la EGCG contra el S. mutans se seleccionaron y organizaron en una tabla. La evaluación de los estudios incluyó los criterios: medidas de las zonas de inhibición, reducción del número de microorganismos y formación de biopelícula. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 12 estudios para la revisión sistemática. Once de ellos comprobaron la eficacia antibacteriana de la EGCG contra el S. mutans. Conclusiones: La evidencia in vitro disponible confirma que la EGCG tiene un efecto antibacteriano contra el S. mutans. PALABRAS CLAVE agentes antimicrobianos; Camellia sinensis; caries dental; epigalocatequina-3-galato ÁREAS TEMÁTICAS cariología; catequinas; microbiología Background: Green tea, obtained from the Camellia sinensis, is one of the most popular drinks worldwide and has recently been in the focus of scientific research due to its beneficial effects on general health. Several studies suggest that, among the polyphenols found on green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most bioactive compound and is responsible for its antibacterial activity. Purpose: To conduct a qualitative systematic review of literature evaluating the antibacterial efficacy of EGCG against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Methods: Relevant published studies included in the Pubmed (1966-June 2015), Scopus (1960-June 2015), Web of Science (1900-June 2015), and Google Scholar databases were identified. Publications of in vitro studies, which studied EGCG antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans, were extracted and pooled in a table. The evaluation included inhibition zone measures, reduction of the number of microorganisms, and biofilm formation. Results: Twelve studies were selected to compose this systematic review. Eleven of them showed that EGCG has antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans. Conclusions: In vitro evidence available confirms the antibacterial activity of EGCG against S. mutans. KEYWORDS Antimicrobial Agents; Camellia sinensis; Dental Caries, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate THEMATIC FIELDS Cariology; Catechins; Microbiology

Antecedentes: El Sistema Internacional de Detección y Valoración de Caries (ICDAS: International Caries Detection and Assessment System) se enmarca en el entendimiento actual de la caries y se utiliza de forma amplia en la clínica, la investigación y la educación. La Unidad de Investigación en Caries, de la Universidad El Bosque en Bogotá, tiene más de 10 años de experiencia en el uso y enseñanza del sistema y ha calibrado más de 100 examinadores nacionales e internacionales. Objetivo: Documentar una metodología de calibración (adaptable también para el entrenamiento de examinadores clínicos) utilizada durante la preparación del estudio Perfil epidemiológico sobre caries dental, riesgo y calidad de vida y, aspectos del examen dental, en niños de 12 a 71 meses de estrato socioeconómico bajo de Bogotá. Métodos: La calibración de examinadores constó de una fase de preparación del entrenamiento y de los examinadores y una fase de desarrollo del curso/calibración, que incluyó una sesión teórica, prácticas preclínica y clínica, exámenes clínicos de los examinadores y una discusión de los resultados de la calibración. Resultados: Participaron 9 examinadores y 18 pacientes. El examinador estándar clasificó 1473 sitios/superficies de examen y cada examinador en promedio 581,33 (DE 136,76) sitios/superficies. Los valores kappa de reproducibilidad interexaminador fueron en promedio de 0,72 (DE 0,02) e intraexaminador de 0,74 (DE 0,08). Conclusiones: Esta calibración fue exitosa y se espera que como entrenamiento sea multiplicador del uso del sistema ICDAS en Latinoamérica. PALABRAS CLAVE Calibración; caries dental; diagnóstico; ICDAS; reproducibilidad de resultados ÁREAS TEMÁTICAS Cariología; educación dental Background: The International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) diagnostic system follows the current caries understanding and is widely used in clinical practice, research, and education. The Caries Research Unit (UNICA), at Universidad El Bosque in Bogotá, has more than 10 years of experience using and teaching the ICDAS system, and has calibrated more than 100 national and international examiners. Purpose: To report an examiner calibration methodology (also adaptable for the training of clinicians) used during the preparation of the study Epidemiologic profile of dental caries, risk and quality of life, and dental examination aspects in 12-to-71-month-old low-socioeconomic status children from Bogotá. Methods: The examiner calibration consisted of an examiner preparation training phase and a course/calibration implementation phase, which included a theoretical session, lab and clinical practice, clinical assessments of examiners, and discussion of calibration results. Results: 9 examiners and 18 patients participated in the activities. The standard examiner classified 1473 examination sites/surfaces and each examiner an average of 581.33 (SD 136.76) sites/surfaces. The inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility Kappa values had an average of 0.72 (SD 0.02) and 0.74 (DE 0.08), respectively. Conclusions: This calibration training was successful and it is expected that there will be a multiplying effect of the use of ICDAS in Latin America. KEYWORDS Calibration; dental caries; diagnosis; ICDAS; reproducibility of results THEMATIC FIELDS Cariology; dental education

En el presente trabajo se realizó la caracterización cariológica y molecular de cuatro especies pertenecientes al género Proechimys, las cuales fueron colectadas en diferentes regiones de Colombia y posteriormente ubicadas en colonias en el Bioterio de Experimentación del Instituto Nacional de Salud-INS. El número estimado de especies varía según el criterio de diferentes autores lo cual reflejan la gran dificultad para establecer límites en Proechimys a sus taxones subordinados. En general, los caracteres morfológicos son la aproximación usual para evaluar las preguntas sistemáticas por la mayoría de mastozoólogos, pero ésto ha sido relativamente improductivo en Proechimys. Como consecuencia de las variaciones morfológicas presentadas en los individuos, varios autores se han centrado sobre este aspecto, buscando la manera más adecuada de establecer diferencias entre las especies y han recurrido a técnicas de tipo genético y molecular que permitan esclarecer la separación específica de los grupos. Para este trabajo la caracterización cariológica se llevó a cabo a partir de la técnica de cultivo de linfocitos de sangre periférica. La caracterización molecular se realizó a partir de un fragmento de 800 pares de bases del gen Citocromo B. Para la construcción de los árboles se utilizaron otras secuencias para Proechimys, disponibles en Genbank y se incluyeron secuencias suministradas, en calidad de préstamo, por el Doctor James Patton de la Universidad de California, Berkeley. Se confirmó, por medio de información cariológica y molecular, que los individuos de la colonia del INS pertenecen a cuatro especies diferentes las cuales fueron identificadas como: Proechimys chrysaeolus (departamento de Santander), P. sp. \"Barinas\" (departamento de Casanare), P. oconnelli (departamento de Casanare) y P. canicollis (departamento de La Guajira). Los tiempos de divergencia obtenidos para las especies (entre 2,89 MA y 5,92 MA) se aproximan al Mioceno, época en la cual se presume que Proechimys evolucionó en la Amazonia. Tres de las cuatro especies de este estudio son incluidas dentro de los grupos propuestos por Patton (1987): P. chrysaeolus, grupo trinitatus, P. canicollis, grupo canicollis (monotípico) y P. oconnelli, grupo semispinosus. La forma nominal P. sp. \"Barinas\" no es referida por este autor.