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A 12-hours-old Paint filly was examined because of weakness and dull mentation after birth. Despite IV administered dextrose, the foal remained persistently hypoglycemic with increase in serum activity of muscle and liver enzymes. A postmortem diagnosis of lipid myopathy most similar to multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) was confirmed by findings of myofiber lipid accumulation, elevated urine organic acids, and serum free acylcarnitines with respect to control foals. This report details a case of equine neonatal lipid storage myopathy with many biochemical characteristics of MADD. Lipid storage myopathies should be included as a differential diagnosis in foals with persistent weakness and hypoglycemia., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are among the most responsive solid cancers to conventional chemotherapy. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we developed a mouse TGCT model featuring germ cell-specific Kras activation and Pten inactivation. The resulting mice developed malignant, metastatic TGCTs composed of teratoma and embryonal carcinoma, the latter of which exhibited stem cell characteristics, including expression of the pluripotency factor OCT4. Consistent with epidemiological data linking human testicular cancer risk to in utero exposures, embryonic germ cells were susceptible to malignant transformation, whereas adult germ cells underwent apoptosis in response to the same oncogenic events. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with genotoxic chemotherapy not only prolonged survival and reduced tumor size but also selectively eliminated the OCT4-positive cancer stem cells. We conclude that the chemosensitivity of TGCTs derives from the sensitivity of their cancer stem cells to DNA-damaging chemotherapy., (Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

During ontogeny, the nasal septum exerts a morphogenetic influence on the surrounding facial skeleton. While the influence of the septum is well established in long snouted animal models, its role in human facial growth is less clear. If the septum is a facial growth center in humans, we would predict that deviated septal growth would be associated with facial skeletal asymmetries. Using computed tomographic (CT) scans of n = 55 adult subjects, the purpose of this study was to test whether there is a correlation between septal deviation and facial asymmetries using three-dimensional (3D) geometric morphometric techniques. We calculated deviation as a percentage of septal volume relative to the volume of a modeled non-deviated septum. We then recorded skeletal landmarks representing the nasal, palatal, and lateral facial regions. Landmark data were superimposed using Procrustes analysis. First, we examined the correlation between nasal septal deviation and the overall magnitude of asymmetry. Next, we assessed whether there was a relationship between nasal septal deviation and more localized aspects of asymmetry using multivariate regression analysis. Our results indicate that while there was no correlation between septal deviation and the overall magnitude of asymmetry, septal deviation was associated with asymmetry primarily in the nasal floor and the palatal region. Septal deviation was unassociated with asymmetries in the lateral facial skeleton. Though we did not test the causal relationship between nasal septal deviation and facial asymmetry, our results suggest that the nasal septum may have an influence on patterns of adult facial form., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

A 9-month-old, female, domestic longhair cat with severe anaemia tested positive for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and was humanely destroyed and submitted for necropsy examination. Gross findings included a non-divided rostral telencephalon, consistent with semilobar holoprosencephaly. Histological examination of the bone marrow revealed an almost complete absence of erythroid precursor cells, consistent with pure red cell aplasia, and mild to moderate myelofibrosis. This case demonstrates a very unusual central nervous system defect, as well as an atypical presentation of pure red cell aplasia, in a FeLV-positive kitten., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Pain management in laboratory animals is generally accomplished by using opioids and NSAIDs. However, opioid use is hindered by controlled substance requirements and a relatively short duration of action. In this study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of firocoxib (a cyclooxygenase-2-selective NSAID) with that of buprenorphine in the mouse model of plantar incisional pain by objective measurement of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia using von Frey and Hargreaves equipment, respectively. Our experimental design included 5 treatment groups: firocoxib at 10 mg/kg IP every 24 h (F10 group); firocoxib at 20 mg/kg IP every 24 h (F20); buprenorphine at 0.2 mg/kg SC every 8 h; intraperitoneal normal saline every 24 h; and sham group (anesthesia, no incision) treated with firocoxib at 20 mg/kg IP every 24 h (sham+F20). All mice underwent nociceptive assays at 24 h before and 4, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. Buprenorphine alleviated allodynia at all time points after incision. The F10 treatment alleviated allodynia at 4, 24, and 48 h, whereas F20 alleviated allodynia at 24, 48, and 72 h. None of the treatments alleviated thermal hyperalgesia at 4h. Except for F10 and buprenorphine at 24 h, all treatments alleviated thermal hyperalgesia at 24, 48, and 72 h. No significant differences were noted between the 2 doses of firocoxib and buprenorphine regarding mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia at all time points. In conclusion, the analgesic efficacy of firocoxib is comparable to that of buprenorphine in this mouse pain model.

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) affects toy and small breed dogs causing progressive, often fatal, inflammation and necrosis in the brain. Genetic risk loci for NME previously were identified in pug dogs, particularly associated with the dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) class II complex on chromosome 12, but have not been investigated in other susceptible breeds. We sought to evaluate Maltese and Chihuahua dogs, in addition to pug dogs, to identify novel or shared genetic risk factors for NME development. Genome-wide association testing of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Maltese dogs with NME identified 2 regions of genome-wide significance on chromosomes 4 (chr4:74522353T>A, p = 8.1×10-7) and 15 (chr15:53338796A>G, p = 1.5×10-7). Haplotype analysis and fine-mapping suggests that ILR7 and FBXW7, respectively, both important for regulation of immune system function, could be the underlying associated genes. Further evaluation of these regions and the previously identified DLA II locus across all three breeds, revealed an enrichment of nominal significant SNPs associated with chromosome 15 in pug dogs and DLA II in Maltese and Chihuahua dogs. Meta-analysis confirmed effect sizes the same direction in all three breeds for both the chromosome 15 and DLA II loci (p = 8.6×10-11 and p = 2.5×10-7, respectively). This suggests a shared genetic background exists between all breeds and confers susceptibility to NME, but effect sizes might be different among breeds. In conclusion, we identified the first genetic risk factors for NME development in the Maltese, chromosome 4 and chromosome 15, and provide evidence for a shared genetic risk between breeds associated with chromosome 15 and DLA II. Last, DLA II and IL7R both have been implicated in human inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, suggesting that similar pharmacotherapeutic targets across species should be investigated.

Distal-less 3 (Dlx3)(-/-) mice die at E9.5 presumably due to an abnormal placental phenotype including reduced placental vasculature and secretion of placental growth factor. To examine the role of Dlx3 specifically within the epiblast, Dlx3 conditional knockout mice were generated using an epiblast-specific Meox2(CreSor) allele. Dlx3(-/fl), Meox2(CreSor) animals were born at expected frequencies and survived to weaning providing indirect evidence that loss of Dlx3 within the trophoectoderm plays a critical role in fetal survival in the Dlx3(-/-) mouse. We next examined the hypothesis that loss of a single Dlx3 allele would have a negative impact on placental and fetal fitness. Dlx3(+/-) mice displayed reduced fetal growth beginning at E12.5 compared with Dlx3(+/+) controls. Altered fetal growth trajectory occurred coincident with elevated oxidative stress and apoptosis within Dlx3(+/-) placentas. Oral supplementation with the superoxide dismutase mimetic, Tempol, rescued the fetal growth and placental cell death phenotypes in Dlx3(+/-) mice. To determine the potential mechanisms associated with elevated oxidative stress on the Dlx3(+/-) placentas, we next examined vascular characteristics within the feto-placental unit. Studies revealed reduced maternal spiral artery luminal area in the Dlx3(+/-) mice receiving water; Dlx3(+/-) mice receiving Tempol displayed maternal spiral artery luminal area similar to control Dlx3(+/+) mice. We conclude that reduced Dlx3 gene dose results in diminished fetal fitness associated with elevated placental cell oxidative stress and apoptosis coincident with altered vascular remodeling. Administration of antioxidant therapy ameliorated this feto-placental phenotype, suggesting that Dlx3 may be required for adaptation to oxidative stresses within the intrauterine environment., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Mutations causing replication stress can lead to genomic instability (GIN). In vitro studies have shown that drastic depletion of the MCM2-7 DNA replication licensing factors, which form the replicative helicase, can cause GIN and cell proliferation defects that are exacerbated under conditions of replication stress. To explore the effects of incrementally attenuated replication licensing in whole animals, we generated and analyzed the phenotypes of mice that were hemizygous for Mcm2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 null alleles, combinations thereof, and also in conjunction with the hypomorphic Mcm4(Chaos3) cancer susceptibility allele. Mcm4(Chaos3/Chaos3) embryonic fibroblasts have ∼40% reduction in all MCM proteins, coincident with reduced Mcm2-7 mRNA. Further genetic reductions of Mcm2, 6, or 7 in this background caused various phenotypes including synthetic lethality, growth retardation, decreased cellular proliferation, GIN, and early onset cancer. Remarkably, heterozygosity for Mcm3 rescued many of these defects. Consistent with a role in MCM nuclear export possessed by the yeast Mcm3 ortholog, the phenotypic rescues correlated with increased chromatin-bound MCMs, and also higher levels of nuclear MCM2 during S phase. The genetic, molecular and phenotypic data demonstrate that relatively minor quantitative alterations of MCM expression, homeostasis or subcellular distribution can have diverse and serious consequences upon development and confer cancer susceptibility. The results support the notion that the normally high levels of MCMs in cells are needed not only for activating the basal set of replication origins, but also "backup" origins that are recruited in times of replication stress to ensure complete replication of the genome., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Neoplasms of the skin are occasionally seen in domestic birds but are uncommon in nondomestic birds. An 8-year-old male hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) was presented with bilateral axillary ulcerative lesions that improved but did not resolve with empiric antibiotic and antifungal therapy. Skin biopsies were taken, and bilateral feather folliculomas were diagnosed on histopathologic examination. The duck was euthanatized because of the poor prognosis. A 9-year-old Indian runner duck (Anas platyrhynchos) was presented with an ulcerative lesion, with pseudomembrane and serocellular crust affecting the axillary region. This mass was diagnosed as a basosquamous carcinoma. The mass was surgically excised, and no recurrence was observed. Feather folliculomas are usually considered benign neoplasms in domestic birds and may be primarily ulcerative, exudative, bilateral, and symmetric in location. Basosquamous carcinoma may have a similar gross appearance. It is unknown if the axillary region may be an area with increased incidence of neoplasia in birds. This appears to be the first report of feather folliculoma and basosquamous carcinoma in Anseriforme species. Feather folliculomas and other neoplasms, such as basosquamous carcinoma, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in ulcerative or proliferative skin lesions in birds.

During maxillary permanent canine eruption, the deciduous canine root is selectively resorbed while the adjacent permanent lateral incisor root is left intact. An understanding of this selective resorption could provide insights into the cause of moderate to severe iatrogenic root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. This study investigated the possible role of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the selective resorption process. The spatial expression patterns of 2 ECM proteins, osteopontin (OPN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP), were assessed within the periodontal ligament (PDL) surrounding root surface areas of deciduous and permanent teeth. Intact and resorbed root surface areas from 14 deciduous roots and intact root surface areas from 12 permanent tooth roots were examined. In the deciduous roots, BSP and OPN were locally expressed in the cell layer adjacent to the root surface and most intensely concentrated in areas surrounding and within odontoclasts proximal to the resorptive lacunae. In contrast, BSP and OPN were expressed in a generalized pattern throughout the PDL of permanent roots. These preliminary findings suggest a differential expression of ECM proteins on deciduous versus permanent tooth roots, which could act as a signal for selective odontoclast adhesion to, and subsequent resorption of, deciduous root surfaces.

When a permanent maxillary canine erupts apical to the permanent lateral incisor and the deciduous canine, resorption typically takes place only on the deciduous canine root. An understanding of this differential resorption could provide insight into the reasons for excessive iatrogenic root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. The purpose of the present study was to examine the response of roots of permanent lateral incisors and deciduous canines to simulated resorption, and to acid and enzyme attack, reflecting the physiologic environment of an erupting permanent canine. Groups of maxillary permanent lateral incisor and deciduous canine roots were exposed to 5 combinations of Ten Cate demineralizing solution, Ten Cate demineralizing solution with EDTA, and a Type I collagenase solution. Sections of the roots were examined under a polarized light microscope. Analysis of variation of the resulting root lesions demonstrated that the lesion depths for deciduous canines were greater than those for permanent lateral incisors when averaged across 4 of the conditions (F(1,24) = 7.49, P =.0115). On average, deciduous canine roots demonstrated lesions 10% deeper than did permanent lateral incisor roots. We concluded that when deciduous canine and permanent lateral incisor roots are subjected to acid and enzyme attack, reflecting the physiologic environment of an erupting permanent canine, significantly deeper demineralized lesions are seen in the deciduous roots compared with the permanent roots. This finding may partially explain the differential root resorption during permanent tooth eruption.

Objectives: Our goal was to determine whether the radiographic fractal dimension of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar processes is related to bone density of the alveolar processes, spine, hip, and radius in healthy women., Study Design: Thirty-seven dentate healthy white women aged 20 to 78 years underwent assessment of systemic and alveolar process bone. After a periodontal examination, D-speed vertical bite-wing and periapical radiographs with aluminum step wedges and a density correction algorithm were used to make alveolar process fractal dimension and density calculations within regions of interest that avoided crestal bone and intrabony defects. Anteroposterior (L1-L4) and lateral (L2-L4) lumbar spine, total hip, and total wrist densities were determined by means of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry., Results: Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between maxillary alveolar process fractal dimension and maxillary alveolar process density (r = 0.47, P < or =.01), mandibular alveolar process density (r = 0.48, P < or =.01), and mandibular alveolar process fractal dimension (r = 0.44, P < or =.05); and between mandibular alveolar process fractal dimension and maxillary alveolar process density (r = 0.54, P < or =.01) and mandibular alveolar process density (r = 0.58, P < or =.001). No significant relationships were found between the maxillary alveolar process or the mandibular alveolar process fractal dimension and the density of any postcranial regions., Conclusions: In healthy women, the alveolar process radiographic fractal dimension is significantly related to the alveolar process density but is not related to the density of the spine, hip, or radius.

Our purpose was to investigate the impact of mandibular advancement surgery on profile esthetics and to attempt to define guidelines that could be of value to the clinician in predicting profile esthetic change. The sample consisted of 34 patients who had been treated with a combination of orthodontics and mandibular advancement surgery without genioplasty. Initial (pretreatment) and final (posttreatment) cephalometric radiographs of each patient were used to produce silhouette images and to quantify skeletal changes that occurred with surgery. The images were displayed randomly to lay persons and orthodontic residents who were asked to score the esthetics of each profile. On average, after mandibular advancement surgery, B point moved forward 5.0 mm (SD = 2.6 mm) and downward 4.7 mm (SD = 3.1 mm), and the ANB angle decreased 3.0 degrees (SD = 1.6 degrees ) Graphical analysis and results of paired t tests revealed that for patients with an initial ANB angle >/= 6 degrees, a consistent improvement in profile esthetics was seen following surgery (P

Objective: Our goal in this investigation was to examine the mandibular bone density and radiographic textural changes and the relationship between mandibular and spinal bone mineral density in an osteoporotic rabbit model., Study Design: Three adult female New Zealand white rabbits in each of 4 groups received daily injections of cortisone acetate at a dosage of 0.0 (control), 3.0, 7.5, or 15.0 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The rabbits were then killed, and the mandible and spine of each animal were removed. Digital radiographs (70 kVp, 10 mA, 8 impulses) of the hemimandibles and spines were made. Lateral and anteroposterior bone densities of the lumbar spine (L2) were calculated, and average mandibular interdental bone density, fractal dimension, and gradient values were calculated., Results: Correlation analysis revealed that cumulative steroid dose was strongly related to mandibular bone density (r = -0.80, P <.01), moderately related to mandibular fractal dimension (r = -0.61, P <. 05), and moderately related to anteroposterior lumbar spine density (r = -0.64, P <.05). Moderate correlations were found between mandibular interdental bone density and spinal density (r = 0.56, P <.05), but mandibular fractal dimension was not related to spinal density., Conclusions: In osteoporotic female rabbits, mandibular bone mineral density decreases in relation to spinal density and cumulative steroid dose. Mandibular fractal dimension decreases with cumulative steroid dose but is not significantly related to either mandibular density or spinal density.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the mandibular alveolar striae patterns seen in radiographs represent trabecular bone., Study Design: Segments of human cadaver mandible were obtained. Two identical radiographs were made of each segment initially, after removal of trabecular bone, after slight smoothing of the endosteal surface, and after aggressive smoothing of the endosteal surface. The radiographs were projected in random pairs for each sample. Six dentists judged whether a difference in the amount of trabecular bone could be detected., Results: Chi-square test analysis revealed no significant difference in the amount of trabecular bone judged initially and after removal of trabecular bone. A significant difference appeared to exist on radiographs made initially and after slight smoothing. A significant difference was judged to exist on radiographs made after slight removal of the endosteal surface and after aggressive removal of the endosteal surface., Conclusions: Mandibular radiographic striae patterns, interpreted as arising from trabecular bone, actually result from bone patterns on the endosteal surface.

Objective: The purposes of this study were to examine the density correction afforded by curve-fitting algorithms and to investigate whether the device we developed significantly improves the reliability of longitudinal alveolar process bone radiographic density measurements., Study Design: Stepwedges were radiographed over a range of impulse settings, and curve-fitting algorithms were fitted to sets of step images on each digitized film. Differences between the actual thicknesses of an alternate set of steps and their corresponding thickness estimates were calculated. Next, clinicians made periapical radiographs from interproximal bony sites on a dry skull using our imaging device. Differences in bone densities between corresponding regions of interest taken 1 week apart were calculated., Results: Analysis of variance and Duncan's Multiple Range test demonstrated that piecewise linear, third-degree polynomial, and fourth-degree polynomial curves provided significantly better estimates of stepwedge thickness than did sigmoid or first degree polynomial-curves (P < .05) and that the differences between repeat bone density measurements made with density correction were significantly less than those made without density correction (P < .05)., Conclusions: Piecewise linear, third-degree polynomial, and fourth-degree polynomial curve-fitting algorithms provided the best densitometric correction. The use of our imaging device increased the reliability of longitudinal bone density measurements.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the method proposed by Skieller, Björk, and Linde-Hansen in 1984 to predict mandibular growth rotation. Our sample consisted of 40 randomly selected, untreated, adolescent subjects representative of the patient population generally encountered in orthodontic practice. The four independent variables identified in the Skieller study as having the highest predictive value (mandibular inclination, intermolar angle, shape of the lower border of the mandible, and inclination of the symphysis) were identified on initial lateral cephalograms. The proposed regression equations were applied and predicted mandibular rotations obtained. Final lateral cephalograms made 6 years after the initial profile radiographs were superimposed and actual mandibular rotation recorded. The observed and predicted rotations were compared and regression analyses performed to determine the amount of variability in observed values accounted for by the four variables individually and in combination. Only 5.6% of the variability in mandibular growth rotation could be accounted for using the four variables individually. Only 9% of the variability could be accounted for with a combination of the variables. In addition, we performed a Monte Carlo analysis, which mirrored the Skieller analysis but used random numbers instead of actual cephalometric data, to determine if the Skieller results may simply have capitalized on chance. Using the same forward stepwise selection procedure with a rejection level of P >.1, we found after 5000 simulations that a mean of 84% and a median of 94% of mandibular growth rotation variability could be accounted for using meaningless data in the Skieller analysis. This result was comparable to the Skieller value of 86%. In conclusion, information derived from pretreatment lateral cephalograms using the Skieller, Björk, and Linde-Hansen method does not permit clinically useful predictions to be made in a general population relative to the direction of future mandibular growth rotation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare D-speed film, E-speed film, and the Soredex Digora system with respect to the detection of periradicular pathosis., Study Design: Radiographic images of 100 cadaver jaws were made with E-speed film, D-speed film, and the Soredex Digora. Each set of 100 images was interpreted by four observers, with 30 days separating each of three viewing sessions from the next. The presence or absence of pathologic (inflammatory) periradicular bone resorption was determined by histologic examination of the samples. The observer performance was compared with the true histologic findings and evaluated with receiver operating characteristic and corrected receiver operating characteristic analysis., Results: No statistically significant differences were found in diagnostic performance among the three radiographic techniques. In addition, no imaging technique was a good indicator of pathosis as determined by histologic analysis., Conclusion: Under the conditions of this study, it was determined that D-speed film, E-speed film, and the Soredex Digora were equivalent diagnostic imaging modalities with regard to the detection of pathologic periradicular bone resorption. No technique predictably indicated inflammatory resorption.

Enamel demineralization during active orthodontic treatment remains a significant problem. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of applying a light-cured unfilled resin, a conventional pit and fissure sealant, to the labial surface of teeth with previously placed orthodontic appliances to prevent demineralization. Orthodontic brackets were bonded to 40 extracted human teeth with a commercially available orthodontic adhesive. The exposed labial surfaces of 30 teeth (experimental group) were sealed with a clear, light-cured, unfilled resin. The remaining 10 teeth (control group) were left unsealed. Both groups were placed in a demineralization environment, and then all teeth were sectioned and examined under polarized light microscopy for the presence or absence of enamel demineralization. Every member of the control group exhibited demineralization of the entire exposed labial surface, whereas 80% of the sealed teeth exhibited no demineralization. Small, isolated areas of enamel loss were seen in six of the sealed teeth representing "breaks" in the sealant layer. The results of this study indicate that light-cured sealant treatment after orthodontic appliance placement significantly reduces enamel demineralization.

Objectives: This in vitro study examined radiographic fractal dimension changes in alveolar process bone during simulated osteoporosis., Study Design: Ten specimens of human maxillary alveolar process bone were progressively decalcified, and the percentage of calcium lost at each decalcification stage was quantified. Four radiographs of each specimen, together with an aluminum step-wedge, were exposed at 70 kVp at each stage. The test set of 560 radiographs was digitized, identical bony regions of interest were selected from the density-corrected images of each specimen, the regions were digitally filtered to reduce film-grain noise, and fractal dimension was computed on a line-to-line basis. Correlation analysis quantified the relationship between calcium loss and fractal dimension change. Analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test determined whether a difference existed in fractal dimension computed from images at x-ray beam angulations of -5, 0, and +5 degrees., Results: A strong correlation (average r = -0.94, p < or = 0.0037) was found between generalized demineralization and decreasing fractal dimension. In every bone sample fractal dimension changed significantly (p < or = 0.0189) with angular change., Conclusions: Radiographic fractal dimension holds promise for detecting simulated osteoporosis in the maxilla under ideal conditions, but the sensitivity of fractal dimension to small x-ray beam angular change renders its clinical application questionable.

Induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus of awake rats triggered a rapid (2 hour) elevation in tyrosine kinase receptor (trkB and trkC) gene expression and a delayed (6-24 hour) increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) gene expression. Depending on the mRNA species, LTP induction led to highly selective unilateral or bilateral increases in gene expression. Specifically, trkB and NT-3 mRNA elevations were restricted to granule cells in the ipsilateral dentate gyrus, whereas bilateral increases in trkC, BDNF, and nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA levels occurred in granule cells and hippocampal pyramidal cells. Both unilateral and bilateral changes in gene expression were N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent and LTP-specific. Bilateral electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that LTP was unilaterally induced; this was corroborated by a dramatic unilateral increase in the expression of the immediate early gene zif/268, a marker for LTP, restricted to the ipsilateral granule cells. The results indicate that LTP triggers an interhemispheric communication manifested as selective, bilateral increases in gene expression at multiple sites in the hippocampal network. Furthermore, our findings suggest that physiological plastic changes in the adult brain may involve coordinated, time-dependent regulation of multiple neurotrophin and trk receptor genes.

An effective mass screening tool for detecting osteoporosis is currently lacking. Alveolar bone, routinely examined during periodic dental examinations, may provide a window into the status of systemic bone density. The primary objective of this investigation was to compare the performance of various textural features, computed from dental radiographs, in detecting early simulated osteoporosis of alveolar bone. Five specimens of human maxillary alveolar bone were progressively decalcified and the percentage calcium lost at each decalcification stage quantified. Two radiographs of each specimen, together with an aluminum stepwedge, were exposed at 70 kVp at each stage. The test set of 140 radiographs was digitized, identical bony regions of interest selected from the density-corrected images of each specimen, the regions digitally filtered to reduce film-grain noise, and textural features computed on a line-to-line basis. Correlation analysis identified a set of features whose changes consistently exhibited a moderate-to-strong linear association with bone mineral loss over a wide range of decalcification. Repeated measures analysis of variance was subsequently applied to this set to measure the minimal decalcification that could be detected by each feature under optimal conditions of x-ray beam angulation (0 degrees) and suboptimal conditions (+/- 5 degrees). The best performing features were mean intensity, gradient, Laws' texture energy measures, and fractal dimension which detected 5.7% bone decalcification at optimal beam angulation and 9.4-12.6% at suboptimal angulation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the intrusion anchorage potential of teeth to osseointegrated titanium implants. Titanium implants were surgically placed unilaterally in a healed mandibular fourth premolar extraction site in eight adult mongrel dogs. The implants were surgically uncovered 3 months later and second stage abutments with soldered edgewise brackets secured. Edgewise brackets were also placed on the ipsilateral third premolars and on the contralateral third and fourth premolars. Segmental edgewise arch wires were placed between the implant and the third premolar and between the contralateral third and fourth premolars. Intrusion arch wire bends (v-bends) just mesial to the implant and the fourth premolar brackets were adjusted to apply a 50 to 60 gm intrusive force to the third premolars, bilaterally. Seven weeks later this force was increased to approximately 100 gm. Force levels were monitored biweekly for a total period of 16 weeks. Superimposition of initial and final periapical radiographs with bone markers demonstrated that for each dog the implant remained immobile and the third premolar on the implant anchor side was intruded in a curved path. On the contralateral side of the arch the dental anchor (fourth premolar) underwent an adverse reactive tip-back movement, and the third premolar was not intruded. We conclude that rigid endosseous implants are superior to dental anchorage for orthodontic intrusion of teeth and offer a potential means to intrude anterior teeth in adult patients with missing posterior teeth.

Film-grain noise degrades image detail, hinders detection of subtle radiographic bone changes, and could thwart attempts to use dental radiographs of alveolar bone to detect osteoporosis. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify and compare the performance of various 1- and 2-D spatial and frequency domain filters in suppressing this noise. Estimates of noise-free bone profiles (scan lines) from each of five maxillary interdental areas were made by superimposing and averaging 16 identically exposed and digitized radiographs. The average mean absolute error and mean-squared error between the 80 initially noisy images and their respective noise-free profiles were calculated to provide an estimate of initial noise. Filter performance was measured as the change in these values after filtering the noisy images. Frequency domain analysis revealed that bone signal power spectra dominated at frequencies less than 2-3 cycles/mm and that some form of low-pass filtering would be applicable. The 2-D Butterworth low-pass filter provided the best performance, removing 57% of the film-grain noise when measured by mean absolute error, and over 80% when measured by mean-squared error. Surprisingly, the Lee, Lp mean, geometric mean, binomial, median, and simple neighborhood averaging filters offered comparable levels of performance.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine radiographic changes in human anterior maxillary alveolar bone during simulated osteoporosis (decalcification) and to determine the minimal amount of generalized decalcifications that can be detected under optimal radiographic conditions with the use of digital subtraction. Five samples of human anterior maxillary alveolus were progressively decalcified at timed intervals with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solutions, and the percentage of calcium lost during each interval was quantified with calcium assays. Sets of four radiographs were exposed at 70 kVp initially and after each decalcification interval. The radiographs were digitized and digitally filtered, and bone profiles (scan lines) were generated between selected points on lead markers. To further reduce corrupting film-grain noise each set of four profiles were superimposed and averaged on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The averaged profile from each stage of decalcification was subtracted from the averaged initial profile on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and the mean profile intensity change for each decalcification stage calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with repeated measures analysis of variance. Results indicate that generalized decalcification less than or equal to 5.3% was detected in all samples of human anterior maxillae with the use of digital subtraction.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine radiographic changes in dog alveolar bone during simulated osteoporosis (decalcification) and to determine the minimal amount of generalized bone loss that can be detected under optimal radiographic conditions with the use of digital subtraction. Five samples of dog maxillary alveolus were progressively decalcified at timed intervals with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solutions. The percentage of calcium lost during each interval was quantified with calcium assays. Sets of four radiographs from each sample were exposed at 30 kVp and 50 kVp initially and after each decalcification interval. The radiographs were digitized and bone profiles (scan lines) were generated between images of lead markers. To suppress contaminating image noise each set of four profiles were superimposed and averaged on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The averaged profile from each stage of decalcification was subtracted from the averaged initial profile on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the mean profile intensity change for each decalcification stage calculated, and this mean change compared to the initial mean intensity to yield the percentage mean profile intensity change for each sample for each decalcification stage. Statistical analysis was performed with repeated measures analysis of variance. Results indicate that generalized decalcification of less than 7.5% was detected in all samples of dog maxillae with exposures of 30 kVp and that generalized decalcification of less than 19% was detected with exposure of 50 kVp.

Conventional records are often inadequate for planning correction of complex dentofacial deformities. A treatment planning system, consisting of computed tomographic-generated jaw models mounted on a special articulator, allows for presurgical decisions about the correctness of surgical movements or the need for alternative approaches.

Purpose: Cantilever lengths from 10 mm to 20 mm have been empirically recommended for Brånemark fixed mandibular implant prostheses. However, functional stresses generated within the framework and at the crestal bone associated with various cantilever lengths have not been well researched. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the strain generated within an implant-supported prosthesis and on a simulated bone surface during functional cantilever loading., Materials and Methods: A symmetrical mandibular fixed-implant framework supported by six Nobelpharma 7.0 x 4.0-mm abutments and 15.0 x 4.0-mm fixtures was fabricated. The fixtures were embedded in a simulated bone matrix of polymethyl methacrylate resin. Fourteen different arrangements of active supporting abutments were tested during 15 lb unilateral static cantilever loading 7 mm, 14 mm and 20 mm distal to the terminal abutments. T-rosette strain gauges were placed immediately distal to the terminal abutment site on the right side of the framework and on the corresponding simulated bone surface., Results: There was no difference in framework microstrain as abutment number and arrangement were varied. Microstrain distal to the terminal abutment increased significantly with increasing cantilever length. Distal abutment microstrain increased 213% (63 mu epsilon to 197 mu epsilon) when cantilever length was increased from 7 mm to 14 mm and an additional 55% (197 mu epsilon to 306 mu epsilon) when cantilever length was increased from 14 mm to 20 mm. Overall, microstrain increased 306% when cantilever length was increased from 7 mm to 20 mm. Microstrain on the framework was always tensile (positive). Microstrain at the simulated bone reached higher maximum levels than on the framework (-588 mu epsilon versus 314 mu epsilon) and was compressive in nature (negative). In contrast to framework microstrain, microstrain at the simulated bone site varied dramatically with changes in abutment arrangement. Strains observed at the simulated bone surface increased dramatically as the distance to the adjacent active abutment increased or as the anterior-posterior span of abutments decreased. Distal abutment microstrain also increased significantly at the bone site as cantilever length increased, however, percent increases were less (7 mm to 14 mm, 55%; 14 mm to 20 mm, 30%; 7 mm to 20 mm, 101%)., Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that an optimum biomechanical environment should exist when cantilever spans exceeding 7 mm are planned regardless of the number of supporting abutments. Strain transmitted to the crestal bone can be decreased by maximizing the number and anterior-posterior spread of supporting fixtures while minimizing the distance between the distal abutment and its adjacent abutment.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare image noise in D- and E-speed radiographic film and to establish a basis for choosing a particular speed of film for study of trabecular changes in alveolar bone. Eleven D-speed and 11 E-speed radiographs were made at varying exposures and developed along with unexposed film of each type to produce uniform optical densities that range from approximately 0.05 to 2.5. Profiles (scan lines) were made of each film at a spatial resolution of 0.02 mm. Noise was quantified for each profile using three measures: the standard deviation of the profile pixel intensity, I(x), about the mean, I(x); the coefficient of variation of I(x) about I(x); and Wiener spectral analysis. Results indicate that the average magnitude of noise for D- and E-speed film over this range of optical densities exceeds 4% and 6%, respectively; the average noise content of E-speed film was 25% to 35% greater than D-speed; and noise energy of both films is concentrated at low spatial frequencies and low optical densities.

Optimal digital filter design is essential for noise suppression in the detection of subtle radiographic bony changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the signal (Ps) and noise (Pn) power spectra of sampled maxillary alveolar bone, to derive the optimal Wiener filter transfer function, H, from sets of Ps and Pn, and to quantify noise suppression through application of this filter. Sixteen standardized radiographs were made of five interproximal bony areas, each area from a separate dry human maxilla. The radiographs were digitized (0.02 mm/pixel resolution) and identical profiles (scan lines) generated between lead markers for each set of films. Ps was calculated from the averaged scan line of each set, Pn was calculated from the difference between the noisy images and the averaged scan line for each set, and an average maxillary H was calculated from the sets of Ps and Pn. Filtering of the 80 noisy sample radiographic profiles with H resulted in a 39% reduction in noise. Application of this digital filter should significantly improve detection of radiographic bony changes in the maxilla.

Recent evidence indicates that extracting unerupted mandibular third molars neither decreases interdental force measurably nor prevents mandibular incisor crowding. There are valid reasons for extracting third molars. But extraction for the exclusive purpose of relieving interdental pressure and thereby preventing incisor crowding is unwarranted.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether a difference exists in four digital image features, extracted from standardized periapical radiographs of the maxillary alveolar bone, between younger and older women. These features included mean pixel intensity, I(x); pixel intensity variance, var I(x); mean absolute Fourier transform coefficient, magnitude of F(u); and mean spatial first moment of the absolute Fourier coefficients, M1. The interproximal bone between the maxillary canine and lateral incisor was analyzed in two groups of 10 younger and older women with mean ages of 24 and 74 years, respectively. I(x) was significantly less in the 70-year-old group than in the 20-year-old group (p = 0.01), as were magnitude of F(u) (p less than 0.05) and M1 (p less than 0.01). Var I(x) tended to be significantly less in the 70-year-old group (p = 0.06). We conclude that in women a measurable diminution in the magnitude of these four bony features comes with age.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the use of four image features in describing digitized radiographic bony scan lines, or profiles. These features include the mean pixel intensity, I (x); pixel intensity variance, var I (x); mean absolute Fourier transform coefficient, magnitude of F(u); and mean spatial first moment of the absolute Fourier coefficients, M1. In an animal model I (x) and M1 differed significantly while magnitude of F(u) tended to differ significantly between digitized radiographic profiles of osteoporotic (n = 6) and control (n = 6) rabbit humeri. Case examples illustrating the application of this technique to digitized radiographs of human interproximal alveolar bone are presented.

Relapse of aligned mandibular anterior teeth and the progressive collapse of the mandibular arch is a significant problem for orthodontists. However, identification of a specific cause of such relapse has proved elusive. The transseptal fiber system is thought to stabilize teeth against separating forces. It is hypothesized that this fiber system may actually maintain the contacts of approximating teeth in a state of compression, the long-term result of which could be contact slippage and collapse of the arch. The interproximal force (IPF) at the mandibular first molar-second premolar contact was investigated on the basis of previous studies with this representative contact. The IPF was measured in 10 subjects at six different widths of contact separation. By means of graphic plotting techniques, the IPF at zero separation was calculated to estimate the contact force when the molar and premolar were actually touching. The mean IPF at zero separation was found to be 36.7g (SE = 6.6g), and a t test confirmed the hypothesis that a state of compression between contacts exists (p less than 0.0001). After chewing, the mean IPF at zero separation was 57.2g (SE = 9.1g), and a paired t test revealed an increase in contact compression had resulted (p less than 0.01). It was concluded that the periodontium exerts a continuous force on the mandibular dentition and that this force acts to maintain the contacts of approximating teeth in a state of compression. This force is increased after occlusal loading and may help to explain long-term crowding of the mandibular anterior teeth, physiologic drifting of teeth, and maintenance of posterior dental contacts after interproximal wear.

Lack of adolescent patient compliance is a significant problem in orthodontics. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a commercially available adolescent personality test to predict the behavior of adolescent patients in an orthodontic practice. Specifically, this study tested (1) the use of the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory (MAPI) as an appropriate instrument for an adolescent orthodontic population and (2) the correlation between MAPI test results and orthodontic compliance. The MAPI was administered to 104 13- to 18-year-old orthodontic patients who were blindly evaluated for orthodontic compliance after 2 years of treatment. Twenty modified MAPI scales with high internal consistencies (coefficient alpha = 0.66 to 0.87) were developed. Factor analytic results demonstrated that the modified scales had a dimensionality that was similar to that of the original test. Seven of 20 test scales and gender were found to be significantly correlated with orthodontic compliance. These eight variables contribute to a predictive model that accounts for 24% of the variance in assessing orthodontic compliance. We conclude that the MAPI has potential as a useful instrument in assisting the management of adolescent patient behavior in an orthodontic practice.

Erupting mandibular third molars are implicated as a cause of anterior crowding of mandibular teeth. The goal of this two-part investigation was to measure the mesial force exerted by unerupted mandibular third molars. We hypothesized that such a force increases the tightness of all proximal posterior tooth contacts mesial to the mandibular second molar, and that surgical removal of third molars relieves the tightness by eliminating this force. The contact tightness between mandibular posterior teeth was measured bilaterally in 20 patients with bilateral unerupted mandibular third molars, immediately before and after unilateral removal of a third molar. We found unexpectedly that mean proximal tightness decreased bilaterally in all contacts that were measured after unilateral removal of a third molar, and we did not detect a mesial force exerted by unerupted third molars. We suspected that this bilateral relief of contact tightness resulted from placing the patients in a supine position for surgery. The second part of the experiment was conducted to determine the effects of postural change on proximal contact tightness where no surgery had been performed. For ten subjects we discovered a mean decrease in the tightness of all mandibular posterior contacts 2 hours after the patient had been moved from an upright to a supine position. The greatest mean decrease (-32%, p less than 0.0001) was found at the most posterior tooth contact. We conclude that surgical removal of unerupted mandibular third molars does not significantly reduce proximal contact tightness, but that simple movement from an upright to a supine position relieves such tightness dramatically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

This case report demonstrates correction of a maxillary anterior diastema in a Class I, deep bite dentition by using an intrusion utility archwire. With proper case selection, this approach permits a conservative resolution to a common esthetic complaint. Critical treatment criteria, including diagnostic considerations, appliance mechanics, and retention, are discussed.

We hypothesized that the anterior component of occlusal force (ACF) generated by mandibular molars was a function of molar inclination, height of the transverse condylar axis above the occlusal plane, steepness of the occlusal plane, gape, molar root dimensions, interproximal tooth contact force when not biting, and bite force. Our research aim was to identify those biomechanical factors which determine ACF. Mandibular second molars were axially loaded with a 90 N force (10 mm second molar gape) in 15 subjects, and the resulting ACF was measured at the mandibular first molar-second premolar contact using a recording technique based on interproximal frictional forces. Morphologic measurements were obtained from lateral cephalometric radiographs of each subject and included: Frankfort mandibular plane angle, occlusal plane angle, angles formed by the longitudinal axis of the second molar and the occlusal and mandibular planes, perpendicular distance from the top of the condyle to the occlusal plane, and second molar root width and root length. For ten subjects, ACF resulting from axial loads of 50, 100, 150, and 200 N was measured. For ten subjects, ACF resulting from an axial load of 50 N and second molar gapes of 10 mm, 14 mm, 18 mm, and 22 mm were measured. ACF increased with increasing gape and increased proportionally to increasing bite force. Correlation and stepwise regression analyses revealed that ACF varies with interproximal tooth contact force when not biting (contact 'tightness') and molar root width (model R2 = 0.71, p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the anterior component of occlusal force and malalignment of the mandibular anterior teeth. The anterior component of occlusal force that resulted from axially loading the second molars was measured in 15 subjects with varying degrees of mandibular anterior dental malalignment. Malalignment of the mandibular anterior teeth was found to be related to the magnitude of the anterior component of occlusal force and to the tightness of interproximal contacts in the mandibular posterior segments.

The purpose of this investigation was to design and develop instrumentation to measure the anterior component of occlusal force generated by a single tooth under a known axial load. An additional objective was to quantify the distribution and dissipation of this force as it progressed anteriorly. The anterior component of the occlusal force generated by the left second molar was calculated from frictional force measurements at each contact mesial to the first molars in both dental arches. The distribution of this force and its dissipation were determined for 15 subjects. When a load was placed on the posterior teeth, the anterior component of the occlusal force was found to progress anteriorly through interproximal contacts and not to progress beyond open contacts. The mean magnitude of this force for a conservative occlusal load of 20 pounds was unexpectedly high: 5 pounds against the premolars and 1 pound against the canines. In some subjects this force crossed the dental midline and continued around the arch to the canine of the contralateral side. The distribution and dissipation of the anterior component of the occlusal force anteriorly approximated an exponential decay function.

An investigation was conducted to clarify the relationship between orthodontic treatment and caries incidence. DMF indices from 308 orthodontically treated and 305 untreated naval recruits were compared. Contrary to expectations, there was no evidence that orthodontic treatment increases caries experience. Orthodontically treated subjects had significantly fewer diseased surfaces--a difference averaging one less diseased surface per patient. Treatment status did not generally affect the number of filled surfaces. Treated subjects had more missing teeth if first premolars were considered, but untreated subjects had more missing teeth if first premolars were not considered. No significant correlation was found between caries incidence and duration of orthodontic treatment. The epidemiologic basis and significance of these findings are discussed.

Computer-assisted dental diagnosis has been discussed from the perspective of applications, decision-making processes, and a specific example of a diagnostic system. Rapid technologic advancement and anticipated developments in the field of artificial intelligence will undoubtedly change both our expectations of future evolutions and our capacity to transform these expectations into reality. The ability of computers to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of practitioners will make automation integral to future dental practice.

A computerized record system has been developed which is capable of capturing, storing, and displaying, in a standard clinical format, the information generated during comprehensive general dental examinations. This system has been tested during examination of 200 patients.

Radiographic images were stored on a laser optical disk and later displayed on a monitor in an attempt to assess the usefulness of this technology for archiving of radiographic images. The results of this study indicated that laser disk archiving of dental panoramic and bitewing radiographs is feasible and that this technology is also adequate for archiving certain medical and maxillofacial images.