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PURPOSE: Clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic comparisons of the peri-implant health in edentulous volunteers wearing long-standing implant-supported ball- or Dolder bar-retained mandibular overdentures were performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten age- and gender-matched individuals (mean age, 71 years) with either ball- or bar-retained complete mandibular overdentures, scheduled for an annual implant recall examination, were investigated an average of 7 years after implant placement. Plaque and gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained from the peri-implant sulcus. The groups were compared with regard to peri-implant probing depth; plaque and bleeding on probing scores; sulcular fluid flow rates; implant stability measurements (Periotest device); relative concentrations of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, and Treponema denticola assessed by polymerase chain reaction analysis; and sulcular concentrations of interleukin-1beta and prostaglandin E2, assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found for any of the examined parameters between both study groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, both ball attachments and Dolder bars can be recommended for overdenture retention, with either one showing satisfying clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic findings in the peri-implant tissues after several years of service in healthy recall patients with good oral hygiene habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study had a twofold aim: first, to gather knowledge about the prevalence of radiologic signs of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) and possible risk factors in patients who had worn an implant prosthesis for between 2.5 and 10 years; and second, to investigate the diagnostic value of radiologic TMJ-OA signs for orofacial pain in a non-temporomandibular disorders group. Materials and Methods: Two hundred thirty patients (134 women, 96 men) answered a questionnaire regarding orofacial pain. In mean, they were 64 years old and wore 98 fixed and 132 removable implant dentures. The effect of age, gender, state of the dentition, time span after prosthesis placement, parafunction, and TMJ sounds on radiologic TMJ-OA signs was estimated through multiple logistic regression. The predictive values were calculated to assess the diagnostic value of severe TMJ-OA signs to predict orofacial pain. Results: Prevalence of TMJ-OA signs was 70% for flattening, 23% for osteophytes, and 24% for erosion. Some effect on radiologic TMJ-OA signs of gender and state of the dentition was found. The predictive values for orofacial pain from radiologic TMJ-OA ranged from 0.22 to 0.81. Conclusion: Radiologic signs of TMJ-OA were common findings. The study gave no indication that long-term wearing of an implant prosthesis has a negative effect on TMJ-OA. It was not possible to predict orofacial pain from radiologic TMJ-OA signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquired dental pellicle plays a critical role in the adhesion and detachment of dental plaque bacteria. It has been reported that titanium dioxide biomaterials decompose single-protein films by photocatalysis. However, it is not known whether this can also be achieved with complex structured pellicle films. This in vitro study investigated in real-time the formation and photocatalytic decomposition of human pellicle at anatase-saliva interfaces. Nanostructured polycrystalline anatase layers were deposited on titanium-coated quartz crystals by magnetron-sputtering, serving as a model for titanium implant surfaces. The quartz crystals were used as acoustic sensors in a quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) system with dissipation. In situ UV irradiation of pellicle-covered anatase caused a statistically significant decrease of the adsorbed salivary mass. In contrast, photocatalytic decomposition of pellicle could not be observed on reference titanium surfaces. Wettability characterization revealed superhydrophilicity of anatase upon UV irradiation, whereas titanium was unaffected. XPS measurements provide further information concerning the decomposition of the salivary films. The results suggest that the photocatalytic activity of polycrystalline anatase-modified biomaterial surfaces is able to decompose complex structured macromolecular pellicle films. Therefore, this study opens the way to surface modifications supporting therapeutic approaches of biofilm removal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Floral traits of three Japanese and one European buckwheat varieties were studied in a phytotron under three photoperiods (short-day 10/14 h, long- day 14/10 h, extreme long-day 18/6 h) and two ther- moperiods (25/20, and 15 °C constant temperature). The Japanese varieties showed a strong delay in flowering under prolonged day length, whereas one European variety reacted almost day-neutral. Also affected by the photoperiod were the number of flower clusters as well as their sizes. A constant low temperature of 15°C led to a strong delay in flowering under short- and long-day in all the varieties tested. In particular, the Japanese varieties were sensitive to temperature, developing more flower clusters under high temperature. Furthermore the experiments revealed complex genotype/photoperiod/thermoperiod interactions. The study, conducted to investigate the causes of low seed-set observed in buckwheat, offered some suggestions for new breeding strategies. Insensitive genotypes, showing less sensitivity to photoperiod as well as to thermoperiod, should be included in further buckwheat improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an 8-year retrospective study, 631 injuries due to the racquet sports of squash (59%), tennis (21%) and badminton (20%) were seen in a sports injury clinic, males predominating (58 to 66%). The proportion of squash injuries was higher than expected and probably relates to higher physical stress and risk of contact in this sport. Also they occurred mainly in persons over 25 years (59%) i.e. the reverse for sport in general. Acute traumatic injuries were seen especially in squash players, a majority affecting the knee, lumbar region, muscles and ankle. Tennis injuries differed most with lateral epicondylitis, patello-femoral pain and lumbar disc prolapse being relatively common. The badminton injury pattern overlapped the others. Lower limb injuries predominated in all three. Detailed assessment of 106 cases showed many to be new, infrequent, social players. Poor warm-up was a common factor in new and established players. The importance of these findings is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Over a five year period, 137 athletes presented to a Sports Injury Clinic with patello-femoral arthralgia. This was 5.4% of the total injuries seen and a quarter of all knee problems treated. Running contributed to 32% of the athletes with patello-femoral pain. There was a 4:1 male:female ratio and nearly 70% were in the 16-25 year age range. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to 72 athletes seen in the last two years with a 78% response rate. Symptoms and treatment are discussed. After conservative therapy only 28.6% were entirely symptom free with a mean follow up of 13.1 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a prospective study over the two years 1981-1982, there were 1186 separate sporting injuries treated at a Sports Injury Clinic. Just over 75% of patients were aged between 16 and 25 years old, while 80% were male. Football, Rugby, Running, Squash and Rowing contributed over 70% of these injuries. The commonest injuries were to the lower limb and lumbar region. In 43% of knee injuries there was strain of the collateral ligaments, while another 26% had patello-femoral pain. Short distance running was associated with an increase in shin splints, tibial stress fractures and hamstring injuries. Long distance running was associated with an increase in ankle and foot injuries. Sports Injury Clinics can benefit the injured athlete and there appears to be a need for their development in major hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examines the reasons for amputation of the lower limb in 11 patients with RA. The reasons for amputation were ischaemia due to peripheral vascular disease; rheumatoid vasculitis; or complications of knee arthroplasty. Delayed healing was common in patients on steroid therapy. The patients had difficulty donning and doffing their prostheses due to poor hand function and impaired agility. Walking training and rehabilitation were slow and tended to precipitate a generalized flare-up of disease activity. Rheumatoid nodules developed on pressure points between stump and socket. Despite these problems the majority of patients preferred to wear a prosthesis for help in transferring in and out of the wheelchair, to complete their appearance and for limited mobility. Most found using an electric powered indoor wheel chair helped maintain their independence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mosquito larval control by biorational larvicides plays a crucial role in mosquito and mosquito-borne disease management. However, the availability of larvicides that meet the criteria of efficacy, safety, and quality is limited and conventional pesticides are no longer preferred for larval control. Although efforts are made to research new active ingredients (AIs), it is equally important to innovate new formulations based on currently available AIs such as microbial agents and insect growth regulators. Studies were therefore conducted to compare the laboratory activity and semi-field efficacy of OmniPrene® G and Altosid® Pellets with DR-tech, both containing 4.25% S-methoprene, at 2.8 kg/ha and 11.2 kg/ha against the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) in outdoor microcosms. Both products performed equally in bioassays against the test species with comparable inhibition of emergence activities. In the semi-field study, the lower dose of Altosid Pellets at 2.8 kg/ha, showed lower efficacy than OmniPrene G during the initial 6 weeks; this difference became negligible on week 7, followed by higher efficacy in Altosid Pellets on weeks 8 and 9. More uniform efficacy was observed at the higher dose of 11.2 kg/ha. Equal performance was revealed during weeks 2 to 6, with the OmniPrene G outperforming the Altosid Pellets in week 1, but the opposite during weeks 7 to 9. Mortality patterns were similar in both products, i.e., majority of mortality occurred before emergence, although more incomplete emergence was noted in lower doses, particularly in Altosid Pellets. Overall, newly available OmniPrene G provided comparable activity and efficacy with Altosid Pellets against the test species, with the advantages of fast initial AI release and even coverage, particularly when applied at low doses., (Copyright © 2024 by The American Mosquito Control Association, Inc.)

Aim: To evaluate site-related changes in periodontal pocket depth (PPD) after non-surgical periodontal therapy and to identify predictors for PPD changes in a retrospective patient data analysis., Materials and Methods: PPD, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, tooth mobility (TM), furcation involvement (FI), abutment status, adherence to supportive periodontal care (SPC) and SPC follow-ups were obtained from fully documented patient data before periodontal therapy (baseline, T0), after active periodontal therapy (APT, T1) and during SPC (T2). PPD changes were classified into deteriorated or unchanged/improved at the site level. Multi-level logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing PPD changes during SPC., Results: This retrospective study included 51 females and 65 males (mean T0 age: 54.8 ± 10.1 years, 25 smokers, 12 diabetics) suffering from Stage III/IV periodontitis. Evaluation outcome: T0/16,044 sampling sites/2674 teeth; T1/15,636/2606; T2/14,754/2459. During 9.0 ± 2.3 years SPC, PPD decreased (-1.33 ± 0.70 mm) by 21.8% of the sites, remained unchanged by 41.4% and increased (1.40 ± 0.78 mm) by 36.8%. Distopalatal FI (p < .001, odds ratio [OR]: 0.252, 95% confidence interval [CI] for OR: 0.118-0.540), residual pockets (p < .001, OR: 0.503, 95% CI: 0.429-0.590) and TM Degrees I-III (Degree I: p = .002, OR: 0.765, 95% CI: 0.646-0.905; Degree II: p = .006, OR: 0.658, 95% CI: 0.489-0.886; Degree III: p = .023, OR: 0.398, 95% CI: 0.180-0.879) correlated significantly with increasing PPD., Conclusions: Over 75% of PPD remained unchanged or increased during SPC. Distopalatal FI, TM Degrees I-III and residual pockets after APT lead to worsening of periodontal pockets., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Periodontology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Eight cases of locally acquired, mosquito-transmitted (i.e., autochthonous) Plasmodium vivax malaria, which has not been reported in the United States since 2003, were reported to CDC from state health departments in Florida and Texas during May 18-July 17, 2023. As of August 4, 2023, case surveillance, mosquito surveillance and control activities, and public outreach and education activities continue in both states. U.S. clinicians need to consider a malaria diagnosis in patients with unexplained fever, especially in areas where autochthonous malaria has been recently reported, although the risk for autochthonous malaria in the United States remains very low. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria can prevent severe disease or death and limit ongoing transmission to local Anopheles mosquitoes and other persons. Preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes at home can prevent mosquitoborne diseases, including malaria. Before traveling internationally to areas with endemic malaria, travelers should consult with a health care provider regarding recommended malaria prevention measures, including potentially taking malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is a nationally notifiable disease; continued reporting of malaria cases to jurisdictional health departments and CDC will also help ensure robust surveillance to detect and prevent autochthonous malaria in the United States., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Recent research into the buckling load of thin shells has focused on local poking of the shell. In this approach, the shell is poked under load to extract its stability landscape , and a ridge tracking method is performed to estimate the buckling load of the shell. It is the current understanding that the stability landscape measures the local stability of the shell and, as a result, that the accuracy of ridge tracking greatly relies on the location of poking. Currently, there is no method that can predict where poking should be performed on an experimental system. Here, we examine the global response of thin shells to poking through the energy landscape. We present an experimental method for measuring the energy landscape of thin shells and demonstrate its application on a thin plate strip. We show that by analysing the dynamics of the shell in the energy landscape we can experimentally measure the buckling mode of the system, which gives the correct point of poking for accurate ridge tracking, and identify two kinds of buckling points. Finally, we propose how this approach can be applied to more complex systems such as thin cylinders. This article is part of the theme issue 'Probing and dynamics of shock sensitive shells'.

Objectives: To describe the peri-implant condition of unselected implant recall patients, to relate it to relevant features from the patient medical history, and to look at associations across these findings., Patients and Methods: Prior to their most recent recall appointment, 74 individuals underwent a clinical and microbiological (PCR) investigation., Results: Signs of a serious peri-implantitis condition were not encountered in this patient cohort. However, a high prevalence of moderate plaque and bleeding on probing (60% and 78%, respectively) and PCR proof of periodonto-pathogenic bacteria (43% positive for one or more target species) was apparent. The mean pocket probing depth was 2.9 mm. The by far most prominent co-morbidity belonged to the group of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD; 27%). CVD were statistically significantly associated with the prevalence and concentration of Prevotella intermedia in the peri-implant sulcus (P = 0.022). Age was positively associated with plaque load (P < 0.001). The Tanerella forsythensis score and prevalence was higher in implants supporting fixed than removable restorations (P = 0.025). Four of the five bacteria species assessed showed a high association with each other (exception: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans), but not to other hygiene findings., Conclusions: A considerable number of individuals exhibited peri-implant findings that would require anti-infective treatment. Prevalence and concentrations of periodonto-pathogenic bacteria seemed to be associated with a variety of other variables from the patients' history, but not to clinical findings in this patient group., (© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Aberrant signalling of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as c-Met, the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), has been implicated in the oncogenesis of various tumours including non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Through its pro-migratory properties, c-Met has been implicated specifically in the process of tumour metastasis, demanding a better understanding of the underlying signalling pathways. Various players downstream of c-Met have been well characterised, including the extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2. In a small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based high-throughput wound healing screen performed in A549 lung carcinoma cells, we identified ERK2 but not ERK1 as a strong mediator of HGF-induced motility. This finding was confirmed in several NSCLC cell lines as well as in HeLa cells. One known substrate for ERK kinases in cell migration, the focal adhesion protein paxillin, was also one of the hits identified in the screen. We demonstrate that HGF stimulation results in a time-dependent phosphorylation of paxillin on serine 126, a process that can be blocked by inhibition of the ERK1/2 upstream kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1) or inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). Further, we show that paxillin turnover at focal adhesions is increased upon stimulation by HGF, an effect that is dependent on serine residues 126 (GSK3 site) and 130 (ERK site) within paxillin. In line with the isoform-specific requirement of ERK2 for HGF-mediated migration in lung tumour cell models, ERK2 but not ERK1 is shown to be responsible for paxillin serine 126 phosphorylation and its increased turnover at focal adhesions.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of implant geometry on primary stability and on peri-implant bone loss in an in vitro model using the Periotest and Osstell devices., Materials and Methods: Screw-type implants of various diameters and lengths were inserted into bovine bone blocks of different densities, and the primary insertion stability was recorded. To study the influence of implant geometry on implant stability with different levels of peri-implant bone loss, implants were inserted into acrylic resin blocks to mimic osseointegration, and different amounts of the peri-implant acrylic resin were removed. Measurements with both devices at each millimeter step yielded the threshold for the least detectable attachment loss., Results: The predominant factors influencing implant stability were bone quality and attachment loss. Implant type and length exerted some influence on implant stability values, while variations in implant diameter produced only minor alterations in the measurements. In simulations of peri-implant attachment loss, implant stability decreased more dramatically for the shorter and narrower implants. The inclusion of more variables in the analyses resulted in less focused measurements., Conclusions: The results of this study clearly show that the outcome of implant stability assessment depends on environmental factors such as bone quality and implant geometry. While the authors do not recommend the use of the Periotest or Osstell devices for a comparison of the stability of two individual implants, both should be useful to monitor the state of an individual implant over time.

The mammalian protein kinase N (PKN) family of Serine/Threonine kinases comprises three isoforms, which are targets for Rho family GTPases. Small GTPases are major regulators of the cellular cytoskeleton, generating interest in the role(s) of specific PKN isoforms in processes such as cell migration and invasion. It has been reported that PKN3 is required for prostate tumour cell invasion but not PKN1 or 2. Here we employ a cell model, the 5637 bladder tumour cell line where PKN2 is relatively highly expressed, to assess the potential redundancy of these isoforms in migratory responses. It is established that PKN2 has a critical role in the migration and invasion of these cells. Furthermore, using a PKN wild-type and chimera rescue strategy, it is shown that PKN isoforms are not simply redundant in supporting migration, but appear to be linked through isoform specific regulatory domain properties to selective upstream signals. It is concluded that intervention in PKNs may need to be directed at multiple isoforms to be effective in different cell types.

The propagation of autonomous parvoviruses is strongly dependent on the phosphorylation of the major nonstructural protein NS1 by members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family. Minute virus of mice (MVM) replication is accompanied by changes in the overall phosphorylation pattern of NS1, which is newly modified at consensus PKC sites. These changes result, at least in part, from the ability of MVM to modulate the PDK-1/PKC pathway, leading to activation and redistribution of both PDK-1 and PKCeta. We show that proteins of the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family are essential for virus propagation and spreading through their functions as adaptors for PKCeta. MVM infection led to redistribution of radixin and moesin in the cell, resulting in increased colocalization of these proteins with PKCeta. Radixin was found to control the PKCeta-driven phosphorylation of NS1 and newly synthesized capsids in vivo. Conversely, radixin phosphorylation and activation were driven by the NS1/CKIIalpha complex. Altogether, these data argue for ERM proteins being both targets and modulators of parvovirus infection.

Autonomous parvoviruses are strongly dependent on the phosphorylation of the major non-structural protein NS1 by members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family. Besides being accompanied with changes in the overall phosphorylation pattern of NS1 and acquiring new modifications at consensus PKC sites, ongoing minute virus of mice (MVM) infections lead to the appearance of new phosphorylated cellular protein species. This prompted us to investigate whether MVM actively interferes with phosphoinositol-dependent kinase (PDK)/PKC signalling. The activity, subcellular localization and phosphorylation status of the protein kinases PDK1, PKCeta and PKClambda were measured in A9 cells in the presence or absence of MVM infection. Parvovirus infection was found to result in activation of both PDK1 and PKCeta, as evidenced by changes in their subcellular distribution and overall (auto)phosphorylation. We show evidence that activation of PKCeta by PDK1 is driven by atypical PKClambda. By modifying the hydrophobic motif of PKCeta, PKClambda appeared to control docking and consecutive phosphorylation of PKCeta's activation-loop by PDK1, a process that was inhibited in vivo in the presence of a dominant-negative PKClambda mutant.

Objectives: To assess the performance of clinical, microbiological, and immunological diagnosis of peri-implant health and the influence of professional hygiene measures on them., Material and Methods: Twenty-one edentulous patients with oral implants supporting a lower overdenture were followed up over 3 months beginning 1 week before their annual recall visit. Hygiene scores, probing depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), implant stability, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume, sulcular interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations, and relative concentrations of five bacterial species (polymerase chain reaction) were investigated. Measurement variation was assessed as a function of (a) intra- and (b) inter-examiner reliability, (c) inter-implant variation in each patient, (d) time, and (e) effect of hygiene measures by accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, and visualization with the Bland and Altman Plot., Results: Measurement means and accuracy (in parentheses) were as follows: GCF volume 1.5 microl (1.5), Interleukin-1beta 8 ng/ml (26), PGE2 63 ng/ml (185), bacteria sum score 0.2 (0.7), plaque score 1 (1), BOP score 0 (1), Periotest value -4 (3), resonance frequency analysis ISQ 66 (11), and pocket probing depth 2.3 mm (0.7). No finding exhibited any statistically significant measurement variation as explained by accuracy, repeatability, or reproducibility. Bland and Altman Plots revealed insufficient agreement for replicated BOP assessments. A short post-treatment reduction in plaque and BOP scores was visually apparent. Still, professional oral hygiene measures exerted no sustained influence on the clinical and biochemical appearance of the peri-implant tissues., Conclusion: All findings except BOP showed statistically acceptable repeatability and moderate vulnerability to influences present 'chairside' in clinical practice.

Objectives: To assess possible relationships between peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) volumes, biochemical markers of the peri-implant immune response, and periodontitis-associated genotype., Material and Methods: PICF samples from 29 implant maintenance patients, 24 wearing overdentures, five having single crowns and bridgework (11 patients with peri-implantitis and 18 individuals with healthy peri-implant conditions), were analyzed for per site and per crevicular-fluid-volume concentrations of interleukin-1beta, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2, and prostaglandin E2 by ELISA. Associations between the three substance concentrations and to crevicular fluid flow rate were analyzed by linear regression analysis. The possible differentiating influence of the composite interleukin-1A and -1B genotype on the patients' peri-implant health and biochemical inflammatory status was checked formally with t-test statistics and the Wilcoxon' test. One implant per patient was chosen for analysis., Results: In patients with healthy peri-implant conditions, genotype-positive individuals showed elevated crevicular fluid flow rates and at the same time reduced mediator concentrations. In patients with an implant affected from peri-implantitis, no statistically significant influence of the periodontitis-associated genotype around the fixture can be stated. There was no statistical difference between per site and per crevicular-fluid-volume concentration analyses. All three mediator concentrations were positively related to each other, while there was a strong negative correlation between crevicular fluid volume and plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 or prostaglandin E2., Conclusions: The Interleukin-1 polymorphism investigated exerted only little influence on the peri-implant crevicular immune response, and this influence appeared to be of limited impact in sites with established peri-implantitis lesions.

Objective: We compared the performance of damping capacity assessment (Periotest device) to resonance frequency analysis (Osstell device) in the assessment of peri-implant bone loss in an in vitro experiment., Material and Methods: Screw-type oral implants were polymerized into acrylic blocks. Peri-implant bone loss was simulated by successively removing defined portions of material surrounding the implants in millimeter increments. Measurement values of both devices were compared by assessing the associated measurement errors, by calculating correlation analyses and drawing scatterplots, and by means of regression analysis referring to increasing bone loss., Results: Both devices produced comparable results suggesting agreement of the measured implant stability values to the actual loss of peri-implant resin. There was a noticeable correlation of the Periotest and Osstell implant stability values., Conclusion: The results of this experiment suggest agreement in predicting the actual implant stability with both the instruments with the Osstell instrument being the more precise device.

Objectives: The aims of this in vitro study were to evaluate reliability of the Osstell and Periotest devices in the assessment of implant stability and to perform a method comparison., Material and Methods: Commercial dental implants were inserted into bovine rib segments of different anatomical origins and densities. Repeated measurements were performed, varying (a) the torque-in force of the devices' attachment screw (the Osstell transducer and the ball attachment, insert for the Periotest device), (b) the insertion site bone quality, and (c) the thread exposure in simulated peri-implant bone defects., Results: Both methods were comparably reliable and showed a strong association to each other in the classification of implant stability. As opposed to torque-forced screw attachment, the variations in bone composition, differences in inter-implant stability of adjacent implants, and peri-implant bone reduction were statistically significant for both methods., Conclusions: Both non-invasive diagnostic devices seem to be useful in the long-term follow-up of implant integration.

During a productive infection, the prototype strain of parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVMp) induces dramatic morphological alterations to the fibroblast host cell A9, resulting in cell lysis and progeny virus release. In order to understand the mechanisms underlying these changes, we characterized the fate of various cytoskeletal filaments and investigated the nuclear/cytoplasmic compartmentalization of infected cells. While most pronounced effects could be seen on micro- and intermediate filaments, manifest in dramatic rearrangements and degradation of filamentous (F-)actin and vimentin structures, only little impact could be seen on microtubules or the nuclear envelope during the entire monitored time of infection. To further analyze the disruption of the cytoskeletal structures, we investigated the viral impact on selective regulatory pathways. Thereby, we found a correlation between microtubule stability and MVM-induced phosphorylation of alpha/beta tubulin. In contrast, disassembly of actin filaments late in infection could be traced back to the disregulation of two F-actin associated proteins gelsolin and Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASP). Thereby, an increase in the amount of gelsolin, an F-actin severing protein was observed during infection, accounting for the disruption of stress fibers upon infection. Concomitantly, the actin polymerization activity also diminished due to a loss of WASP, the activator protein of the actin polymerization machinery the Arp2/3 complex. No effects could be seen in amount and distribution of other F-actin regulatory factors such as cortactin, cofilin, and profilin. In summary, the selective attack of MVM towards distinct host cell cytoskeletal structures argues for a regulatory feature during infection, rather than a collapse of the host cell as a mere side effect of virus production.

Use of a digital preparation assistant system may improve considerably the quality of preclinical dental education, provided the system works reliably. Thus, the purpose of this pilot study was to quantitatively assess the reliability of a new preclinical digital preparation assistant system (PREPassist, KaVo, Germany). The system was used to repeatedly scan four different unprepared and four different prepared teeth both with and without repositioning. Corresponding measurements were made to quantify accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility. This was done by estimating the measurement error. Based on this estimation, respective limits of agreement were calculated. We used these ranges, along with assessments of the measurement's accuracy, to judge whether the results satisfy our expectations for clinically acceptable measurements. For preclinical laboratory instruction, the results indicate an acceptable accuracy (mean accuracy of 89 microm) of the measurements. This assessment applies as well to repeatability, given by the range of the respective limits of agreement (range <200 microm). However, in the case of reproducibility, the limits revealed discrepancies of practical importance (range >200 microm). Reproducibility of tooth repositioning in the available mounting device is unacceptable for preclinical laboratory instruction because of the observed range >200 microm. Thus, there is a need for the manufacture of new and more reliable mounting devices because reproducibility procedures are mostly encountered in preclinical instruction in restorative techniques. In contrast to reproducibility, accuracy and repeatability are acceptable for practical purposes. Balancing advantages and disadvantages, we conclude that, in general, the PREPassist system delivers reliable results.

Purpose: The aim of this follow-up investigation was to assess the influence of clinical variables after implant prosthodontic rehabilitation in patients without temporomandibular disorders on alterations of condylar morphology as seen radiographically., Materials and Methods: In 167 patients, the condylar findings of flattening, erosion, osteophytes, and sclerosis were scored according to severity on rotational panoramic radiographs. Findings were followed up on images taken before and on average 5 years after implant prosthodontic rehabilitation. Changes were analyzed in relation to age, gender, initial radiologic status, and occlusal support pre- and posttreatment, according to Eichner groups, by logistic regression analysis., Results: The majority of patients did not show structural alterations over the follow-up period, regardless of whether the condyle was already affected at the outset of the investigation. Condyles unaffected at the time of the first radiograph made up the majority of increases in radiographic score. Flattening and sclerosis were cumulative, whereas erosions and osteophytes had a more transient character. There was no influence of the mentioned clinical or radiographic findings on the development of changes., Conclusion: Over the investigated period, the incidence of all four noted findings doubled. However, the statistical methods employed could not detect any influence of patient variables or the insertion of implant-retained prosthodontics on the development of condylar changes in this specific patient group. Both assertions reflect the complexity of the topic.

The multifunctional protein NS1 of minute virus of mice (MVMp) is posttranslationally modified and at least in part regulated by phosphorylation. The atypical lambda isoform of protein kinase C (PKClambda) phosphorylates residues T435 and S473 in vitro and in vivo, leading directly to an activation of NS1 helicase function, but it is insufficient to activate NS1 for rolling circle replication. The present study identifies an additional cellular protein kinase phosphorylating and regulating NS1 activities. We show in vitro that the recombinant novel PKCeta phosphorylates NS1 and in consequence is able to activate the viral polypeptide in concert with PKClambda for rolling circle replication. Moreover, this role of PKCeta was confirmed in vivo. We thereby created stably transfected A9 mouse fibroblasts, a typical MVMp-permissive host cell line with Flag-tagged constitutively active or inactive PKCeta mutants, in order to alter the activity of the NS1 regulating kinase. Indeed, tryptic phosphopeptide analyses of metabolically (32)P-labeled NS1 expressed in the presence of a dominant-negative mutant, PKCetaDN, showed a lack of distinct NS1 phosphorylation events. This correlates with impaired synthesis of viral DNA replication intermediates, as detected by Southern blotting at the level of the whole cell population and by BrdU incorporation at the single-cell level. Remarkably, MVM infection triggers an accumulation of endogenous PKCeta in the nuclear periphery, suggesting that besides being a target for PKCeta, parvovirus infections may also affect the regulation of this NS1 regulating kinase. Altogether, our results underline the tight interconnection between PKC-mediated signaling and the parvoviral life cycle.

Minute virus of mice NS1 protein is a multifunctional phosphoprotein endowed with a variety of enzymatic and regulatory activities necessary for progeny virus particle production. To regulate all of its different functions in the course of a viral infection, NS1 has been proposed to be modulated by posttranslational modifications, in particular, phosphorylation. Indeed, it was shown that the NS1 phosphorylation pattern is altered during the infectious cycle and that the biochemical profile of the protein is dependent on the phosphorylation state of the polypeptide. Moreover, in vitro approaches have identified members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family, in particular, atypical PKC, as regulators of viral DNA replication through the phosphorylation of NS1 residues T435 and S473, thereby activating the protein for DNA unwinding activities. In order to substantiate these findings in vivo, we produced NS1 in the presence of a dominant-negative PKClambda mutant and characterized the purified protein in vitro. The NS1 protein produced under these conditions was found to be only partially phosphorylated and as a consequence to be deficient for viral DNA replication. However, it could be rescued for this viral function by treatment with recombinant activated PKClambda. Our data clearly demonstrate that NS1 is a target for PKClambda phosphorylation in vivo and that this modification is essential for the helicase activity of the viral polypeptide. In addition, the phosphorylation of NS1 at residues T435 and S473 appeared to occur mainly in the nucleus, providing further evidence for the involvement of PKClambda which, unlike PKCzeta, accumulates in the nuclear compartment of infected cells.

In recent years, epitopes of various origin have been inserted into the core protein of hepatitis B virus (HBc), allowing the formation of chimeric HBc particles. Although the C-terminus of a C-terminally truncated HBc (HBc) tolerates the insertion of extended foreign sequences, the insertion capacity is still a limiting factor for the construction of multivalent vaccines. Previously, we described a new system to generate HBc mosaic particles based on a read-through mechanism in an Escherichia coli suppressor strain [J Gen Virol 1997;78:2049-2053]. Those mosaic particles allowed the insertion of a 114-amino acid (aa)-long segment of a Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) nucleocapsid (N) protein. To study the value and the potential limitations of the mosaic approach in more detail, we investigated the assembly capacity of 'non-mosaic' HBc fusion proteins and the corresponding mosaic constructs carrying 94, 213 and 433 aa of the hantaviral N protein. Whereas the fusion proteins carrying 94, 114, 213 or 433 aa were not assembled into HBc particles, or only at a low yield, the insertion of a stop codon-bearing linker restored the ability to form particles with 94, 114 and 213 foreign aa. The mosaic particles formed exhibited PUUV-N protein antigenicity. Immunization of BALB/c mice with these mosaic particles carrying PUUV-N protein aa 1-114, aa 1-213 and aa 340-433, respectively, induced HBc-specific antibodies, whereas PUUV-N protein-specific antibodies were detected only in mice immunized with particles carrying N-terminal aa 1-114 or aa 1-213 of the N protein. Both the anti-HBc and anti-PUUV antibody responses were IgG1 dominated. In conclusion, stop codon suppression allows the formation of mosaic core particles carrying large-sized and 'problematic', e.g. hydrophobic, hantavirus sequences.

Poliovirus neuropathogenicity depends on sequences within the 5' nontranslated region of the virus. Exchange of the poliovirus internal ribosomal entry site with its counterpart from human rhinovirus type 2 resulted in attenuation of neurovirulence in primates. Despite deficient virus propagation in cells of neuronal origin, nonpathogenic polio recombinants retain excellent growth characteristics in cell lines derived from glial neoplasms. Susceptibility of malignant glioma cells to poliovirus may be mediated by expression of a poliovirus receptor, CD155, in glial neoplasms. Intergeneric polio recombinants with heterologous internal ribosomal entry site elements unfolded strong oncolytic potential against experimentally induced gliomas in athymic mice. Our observations suggest that highly attenuated poliovirus recombinants may have applicability as biotherapeutic antineoplastic agents.

Parallel studies were carried out on HLA antigens in patients with rheumatic heart disease and scleritis. Comparison with one control population showed a significant excess of BW15 in both disease samples, while a comparison with two other control populations, showed the excess not to be significant. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed, together with the effect on statistical significance of a small percentage of false antigen assignments in one of the samples. A small systematic serological false assignment of an antigen can, by itself, produce a significant result more easily if the frequency of the antigen being detected is low than if it is high. It is suggested that this effect may contribute to the discrepant significant results obtained by different workers in some HLA and disease studies.

Pain in front of the knee is common in athletes and is often called patellofemoral arthralgia, but it is difficult to prove that the pain arises in that joint. Thermograms of 30 athletes clinically considered to have patellofemoral arthralgia were compared with those of a similar number of unaffected athletes matched for age and sex. A comparison was also made with thermograms of two older groups of 30 patients with knee involvement from either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Twenty-eight of the athletes with patellofemoral arthralgia had a diagnostic pattern on thermography. The anterior knee view showed a rise in temperature on the medial side of the patella and the medialis knee view showed that this temperature rise radiated from the patellar insertion of the vastus medialis into the muscle itself. The possible aetiological role of quadriceps muscle imbalance in athletes with patellofemoral arthralgia is discussed in relation to these findings.