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Statement of Problem: The registration of dental occlusion is essential for prosthodontic treatment. However, studies on time-dependent changes of static and dynamic occlusion that may affect definitive restorations are lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to use conventional and digital occlusal registration techniques to evaluate time-dependent fluctuations in static and dynamic occlusion., Material and Methods: The static and dynamic occlusion of 19 healthy individuals (14 women and 5 men with a mean ±standard deviation age of 30.8 ±4.8 years) was examined 3 times a day using occlusal foil (12-μm occlusion foil) and a digital sensor (T-Scan III). The procedure was repeated after 14 days. The statistical analysis covered all registrations referencing the first measurement point to assess occurring differences, and changes per tooth and arch were determined (α=.05). Potential influencing factors were calculated by using mixed logistic regression. Marginal probabilities were calculated considering the registration technique and the time of measurement., Results: Significant differences were found between registered occlusal patterns and the different registration techniques. Occlusal changes per maxillary dental arch were observed with static foil registration (P<.001; 98.8%), left laterotrusion foil registration (P=.001; 29.6%), right laterotrusion foil registration (P=.001; 29.6%), static sensor registration (P<.001; 20.3%), left laterotrusion sensor registration (P=.001; 71.7%), and right laterotrusion sensor registration (P=.005; 67.7%). None of the techniques showed higher probabilities of occlusal changes at a given time of day with respect to time-dependent changes., Conclusions: The study revealed that occlusion cannot be considered constant and that the topography and intensity of the contact points vary. Circadian occlusion variance can be assumed without preferring a specific time of the day. This differentiated view of occlusion as a changing system helps to clarify the challenge of dental restorations for both the patient and the practitioner., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Evidence on the biocompatibility of three-dimensional (3D)-printed and milled resins for oral splints is limited. This in vitro study assessed the influence of the manufacturing method on the cytotoxicity of oral splint resins on L929 cells and human gingival fibroblasts (GF1)., Materials and Methods: Standardized specimens of four 3D-printed, two-milled, one-thermoformed, and one-pressed splint resin were incubated with L929 and GF1 cells for 24 h. Immunofluorescence and WST-8 assay were performed to evaluate cytotoxic effects. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparison test were applied with the variables "splint resin" and "manufacturing method" (p < .05)., Results: Immunofluorescence showed attachment of L929 and GF1 cells to the splint resins. Irrespective of the manufacturing method, the WST-8 assay revealed significant differences between splint resins for the viability of L929 and GF1 cells. L929 cells generally showed lower viability rates than GF1 cells. The evaluation of cell viability by the manufacturing method showed no significant differences between 3D printing, milling, and conventional methods., Conclusions: The cytotoxic effects of 3D-printed, milled, and conventional oral splint resins were similar, indicating minor influence of the manufacturing method on biocompatibility. Cytotoxicity of the resins was below a critical threshold in GF1 cells. The chemical composition might be more crucial than the manufacturing method for the biocompatibility of splint resins., (© 2022 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: A retrospective evaluation of extended anterior ceramic laminate veneers (EACVs) after a mean observational period of 10 years., Methods: Thirty-one patients (20 females/11 males) underwent restoration with 101 adhesively luted, heat-pressed EACVs (maxilla, n = 65; mandible, n = 36)., Results: The 10 year survival rate was 91.8% (95% confidence interval [95%-CI]: 0.87;0.97). Eight ceramic fractures, one biological failure, and one change in treatment plan caused the observed failures. Seventy-seven of the 101 restorations remained intervention-free in service (success rate: 78.6% [95%-CI: 0.70;0.88]). Fourteen interventions were needed (nine recementations, two endodontic treatments, two composite fillings, and one fracture polishing). The jaw position (maxilla/mandible, survival P = .578/success P = .056) had no influence on the clinical performance. EACVs covering large areas of exposed dentin (>50%) were associated with a significantly increased risk (hazard ratio 2.98, P = .019) of needing a clinical intervention (success rate: 68.0% [95%-CI: 0.52; 0.84]). However, the degree of dentin exposure had no effect on the survival rate (P = .761)., Conclusions: After a mean observational period of 10 years, mandibular and maxillary EACVs exhibited survival and success rates that were comparable. Significantly lower success rates were associated with large areas of exposed dentin (>50%)., Clinical Significance: Mandibular and maxillary EACV revealed 10-year survival rates comparable to those published for anterior metal-ceramic and glass-ceramic full-coverage crowns. Precaution should be taken not to expose dentin, and when large areas of dentin are exposed, different conditioning/luting strategies should be used., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: Retrospective evaluation of the clinical performance of tooth-supported overdentures retained by resilient telescopic crowns with occlusal clearance fit (ODRTC) in severely reduced dentition (1-3 remaining teeth)., Materials and Methods: A total of 313 ODRTCs were inserted in an undergraduate prosthodontic program (University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany) between 2000 und 2012. Data regarding 263 ODRTCs in 221 patients were reevaluated (observational period: 64.5 ± 34.8 months), and time-dependent survival and success rates (Kaplan-Meier-Estimator) were calculated. The number of the abutment teeth was analyzed as an influencing factor (Cox regression model (p < 0.05))., Results: The 5- and 8-year overdenture survival rates were 62% [CI: 0.55; 0.69] and 38% [CI: 0.30; 0.45]. The 5- and 8-year success-rates (biologically and technically event-free restorations) were 13% [CI: 0.09; 0.17] and 3% [CI: 0.01; 0.05]. On the abutment level, the 5- and 8-year survival rates were 55% [CI: 0.48; 0.62], and 34% [CI: 0.27; 0.42]. The number of abutment teeth significantly influenced the overdenture and abutment survival rates. Restorations with 1 or 2 abutments were significantly associated with an increased number of technical and biological complications (decementation of the primary crown, abutment fracture) compared to ODRTCs with 3 abutments., Conclusions: The survival and success rates of ODRTCs are significantly influenced by the number of abutments., Clinical Relevance: For ODRTCs, reduced survival and success rates are expected, especially when only 1 or 2 abutment teeth are included.

Compartmentalization of membrane transport and signaling processes is of pivotal importance to eukaryotic cell function. While plasma membrane compartmentalization and dynamics are well known to depend on the scaffolding function of septin GTPases, the roles of septins at intracellular membranes have remained largely elusive. Here, we show that the structural and functional integrity of the Golgi depends on its association with a septin 1 (SEPT1)-based scaffold, which promotes local microtubule nucleation and positioning of the Golgi. SEPT1 function depends on the Golgi matrix protein GM130 (also known as GOLGA2) and on centrosomal proteins, including CEP170 and components of γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-Turc), to facilitate the perinuclear concentration of Golgi membranes. Accordingly, SEPT1 depletion triggers a massive fragmentation of the Golgi ribbon, thereby compromising anterograde membrane traffic at the level of the Golgi., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2019. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)

This in vitro study evaluated the effects of different abutment axial heights on the retentiveness of adhesively and self-adhesively luted zirconia copings. Ankylos implants were embedded in resin blocks. Two groups of titanium abutments ("long", height: 6.79 mm, taper: 4.8°; "short", height: 4.31 mm, taper: 4.8°; Compartis-ISUS, DeguDent) were used for the luting of CAD/CAM-fabricated zirconia copings (Compartis, DeguDent) with an adhesive (Multilink Automix; Ivoclar Vivadent) and a self-adhesive (RelyX Unicem; 3M ESPE) composite. After water storage and 5000 thermocycles (5 °C/55 °C), retention forces were evaluated using a universal testing machine (Zwick). Significant differences were determined via two-way ANOVA and t-tests with Bonferroni-Holm correction. Significant interactions between abutment geometry and luting agents were observed. RelyX Unicem showed the highest levels of retentiveness, irrespective of the varying abutment geometries (mean values long/short: 487.7 N/447.9 N). When Multilink Automix was used, removal forces were significantly lower (311.7 N/101.1 N) and negatively affected by the use of the shorter abutments. Customized long abutments supported better retention forces than customized short abutments for both luting agents., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aims/hypothesis: Wingless-type (Wnt) inducible signalling pathway protein-1 (WISP1) has been recently identified as a proinflammatory adipokine. We examined whether WISP1 expression and circulating levels are altered in type 2 diabetes and whether WISP1 affects insulin signalling in muscle cells and hepatocytes., Methods: Serum and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) biopsies, for analysis of circulating WISP1 levels by ELISA and WISP1 mRNA expression by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, were collected from normal-weight men (control group, n = 33) and obese men with (n = 46) and without type 2 diabetes (n = 56) undergoing surgery. Following incubation of primary human skeletal muscle cells (hSkMCs) and murine AML12 hepatocytes with WISP1 and insulin, insulin signalling was analysed by western blotting. The effect of WISP1 on insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis was investigated in hSkMCs and murine hepatocytes, respectively., Results: Circulating WISP1 levels were higher in obese men (independent of diabetes status) than in normal-weight men (mean [95% CI]: 70.8 [55.2, 86.4] ng/l vs 42.6 [28.5, 56.6] ng/l, respectively; p < 0.05). VAT WISP1 expression was 1.9-fold higher in obese men vs normal-weight men (p < 0.05). Circulating WISP1 levels were positively associated with blood glucose in the OGTT and circulating haem oxygenase-1 and negatively associated with adiponectin levels. In hSkMCs and AML12 hepatocytes, recombinant WISP1 impaired insulin action by inhibiting phosphorylation of insulin receptor, Akt and its substrates glycogen synthase kinase 3β, FOXO1 and p70S6 kinase, and inhibiting insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis and suppression of gluconeogenic genes., Conclusions/interpretation: Circulating WISP1 levels and WISP1 expression in VAT are increased in obesity independent of glycaemic status. Furthermore, WISP1 impaired insulin signalling in muscle and liver cells.

Objectives: Retrospective evaluation of extended anterior glass-ceramic veneers 7 years after placement in a private practice., Materials and Methods: A total of 31 patients (20 females/11 males) underwent restoration with adhesively luted extended veneers that were fabricated using heat-pressed glass-ceramic (Cergo, Dentsply Sirona). A single dentist restored 101 teeth (maxilla, n = 65; mandible, n = 36). Adhesive cementation was performed using an etch-and-rinse adhesive (OptibondFL, Kerr Corporation), and two different dual-curing composite cements (Variolink, Ivoclar Vivadent/Calibra, Dentsply Sirona)., Results: After 7 years, the Kaplan-Meier survival rate (in situ criteria) was 93.6% (95% CI: 0.89; 0.98). The observed failures were caused by ceramic fractures for seven restorations and biological failure for one restoration. In total 80 of the 101 restorations were still in service and did not require any clinical intervention (7-year success rate: 84.3% [95% CI]: 0.76; 0.93). Interventions were necessary in 13 cases (8 recementations, 2 endodontic treatments, 2 composite fillings (caries), and 1 polishing of minor fractures). The clinical performance was not influenced by the veneer position (maxilla/mandible, survival P = .56/success P = .30). The veneers that covered large areas of exposed dentin (>50%) exhibited a significantly increased risk (hazard ratio 3.71, P = .0041) for requiring a clinical intervention; however, no effect on the survival rate was observed for these veneers (P = .35)., Conclusions: Following 7 years of clinical service, extended anterior ceramic veneer restorations exhibited comparable survival and success rates for the upper and lower jaw. Large areas of exposed dentin (>50%) were associated with significantly lower success rates., Clinical Significance: Dentin exposure (more than 50% of the preparation surface) during preparation significantly affects the clinical performance of extended heat-pressed glass-ceramic veneers., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Aims/hypothesis: Obesity results from a constant and complex interplay between environmental stimuli and predisposing genes. Recently, we identified the IFN-activated gene Ifi202b as the most likely gene responsible for the obesity quantitative trait locus Nob3 (New Zealand Obese [NZO] obesity 3). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ifi202b on body weight and adipose tissue biology, and to clarify the functional role of its human orthologue IFI16., Methods: The impact of Ifi202b and its human orthologue IFI16 on adipogenesis was investigated by modulating their respective expression in murine 3T3-L1 and human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) pre-adipocytes. Furthermore, transgenic mice overexpressing IFI202b were generated and characterised with respect to metabolic traits. In humans, expression levels of IFI16 in adipose tissue were correlated with several variables of adipocyte function., Results: In mice, IFI202b overexpression caused obesity (Δ body weight at the age of 30 weeks: 10.2 ± 1.9 g vs wild-type mice) marked by hypertrophic fat mass expansion, increased expression of Zfp423 (encoding the transcription factor zinc finger protein [ZFP] 423) and white-selective genes (Tcf21, Tle3), and decreased expression of thermogenic genes (e.g. Cidea, Ucp1). Compared with their wild-type littermates, Ifi202b transgenic mice displayed lower body temperature, hepatosteatosis and systemic insulin resistance. Suppression of IFI202b/IFI16 in pre-adipocytes impaired adipocyte differentiation and triacylglycerol storage. Humans with high levels of IFI16 exhibited larger adipocytes, an enhanced inflammatory state and impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in white adipose tissue., Conclusions/interpretation: Our findings reveal novel functions of Ifi202b and IFI16, demonstrating their role as obesity genes. These genes promote white adipogenesis and fat storage, thereby facilitating the development of obesity-associated insulin resistance.

This study evaluated the marginal accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated crown copings from four different materials within the same processing route. Twenty stone replicas of a metallic master die (prepared upper premolar) were scanned and divided into two groups. Group 1 ( n = 10) was used for a pilot test to determine the design parameters for best marginal accuracy. Group 2 ( n = 10) was used to fabricate 10 specimens from the following materials with one identical CAD/CAM system (GAMMA 202, Wissner GmbH, Goettingen, Germany): A = commercially pure (cp) titanium, B = cobalt-chromium alloy, C = yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), and D = leucite-reinforced glass-ceramics. Copings from group 2 were evaluated for the mean marginal gap size (MeanMG) and average maximum marginal gap size (AMaxMG) with a light microscope in the "as-machined" state. The effect of the material on the marginal accuracy was analyzed by multiple pairwise comparisons (Mann-Whitney, U -test, α = 0.05, adjusted by Bonferroni-Holmes method). MeanMG values were as follows: A: 46.92 ± 23.12  μ m, B: 48.37 ± 29.72  μ m, C: 68.25 ± 28.54  μ m, and D: 58.73 ± 21.15  μ m. The differences in the MeanMG values proved to be significant for groups A/C ( p = 0.0024), A/D ( p = 0.008), and B/C ( p = 0.0332). AMaxMG values (A: 91.54 ± 23.39  μ m, B: 96.86 ± 24.19  μ m, C: 120.66 ± 32.75  μ m, and D: 100.22 ± 10.83  μ m) revealed no significant differences. The material had a significant impact on the marginal accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated copings.

Objective: Intracellular vesicle trafficking maintains cellular structures and functions. The assembly of cargo-laden vesicles at the trans-Golgi network is initiated by the ARF family of small GTPases. Here, we demonstrate the role of the trans-Golgi localized monomeric GTPase ARFRP1 in endosomal-mediated vesicle trafficking of mature adipocytes., Methods: Control (Arfrp1 flox/flox ) and inducible fat-specific Arfrp1 knockout (Arfrp1 iAT-/- ) mice were metabolically characterized. In vitro experiments on mature 3T3-L1 cells and primary mouse adipocytes were conducted to validate the impact of ARFRP1 on localization of adiponectin and the insulin receptor. Finally, secretion and transferrin-based uptake and recycling assays were performed with HeLa and HeLa M-C1 cells., Results: We identified the ARFRP1-based sorting machinery to be involved in vesicle trafficking relying on the endosomal compartment for cell surface delivery. Secretion of adiponectin from fat depots was selectively reduced in Arfrp1 iAT-/- mice, and Arfrp1-depleted 3T3-L1 adipocytes revealed an accumulation of adiponectin in Rab11-positive endosomes. Plasma adiponectin deficiency of Arfrp1 iAT-/- mice resulted in deteriorated hepatic insulin sensitivity, increased gluconeogenesis and elevated fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, the insulin receptor, undergoing endocytic recycling after ligand binding, was less abundant at the plasma membrane of adipocytes lacking Arfrp1. This had detrimental effects on adipose insulin signaling, followed by insufficient suppression of basal lipolytic activity and impaired adipose tissue expansion., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that adiponectin secretion and insulin receptor surface targeting utilize the same post-Golgi trafficking pathways that are essential for an appropriate systemic insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the clinical survival and success rates of conventionally luted three- and four-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) with zirconia frameworks (Cercon Smart Ceramics, DeguDent) after a mean observation period of 119 ± 36 months., Materials and Methods: A total of 75 patients were treated in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Goettingen, Germany, and a total of 99 posterior FDPs were inserted and luted with zinc phosphate cement. Time-dependent survival and success rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves, and their relationships with the type of veneer (ceramic), location (maxilla vs mandible), and span length (three-unit vs four-unit) were analyzed with a Cox regression model (P < .05)., Results: Of the 99 inserted FDPs, 24 were lost to follow-up, 51 remained functional and passed the 10-year examination (overall survival rate: 75.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64, 0.85), and 13 were absolute failures caused by technical events (technical survival rate: 84%; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.85). In 50 FDPs, relative failure required a clinical intervention to maintain function (overall success rate: 40%; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.52). For 35 of these FDPs, the relative failure was caused by technical events (technical success rate: 61%; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.73). None of the evaluated factors showed an association with overall or technical survival or success., Conclusion: Zirconia-based posterior FDPs produced with a first-generation computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) system revealed high rates of absolute and relative failure, mainly due to technical events, after a mean observational period of 10 years. Further clinical studies with updated computer-assisted design (CAD)/CAM systems are needed to determine the long-term performance of zirconia-based FDPs.

The neurobeachin-like 2 protein (Nbeal2) belongs to the family of beige and Chediak-Higashi (BEACH) domain proteins. Loss-of-function mutations in the human NBEAL2 gene or Nbeal2 deficiency in mice cause gray platelet syndrome, a bleeding disorder characterized by macrothrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and paucity of α-granules in megakaryocytes and platelets. We found that in mast cells, Nbeal2 regulates the activation of the Shp1-STAT5 signaling axis and the composition of the c-Kit/STAT signalosome. Furthermore, Nbeal2 mediates granule formation and restricts the expression of the transcription factors, IRF8, GATA2, and MITF as well as of the cell-cycle inhibitor p27, which are essential for mast cell differentiation, proliferation, and cytokine production. These data demonstrate the relevance of Nbeal2 in mast cells above and beyond granule biosynthesis., (Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

Objective: Increased hepatic expression of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Whether this is causative for the development of NAFLD is not yet clarified. Here we investigate the effect of hepatic DPP4 overexpression on the development of liver steatosis in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity., Methods: Plasma DPP4 activity of subjects with or without NAFLD was analyzed. Wild-type (WT) and liver-specific Dpp4 transgenic mice (Dpp4-Liv-Tg) were fed a high-fat diet and characterized for body weight, body composition, hepatic fat content and insulin sensitivity. In vitro experiments on HepG2 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes were conducted to validate cell autonomous effects of DPP4 on lipid storage and insulin sensitivity., Results: Subjects suffering from insulin resistance and NAFLD show an increased plasma DPP4 activity when compared to healthy controls. Analysis of Dpp4-Liv-Tg mice revealed elevated systemic DPP4 activity and diminished active GLP-1 levels. They furthermore show increased body weight, fat mass, adipose tissue inflammation, hepatic steatosis, liver damage and hypercholesterolemia. These effects were accompanied by increased expression of PPARγ and CD36 as well as severe insulin resistance in the liver. In agreement, treatment of HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes with physiological concentrations of DPP4 resulted in impaired insulin sensitivity independent of lipid content., Conclusions: Our results give evidence that elevated expression of DPP4 in the liver promotes NAFLD and insulin resistance. This is linked to reduced levels of active GLP-1, but also to auto- and paracrine effects of DPP4 on hepatic insulin signaling., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study focused on the clinical investigation of the internal and marginal fit of CAD/CAM-fabricated zirconia single crowns produced via conventional and digital impression techniques., Materials and Methods: In a private practice, 20 molar teeth, one from each of 20 patients, were prepared with a circumferential 1.0-mm deep chamfer and an occlusal reduction of 1.5 mm. Conventional impression (CI) taking with a polyvinylsiloxane material (Aquasil Monophase + Aquasil XLV; Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany) and intraoral scanning (IS) (Cara TRIOS; Heraeus, Hanau, Germany) of each of the preparations was performed, and then two respective zirconia copings per tooth were produced (20 crowns per group). The marginal and internal fit of the restorations was evaluated employing a replica technique. For statistical analysis, a pairwise comparison (Wilcoxon rank test) was performed., Results: Zirconia single crowns produced with the IS technique revealed a statistically significant better precision of internal fit only in specific areas (chamfer area/occlusal area). The evaluation of marginal fit showed no significant differences between the two groups. All restorations of both groups offered internal and marginal gaps within the postulated clinical tolerance ranges., Conclusions: CAD/CAM-fabricated zirconia single crowns produced with CI and IS techniques offer adequate marginal and internal precision. However, the IS technique provides lower internal gaps in some specific areas., Clinical Relevance: The clinical precision of fit of restorations produced with a CI and an IS technique appeared to be equivalent. Therefore, the IS technique can be rated as a suitable alternative for the manufacturing of single crowns.

The number of consumers following a vegan diet has notably increased in many industrialised countries and it is likely that their influence on the food sector will continue to grow. The aim of the present study was to identify different segments of consumers according to their motivation for following a vegan diet. Another objective was to analyse the attitudes of these consumers towards animal agriculture. The main focus was to determine whether all consumers following a vegan diet oppose animal agriculture in general or if some of these consumers accept certain forms of animal agriculture. The 2014 study, conducted at seven vegan supermarkets in Germany, was based on face-to-face interviews with 329 consumers following a vegan diet. The open question on consumer motivations for adopting a vegan diet revealed three main motives: Animal-related motives (mentioned by 89.7% of the respondents), motives related to personal well-being and/or health (69.3%), and environment-related motives (46.8%). The two-step cluster analysis identified five consumer segments with different motivations for following a vegan diet. The vast majority of respondents (81.8%) mentioned more than one motive. We conclude that making a dichotomous segmentation into ethical versus self-oriented consumers, as previous authors have done, disregards the fact that many consumers following a vegan diet are driven by more than one motive. The consumer segments had significantly different attitudes towards animal agriculture. We identified consumers following a vegan diet (about one third of the sample) who might be open to forms of animal agriculture guaranteeing animal welfare standards going beyond current practices. The present study has interesting implications for the food sector and the agricultural sector., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The chairside fabrication of a monolithic partial crown using a zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramic is described. The fully digitized model-free workflow in a dental practice is possible due to the use of a powder-free intraoral scanner and the computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of the restorations. The innovative ZLS material offers a singular combination of fracture strength (>370 Mpa), optimum polishing characteristics, and excellent optical properties. Therefore, this ceramic is an interesting alternative material for monolithic restorations produced in a digital workflow.

This case report describes the fabrication of monolithic all-ceramic restorations using zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramics. The use of powder-free intraoral scanner, generative fabrication technology of the working model, and CAD/CAM of the restorations in the dental laboratory allows a completely digitized workflow. The newly introduced ZLS ceramics offer a unique combination of fracture strength (>420 MPa), excellent optical properties, and optimum polishing characteristics, thus making them an interesting material option for monolithic restorations in the digital workflow.

Objective: A major aspect in evaluating the quality of dental materials is their physical properties. Their properties should be a best fit of the ones of dental hard tissues. Manufacturers give data sheets for each material. The properties listed are characterized by a specific value. This assumes (but does not prove) that there is no direction dependence of the properties. However, dental enamel has direction-dependent properties which additionally vary with location in the tooth. The aim of this paper is to show the local direction dependence of physical properties like the elastic modulus or the thermal expansion in dental hard tissues. With this knowledge the 'perfect filling/dental material' could be characterized., Materials and Method: Enamel sections of ∼400-500 μm thickness have been cut with a diamond saw from labial/buccal to palatal/lingual (canine, premolar and molar) and parallel to labial (incisor). Crystallite arrangements have been measured in over 400 data points on all types of teeth with x-ray scattering techniques, known from materials science., Results: X-ray scattering measurements show impressively that dental enamel has a strong direction dependence of its physical properties which also varies with location within the tooth. Dental materials possess only little or no property direction dependence. Therefore, a mismatch was found between enamel and dental materials properties., Conclusion: Since dental materials should possess equal (direction depending) properties, worthwhile properties could be characterized by transferring the directional properties of enamel into a property 'wish list' which future dental materials should fulfil. Hereby the 'perfect dental material' can be characterized.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of different abutment geometries in combination with varying luting agents and the effectiveness of different cleaning methods (prior to re-cementation) regarding the retentiveness of zirconia copings on implants., Materials and Methods: Implants were embedded in resin blocks. Three groups of titanium abutments (pre-fabricated, height: 7.5 mm, taper: 5.7°; customized-long, height: 6.79 mm, taper: 4.8°; customized-short, height: 4.31 mm, taper: 4.8°) were used for luting of CAD/CAM-fabricated zirconia copings with a semi-permanent (Telio CS) and a provisional cement (TempBond NE). Retention forces were evaluated using a universal testing machine. Furthermore, the influence of cleaning methods (manually, manually in combination with ultrasonic bath or sandblasting) prior to re-cementation with a provisional cement (TempBond NE) was investigated with the pre-fabricated titanium abutments (height: 7.5 mm, taper: 5.7°) and SEM-analysis of inner surfaces of the copings was performed. Significant differences were determined via two-way ANOVA., Results: Significant interactions between abutment geometry and luting agent were observed. TempBond NE showed the highest level of retentiveness on customized-long abutments, but was negatively affected by other abutment geometries. In contrast, luting with Telio CS demonstrated consistent results irrespective of the varying abutment geometries. Manual cleaning in combination with an ultrasonic bath was the only cleaning method tested prior to re-cementation that revealed retentiveness levels not inferior to primary cementation., Conclusion: No superiority for one of the two cements could be demonstrated because their influences on retentive strength are also depending on abutment geometry. Only manual cleaning in combination with an ultrasonic bath offers retentiveness levels after re-cementation comparable to those of primary luting.

Introduction: Among the functional neuroimaging studies on emotional face processing in schizophrenia, few have used paradigms with facial expressions of disgust. In this study, we investigated whether schizophrenia patients show less insula activation to macro-expressions (overt, clearly visible expressions) and micro-expressions (covert, very brief expressions) of disgust than healthy controls. Furthermore, departing from the assumption that disgust faces signal social rejection, we examined whether perceptual sensitivity to disgust is related to social alienation in patients and controls. We hypothesized that high insula responsiveness to facial disgust predicts social alienation., Methods: We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure insula activation in 36 schizophrenia patients and 40 healthy controls. During scanning, subjects passively viewed covert and overt presentations of disgust and neutral faces. To measure social alienation, a social loneliness scale and an agreeableness scale were administered., Results: Schizophrenia patients exhibited reduced insula activation in response to covert facial expressions of disgust. With respect to macro-expressions of disgust, no between-group differences emerged. In patients, insula responsiveness to covert faces of disgust was positively correlated with social loneliness. Furthermore, patients' insula responsiveness to covert and overt faces of disgust was negatively correlated with agreeableness. In controls, insula responsiveness to covert expressions of disgust correlated negatively with agreeableness., Discussion: Schizophrenia patients show reduced insula responsiveness to micro-expressions but not macro-expressions of disgust compared to healthy controls. In patients, low agreeableness was associated with stronger insula response to micro- and macro-expressions of disgust. Patients with a strong tendency to feel uncomfortable with social interactions appear to be characterized by a high sensitivity for facial expression signaling social rejection. Given the associations of insula responsiveness to covert disgust expression with low agreeableness in healthy individuals, insula responsiveness to expressions of disgust might be in general a neural marker of the personality trait of agreeableness.

Background: It is well established that the amygdala is crucially involved in the processing of facial emotions. In schizophrenia patients, a number of neuroimaging findings suggest hypoactivation of the amygdala in response to facial emotion, while others indicate normal or enhanced recruitment of this region. Some of this variability may be related to the baseline condition used and the length of the experiment. There is evidence that schizophrenia patients display increased activation of the amygdala to neutral faces and that this is predominantly observed during early parts of the experiment. Recent research examining the automatic processing of facial emotion has also reported amygdala hyperactivation in schizophrenia. In the present study, we focused on the time-course of amygdala activation during the automatic processing of emotional facial expression. We hypothesized that in comparison to healthy subjects, patients would initially show hyperresponsivity of the amygdala to masked emotional and neutral faces. In addition, we expected amygdala deactivation in response to masked facial emotions from the first to the second phase to be more pronounced in patients than in controls., Results: Amygdala activation in response to angry, happy, neutral, and no facial expression (presented for 33 ms) was measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging in 30 schizophrenia patients and 35 healthy controls. Across all subjects, the bilateral amygdala response to faces (relative to the no facial expression condition) was larger in the initial phase (first half of trials) than in the second phase (second half of trials). During the initial phase, schizophrenia patients exhibited an increased right amygdala response to all faces and an increased left amygdala response to neutral faces compared with controls. During the second phase, controls manifested a higher right amygdala response for all faces and a higher left amygdala response to angry faces than patients., Conclusions: Schizophrenia patients are characterized by high initial amygdala responsivity to facial expressions at an automatic processing level, which substantially decreases with time. Amygdala deactivation over time might reflect an automatic mechanism by which schizophrenia patients suppress the processing of facial stimuli. This blocking mechanism could help patients avoid overstimulation during social interactions.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate an early loading protocol for surface modified implants placed in the posterior mandible., Material and Methods: A total of 134 implants with a TiO(2) blasted, fluoride modified surface were inserted into the posterior mandibles of 44 patients. The implants were functionally loaded after 7 weeks of healing. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values (during the first year), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque accumulation and marginal bone level (MBL) were assessed until the end of the observation period of 5 years. A total of 41 patients with 123 implants completed the study., Results: No implants were lost. ISQ values decreased significantly from the time of insertion to 2 weeks and increased significantly until the 1-year follow up. BOP varied until the end of the observation period between 7.9% and 13.0%. Plaque accumulation decreased from the time of early loading to the end of the study. MBL changed from 0.59 mm at the time of implant placement to 0.80 mm at the time of early loading. Thereafter, only slight variations in MBL occurred until the end of the observation period., Conclusions: The results confirm that early loading is a promising option also in posterior edentulism of the mandible., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Recent investigations involving intact rabbit renal proximal tubules indicated that organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) may be involved in the transport of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS). Therefore, we evaluated the interaction of OAT3 with DMPS to determine the effect of OAT3 on basolateral DMPS uptake. We used stably transfected HEK293 cells expressing human and rabbit orthologs of the exchanger OAT1 and OAT3. Using 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-CF) as a substrate, the IC50 determinations for reduced DMPS (DMPSH) revealed a stronger interaction with OAT1 than with OAT3 (rbOAT1, 123.3 +/- 13.7; hOAT1, 85.1 +/- 8.8; rbOAT3, 171.7 +/- 22.3; and hOAT3, 172.2 +/- 36.4 micromol/L). However, inhibition of 6-CF uptake by the oxidized form of DMPS (DMPSS), the main form of DMPS in the blood, showed a greater affinity for OAT3 (rbOAT1, 237.4 +/- 23; hOAT1, 104.6 +/- 13.1; rbOAT3, 52.4 +/- 7.6; and hOAT3, 31.6 +/- 6.6 micromol/L). To determine whether DMPSH and DMPSS are substrates for OAT3, we performed efflux studies with [14C]glutarate and inwardly directed gradients of glutarate. The inhibitors trans-stimulated the efflux of [14C]glutarate, suggesting that OAT3 may be able to transport both forms of DMPS. On the basis of the substantial interaction of OAT3 with DMPSS, we conclude that OAT3 represents the dominant basolateral player in renal detoxification processes resulting from use of DMPS.

We compared the characteristics of several cloned rabbit organic electrolyte (OE) transporters expressed in cultured cells with their behavior in intact rabbit renal proximal tubules (RPT) to determine the contribution of each to basolateral uptake of the weak acid ochratoxin A (OTA) and the weak base cimetidine (CIM). The activity of organic anion transporters OAT1 and OAT3 proved to be distinguishable because OAT1 had a high affinity for PAH (K(t) of 20 microM) and did not support estrone sulfate (ES) transport, whereas OAT3 had a high affinity for ES (K(t) of 4.5 microM) and a weak interaction with PAH (IC(50) > 1 mM). In contrast, both transporters robustly accumulated OTA. Intact RPT also accumulated OTA, with OAT1 and OAT3 each responsible for approximately 50%: ES and PAH each reduced uptake by approximately 50%, and the combination of the two eliminated mediated OTA uptake. The weak base CIM was transported by OAT3 (K(t) of 80 microM) and OCT2 (K(t) of 2 microM); OCT1 had a comparatively low affinity for CIM, and CIM uptake by OAT1 was equivocal. Intact RPT accumulated CIM, with TEA and ES reducing CIM uptake by 20 and 75%, respectively, suggesting that OAT3 plays a quantitatively more significant role in CIM uptake in the early proximal tubule than OCT1/2. In single S2 segments of RPT, ES and TEA each blocked approximately 50% of CIM uptake. Thus the fractional contribution of different OE transporters to renal secretion is influenced by their affinity for substrate and relative expression level in RPT.