Microbiological and molecular profile of furcation defects in a population with untreated periodontitis.

Aim: To describe the microbiological composition of subgingival dental plaque and molecular profile of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal furcation-involved defects.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-seven participants with periodontitis contributed with a degree II-III furcation involvement (FI), a non-furcation (NF) periodontal defect and a periodontally healthy site (HS). Subgingival plaque was analysed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and a multiplex bead immunoassay was carried out to estimate the GCF levels of 18 GCF biomarkers.

Periodontal granulation tissue - To remove or not to remove, that is the question.

Formation of granulation tissue is a fundamental phase in periodontal wound healing with subsequent maturation leading to regeneration or repair. However, persistently inflamed granulation tissue presents in osseous defects as a result of periodontitis and is routinely disrupted and discarded with non-surgical and surgical therapy to facilitate wound healing or improve chances of regeneration. Histological assessment suggests that granulation tissue from periodontitis-affected sites is effectively a chronic inflammatory tissue resulting from impaired wound healing due to persistence of bacterial dysbiotic bioflim.

The efficacy of bone reconstructive therapies in the management of peri-implantitis. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of bone reconstructive procedures for the reduction of probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and suppuration in peri-implantitis-related bone defects at ≥12-month follow-up.

Materials And Methods: Three databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that compared bone reconstructive therapies to access flap surgery (AFS) (Focused Question-FQ 1), and RCTs, CCTs, and prospective case series that assessed the efficacy of reconstructive therapies (FQ 2). Meta-analysis was performed for FQ1 when more than three studies were identified, while for FQ2 a network was drawn based on RCTs with common treatment arms.

Regulation of gingival fibroblast phenotype by periodontal ligament cells in vitro.

Objectives: Stem cell transplantation has shown modest effects on periodontal tissue regeneration, and it is still unclear how regenerative effects utilizing this modality are mediated. A greater understanding of the basic interactions between implanted and host cells is needed to improve future strategies. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells on expression of periodontal markers and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of gingival fibroblasts (GF).

Toward individualized prediction of seizure recurrence: Hippocampal neuroimaging features in a cohort of patients from a first seizure clinic.

Purpose: We performed an exploratory analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging data from a cohort of 51 patients with first seizure (FS) and new-onset epilepsy (NOE) to identify variables, or combinations of variables, that might discriminate between clinical trajectories over a one-year period and yield potential biomarkers of epileptogenesis.

Methods: Patients underwent EEG, hippocampal and whole brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) within six weeks of the index seizure, and repeat neuroimaging one year later. We classified patients with FS as having had a single seizure (FS-SS) or having converted to epilepsy (FS-CON) after one year and performed logistic regression to identify combinations of variables that might discriminate between FS-SS and FS-CON, and between FS-SS and the combined group FS-CON + NOE.

Development of an in vitro model of the dentogingival junction using 3D organotypic constructs.

Objectives: The overall aim was to propose a plausible model of the dentogingival junction (DGJ) to deepen our understanding of the extrinsic influences responsible for the development of the junctional epithelial phenotype. The specific objective was to test the hypothesis that epithelial migration and proliferation would be inhibited by periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts in an in vitro model of the DGJ consisting of 3D organotypic cultures.

Background: Previously, we showed that 3D organotypic cultures containing human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) supported the development of a multi-layered epithelium, while constructs containing human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLF) resulted in epithelial atrophy (Lu EMC, Hobbs C, Dyer CJ, Ghuman M, Hughes FJ.

Differential regulation of epithelial growth by gingival and periodontal fibroblasts in vitro.

Objectives: To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which gingival and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts regulate epithelial phenotype.

Background: Fibroblast populations regulate the epithelial phenotype through epithelial-mesenchymal interactions (EMI). Previous studies have proposed that maintenance of the junctional epithelium (JE) is dependent on the differential effects from gingival and PDL tissues.

Experience With the Pipeline Embolization Device for Posterior Circulations Aneurysms: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic) has been used off-label for the treatment of challenging posterior circulation aneurysms. Data on this modality are primarily limited to small retrospective single-center series.

Objective: To assess safety and efficacy of this treatment by establishing an international, multicenter collaboration.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy - Evidence and Opinion.

Effective non-surgical periodontal therapy is fundamental to achieve and maintain periodontal health, particularly in individuals who are susceptible to periodontitis. This article aims to highlight current evidence and published guidance, together with personal insights and suggestions from the author's clinical experience to help with management of patients utilising this common treatment modality.

Gingival fibroblasts prevent BMP-mediated osteoblastic differentiation.

Objectives: The inhibitory action of the superficial gingival connective tissues may limit the regenerative potential of alveolar bone in periodontal therapy or dental implant applications. The aims of this study were to investigate the hypothesis that gingival fibroblasts (GF) can inhibit bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced osteoblastic differentiation, to determine their expression of BMP inhibitors, and finally to determine whether reduction of these inhibitors can relieve suppression of osteoblastic differentiation.

Methods: Gingival fibroblasts were co-cultured either directly or indirectly with calvarial osteoblasts to assess alkaline phosphatase inhibitory activity, a marker of osteoblastic differentiation.

Site-specific differences in osteoblast phenotype, mechanical loading response and estrogen receptor-related gene expression.

The osteoporosis-resistant nature of skull bones implies inherent differences exist between their cellular responses and those of other osteoporosis-susceptible skeletal sites. Phenotypic differences in calvarial and femoral osteoblastic responses to induction of osteogenesis, mechanical loading, estrogen, growth factor and cytokine stimulation were investigated. Primary rat calvarial and femoral adult male osteoblasts were cultured and osteoblastic mineralisation and maturation determined using Alizarin Red staining and expression of osteogenic marker genes assessed.

Sprouty 2, an Early Response Gene Regulator of FosB and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation During Mechanical Loading and Osteogenic Differentiation.

Sprouty 2 (Spry2), an inhibitor of MAP kinase signaling was previously shown by our group to be induced during mechanical loading of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Here, we studied the implication of Spry2 activation during mechanical loading and chemically induced MSC differentiation. Spry 2 expression showed an immediate early response during mechanical loading and chemical induction of osteogenic differentiation and followed the same pattern as osteogenic associated gene FosB and was necessary for the induction of FosB, as Spry 2 knock down also abrogated the upregulation of FosB expression.

DDIT4 regulates mesenchymal stem cell fate by mediating between HIF1α and mTOR signalling.

Stem cell fate decisions to remain quiescent, self-renew or differentiate are largely governed by the interplay between extracellular signals from the niche and the cell intrinsic signal cascades and transcriptional programs. Here we demonstrate that DNA Damage Inducible Transcript 4 (DDIT4) acts as a link between HIF1α and mTOR signalling and regulation of adult stem cell fate. Global gene expression analysis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from single clones and live RNA cell sorting showed a direct correlation between DDIT4 and differentiation potentials of MSC.

Evaluation of anterior third of superior sagittal sinus in normal population: Identifying the subgroup with dominant drainage.

Background/object: The ligation and transection of anterior third of superior sagittal sinus (AT-SSS) is an important step to approach anterior skull base lesions. Some clinical studies have shown frontal lobe venous infarct following such surgical procedures questioning the safety of its ligation. We have studied the variations in venous drainage patterns to AT-SSS in the normal population using postcontrast magnetic resonance venogram (MRV).

Bronchial artery embolization in chronic pulmonary thromboembolism: A therapeutic dilemma.

Bronchial artery embolization is the treatment of choice for the management of life-threatening massive hemoptysis. Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is one of the rare causes of hemoptysis. Management of hemoptysis in chronic PTE is a point of debate.

Redundant anomalous vertebral artery in a case of congenital irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation: Emphasizing on the differences from the first intersegemental artery and operative steps to prevent injury while performing C1-2 joint manipulation.

Anomalous vertebral artery (VA), commonly the persistent first intersegmental artery (FIA) is often seen with congenital atlantoaxial dislocations (AAD). An unusual redundant/ectatic loop of VA passing below the C1 (upside down VA) has been described below and appears to be different from FIA. The operative technique to protect it while C1-2 joint manipulation has been described.