The benefit of culture-independent methods to detect bacteria and fungi in re-infected root filled teeth: a pilot study.

Aim: To identify dominant microorganisms in root filled teeth with apical periodontitis by Pan-PCRs in comparison with a culture-dependent approach, focusing on fungal species profiling.

Methodology: The root filling material (gutta-percha) removed from 42 teeth with periapical radiolucencies undergoing root canal retreatments was analysed by molecular genetics techniques. Real-Time Pan-PCRs were conducted for the diagnosis of predominant bacteria (targeting 16S rDNA) and fungi (targeting ITS1-2 region).

Notch Signaling Mediates Differentiation in Barrett's Esophagus and Promotes Progression to Adenocarcinoma.

Background & Aims: Studies are needed to determine the mechanism by which Barrett's esophagus (BE) progresses to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Notch signaling maintains stem cells in the gastrointestinal tract and is dysregulated during carcinogenesis. We explored the relationship between Notch signaling and goblet cell maturation, a feature of BE, during EAC pathogenesis.

Smear layer removal efficiency using apple vinegar: An in vitro scanning electron microscope study.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the smear layer removal efficacy using two different concentrations of apple vinegar.

Methods: 48 single-rooted human teeth with conical roots and canals were randomly divided into four groups and prepared by using a nickel-titanium rotary system (Flexmaster). The final irrigation regimens used were: Group A (negative control group) in which distilled water only was used: Group B (positive control group) in which 2.

promotes colorectal cancer by inducing Wnt/β-catenin modulator Annexin A1.

, a Gram-negative oral anaerobe, is a significant contributor to colorectal cancer. Using an cancer progression model, we discover that stimulates the growth of colorectal cancer cells without affecting the pre-cancerous adenoma cells. Annexin A1, a previously unrecognized modulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, is a key component through which exerts its stimulatory effect.

Pain perception and functional/occlusal parameters in sleep bruxism subjects following a therapeutic intervention.

Background: This study was conducted to assess the individual pain perception in sleep bruxism (SB) subjects. Moreover, the effects of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) compared to an occlusal appliance (OA) on pain perception and a possible continuative impact on several functional parameters were investigated.

Methods: A total of 57 SB subjects participated in this investigation.

Intracanal use of heated rinsing solutions: A pilot study.

Objective: The tissue-dissolving and bactericidal activity of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) can be increased by warming the NaOCl solution without concurrently increasing its toxicity. The present study was set up to determine if and to what extent a heated liquid reaches the apical region.

Method And Materials: A temperature sensor was introduced from the apical aspect into a human canine 22 mm in length prepared to size 40.

Representative survey on the reprocessing of endodontic instruments in Germany.

Aim The aim of the study was to review the implementation of hygiene guidelines for the reprocessing of endodontic files in a representative survey and to determine the time needed for the procedure.Methods A questionnaire with nine items was sent to 4,000 German dentists. In addition to obtaining personal information, it asked for the total time required for the reprocessing of instruments and contained specific questions about the cleaning procedure in order to assess whether the requirements of the German Federal Ministry of Health, as defined by the Robert Koch Institute, were complied with.

Investigation of the oral status and microorganisms in children with phenylketonuria and type 1 diabetes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the oral parameters that influence the caries risk and risk of developing periodontal disease in children with phenylketonuria (PKU) and type 1 diabetes compared to healthy children.

Material And Methods: Two hundred and thirty-eight children between the ages of 3 and 18 years were recruited in the PKU, diabetes and healthy group. The decayed, missing and filled surfaces (dmfs/DMFS) index, papillary bleeding index (PBI) and the Silness & Löe Index were assessed.

Natural course of scoliosis in proximal spinal muscular atrophy type II and IIIa: descriptive clinical study with retrospective data collection of 126 patients.

Background: Progressive scoliosis, pelvic obliquity and increasing reduction of pulmonary function are among the most significant problems for patients with SMA type II and SMA type III once they have lost the ability to walk. The aim of this study was to examine and document the development and natural course of scoliosis in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type II and IIIa.

Methods: For the purposes of a descriptive clinical study, we observed 126 patients, 99 with SMA II and 27 with SMA IIIa and the data of scoliosis, pelvic obliquity and relative age-dependent inspiratory vital capacity were evaluated.

Nuclear expression of p27(Kip1) is associated with in vivo differentiation of adult human odontoblasts.

Introduction: Odontoblasts are terminally differentiated cells of ectomesenchymal origin that produce the dentin. Differentiated odontoblasts cannot be identified yet by a single phenotypic marker protein; therefore, a combination of markers is currently used. Up-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1) has been associated with exit from the cell cycle and terminal differentiation of mammalian cells.

Screening β-arrestin recruitment for the identification of natural ligands for orphan G-protein-coupled receptors.

A variety of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) screening technologies have successfully partnered a number of GPCRs with their cognate ligands. GPCR-mediated β-arrestin recruitment is now recognized as a distinct intracellular signaling pathway, and ligand-receptor interactions may show a bias toward β-arrestin over classical GPCR signaling pathways. We hypothesized that the failure to identify native ligands for the remaining orphan GPCRs may be a consequence of biased β-arrestin signaling.

Is an individual prediction of maximal work rate by 6-minute walk distance and further measurements reliable in male patients with different lung diseases?

Background: In patients with chronic lung diseases, the work rate for endurance training is calculated by the maximal work rate (Wmax). Because the assessment bears side effects, a prediction by easier accessible tests would be of practical use.

Objective: We addressed the reliability of predicting Wmax on the basis of the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) test and a set of further parameters in patients with different lung diseases.

Transcription factor CREB is phosphorylated in human molar odontoblasts and cementoblasts in vivo.

A wide variety of stimuli can trigger activation of the transcription factor CREB (cAMP-responsive element binding protein), pointing toward a central role for CREB in the integration of various signaling inputs. No data are available on the expression and phosphorylation of CREB in mammalian teeth. Using immunohistochemical analysis of free-floating sections, we show here that CREB was strongly expressed and phosphorylated at Ser-133 within the nucleus of a subpopulation of adult human molar odontoblasts.

Operative treatment of scoliosis in proximal spinal muscular atrophy: results of 41 patients.

Introduction: The early development of progressive scoliosis with pelvic obliquity is the most significant orthopaedic problem for non-ambulatory children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Patients: 24 SMA patients were operated on for scoliosis using the ISOLA(®) system and 17 patients using a telescopic rod. The average age at spinal surgery was 12.

Measurements of β-arrestin recruitment to activated seven transmembrane receptors using enzyme complementation.

The recruitment of arrestins to activated 7TMRs results in the activation of alternative signaling pathways, quenching of G-protein activation, and coupling to clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The nearly ubiquitous involvement of arrestin in 7TMR signaling has spurred the development of several methods for monitoring this interaction in mammalian cells. Nonetheless, few maintain the reproducibility and precision necessary for drug discovery applications.

Bacterial viability on surface-modified resin-based dental restorative materials.

Unlabelled: The purpose of the present investigation was to investigate the viability of early colonizers on the surfaces of resin-based dental restorative materials modified with low-surface tension active agents in comparison with the unmodified material. A novel polymeric sorption material, loaded with two low-surface tension γ(L) active agents (hydroxyfunctional polydimethylsiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane) or a polymerizable active agent (silicone polyether acrylate), was used to modify commonly formulated experimental dental resin composites. The non-modified resin was used as the standard (ST).

Long-term efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with occupational respiratory diseases.

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a well-recognized treatment option in chronic obstructive lung disease improving exercise performance, respiratory symptoms and quality of life. In occupational respiratory diseases, which can be rather cost-intensive due to the compensation needs, very little information is available.

Objectives: This study aims at the evaluation of the usefulness of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with occupational respiratory diseases, partly involving complex alterations of lung function and of the sustainability of effects.

The validity of static lung compliance in asbestos-induced diseases.

Background: Pulmonary compliance can be viewed as an indicator of distensibility of the lungs, not only in asbestos-induced pulmonary disorders but also in visceral pleural fibrosis extending into the lung parenchyma. In this study we evaluated static compliance measurements in asbestos-derived diseases, especially in patients with parietal pleura plaques. Lung function analyses, especially static lung compliance, were correlated with high-resolution computer tomography examinations.

Histone deacetylases 2 and 9 are coexpressed and nuclear localized in human molar odontoblasts in vivo.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are components of nuclear multiprotein complexes that deacetylate histones and perform important roles in repression of transcription.Using specific rabbit mAbs, we analyzed by immune histochemistry and confocal immunofluorescence analysis the expression and subcellular localization of HDAC1–4 and HDAC9 in sections of adult human third molars. HDAC2 and HDAC9 were expressed in some pulpal cells and strongly expressed in the majority of mature odontoblasts.

Detection of nine microorganisms from the initial carious root lesions using a TaqMan-based real-time PCR.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify nine selected cariogenic bacteria in plaque from sound root surfaces and initial carious root lesions using TaqMan PCR and to analyse a putative dependence on the kind of initial periodontal treatment.

Material And Methods: Fifty-four subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated to one of the following initial periodontal therapies: full-mouth disinfection, full-mouth scaling and root planing or scaling and root planing within 7 days. Plaque samples were taken before and after periodontal treatment and analysed by TaqMan PCR.

Efficacy of a novel pacifier in the prevention of anterior open bite.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test a novel pacifier (Dentistar) regarding the development of anterior open bite in infants.

Methods: One hundred twenty-nine newborn children were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: NUK (N; N =73); and Dentistar (D; N=56. Children (N=42) who did not use a pacifier served as the control (C).

Therapies most frequently used for the management of bruxism by a sample of German dentists.

Statement Of Problem: At present, there is little information available on how practicing dentists manage bruxism patients with respect to conservative, reversible techniques as compared to irreversible techniques.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the most commonly applied therapies used for the management of bruxism by German general dentists (GDs) and dental specialists. In addition, efforts were made to gather information on the knowledge and opinion of GDs and specialists regarding the role of occlusal interferences, in particular, on the development of sleep bruxism.

Irreversible inflammation is associated with decreased levels of the alpha1-, beta1-, and alpha2-subunits of sGC in human odontoblasts.

The nitric oxide (NO) receptor enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) contains one prosthetic heme group as an αβ heterodimer, and two heterodimer isoforms (α(1)β(1), α(2)β(1)) were characterized to have enzyme activity. To test the irreversible inflammation-dependent regulation of sGC in odontoblasts, we incubated decalcified frozen sections of healthy and inflamed human third molars with antibodies against β-actin, nitrotyrosine, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), α(1)-, β(1)-, and α(2)-subunits of sGC and analyzed them at protein levels by quantitative immunohistochemistry. The irreversible inflammation induced an increase in the signal intensities for nitrotyrosine and iNOS and a decrease for the α(1)-, β(1)-, and α(2)-subunits of sGC in odontoblasts.

The Ca(2+)-binding protein calretinin is selectively enriched in a subpopulation of the epithelial rests of Malassez.

During tooth development, the inner and outer enamel epithelia fuse by mitotic activity to produce a bilayered epithelial sheath termed Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS). The epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) are the developmental residues of HERS and remain in the adult periodontal ligament (PDL). Although the cellular regulation of the Ca(2+)-binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin-D28k, and calretinin has been reported in the inner and outer enamel epithelia during tooth development, an involvement of Ca(2+)-binding proteins in the ERM has not so far been characterized.