Anti-prothrombin IgG from patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies inhibits the inactivation of factor Va by activated protein C.

Interference of anti-phospholipid antibodies with the protein C pathway has been suggested to play a role in the development of thrombosis in the anti-phospholipid syndrome. We studied the effect of IgG preparations containing anti-prothrombin antibodies of 17 lupus anticoagulant-positive patients and 12 controls on the inactivation of factor Va (FVa) by activated protein C (APC) in a system with purified coagulation factors. Test IgG was incubated with human prothrombin, phospholipid vesicles and CaCl(2).

Bilaterally impacted maxillary canines and multiple missing teeth: a challenging adult case.

Unlabelled: AUTHORS: Mesotten K, Naert I, van Steenberghe D, Willems G.

Objectives: Orthodontic correction of bilateral maxillary canine impaction with agenesis of the lower second premolars and extraction of the lower first molars in an adult patient.

Methods: After surgical exposure, the canines were relocated in the arch by means of immediate orthodontic traction.

Quantitative determination of the binding of beta2-glycoprotein I and prothrombin to phosphatidylserine-exposing blood platelets.

The plasma protein beta2GPI (beta2-glycoprotein I) has been proposed to mediate phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and to play a role in the antiphospholipid syndrome. This suggestion is based mainly on the presumption that beta2GPI has an appreciable interaction with PS (phosphatidylserine)-exposing cell membranes. However, quantitative data on the binding of beta2GPI to PS-exposing cells under physiologically relevant conditions are scarce and conflicting.

W values of protons in alkane-based TE gases and dimethylether in the energy range 1-100 keV: measurements and additivity models.

W values of tissue-equivalent gases based on propane and butane were measured for protons in the energy range 1-100 keV and compared with those of dimethylether and water vapour. The experimental values of the tissue-equivalent gas mixtures were compared with data calculated from the W values of the mixture components using five existing additivity models and two new models derived within the scope of the present work. Apart from one model--the simplest one--all models show a good agreement with the experimental data.

Age calculation using X-ray microfocus computed tomographical scanning of teeth: a pilot study.

To correlate dental age with an individual's chronological age based on the calculated volume ratio of pulp versus tooth volume measured, an X-ray microfocus computed tomography unit (microCT) with 25 microm spatial resolution was used to non-destructively scan 43 extracted single root teeth of 25 individuals with well-known chronological age. Custom-made analysis software was used by two examiners to obtain numerical values for pulpal and tooth volume. The ratio of both was calculated and statistically processed.

The effect of phospholipids on the formation of immune complexes between autoantibodies and beta2-glycoprotein I or prothrombin.

In the last decennium, it became clear that antiphospholipid antibodies found in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are in fact antibodies against lipid-bound plasma proteins. The most frequently occurring antigens are beta2-glycoprotein I and prothrombin, although several other lipid-bound plasma proteins have been reported as antigen for antiphospholipid antibodies. Both proteins bind to anionic phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylserine, which becomes exposed at the surface of activated platelets, apoptotic cells, or cell-derived microparticles.

Dynamic frictional behaviour of orthodontic archwires and brackets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frictional behaviour of 15 different archwires and 16 different brackets using small oscillating displacements when opposed to a standard stainless steel bracket or a standard stainless steel wire. Tests were run according to a pilot study at a frequency of 1 Hz and with a reciprocating tangential displacement of 200 microm, while the wire remained centred in the bracket slot under a load of 2 N. The results indicated a significant difference between the evaluated wires and brackets.

Periodontal parameters around implants anchoring orthodontic appliances: a series of case reports.

Background: Implants replacing missing teeth provide advantages over clinical orthodontic treatment as compensation for reaction forces is no longer necessary and the lack of teeth is immediately resolved.

Methods: A total of 38 two-stage implants were inserted (16 in maxilla, 22 in mandible) in 10 partially edentulous patients with orthodontic problems. Osseointegration and marginal bone levels were assessed via intra-oral radiographs taken at the abutment stage and at the completion of the orthodontic treatment and also via probing depth, measurement of recession toward the implant/abutment (I/A) interface, and sulcus bleeding index, recorded after completion of orthodontic treatment.

Clinical comparison of an adhesive precoated vs. an uncoated ceramic bracket system.

Objectives: To clinically evaluate the bond characteristics of the adhesive precoated ceramic (APC) Clarity bracket and compare it with the uncoated Clarity bracket used with Transbond XT bonding system. Design - A randomized clinical trial. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Department of Orthodontics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.

Instructional multimedia program versus standard lecture: a comparison of two methods for teaching the undergraduate orthodontic curriculum.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of an interactive multimedia courseware package versus standard lectures regarding knowledge, understanding, and transfer of content, as well as problem-solving skills in orthodontics.

Methods: Pre- and post-test assessments of final-year dental students (n = 26), who either used an interactive multimedia courseware package (n = 15) or attended standard lectures (n = 11) on equivalent material of the undergraduate orthodontic curriculum were carried out. Both groups were tested by written and multiple-choice questions covering knowledge, understanding, and application areas in the curriculum.

Periodontal Parameters Around Implants Anchoring Orthodontic Appliances: A Series of Case Reports.

Background: Implants replacing missing teeth provide advantages over clinical orthodontic treatment as compensation for reaction forces is no longer necessary and the lack of teeth is immediately resolved.

Methods: A total of 38 two-stage implants were inserted (16 in maxilla, 22 in mandible) in 10 partially edentulous patients with orthodontic problems. Osseointegration and marginal bone levels were assessed via intra-oral radiographs taken at the abutment stage and at the completion of the orthodontic treatment and also via probing depth, measurement of recession toward the implant/abutment (I/A) interface, and sulcus bleeding index, recorded after completion of orthodontic treatment.

Chronological age determination based on the root development of a single third molar: a retrospective study based on 2513 OPGs.

The aim of this survey was to correlate chronological age with the root development of only one third molar using a sample of 2513 subjects of Belgian Caucasian origin within the age range of late 15 to 22 years. Observations were performed by two observers, who were calibrated for intra- and inter-rater reliability by means of Kappa statistics and each third molar present was scored according to the modified method of Gleiser and Hunt. The method used in this study delivered linear regression formulae based on a sole wisdom tooth, divided according to gender.

Third molar root development in relation to chronological age: a large sample sized retrospective study.

The aim of the present investigation, which is a continuation and extension of a previous published pilot study [Forensic Sci. Int. 129 (2002) 110], was to calculate the chronological age of an individual based on the dental developmental stages of third molars (so-called wisdom teeth).

Dental abnormalities, bone graft quality, and periodontal conditions in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate at different phases of orthodontic treatment.

Objectives: To evaluate the dental and periodontal condition of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) before orthodontic treatment and evaluate whether the dental and periodontal condition of these patients during and after orthodontic treatment was jeopardized by the duration of the orthodontic and surgical treatment.

Design: Seventy-five individuals with UCLP (52 males, 23 females), between ages 8 and 20 years, participated in a retrospective study during their final follow-up visit with regard to dental abnormalities, such as hypodontia, external root resorption, crown and root malformation, and supernumerary teeth. Alveolar bone height and periodontal attachment loss on the cleft side were also screened before or after bone grafting and at different stages of orthodontic treatment.

Gonial angle changes after bilateral unidirectional mandibular distraction in sheep.

It was the aim of this study to investigate radiologically the distraction site in the gonial angle area after three different protocols of unidirectional mandibular distraction in sheep. Bilateral mandibular distraction was performed in nine sheep, and one other sheep served as a sham-operated control. In the nine experimental sheep, three different distraction protocols were used.

Idiopathic gingival hyperplasia and orthodontic treatment: a case report.

There are many reasons for gingival hyperplasia. Mostly, proper oral hygiene is sufficient to achieve normal healthy gingiva. In some situations, however, gingival hyperplasia is drug-induced or can be a manifestation of a genetic disorder.

Thrombogenicity of polysaccharide-coated surfaces.

Heparinization of artificial surfaces has been proven to reduce the intrinsic thrombogenicity of such surfaces. The mechanism by which immobilized heparin reduces thrombogenicity is not completely understood. In the present study heparin-, alginic acid- and chondroitin-6-sulphate-coated surfaces were examined for protein adsorption, platelet adhesion and thrombin generation.

Instructional multimedia programs for self-directed learning in undergraduate and postgraduate training in orthodontics.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate an interactive multimedia courseware package in orthodontics and to provide dental undergraduate and postgraduate students with an interactive means of self-study and self-evaluation.

Methods: A commercially available software authoring system was used to develop the courseware package. The courseware was presented for evaluation through a questionnaire to four different groups of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Inverted eruption of a supplemental lower premolar: report of an unusual case.

Eruption of an inverted tooth is a rare condition. This case report describes the inverted eruption of a supplemental lower premolar in a 10-year-old Caucasian female. The tooth erupted in a downward direction and reached the lower cortical border of the mandible 2 years later.

Orthodontic treatment considerations in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is diagnosed in 3% to 4% of the population. This metabolic disorder is characterized by hyperglycemia caused by the body's deficient management of insulin. Two main types of DM exist: type 1 is a total deficiency in insulin secretion, and type 2 is a combination of resistance to insulin action and inadequate compensatory insulin secretion.

Kinetics of prothrombin-mediated binding of lupus anticoagulant antibodies to phosphatidylserine-containing phospholipid membranes: an ellipsometric study.

Antiphospholipid antibodies interact with phospholipid membranes via lipid binding plasma proteins, mostly, prothrombin and beta(2)-glycoprotein I. Using ellipsometry, we characterized prothrombin-mediated binding of lupus anticoagulant (LA) positive IgG, isolated from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, to phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing membranes. LA IgG did not bind to membranes in the absence of prothrombin, but addition of prothrombin resulted in high-affinity binding of prothrombin-LA IgG complexes; half-maximal binding was attained at IgG and prothrombin concentrations of 10 microg/mL and 4 nM, respectively.

Dental age estimation and third molars: a preliminary study.

The aim of the present investigation was to reconstruct the chronological age based on the dental developmental stages of third molars evaluated on orthopantomograms. A total of 1175 orthopantomograms were assembled from patients of Caucasian origin between 16 and 22 years of age. Each third molar present was scored by two observers according to a 10-stage developmental scale.

Energy dependence of W values of protons in water.

The W values of protons in water vapour were measured for energies from 1 keV to 100 keV with uncertainties lower than 1%. To study the energy and phase dependence of W values, the W values of protons in water vapour and liquid water were calculated for energies from 0.1 keV and 10 MeV and then compared to the experimental results of this work.

Non-destructive dental-age calculation methods in adults: intra- and inter-observer effects.

The aim of the present study was to obtain data on the reliability and reproducibility of two non-destructive dental-age estimation methods in adults by calculating inter- and intra-observer effects. Both a morphological and a radiological technique available in the scientific literature were evaluated on a number of recently extracted teeth: the morphological technique was evaluated on a total of 160 teeth by two examiners, while three examiners applied the radiological technique on apical radiographs of 72 extracted teeth. Paired t-tests were used to calculate intra- and inter-observer differences.