Restoration of mutant cytochrome P450 reductase activity by external flavin

Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) supplies electrons from NADPH to steroid and drug metabolizing reactions catalyzed by the cytochrome P450s located in endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in human POR cause a wide spectrum of disease ranging from disordered steroidogenesis to sexual differentiation. Previously we and others have shown that POR mutations can lead to reduced activities of steroidogenic P450s CYP17A1, CYP19A1 and CYP21A1. Here we are reporting that mutations in the FMN binding domain of POR may reduce CYP3A4 activity, potentially influencing drug and steroid metabolism; and the loss of CYP3A4 activity may be correlated to the reduction of cytochrome b(5) by POR. Computational molecular docking experiments with a FMN free structural model of POR revealed that an external FMN could be docked in close proximity to the FAD moiety and receive electrons donated by NADPH. Using FMN supplemented assays we have demonstrated restoration of the defective POR activity in vitro.

Restoration of Akt activity by the bisperoxovanadium compound bpV(pic) attenuates hippocampal apoptosis in experimental neonatal pneumococcal meningitis

Pneumococcal meningitis causes apoptosis of developing neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The death of these cells is accompanied with long-term learning and memory deficits in meningitis survivors. Here, we studied the role of the PI3K/Akt (protein kinase B) survival pathway in hippocampal apoptosis in a well-characterized infant rat model of pneumococcal meningitis. Meningitis was accompanied by a significant decrease of the PI3K product phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) and of phosphorylated (i.e., activated) Akt in the hippocampus. At the cellular level, phosphorylated Akt was decreased in both the granular layer and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, the region where the developing neurons undergo apoptosis. Protein levels and activity of PTEN, the major antagonist of PI3K, were unaltered by infection, suggesting that the observed decrease in PIP(3) and Akt phosphorylation is a result of decreased PI3K signaling. Treatment with the PTEN inhibitor bpV(pic) restored Akt activity and significantly attenuated hippocampal apoptosis. Co-treatment with the specific PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed the restoration of Akt activity and attenuation of hippocampal apoptosis, while it had no significant effect on these parameters on its own. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of bpV(pic) on apoptosis was mediated by PI3K-dependent activation of Akt, strongly suggesting that bpV(pic) acted on PTEN. Treatment with bpV(pic) also partially inhibited the concentration of bacteria and cytokines in the CSF, but this effect was not reversed by LY294002, indicating that the effect of bpV(pic) on apoptosis was independent of its effect on CSF bacterial burden and cytokine levels. These results indicate that the PI3K/Akt pathway plays an important role in the death and survival of developing hippocampal neurons during the acute phase of pneumococcal meningitis.

Laser scanning microscopy combined with image restoration to analyse a 3D model of the human epithelial airway barrier

A laser scanning microscope collects information from a thin, focal plane and ignores out of focus information. During the past few years it has become the standard imaging method to characterise cellular morphology and structures in static as well as in living samples. Laser scanning microscopy combined with digital image restoration is an excellent tool for analysing the cellular cytoarchitecture, expression of specific proteins and interactions of various cell types, thus defining valid criteria for the optimisation of cell culture models. We have used this tool to establish and evaluate a three dimensional model of the human epithelial airway wall.

[Lethal atraumatic splenic rupture due to infectious mononucleosis]

The authors report on the sudden and unexpected death of a 20-year-old man from atraumatic rupture of the enlarged spleen due to infectious mononucleosis. The case exemplifies the forensic relevance of infectious mononucleosis, atraumatic splenic rupture and post-mortem serological tests.

In vivo evaluation of the first dedicated combined flow-restoration and mechanical thrombectomy device in a swine model of acute vessel occlusion

The use of self-expanding retrievable stents is an emerging and promising treatment strategy for acute stroke treatment. The concept combines the advantages of stent deployment with immediate flow-restoration and of mechanical thrombectomy with definitive thrombus removal. The present study was performed to gain more knowledge about the principle of combined flow restoration and thrombectomy in an established animal model using radiopaque thrombi evaluating efficiency, thrombus-device interaction and possible complications of the first dedicated flow-restoration and mechanical thrombectomy device.

Detection of proximal secondary caries at cervical class II-amalgam restoration margins in vitro

To compare the performance of LFpen (DIAGNOdent pen) with two different wedge-shaped tips to conventional bitewing radiography (BW) for detecting proximal secondary caries at the cervical margin of amalgam restorations in vitro.

Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root filled teeth

Endodontic treatment, involves removal of the dental pulp and its replacement by a root canal filling. Restoration of root filled teeth can be challenging due to structural differences between vital and non-vital root filled teeth. Direct restoration involves placement of a restorative material e.g. amalgam or composite directly into the tooth. Indirect restorations consist of cast metal or ceramic (porcelain) crowns. The choice of restoration depends on the amount of remaining tooth which may influence long term survival and cost. The comparative in service clinical performance of crowns or conventional fillings used to restore root filled teeth is unclear.

Immediate restoration of nonsubmerged titanium implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched surface: five-year results of a prospective case series study using clinical and radiographic data

The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival and success rates of immediately restored implants with sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surfaces over a period of 5 years. Twenty patients (mean age, 47.3 years) received a total of 21 SLA wide-neck implants in healed mandibular first molar sites after initial periodontal treatment. To be included in the study, the implants had to demonstrate primary stability with an insertion torque value of 35 Ncm. A provisional restoration was fabricated chairside and placed on the day of surgery. Definitive cemented restorations were inserted 8 weeks after surgery. Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) indices and the radiographic distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone-implant contact (DIB) were measured and compared over the study period. The initial mean CPITN was 3.24, and decreased over the study period to 1.43. At the postoperative radiographic examination, the mean DIB was 1.41 mm for the 21 implants, indicating that part of the machined neck of the implants was placed slightly below the osseous crest. The mean DIB value increased to 1.99 mm at the 5-year examination. This increase proved to be statistically significant (P < .0001). Between the baseline and 5-year examinations, the mean bone crest level loss was 0.58 mm. Success and survival rates of the 21 implants after 5 years of function were 100%. This 5-year study confirms that immediate restoration of mandibular molar wide-neck implants with good primary stability, as noted by insertion torque values of at least 35 Ncm, is a safe and predictable procedure.

Implant-supported single tooth restoration in the aesthetic zone: transmucosal and submerged healing provide similar outcome when simultaneous bone augmentation is needed

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes after 2 years with bone level implants placed to restore a single missing teeth that needed simultaneous augmentation and were treated with a transmucosal or submerged approach. METHODS: This study analyzed a subset of patients included in an ongoing prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) involving12 centers where patients were to be followed-up to 5 years after loading. Of the 120 implants that were placed in the original study, and randomly assigned to submerged or non-submerged healing, 52 needed simultaneous augmentation (28 women patients and 24 men patients, between 23 and 78 years of age). Twenty-seven of them received implants with submerged healing (AuS), while in 25 patients the implants were inserted with a non-submerged protocol (AuNS). At the 2-year follow-up visit, radiographic crestal bone level changes were recorded as well as soft tissue parameters included Pocket probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) at teeth adjacent to the implant site. RESULTS: After 2 years a small amount of bone resorption was found in both groups (0.37 ± 0.49 mm in the AuS group and 0.54 ± 0.76 in the AuNS group; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between AuS Group and AuNS group for PPD (2.5 vs. 2.4 mm), BOP (BOP + sites: 8.8% vs. 11.5%) and CAL (2.8 vs. 2.4 mm) at the 2-year follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: When a single implant is placed in the aesthetic zone in conjunction with bone augmentation for a moderate peri-implant defect, submerged and transmucosal healing determine similar outcome, hence there is no need to submerge an implant in this given clinical situation.

Extended CT scale overcomes restoration caused streak artifacts for dental identification in CT--3D color encoded automatic discrimination of dental restorations

OBJECTIVE: Besides DNA, dental radiographs play a major role in the identification of victims in mass casualties or in corpses with major postmortem alterations. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly applied in forensic investigations and is used to scan the dentition of deceased persons within minutes. We investigated different restoration materials concerning their radiopacity in CT for dental identification purposes. METHODS: Extracted teeth with different filling materials (composite, amalgam, ceramic, temporary fillings) were CT scanned. Radiopacities of the filling materials were analyzed in extended CT scale images. RESULTS: Radiopacity values ranged from 6000-8500HU (temporary fillings), 4500-17000HU (composite fillings) and >30710HU (Amalgam and Gold). The values were used to define presets for a 3D colored volume rendering software. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of filling material caused streak artifacts could be distinctively reduced for the assessment of the dental status and a postprocessing algorithm was introduced that allows for 3D color encoded visualization and discrimination of different dental restorations based on postmortem CT data.

Rapid restoration of microcirculatory blood flow with hyperviscous and hyperoncotic solutions lowers the transfusion trigger in resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock

Resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock relies on fluid retransfusion. However, the optimal properties of the fluid have not been established. The aim of the present study was to test the influence of the concentration of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution on plasma viscosity and colloid osmotic pressure (COP), systemic and microcirculatory recovery, and oxygen delivery and consumption after resuscitation, which were assessed in the hamster chamber window preparation by intravital microscopy. Awake hamsters were subjected to 50% hemorrhage and were resuscitated with 25% of the estimated blood volume with 5%, 10%, or 20% HES solution. The increase in concentration led to an increase in COP (from 20 to 70 and 194 mmHg) and viscosity (from 1.7 to 3.8 and 14.4 cP). Cardiac index and microcirculatory and metabolic recovery were improved with HES 10% and 20% when compared with 5% HES. Oxygen delivery and consumption in the dorsal skinfold chamber was more than doubled with HES 10% and 20% when compared with HES 5%. This was attributed to the beneficial effect of restored or increased plasma COP and plasma viscosity as obtained with HES 10% and 20%, leading to improved microcirculatory blood flow values early in the resuscitation period. The increase in COP led to an increase in blood volume as shown by a reduction in hematocrit. Mean arterial pressure was significantly improved in animals receiving 10% and 20% solutions. In conclusion, the present results show that the increase in the concentration of HES, leading to hyperoncotic and hyperviscous solutions, is beneficial for resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock because normalization of COP and viscosity led to a rapid recovery of microcirculatory parameters.