Longitudinal Doppler Assessments in Late Preterm Fetal Growth Restriction.

PURPOSE: To assess the longitudinal variation of the ratio of umbilical and cerebral artery pulsatility index (UCR) in late preterm fetal growth restriction (FGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective European multicenter observational study included women with a singleton pregnancy, 32+ 0-36+ 6, at risk of FGR (estimated fetal weight [EFW] or abdominal circumference [AC] < 10th percentile, abnormal arterial Doppler or fall in AC from 20-week scan of > 40 percentile points). The primary outcome was a composite of abnormal condition at birth or major neonatal morbidity. UCR was categorized as normal (< 0.9) or abnormal (≥ 0.9). UCR was assessed by gestational age at measurement interval to delivery, and by individual linear regression coefficient in women with two or more measurements. RESULTS: 856 women had 2770 measurements; 696 (81 %) had more than one measurement (median 3 (IQR 2-4). At inclusion, 63 (7 %) a UCR ≥ 0.9. These delivered earlier and had a lower birth weight and higher incidence of adverse outcome (30 % vs. 9 %, relative risk 3.2; 95 %CI 2.1-5.0) than women with a normal UCR at inclusion. Repeated measurements after an abnormal UCR at inclusion were abnormal again in 67 % (95 %CI 55-80), but after a normal UCR the chance of finding an abnormal UCR was 6 % (95 %CI 5-7 %). The risk of composite adverse outcome was similar using the first or subsequent UCR values. CONCLUSION: An abnormal UCR is likely to be abnormal again at a later measurement, while after a normal UCR the chance of an abnormal UCR is 5-7 % when repeated weekly. Repeated measurements do not predict outcome better than the first measurement, most likely due to the most compromised fetuses being delivered after an abnormal UCR.

Serological status of cattle to bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1 at entry to and exit from Australian feedlot backgrounding facilities.

A total of 6195 cattle were enrolled in this observational study. Serum antibody concentrations to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) were measured at entry to and exit from backgrounding facilities to assess their statuses on arrival and the extent of seroconversion to these viruses during backgrounding. The backgrounding facilities were contiguous with five feedlots in: Queensland (two sites), New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. Cattle were held in the backgrounding facilities for a minimum of 29 days and a median of 34 days. On backgrounding facility entry, 32.7% of the study population was seronegative to BVDV, but 85.7% was seronegative to BHV1. After commingling in the backgrounding facilities, of the cattle that were seronegative on backgrounding facility entry, 33.9% and 30.3% showed a serological increase to BVDV and BHV1, respectively. At backgrounding facility exit, when cattle were placed in their feedlots, 19.6% and 59.1% were seronegative to BVDV and BHV1, respectively, and 0.26% were persistently infected with BVDV. There was a strong association between seroincrease to BVDV and seroincrease to BHV1 (P = 0.005) at animal level in cohorts known to contain an animal persistently infected with BVDV.

Health and production effects of killed vaccines against Mannheimia haemolytica, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1, in locally backgrounded feedlot cattle.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the effects of respiratory vaccines on health and growth rates in cattle placed in local backgrounding facilities then feedlots. METHODS: A total of 7011 cattle entering backgrounding facilities contiguous with six feedlots in Australia were allocated to eight respiratory vaccine categories, including an untreated control category. The vaccines, against Mannheimia haemolytica, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1, were administered in various combinations at backgrounding facility entry and subsequent feedlot entry. Cattle were held in the backgrounding facilities for a minimum of 28 days. RESULTS: During their feedlot phase, 3.7% of study animals were detected with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). BRD sub hazard was lowest in cattle vaccinated with Bovilis MH + infectious bovine rhinotracheitis® (sub hazards ratio: 0.47; 95% confidence interval: 0.27-0.83; P = 0.010), and point estimates for other vaccine combinations did not differ (P > 0.10) from controls. Six of the respiratory vaccine combinations decreased growth rate during backgrounding relative to untreated controls (P ≤ 0.003). Overall, the feedlot growth rate was not significantly affected by the vaccine category (overall Wald P = 0.191). CONCLUSIONS: Use of these respiratory vaccines in cattle held for at least 28 days in backgrounding facilities contiguous with their feedlots before feedlot entry reduces growth rate during the backgrounding period and does not result in large beneficial effects on either BRD risk or average daily live weight gain during the feedlot phase.

Introduction and elimination of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus in a commercial beef herd: a case study.

Routine Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) monitoring of a commercial beef herd in southern New South Wales over a 10-year period provided an opportunity to assess the impact of the introduction of BVDV on that herd. BVDV antibody testing provided strong evidence that the herd was initially free of BVDV (2009-2011). Testing from 2012 suggested BVDV had been introduced into the herd and this was confirmed in 2015 with the identification of persistently infected (PI) animals. Having become established in the herd, the owners then set out to eliminate BVDV from the herd. Antigen testing aimed at identifying PI animals revealed BVDV was already absent from the herd. Subsequent antibody testing confirmed that the herd was now free from BVDV. Despite the incursion of BVDV in this herd, there was little measurable impact on reproductive performance (pregnancy rates), although suspected increased calf losses from birth to calf marking were reported. This is the first time such self-clearance has been documented as part of a longitudinal study under Australian conditions.

Fetal cerebral Doppler changes and outcome in late preterm fetal growth restriction: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between fetal umbilical and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler abnormalities and outcome in late preterm pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction at 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks of gestation, enrolled in 33 European centers between 2017 and 2018, in which umbilical and fetal MCA Doppler velocimetry was performed. Pregnancies were considered at risk of fetal growth restriction if they had estimated fetal weight and/or abdominal circumference (AC) < 10th percentile, abnormal arterial Doppler and/or a fall in AC growth velocity of more than 40 percentile points from the 20-week scan. Composite adverse outcome comprised both immediate adverse birth outcome and major neonatal morbidity. Using a range of cut-off values, the association of MCA pulsatility index and umbilicocerebral ratio (UCR) with composite adverse outcome was explored. RESULTS: The study population comprised 856 women. There were two (0.2%) intrauterine deaths. Median gestational age at delivery was 38 (interquartile range (IQR), 37-39) weeks and birth weight was 2478 (IQR, 2140-2790) g. Compared with infants with normal outcome, those with composite adverse outcome (n = 93; 11%) were delivered at an earlier gestational age (36 vs 38 weeks) and had a lower birth weight (1900 vs 2540 g). The first Doppler observation of MCA pulsatility index < 5th percentile and UCR Z-score above gestational-age-specific thresholds (1.5 at 32-33 weeks and 1.0 at 34-36 weeks) had the highest relative risks (RR) for composite adverse outcome (RR 2.2 (95% CI, 1.5-3.2) and RR 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4-3.0), respectively). After adjustment for confounders, the association between UCR Z-score and composite adverse outcome remained significant, although gestational age at delivery and birth-weight Z-score had a stronger association. CONCLUSION: In this prospective multicenter study, signs of cerebral blood flow redistribution were found to be associated with adverse outcome in late preterm singleton pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction. Whether cerebral redistribution is a marker describing the severity of fetal growth restriction or an independent risk factor for adverse outcome remains unclear, and whether it is useful for clinical management can be answered only in a randomized trial. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Tissue-resident memory T cells are epigenetically cytotoxic with signs of exhaustion in human urinary bladder cancer.

Tissue-resident memory T (TRM ) cells are CD8+ T lymphocytes that reside in the tissues, including tumours. This T cell subset possesses a magnitude of cytotoxicity, but its epigenetic regulation has not been studied. Here, we investigate the impact of perforin DNA methylation in TRM cells and correlate it with their functional potential. Fifty-three urothelial urinary bladder cancer (UBC) patients were recruited prospectively. The DNA methylation status of the perforin gene (PRF1) locus in TRM cells was investigated by pyrosequencing. Flow cytometry with ViSNE analysis and in-vitro stimulation were used to evaluate TRM cell phenotypes. We discovered that tumour TRM cells have low DNA methylation in the PRF1 locus (32·9% methylation), which corresponds to increased numbers of perforin-expressing TRM cells. Surprisingly, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) expression is high in tumour TRM cells, suggesting exhaustion. Following interleukin-15 and T cell receptor stimulation, perforin and T-bet expressions are enhanced, indicating that TRM cells from tumours are not terminally exhausted. Moreover, a high number of TRM cells infiltrating the tumours corresponds to lower tumour stage in patients. In conclusion, TRM cells from UBC tumours are epigenetically cytotoxic with signs of exhaustion. This finding identifies TRM cells as potential new targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Fishes in a changing world: learning from the past to promote sustainability of fish populations.

Populations of fishes provide valuable services for billions of people, but face diverse and interacting threats that jeopardize their sustainability. Human population growth and intensifying resource use for food, water, energy and goods are compromising fish populations through a variety of mechanisms, including overfishing, habitat degradation and declines in water quality. The important challenges raised by these issues have been recognized and have led to considerable advances over past decades in managing and mitigating threats to fishes worldwide. In this review, we identify the major threats faced by fish populations alongside recent advances that are helping to address these issues. There are very significant efforts worldwide directed towards ensuring a sustainable future for the world's fishes and fisheries and those who rely on them. Although considerable challenges remain, by drawing attention to successful mitigation of threats to fish and fisheries we hope to provide the encouragement and direction that will allow these challenges to be overcome in the future.

National registry-based case-control study: comorbidity and stroke in young adults.

OBJECTIVES: Stroke is overrepresented in cohorts of young adults with chronic diseases. The prevalence and impact of comorbidity among young stroke patients have not been compared with individuals without stroke. Our aim was to investigate the association between comorbidity and stroke in young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide cohort of patients (aged 15-44 years), registered in the Swedish Stroke Register, (Riksstroke) 2001-2009, was identified. Age- and sex-matched controls were randomly selected from the Population Register of Sweden. Discharge diagnoses were retrieved from the National Patient Register and grouped by chapter in the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision. Associations between ICD-10 chapters and stroke were stratified (age, sex, and stroke type) and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In 2599 stroke patients analyzed, the prevalence of vascular risk factors (hypertension 25.3%, dyslipidemia 13.0%, diabetes 9.7%, heart failure 3.2%, and atrial fibrillation 2.8%), all ICD-10 chapters (except pregnancy) and prestroke hospitalizations were more frequent among cases than controls. Independent associations were found between stroke and eight ICD-10 chapters: neoplasms (odds ratios (OR) 1.53, 95% CI 1.15-2.05), blood (OR 1.61, 1.11-2.34), endocrine (OR 2.28, 1.77-2.93), psychiatric (OR 1.50, 1.24-1.81), nervous (OR 1.91, 1.46-2.50), eye (OR 1.67, 1.05-2.64), circulatory (OR 3.05, 2.45-3.80), and symptoms (OR 1.31, 1.13-1.52). The risk of stroke increased by 26% per ICD-10 chapter diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to vascular risk factors, comorbidity (represented by ICD-10 chapters) was associated with increased risk of stroke in young individuals. The risk of stroke was further increased with the number of diagnosed ICD-10 chapters.

Effects of feeding regimes and early maturation on migratory behaviour of landlocked hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts.

The migratory behaviour of hatchery-reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar raised under three different feeding regimes was monitored through the lower part of the River Klarälven, Sweden. The smolts were implanted with acoustic transmitters and released into the River Klarälven, 25 km upstream of the outlet in Lake Vänern. Early mature males, which had matured the previous autumn, were also tagged and released. To monitor migration of the fish, acoustic receivers were deployed along the migratory route. The proportion of S. salar that reached Lake Vänern was significantly greater for fish fed fat-reduced feed than for fish given rations with higher fat content, regardless of ration size. Fish from the early mature male group remained in the river to a greater extent than fish from the three feeding regimes. Smolt status (degree of silvering), as visually assessed, did not differ among the feeding regime groups, and moreover, fully-silvered fish, regardless of feeding regime, migrated faster and had a greater migration success than fish with less developed smolt characteristics. Also, successful migrants had a lower condition factor than unsuccessful ones. These results indicate that the migration success of hatchery-reared S. smolts released to the wild can be enhanced by relatively simple changes in feeding regimes and by matching stocking time with smolt development.

Effects of feed quality and quantity on growth, early maturation and smolt development in hatchery-reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar.

The effects of feed quality and quantity on growth, early male parr maturation and development of smolt characteristics were studied in hatchery-reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. The fish were subjected to two levels of feed rations and two levels of lipid content from first feeding until release in May of their second year. Salmo salar fed high rations, regardless of lipid content, grew the most and those fed low lipid feed with low rations grew the least. In addition, fish fed low lipid feed had lower body lipid levels than fish fed high lipid feed. Salmo salar from all treatments showed some reduction in condition factor (K) and lipid levels during their second spring. Smolt status was evaluated using both physiological and morphological variables. These results, based on gill Na(+) , K(+) -ATPase (NKA) enzyme activity, saltwater tolerance challenges and visual assessments, were consistent with each other, showing that S. salar from all treatments, except the treatment in which the fish were fed low rations with low lipid content, exhibited characteristics associated with smolting at 2 years of age. Sexually mature male parr from the high ration, high lipid content treatment were also subjected to saltwater challenge tests, and were found to be unable to regulate plasma sodium levels. The proportion of sexually mature male parr was reduced when the fish were fed low feed rations, but was not affected by the lipid content of the feed. Salmo salar fed low rations with low lipid content exhibited the highest degree of severe fin erosion.

Milk as a diagnostic sample for a commercially available ELISA to identify bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) antibodies in dairy herds.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate a commercially available ELISA for the detection of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV)-specific antibodies in individual milk compared with individual serum samples, and in bulk milk samples compared with within-herd antibody prevalence and bulk milk quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results. METHODS: Paired individual serum and individual milk samples were collected from 125 lactating cows and tested by ELISA; 96 bulk milk samples were also tested. Within-herd antibody prevalence was calculated based on milk ELISA results for 25 individual cows in each herd. Additionally, 167 bulk milk samples were tested for BVDV-specific antibodies by ELISA and for the presence of BVDV by qRT-PCR to establish the correlation between antibody result and virus presence. RESULTS: Good agreement was observed between individual milk and serum results (Kappa = 0.865). The ELISA was observed to detect BVDV-specific antibodies in individual milk samples with a relative sensitivity of 96.6% and specificity of 89.2%. The bulk milk samples revealed a strong (r(2) = 0.95) relationship between the ELISA result and the within-herd antibody prevalence. The proportion of herds that tested positive by bulk milk qRT-PCR increased as the bulk milk antibody S/P ratio increased. CONCLUSION: Commercially available ELISA testing of individual and bulk milk samples is an appropriate alternative to serum testing with good test performance in these samples. Determining a threshold for the detection of herds containing active BVD infection by testing bulk milk is a novel use for an antibody ELISA kit and provides more practical, relevant test results.

Computed tomographic anatomy of the equine foot.

This study describes a detailed computed tomographic reference of the normal equine foot. Ten forefeet of five adult cadavers, without evidence of orthopaedic disease, were used. Computed tomography (CT) was performed on all feet. Two-millimetre thick transverse slices were obtained, and sagittal and dorsal planes were reformatted. The CT images were matched with the corresponding anatomic slices. The phalanges and the distal sesamoid bone showed excellent detail. The extensor and flexor tendons (including their attachments) could be clearly evaluated. The collateral (sesamoidean) ligaments could be readily located, but were difficult to delineate at their proximal attachment. The distal digital annular ligament could only be distinguished from the deep digital flexor tendon proximal to the distal sesamoid bone, and its proximal attachment could be identified, but not its distal insertion. Small ligaments (impar ligament, chondrosesamoidean, chondrocoronal and chondrocompedal ligaments, axial and abaxial palmar ligaments of the proximal inter-phalangeal joint) were seen with difficulty and not at all slices. The joint capsules could not be delineated from the surrounding soft tissue structures. The lateral and medial proprius palmar digital artery and vein could be visualized occasionally on some slices. The ungular cartilages, corium and hoof wall layering were seen. The nerves, the articular and fibrocartilage of the distal sesamoid bone and the chondroungular ligament could not be assessed. Computed tomography of the equine foot can be of great value when results of radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive. Images obtained in this study may serve as reference for CT of the equine foot.

Validation and evaluation of a commercially available ELISA for the detection of antibodies specific to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (bovine pestivirus).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies specific to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) with a virus neutralisation test (VNT) and agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test. DESIGN: A total of 125 cattle serum samples were tested by a commercially available ELISA for antibodies specific to BVDV and by a VNT as the reference standard. A comparison between AGID and ELISA for detection of BVDV antibodies was also carried out, using 1182 serum samples from unvaccinated South Australian cattle. METHODS: Two-graph receiver operating characteristics (TG-ROC) analysis was used to confirm that the manufacturer's recommended cut-off value for the ELISA was appropriate. Two-by-two tables were constructed to analyse the concordance of serological results among the three assays. McNemar tests were used to assess the agreement among serological tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Using the manufacturer's cut-off threshold, supported by TG-ROC analysis, the ELISA's sensitivity and specificity were calculated to be 96.7% and 97.1%, respectively, compared with the VNT. Compared with AGID, ELISA with specific BVDV antibodies may be more sensitive and detect 5.8% more samples than AGID. McNemar test also showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) between AGID and ELISA.

Temperature-dependent prey capture efficiency and foraging modes of brown trout Salmo trutta.

Prey capture success and foraging mode were studied in brown trout Salmo trutta at temperatures ranging from 5.7 to 14.0° C. At low temperatures, there was a positive correlation between prey capture success and the proportion of time that the fish spent holding feeding stations. This correlation was not found at temperatures >10° C.

Why don't they know enough about anatomy? A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Publications in a variety of journals have described the problem of medical students' decreasing anatomical knowledge. Interestingly, the number of people making this assertion is growing, despite a lack of empirical evidence that today's medical graduates actually know less about anatomy than medical students in the past. Nevertheless, many people are claiming that students' anatomical knowledge is impaired due to negative effects from several factors, including teaching by non-medically qualified teachers, diminished use of cadaver dissection as a teaching tool and neglect of vertical integration of anatomy teaching. AIM: To find empirical evidence for the factors claimed to have an influence on anatomical knowledge of students. METHOD: A literature search. RESULTS: There is a lack of sufficient quantity and quality of information within the existing literature to support any of the claims, but the gathered literature did reveal some fascinating insights which are discussed. CONCLUSION: Anatomy education should be made as effective as possible, as nobody will deny that medical students cannot do without anatomical knowledge. Because of promising findings in the areas of teaching in context, vertical integration and assessment strategies, it is recommended that future research into anatomy education should focus on these factors.

Computed tomographic morphology of the synovial invaginations of the distal sesamoid bone of the horse.

The morphological features of the distal border synovial invaginations (SI) of the distal sesamoid bone (DSB) in horses were described by the use of computed tomography (CT). Transverse CT images were obtained on 50 cadaver forefeet from 25 Warmblood horses. Dorsal and sagittal planes were reformatted. The CT images allowed the evaluation of the number, shape, depth of penetration and direction of the SI into the bone. The total number of SI was 295 (mean 5.9). The number of invaginations in a particular DSB ranged from 3 (n = 3), 4 (n = 6), 5 (n = 11), 6 (n = 12), 7 (n = 13), 8 (n = 3), 9 (n = 1) to 11 (n = 1). The shape of the SI was 'conical' (n = 118), 'linear' (n = 109), 'lollipop' (n = 38) or 'branched' (n = 30). Penetration of the SI into the DSB was 'mild' in 195 cases, 'moderate' in 67 cases and 'deep' in 33 cases. The SI ran in a 'straight', 'dorsoproximal' and 'palmaroproximal' direction in 187, 28 and 80 cases, respectively. In only six DSBs, all SI ran in the same direction. The images obtained in this study may serve as reference for the radiographic evaluation of these SI.

The effect of acute administration of rifampicin and imatinib on the enterohepatic transport of rosuvastatin in vivo.

Hepatobiliary transporters efficiently shunt rosuvastatin from the blood stream, into the hepatocyte, followed by transporter-mediated excretion into the bile ducts. This study aimed at investigating the contribution of sinusoidal versus canalicular transport on the pharmacokinetics of an intrajejunal dose of 80 mg rosuvastatin in pigs (control group, n = 2 + 6). The transport inhibitors, rifampicin (20 mg/kg, n = 6) and imatinib (14 mg/kg, n = 6), were administered as 2-h long intravenous infusions. Plasma samples were withdrawn from the portal and hepatic vein simultaneously during 5 h along with bile sample collection. Rifampicin reduced the hepatic extraction of rosuvastatin by 35% and the area under the curve in the hepatic vein compartment increased by a factor of 6.3 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 3.1-32, P value <0.01). The increase in the portal vein compartment was less pronounced than in the hepatic vein, 2.0-fold (95% CI: 1.1-3.8, P value <0.05), suggesting that the inhibition was predominantly located in the liver rather than in the intestine and suggesting inhibition if sinusoidal transport. In contrast, no effect on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin was observed following concomitant administration with imatinib possibly due to insufficient concentration of the inhibitor inside the hepatocyte. Rifampicin significantly affected the hepatobiliary transport of rosuvastatin, however imatinib did not alter the plasma exposure of rosuvastatin.

The use of CT and CT arthrography in diagnosing equine stifle injury in a Rheinlander gelding.

A 5-year-old Rheinlander gelding was evaluated for left hindlimb stifle lameness. The lameness was localised to the stifle, but source of the lameness was not specifically diagnosed from the physical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. Computed tomography (CT) and CT arthrography were therefore used for further investigation since these imaging techniques image bony structures, cartilage and soft tissues. This examination showed multiple lesions in the stifle: an osteochondrosis dissecans like lesion of the medial femoral condyle, bony fragments, cartilage trauma and caudal cruciate ligament injury. The prognosis for continuing use as a sports horse was regarded as unfavourable. Therefore, the horse was subjected to euthanasia. All CT findings were confirmed by gross pathology. The CT and CT arthrography examination in this case provided a diagnosis not achieved with other conventional imaging techniques.

Hypomineralized molars and incisors of unknown origin: treatment outcome at age 18 years.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of treatment of hypomineralized molars and incisors of unknown aetiology (MIH) in 18-year-olds. DESIGN: A follow-up study including clinical examination, panoramic radiography and intraoral photos. SAMPLE AND METHOD: Seventy-six individuals treated at the Eastman Dental Institute in Stockholm during 1978-2001 with the diagnosis MIH. Severity of enamel defects in molars and incisors, prevalence and distribution of extracted molars, type, quality and median duration of restorations, periradicular condition of affected molars, dental occlusion and space closure in cases of extraction, as well as the individual's satisfaction with the treatment, were assessed. RESULTS: Severe defects with enamel surface breakdown in all four molars occurred in 42% of the individuals and 29% had at least one incisor with yellow/brown opacity in the enamel. At follow up, 42% of the individuals had at least one molar extracted; 18% had all four molars extracted. The median duration of the molar restorations (n = 153) was 5 years. Of the individuals with restored molars, 48% had at least one unacceptable restoration. Periradicular pathology was observed in three molars. The sagittal relations did not differ between individuals with and without extraction of molars. Space closure was acceptable in 87% of the individuals with extracted molars. Eighty percent were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Extraction of molars with severe enamel defects gave good or acceptable results in a majority of the patients while conservative restorative treatment resulted in a need for additional treatment in approximately half of the patients.

Effect of a graded single constriction of the rat sciatic nerve on pain behavior and expression of immunoreactive NPY and NPY Y1 receptor in DRG neurons and spinal cord.

In the present study, the rat sciatic nerve was constricted to varying degrees using only one ligature with a very thin polyethylene sheath placed between nerve and ligature thread. Complete nerve transection was studied for comparison. With a 40-80% constriction of the nerve we observed allodynia to a similar extent as in the so-called Bennett model based on four loose ligatures. We also monitored changes in the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the NPY Y1 receptor (Y1R) in the lumbar 4-5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and dorsal horn and found upregulation of NPY and downregulation of the Y1R in DRG neurons after injury. These results indicate that similar peptide and receptor changes occur in this model as after axotomy and in other nerve injury models, although the immunohistochemical and behavioral changes seem to be dependent on the degree of constriction of the nerve. Thus, it seems relevant to monitor the degree of constriction when evaluating pain and other post-injury events. The possibility that some of the changes in NPY-ergic neurotransmission are related to the generation of allodynia is discussed; as well as the possibility to use this mononeuropathic model based on a single ligature nerve constriction (SLNC) as a complementary approach to other widely used pain models.