Vaccines for COVID-19.

Since the emergence of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the end of 2019, there has been an explosion of vaccine development. By 24 September 2020, a staggering number of vaccines (more than 200) had started preclinical development, of which 43 had entered clinical trials, including some approaches that have not previously been licensed for human vaccines. Vaccines have been widely considered as part of the exit strategy to enable the return to previous patterns of working, schooling and socializing. Importantly, to effectively control the COVID-19 pandemic, production needs to be scaled-up from a small number of preclinical doses to enough filled vials to immunize the world's population, which requires close engagement with manufacturers and regulators. It will require a global effort to control the virus, necessitating equitable access for all countries to effective vaccines. This review explores the immune responses required to protect against SARS-CoV-2 and the potential for vaccine-induced immunopathology. We describe the profile of the different platforms and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The review also addresses the critical steps between promising preclinical leads and manufacturing at scale. The issues faced during this pandemic and the platforms being developed to address it will be invaluable for future outbreak control. Nine months after the outbreak began we are at a point where preclinical and early clinical data are being generated for the vaccines; an overview of this important area will help our understanding of the next phases.

A novel approach to study in situ enamel erosion and abrasion lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated previous hypotheses that the tongue can abrade acid softened/eroded enamel surfaces. METHODS: Twelve upper removable appliances each retaining 2 anterior and 2 posterior human enamel specimens were constructed. Each specimen was exposed to acid on both surfaces, but only one surface was allowed contact with the tongue. Therefore, 96 surfaces were assessed. Appliances were worn from 9.30 to 17.00 Monday to Friday for 22days. Acid eroded lesions were created by immersing the specimens for 5min in 50ml orange juice three times daily. Enamel loss was measured using Quantitative light- induced fluorescence (QLF) and Non- contact profilometry (NCLP) and the differences (D) between tongue (Dt) and palate facing (DP) surfaces determined. RESULTS: %ΔFD(t-p) from the two anterior specimens were greater than from those placed posteriorly with mean values of 15.9% (±9.1) and 14.4% (±8.4), 5.6% (±8.7) and 4.5% (±6.6) respectively. Similarly, NCLP data showed anterior specimens had greater differences for mean step height (MSH) between tongue- facing and the palate- facing (control) surfaces than posterior specimens. MSHD(t-p) values were 59.4µm (±30.3) for anterior tongue facing surfaces and 55.5µm (±29.4) for posterior palate facing surfaces. For the posterior specimens MSH was 48.1µm (±26.1) and 51.7µm (±30.4) respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The greater enamel surface loss of the anterior specimens demonstrates that abrasion by the tongue on acid softened/eroded enamel in situ is likely.

Food advertisements on UK television popular with children: a content analysis in relation to dental health.

Objective To quantify the prevalence of advertising for foods and beverages potentially detrimental to dental health on UK television watched by children.Design Content analysis of pre-recorded television advertisements (adverts).Materials and methods Three hundred and fifty-two hours of television were recorded (one weekday and one weekend day, 6 am - 10 pm) from the main commercial channel (ITV1). All adverts were coded using pre-defined criteria.Setting UK television recorded between January and December 2012.Results Of 9,151 adverts, foods and beverages were the second most commonly advertised products (16.7%; n = 1,532). Nearly two-thirds of food adverts were for items that are potentially harmful to dental health (61%; n = 934). Of these, 96.6% were cariogenic and 11% were acidogenic foods. During peak children's viewing hours, the proportion of foods that are potentially harmful to dental health was significantly higher than for non-harmful foods (65.9% vs. 34.1%; p = 0.011). Adverts for foods potentially harmful to dental health were rare around children's programmes, but significantly more frequent during other programmes watched by children (p <0.001).Conclusion UK children are exposed to a particularly high proportion of advertisements for foods that are potentially detrimental to their dental health during their peak viewing hours and around the programmes they watch the most.

Are diet diaries of value in recording dietary intake of sugars? A retrospective analysis of completion rates and information quality.

Objectives Current guidance recommends that dental practitioners should routinely give dietary advice to patients, with diet diaries as a tool to help diet assessment. We explored patients' compliance with diet-diaries usage in a paediatric clinic within a teaching hospital setting, where remuneration is not an issue. Objectives were to investigate associated factors affecting diet diaries return rate and the information obtained from returned diaries.Methods A retrospective study of 200 randomly selected clinical records of children aged 5-11 years who had received diet analysis and advice as part of a preventive dental care programme at a dental teaching hospital between 2010 and 2013. Clinical records, with a preventive care pro forma, were included in the study. Data on social and family history, DMFT-dmft, oral hygiene practices, dental attendance and dietary habits were obtained and compared with information given in completed diet-diaries. A deductive content analysis of returned diet-diaries was undertaken using a pre-developed coding scheme.Results Of 174 complete records included in this study, diet diaries were returned in 60 (34.5%) of them. Diet diaries were more likely to be returned by those children who reported that they regularly brushed their teeth (P <0.05), and those who came from smaller families (P <0.05). Content analysis of diet diaries enabled the identification of harmful types of foods and drinks in 100% of diaries. General dietary issues, frequency and between-meals intake of sugars were also all captured in the majority of diaries (95.0%, N = 56). Information on sugar amount (53.0%, N = 32), prolonged-contact with teeth (57.0%, N = 34) and near bedtime intakes (17.0%, N = 28) was reported in fewer diaries.Conclusions The return rate of diet-diaries in this setting was low, and associated with patients' demographic and oral health characteristics. Returned diet-diaries showed a varied range of missing important dietary information, such as sugar amount, which appears to compromise their validity as a diet assessment tool. Development of a more reliable and acceptable dietary assessment tool for use in the dental setting is needed.

The use of diet diaries in general dental practice in England.

OBJECTIVES: Diet diaries are recommended as a tool to support behaviour change in dental patients at high risk of dental diseases. However, little is known about their use in dental practice. This study aimed to investigate whether and how general dental practitioners (GDPs) use diet diaries and identify factors which influence their use. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to a stratified random sample of general dental practitioners. The questionnaire asked about demographic and professional characteristics of the GDPs and their practices regarding diet advice, collection of dietary information, diet diaries usage (e.g. frequency, considerations and barriers), and interpretation of diet diaries. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: From 972 eligible GDP participants, 250 (26%) responses were received. Whilst almost all of these GDPs reported giving diet advice to patients routinely, and 40% reported also referring to dental care professionals in the practice to deliver dietary advice, only 28% (70) reported that they are involved in using diet diaries. GDPs appeared to target patients for dietary advice: GDPs reported they personally gave diet advice to an estimated 63% of their patients, and referred patients to DCPs for diet advice for 11% of their (GDPs') patients. GDPs used diet diaries more often for child than adult patients. Diet diaries usage was lower among younger dentists and in practices with higher percentages of NHS patients (p⟨0.05). Perceived insufficient remuneration for time involved in using diet diaries was the main reason given for their lack of use. CONCLUSION: Although recommended as best practice, most English GDPs do not frequently use diet diaries to collect diet information in dental practice, mainly due to perceived financial and time constraints. Development of a more efficient tool to assess the dietary habits of dental patients is needed.

Effect of gallium on growth of Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449 and dental tissues.

Gallium-doped phosphate-based glasses (Ga-PBG) were assessed for their impact on Streptococcus mutans and dental mineralisation, firstly by disc diffusion assays followed by biofilms grown on nitrocellulose filter membrane (NFM) and constant-depth film fermentor (CDFF). Short-time exposure (10 min) effects of Ga-PBG on S. mutans biofilm were compared with that of 0.2% chlorhexidine. The effects of Ga-PBG on bovine enamel (which was investigated under pH-cycling condition) and dentine were analysed using transverse microradiography (TMR), profilometry and inductively coupled plasma optical-emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The disc diffusion assays showed inhibition zones of 24.5 ± 0.5 mm for Ga-PBG compared with controls (C-PBG). Ga-PBG showed statistically significant growth inhibition of S. mutans biofilms on NFM (p = 0.001) and CDFF (p < 0.046) compared with hydroxyapatite (HA) and C-PBG. The CDFF assay revealed a maximum of 2.11 log colony-forming unit (CFU) reduction at 48 h, but short-time exposure effects were comparable with that of 0.2% chlorhexidine only on older biofilms (maximum of 0.59 vs. 0.69 log CFU reduction at 120 h). TMR analyses of the enamel revealed non-significant mineral loss (p = 0.37) only in the case of Ga-PBG samples compared with controls including sodium fluoride. ICP-OES analyses indicated transient gallium adsorption into dentine by calcium displacement. The results confirmed that gallium inhibited S. mutans growth and appears to have the potential to protect the enamel surface under conditions representative of the oral environment. Further work is needed to establish whether it has an application in daily oral hygiene procedures to prevent or reduce caries.

Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF): a tool for early occlusal dental caries detection and supporting decision making in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports the development and assessment of a novel method using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), to determine whether QLF parameters ΔF and ΔQ were appropriate for aiding diagnosis and clinical decision making of early occlusal mineral loss by comparing QLF analysis with actual restorative management. METHODS: Following ethical approval, 46 subjects attending a dental teaching hospital were enrolled. White light digital (WL) and QLF images/analyses of 46 unrestored posterior teeth with suspected occlusal caries were made after a clinical decision had already been taken to explore fissures operatively. WL and QLF imaging/analysis were repeated after initial cavity preparation. The type of restorative treatment was determined by the supervising clinician independent of any imaging performed. Actual restorative management carried out was recorded as fissure sealant/preventive resin restoration (F/P) or class I occlusal restoration (Rest.) thus reflecting the extent of intervention (=gold standard). All QLF images were analysed independently. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups ΔF (p=0.002) (mean 22.60 - F/P and 28.80 - Rest.) and ΔQ (p=0.012) (mean 230.49 - F/P and 348.30 - Rest.). CONCLUSIONS: ΔF and ΔQ values may be useful in aiding clinical diagnosis and decision making in relation to the management of early mineral loss and restorative intervention of occlusal caries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: QLF has the potential to be a valuable tool for caries diagnosis in clinical practice.

Effect of post-brushing mouthwash solutions on salivary fluoride retention--study 2.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of three post-brushing mouthwashes containing 0 ppm F, 225 ppm F, and 500 ppm F, respectively, on salivary fluoride retention after brushing with 1450 ppm fluoride (as NaF) toothpaste and rinsing with water immediately after brushing. METHODS: In this three-phase, randomized, cross-over study, an ion-specific electrode was used to measure salivary F levels in thirty trial participants before brushing (Time 0), and after brushing, rinsing with water, and then rinsing with one of the three mouthwashes. Time points evaluated after brushing were one, three, five, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. For saliva sample collections, subjects were asked to pool saliva in their mouths for 10 seconds before spitting out into a container for each of the time points. RESULTS: The AUC0-60 means for F in saliva were 554, 252, and 20 for the 500, 225, and 0 ppm F mouthwash groups, respectively. The 500 ppm F mouthwash resulted in a 2660% increase in total fluoride salivary retention over 60 minutes when compared with the 0 ppm F group, and a 120% increase when compared with the 225 ppm F group. A significant difference (p < 0.001) in the AUC0-60 means between the three groups was observed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Paired t-tests also showed significant differences in the mean fluoride retention over 60 minutes for all three pair-wise group comparisons (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Use of a fluoride mouthwash containing 225 ppm F or 500 ppm F produced a significant increase in salivary fluoride retention following brushing with a 1450 ppm F toothpaste and rinsing with water compared to rinsing without fluoride. The use of the 500 ppm F mouthwash may be of particular benefit to those at high caries risk.

Reducing the variability between constant-depth film fermenter experiments when modelling oral biofilm.

AIMS: The inherent instabilities associated with the development of multispecies biofilm communities within the constant-depth film fermenter (CDFF) and other microcosm systems can yield unacceptable variability between experiments, which could limit their potential applications in oral microbiology. The extent of this variability needs to be determined and a protocol developed which minimizes it. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two custom-made CDFFs were supplied concurrently with the same inoculation culture, begat from an aliquot of a saliva pool and artificial saliva growth medium via a dual-channel pump. Transformed log(10) data of the viable counts at fixed time points were analysed using the Bland-Altman approach to test for the levels of agreement between two CDFFs running concurrently and those CDFFs run in series. The coefficients(95%) of agreement were lower (i.e. less variable) in the concurrent model than when run in series for total counts of bacteria (1.238 vs 2.124), Lactobacillus spp. (0.517 vs 1.431) and Mutans streptococci (2.817 vs 3.864). Other measures of variability showed a similar trend. CONCLUSIONS: Operating CDFFs concurrently minimizes the degree of difference and variability between them. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Operating CDFFs concurrently will improve the sensitivity for experiments that seek to determine the effects of a variable, such as a nutritional supplement or antimicrobial agent, and a control.

Effects of zinc and fluoride on the remineralisation of artificial carious lesions under simulated plaque fluid conditions.

The aim was to study the effects of zinc (Zn) and fluoride (F) on remineralisation at plaque fluid concentrations. Artificial carious lesions were created in 2 acid-gel demineralising systems (initially infinitely undersaturated and partially saturated with respect to enamel) giving lesions with different mineral distribution characteristics (high and low R values, respectively) but similar integrated mineral loss values. Lesions of both types were assigned to 1 of 4 groups and remineralised for 5 days at 37°C. Zn and F were added, based on plaque fluid concentrations 1 h after application, to give 4 treatments: 231 µmol/l Zn, 10.5 µmol/l F, Zn/F combined and an unmodified control solution (non-F/non-Zn). Subsequently remineralisation was measured using microradiography. High-R lesions were analysed for calcium, phosphorus, F and Zn using electron probe micro-analysis. All lesions underwent statistically significant remineralisation. For low-R lesions, remineralisation was in the order F(a) < non-F/non-Zn(a) < Zn(a, b) < Zn/F(b), and for high-R lesions F(a) < non-F/non-Zn(b) < Zn(b) < Zn/F(c) (treatments with the same superscript letter not significantly different, at p < 0.05). Qualitatively, remineralisation occurred throughout non-F/non-Zn and Zn groups, predominantly at the surface zone (F) and within the lesion body (Zn/F). Electron probe micro-analysis revealed Zn in relatively large amounts in the outer regions (Zn, Zn/F). F was abundant not only at the surface (F), but also in the lesion body (Zn/F). Calcium:phosphate ratios were similar to hydroxyapatite (all). To conclude, under static remineralising conditions simulating plaque fluid, Zn/F treatment gave significantly greater remineralisation than did F treatment, possibly because Zn in the Zn/F group maintained greater surface zone porosity compared with F, facilitating greater lesion body remineralisation.

Photobleaching of red fluorescence in oral biofilms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Many species of oral bacteria can be induced to fluoresce due to the presence of endogenous porphyrins, a phenomenon that can be utilized to visualize and quantify dental plaque in the laboratory or clinical setting. However, an inevitable consequence of fluorescence is photobleaching, and the effects of this on longitudinal, quantitative analysis of dental plaque have yet to be ascertained. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Filter membrane biofilms were grown from salivary inocula or single species (Prevotella nigrescens and Prevotella intermedia). The mature biofilms were then examined in a custom-made lighting rig comprising 405 nm light-emitting diodes capable of delivering 220 W/m(2) at the sample, an appropriate filter and a digital camera; a set-up analogous to quantitative light-induced fluorescence digital. Longitudinal sets of images were captured and processed to assess the degradation in red fluorescence over time. RESULTS: Photobleaching was observed in all instances. The highest rates of photobleaching were observed immediately after initiation of illumination, specifically during the first minute. Relative rates of photobleaching during the first minute of exposure were 19.17, 13.72 and 3.43 arbitrary units/min for P. nigrescens biofilms, microcosm biofilm and P. intermedia biofilms, respectively. CONCLUSION: Photobleaching could be problematic when making quantitative measurements of porphyrin fluorescence in situ. Reducing both light levels and exposure time, in combination with increased camera sensitivity, should be the default approach when undertaking analyses by quantitative light-induced fluorescence digital.

The evaluation of a novel method comparing quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) with spectrophotometry to assess staining and bleaching of teeth.

This study reports the development and evaluation of a novel method using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), which enables its use for quantifying and assessing whole tooth surface staining and tooth whitening. The method was compared with a spectrophotometer to assess reliability. Two experimental phases, intrinsic stain formation and tooth whitening, were conducted in vitro on 16 extracted bovine teeth. Intrinsic stains were developed via access through lingual surfaces and root canals of these teeth using tea solution (2 g/100 ml, Marks and Spencer Extra Strong Tea, Marks and Spencer, London, UK) for 6 days. Stains were removed using 33% hydrogen peroxide (VWR Prolab, Leicestershire, UK) in cycles over 150 min. Stain development/whitening was monitored with QLF (Inspektor Research systems, Amsterdam, Netherlands) and spectrophotometry (Easy shade, Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany). Parameters Delta F for QLF and Delta E for the spectrophotometer were obtained. The progression of stain intensity and removal observed by the methods were tested for correlation using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Intra-examiner reliability for each method was tested. QLF showed a high correlation with spectrophotometry for detecting and monitoring intrinsic tooth stain progression (Pearson coefficient r was -0.987 with correlation significant p < 0.0001). For stain removal, the Pearson coefficient (r) between both methods was -0.906 with no significance p = 0.094. The use of an external reference material in combination with the inner patch QLF analysis technique had the ability to detect and measure whole tooth surface staining and its removal longitudinally. The reliability of the method shows a potential clinical application.

QLF is not readily suitable for in vivo denture plaque assessment.

OBJECTIVES: Current methods available for denture plaque assessment utilise visual and planimetric techniques. This paper evaluates the use of the Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence system (QLF) in image capture of denture plaque and the suitability of these images for planimetric plaque measurement. It is proposed that fluorescence imaging could provide a valuable and sensitive standardising method for plaque assessment in clinical trials for denture cleansing products and denture hygiene. Indeed, the detection of red fluorescent plaque using the QLF system is indicative of black-pigmented obligate anaerobes and mature plaque. METHODS: The QLF system was evaluated in a clinical study for use in denture plaque assessment in comparison to white light based image capture. RESULTS: Despite appearing as a promising system for denture plaque quantification, this study revealed numerous problems associated with the QLF system including small focal depth, thus large numbers of images and processing time were required. In addition, differential fluorescence of acrylic made images unsuitable for plaque quantification. CONCLUSION: QLF is unsuitable for in vivo denture plaque assessment. However, the visualisation of red autofluorescence, indicating mature plaque, remains an important clinical use of QLF for denture hygiene assessment.

The erosive potential of some alcopops using bovine enamel: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: Alcoholic soft drinks have become increasingly popular and have high concentrations of citric acid and alcohol so might have the potential to cause dental erosion. This study aimed to investigate the erosive potential of alcopops on bovine enamel in vitro. METHODS: Six bovine upper incisors were prepared and sectioned to give six slabs per tooth, 4mm x 4mm each. Each slab was covered with nail varnish, leaving an exposed window (2mm x 2mm). Samples were immersed in 20ml of each of the test solutions for 20min, 1h, and 24h under gentle agitation (100rpm). Enamel surface loss was determined using Quantitative Laser Fluorescence (QLF), Non-contact Profilometry (NCP) and Transverse Microradiography (TMR). RESULTS: Enamel loss occurred with all test drinks and the positive control (p<0.05), and the depth of lesion correlated with pH and time. No significant difference was observed between 20min and 1h exposure, although both times had significantly (p<0.05) greater erosion when compared with baseline. Within each alcopops group significant erosion had occurred at 24h exposure compared with the baseline and previous times. CONCLUSION: All the tested alcopops resulted in significant enamel loss at 24h (p<0.001) with direct correlation between degree of enamel loss and both pH and increasing exposure time.

Angiogenesis is associated with the onset of hyperplasia in human ductal breast disease.

BACKGROUND: The precise timing of the angiogenic switch and the role of angiogenesis in the development of breast malignancy is currently unknown. METHODS: Therefore, the expression of CD31 (pan endothelial cells (ECs)), endoglin (actively proliferating ECs), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) and tissue factor (TF) were quantified in 140 surgical specimens comprising normal human breast, benign and pre-malignant hyperplastic tissue, in situ and invasive breast cancer specimens. RESULTS: Significant increases in angiogenesis (microvessel density) were observed between normal and benign hyperplastic breast tissue (P<0.005), and between in situ and invasive carcinomas (P<0.0005). In addition, significant increases in proliferating ECs were observed in benign hyperplastic breast compared with normal breast (P<0.05) cancers and in invasive compared with in situ cancers (P<0.005). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, VEGF and TF expression were significantly associated with increases in both angiogenesis and proliferating ECs (P<0.05). Moreover, HIF-1alpha was expressed by 60-75% of the hyperplastic lesions, and a significant association was observed between VEGF and TF in ECs (P<0.005) and invasive tumour cells (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings are the first to suggest that the angiogenic switch, associated with increases in HIF-1alpha, VEGF and TF expression, occurs at the onset of hyperplasia in the mammary duct, although the greatest increase in angiogenesis occurs with the development of invasion.

The susceptibility of bleached enamel to staining as measured by Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF).

OBJECTIVES: To report the use of Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) to determine if there was a tendency for bleached enamel to take up extrinsic stains more than unbleached enamel. METHODS: Bovine teeth devoid of stains were selected, the roots removed and enamel gently pumiced. Each tooth was sectioned into two and each half randomly assigned to two groups (bleached or unbleached). Windows were created on each half using clear acid resistant varnish. 38% Hydrogen peroxide gel was applied to the exposed windows of the bleached group for 1 hour. The teeth were rinsed and dried. Bleached and unbleached halves of the same teeth were then mounted on glass rods attached to pot lids using green stick. QLF images were taken. The teeth were subjected to a cycle of artificial saliva, chlorhexidine and tea (2 minutes in each solution). This was repeated 5 times. QLF images were taken at the end of each cycle. RESULTS: The uptake and progression of stain was detected in all the sections by QLF. Using paired t- test (SPSS) there was no significant difference between the two groups for the change from baseline to the final stain cycle (p > 0.05), however there was variability in stain uptake within the groups as the cycles progressed. CONCLUSION: Bleaching of enamel in vitro does not appear to increase the susceptibility of enamel to extrinsic staining.

The influence of varying fluoride concentrations on in vitro remineralisation of artificial dentinal lesions with differing lesion morphologies.

OBJECTIVE: The influence of low-level fluoride (F) concentrations and lesion characteristics on the remineralisation of sub-surface root caries was investigated in vitro. DESIGN: Experimentally produced dentinal carious lesions were exposed to artificial saliva in the presence of 0.00ppm, 0.48ppm, 2.49ppm or 4.91ppm F (as NaF) for 5 days. Calcium, phosphate and fluoride ion uptake was quantified by chemical assay. Baseline changes in the mineral content and distribution of the lesions were assessed by transverse microradiography (TMR). RESULTS: The uptake of calcium and phosphate was significantly increased (p<0.05) by fluoride, even at low concentrations. The action of fluoride was influenced by the mineral content and distribution of the lesions at baseline, however, with the location and degree of mineral deposition being strongly related to the mineral content of the lesions surface layer. CONCLUSIONS: The process of remineralisation of root dentine is multifactorial. The morphology of lesions at baseline significantly affected the location and quantity of mineral deposition.

The efficacy of techniques for the disinfection of artificial sub-surface dentinal caries lesions and their effect on demineralization and remineralization in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of three techniques for the disinfection of artificial sub-surface root caries lesions and their response to subsequent episodes of de- and remineralization was investigated quantitatively in vitro. METHODS: Sub-surface dentinal lesions (n=20), cut into four experimental blocks and deliberately contaminated with Streptococcus mutans, were subject to either steam autoclaving (121 degrees C, 5min), gamma irradiation (4100Gy), immersion in 0.1% (w/v) thymol-distilled water solution (24h) or reserved as a control. Next, the lesions were incubated aerobically in sterile nutrient broth for 24h at 37 degrees C and resultant cultures plated onto blood agar and neutralisation agar. Ten blocks from each experimental group were then immersed in an acidic buffer solution or exposed to artificial saliva for 5 days. Baseline changes in the mineral content and distribution of the lesions were assessed by transverse microradiography (TMR). RESULTS: Micro-organisms were recovered from each control block and one block treated by gamma irradiation. Steam autoclaving and immersion in a thymol solution significantly decreased (p<0.05) the amount of mineral lost from the body of lesions subject to a further acid challenge. Mineral ion uptake by lesions exposed to artificial saliva was significantly increased (p<0.05) through disinfection by steam autoclaving. CONCLUSIONS: Gamma irradiation proved the most acceptable method for the disinfection of sub-surface root dentine lesions having the least adverse effect on demineralization and remineralization.

Interleukin gene polymorphisms and breast cancer: a case control study and systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Interleukins and cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of many solid cancers. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in cytokine genes are thought to influence the expression or function of these proteins and many have been evaluated for their role in inflammatory disease and cancer predisposition. The aim of this study was to evaluate any role of specific SNPs in the interleukin genes IL1A, IL1B, IL1RN, IL4R, IL6 and IL10 in predisposition to breast cancer susceptibility and severity. METHODS: Candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key cytokine genes were genotyped in breast cancer patients and in appropriate healthy volunteers who were similar in age, race and sex. Genotyping was performed using a high throughput allelic discrimination method. Data on clinico-pathological details and survival were collected. A systematic review of Medline English literature was done to retrieve previous studies of these polymorphisms in breast cancer. RESULTS: None of the polymorphisms studied showed any overall predisposition to breast cancer susceptibility, severity or to time to death or occurrence of distant metastases. The results of the systematic review are summarised. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms within key interleukin genes (IL1A, IL1B, IL1RN, IL4R, IL6 and IL10 do not appear to play a significant overall role in breast cancer susceptibility or severity.

The microbiological origin of fluorescence observed in plaque on dentures during QLF analysis.

The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological origin of plaque fluorescence observed during quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) analysis. Plaque was sampled from dentures, because of easy accessibility and the homogeneous background provided by the denture tooth during imaging, and the acknowledged comparability to occlusal plaque. Forty removable poly(methyl methacrylate) dentures were screened for the presence of fluorescent plaque deposits during QLF analysis. Dentures were photographed, QLF images were recorded and samples of fluorescent plaque were taken. Plaque samples were cultured on fastidious anaerobe agar, Wilkins Chalgren agar and Sabourauds dextrose agar. Plates were screened under QLF and fluorescent colonies were subcultured and identified. Areas of red, orange and green fluorescence were detected on the fitting and non-fitting surfaces of dentures. The red and orange fluorescing species were Prevotella melaninogenica, Actinomyces israelii and Candida albicans, which are generally acknowledged to be secondary colonisers, present in more mature plaque. Green fluorescence was observed in streptococcal species (early colonisers) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (important organism in plaque development). Non-fluorescent colonies were also cultured. Plaque which accumulates on susceptible surfaces tends to be associated with caries, but it may be its maturity, rather than the presence of cariogenic streptococci, that is more likely to provide a microbiological link between red fluorescence and caries.