Pupal Exuviae of Culex Pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) Can be Utilised as a Non-Invasive Method of Biotype Differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Culex pipiens L. is a principal vector of zoonotic arboviruses in Europe, acting in both an amplification role in enzootic transmission between avian hosts and as a bridge vector between avian hosts and mammals. The species consists of two forms which are indistinguishable using morphological methods but possess varying ecological and physiological traits that influence their vector capacity. In this study we validate methods that can be used to extract trace DNA from single pupal exuviae of Cx. pipiens for use in molecular speciation of samples. These DNA extraction methods are compared using measurement of the total yield and successful identification using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. RESULTS: Genomic DNA was initially extracted from colony-derived individuals using an ethanol precipitation method, two commercially available DNA extraction kits: DNeasy® Blood & Tissue Kit (Qiagen, UK) and Wizard® SV Genomic DNA Purification System (Promega, UK) and a direct real-time PCR method. Time elapsed between eclosion and processing of pupae significantly influenced Cx. pipiens form identification as nucleic acid concentration and PCR amplification success decreased with increased time elapsed. Real-time PCR amplification success, however, was not shown to vary significantly between the three extraction methods, with all methods successfully identifying all samples, but the direct real-time PCR method achieved a lesser amplification success rate of 70% (n = 20 for each treatment). More variable results were produced when field-derived exuviae were used, with no significant difference in real-time PCR amplification success found across the four methods and a lower overall rate of successful identification of 55-80%. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that both colony and field derived Cx. pipiens pupal exuviae can be a useful non-invasive source of trace DNA permitting accurate biotype differentiation for at least twenty-four hours post-eclosion. The significance and utility of this technique in ecological and behavioural studies of Cx. pipiens is discussed and recommendations made for use according to experimental scenario.

Unraveling biotypes of the northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae): molecular differentiation and morphometric analysis.

Geometric morphometrics was used to determine whether geographic isolation could explain differences in wing size and shape between and within continental (27°S to 41°S) and insular (Rapa Nui) populations of Culex pipiens s.s. Linnaeus and their biotypes (f. pipiens and f. molestus). Molecular protocols based on polymorphisms in the second intron of nuclear locus ace-2 (acetylcholinesterase-2) were used to differentiate Cx. pipiens s.s. from Cx. quinquefasciatus Say, and an assay based on polymorphisms in the flanking region of a microsatellite locus (CQ11) was used to identify biotypes. Culex pipiens f. molestus and hybrids shared larval habitats in all continental sites, while Cx. pipiens f. pipiens was found in 5 of the 10 sites. Only biotype molestus was found in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Pipiens and molestus biotypes occur sympatrically in aboveground locations, and only molestus was found in the underground site (ME). Biotype molestus was dominant in rural locations and preferably anthropophilic. These results agree with the ecological descriptions previously reported for the biotypes of Cx. pipiens s.s. Procrustes ANOVA only showed differences in centroid size between biotypes in females and males and did not show significant differences in wing shape. However, we found significant differences among the geographic areas in the centroid size and wing shape of both females and males. Particularly, the population of Rapa Nui Island had shorter wings than the continental populations. The results highlight the effects of geographic and environmental processes on morphotypes in vector mosquitoes.

Reproductive system morphometry and productive parameters of beef heifers according to morphological classification.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of visual morphological classification based on body structure, maturity, and musculosity on the morphometry of the reproduction system and productive parameters of beef heifers. The study was conducted for 84 days, during winter season in Brazil. Thirty non-pregnant Nellore heifers, with an average body weight 338 kg and average age 18 months, were used for the study. The heifers were housed in collective pens and fed corn silage (70%) and concentrate (30%) twice a day. All heifers were weighed weekly without prior fasting. Morphological evaluation of body structure, maturity, and musculosity was conducted in the third-middle of the experimental period by a trained evaluator, adopting a comparative methodology of visual evaluation on a scale from 1 to 6, and the heifers were classified according to the visual assessment. The effects of visual classification, time, and interactions were analyzed, considering significant effects was detected (p < 0.05). The significant (p < 0.05) results obtained were compared using Tukey test. Morphological classification did not influence the morphometry of the reproductive system or implied on time interactions. Body structure, maturity, and musculosity had no effect on dry matter intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and carcass dressing. However, body weight and feed efficiency were influenced by the experimental time. For both variables, significant variations were detected after 63 days of finishing in the feedlot (p < 0.001), indicating that maximum productive efficiency of feedlot-finished Nellore beef heifers was achieved at a mean body weight of 424 kg.

Biotypes of Central Nervous System Complications in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Virology, Immunology, and Neuropathology.

Despite viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continue to experience central nervous system (CNS) complications, primarily in the form of mild cognitive impairment and mental health disorders (eg, depression, anxiety, other neuropsychiatric problems). The multifactorial pathogenesis and heterogeneity of mechanisms likely underlying CNS complications must be addressed in the development of preventive interventions and effective treatments. The biotyping approach has previously been useful to define phenotypes of other CNS diseases based on underlying mechanisms and could be translated to the field of neuroHIV. The purpose of the Biotype Workshop series, and the Virology, Immunology and Neuropathology Working Group in particular, is to capitalize on current and new technologies and guide future research efforts using the wealth of available immunological, virologic, and neuropathological data collected from people with HIV on and off ART.

DNAJC14-Independent Replication of the Atypical Porcine Pestivirus.

Atypical porcine pestiviruses (APPV; Pestivirus K) are a recently discovered, very divergent species of the genus Pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae. The presence of APPV in piglet-producing farms is associated with the occurrence of so-called "shaking piglets," suffering from mild to severe congenital tremor type A-II. Previous studies showed that the cellular protein DNAJC14 is an essential cofactor of the NS2 autoprotease of all classical pestiviruses. Consequently, genetically engineered DNAJC14 knockout cell lines were resistant to all tested noncytopathogenic (non-cp) pestiviruses. Surprisingly, we found that the non-cp APPV can replicate in these cells in the absence of DNAJC14, suggesting a divergent mechanism of polyprotein processing. A complete laboratory system for the study of APPV was established to learn more about the replication of this unusual virus. The inactivation of the APPV NS2 autoprotease using reverse genetics resulted in nonreplicative genomes. To further investigate whether a regulation of the NS2-3 cleavage is also existing in APPV, we constructed synthetic viral genomes with deletions and duplications leading to the NS2 independent release of mature NS3. As observed with other pestiviruses, the increase of mature NS3 resulted in elevated viral RNA replication levels and increased protein expression. Our data suggest that APPV exhibit a divergent mechanism for the regulation of the NS2 autoprotease activity most likely utilizing a different cellular protein for the adjustment of replication levels. IMPORTANCE DNAJC14 is an essential cofactor of the pestiviral NS2 autoprotease, limiting replication to tolerable levels as a prerequisite for the noncytopathogenic biotype of pestiviruses. Surprisingly, we found that the atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) is able to replicate in the absence of DNAJC14. We further investigated the NS2-3 processing of APPV using a molecular clone, monoclonal antibodies, and DNAJC14 knockout cells. We identified two potential active site residues of the NS2 autoprotease and could demonstrate that the release of NS3 by the NS2 autoprotease is essential for APPV replication. Defective interfering genomes and viral genomes with duplicated NS3 sequences that produce mature NS3 independent of the NS2 autoprotease activity showed increased replication and antigen expression. It seems likely that an alternative cellular cofactor controls NS2-3 cleavage and thus replication of APPV. The replication-optimized synthetic APPV genomes might be suitable live vaccine candidates, whose establishment and testing warrant further research.

Assessment of gingival thickness in multi-ethnic subjects with different gingival pigmentation levels.

AIM: Assessment of the thickness of gingival tissues using the probe visibility test is regarded as the method of choice during routine examinations. However, the probe visibility test has not been validated for patients with gingival pigmentation and its accuracy in populations with physiological gingival pigmentation is yet unknown. This study aims to evaluate different methods for the clinical assessment of gingival thickness in participants with varying levels of gingival pigmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Buccal mucosa of the maxillary right central incisor teeth of 171 participants was evaluated using four methods, which were direct measurements using calliper, transgingival probing method using an endodontic probe, and probe visibility method using Colorvue biotype probe (CBP) and UNC-15 probe. The pigmentation of the gingiva was assessed using the Dummett-Gupta oral pigmentation lesion index. RESULTS: The average gingival thickness of the selected population was 1.22 ± 0.38 mm with a distribution of 70% thick and 30% thin gingiva. Transgingival and calliper methods showed good agreement and significant correlation (r = 0.229; p = .003). Visual assessment using CBP and UNC-15 probe showed poor agreement with the direct measurement methods. Gingival pigmentation significantly affected the probe visibility assessment, reducing the visibility of both the CBP (odds ratio [OR] = 4.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-8.74) and UNC-15 probe (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.05-3.23) while controlling for thickness of the gingiva. CONCLUSION: The probe visibility method using either CBP or the UNC-15 probe is affected by the degree of gingival pigmentation. Direct measurements using either a calliper or transgingival probing are recommended as methods to measure the gingival thickness in populations with gingival pigmentation.

Impact of larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus on larvae of the Culex pipiens complex from Germany in laboratory co-breeding studies.

Since the first detection of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) eggs in Germany in 2007, several populations of this species have established in Germany. Although colloquially Ae. albopictus is called an 'invasive species', it is not considered 'invasive' and therefore to be controlled according to the European Union (EU) Environmental and Nature Protection Act since evidence of displacement of native species is missing. To test the competitive potential of Ae. albopictus towards mosquito species native to Germany, laboratory experiments were conducted with larvae of this species and indigenous Cx. pipiens complex species/biotypes. First instar larvae of Ae. albopictus and of one of the native taxa were exposed to different temperatures and fed with different food sources. The ratio of individuals developing into adults as well as the time the larvae needed for development were taken as a measure of competitive outcome. In addition, the size of emerging adults was compared between control and experimental groups. Regarding developmental time, no significant differences were found between treatments and controls while significant differences were found regarding developmental rate and average wing size of individuals. Because no evidence of competitive repression of the native species was found, Ae. albopictus cannot be included in the EU list of invasive species.

Mutations in the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme affect shattercane (Sorghum bicolor) response to ALS-inhibiting herbicides.

BACKGROUND: Shattercane [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. Arundinaceum (Desv.)] is a competitive weed in North America's corn, soybean, sorghum, and other agronomic crops. Control of shattercane with POST herbicides in corn became possible with the introduction of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides in the 1980s, and their extensive use resulted in the evolution of ALS-inhibitors resistant shattercane. RESULTS: Shattercane seeds were collected from 16 south-eastern and south-central Nebraska fields that were treated with primisulfuron for three consecutive years. Three resistant plants were found in greenhouse evaluations of more than 30,000 plants. Results from a greenhouse bioassay conducted to assess the response of each shattercane biotype to ALS-inhibiting herbicides showed a differential response to ALS inhibitors within and between chemical classes. Biotype P8-30 was resistant or partially resistant to all ALS-inhibiting herbicides applied and displayed a unique amino acid sequence substitution (Trp574 to Leu) relative to the other two resistant biotypes, P2-205 and P9-102. Whole plant dose-response studies confirmed a 4- to the 12-fold level of primisulfuron resistance in three shattercane biotypes compared with the known primisulfuron-susceptible shattercane biotype. The ALS gene was sequenced using primers designed from the corn ALS sequence to identify mutations in the ALS gene that confer resistance. A total of seven nucleotide substitutions were detected in the three herbicide-resistant biotypes P2-205, P8-30, and P9-102. These biotypes are being crossed to adapted sorghum lines (grain, sweet, and forage) to broaden germplasm with resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. CONCLUSION: The discovery of these mutants should accelerate the development of sorghum genotypes that tolerate ALS-based herbicides, which provide additional choices for sorghum farmers to control weeds, especially grasses, in their fields.

Co-existence of two Yersinia ruckeri biotypes and serotype O1a retrieved from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farmed in Puno, Peru.

Yersinia ruckeri causes important economic losses for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farms worldwide. This bacterial disease is likely the most common among trout in Peru; however, no commercial vaccine is available nationally, which is, in part, due to a lack of information on the bacterium. The aim of the current study was to characterize 29 Y. ruckeri isolates sampled from seven cage-reared farms in the Puno Region, the focal point for aquaculture activities in Peru. For this, samples were taken from fish with clinical signs (i.e. haemorrhages, uni- or bilateral exophthalmia, hyphaemia and/or melanosis). Notable among our findings was the existence of both Y. ruckeri biotype 1 (9 isolates) and biotype 2 (20 isolates; negative for sorbitol and Tween 80). The isolates further differed in API profiles 5307100 (21 isolates), 1307100 (4 isolates), 1305100 (2 isolates), 1307120 (1 isolate) and 5305100 (1 isolate), with the main differences being in the tests for lysine decarboxylase, gelatine hydrolysis and D-saccharose fermentation. Despite these differences, all isolates shared identical ERIC-PCR and REP-PCR profiles and belonged to the O1a serotype. Fingerprints were identical to the reference strain CECT 955 (serotype O1a). The information obtained will be used for epidemiological purposes by health authorities and for the development of a vaccine against Y. ruckeri, a prominent request made by fish farmers in Peru.

Accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography in determining gingival thickness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for determining gingival thickness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were undertaken in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, LIVIVO, and gray literature (Google Scholar and ProQuest) for studies considered eligible according to the following criteria: cross-sectional observational studies, which compared CBCT accuracy with that of transgingival probing when determining gingival thickness, in adult patients with good periodontal health. No language or time restrictions were applied in this systematic review. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: Six articles were included for qualitative synthesis, involving a pooled sample of 132 patients with a mean age of 29 years (18-51 years). Of these 6 studies, 5 were eligible for quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference between CBCT and transgingival probing measures of gingival tissue (mean difference of 0.10 (95% CI-0.17-0.38). No significant level of heterogeneity was detected (Tau2-P = 0.0662; I2 = 0%; H2-P = 1.000; Q-P = 1.134). According to the GRADE criterion, confidence in the cumulative evidence was considered low. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT is an accurate method for determining gingival tissue thickness, comparable to the reference standard (transgingival probing). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CBCT could be considered for gingival thickness measurement when bone thickness is also needed, and thereby aid in the assessment of gingival biotype without the discomfort and anesthesia needed in transgingival probing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This protocol was registered at the PROSPERO database (International Prospective Register of Systematic Review) under registration number CRD42022326970. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022326970 .

Evaluation Of Gingival Biotype And Recession Following Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment Using 3-Dimensional Scan Methods.

The study evaluated the position of gingival margins in anterior teeth using clinical and 3-dimensional (3D) optical scanning method among patients subjected to non surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT). A single arm, longitudinal study was undertaken at the Archway Dental Center, University of Manchester, UK. History and clinical examination were done. Gingival recession, attachment loss (AL), and periodontal probing depth (PD) were recorded at baseline and 12-weeks follow-up. NSPT was done using hand and ultrasonic instruments. Impressions were made, the resultant gypsum models were scanned to generate 3D images. The change in the gingival level and thickness of facial gingiva were assessed. Out of eight patientsrecruited, three were lost to follow up. The 3D scan showed a poor correlation with the clinical assessment of gingival recession in anterior teeth following NSPT (r=- 0.0089). Recession did not improve after NSPT (p= 0.20).

Altered molecular attributes and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor strains isolated from the cholera endemic regions of India.

AIMS: The present study aimed to document the comparative analysis of differential hypervirulent features of Vibrio cholerae O1 strains isolated during 2018 from cholera endemic regions in Gujarat and Maharashtra (Western India) and West Bengal (Eastern India). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 87 V. cholerae O1 clinical strains from Western India and 48 from Eastern India were analysed for a number of biotypic and genotypic features followed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile. A novel polymerase chain reaction was designed to detect a large fragment deletion in the Vibrio seventh pandemic island II (VSP-II) genomic region, which is a significant genetic feature of the V. cholerae strains that have caused Yemen cholera outbreak. All the strains from Western India belong to the Ogawa serotype, polymyxin B-sensitive, hemolytic, had a deletion in VSP-II (VSP-IIC) region and carried Haitian genetic alleles of ctxB, tcpA and rtxA. Conversely, 14.6% (7/48) of the strains from Eastern India belonged to the Inaba serotype, polymyxin B-resistant, nonhemolytic, harboured VSP-II other than VSP-IIC type, classical ctxB, Haitian tcpA and El Tor rtxA alleles. Resistance to tetracycline and chloramphenicol has been observed in strains from both regions. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed hypervirulent, polymyxin B-sensitive epidemic causing strains in India along with the strains with polymyxin B-resistant and nonhemolytic traits that may spread and cause serious disease outcomes in future. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The outcomes of this study can help to improve the understanding of the hyperpathogenic property of recently circulating pandemic Vibrio cholerae strains in India. Special attention is also needed for the monitoring of AMR surveillance because V. cholerae strains are losing susceptibility to many antibiotics used as a second line of defence in the treatment of cholera.

Biotyping reveals loss of motility in two distinct Yersinia ruckeri lineages exclusive to Norwegian aquaculture.

Non-motile strains of Yersinia ruckeri, known as Y. ruckeri biotype 2, now dominate amongst clinical isolates retrieved from rainbow trout internationally. Due to an acute increase in the number of yersiniosis cases in Norway in recent years, followed by introduction of widespread intraperitoneal vaccination against the disease, an investigation on the prevalence of Y. ruckeri biotype 2 in Norwegian aquaculture was conducted. We biotyped 263 Y. ruckeri isolates recovered from diseased salmonids in Norway between 1985 and 2020. A total of seven biotype 2 isolates were identified, four of which were collected between 1985 and 1987, and three of which belong to the current epizootic clone, isolated from two different sea-farms in 2017. Whole-genome sequencing revealed single non-synonymous nucleotide polymorphisms in the flagellar genes flhC in isolates from the 1980s, and in fliP in isolates from 2017. In both variants, motility was restored both by complementation with wild-type alleles in trans and via spontaneous mutation-driven reversion following prolonged incubation on motility agar. While biotype 2 strains do not yet seem to have become broadly established in Norwegian aquaculture, the seven isolates described here serve to document a further two independent cases of Y. ruckeri biotype 2 emergence in salmonid aquaculture.

Width and thickness of the gingiva in periodontally healthy individuals in a central Indian population: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to determine the gingival dimensions (width and thickness) among young individuals in a central Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontal probing depth, width of the keratinized and attached gingiva, and gingival thickness were recorded on maxillary and mandibular teeth from central incisor to first molar unilaterally in 75 systemically healthy individuals (32 males and 43 females; 19-30 years of age). Comparisons were made gender-wise, arch-wise, tooth-wise, and site-wise using either the Student's t test or the ANOVA. RESULTS: Keratinized and attached gingiva were wider in the maxilla than in the mandible both at proximal and at mid-buccal aspects (p < 0.001). At the tooth level also, gingiva was wider at the maxillary teeth than the corresponding mandibular teeth and at proximal aspects than at the mid-buccal aspect (p < 0.001). Regarding the thickness, gingiva was thicker among males, in the mandible, and at inter-proximal sites (p < 0.001). In either arch, maximum thickness was observed at the incisor region and least at the canine region. CONCLUSIONS: Dimensions of the gingival tissues vary between different populations and between different areas of the dentition within the same subject. These variations need to be better understood because these aspects may have an important bearing on periodontal treatment planning as width and thickness of gingiva are important in terms of maintenance of periodontal health. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The dimensions of the clinically healthy gingiva are important in clinical practice as they can influence the progression of periodontal disease as well as impact the outcome of periodontal and restorative and orthodontic therapy.

First Report on the Streptococcusgallolyticus (S. bovis Biotype I) DSM 13808 Exopolysaccharide Structure.

Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus, known as Streptococcus bovis biotype I, is a facultative pathogen causing bacteraemia, infective endocarditis and sepsis that has been linked with colorectal cancer (CRC), but this correlation is still unclear. Bacterial surface structures, such as the major sugar antigens exposed to the outside of the microorganism, are potential virulence factors. One of the primary sugar antigens loosely attached to the cell surface is the biofilm component, exopolysaccharide (EPS). EPSs of S. bovis are poorly characterized molecules. Until now, only one S. macedonicus Sc136 EPS structure was known to the entire S. bovis group. The S. gallolyticus DSM 13808 EPS was investigated by chemical analysis, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The hexasaccharide repeating unit of the EPS, containing four Glc, two Rha residues and one phosphate group, has been described " →6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→3)-ß-l-Rhap-(1→4)-ß-d-Glcp-(1→3)-[ß-d-Glcp-(1→2)]-α-l-Rhap-(1→2)-α-d-Glcp-(1→P→".

A Fish of Multiple Faces, Which Show Us Enigmatic and Incredible Phenomena in Nature: Biology and Cytogenetics of the Genus Carassius.

Sexual vs. asexual reproduction-unisexual vs. bisexual populations-diploid vs. polyploid biotypes-genetic vs. environmental sex determination: all these natural phenomena are associated with the genus of teleost fish, Carassius. This review places emphasis on two Carassius entities with completely different biological characteristics: one globally widespread and invasive Carassius gibelio, and the other C. carassius with a decreasing trend of natural occurrence. Comprehensive biological and cytogenetic knowledge of both entities, including the physical interactions between them, can help to balance the advantages of highly invasive and disadvantages of threatened species. For example, the benefits of a wide-ranged colonization can lead to the extinction of native species or be compensated by parasitic enemies and lead to equilibrium. This review emphasizes the comprehensive biology and cytogenetic knowledge and the importance of the Carassius genus as one of the most useful experimental vertebrate models for evolutionary biology and genetics. Secondly, the review points out that effective molecular cytogenetics should be used for the identification of various species, ploidy levels, and hybrids. The proposed investigation of these hallmark characteristics in Carassius may be applied in conservation efforts to sustain threatened populations in their native ranges. Furthermore, the review focuses on the consequences of the co-occurrence of native and non-native species and outlines future perspectives of Carassius research.

Methods to assess tooth gingival thickness and diagnose gingival phenotypes: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Measurement of the periodontal soft tissue dimension is crucial for clinical decision-making and aesthetic prognosis. However, the effectiveness of different measuring methods remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to explore the diagnostic accuracy of two non-invasive methods (namely CBCT and ultrasound) for gingival thickness measurement at different tooth positions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed using PubMed (including Medline), PubMed Central, OVID, Cochrane Library, LILACS and OpenGrey. Studies focusing on comparisons between CBCT, ultrasound and direct transgingival probing were included. The means, SDs and correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager and R software. RESULTS: Twelve studies were selected. No significant difference was found between CBCT measurement and transgingival probing in the anterior and posterior dentition, and a moderate correlation was observed between these two methods (r = 0.41). A weak correlation was found between ultrasound measurement and transgingival probing (r = 0.32), and a slight but statistically significant difference was found when comparing ultrasonic devices and transgingival probing in the posterior area. CONCLUSION: CBCT can be considered a relatively reliable method for gingival thickness measurement in both the anterior and posterior areas compared with direct probing. Ultrasonic devices provide limited accuracy in the posterior area but are relatively comparable with direct clinical assessments in the anterior area. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Measurement location may affect the diagnostic accuracy and repeatability of gingival thickness measurements. Appropriate method selection in different clinical scenarios is crucial to aesthetic outcome prediction and decision-making.

A Comparative Evaluation of Dentogingival Tissue Using Transgingival Probing and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Background and Objective: Gingival biotype can be assessed using a variety of invasive and non-invasive procedures, such as direct probing, transgingival probing, ultrasound-guided approaches, and, for the more sophisticated, cone-beam computed tomography. The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival biotype in relation to transgingival probing and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This study included a total of two hundred healthy individuals. Gingival thickness was assessed and measured from the right and left maxillary central incisor teeth using CBCT and transgingival probing of the attached gingiva. The measurements were analyzed with regard to tooth type (central incisor). Linear measurements for gingival biotype were measured using both methods. Correlations and differences between measurement methods were assessed. Results: The mean age of study participants was 32.49 ± 8.61 years. The radiographic measurements on CBCT were 1.34 ± 0.17 mm for the right central and 1.28 ± 0.21mm for the left central. The transgingival probing measurements were 1.31 ± 0.18 for the right central and 1.22 ± 0.21mm for the left central. Conclusion: As per the results of this study, there is a significant positive correlation between transgingival probing and CBCT measurements of gingival biotypes.

[Use of dental implants in orthopedic rehabilitation of patients in aesthetically important area]. / Ispol'zovanie dental'nykh implantatov pri ortopedicheskoi reabilitatsii patsientov v esteticheski znachimoi zone.

The article presents a review of scientific data of Russian and non-Russian works dedicated to the problem of instant dental implantation in the aesthetically important areas, i.e. the upper jaw. The paper considers such anatomical factors of unsatisfactory aesthetic treatment results as presence and thickness of vestibular alveola wall, pathophysiological processes occurring while extracting teeth in this area, presence of odontogenic inflammatory sites and traumatic injuries under root canal and orthopaedic treatment, impact of gum's biotype on the condition of soft tissue in the area of the future orthopaedic prothesis. Data used in the article suggests the necessity of thorough diagnostic with the help of up-to-date technologies such as Cone beam computer tomography (CBCT).

Method for Specific Identification of the Emerging Zoonotic Pathogen Vibrio vulnificus Lineage 3 (Formerly Biotype 3).

Vibrio vulnificus is a zoonotic pathogen that is spreading worldwide due to global warming. Lineage 3 (L3; formerly biotype 3) includes the strains of the species with the unique ability to cause fish farm-linked outbreaks of septicemia. The L3 strains emerged recently and are particularly virulent and difficult to identify. Here, we describe a newly developed PCR method based on a comparative genomic study useful for both rapid identification and epidemiological studies of this interesting emerging group. The comparative genomic analysis also revealed the presence of a genetic duplication in the L3 strains that could be related to the unique ability of this lineage to produce septicemia outbreaks.