'Study of the maxillary yaw on cone beam computed tomography: A preliminary report and comparison between two different dento-skeletal malocclusions'.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the skeletal and dental maxillary transverse compensation (yaw) on the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) three-dimensional reconstructed image of the skull in two groups of patients, both clinically affected by a class III malocclusion with deviation of the lower midline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study was designed to analyse differences in two groups of patients, the first one was composed by patients affected by horizontal condylar hyperplasia, the second one by patients affected by dento-skeletal asymmetric class III malocclusion. Each group was composed by 15 patients. Transverse analysis was performed by measuring five landmarks (three bilateral and two uneven) with respect to a mid-sagittal plane; sagittal analysis was performed by measuring the sagittal distance on the mid-sagittal plane between bilateral points. Means were compared through inferential analysis. RESULTS: In the condylar hyperplasia group, all differences between the two sides were not statistically significant, nor for canines' difference (P = .0817), for molars (P = .1105) or for jugular points (.05871). In the class III group, the differences between the two sides were statistically significant for molars (P = .0019) and jugular points (P = .0031) but not for canines (P = .1158). Comparing the two groups, significant differences were found only for incisors' midline deviation (P = .0343) and canine (P = .0177). CONCLUSION: The study of the yaw on CBCT should be integrated into three-dimensional cephalometry and could help in differentiating the various malocclusion patterns.

Prevalence of craniomandibular disorders in orthodontic pediatric population and possible interactions with anxiety and stress.

AIM: To analyse the presence and prevalence of gnathologic problems in a sample of children, candidate for orthodontic treatment, and evaluate the relationship between psychological factors and gnathological problems. The purpose of this study was also to evaluate a simple protocol with specific psychological test and a questionnaire for the rapid diagnosis of gnathologic problems, useful for possible screening studies on a wider population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study Design: Observational, cross-sectional study. Among the patients coming for a first orthodontic evaluation 106 children, aged between 8 and 16 years, were examined. A complete orthodontic evaluation was performed in all patients; the RCMAS (Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale) was used in the study to test the psychological condition, while the selected test for the diagnosis of gnathologic problems was the Fonseca Test. The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) was evaluated with descriptive statistical analysis, and the eventually present correlation with a positive psycological test for anxiety has been evaluated with correlation parameters: c2 test of Pearson, and Cramer's V index. RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 10.74 years. Females accounted for 55.66% of the total compared to 44.34% males. Signs and symptoms of TMD were present on average in 82% and 32% respectively. A remarkable amount of children also showed signs of psychological problems, mostly represented by anxiety. Positive correlation resulted between TMD (Fonseca scores) and increased overbite. Cross-correlations have been obtained, tested with Pearson c2 test and Cramer's V index, between level of anxiety, muscle pain on palpation, bad habits, and headache. The Class II subdivision molar class and altered canine relationship have been related to the presence of articular noise. CONCLUSION: The protocol largely respected the need for speed of administration, comprehensiveness and reliability that we set out to achieve. Limited correlations have been assessed between occlusal conditions and positivity to the administrated tests. Further studies are desirable to increase the sample population.

MicroRNA signatures predict dysregulated vitamin D receptor and calcium pathways status in limb girdle muscle dystrophies (LGMD) 2A/2B.

miRNA expression profile and predicted pathways involved in selected limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)2A/2B patients were investigated. A total of 187 miRNAs were dysregulated in all patients, with six miRNAs showing opposite regulation in LGMD2A versus LGMD2B patients. Silico analysis evidence: (1) a cluster of the dysregulated miRNAs resulted primarily involved in inflammation and calcium metabolism, and (2) two genes predicted as controlled by calcium-assigned miRNAs (Vitamin D Receptor gene and Guanine Nucleotide Binding protein beta polypeptide 1gene) showed an evident upregulation in LGMD2B patients, in accordance with miRNA levels. Our data support alterations in calcium pathway status in LGMD 2A/B, suggesting myofibre calcium imbalance as a potential therapeutic target. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Expression of transglutaminase 2 does not differentiate focal myositis from generalized inflammatory myopathies.

OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), including dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), sporadic inclusion-body myositis (s-IBM) and focal myositis (FM) are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders of skeletal muscle. An increased transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expression has been found in DM, PM and s-IBM. The aim of our study was to investigate TG2 expression in FM in comparison with other IIM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We re-examined tissue material we have gathered in the course of our previous studies on IIM, investigating muscle expression of TG2 in patients with FM in comparison with DM, PM and s-IBM using immunocytochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: Immunocytochemistry revealed an increased TG2 signal in endomysial vessels, in atrophic and degenerating/regenerating muscle fibres in PM, DM, s-IBM and FM; in s-IBM, some vacuoles were immunostained too. Real-time RT-PCR study confirmed a significantly increased expression of TG2 in all IIM muscles examined. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the presence of TG2 in FM muscles. The study suggests that TG2 expression does not represent a distinctive marker to differentiate FM from generalized IIM. TG2 over-expression in inflamed skeletal muscle does not seem have a pathogenetic role in such a disease, but it could represent a way to contain the inflammatory process.

Are intraoral radiographs reliable in determining peri-implant marginal bone level changes? The correlation between open surgical measurements and peri-apical radiographs.

This study was performed to evaluate the reliability of peri-apical radiographs in determining peri-implant marginal bone level changes. The STROBE guidelines were followed. Marginal bone levels were measured at the time of implant insertion using a straight periodontal probe and using peri-apical radiographs. These intraoperative and radiographic measurements were repeated at the time of second surgery. All radiographs were analysed by two examiners blinded to the intraoperative measurements. To standardize the radiographic images, the long-cone parallel technique and a film-holding system were used. Intra-observer agreement and inter-observer variability were assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Descriptive statistics, the t-test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient were also used. A total of 268 implants were inserted in 142 patients. Inter-observer agreement was 0.950; intra-observer variability was 0.980 and 0.973. The mean difference between the radiographic and intraoperative measurements was 0.50±1.55mm (range 0-8mm); the difference was statistically significant (P=0.000). A significant linear correlation was found between the marginal bone level changes evaluated intraoperatively and radiographically (P<0.005). Radiographic analysis significantly overestimated the level of peri-implant marginal bone compared to intraoperative measurements, but peri-apical radiographs are reliable in determining the bone level changes at different follow-ups.

Palatal orthodontic miniscrew insertion using a CAD-CAM surgical guide: description of a technique.

The aim of this report was to describe a new computer-guided technique for a controlled site preparation and palatal orthodontic miniscrew insertion using a dedicated software. A surgical guide was designed after planning the appropriate insertion sites on three-dimensional images created by the fusion of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital dental model images. Pre- and postoperative CBCT images were compared and the angular, coronal, and apical deviations between the planned and the placed miniscrews were calculated. The mean coronal and apical deviations were 1.38mm (range: 3.48-0.15mm; standard deviation (SD): 0.65) and 1.73mm (range: 5.41-0.10mm; SD: 1.03), respectively, while the mean angular deviation was 4.60° (range: 15.23-0.54°; SD: 2.54). The present surgical guide allows a controlled and accurate palatal miniscrew placement in three dimensions.

The Influence of a New Clinical Motion for Endodontic Instruments on the Incidence of Postoperative Pain.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies showed that motor motions play an important role in determining apical extrusion of debris. Therefore a new clinical motion (MIMERACI) has been proposed. The basic idea is to progress slowly (1mm advancement), and after each 1mm, to remove the instrument from the canal, clean flutes and irrigate. The aim of the study was to prove whether the clinical use of MIMERACI technique would influence or not postoperative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 teeth requesting endodontic treatment were selected for the study and divided into two similar groups based on anatomy, pre-operative symptoms and vitality, presence or absence of periapical lesion. All teeth were shaped, cleaned and obturated by the same operator, using the same NiTi instruments. The only difference between the two groups was the instrumentation technique: tradional (group A) vs MIMERACI (group B). Assessment of postoperative pain was performed 3 days after treatment. Presence, absence and degree of pain were recorded with a visual analogue scale (VAS), validated in previous studies. Collected data statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: For VAS pain scores MIMERACI technique showed significantly better results than group A (p=0,031). Overall, both incidence and intensity of symptoms were significantly lower. Flare ups occurred in 3 patients, but none treated with the MIMERACI Technique. CONCLUSIONS: Since extruded debris can elicit more postoperative pain, results obtained by using MIMERACI technique are probably due to many factors: better mechanical removal and less production of debris and more efficient irrigation during instrumentation.

The localization of phenolic and tyrosyl ring thyroxine deiodination in rat and mouse retina.

To elucidate T(4) metabolism in various cell types of rat retina, 5-monodeiodinating and 5?-monodeiodinating activities were studied in retinal cell layers obtained by selective cytotoxic action of monosodium glutamate on bipolar and ganglion cell layers and by iodoacetate effect on photoreceptor cells. Concomitantly these enzyme activities were studied in C3H/HeN mouse retina genetically deprived of photoreceptor cells. Deiodinase activities were low in rat and mouse retina deprived of photoreceptors. The 5?-monodeiodination rate of T(4) was higher than T(4) tyrosyl ring deiodination in cell layers examined and the highest values were found in the photoreceptor cells. Data support the hypothesis that phenolic and tyrosyl ring deiodinase activities are present in the photoreceptor cells. Their reciprocal changes may regulate the nuclear function which in turn controls the rhythmical renewal of rod outer segments.

Preliminary report: Amino acid profile in platelets of diabetic patients.

Platelet levels of 19 amino acids were measured in 20 outpatients with type 1 (age [mean +/- SE], 35.5 +/- 2.0 years) and 27 with type 2 (age, 58.4 +/- 1.4 years) diabetes, and 20 young (age 33.7 +/- 1.3 years) and 20 older (age 57.4 +/- 1.5 years) healthy volunteers. Platelet levels of most amino acids tended to be lower in patients with type 1 diabetes than in healthy controls. In particular, asparagine, glycine, taurine, alanine, valine, cysteine, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine levels, expressed as nmol/10(8) platelets, were significantly lower. Only taurine significantly decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas threonine, alanine, and isoleucine increased.

Taurine and osmoregulation: platelet taurine content, uptake, and release in type 2 diabetic patients.

In this study, plasma and platelet taurine content and fluxes were determined in 38 type 2 diabetic patients and in 26 healthy control subjects. Taurine levels in diabetic patients were significantly lower than in control subjects both in plasma (32.1 v 48.6 micromol/L, P = .000) and platelets (148 v 183 nmol/mg protein, P = .043). Platelet taurine uptake in diabetic patients was significantly reduced (321.2 v 524.9 pmol total taurine 10(8) platelet(-1) min(-20), P = .000), whereas taurine release increased in comparison to healthy controls (38.7 v 29.5% of platelet 3H taurine at the start of incubation, P = .000). These results may reflect modified systems of taurine carriers or a compensatory mechanism in response to an increase of other organic osmolytes.

Effects of calcitonin on rat extrapyramidal motor system: behavioral and biochemical data.

The effects of i.v.c. injection of human and salmon calcitonin on biochemical and behavioral parameters related to the extrapyramidal motor system, were investigated in male rats. Calcitonin injection resulted in a potentiation of haloperidol-induced catalepsy and a partial prevention of apomorphine-induced hyperactivity. Moreover calcitonin induced a significant decrease in nigral GAD activity but no change in striatal DA and DOPAC concentration or GAD activity. The results are discussed in view of a primary action of calcitonin on the striatonigral GABAergic pathway mediating the DA-related behavioral messages of striatal origin.

Possible role of prolactin in the modification of medial basal hypothalamic glutamic acid decarboxylase activity.

The effects of acute and chronic injections of haloperidol, sulpiride and apomorphine on serum prolactin (PRL) levels and medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity were investigated in male rats. Parallel changes in PRL and GAD activity were observed in acutely treated animals. Conversely, a return to normal of the GAD activity associated with high plasma PRL levels was induced by chronic haloperidol and sulpiride treatment. Results are discussed in the light of the possible existence of a hypothetical PRL-gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) subsidiary feedback loop.

Sulpiride effects on nigral and striatal glutamic acid decarboxylase activity: a possible involvement of prolactin.

Sulpiride, a benzamide derivative neuroleptic, was shown to significantly increase glutamic acid decarboxylase activity in substantia nigra and corpus striatum in either acutely or chronically injected male rats. Hypophysectomy completely prevented this effect suggesting an involvement of an anterior pituitary factor in the central action of sulpiride. Prolactin might possibly mediate the effects of sulpiride since it is known to increase prolactin secretion by an action at the level of the anterior pituitary. Consistent with this hypothesis was the finding of a similar increase in nigral and striatal glutamic acid decarboxylase activity in hyperprolactinemic animals in which an anterior pituitary had been implanted under the kidney capsule.

Altered time course of changes in the hippocampal concentration of excitatory and inhibitory amino acids during kainate-induced epilepsy.

The temporal sequence of electrophysiological and biochemical correlates of epilepsy induced by systemic injection of kainic acid (15 mg/kg i.p.) was investigated in male rats. A significant decrease in the hippocampal concentration of glutamate and aspartate was observed 20 min after the injection. These decreases preceded both electrographic and behavioral manifestations of epilepsy, thus suggesting a causal relationship between acidic amino acid changes and the genesis of kainate-induced hyperactivity. About 30-45 min after kainate injection, a decrease in glutamate, aspartate, glycine and taurine and no change in GABA concentration were observed. Bioelectrical activity, recorded in the regio inferior (CA3) of the hippocampus or in the fascia dentata revealed the presence of high frequency bursts separated by a long-lasting depression of discharge. About 55-75 min after the injection, the number of spikes in each burst increased and the duration and frequency of interictal pauses decreased. This stage was characterized by a decrease in glutamate and aspartate, restoration to normal of glutamine, glycine and taurine and a decrease in GABA.

Estrogen effects on nigral glutamic acid decarboxylase activity: a possible role for catecholestrogen.

Repeated but not single injections of estradiol benzoate significantly reduced nigral glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD, EC 4.1.1.15). A single injection of the catecholestrogen 2-hydroxyestradiol produced similar results. Tolerance developed to the latter effect, as reflected by the lack of nigral GAD activity changes in rats repeatedly injected with 2-hydroxyestradiol. Repeated injection of the antiestrogen tamoxifen not only failed to antagonize the action of estradiol benzoate but itself reduced nigral GAD activity. Hypophysectomy, which itself decreased nigral GAD activity prevented the lowering effects of either repeated estradiol benzoate administration or single 2-hydroxyestradiol injection on the enzymatic activity.

Hemolytic crisis in a non-ketotic and euglycemic child with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzymopathy and hemolytic anemia can be triggered by many drugs, by the ingestion of fava beans, and by metabolic imbalances. Nonetheless, only sporadic reports of hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) have been reported to date. We describe an 8 year-old Sicilian boy who suffered from hemolytic anemia some days after admission for DM1. On admission, acid-base equilibrium was normal but 4 days later he presented hemolytic anemia with G6PD deficiency, confirmed by personal and family history and laboratory evaluation. We suggest that the hemolytic crisis in this patient was triggered by the relative hypoglycemia that followed insulin administration. The interference of acidosis, infections, drugs, food or other triggering agents was excluded. This report demonstrates that hemolysis may represent a possible complication of DM treatment in patients with G6PD deficiency and we recommend careful clinical surveillance in these patients.

Taurine distribution in rat tissues during development.

1. Taurine levels have been determined in eight rat organs. 2. During postnatal growth the taurine content in retina, heart, small intestine, spleen and lung increases with advancing age, although adult values are not reached at the same time. 3. In contrast the taurine content decreases with age in brain cortex, liver and kidney. 4. The taurine in subcellular fractions of adult, 20-day-old and 5-day-old rat tissues exists predominantly in the cytosol of the cell. Taurine content in particulate fractions shows marked variations during development in the different organs. 5. Taurine distribution in the subcellular fractions suggests that some of the cellular taurine in the tissues is not freely mobile in cytosol.

Cysteic and cysteine sulphinic acid decarboxylase activity in rat tissues during postnatal growth.

1) Cysteic and cysteine sulphinate decarboxylase activities have been determined in rat retina, brain, liver, kidney, lung and spleen during postnatal growth. 2) The two enzymic activities increase as function of age in retina, brain and liver. 3) In contrast the cysteic and cysteine sulphinate decarboxylase activities decrease with age in kidney, lung and spleen. 4) The rate of decarboxylation of cysteine sulphinate is higher than cysteic acid and the ratio of the two decarboxylating activities for each tissue is constant; this uniformity may exclude the existence of two separate enzymes.

Effects of estrogens and progesterone on GABA system in ovariectomized rat retina.

In an attempt to characterize the effect of estrogens and progesterone on retinal GABA metabolism, female Wistar Nossan rats were ovariectomized and treated for three days with 17 beta-estradiol (1 microgram/day), estrone (2 micrograms/day), estriol (200 micrograms/day) and progesterone (500 micrograms/day) or vehicle. After 3 days of steroid hormones treatment, GAD, GABA-T activities and GABA content were measured in retina homogenate. Progesterone did not reduce GAD, GABA-T activities and GABA content from ovariectomized levels. 17 beta-estradiol, estrone and estriol decreased the GAD activity. Furthermore the decrease in GAD activity was maximal for 17 beta-estradiol whereas the estrogens treatment was ineffective on GABA-T. GABA content was significantly decreased only by 17 beta-estradiol. Estrogens reduced the Vmax of GAD for glutamate as a substrate without changing the Km.

Excess of taurine supplementation in rat: effects on GABA-related amino acids in developing nervous tissues.

The effects of taurine supplementation on GABA-related amino acid homeostasis in developing nervous tissues of suckling rats were studied. In the first two weeks of postnatal growth, cerebral cortex and cerebellum appear more accessible to taurine supplementation in comparison to retina; in addition, different changes in excitatory/inhibitory amino acids were observed. After the 5th day of life, in the retina and cerebellum of taurine-supplemented pups a decrease in GABA levels was found; in contrast, in cerebral cortex GABA content significantly increased throughout 20 days of postnatal growth. In all nervous tissues studied (except for cerebellum) glutamine concentration increased at the 5th day; then in cerebellum and in retina, but not in cerebral cortex, a significant decrease until the 20th day occurred. Furthermore, in cerebellum and retina taurine supplementation decreased glutamate levels, in comparison to controls, at the 10th and until the 20th day of postnatal life, respectively, whereas in cerebral cortex an increase in glutamate level was observed only at the 5th day. In conclusion, taurine supplementation, in excess to the usual amount from the mother's milk, affected the glutamate compartments in various cell types. The changes in GABA-related amino acid concentrations in cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and retina may depend on the different pattern of the metabolic processes at different maturative stages.