Laccase-Treated Polystyrene Surfaces with Caffeic Acid, Dopamine, and L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine Substrates Facilitate the Proliferation of Melanocytes and Embryonal Carcinoma Cells NTERA-2.

This study presents the effects of treating polystyrene (PS) cell culture plastic with oxidoreductase enzyme laccase and the catechol substrates caffeic acid (CA), L-DOPA, and dopamine on the culturing of normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) and human embryonal carcinoma cells (NTERA-2). The laccase-substrate treatment improved PS hydrophilicity and roughness, increasing NHEM and NTERA-2 adherence, proliferation, and NHEM melanogenesis to a level comparable with conventional plasma treatment. Cell adherence dynamics and proliferation were evaluated. The NHEM endpoint function was quantified by measuring melanin content. PS surfaces treated with laccase and its substrates demonstrated the forming of polymer-like structures. The surface texture roughness gradient and the peak curvature were higher on PS treated with a combination of laccase and substrates than laccase alone. The number of adherent NHEM and NTERA-2 was significantly higher than on the untreated surface. The proliferation of NHEM and NTERA-2 correspondingly increased on treated surfaces. NHEM melanin content was enhanced 6-10-fold on treated surfaces. In summary, laccase- and laccase-substrate-modified PS possess improved PS surface chemistry/hydrophilicity and altered roughness compared to untreated and plasma-treated surfaces, facilitating cellular adherence, subsequent proliferation, and exertion of the melanotic phenotype. The presented technology is easy to apply and creates a promising custom-made, substrate-based, cell-type-specific platform for both 2D and 3D cell culture.

Enamel Caries Lesion Depth Obtained by Optical Coherence Tomography and Transverse Microradiography: A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Visual imaging of subsurface caries lesions is of vital interest in dentistry, which can be obtained by invasive radiography technique as well as by available non-destructive imaging approaches. Thus, as a first step toward the development of a new innovative approach, Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was applied to detect the lesion depth in comparison to the established reference technique (transverse microradiography [TMR]). METHODS: Bovine enamel specimens were demineralized for 5 days, following previous studies. For OCT, the resulting artificial lesions were scanned three-dimensionally (SD-OCT) and semi-automated measured (CarLQuant). For TMR, specimens were sectioned and the lesion depth was manually determined (Inspektor Research System). RESULTS: The range of lesion depth detected with OCT was 24.0-174.0 µm (mouth rinse study), 18.0-178.0 µm (toothpastes study) and with TMR 59.2-198.0 µm (mouth rinse study), 33.2-133.4 µm (toothpastes study). We found a strong correlation between both methods in terms of lesion depth (Spearman rankwith outlierp < 0.001, Rho = 0.75, Spearman rankwithout outlierp = 0.001, Rho = 0.79). The two methods produce similar results (Passing-Bablok regression, 1.16). As deeper is the lesion, the smallest is the difference between both methods as indicated by Bland-Altman-plots. CONCLUSION: Especially in the case of deep lesions, the values obtained by both methods are in agreement, and OCT can potentially substitute TMR to detect and assess lesion depth with the benefit of being non-destructive.

Wear patterns of radular teeth in Loligo vulgaris (Cephalopoda; Mollusca) are related to their structure and mechanical properties.

Radular teeth have to cope with wear, when interacting with ingesta. In some molluscan taxa, wear-coping mechanisms, related to the incorporation of high contents of iron or silica, have been previously determined. For most species, particularly for those which possess radulae without such incorporations, wear-coping mechanisms are understudied. In the present study, we documented and characterized the wear on radular teeth in the model species Loligo vulgaris (Cephalopoda). By applying a range of methods, the elementary composition and mechanical properties of the teeth were described, to gain insight into mechanisms for coping with abrasion. It was found that the tooth regions that are prone to wear are harder and stiffer. Additionally, the surfaces interacting with the ingesta possessed a thin coating with high contents of silicon, probably reducing abrasion. The here presented data may serve as an example of systematic study of radular wear, in order to understand the relationship between the structure of radular teeth and their properties.

Age-related changes in the midpalatal suture: Comparison between CBCT staging and bone micromorphology.

The age-related maturation of the human midpalatal suture is challenging to predict, but critical for successful non-surgical rapid maxillary expansion (RME). While cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to categorize the suture into stages, it remains unclear how well the stages predict the actual micromorphology of the palate. To address this clinically relevant question, we used CBCT together with three-dimensional micro-computed tomography (µCT) analysis on 24 human palate specimens from individuals aged 14-34 years. We first classified the specimens into stages (A-E) using CBCT images and then correlated the results with our comprehensive µCT analysis. Our analysis focused on several factors, including bone volume fraction (BV/TV), sutural width, volume, interdigitation, ossification, and their associations with age, CBCT stage, and sex. Our µCT analysis revealed a decrease in sutural width and volume after the age of 20 years, accompanied by sutural closure beginning in the palatal segment. The overall rate of ossification remained low but increased after the age of 20 years. No significant differences were found between males and females. Importantly, we also found no correlation between individual age and CBCT stages. Furthermore, there was no association between CBCT stages and patalal suture volume, ossification and interdigitation. Taken together, our findings cast doubt on the reliability of CBCT stage as a means of predicting skeletal maturity of the palatal suture, as it appears to lack the precision required to accurately assess the true micromorphology of the palatal suture. Future investigations should explore whether alternative CBCT parameters may be more useful in addressing the challenging question of whether RME requires surgical bone weakening.

Tooth-composite bond failure with a universal and an etch-and-rinse adhesive depending on mode and frequency of application.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of an additional layer of universal adhesive on the interfacial enamel/dentin-composite gap formation in relation to application mode and aging, via spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). METHODS: In vitro class V cavities in 114 caries-free premolars were restored by applying one or two layers of a universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal, SBU) in self-etch (se) and etch-and-rinse (er) mode or the reference adhesive OptiBond FL (OFL-er). The restorations were imaged by SD-OCT (six groups, n = 8) and SEM (n = 3) directly after filling (t1), water storage (t2, 24 h), embedding (t3), and thermo-mechanical loading (t4, TCML). The interfacial gaps were quantified using 26 parameters and analyzed using principal component analysis and linear mixed effect models. RESULTS: Gap formation at enamel and dentin was significantly influenced by the adhesive, the application mode and number of layers (p < 0.001). This was due to the influence of the SBU-er mode (p < 1e-05), which showed significantly more gap formation and a greater range of variation with double application when compared to SBU-se and OFL. The fewest interfacial gaps occurred with one or two applications of OFL-er and one layer of SBU-er. SIGNIFICANCE: Adhesive application mode and the number of adhesive layers are relevant factors in the tooth-composite bond failure. Double application worsened the adaptation of SBU to freshly prepared dentin conditioned with phosphoric acid.

Effect of the Adhesive Strategy on Clinical Performance and Marginal Integrity of a Universal Adhesive in Non-Carious Cervical Lesions in a Randomized 36-Month Study.

The effectiveness of a universal adhesive applied in three application modes for the preparation of Class V composite restorations was evaluated both clinically and by quantitative marginal analysis (QMA) over 36 months. In 50 patients, three (n = 21) or four (n = 29) non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) were restored with Venus® Diamond Flow (Kulzer GmbH, Hanau, Germany). The adhesive iBond® Universal (iBU, Kulzer, Germany) was used in self-etch (SE), etch-and-rinse (ER), or selective-enamel-etch mode (SEE). The etch-and-rinse adhesive OptiBondTM FL served as a control (OFL, Kerr GmbH, Herzogenrath, Germany). The restorations were clinically assessed (FDI criteria) at 14 days (BL), 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Additionally, QMA was conducted on all restorations of 11 randomly selected patients. FDI criteria and marginal gap and perfect margin were compared between and within groups and recalls using McNemar, Wilcoxon, or Mann-Whitney U-tests (α = 0.05). Starting with 12 months, cumulative failure rates were lower in iBU-SE (0.0%, p = 0.016) and iBU-ER groups (2.1%, p = 0.07) compared to OFL (16.7%). At two years, iBU-SEE also showed fewer failures (0.0% SEE vs. 34.6% OFL, p = 0.016), as did iBU-SE compared to iBU-ER after 36 months (2.2 and 19.6%, p = 0.039). From BL, the iBU-SEE group always had the fewest marginal gaps and the highest percentage of perfect margins. From BL, iBU-SEE (0%, p = 0.008) and iBU-ER (0.2%, p = 0.027) showed significantly fewer marginal gaps compared to OFL (2.5%) and more perfect margins were found with iBU-SEE starting at 6 months (p = 0.054). The SEE and ER modes ensured the most excellent marginal quality, with differences from the control appearing earlier with QMA than clinically. In restoring NCCls, iBU showed superior clinical performance over OFL, especially in modes SE and SEE.

Ancient human DNA recovered from a Palaeolithic pendant.

Artefacts made from stones, bones and teeth are fundamental to our understanding of human subsistence strategies, behaviour and culture in the Pleistocene. Although these resources are plentiful, it is impossible to associate artefacts to specific human individuals1 who can be morphologically or genetically characterized, unless they are found within burials, which are rare in this time period. Thus, our ability to discern the societal roles of Pleistocene individuals based on their biological sex or genetic ancestry is limited2-5. Here we report the development of a non-destructive method for the gradual release of DNA trapped in ancient bone and tooth artefacts. Application of the method to an Upper Palaeolithic deer tooth pendant from Denisova Cave, Russia, resulted in the recovery of ancient human and deer mitochondrial genomes, which allowed us to estimate the age of the pendant at approximately 19,000-25,000 years. Nuclear DNA analysis identifies the presumed maker or wearer of the pendant as a female individual with strong genetic affinities to a group of Ancient North Eurasian individuals who lived around the same time but were previously found only further east in Siberia. Our work redefines how cultural and genetic records can be linked in prehistoric archaeology.

Variability in molar crown morphology and cusp wear in two Western chimpanzee populations.

OBJECTIVES: Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) possess a relatively generalized molar morphology allowing them to access a wide range of foods. Comparisons of crown and cusp morphology among the four subspecies have suggested relatively large intraspecific variability. Here, we compare molar crown traits and cusp wear of two geographically close populations of Western chimpanzees, P. t. verus, to provide further information on intraspecific dental variability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Micro-CT reconstructions of high-resolution replicas of first and second molars of two Western chimpanzee populations from Ivory Coast (Taï National Park) and Liberia, respectively were used for this study. First, we analyzed projected tooth and cusp 2D areas as well as the occurrence of cusp six (C6) on lower molars. Second, we quantified the molar cusp wear three-dimensionally to infer how the individual cusps alter with advancing wear. RESULTS: Both populations are similar in their molar crown morphology, except for a higher appearance rate of a C6 in Taï chimpanzees. In Taï chimpanzees, lingual cusps of upper molars and buccal cusps of lower molars possess an advanced wear pattern compared to the remaining cusps, while in Liberian chimpanzees this wear gradient is less pronounced. DISCUSSION: The similar crown morphology between both populations fits with previous descriptions for Western chimpanzees and provides additional data on dental variation within this subspecies. The wear pattern of the Taï chimpanzees are in concordance with their observed tool rather than tooth use to open nuts/seeds, while the Liberian chimpanzees may have consumed hard food items crushed between their molars.

Influence of dental prophylaxis procedures on the tooth veneer interface in resin-based composite and polymer-infiltrated ceramic veneer restorations: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dental prophylaxis cleaning procedures and artificial aging on veneers in human teeth. The external marginal and internal tooth veneer as well as the restoration surfaces were examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two extracted premolars were restored with resin-based composite (RBC) and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) veneers. Artificial aging by alternating thermocycling and subsequent prophylaxis procedure (glycine-based powder air polishing or ultrasonic scaling) was conducted for five consecutive cycles. The external marginal interface was examined by height profile measurements and the internal interface was investigated using micro X-ray computed tomography. In addition, the surface texture of the veneer surface was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: The application of both prophylaxis procedures resulted in a deepening of the marginal interface (10 µm ± 8 µm) for materials. Furthermore, the internal interface of PICN restorations showed marginal gaps after both treatments and artificial aging (16 µm ± 3 µm). In contrast to the RBC specimens, a significant increase in surface roughness was identified for PICN veneers after ultrasonic scaling. CONCLUSIONS: The marginal and internal interface regions in veneers fabricated from PICN and RBC were affected by prophylaxis procedures. Furthermore, it may result in increased veneer surface roughness, especially in PICN and after ultrasonic scaling, which might affect bioadhesion and longevity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After dental prophylaxis procedures, examination of the marginal and the internal interface as well as the veneer surface provides a precise insight into damage mechanisms and offers an assessment of longevity.

A skew in poo: Biases in primate fecal isotope analysis and recommendations for standardized sample preparation.

Feces are a treasure trove in the study of animal behavior and ecology. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis allows to assess the dietary niches of elusive primate species and primate breastfeeding behavior. However, some fecal isotope data may unwillingly be biased toward the isotope ratios of undigested plant matter, requiring more consistent sample preparation protocols. We assess the impact of this potential data skew in 114 fecal samples of wild bonobos (Pan paniscus) by measuring the isotope differences (Δ13 C, Δ15 N) between bulk fecal samples containing larger particles (>1 mm) and filtered samples containing only small particles (<1 mm). We assess the influence of fecal carbon and nitrogen content (ΔC:N) and sample donor age (subadult, adult) on the resulting Δ13 C, Δ15 N values (n = 228). Additionally, we measure the isotope ratios in three systematically sieved fecal samples of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), with particle sizes ranging from 20 µm to 8 mm (n = 30). We found differences in fecal carbon and nitrogen content, with the smaller fecal fraction containing more nitrogen on average. While the Δ13 C values were small and not affected by age or ΔC:N, the Δ15 N values were significantly influenced by fecal ΔC:N, possibly resulting from the differing proportions of undigested plant macroparticles. Significant relationships between carbon stable isotope ratios (δ13 C) values and %C in large fecal fractions of both age groups corroborated this assessment. Δ15 N values were significantly larger in adults than subadults, which should be of concern in isotope studies comparing adult females with infants to assess breastfeeding. We found a random variation of up to 3.0‰ in δ13 C and 2.0‰ in nitrogen stable isotope ratios within the chimpanzee fecal samples separated by particle sizes. We show that particle size influences isotope ratios and propose a simple, cost-effective filtration method for primate feces to exclude larger undigested food particles from the analysis, which can easily be adopted by labs worldwide.

Clinical Outcomes and Quantitative Margin Analysis of a Universal Adhesive Using a Randomized Clinical Trial over Three Years.

The effectiveness of a universal adhesive applied in different application modes for the preparation of Class V composite restorations was evaluated both clinically and by quantitative marginal analysis (QMA). In each of the 22 patients, four non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) were restored with Filtek™ Supreme XTE (3M). The adhesive Scotchbond™ Universal (SBU, 3M) was applied in self-etch (SE), selective-enamel-etch (SEE) or etch-and-rinse (ER) modes. The etch-and-rinse adhesive OptiBond™ FL (OFL, Kerr) served as a control. The restorations were clinically evaluated (FDI criteria) after 14 days (BL), 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Additionally, QMA was conducted on all restorations of 11 randomly selected patients. The FDI criteria and marginal gap were statistically compared between the groups at each recall as well as for the time periods between recalls. The cumulative failure rate was non-significantly higher in the OFL group when compared to all of the SBU groups. Marginal adaptation in the OFL and SBU-SE/ER groups was significantly decreased (BL-36 m, p: 0.004) in comparison to the SBU-SEE group (BL-36 m, p: 0.063). More marginal gaps were found in the OFL group than in the SBU-SEE (BL to 36 m, p: 0.063-0.003) and SBU-ER (24/36 m, p: 0.066/0.005) groups as well as in the SBU-SE group when compared to the SBU-SEE (12-36 m, pi ≤ 0.016) and SBU-ER (24/36 m, p: 0.055/0.001) groups. SBU-SEE performed most effectively. The clinical evaluation and QMA corresponded, yet QMA detected group differences earliest after 6 months and is thus a valuable extension to clinical evaluations.

Post-mortem enamel surface texture alteration during taphonomic processes-do experimental approaches reflect natural phenomena?

Experimental approaches are often used to better understand the mechanisms behind and consequences of post-mortem alteration on proxies for diet reconstruction. Dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) is such a dietary proxy, using dental wear features in extant and extinct taxa to reconstruct feeding behaviour and mechanical food properties. In fossil specimens especially, DMTA can be biased by post-mortem alteration caused by mechanical or chemical alteration of the enamel surface. Here we performed three different dental surface alteration experiments to assess the effect of common taphonomic processes by simplifying them: (1) tumbling in sediment suspension to simulate fluvial transport, (2) sandblasting to simulate mechanical erosion due to aeolian sediment transport, (3) acid etching to simulate chemical dissolution by stomach acid. For tumbling (1) we found alteration to be mainly dependent on sediment grain size fraction and that on specimens tumbled with sand fractions mainly post-mortem scratches formed on the dental surface, while specimens tumbled with a fine-gravel fraction showed post-mortem formed dales. Sandblasting (2) with loess caused only negligible alteration, however blasting with fine sand quartz particles resulted in significant destruction of enamel surfaces and formation of large post-mortem dales. Acid etching (3) using diluted hydrochloric acid solutions in concentrations similar to that of predator stomachs led to a complete etching of the whole dental surface, which did not resemble those of teeth recovered from owl pellets. The experiments resulted in post-mortem alteration comparable, but not identical to naturally occurring post-mortem alteration features. Nevertheless, this study serves as a first assessment and step towards further, more refined taphonomic experiments evaluating post-mortem alteration of dental microwear texture (DMT).

Evaluation of quantitative light-induced fluorescence to assess lesion depth in cavitated and non-cavitated root caries lesions - An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: This in vitro study aimed to assess carious lesions on root surfaces using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) and to compare the readings with axial lesion depth on µCT. METHODS: The root surfaces of 107 extracted human teeth were included after visual-tactile inspection. For further analysis, the following parameters were assessed: clinical findings (non-cavitated: leathery or hard, cavitated), QLF- (QLF-D Biluminator 2+), and µCT-images (Bruker Skyscan 1172). The shape of the undamaged tooth surface of the cavitated lesions was virtually re-constructed during µCT analysis. Clinical surface texture,% fluorescence loss, and lesion depth (µCT) were determined. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: chi²-test, Spearman-Rho test, regression analysis. RESULTS: ∆F was significantly lower in non-cavitated leathery (-50.37 ± 15.10) and cavitated (-61.23 ± 9.92) compared to non-cavitated surfaces with a hard texture (-17.04 ± 16.10, p < 0.01). For non-cavitated surfaces, a negative correlation was observed between ∆F and lesion depth in µCT images regardless of texture (-0.748, p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that ∆F predicted lesion depth in µCT for non-cavitated surfaces (ß: 0.703, CI95: 0.67--0.43, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The percentage of fluorescence loss (∆F) in QLF predicted lesion depth of non-cavitated demineralized root surfaces. Therefore, QLF can be recommended for estimating the lesion depth of carious root lesions and seems to expand the possibilities of follow-up and lesion monitoring, especially for non-cavitated surfaces.

The effect of eraser sampling for proteomic analysis on Palaeolithic bone surface microtopography.

Bone surface modifications are crucial for understanding human subsistence and dietary behaviour, and can inform about the techniques employed in the production and use of bone tools. Permission to destructively sample such unique artefacts is not always granted. The recent development of non-destructive proteomic extraction techniques has provided some alternatives for the analysis of rare and culturally significant artefacts, including bone tools and personal ornaments. The Eraser Extraction Method (EEM), first developed for ZooMS analysis of parchment, has recently been applied to bone and ivory specimens. To test the potential impact of the EEM on ancient bone surfaces, we analyse six anthropogenically modified Palaeolithic bone specimens from Bacho Kiro Cave (Bulgaria) through a controlled sampling experiment using qualitative and 3D quantitative microscopy. Although the overall bone topography is generally preserved, our findings demonstrate a slight flattening of the microtopography alongside the formation of micro-striations associated with the use of the eraser for all bone specimens. Such modifications are similar to ancient use-wear traces. We therefore consider the EEM a destructive sampling approach for Palaeolithic bone surfaces. Together with low ZooMS success rates in some of the reported studies, the EEM might not be a suitable approach to taxonomically identify Pleistocene bone specimens.

Assessibility of different CAD/CAM ceramics with optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the light penetration depth of various CAD/CAM ceramics and luting agents by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Six CAD/CAM ceramics: lithium disilicate (LS2), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS), lithium aluminosilicate (LAS), polymer infiltrated (PIC), feldspar (FEL) and zirconium oxide (ZRO) and five common luting agents, two self-adhesive and three adhesive materials, were included. SD-OCT wavelengths (1310/1550 nm) and frequencies (5/28 kHz) that are particularly suitable for these materials were investigated. Subsequently, a clinical simulation was performed with an adhesively or self-adhesively inserted partial crown made of a ceramic that had an OCT penetration depth of > 1.0 mm. RESULTS: Best SD-OCT penetration was obtained at 1550 nm and 28 kHz. For ZLS, LS2 and LAS, SD-OCT light penetration depth of > 4 mm was shown. In contrast, the penetration depth of ZRO, PIC and FEL was less than 1 mm. Adhesive and self-adhesive luting agents could be visualized up to ≥ 0.9 mm. All clinically relevant areas (ceramic restoration, luting area, interfaces and adjacent tooth structures) can be imaged when SD-OCT-suitable ceramics are used. CONCLUSIONS: SD-OCT can be used to analyze CAD/CAM ceramics based on ZLS, LS2 and LAS, whereas ZRO, PIC, and FEL had insufficient penetration depth for clinical application. The type of luting agent or its thickness played an insignificant role. With suitable ceramics, SD-OCT can be recommended as a non-invasive examination tool. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study indicates that SD-OCT is a useful non-invasive examination method for monitoring lithium silicate-based ceramic restorations and adjacent structures.

Dental wear proxy correlation in a long-term feeding experiment on sheep (Ovis aries).

Dietary reconstruction in vertebrates often relies on dental wear-based proxies. Although these proxies are widely applied, the contributions of physical and mechanical processes leading to meso- and microwear are still unclear. We tested their correlation using sheep (Ovis aries, n = 39) fed diets of varying abrasiveness for 17 months as a model. Volumetric crown tissue loss, mesowear change and dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) were all applied to the same teeth. We hereby correlate: (i) 46 DMTA parameters with each other, for the maxillary molars (M1, M2, M3), and the second mandibular molar (m2); (ii) 10 mesowear variables to each other and to DMTA for M1, M2, M3 and m2; and (iii) volumetric crown tissue loss to mesowear and DMTA for M2. As expected, many DMTA parameters correlated strongly with each other, supporting the application of reduced parameter sets in future studies. Correlation results showed only few DMTA parameters correlated with volumetric tissue change and even less so with mesowear variables, with no correlation between mesowear and volumetric tissue change. These findings caution against interpreting DMTA and mesowear patterns in terms of actual tissue removal until these dental wear processes can be better understood at microscopic and macroscopic levels.

Dental microwear texture gradients in guinea pigs reveal that material properties of the diet affect chewing behaviour.

Dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) is widely used for diet inferences in extant and extinct vertebrates. Often, a reference tooth position is analysed in extant specimens, while isolated teeth are lumped together in fossil datasets. It is therefore important to test whether dental microwear texture (DMT) is tooth position specific and, if so, what causes the differences in wear. Here, we present results from controlled feeding experiments with 72 guinea pigs, which received either fresh or dried natural plant diets of different phytolith content (lucerne, grass, bamboo) or pelleted diets with and without mineral abrasives (frequently encountered by herbivorous mammals in natural habitats). We tested for gradients in dental microwear texture along the upper cheek tooth row. Regardless of abrasive content, guinea pigs on pelleted diets displayed an increase in surface roughness along the tooth row, indicating that posterior tooth positions experience more wear compared with anterior teeth. Guinea pigs feedings on plants of low phytolith content and low abrasiveness (fresh and dry lucerne, fresh grass) showed almost no DMT differences between tooth positions, while individuals feeding on more abrasive plants (dry grass, fresh and dry bamboo) showed a gradient of decreasing surface roughness along the tooth row. We suggest that plant feeding involves continuous intake and comminution by grinding, resulting in posterior tooth positions mainly processing food already partly comminuted and moistened. Pelleted diets require crushing, which exerts higher loads, especially on posterior tooth positions, where bite forces are highest. These differences in chewing behaviour result in opposing wear gradients for plant versus pelleted diets.

Dental wear patterns reveal dietary ecology and season of death in a historical chimpanzee population.

Dental wear analyses have been widely used to interpret the dietary ecology in primates. However, it remains unclear to what extent a combination of wear analyses acting at distinct temporal scales can be beneficial in interpreting the tooth use of primates with a high variation in their intraspecific dietary ecology. Here, we combine macroscopic tooth wear (occlusal fingerprint analysis, long-term signals) with microscopic 3D surface textures (short-term signals) exploring the tooth use of a historical western chimpanzee population from northeastern Liberia with no detailed dietary records. We compare our results to previously published tooth wear and feeding data of the extant and continually monitored chimpanzees of Taї National Park in Ivory Coast. Macroscopic tooth wear results from molar wear facets of the Liberian population indicate only slightly less wear when compared to the Taї population. This suggests similar long-term feeding behavior between both populations. In contrast, 3D surface texture results show that Liberian chimpanzees have many and small microscopic wear facet features that group them with those Taї chimpanzees that knowingly died during dry periods. This coincides with historical accounts, which indicate that local tribes poached and butchered the Liberian specimens during dust-rich dry periods. In addition, Liberian females and males differ somewhat in their 3D surface textures, with females having more microscopic peaks, smaller hill and dale areas and slightly rougher wear facet surfaces than males. This suggests a higher consumption of insects in Liberian females compared to males, based on similar 3D surface texture patterns previously reported for Taї chimpanzees. Our study opens new options for uncovering details of feeding behaviors of chimpanzees and other living and fossil primates, with macroscopic tooth wear tracing the long-term dietary and environmental history of a single population and microscopic tooth wear addressing short-term changes (e.g. seasonality).

The Effect of Solutions Containing Extracts of Vochysia tucanorum Mart., Myrcia bellaCambess., Matricaria chamomilla L. and Malva sylvestris L. on Cariogenic Bacterial Species and Enamel Caries Development.

This study evaluated the effect of experimental solutions containing plant extracts on bacterial species and enamel caries prevention. Microcosm biofilm was produced from human saliva mixed with McBain saliva (0.2% sucrose) on bovine enamel for 5 days (3 days under anaerobiosis and 2 days under aerobiosis) at 37°C. From the 2nd day, the following treatments were applied (1 × 60 s/day): Vochysia tucanorum (10 mg/mL); Myrcia bella (5 mg/mL); Matricaria chamomilla (80 mg/mL); Malva sylvestris, fluoride, and xylitol (Malvatricin Plus®); 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX, PerioGard®); and PBS (negative control). The medium pH was measured. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed for the detection of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. Enamel demineralization was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The data were compared by means of the Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, two-way ANOVA/Bonferroni, and ANOVA/Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The pH decreased after sucrose exposure; only CHX reestablished pH >5.5 by the last day. CHX also eliminated Lactobacillusspp., but the other treatments did not differ significantly from PBS. Malvatricin Plus® and CHX eliminated S. mutans, but the other treatments did not differ from PBS. Similar results were seen concerning the reduction of lesion depth and reflectivity. The experimental natural-extract solutions were ineffective against cariogenic bacteria and in preventing the development of enamel caries.

Volumetric measurements of paranasal sinuses and examination of sinonasal communication in healthy Shetland ponies: anatomical and morphometric characteristics using computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Despite clinical importance and frequent occurrence of sinus disease, little is known about the size of paranasal sinuses and their communication in ponies and small horses. To examine the shape and volume of the paranasal sinuses and evaluate the sinonasal communication, three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of computed tomography (CT) datasets of 12 healthy adult Shetland ponies were performed and analysed. Linear measurements of head length and width were taken. Using semi-automatic segmentation, 3D-models of all sinus compartments were created. Volumetric measurement of the seven sinus compartments were conducted and statistical analysis was performed. Sinus volumes were compared between the left and right sinuses and the relation to age and head size was evaluated. RESULTS: Structure and shape of the paranasal sinus system in Shetland ponies was similar to that of large horses. All seven sinus compartments on each side of the head were identified (rostral maxillary sinus, ventral conchal sinus, caudal maxillary sinus, dorsal conchal sinus, middle conchal sinus, frontal sinus, sphenopalatine sinus). The existence of a bilateral cranial and a caudal system formed by a maxillary septum was visible in all 12 individuals. The volumetric sizes of the left and right sinuses did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). A positive correlation between the size of the paranasal sinuses and the head length was shown. A relation between sinus volumes and age could not be proved in adult ponies aged > six years. Communication between single sinus compartments was identified. Furthermore, communication with the nasal cavity over the nasomaxillary aperture (Apertura nasomaxillaris) and a common sinonasal channel (Canalis sinunasalis communis) as well as its splitting up into a rostral and a caudolateral channel could be seen. Examination of the sinonasal communication was challenging and only a descriptive evaluation was possible. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings concerning the size, shape and volumetric dimensions of Shetland pony CT images could help improve CT interpretation of abnormal clinical cases as well as aiding clinicians to develop and select appropriate instruments for medical inspection and treatments.