What can cold-induced transcriptomes of Arctic Brassicaceae tell us about the evolution of cold tolerance?

Little is known about the evolution of cold tolerance in polar plant species and how they differ from temperate relatives. To gain insight into their biology and the evolution of cold tolerance, we compared the molecular basis of cold response in three Arctic Brassicaceae species. We conducted a comparative time series experiment to examine transcriptional responses to low temperature. RNA was sampled at 22°C, and after 3, 6, and 24 at 2°C. We then identified sets of genes that were differentially expressed in response to cold and compared them between species, as well as to published data from the temperate Arabidopsis thaliana. Most differentially expressed genes were species-specific, but a significant portion of the cold response was also shared among species. Among thousands of differentially expressed genes, ~200 were shared among the three Arctic species and A. thaliana, while ~100 were exclusively shared among the three Arctic species. Our results show that cold response differs markedly between Arctic Brassicaceae species, but probably builds on a conserved basis found across the family. They also confirm that highly polygenic traits such as cold tolerance may show little repeatability in their patterns of adaptation.

Rapid evolution of post-zygotic reproductive isolation is widespread in Arctic plant lineages.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Arctic tundra, with its extreme temperatures and short growing season, is evolutionarily young and harbours one of the most species-poor floras on Earth. Arctic species often show little phenotypic and genetic divergence across circumpolar ranges. However, strong intraspecific post-zygotic reproductive isolation (RI) in terms of hybrid sterility has frequently evolved within selfing Arctic species of the genus Draba. Here we assess whether incipient biological species are common in the Arctic flora. METHODS: We conducted an extensive crossing experiment including six species representing four phylogenetically distant families collected across the circumpolar Arctic. We crossed conspecific parental populations representing different spatial scales, raised 740 F1 hybrids to maturity and measured fertility under laboratory conditions. We examined genetic divergence between populations for two of these species (Cardamine bellidifolia and Ranunculus pygmaeus). KEY RESULTS: In five of the six species, we find extensive reduction in pollen fertility and seed set in F1 hybrids; 219 (46 %) of the 477 F1 hybrids generated between parents separated by ≥427 km had <20 % pollen fertility. Isolation with migration (IM) and *BEAST analyses of sequences of eight nuclear genes in C. bellidifolia suggests that reproductively isolated populations of this species diverged during, or even after, the last glaciation. Likewise, Arctic populations of R. pygmaeus were genetically very similar despite exhibiting strongly reduced fertility in crosses, suggesting that RI evolved recently also in this species. CONCLUSION: We show that post-zygotic RI has developed multiple times within taxonomically recognized Arctic species belonging to several distantly related lineages, and that RI may have developed over just a few millennia. Rapid and widespread evolution of incipient biological species in the Arctic flora might be associated with frequent bottlenecks due to glacial cycles, and/or selfing mating systems, which are common in the harsh Arctic environment where pollinators are scarce.

Multiple Genetic Trajectories to Extreme Abiotic Stress Adaptation in Arctic Brassicaceae.

Extreme environments offer powerful opportunities to study how different organisms have adapted to similar selection pressures at the molecular level. Arctic plants have adapted to some of the coldest and driest biomes on Earth and typically possess suites of similar morphological and physiological adaptations to extremes in light and temperature. Here, we compare patterns of molecular evolution in three Brassicaceae species that have independently colonized the Arctic and present some of the first genetic evidence for plant adaptations to the Arctic environment. By testing for positive selection and identifying convergent substitutions in orthologous gene alignments for a total of 15 Brassicaceae species, we find that positive selection has been acting on different genes, but similar functional pathways in the three Arctic lineages. The positively selected gene sets identified in the three Arctic species showed convergent functional profiles associated with extreme abiotic stress characteristic of the Arctic. However, there was little evidence for independently fixed mutations at the same sites and for positive selection acting on the same genes. The three species appear to have evolved similar suites of adaptations by modifying different components in similar stress response pathways, implying that there could be many genetic trajectories for adaptation to the Arctic environment. By identifying candidate genes and functional pathways potentially involved in Arctic adaptation, our results provide a framework for future studies aimed at testing for the existence of a functional syndrome of Arctic adaptation in the Brassicaceae and perhaps flowering plants in general.

Divergence in red light responses associated with thermal reversion of phytochrome B between high- and low-latitude species.

Phytochromes play a central role in mediating adaptive responses to light and temperature throughout plant life cycles. Despite evidence for adaptive importance of natural variation in phytochromes, little information is known about molecular mechanisms that modulate physiological responses of phytochromes in nature. We show evolutionary divergence in physiological responses relevant to thermal stability of a physiologically active form of phytochrome (Pfr) between two sister species of Brassicaceae growing at different latitudes. The higher latitude species (Cardamine bellidifolia; Cb) responded more strongly to light-limited conditions compared with its lower latitude sister (C. nipponica; Cn). Moreover, CbPHYB conferred stronger responses to both light-limited and warm conditions in the phyB-deficient mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana than CnPHYB: that is Pfr CbphyB was more stable in nuclei than CnphyB. Our findings suggest that fine tuning Pfr stability is a fundamental mechanism for plants to optimise phytochrome-related traits in their evolution and adapt to spatially varying environments, and open a new avenue to understand molecular mechanisms that fine tune phytochrome responses in nature.

Leaky gut biomarkers in depression and suicidal behavior.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal behavior. According to the 'leaky gut hypothesis', increased intestinal permeability may contribute to this relationship via bacterial translocation across enterocytes. We measured plasma levels of gut permeability markers, in patients with a recent suicide attempt (rSA), MDD subjects with no history of a suicide attempt (nsMDD), and healthy controls (HC), and related these markers to symptom severity and inflammation. METHOD: We enrolled rSA (n = 54), nsMDD (n = 13), and HC (n = 17). Zonulin, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), soluble CD14, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified in plasma. Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Suicide Assessment Scale (SUAS) were used for symptom assessments. RESULTS: The rSA group displayed higher I-FABP and lower zonulin levels compared with both the nsMDD and the HC groups (all P < 0.001). IL-6 correlated positively with I-FABP (r = 0.24, P < 0.05) and negatively with zonulin (r = -0.25, P < 0.05). In all subjects, I-FABP levels correlated positively with MADRS (r = 0.25, P < 0.05) and SUAS scores (r = 0.38, P < 0.001), and the latter correlation was significant also in the nsMDD group (r = 0.60, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 'leaky gut hypothesis' may improve our understanding of the link between inflammation and suicidal behavior. These findings should be considered preliminary until replicated in larger cohorts.

Activity of inflammatory bowel disease influences the expression of cytokines in gingival tissue.

This study assessed the cytokine expression in gingival and intestinal tissues from periodontitis patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and evaluated if IBD activity is a covariate to the amount of gingival cytokines. Paired gingival and intestinal tissues were collected from 21 patients and homogenised using a cell disruptor. Cytokine expression (IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, IL-17A, IL-17F, IFN-γ, sCD40L, and TNF-α) was evaluated using bead-based multiplex technology. An inflammation score was developed using the intestinal cytokines that showed good accuracy to discriminate IBD active patients from those in remission and then a similar score was applied to gingival tissue. IL-4, IL-10 and IL-21 expressions were significantly increased in gingival tissue from patients with an active disease as compared to those with a disease in remission. The inflammation score (mean value of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-21, and sCD40L) was significantly higher in gingival tissue from patients with IBD activity. There was a significant correlation between gingival and intestinal inflammation scores (rho=0.548; P=0.01). Significantly higher IL-23 and IFN-γ levels and lower IL-31 and TNF-α levels were observed in gingival tissues than in intestinal ones. Activity of inflammatory bowel disease influenced the cytokine expression in gingival tissue.

Antimicrobial activity of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate in comparison to chlorhexidine using the quantitative suspension method.

BACKGROUND: Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P) belongs to the polymeric guanidine family of biocides and contains a phosphate group, which may confer better solubility, a detoxifying effect and may change the kinetics and dynamics of PHMG-P interactions with microorganisms. Limited data regarding PHMG-P activity against periodontopathogenic and cariogenic microorganisms necessitates studies in this area. Aim is to evaluate polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate antimicrobial activity in comparison to chlorhexidine. METHODS: Quantitative suspension method was used enrolling Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. RESULTS: Both tested antiseptics at their clinically-used concentrations, of 0.2% (w/v) and 1% (w/v), correspondingly provided swift bactericidal effects against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and C. albicans, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis with reduction factors higher than 6.0. Diluted polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate and chlorhexidine to 0.05% continued to display anti-bacterial activity and decreased titers of standard quality control, periopathogens to below 1.0 × 10(3) colony forming units/ml, albeit requiring prolonged exposure time. To achieve a bactericidal effect against S. mutans, both antiseptics at all concentrations required a longer exposure time. We found that a clinically-used 1% of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate concentration did not have activity against L. acidophilus. CONCLUSION: High RF of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate and retention of bactericidal effects, even at 0.05%, support the use of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate as a biocide with sufficient anti-microbial activity against periopathogens. Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate displayed bactericidal activity against periopathogens and S. mutans and could potentially be applied in the management of oral diseases.

Self-assembled quantum dots in a nanowire system for quantum photonics.

Quantum dots embedded within nanowires represent one of the most promising technologies for applications in quantum photonics. Whereas the top-down fabrication of such structures remains a technological challenge, their bottom-up fabrication through self-assembly is a potentially more powerful strategy. However, present approaches often yield quantum dots with large optical linewidths, making reproducibility of their physical properties difficult. We present a versatile quantum-dot-in-nanowire system that reproducibly self-assembles in core-shell GaAs/AlGaAs nanowires. The quantum dots form at the apex of a GaAs/AlGaAs interface, are highly stable, and can be positioned with nanometre precision relative to the nanowire centre. Unusually, their emission is blue-shifted relative to the lowest energy continuum states of the GaAs core. Large-scale electronic structure calculations show that the origin of the optical transitions lies in quantum confinement due to Al-rich barriers. By emitting in the red and self-assembling on silicon substrates, these quantum dots could therefore become building blocks for solid-state lighting devices and third-generation solar cells.

The impact of non-surgical periodontal treatment on serum levels of long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Our group recently found higher levels of serum long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to controls. However, the effect of periodontal treatment on LC-PUFA serum levels has not been investigated. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of periodontal treatment on LC-PUFA serum levels. A secondary aim was to assess the effect of dietary ω-3 supplementation on clinical outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The test group was composed of 10 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (mean age 44 ± 6.4 years) treated with scaling and root planing associated with 4 mo of ω-3 supplementation eicosapetaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 3 g/d. The placebo group was composed of 11 patients (47.9 ± 10.5 years) that received scaling and root planing plus placebo. The periodontal examination included probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and visible plaque index. Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), EPA, DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) were detected using gas chromatograph. RESULTS: In the placebo group, all LC-PUFAs levels reduced significantly (DHA, DPA and AA, p = 0.004; EPA, p = 0.008). In the test group, only DPA and AA showed a significant reduction (p = 0.005). Moreover, a significant decrease in the ratios AA/EPA and AA/DHA (p = 0.005) was observed in the test group. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical periodontal treatment reduced significantly the serum levels of all analyzed LC-PUFAs except those presented in the supplementation. The ω-3 dietary supplementation had no effect on clinical outcome of treatment.

Evaluation of barrier materials for removing pollutants from groundwater rich in natural organic matter.

Permeable barriers are used for passive remediation of groundwater and can be constructed from a range of materials. The optimal material depends on the types of contaminants and physico-chemical parameters present at the site, as well as the hydraulic conductivity, environmental safety, availability, cost and long-term stability of the material itself. The aim of the presented study was to test a number of materials for their ability to remove heavy metals and organic pollutants from groundwater with a high (140 mg L(-1)) content of natural organic matter (NOM). The following materials were included in the study: sand, peat, fly ash, iron powder, lignin and combinations thereof. Polluted water was fed into glass columns loaded with each sorbent and the contaminant removal efficiency of the material was evaluated through chemical analysis of the percolate. Materials based on fly ash and zero-valent iron were found to be the most effective for heavy metal removal, while fly ash and peat were the most effective for removing aliphatic compounds. Filtration through lignin and peat led to leaching of NOM. Although the leaching decreased over time, it remained high throughout the experiments. The results indicate that remediation of contaminated land at disused industrial sites is a complex task that often requires the use of mixed materials or a minimum of two sequential barriers.

How Does Selfing Affect the Pace and Process of Speciation?

Surprisingly little attention has been given to the impact of selfing on speciation, even though selfing reduces gene flow between populations and affects other key population genetics parameters. Here we review recent theoretical work and compile empirical data from crossing experiments and genomic and phylogenetic studies to assess the effect of mating systems on the speciation process. In accordance with theoretical predictions, we find that accumulation of hybrid incompatibilities seems to be accelerated in selfers, but there is so far limited empirical support for a predicted bias toward underdominant loci. Phylogenetic evidence is scarce and contradictory, including studies suggesting that selfing either promotes or hampers speciation rate. Further studies are therefore required, which in addition to measures of reproductive barrier strength and selfing rate should routinely include estimates of demographic history and genetic divergence as a proxy for divergence time.

Access to novel cancer medicines in four countries in Central and Eastern Europe in relation to clinical benefit.

BACKGROUND: Almost 100 novel cancer medicines have been approved in Europe over the last decade. Limited public health care resources in countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) call for a prioritization of access to effective medicines. We investigated how both reimbursement status and waiting time to reimbursement correlate with the magnitude of clinical benefit provided by novel medicines in four selected countries (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 124 indications of 51 cancer medicines with marketing authorization by the European Medicines Agency in 2011-2020 were included and followed up until 2022. Data on reimbursement status and waiting time to reimbursement (i.e. time from marketing authorization to national reimbursement approval) were collected for each country. Data were analyzed in relation to clinical benefit status (i.e. substantial versus nonsubstantial clinical benefit) of indications according to the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS). RESULTS: The degree of reimbursement differed between countries with 64% of indications with reimbursement in Czechia, 40% in Hungary, 51% in Poland, and 19% in Slovakia. In all countries, a significantly greater proportion of indications with a substantial clinical benefit was reimbursed (P < 0.05). The median waiting time to reimbursement ranged from 27 months in Poland to 37 months in Hungary. No significant differences in waiting time in relation to clinical benefit were observed in any country (P = 0.25-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer medicines with a substantial clinical benefit are more likely to be reimbursed in all four CEE countries. Waiting times to reimbursement are equally long for medicines with or without a substantial clinical benefit, indicating a lack of prioritization of fast access to medicines delivering a substantial benefit. Incorporation of the ESMO-MCBS in reimbursement assessments and decisions could aid in better utilization of limited resources to deliver more effective cancer care.

The Small GTPase Rab7 Regulates Release of Mitochondria in Extracellular Vesicles in Response to Lysosomal Dysfunction.

Mitochondrial quality control is critical for cardiac homeostasis as these organelles are responsible for generating most of the energy needed to sustain contraction. Dysfunctional mitochondria are normally degraded via intracellular degradation pathways that converge on the lysosome. Here, we identified an alternative mechanism to eliminate mitochondria when lysosomal function is compromised. We show that lysosomal inhibition leads to increased secretion of mitochondria in large extracellular vesicles (EVs). The EVs are produced in multivesicular bodies, and their release is independent of autophagy. Deletion of the small GTPase Rab7 in cells or adult mouse heart leads to increased secretion of EVs containing ubiquitinated cargos, including intact mitochondria. The secreted EVs are captured by macrophages without activating inflammation. Hearts from aged mice or Danon disease patients have increased levels of secreted EVs containing mitochondria indicating activation of vesicular release during cardiac pathophysiology. Overall, these findings establish that mitochondria are eliminated in large EVs through the endosomal pathway when lysosomal degradation is inhibited.

Expression of cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid and serum from patients with inflammatory bowel disease and untreated chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported an increased prevalence/severity of chronic periodontitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, the pathogenesis of periodontal lesions in such patients has not been characterized. The aim of this pilot study was to characterize the pattern of expression of cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid and serum from patients with untreated chronic periodontitis and Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and systemically healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with Crohn's disease, 15 patients with ulcerative colitis and 15 controls participated in the study. All subjects had been diagnosed with untreated chronic periodontitis. The clinical parameters evaluated were clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing and percentage of plaque. The gingival crevicular fluid was sampled from four shallow and four deep periodontal sites of each patient. The concentrations of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured using a commercially available Lincoplex kit and the concentration of IL-18 was measured using an ELISA. RESULTS: Multiple comparisons analysis showed that clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, percentage of plaque and volume of gingival crevicular fluid were similar across the groups. The concentration of IL-4 in the gingival crevicular fluid differed significantly between groups in shallow sites (p = 0.046), with higher values found for the controls. In serum, the concentration of IL-18 was also significantly different between groups, with lower values found for controls (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: This study showed a higher concentration of IL-18 in serum, but not in the gingival crevicular fluid, from periodontitis patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis compared with controls. The expression of cytokines was similar in the gingival crevicular fluid from patients with untreated chronic periodontitis who also had Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and in systemically healthy controls with untreated chronic periodontitis.

Reassessing the temporal evolution of orchids with new fossils and a Bayesian relaxed clock, with implications for the diversification of the rare South American genus Hoffmannseggella (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae).

BACKGROUND: The temporal origin and diversification of orchids (family Orchidaceae) has been subject to intense debate in the last decade. The description of the first reliable fossil in 2007 enabled a direct calibration of the orchid phylogeny, but little attention has been paid to the potential influence of dating methodology in obtaining reliable age estimates. Moreover, two new orchid fossils described in 2009 have not yet been incorporated in a molecular dating analysis. Here we compare the ages of major orchid clades estimated under two widely used methods, a Bayesian relaxed clock implemented in BEAST and Penalized Likelihood implemented in r8s. We then perform a new family-level analysis by integrating all 3 available fossils and using BEAST. To evaluate how the newly estimated ages may influence the evolutionary interpretation of a species-level phylogeny, we assess divergence times for the South American genus Hoffmannseggella (subfam. Epidendroideae), for which we present an almost complete phylogeny (40 out of 41 species sampled). RESULTS: Our results provide additional support that all extant orchids shared a most recent common ancestor in the Late Cretaceous (approximately 77 million years ago, Ma). However, we estimate the crown age of the five orchid subfamilies to be generally (approximately1-8 Ma) younger than previously calculated under the Penalized Likelihood algorithm and using a single internal fossil calibration. The crown age of Hoffmannseggella is estimated here at approximately 11 Ma, some 3 Ma more recently than estimated under Penalized Likelihood. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to recent suggestions that orchid diversification began in a period of global warming, our results place the onset of diversification of the largest orchid subfamilies (Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae) in a period of global cooling subsequent to the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum. The diversification of Hoffmannseggella appears even more correlated to late Tertiary climatic fluctuations than previously suggested. With the incorporation of new fossils in the orchid phylogeny and the use of a method that is arguably more adequate given the present data, our results represent the most up-to-date estimate of divergence times in orchids.

Milk quality as affected by feeding regimens in a country with climatic variation.

To investigate the influence of climatic conditions and season on milk composition, bulk tank milk was sampled on 5 occasions during a period of 15 mo from 20 Swedish dairy farms. These farms included 5 organic and 5 conventional farms in central Sweden and 7 traditional conventional farms and 3 conventional farms growing maize for silage in southern Sweden. Feed data and milk yield were recorded and milk was analyzed for content of fatty acids, carotenoids, and tocopherol. Differences between milk from the 2 regions and between summer and winter seasons were shown. Milk from central Sweden differed from milk from southern Sweden in that it had a higher content of carotenoids, tocopherol, short-chain fatty acids (C4-C14), C18:0, and C18:3 n-3 and a lower content of C16. Summer milk samples had a lower fat content and contained higher amounts of C18:1 cis-9 and conjugated linoleic acid cis-9,trans-11, and lower amounts of C4 to C16 compared with winter milk. Differences between farm types from central Sweden were lower content of conjugated linoleic acid cis-9,trans-11 and higher content of C18:3 n-3 in organic milk compared with conventional milk. In southern Sweden the use of maize silage caused lower milk content of carotenoids and C18:3 n-3 when compared with traditional feeding. Differences in milk composition could be related to climatic differences because legumes are more dominating in the leys of central Sweden and maize growing is limited to southern Sweden.

The influence of academic stress on gingival inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of academic stress on periodontal health, in relation to inflammatory markers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and cortisol in saliva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 20 healthy dental hygienists (females: mean age 29.3 +/- 8.5 SD) and was conducted during a major exam period and 4 weeks later after the exams. A clinical examination was performed and GCF was collected from four sites in each subject on these two occasions. Interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 levels were determined using Luminex 100 and cortisol amounts by radioimmunoassay (RIA (125)I). Students registered their perceived stress on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Significance of the findings was determined using paired t-test, Wilcoxon-matched pair and Spearman's rank correlations. RESULTS: Students had higher amounts of dental plaque (P < 0.007) and gingival inflammation (P < 0.001) during the exam period compared with after the exams. The amounts of IL-6 and IL-10 in GCF were significantly increased during the time of examinations. The median level of cortisol in saliva was also significantly raised during the exam period compared with after the exams, 20.52 nmol/l (range: 11.91-27.34) and 16.41 nmol/l (range: 10.91-24.17) respectively, P < 001. The results from the VAS registration revealed a significant difference (P < 001) between the two occasions. CONCLUSION: Academic stress appears to affect periodontal health, shown by more plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation and increased amounts of IL-6, IL-10 in GCF and cortisol in saliva.

Associations among Periodontitis, Calcified Carotid Artery Atheromas, and Risk of Myocardial Infarction.

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and premature mortality. Cardiovascular disease can be prevented when risk factors are identified early. Calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs), detected in panoramic radiographs, and periodontitis have both been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This case-control study aimed to 1) investigate associations between periodontitis and CCAA detected in panoramic radiographs and 2) determine the risk of future myocardial infarctions due to CCAA combined with periodontitis. We evaluated 1,482 participants (738 cases and 744 controls) with periodontitis and CCAAs recruited from the PAROKRANK study (Periodontitis and Its Relation to Coronary Artery Disease). Participants were examined with panoramic radiographs, including the carotid regions. Associations between myocardial infarction and periodontitis combined with CCAA were evaluated in 696 cases and 696 age-, sex-, and residential area-matched controls. Periodontitis was evaluated radiographically (as degree of bone loss) and with a clinical periodontal disease index score (from clinical and radiographic assessments). We found associations between CCAA and clinical periodontal disease index score among cases (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.10; P = 0.02) and controls (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.38; P < 0.01), although not between CCAA and the degree of bone loss. In a multivariable model, myocardial infarction was associated with CCAA combined with periodontitis, as assessed by degree of bone loss (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.74; P = 0.01). When the cohort was stratified by sex, only men showed a significant association between myocardial infarction and CCAA combined with periodontitis. Participants with clinically diagnosed periodontitis exhibited CCAA in panoramic radiographs more often than those without periodontitis, irrespective of the presence of a recent myocardial infarction. Participants with combined periodontitis and CCAA had a higher risk of having had myocardial infarction as compared with participants with either condition alone. These findings implied that patients in dental care might benefit from dentists assessing panoramic radiographs for CCAA-particularly, patients with periodontitis who have not received any preventive measures for cardiovascular disease.

Direct observation of atomic scale surface relaxation in ortho twin structures in GaAs by XSTM.

We have studied the (110) GaAs surface of a structure containing ortho twins by cross-sectional scanning tunnelling microscopy and we have compared the experimental results with ab initio density functional theory calculations and STM simulations. Both experimentally and theoretically we find that the surface of different twin crystallites are significantly displaced with respect to each other, parallel to the twin boundary. This result is explained by a surface relaxation of the atoms in the (110) GaAs surface and the difference between the atomic configuration of the ortho twins.

Management practices associated with udder health of first-parity dairy cows in early lactation.

This study aimed at investigating associations between management routines including feeding, housing, and milking around calving, and udder health of first-parity cows in early lactation in Swedish large, high producing, low bulk-milk somatic cell count (SCC) dairy herds housed in free stalls. Seventy-two dairy herds participated and data concerning 1189 first-parity cows calving during the study period (October 2005-January 2006) was collected. Multivariable regression analysis were performed with three different outcomes; within-herd number of first-parity cows veterinary treated for clinical mastitis at days -10 to 60 after calving, within-herd number of first-parity cows with a SCC> or =200,000cells/mL at first test-day, and SCC of first-parity cows at first test-day. Cow factors significantly associated with good udder health of first-parity cows (few cases of clinical mastitis and or low SCC) were being of the Swedish Red breed, having a high milk yield at first test-day, and a milk-urea > or =5mmol/L at first test-day. Herd factors significantly associated with good udder health were having mattresses as flooring in the cubicles in the lactating cow housing, and to house the first-parity cows in tie stalls 1 month before calving. Cow factors significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows were having a milk-urea <4mmol/L at first test-day. Herd factors significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows were feeding first-parity cows sugar-beet pulp or corn silage, and to give silage from a different batch to pregnant heifers than to lactating cows. Moreover, to have sawdust or shavings in the calving pen, to be moved from the calving pen > or =2 days after calving, to milk first-parity cows at the calving site instead of in the parlor, and to rinse, clean or disinfect milking units before a first-parity cow was milked were also significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows. The results indicate that different control measures must be taken depending on the nature of the udder health problem.