Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography in assessing peri-implant bone defect regeneration: a histologically controlled study in dogs

Objective: To assess the accuracy of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) in terms of buccal bone‐wall configuration and peri‐implant bone defect regeneration after guided bone regeneration (GBR). Material and methods: Titanium implants were inserted into standardized box‐shaped defects in the mandible of 12 foxhounds. Defects of one side were augmented following the principle of GBR, while the other side was left untreated. Radiological evaluation was performed using CBCT and compared with histomorphometrical measurements of the respective site serving as a validation method. Results: Non‐augmented control sites providing a horizontal bone width (BW) of<0.5 mm revealed a significantly lower accuracy between the radiological and the histological evaluation of the buccal defect depth (1.93 ± 1.59 mm) compared with the group providing a BW of >0.5 mm (0.7 ± 0.7 mm) (P<0.05, Mann–Whitney U‐test). In GBR‐treated defects, the subgroup <0.5 mm (1.49 ± 1.29 mm) revealed a significantly higher difference between CBCT and histology compared with >0.5 mm (0.82 ± 1.07) (P>0.05, Mann–Whitney U‐test). However, a radiological discrimination between original bone, integrated and non‐integrated bone substitute material was not reliable. Additionally, it was found that a minimum buccal BW of 0.5 mm was necessary for the detection of bone in radiology. Conclusion: The evaluation of peri‐implant bone defect regeneration by means of CBCT is not accurate for sites providing a BW of <0.5 mm. Moreover, a safe assessment of the success of the GBR technique is not possible after the application of a radiopaque bone substitute material. To cite this article:
Fienitz T, Schwarz F, Ritter L, Dreiseidler T, Becker J, Rothamel D. Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography in assessing peri‐implant bone defect regeneration: a histologically controlled study in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 2012; 882–887.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02232.x     

Cutaneous, but not airway, latex exposure induces allergic lung inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in mice

As respiratory symptoms are common in addition to skin reactions in natural rubber latex allergy, we investigated the significance of different allergen exposure routes in the development of lung inflammation and airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Both intracutaneous (IC) and intraperitoneal (IP) exposure followed by airway challenge with latex proteins induced an influx of mononuclear cells and eosinophils to the lungs. AHR and lung mucus production increased significantly after IC and IP but not after intranasal (IN) exposure. Infiltration of inflammatory cells was associated with the induction of T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines and several CC chemokines. Only a marginal induction of these mediators was found after IN exposure. On the contrary, increased levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 and forkhead box 3 mRNA, markers of regulatory activities, were found in the lungs after IN but not after IC exposure. Finally, IC and IP, but not IN, latex exposure induced a striking increase in specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Cutaneous latex exposure in the absence of adjuvant followed by airway challenge induces a local Th2-dominated lung inflammation and a systemic IgE response. Cutaneous exposure to proteins eluting from latex products may therefore profoundly contribute to the development of asthma in latex allergy.     

A nationwide sentinel clinic survey of chlamydia trachomatis infection in Finland

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis has been recognized as a major sexually transmitted infection in North America and Western Europe during the past two decades. The incidence of C trachomatis in Finland has been continuously high throughout the 1990s. OBJECTIVES: As the epidemic of C trachomatis infection continues in Finland, there is a need to obtain up-to-date information on the prevalence and patient profiles in the planning of preventive strategies. METHODS: A nationwide sentinel clinic network consisting of seven sexually transmitted disease (STD) and five general student health clinics was established in 1995. Data were collected during a 3-year period (1995-1997) from 3,686 patients with and 32,230 patients without C trachomatis using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of chlamydia was 8.4% in the STD clinics and 5.3% in the general clinics; 90% of the infections were endemic. The prevalence was highest in the youngest age group (15-19 years; 16% in females, 14% in males). The patients with chlamydia were significantly younger (mean age: men 26.6 years, women 23.7 years) than those without chlamydia. Women with chlamydia used oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUD) significantly more often (59%) than women without chlamydia (42%). A high number of sex partners and a history of previous chlamydia during the preceding 12 months were also risk factors. Men contracted chlamydia frequently from a casual partner (61%) but rarely from a commercial sex worker (2%). For women, the source partner was most often a regular one (61%). The median time from exposure to attendance was 34 days, and was highest when the source partner was a spouse. One third of the patients could have spread chlamydia to a new partner before the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: C trachomatis infection is spread all over Finland, and the risk factors include younger age, high number of sex partners, and use of oral contraceptives or IUDs. Source partner analysis focused attention on the importance of transmission from regular partners, especially in women. The time from transmission to diagnosis was long, and any effort to shorten this period would be an effective preventive strategy.     

Prediction of clinical outcomes in Crohn’s disease by using confocal laser endomicroscopy: results from a prospective multicenter study

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Multimodal Functional Neuroimaging by Simultaneous BOLD fMRI and Fiber-Optic Calcium Recordings and Optogenetic Control

Recent developments of optogenetic tools and fluorescence-based calcium recording techniques enable the manipulation and monitoring of neural circuits on a cellular level. Non-invasive imaging of brain networks, however, requires the application of methods such as blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which is commonly used for functional neuroimaging. While BOLD fMRI provides brain-wide non-invasive reading of the hemodynamic response, it is only an indirect measure of neural activity. Direct observation of neural responses requires electrophysiological or optical methods. The latter can be combined with optogenetic control of neuronal circuits and are MRI compatible. Yet, simultaneous optical recordings are still limited to fiber-optic-based approaches. Here, we review the integration of optical recordings and optogenetic manipulation into fMRI experiments. As a practical example, we describe how BOLD fMRI in a 9.4-T small animal MR scanner can be combined with in vivo fiber-optic calcium recordings and optogenetic control in a multimodal setup. We present simultaneous BOLD fMRI and calcium recordings under optogenetic control in rat. We outline details about MR coil configuration, choice, and usage of opsins and chemically and genetically encoded calcium sensors, fiber implantation, appropriate light power for stimulation, and calcium signal detection, to provide a glimpse into challenges and opportunities of this multimodal molecular neuroimaging approach.     

Feasibility of mobile mental wellness training for older adults

Mobile technology has been increasingly adopted in promotion of mental health among older people. This study assessed the feasibility of a mobile mental wellness training application for individual use and for group work from the perspectives of older adults and social care professionals. The older individuals recruited for the study were participants in a Circle of Friends group and family caregivers' peer support group offered by the communal senior services. The qualitative and quantitative results of interviews, questionnaires, observation, and application usage were reported. Seven older adults started using the application independently at home in parallel with the group activity. This study revealed new information regarding the barriers to the older adults' full adoption of such mobile technologies. The results indicated that there may be potential in the incorporation of mobile technologies in promotion of mental health of older people at group settings.