The importance of the Musca domestica predator Ophyra aenescens (Diptera: Muscidae). IV. Biology and behavior of O. aenescens in facilities for animal production

Report on biology and behaviour of Ophyra aenescens on three pig fattening farms. Even a high degree of infestation does not lead to a molestation of tending staff and pigs.     

Validity of original studies in health technology assessment reports: significance of standardized assessment and reporting

OBJECTIVES: As health technology assessments (HTA) may have considerable impact on health-care decisions, it is essential to guarantee the expected quality of these assessments. Variations in the methods used or lack of transparency can affect the important role of HTA reports. METHODS: In our study, we analyzed the methods used in two corresponding HTA reports to assess the validity of two key papers, which were included in both reports. Also the discussions and the final conclusions of both reports were compared. RESULTS: The authors of the two HTA reports used different instruments to assess the validity of the original studies. A minor problem is differences that were found in the assessments of identical validity aspects of the included studies and in the information provided in the HTA reports. A more serious problem was found in both HTA reports which identified the weakness of the key papers and expressed these limitations in the discussions (read mainly by scientists) but not in the conclusions (read mainly by policy-makers). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may be important for any institution that prepares recommendations for policy-makers. In the case of HTA reports, no new checklists are necessary as the checklist offered by the INAHTA contains the needed information. It may be necessary, however, to consider an "intramural quality board," which helps the member organizations guarantee both the transparency of the original studies included in HTA reports and the transparency of the HTA report itself.     

Referate

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

The influence of different factors on the survival of root canal fillings: a 10-year retrospective study

The aim of the present study was to determine the survival time of root canal fillings performed in 1990 and 1991 at the Dental School, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany. Data were collected retrospectively from the dental records and control radiographs were evaluated. The survival probability was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Intergroup differences were verified with the log-rank test. The 914 evaluated root canal fillings yielded an overall 10-yr cumulative survival probability of 0.74. The factors baseline periapical condition (p < 0.001), length (p < 0.001), condensation (p < 0.001), vitality (p < 0.001), and pain symptoms (p = 0.005) were found to have a significant influence on the long-term success of root canal fillings. Higher survival rates were recorded for teeth with healthy periapical conditions, root canal fillings of the correct length, homogeneously condensed root canal fillings, root canal fillings in previously vital teeth, and teeth that had been asymptomatic during treatment. A nonsignificant influence was recorded for the parameters operator (p = 0.606) and retreatment (p = 0.196).     

Influence of disinfectants on dentin bond strength of different adhesive systems

The influence of water disinfectants used in dental unit waterlines on the dentin bonding of different adhesive systems was investigated by using push-out tests. Three hundred and twenty dentin disc specimens were prepared from caries-free human molars. In each specimen, a standardized conical cavity was prepared while cooling with water from a dental unit containing one of three different disinfectants (n=80 each group; A=control: water without disinfectant, B: Alpron neutral, C: Alpron mint, D: Dentosept P). Subsequent rinsing of the cavities was performed With the respective disinfectant. The cavities were filled with the following combinations of dentin adhesives and composites, resulting in 16 subgroups (n=20): Syntac Classic/Tetric Ceram, Clearfil Liner Bond 2V/Luxacore, OptiBond FL/Prodigy and Prime&Bond NT/Spectrum. After polishing the fillings, one half of each subgroup (n=10) was stored in water (37 degrees C) for 24 hours. The other half was stored in water (37 degrees C) for 180 days and additionally thermocycled (2000 cycles at 5/55 degrees C). The bond strength was then measured by push-out tests. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using ANOVA and pairwise t-tests (Significance level p < or = 0.01). The disinfectants showed no significant influence on the loads required for debonding of Syntac Classic/Tetric Ceram, Clearfil Liner Bond 2V/Luxacore and OptiBond FL/Prodigy as compared to the controls. However, the use of disinfectants in the water supply of a dental unit decreased dentin bond strength in the specimens filled with Prime&Bond NT/Spectrum. Disinfectants in the water of dental unit waterlines may have an influence on dentin bonding, depending on the adhesive system used.     

The dendritic cell-T cell synapse as a determinant of autoimmune pathogenesis

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune response is targeted to self-antigens, leading to destruction or altered function of specific cells and tissues. Although the aetiology of these diseases has not yet been fully elucidated, it is believed that genetically determined susceptibility and environmental triggers are both implicated in the detrimental immune response against the body's own tissues. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells that play an important role in maintaining peripheral tolerance by preventing self-reactive T cells from causing autoimmune damage. Thus, alterations in the physiology of DCs are likely to be responsible for defective immune regulatory mechanisms and incomplete tolerance to self. Here, we will focus specifically on the ways in which the immunological synapse occurring at the DC-T cell interface can fine-tune the balance between tolerance and immunity and how alterations of this synapse can determine induction or perpetuation of autoimmune responses. Activating/inhibitory receptors expressed on the surface of DCs and T cells modulate the function of these cells and influence the course of the immune response. Pharmacological approaches that can modulate DC function will be also addressed as a potential antigen-specific strategy in the design of new, noninvasive therapies to prevent or to treat chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorders.