Pneumatosis Coli Associated with Sigmoid Volvulus and Colonoscopy

A case of interstitial emphysema involving the mesentery and serosa of the sigmoid colon after volvulus reduced by colonoscopy is presented. The case is reported as a form of pneumatosis intestinalis although it does not conform to the classical clinicopathologic picture of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. The infrequent occurrence of this condition in association with volvulus and/or colonoscopy is discussed.     

Comparison of gene therapy strategies for treatment of liver diseases

Abstract   Liver-directed gene therapy can be aimed at replacing a missing gene product, overexpressing or ectopically expressing a gene product in the liver, generating proteins that are normally not produced in the liver (e.g. hormones, vaccines), down-regulating specific gene expression and targeted repair of genetic mutations. A common critical requirement for achieving these goals is the availability of efficient methods for transferring DNA and RNA into target organ in vivo . Both recombinant viruses and non-viral vectors are being explored for transferring nucleic acids to cells in vitro and in vivo . This review compares the characteristics of these vectors in the context of their potential application in liver-directed gene therapy for various inherited or acquired disorders.     

Severe hypophosphataemia during stem cell harvesting in chronic myeloid leukaemia

Summary. Peripheral blood stem cell autografts for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) are currently under evaluation. A patient with CML received intensive chemotherapy followed by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prior to the collection of peripheral blood derived stem cells. He developed unusually severe, and fatal, hypophosphataemia and this coincided with the rapid rise of his peripheral blood white cell count. The hypophosphataemia was considered to be due to a combination of severe anorexia, sepsis and the rapid growth factor-stimulated myeloid regeneration in CML.     

Effect of software version and parameter settings on the marginal and internal adaptation of crowns fabricated with the CAD/CAM system

Objective

This study investigated the marginal and internal adaptation of individual dental crowns fabricated using a CAD/CAM system (Sirona’s BlueCam), also evaluating the effect of the software version used, and the specific parameter settings in the adaptation of crowns.

Material and Methods

Forty digital impressions of a master model previously prepared were acquired using an intraoral scanner and divided into four groups based on the software version and on the spacer settings used. The versions 3.8 and 4.2 of the software were used, and the spacer parameter was set at either 40 μm or 80 μm. The marginal and internal fit of the crowns were measured using the replica technique, which uses a low viscosity silicone material that simulates the thickness of the cement layer. The data were analyzed using a Friedman two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-tests with significance level set at p<0.05.

Results

The two-way ANOVA analysis showed the software version (p<0.05) and the spacer parameter (p<0.05) significantly affected the crown adaptation. The crowns designed with the version 4.2 of the software showed a better fit than those designed with the version 3.8, particularly in the axial wall and in the inner margin. The spacer parameter was more accurately represented in the version 4.2 of the software than in the version 3.8. In addition, the use of the version 4.2 of the software combined with the spacer parameter set at 80 μm showed the least variation. On the other hand, the outer margin was not affected by the variables.

Conclusion

Compared to the version 3.8 of the software, the version 4.2 can be recommended for the fabrication of well-fitting crown restorations, and for the appropriate regulation of the spacer parameter.     

Differential expression of immunologic proteins in gingiva after socket preservation in mini pigs

During healing following tooth extraction, inflammation and the immune response within the extraction socket are related to bone resorption.

Objective

: We sought to identify how the alloplastic material used for socket preservation affects the immune responses and osteoclastic activity within extraction sockets.

Material and Methods

: Using a porcine model, we extracted teeth and grafted biphasic calcium phosphate into the extraction sockets. We then performed a peptide analysis with samples of gingival tissue from adjacent to the sockets and compared the extraction only (EO) and extraction with socket preservation (SP) groups. We also used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to evaluate the expression level of immunoglobulins, chemokines and other factors related to osteoclastogenesis. Differences between the groups were analyzed for statistical significance using paired t tests.

Results

: Levels of IgM, IgG and IGL expression were higher in the EO group than in the SP group 1 week post-extraction, as were the levels of CCL3, CCL5, CXCL2, IFN-γ and TNF-α expression (p<0.05). In addition, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) was also significantly upregulated in the EO group (p<0.05), as were IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 (p<0.05).

Conclusions

: These results suggest that the beneficial effect of socket preservation can be explained by suppression of immune responses and inflammation.