Identification of two novel HLA‐A alleles: A*24:199 and A*02:324

Here, we describe two new HLA‐A alleles: A*24:199 and A*02:324. The two new variants are attributed to a single nucleotide mutation namely A→C for A*24:199 and G→A for A*02:324. Both point mutations are responsible for a change in translated amino acids.     

Displacement of Dental Implants in Trabecular Bone under a Static Lateral Load in Fresh Bovine Bone

Aim: The study aims to provide objective data for the displacement of titanium screw implants in trabecular bone specimens. One hundred Semados implants (Bego, Bremen, Germany) were inserted in bovine type IV bone specimens. All implants had a diameter of 3.75 mm; 50 implants had a length of 8.5 mm and 50 implants had a length of 15 mm. Insertion torque was determined at intervals of 10, 20, and 30 Ncm. Implants were loaded horizontally with 10, 20, and 30 N for 2 seconds. An indicator strip was attached to the implant abutment to allow direct observation of implant movement relative to the bone surface. Horizontal displacement was assessed with an accuracy of measurement of 10 µm. Seven implants got lost by visible loosening. Degree of displacement was subject to evaluation with all others. Those implants showed a mean displacement of 59 µm for 10 N (n = 100), 173 µm for 20 N (n = 99), and 211 µm for 30 N (n = 93). The mean displacement of 15‐mm implants (16, 37, 51 µm) was significantly lower compared with 8.5‐mm implants (103, 311, 396 µm) corresponding to 10, 20, and 30 N as lateral loads. Conclusions: Displacement of screw implants in trabecular bone can be detected and visualized using commercially available endoscopes with a high magnification. A lateral load of 20 N indicates a mean displacement of over 100 µm and therefore results in a critical displacement.     

Biological Drugs: Classic Adverse Effects and New Clinical Evidences

The last 20 years was characterized by great improvements in the efficacy and tolerability of anticancer therapies. Most of these changes are related to the introduction of targeted drugs, which presents a better activity on the biology of cancer and less toxicity. Nevertheless, the initial enthusiasm was cooled by the emerging evidences of cardiac side effects. The aim of this review is to describe the actual knowledge about the possible cardiotoxicity of targeted drugs. The most important need is the detection of early cardiotoxicity and the evidence of subtle myocardial dysfunction that allows to begin a protective therapy. In our review we analyzed the non invasive imaging techniques to early predict myocardial dysfunction. Echocardiography seems to be the ideal method for her availability, safety and clinical usefulness, in particular the new echocardiographic techniques like speckle tracking.     

Oxytocin promotes bone formation during the alveolar healing process in old acyclic female rats

ObjectiveOT was reported to be a direct regulator of bone mass in young rodents, and this anabolic effect on bone is a peripheral action of OT. The goal of this study was to investigate the peripheral action of oxytocin (OT) in the alveolar healing process in old female rats.Materials and methodsFemales Wistar rats (24-month-old) in permanent diestrus phase, received two ip (12 h apart) injections of saline (NaCl 0.15 M – control group) or OT (45 μg/rat – treated group). Seven days later, the right maxillary incisor was extracted and analyses were performed up to 28 days of the alveolar healing process (35 days after saline or OT administration).ResultsCalcium and phosphorus plasma concentrations did not differ between the groups. The plasma biochemical bone formations markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin were significantly higher in the treated group. Histomorphometric analyses confirmed bone formation as the treated group presented the highest mean value of post-extraction bone formation. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) was significantly reduced in the treated group indicating an anti-resorptive effect of OT. Immunohistochemistry reactions performed in order to identify the presence of osteocalcin and TRAP in the bone cells of the dental socket confirmed these outcomes.ConclusionsOT was found to promote bone formation and to inhibit bone resorption in old acyclic female rats during the alveolar healing process.     

Autonomic dysfunction in adult-onset alexander disease

Background

Alexander disease (AxD) is an astrogliopathy, resulting from a mutation in the glial fibrillary astrocytic protein gene. Different clinical subtypes have been described, including infantile, juvenile, and adult onset, based upon the age at which symptoms begin. Patients with the adult-onset form, develop a progressive, spastic paraparesis, palatal myoclonus, ataxia, and bulbar weakness. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction has been reported as a potential manifestation of adult-onset AxD, but has not been well characterized.

Objective

We report a case of adult-onset AxD with symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (OH) and heat intolerance that underwent formal autonomic testing. In addition, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to review the frequency and pattern of autonomic dysfunction in this patient population.

Results

A 51-year-old patient was diagnosed with AxD at the age of 47, following an 8-year history of vertigo, intermittent diplopia, and sleep disturbance. The patient developed symptoms of OH, erectile dysfunction, and heat intolerance soon after his diagnosis. Autonomic testing demonstrated OH on tilt-table testing (47 mmHg decrease in BP with 18 BPM heart rate increment) with absent late phase II and IV responses during the Valsalva maneuver, severe cardiovagal impairment, and preserved postganglionic sympathetic sudomotor function. These findings were interpreted as being consistent with central autonomic failure. The most common autonomic symptoms reported in other AxD cases include constipation, urinary incontinence, and sphincter dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of formal autonomic testing in AxD.

Conclusion

Signs and symptoms of ANS impairment can occur in patients with AxD, and can include orthostatic hypotension and bowel/bladder dysfunction. Autonomic testing in our patient suggests impairment in central autonomic pathways.