Immunization with a polyprotein vaccine consisting of the T-Cell antigens thiol-specific antioxidant, Leishmania major stress-inducible protein 1, and Leishmania elongation initiation factor protects against leishmaniasis

Development of an effective vaccine against Leishmania infection is a priority of tropical disease research. We have recently demonstrated protection against Leishmania major in the murine and nonhuman primate models with individual or combinations of purified leishmanial recombinant antigens delivered as plasmid DNA constructs or formulated with recombinant interleukin-12 (IL-12) as adjuvant. In the present study, we immunized BALB/c mice with a recombinant polyprotein comprising a tandem fusion of the leishmanial antigens thiol-specific antioxidant, L. major stress-inducible protein 1 (LmSTI1), and Leishmania elongation initiation factor (LeIF) delivered with adjuvants suitable for human use. Aspects of the safety, immunogenicity, and vaccine efficacy of formulations with each individual component, as well as the polyprotein referred to as Leish-111f, were assessed by using the L. major challenge model with BALB/c mice. No adverse reactions were observed when three subcutaneous injections of the Leish-111f polyprotein formulated with either MPL-squalene (SE) or Ribi 529-SE were given to BALB/c mice. A predominant Th1 immune response characterized by in vitro lymphocyte proliferation, gamma interferon production, and immunoglobulin G2A antibodies was observed with little, if any, IL-4. Moreover, Leish-111f formulated with MPL-SE conferred immunity to leishmaniasis for at least 3 months. These data demonstrate success at designing and developing a prophylactic leishmaniasis vaccine that proved effective in a preclinical model using multiple leishmanial antigens produced as a single protein delivered with a powerful Th1 adjuvant suitable for human use.     

Influences of different adenosine receptor subtypes on catalepsy in mice

The effects of adenosine A₁ and A₂ receptors on catalepsy were studied in mice. The adenosine agonists 5-N-ethylcarboxamide-adenosine (NECA), N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) and N⁶-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) induced dose dependent catalepsy. The A₁ adenosine antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) potentiated catalepsy induced by NECA, R-PIA and CHA. However, theophylline did not potentiate but inhibited the responses induced by NECA, R-PIA and CHA. Neither 8-PT nor theophylline alone has any effect on catalepsy in mice. It is concluded that catalepsy induced by the adenosine agonists may be due to A₂ receptor stimulation and that the A₁ antagonism may potentiate the response.     

Dimensions of hard and soft tissue around adjacent,compared with single-tooth,zirconia implants

Preservation or regeneration of the papilla has always been a challenge around consecutive implants or with implants next to teeth, and many studies have evaluated the papilla’s behaviour and patterns based on surgical technique and prosthetic design, though evidence about its behaviour around zirconia implants is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate papilla behaviour between implants and teeth (tooth-implant group) and between consecutive implants (implant–implant group). Ninety patients with 122 zirconia implants (Straumann^® PURE Ceramic Implant) were examined at the one-year follow up. We measured the effect of the distance: first from the base of the contact point of the crowns to the contact with bone at the implant site (D1); secondly, to the contact with the bone at the neighbouring tooth or implant site (D2); and thirdly on the papillary deficit (D3). In both the tooth-implant group and the implant–implant group, D1 and D2 correlated significantly with the papillary deficit (D3), whereas D2 was the major determinant factor (Spearman’s rho = 0.60). In both groups, when D1 and D2 were <6 mm, the papilla was present every time. The papillary deficit was significantly greater in the tooth-implant group than in the implant–implant group (p = 0.048). We conclude that the ideal distance from the base of the contact point to the bone contact at the implant and to the bone contact at the adjacent tooth in both groups is <6 mm. The height of the bone on the teeth adjacent to implants has a significant impact on that of the papilla.     

Morphometric study of the scapular free flap and the free rib osteomyocutaneous flap

The scapula free flap is often the first choice for reconstruction of bony defects of the facial skeleton. However, the vascularised rib as part of a free rib osteomyocutaneous flap may be a suitable second choice. We have investigated the morphology and clinical dimensions of the 7th rib and the scapula, and the ability of the available bone to carry dental implants. The age and sex of the cadaver, and the donor side, were also recorded. The dimensions of the scapulas and 7th ribs (n = 130 of each) from 65 cadavers were measured at 4 different points using osteometric methods. Examination showed that bone from the scapula and 7th rib were sufficient for placement of implants. The 7th rib gave reliable measurements for both height and width, and a consistent relation between compact and cancellous bone. Although the scapula provided adequate compact and cancellous bone, there were variations depending on the segment of bone chosen. Bones from male cadavers were more suitable for implantation. In both the scapula and the 7th rib ageing had a significant adverse effect in only one dimension. Most points of measurement have satisfactory bony dimensions for insertion of dental implants.     

Soft-tissue changes associated with different surgical procedures for treating class III patients

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different surgical procedures on soft tissue and skeletal changes.

Patients and methods

Pre- and postoperative lateral cephalograms of 191 class III patients aged 16–58 years were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three groups according to the surgical therapy they had undergone. Group I had undergone maxillary advancement (n=51), group II a bimaxillary (n=102) procedure, and group III mandibular setback (n=38). Cephalometric assessments were made at the beginning of orthodontic treatment (T1) and at least 8 weeks after surgical correction of the class III malocclusion (T2). Nasolabial angle and the distance between the lower lip and the esthetic line were evaluated as soft-tissue parameters, while the skeletal parameters included the SNA and SNB angles, Wits value, gonial angle, and relative position of the maxilla to mandible. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated and any significant difference between soft and hard tissue in association with surgery methods was determined applying the Wilcoxon test using SAS statistical software.

Results

Compared to mandible setback, the number of bimaxillary procedures and maxilla advancements has increased significantly in recent years (0.04). SNA values measured at T2 were an average of 84° in group I, 83° in group II, and 82° in group III, thus, revealing a tendency to return to the normal range. SNB values measured at T2 averaged 81° in group I, 80° in group II, and 81° in group III. We observed significant changes in the nasolabial angle according to the surgical approach taken (p=0.018). Changes in the distance between the lower lip and the esthetic line were only slightly significant (p=0.050). No significant differences were noted among the surgical approaches in terms of SNA and SNB angles.

Conclusion

The two groups that underwent advancement of the maxilla (groups I and II) revealed marked improvements in soft-tissue esthetics.