Aim
We aimed to investigate associations between malocclusions and periodontal disease by comparing it to that of smoking in subjects recruited from the population‐based cross‐sectional study “Study ...of Health in Pomerania.”
Materials and Methods
Sagittal intermaxillary relationship, variables of malocclusion and socio‐demographic parameters of 1,202 dentate subjects, 20–39 years of age, were selected. Probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL) were assessed at four sites by tooth in a half‐mouth design. Analyses were performed with multilevel models on subject, jaw and tooth level.
Results
Distal occlusion determined in the canine region, ectopic position of canines, anterior spacing, deep anterior overbite and increased sagittal overjet were associated with AL (p‐value <0.05). Associations between malocclusions and PD: deep anterior overbite with gingival contact (odds ratio OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08–1.82; p‐value = 0.0101) and anterior crossbite (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.29–2.38; p‐value = 0.0003). Regarding crowding, only severe anterior crowding was compatible with a moderate to large association with PD (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 0.89–4.20). Compared to smoking, the overall effect of malocclusions was about one half for AL and one‐third for PD.
Conclusion
Malocclusions or morphologic parameters were associated with periodontal disease.
Functional absence of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) causes the fragile X syndrome, a hereditary form of mental retardation characterized by a change in dendritic spine morphology. The ...RNA-binding protein FMRP has been implicated in regulating postsynaptic protein synthesis. Here we have analyzed whether the abundance of scaffold proteins and neurotransmitter receptor subunits in postsynaptic densities (PSDs) is altered in the neocortex and hippocampus of FMRP-deficient mice. Whereas the levels of several PSD components are unchanged, concentrations of Shank1 and SAPAP scaffold proteins and various glutamate receptor subunits are altered in both adult and juvenile knock-out mice. With the exception of slightly increased hippocampal SAPAP2 mRNA levels in adult animals, altered postsynaptic protein concentrations do not correlate with similar changes in total and synaptic levels of corresponding mRNAs. Thus, loss of FMRP in neurons appears to mainly affect the translation and not the abundance of particular brain transcripts. Semi-quantitative analysis of RNA levels in FMRP immunoprecipitates showed that in the mouse brain mRNAs encoding PSD components, such as Shank1, SAPAP1–3, PSD-95, and the glutamate receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B, are associated with FMRP. Luciferase reporter assays performed in primary cortical neurons from knock-out and wild-type mice indicate that FMRP silences translation of Shank1 mRNAs via their 3′-untranslated region. Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors relieves translational suppression. As Shank1 controls dendritic spine morphology, our data suggest that dysregulation of Shank1 synthesis may significantly contribute to the abnormal spine development and function observed in brains of fragile X syndrome patients.
Exophthalmometry is a common examination in ophthalmology. For example it is relevant for diagnosis or follow-up of thyroid eye disease. However, exophthalmometry is affected by several factors such ...as ethnicity, sex and age. The purpose of this study was to determine the globe position by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to investigate its correlates among the general Northeast German adult population.
A total of 3030 subjects aged between 20 and 89 from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) underwent a standardised whole-body MRI. Axial length and globe position were determined in axial T1-weighted images of the orbit. The image had to include the corneal apex as well as the optic nerve head. Study participants were excluded from imaging analysis if there was no plane available that included both structures. Further exclusion criterion was a lateral deviation of the subject's viewing direction. Images with inadequate quality due to motion artefacts or other technical reasons were excluded as well. Globe position was defined as the perpendicular distance between the interzygomatic line and the posterior surface of the cornea (exophthalmometric value). The distance between the posterior surface of the cornea and the posterior pole of the eyeball, at the boundary with orbital fat, was defined as axial length. We used posterior surface of the cornea for our measurements, because it seemed to be less vulnerable for motion artefacts than the anterior one. Moreover body measurements including body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences were determined. Associations between anthropometric measurements with exophthalmometric outcomes were analysed by linear regressions adjusted for age and stratified by sex. P-values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. To assess intra-reader variability intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were computed for repeated measurements of the MRI scans of 25 subjects.
After considering the exclusion criteria 1926 evaluable subjects remained. There was no significant difference between means of right and left eyes. The mean exophthalmometric value was significantly higher in men (16.5 +/- 2.2 mm) than in women (15.3 +/- 2.1 mm). The mean MRI-axial length was 23.4 +/- 0.8 mm for men and 22.8 +/- 0.9 mm for women. BMI, waist and hip circumferences were positively correlated with exophthalmometric value (p<0.001). Difference of mean MRI-based exophthalmometric value for obese subjects (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and non-overweight (BMI <25 kg/m2) was 2.1 mm for men and 1.6 mm for women. ICC between 0.97 and 0.99 indicate excellent repeatability of our method.
We conclude that MRI-based exophthalmometric values are positively correlated with BMI, waist- and hip-circumference among the general Northeast German adult population. This association is independent from age and axial length. Consequently bodyweight of patients should be regarded to interpret exophthalmometric values correctly. MRI-exophthalmometry seems to be a suitable method to determine globe position. Considering the large number of study participants, exophthalmometric values of our study could be used as comparative values for exophthalmometry of people of Western European descent in future.
Abstract This study is a retrospective review of representing clinical follow-up of 12 patients afflicted with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Herein, we have used novel ...physical cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) to decontaminate infected cancer ulcerations and evaluated anti-cancer effects. With use of CAP in this cohort, the data suggests: (1) decreased request for pain medication and (2) reduction of typical fetid odor related to (3) reduction of microbial load. In some cases there is (4) superficial partial remission of tumor and even (5) wound healing of infected ulcerations has been observed following CAP exposure. As a result, CAP treatment appears of benefit for select head and neck cancer patients and future work to optimize CAP in the therapeutic armamentarium advances.
RNA transport and local control of translation Kindler, Stefan; Wang, Huidong; Richter, Dietmar ...
Annual review of cell and developmental biology,
01/2005, Letnik:
21, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
In eukaryotes, the entwined pathways of RNA transport and local translational regulation are key determinants in the spatio-temporal articulation of gene expression. One of the main advantages of ...this mechanism over transcriptional control in the nucleus lies in the fact that it endows local sites with independent decision-making authority, a consideration that is of particular relevance in cells with complex cellular architecture such as neurons. Localized RNAs typically contain codes, expressed within cis-acting elements, that specify subcellular targeting. Such codes are recognized by trans-acting factors, adaptors that mediate translocation along cytoskeletal elements by molecular motors. Most transported mRNAs are assumed translationally dormant while en route. In some cell types, especially in neurons, it is considered crucial that translation remains repressed after arrival at the destination site (e.g., a postsynaptic microdomain) until an appropriate activation signal is received. Several candidate mechanisms have been suggested to participate in the local implementation of translational repression and activation, and such mechanisms may target translation at the level of initiation and/or elongation. Recent data indicate that untranslated RNAs may play important roles in the local control of translation.
It is still not clear why impaction of third molars occurs. Craniofacial morphology and facial parameters have been discussed to be strong predictors for third molar impaction. Thus, this study aimed ...to investigate the effect of craniofacial morphology on erupted or impacted third molars in a German population sample.
Erupted and impacted third molars in 2,484 participants from the Study of Health in Pomerania were assessed by whole-body magnetic resonance imaging. Markers of facial morphology were determined in 619 individuals of those participants in whose 421 participants (16.7%) had at least one impacted third molar. Craniofacial morphology was estimated as linear measurements and was associated in a cross-sectional study design with impacted and erupted third molars by multinomial logistic regression models. Erupted third molars were used as reference outcome category and regression models were adjusted for age and sex.
Maximum Cranial Width (Eurion-Eurion distance) was significantly associated with impacted third molars (RR: 1.079; 95% confidence interval 1.028-1.132). This association was even more pronounced in the mandible. Individuals with a lower total anterior facial height (Nasion-Menton distance) and a lower facial index also have an increased risk for impacted third molars in the mandible (RR 0.953; 95% confidence interval 0.913-0.996 and RR: 0.943; 95% confidence interval 0.894-0.995). No significant associations of third molar status with facial width (Zygion-Zygion distance), and sagittal cranial dimension (Nasion-Sella distance; Sella-Basion distance) were observed.
Individuals with an increased maximal cranial width have a higher risk for impaction of third molars in the mandible and in the maxilla. Individuals with a lower anterior total anterior facial height and lower facial index also have an increased risk for third molars impaction in the mandible. These findings could help orthodontic dentists, oral surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in decision-making for third molars removal in their treatment. These findings highlight the necessity of an additional analysis of the maximal cranial width by the Eurion- Eurion distance.
Local protein synthesis in dendrites enables neurons to selectively change the protein complement of individual postsynaptic sites. Though it is generally assumed that this mechanism requires tight ...translational control of dendritically transported mRNAs, it is unclear how translation of dendritic mRNAs is regulated. We have analyzed here translational control elements of the dendritically localized mRNA coding for the postsynaptic scaffold protein Shank1. In its 5' region, the human Shank1 mRNA exhibits two alternative translation initiation sites (AUG⁺¹ and AUG⁺²¹⁴), three canonical upstream open reading frames (uORFs1-3) and a high GC content. In reporter assays, fragments of the 5'UTR with high GC content inhibit translation, suggesting a contribution of secondary structures. uORF3 is most relevant to translation control as it overlaps with the first in frame start codon (AUG⁺¹), directing translation initiation to the second in frame start codon (AUG⁺²¹⁴). Surprisingly, our analysis points to an additional uORF initiated at a non-canonical ACG start codon. Mutation of this start site leads to an almost complete loss of translation initiation at AUG⁺¹, demonstrating that this unconventional uORF is required for Shank1 synthesis. Our data identify a novel mechanism whereby initiation at a non-canonical site allows for translation of the main Shank1 ORF despite a highly structured 5'UTR.
IRSp53 is an essential intermediate between the activation of Rac and Cdc42 GTPases and the formation of cellular protrusions; it affects cell shape by coupling membrane-deforming activity with the ...actin cytoskeleton. IRSp53 is highly expressed in neurons where it is also an abundant component of the postsynaptic density (PSD). Here we analyze the physiological function of this protein in the mouse brain by generating IRSp53-deficient mice. Neurons in the hippocampus of young and adult knock-out (KO) mice do not exhibit morphological abnormalities in vivo. Conversely, primary cultured neurons derived from IRSp53 KO mice display retarded dendritic development in vitro. On a molecular level, Eps8 cooperates with IRSp53 to enhance actin bundling and interacts with IRSp53 in developing neurons. However, postsynaptic Shank proteins which are expressed at high levels in mature neurons compete with Eps8 to block actin bundling. In electrophysiological experiments the removal of IRSp53 increases synaptic plasticity as measured by augmented long term potentiation and paired-pulse facilitation. A primarily postsynaptic role of IRSp53 is underscored by the decreased size of the PSDs, which display increased levels of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunits in IRSp53 KO animals. Our data suggest that the incorporation of IRSp53 into the PSD enables the protein to limit the number of postsynaptic glutamate receptors and thereby affect synaptic plasticity rather than dendritic morphology. Consistent with altered synaptic plasticity, IRSp53-deficient mice exhibit cognitive deficits in the contextual fear-conditioning paradigm.
On BC1 RNA and the fragile X mental retardation protein Iacoangeli, Anna; Rozhdestvensky, Timofey S; Dolzhanskaya, Natalia ...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS,
01/2008, Letnik:
105, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), the functional absence of which causes fragile X syndrome, is an RNA-binding protein that has been implicated in the regulation of local protein ...synthesis at the synapse. The mechanism of FMRP's interaction with its target mRNAs, however, has remained controversial. In one model, it has been proposed that BC1 RNA, a small non-protein-coding RNA that localizes to synaptodendritic domains, operates as a requisite adaptor by specifically binding to both FMRP and, via direct base-pairing, to FMRP target mRNAs. Other models posit that FMRP interacts with its target mRNAs directly, i.e., in a BC1-independent manner. Here five laboratories independently set out to test the BC1-FMRP model. We report that specific BC1-FMRP interactions could be documented neither in vitro nor in vivo. Interactions between BC1 RNA and FMRP target mRNAs were determined to be of a nonspecific nature. Significantly, the association of FMRP with bona fide target mRNAs was independent of the presence of BC1 RNA in vivo. The combined experimental evidence is discordant with a proposed scenario in which BC1 RNA acts as a bridge between FMRP and its target mRNAs and rather supports a model in which BC1 RNA and FMRP are translational repressors that operate independently.
Aim
To assess the suitability of different definitions of caries and periodontitis for inclusion in tooth loss prediction models.
Materials and Methods
The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) is a ...population‐based cohort study conducted in 1997–2001 (SHIP‐0) and 2002–2006 (SHIP‐1). This sample comprised 2,780 subjects aged 20–81 years with complete information on dental and periodontal status DMFS status, clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD). Analyses on five‐year tooth loss were limited to half‐mouth data.
Results
The predictive value of tested definitions was markedly age‐ and gender‐dependent: in 20–39‐aged men, the number of decayed or filled surfaces best predicted the number of lost teeth, whereas in young women CAL≥4 mm performed best. In older subjects, periodontal definitions were superior to caries definitions: mean CAL performed best in 40–59‐year olds, whereas AL‐ or PD‐related definitions predicted best in 60–81‐year olds. On tooth level, mean CAL was the superior definition to assess 5‐year incident tooth loss in all strata except for young men.
Conclusions
Caries parameters best predicted incident tooth loss in men aged 20–39 years; in the intermediate and oldest age group and in young women, mean AL was most informative. Therefore, prediction models need to be developed for different age and gender groups.
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