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Mitochondria isolated from Neurospora crassa were purified by centrifugation in a Percoll density gradient. Enzyme activities and cytochrome differential spectra revealed a high purity of the mitochondria. As compared with a crude mitochondrial fraction the purified mitochondria exhibited a high respiratory activity and a fine ADP/O ratio. Electrophoresis of nucleic acids demonstrated the absence of cytoplasmic rRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphatidylcholine is one of the most frequent phospholipid components of the inner mitochondrial membrane of Neurospora crassa. Quantitative analysis of phospholipids of the wild strain of Neurospora crassa and of its two cho mutants showed that these strains did not significantly differ in the content of phosphatidylcholine. Mutants cultivated in a medium without choline contained, as compared with the wild strain, an increased amount of phosphatidylserine and a decreased quantity of phosphatidic acid. Respiratory activity increased and sensitivity to inhibitors of respiration changed. It is likely that the presence of choline in the growth medium exerts a regulatory effect on the cell metabolism of these mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonial growth of Neurospora sitophila phenotypically induced by ramihyphin A is accompanied by marked changes in the contents of DNA, RNA and proteins in the mycelium, and in the relative proportion of hexoses in cell wall hydrolysates. The glucosamine/glucose ratio is also characteristic for colonial growth. X-ray analysis of cell walls showed that ramihyphin A suppresses the crystalline arrangement of chitin in cell walls. A combination of microbiological, biochemical and physico-chemical methods yielded a general picture of the changes accompanying the colonial growth of Neurospora sitophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium sp. S-435 produces a group of related antifungal antibiotics. Three components of a mixture were isolated in a pure state from the mycelium and cultivation medium of the productive strain: ramihyphins A, B and C. Another two components (D and E) were demonstrated by thin-layer chromatography. Ramihyphin A is the main component of the mixture. Its basic physical and chemical properties are presented. The antibiotic is not active against bacteria, yeast-like microorganisms, oomycetes and several protozoa. It inhibits the growth of higher filamentous fungi, stimulating ramification of hyphae when used at subfungistatic concentration. Ramihyphin A does not inhibit germination of conidia of sensitive fungi but stops their growth after their germination. Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum belong to most sensitive pathogenic fungi in vitro. Ramihyphin A inhibits considerably the growth of the following phytopathogenic fungi: Stereum hirsutum, Neurospora sitophila, Botrytis cinerea, Monilia fructigena and Alternaria tenuis. The antibiotic exhibits antifungal effects also in vivo and is relatively little toxic for HeLa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The lipid constituents of Penicillium cyaneum during the production phase of the macrolide antibiotic cyanein have been studied. Triglycerides were the main components of the neutral lipids and phosphatidyl ethanolamine was the major constituent of the polar lipids. The fatty acid pattern showed a similarity to those of several other fungi. No unusual fatty acids as possible precursors of the cyanein molecule were found. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids were the major fatty acids present. The course of linoleic acid production was very similar to that of cyanein, while the relative percentages of the other major fatty acids showed only slight variations during the cyanein production phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This review examines the application of shellac in orthodontics, focusing on its properties, advantages, and potential as an alternative to conventional materials. In orthodontics, where bond strength, ease of application, and removal are paramount, shellac's capabilities meet these needs while supporting environmentally friendly practices. Methods: With objectives centered on evaluating shellac's effectiveness, biocompatibility, and impact on patient outcomes, a comprehensive search across multiple databases was conducted, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. This study's selection criteria targeted studies assessing shellac's use in orthodontic applications, measuring treatment effectiveness, biocompatibility, and patient satisfaction while excluding those not directly involving orthodontic applications or lacking empirical data. Results: Through a qualitative synthesis of the extracted data-encompassing study design, sample size, treatment outcomes, and adverse effects-the findings reveal shellac's potential benefits in orthodontics, such as enhanced patient comfort and comparable treatment outcomes to traditional materials. However, the review also notes variability in study designs and outcomes, indicating the need for further research. Conclusions: This study concluded that shellac presents a promising alternative in orthodontic materials, recommending additional studies to standardize assessment methodologies and confirm its long-term advantages.

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) patients have disproportionately poor oral health outcomes owing to a multidimensional set of factors, such as pathophysiology of the disease, drug-related adverse effects and lower utilization rate of dental healthcare services. The aim of the present observational study was to compare the indicators of dental and periodontal health in patients with SCZ to those of nonaffected healthy controls; furthermore, the influence of various anamnestic factors and lifestyle habits on oral health status were also assessed. Methods: A total of 50 SCZ patients-in remission-receiving treatment at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, were compared with 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls attending the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Szeged. Participants' dental (decayed, missing and filled surfaces [DMF-S] and decayed, missing and filled teeth [DMF-T]) and periodontal (plaque index [%], bleeding on probing [BOP%], pocket depth [PD] and attachment loss [AL]) status was measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results: In total, 74.0%, 80.0% and 78.0% of SCZ patients received second-generation antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers, respectively. Patients with SCZ had significantly higher DMFs (81.30 ± 40.16 vs. 61.64 ± 40.56; p = 0.010), D (8.18 ± 7.73 vs. 4.18 ± 4.22; p < 0.001) and DMF-T (18.20 ± 8.36 vs. 14.42 ± 8.21; p = 0.024) scores but significantly lower F (1.84 ± 0.29 vs. 4.62 ± 3.98; p < 0.001) scores compared to the controls; male subjects had significantly lower DMFs (74.52 ± 39.72 vs. 90.67 ± 39.1; p = 0.020) and DMF-T (16.52 ± 8.12 vs. 20.52 ± 8.32; p = 0.031) scores. Additionally, SCZ patients had significantly higher plaque indices (56.96 ± 23.19 vs. 27.44 ± 17.53; p < 0.001), BOP% (58.96 ± 22.89 vs. 23.56 ± 17.53; p < 0.001), PD (2.84 ± 0.67 vs. 2.19 ± 0.49; p = 0.024) and AL (3.39 ± 1.72 vs. 2.49 ± 0.76; p < 0.001) values compared to controls. Smoking > 10 cigarettes/day was associated with worse dental and periodontal indices, while consuming ≥ 4 units/week of alcohol was associated with worse periodontal indices, respectively ( p < 0.05 in all cases). In contrast, coffee consumption rates and vitamin supplementation status had no significant effect on oral health status indicators. Conclusions: Our study highlights the overall poor oral health status of individuals affected by SCZ and the need for targeted preventive interventions.

The long-term success and predictability of implant-supported restorations largely depends on the biomechanical forces (stresses) acting on implants and the surrounding alveolar bone in the mandible. The aim of our study was to investigate the biomechanical behavior of an edentulous mandible with an implant-supported full bridge on four implants under simulated masticatory forces, in the context of different loading schemes, using a three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D-FEA). A patient-specific 3D finite element model was constructed using pre- and post-implantation computer tomography (CT) images of a patient undergoing implant treatment. Simplified masticatory forces set at 300 N were exerted vertically on the denture in four different simulated load cases (LC1-LC4). Two sets of simulations for different implants and denture materials (S1: titanium and titanium; S2: titanium and cobalt-chromium, respectively) were made. Stress outputs were taken as maximum (P max ) and minimum principal stress (P min ) and equivalent stress (P eqv ) values. The highest peak P max values were observed for LC2 (where the modelled masticatory force excluded the cantilevers of the denture extending behind the terminal implants), both regarding the cortical bone (S1 P max : 89.57 MPa, S2 P max : 102.98 MPa) and trabecular bone (S1 P max : 3.03 MPa, S2 P max : 2.62 MPa). Overall, LC1-where masticatory forces covered the entire mesio-distal surface of the denture, including the cantilever-was the most advantageous. Peak P max values in the cortical bone and the trabecular bone were 14.97-15.87% and 87.96-94.54% higher in the case of S2, respectively. To ensure the long-term maintenance and longevity of treatment for implant-supported restorations in the mandible, efforts to establish the stresses of the surrounding bone in the physiological range, with the most even stress distribution possible, have paramount importance.

(1) Background: In cardiovascular applications, paclitaxel inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and significantly reduces the occurrence of restenosis and target lesion revascularization. However, the cellular effects of paclitaxel in the myocardium are not well understood; (2) Methods: Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (CTRL), isoproterenol (ISO) treated (1 mg/kg) and two groups treated with paclitaxel (PAC), which was administrated (10 mg/kg/day) for 5 days by gavage/per os alone or in combination (ISO + PAC) 3 weeks after ISO treatment. Ventricular tissue was harvested 24 h later for measurements of heme oxygenase (HO-1), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), NF-κB, TNF-α and myeloperoxidase (MPO); (3) Results: HO-1 protein concentration, HO-1 activity, SOD protein concentration and total glutathione significantly decreased in response to ISO treatment. When PAC was administered in conjunction with ISO, HO-1, SOD concentration and total glutathione were not different from control levels. MPO activity, NF-κB concentration and TNF-α protein concentration were significantly increased in the ISO-only group, while the levels of these molecules were restored when PAC was co-administered; (4) Conclusions: Oral administration of PAC can maintain the expression of important antioxidants, anti-inflammatory molecules, HO-1, SOD and GSH, and suppress the production of TNF-α, MPO and NF-κB, which are involved in myocardial damage. The principal component of this cellular defense seems to be the expression of HO-1.

Purpose: To evaluate the extent to which dentists elaborate removable partial denture (RPD) design themselves and what they leave to the dental laboratory, as well as to assess the quality of information transferred to the technicians., Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire, and the responses of 211 dentists were analyzed. The categorized variables were analyzed using chi-square test and Fisher exact test. The significance level was considered as the standard P < .05., Results: More than half (59.0%) of the dentists reported making an accurate, clear design for the dental technician before fabrication of the metal-framework RPD; 191 dentists (91.0%) specified the abutment teeth, 70.8% chose the type of clasps, and 60.7% gave instructions for the major connectors. The respondents largely took into account periodontal hygiene considerations (82.4%), and about one-third (37.7%) reported they were sending clear, precise instructions to the lab. The denture design was sent to the technician mainly (65.0%) in both drawing and text form. About half of the dentists (55.6%) gave only guidelines and left more details to be defined by the dental technician. Most dentists took responsibility in case of esthetic problems, irrespective of whether the dentist or technician prepared the denture design., Conclusion: Everyday practice concerning RPD design is far from the professional, legal, and ethical guidelines and rules relating to the duties and responsibilities of the dentist in relation to RPD design, and the situation therefore needs to be improved. Int J Prosthodont 2022;36:131-137. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7523.

Dental implants are artificial dental roots anchoring prosthetic restorations to replace natural teeth. Dental implant systems may have different tapered conical connections. Our research focused on the mechanical examination of implant-superstructure connections. Thirty-five samples with 5 different cone angles (24°, 35°, 55°, 75°, and 90°) were tested for static and dynamic loads, carried out by a mechanical fatigue testing machine. Fixing screws were fixed with a torque of 35 Ncm before measurements. For static loading, samples were loaded with a force of 500 N in 20 s. For dynamic loading, the samples were loaded for 15,000 cycles with a force of 250 ± 150 N. In both cases, the compression resulting from load and reverse torque was examined. At the highest compression load of the static tests, a significant difference ( p = 0.021) was found for each cone angle group. Following dynamic loading, significant differences ( p < 0.001) for the reverse torques of the fixing screw were also shown. Static and dynamic results showed a similar trend: under the same loading conditions, changing the cone angle-which determines the relationship between the implant and the abutment-had led to significant differences in the loosening of the fixing screw. In conclusion, the greater the angle of the implant-superstructure connection, the smaller the screw loosening due to loading, which may have considerable effects on the long-term, safe operation of the dental prosthesis.

Introduction: Interleukin 6 receptor inhibition by tocilizumab (TCZ) has been effectively used worldwide for the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) associated with COVID-19. In this single centre study, we compared the outcome of COVID-19 pneumonia in TCZ-treated vs. untreated (control) patients. We wished to compare TCZ administration in the general ward vs. in the intensive care unit (ICU). We also studied the role of a consulting rheumatologist in the management of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients and methods: In our patients, COVID-19 pneumonia was confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 PCR, chest X-ray, and CT. We compared patients selected for TCZ treatment with TCZ-untreated age- and sex-matched controls. All patients received corticosteroids. In the TCZ-treated group, patients received one or two doses of TCZ 8 mg/kg IV in combination with corticosteroids. We recorded age, sex, symptom duration, oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ), partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO 2 ), total white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil, absolute lymphocyte and platelet counts, CRP, ferritin, IL-6, LDH, procalcitonin (PCT), and D-dimer. The primary outcome parameters were the need for ICU, ventilation, death, and time of hospitalisation. Results: Altogether, 104 patients, 52 TCZ-treated and 52 TCZ-untreated, were included in this study. At baseline, the TCZ-treated patient group indeed had more pronounced COVID-19-related MIS compared to controls. Consultation with a rheumatologist was performed in 60% vs. 40% of cases. Nineteen patients (37%) received one, while 33 (63%) received two TCZ doses. TCZ was administered to 28 patients (54%) in the general ward and to 24 (46%) in the ICU. TCZ treatment was found to be safe in our COVID-19 pneumonia patients. TCZ treatment favourably influenced MIS biomarkers, and was associated with better clinical outcomes compared to controls. Patients receiving TCZ treatment in combination with corticosteroids already in the general ward exerted much better outcomes than those treated in the ICU. Consultation with a rheumatologist also improved outcome. Conclusions: We successfully used TCZ in combination with corticosteroids in Hungarian COVID-19 pneumonia patients. We pointed out the importance of early treatment already in the general ward, and the involvement of a rheumatologist in making treatment decisions.

Bone grafting procedures during the use of dental implants may be avoided by the use of tilted implants in the maxilla and the mandible; advantages of angled implants are associated with the extension of the distal cantilever, leading to better implant survival rates. However, the bending effect on the single tilting implants may increase the marginal bone stress. The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively assess the clinical success and proximal bone loss rate following the implantation of distally tilted implants according to the All-on-Four™ prosthetic concept—based on radiographic findings—in a single-center experience, in addition to the assessment of the outcomes in the context of various clinico-epidemiological correlates. During the study period, n = 36 patients (24 males and 12 females) with complete records of periapical radiographs, received a full-arch fixed bridge supported by two axial and two distal tilted implants; overall n = 144 and n = 144 implants (Nobel B) were place in the maxilla and mandibles of patients, respectively. Mean age of patients at the time of fixture installation was 58.75 ± 13.71 years; n =11 patients presented with relevant underlying conditions/habits. To assess peri-implant bone-level changes, matched and calibrated orthopantomogram (OPT) images were taken at follow-ups after 1.5 years, 2.5 years, and 3.5 years post-restoration, and marginal bone levels were assessed on the mesio- (MA) and disto-approximal (DA) aspects. All implants were successful, resulting in a 100% overall survival rate. The radiographic mean bone loss levels at baseline (mean ± SEM) were 0.181 ± 0.011 mm and 0.178 ± 0.017 mm in the maxilla and mandible, respectively, while by the 3.5-year mark, bone loss was 0.770 ± 0.029 mm and 0.713 ± 0.026 mm in the maxilla and mandible (p > 0.05), respectively; bone-level changes were significant over time (p = 0.035 and p = 0.033). Peri-implant bone loss was more aggressive around titled distal implants versus mesial actual position implants. The effect of smoking and other underlying conditions showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) bone resorption levels when assessed on an individual implant-level, while during patient-level analysis, only a tendency was shown for higher bone loss rates for both MA and DA implants (p > 0.05). Within its limitations, our study has concluded that the use of All-on-Four™ prosthetic concept for total arch rehabilitation yields higher bone loss in association with tilted implants and, in some cases, on the MA surfaces at vertically positioned implants after >40 months in function.

The production of biofilms is a critical factor in facilitating the survival of Staphylococcus spp. in vivo and in protecting against various environmental noxa. The possible relationship between the antibiotic-resistant phenotype and biofilm-forming capacity has raised considerable interest. The purpose of the study was to assess the interdependence between biofilm-forming capacity and the antibiotic-resistant phenotype in 299 Staphylococcus spp. (S. aureus n = 143, non-aureus staphylococci [NAS] n = 156) of environmental origin. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and detection of methicillin resistance (MR) was performed. The capacity of isolates to produce biofilms was assessed using Congo red agar (CRA) plates and a crystal violet microtiter-plate-based (CV-MTP) method. MR was identified in 46.9% of S. aureus and 53.8% of NAS isolates (p > 0.05), with resistance to most commonly used drugs being significantly higher in MR isolates compared to methicillin-susceptible isolates. Resistance rates were highest for clindamycin (57.9%), erythromycin (52.2%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (51.1%), while susceptibility was retained for most last-resort drugs. Based on the CRA plates, biofilm was produced by 30.8% of S. aureus and 44.9% of NAS (p = 0.014), while based on the CV-MTP method, 51.7% of S. aureus and 62.8% of NAS were identified as strong biofilm producers, respectively (mean OD570 values: S. aureus: 0.779±0.471 vs. NAS: 1.053±0.551; p < 0.001). No significant differences in biofilm formation were observed based on MR (susceptible: 0.824 ± 0.325 vs. resistant: 0.896 ± 0.367; p = 0.101). However, pronounced differences in biofilm formation were identified based on rifampicin susceptibility (S: 0.784 ± 0.281 vs. R: 1.239 ± 0.286; p = 0.011). The mechanistic understanding of the mechanisms Staphylococcus spp. use to withstand harsh environmental and in vivo conditions is crucial to appropriately address the therapy and eradication of these pathogens.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) possesses a plethora of virulence determinants, including the production of biofilm, pigments, exotoxins, proteases, flagella, and secretion systems. The aim of our present study was to establish the relationship between biofilm-forming capacity, the expression of some important virulence factors, and the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype in P. aeruginosa. A total of three hundred and two (n = 302) isolates were included in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and phenotypic detection of resistance determinants were carried out; based on these results, isolates were grouped into distinct resistotypes and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices were calculated. The capacity of isolates to produce biofilm was assessed using a crystal violet microtiter-plate based method. Motility (swimming, swarming, and twitching) and pigment-production (pyoverdine and pyocyanin) were also measured. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to determine for antimicrobial resistance, biofilm-formation, and expression of other virulence factors. Resistance rates were the highest for ceftazidime (56.95%; n = 172), levofloxacin (54.97%; n = 166), and ciprofloxacin (54.64%; n = 159), while lowest for colistin (1.66%; n = 5); 44.04% (n = 133) of isolates were classified as MDR. 19.87% (n = 60), 20.86% (n = 63) and 59.27% (n = 179) were classified as weak, moderate, and strong biofilm producers, respectively. With the exception of pyocyanin production (0.371 ± 0.193 vs. non-MDR: 0.319 ± 0.191; p = 0.018), MDR and non-MDR isolates did not show significant differences in expression of virulence factors. Additionally, no relevant correlations were seen between the rate of biofilm formation, pigment production, or motility. Data on interplay between the presence and mechanisms of drug resistance with those of biofilm formation and virulence is crucial to address chronic bacterial infections and to provide strategies for their management.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Az állcsonti cysták helytálló diagnosztikája a klinikai, radiológiai és patológiai leletek együttes értékelésével lehetséges. Korábbi munkánk során többször tapasztaltuk a klinikoradiopatológiai kommunikáció és korreláció hiányát, és ez olykor inadekvát diagnózisok felállításához vezetett. Célkitűzés: Célunk ezen kommunikációs probléma mértékének becslése és annak bemutatása, hogy ez a hiányosság hogyan befolyásolhatja a diagnosztikát. Módszer: Korábbi, más célú retrospektív elemzés újraértékelése történt a klinikai (radiológiai) adatközlés, a revízió kapcsán módosuló diagnózisok számszerűsítése céljából, valamint további 3 egyetemi patológiai intézet 10-10 anonimizált leletének vizsgálata az adatközlések vonatkozásában. Eredmények: 2 intézményben 85 odontogen cysta diagnózisakor csupán a betegek életkora, neme volt 100%-osan ismert. A lokalizációra vonatkozó adekvát információ 62%-ban, a méretre vonatkozó csupán 29%-ban fordult elő a szövettani kérőlapokon. Összességében a diagnózist segítő releváns információt csak 52%-ban adtak meg. Az utólagos klinikoradiopatológiai korrelációra törekvő revízió során 38/85 esetben (45%) módosult a végső diagnózis kisebb vagy nagyobb mértékben. A megküldött leletek alapján a klinikai/radiológiai adatok közlése <50% és 100% közöttinek becsülhető más intézetekben is. Az 5 intézmény közül csak az egyikben utalt specializációra az, hogy minden leletet egy patológus véleményezett, általában sok patológus (n = 25) valamelyike véleményezte a kevés tömlőt (n = 105). A diagnózis kommunikáció hiányán alapuló kisiklásának lehetőségét 5 példával illusztráljuk: cysta radicularisként leletezett paradentalis, lobos follicularis és lateralis periodontalis cysta, ductus nasopalatinus cysta és radicularis cysta differenciáldiagnosztikáját példázó tömlő, valamint botryoid odontogen cysta kerül bemutatásra. Következtetés: Az odontogen tömlők precíz diagnosztikája mind a klinikai, mind a patológiai oldalról javítást igényel, amelynek egyik része az ilyen irányú képzés lehet. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(12): 458-467. Summary. Introduction: Proper diagnosis of jaw cysts requires the parallel evaluation of clinical, radiological and histopathological findings. Lack of clinico-radio-pathological correlation can lead to inconsistent diagnoses. Objective: To evaluate the rate of lacking clinico-pathological communication and demonstrate how this may influence diagnostics. Method: Data of a former retrospective analysis were re-evaluated to quantify the lack of clinical data communicated to pathologists and estimate the rate of final diagnoses requiring alteration after review of all available clinical data. 10 anonymized reports on odontogenic cysts from 3 university pathology departments each were analysed for the lack of relevant clinical information. Results: Only the age and gender of patients were documented in 100% for 85 jaw cysts diagnosed in 2 departments of pathology. Adequate information about cyst localization and size were communicated in 62% and 29%, respectively. Overall, information relevant to the diagnosis was given in 52% of the cases. Revision based on clinico-radio-pathological correlation led to alterations of the diagnosis in 38/85 cases (45%). Based on reports from other institutions, the communication of clinical data is estimated to be between <50% and 100%. 25 pathologists were involved in reporting 105 cysts. 5 cases illustrate how diagnosis may fail without good communication: a paradental, an inflamed dentigerous and a lateral periodontal cyst, each misdiagnosed as radicular cyst; a cyst raising the differential diagnosis of nasopalatine duct versus radicular cyst; a botryoid odontogenic cyst. Conclusion: Proper diagnosis of jaw cysts requires improvements from both pathological and clinical sides, and could probably be improved through education. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(12): 458-467.

The reduction in infectious disease morbidity and mortality may be attributed to a variety of factors; however, improved sanitation and public health, and the introduction of vaccines and antibiotics are among the most significant. The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens is an expected consequence of evolutionary adaptation to these noxious agents and the widespread use of these drugs has significantly sped up this process. Infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens are directly associated with worse clinical outcomes, longer hospital stays, excess mortality in the affected patients and an increasing burden and costs on the healthcare infrastructure. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were published in 2015 by the United Nations to serve as a global blueprint for a better, more equitable, more sustainable life on our planet. The SDGs contextualize AMR as a global public health and societal issue; in addition, the continuing emergence of AMR may limit the attainment on many SDGs. The aim of this mini-review is to provide insight on the interface between attainment of SDGs and the clinical problem of drug resistance in bacteria.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most frequent cause of infection among non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, predominantly affecting immunocompromised patients, but its pathogenic role should not be disregarded in immunocompetent patients. These pathogens present a concerning therapeutic challenge to clinicians, both in community and in hospital settings, due to their increasing prevalence of resistance, and this may lead to prolonged therapy, sequelae, and excess mortality in the affected patient population. The resistance mechanisms of P. aeruginosa may be classified into intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms. These mechanisms lead to occurrence of resistant strains against important antibiotics-relevant in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections-such as β-lactams, quinolones, aminoglycosides, and colistin. The occurrence of a specific resistotype of P. aeruginosa , namely the emergence of carbapenem-resistant but cephalosporin-susceptible (Car-R/Ceph-S) strains, has received substantial attention from clinical microbiologists and infection control specialists; nevertheless, the available literature on this topic is still scarce. The aim of this present review paper is to provide a concise summary on the adaptability, virulence, and antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa to a readership of basic scientists and clinicians.

Introduction: It is well established that periodontal disease (PD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) can have a detrimental effect on each other's disease course, and that cigarette smoking exacerbates both conditions. However, literature on the periodontal status of smokers with DM is scarce, and the studies conducted to date did not use healthy controls or non-smokers with DM as controls. Consequently, the individual effects of smoking and DM on PD are difficult to untangle and estimate., Methods: A total of 128 participants were recruited to this study and their data analyzed. They were assigned to four groups: smoking patients with DM (SDM); non-smoking patients with DM (NSDM); smokers without DM (control group, SC) and (4) non-smokers without DM (control group, NSC). Each group consisted of 32 age-matched participants. The periodontal status of the participants was assessed by full oral examination. To express periodontal status, we used the four-stage classification introduced by Fernandes and colleagues (J Periodontol. 80(7):1062-1068, 2009). The control of DM was estimated by measuring hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in the peripheral blood., Results: A significant difference in the severity of PD was found between the SC and NSC groups (p = 0.027) and between the NSC and SDM groups (p = 0.000), while the difference between the NSDM and SDM groups approached significance (p = 0.052). No person in the smoker groups could be classified as having a healthy periodontal status. The four-stage classification followed a normal distribution in the healthy, non-smoking controls (NSC). Smoking caused a shift toward medium-severe PD, while a marked shift toward the most severe stage was observed when both smoking and DM were present (SDM). There was no significant association between the type of DM and periodontal status, nor between diabetes control and the severity of PD. Persons in the SDM group had significantly fewer teeth than those in the NSC group (mean ± standard deviation: 16.0 ± 7.9 vs. 20.7 ± 5.6; p = 0.02)., Conclusion: Smoking damages the periodontium of even healthy individuals, but the damage is multiplied in a smoker who has DM, even though the effect of DM alone on periodontium health is relatively mild. Our results suggest a synergy between DM and smoking in terms of damage to the periodontal tissues, but the limited sample size of this study does not allow any hard conclusion to be drawn.

Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are developmental cysts of the jaws that require proper diagnosis due to their potential for local aggressive growth and recurrences. OKCs have a typical parakeratotic epithelium demonstrating transepithelial cytokeratin 17 (CK17) and basal bcl2 staining on immunohistochemistry (IHC), which distinguishes them from other common jaw cysts. Secondary to inflammation, the epithelial lining may be altered and loses the typical IHC phenotype. The aim of the present study was to analyse a series of consecutive jaw cysts for their expression of CK17 and bcl2 and assess how these IHC stains may help in their diagnosis. All cysts were retrospectively assessed for available clinical, radiological and pathological findings and diagnoses were revised whenever needed. 85 cysts from 72 patients were collected from two departments. The series had 21 OKCs, the remaining non-OKCs included radicular/residual, dentigerous, paradental, lateral periodontal, botryoid odontogenic cysts. OKCs with typical epithelium showed the typical IHC phenotype, which was generally lost in inflammation-associated altered epithelium. Contrarily to earlier descriptions, a wide variety of CK17 positivity was seen in the majority of non-OKCs, including focal transepithelial staining. Basal bcl2 staining was also seen in 16 non-OKCs. These stainings were never as strong in intensity as seen in OKCs. One case was histopathologically identified as OKC due to focally maintained IHC profile. CK17 and bcl2 IHC may help in the diagnosis of OKCs, but must be interpreted with caution and is not a yes or no tool in the diagnostic puzzle.

Implants have been considered the treatment of choice to replace missing teeth, unfortunately, peri-implant disease is still an unresolved issue. Contaminated implants may be decontaminated by physical debridement and chemical disinfectants; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding the ideal techniques/agents to be used for the decontamination. The objective of our study was to compare the decontaminating efficacy of different chemical agents on a titanium surface contaminated with Porphyromonas gingivalis, a typical representative of the bacterial flora associated with peri-implantitis. Commercially pure Ti grade 4 discs with a polished surface were treated with a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine digluconate (0.1%), povidone-iodine (PVP-iodine) solution (10%) or citric acid monohydrate (40%). Qualitative and quantitative assessment of cellular growth and survival were assessed by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant differences in the quantity of P. gingivalis could be observed after 6 days of incubation. A numerical, but not statistically significant (P = 0.066) decrease in the amount of living bacteria was observed in the group treated with the PVP-iodine solution as compared to the control group. The chlorhexidine (CHX)-treated group presented with significantly higher cell counts, as compared to the PVP-iodine-treated group (P = 0.032), while this was not observed compared to the control group and citric acid-treated group. Our results have also been verified by SEM measurements. Our results suggest that for P. gingivalis contamination on a titanium surface in vitro, PVP-iodine is a superior decontaminant, compared to citric acid and chlorhexidine-digulconate solution.

Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) have a diagnostic thin epithelial lining characterised by a linear epithelial connective tissue interface generally lacking inflammatory changes, basal palisading of the nuclei and a wavy parakeratotic layer on the surface. This typical epithelium may convert to a thicker non-keratinizing one with rete pegs and a relatively flat surface after operative decompression. The aim was to characterize this type of epithelial change by immunohistochemistry for bcl2, keratin17, 10 and 19. Eleven out of 33 archived OKCs demonstrated an altered epithelium related to previous biopsy, decompressing drainage or inflammation. The typical basal bcl2 staining was lost in 10/11 cases; transepithelial CK17 was lost or markedly reduced in 9/11 cases. CK10 displayed a segmental upper layer staining in OKCs, and its loss or partial loss in the altered epithelium did not differ from negative areas of OKCs. CK19 displayed various staining patterns in the altered epithelium from lost to maintained in a patchy transepithelial distribution, the latter of which did not differ from the typical OKC staining pattern. Three of four non-keratinizing epithelial linings with basal palisading displayed immunostaining reminiscent of typical OKC epithelium. The lack of a typical epithelium is not sufficient to exclude the diagnosis of OKC if the sampling is not generous (e.g. biopsy), and the presence of non-keratinizing epithelium with basal palisading and an immunophenotype characteristic of OKC (basal bcl2, patchy or diffuse CK17 and upper layer CK10 positivity) may be consistent with the OKC diagnosis even in the absence of typical epithelial lining.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune ailment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is characterized by enhanced activation of proinflammatory cytokines. It is suggested that the sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) confers anti-inflammatory effects. As the exact pathogenesis of IBD is still unknown and treatment options are limited, we aimed to investigate the effects of σ1R in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced experimental colitis. To this end, male Wistar-Harlan rats were used to model colitic inflammation through the administration of TNBS. To investigate the effects of σ1R, Fluvoxamine (FLV, σ1R agonist) and BD1063 (σ1R antagonist) were applied via intracolonic administration to the animals once a day for three days. Our radioligand binding studies indicated the existence of σ1Rs as [ 3 H](+)-pentazocine binding sites, and FLV treatment increased the reduced σ1R maximum binding capacity in TNBS-induced colitis. Furthermore, FLV significantly attenuated the colonic damage, the effect of which was abolished by the administration of BD1063. Additionally, FLV potentially increased the expression of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase ligase-1 (UCHL-1) and the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and decreased the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inducible NOS (iNOS) expression. In summary, our study offers evidence for the anti-inflammatory potential of FLV and σ1R in experimental colitis, and our results present a promising approach to the development of new σ1R-targeted treatment options against IBD.

The significant growth in scientific and technological advancements within the field of dentistry has resulted in a wide range of novel treatment modalities for dentists to use. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging, non-invasive treatment method, involving photosensitizers, light of a specific wavelength and the generation of singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eliminate unwanted eukaryotic cells (e.g., malignancies in the oral cavity) or pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of this review article is to summarize the history, general concepts, advantages and disadvantages of PDT and to provide examples for current indications of PDT in various subspecialties of dentistry (oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, endodontics, preventive dentistry, periodontology and implantology), in addition to presenting some images from our own experiences about the clinical success with PDT.

We assessed cognitive function of female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and analyze the determinants, with special focus on cerebrovascular morphology. Sixty methotrexate (MTX-) or biologic-treated RA patients and 39 healthy controls were included in a cross-sectional study. Smoking habits, alcohol intake and time spent in education were recorded. Standard measures were performed to assess cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MOCA; Trail Making Test, TMT; Victoria Stroop Test, VST; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, WAIS; Benton Visual Retention test, BVRT), depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAIT/S) and general health status (Short Form 36, SF-36). Mean disease activity (28-joint Disease Activity Score, mDAS28; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mESR; C-reactive protein, mCRP) of the past 12 months was calculated; anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were assessed. Cerebral vascular lesions and atrophy, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaques, as well as median cerebral artery (MCA) circulatory reserve capacity (CRC) were assessed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), carotid ultrasound and transcranial Doppler, respectively. Cognitive function tests showed impairment in RA vs controls. Biologic- vs MTX-treated subgroups differed in TMT-A. Correlations were identified between cognitive function and depression/anxiety tests. WAIS, STAIS, STAIT and BDI correlated with most SF-36 domains. Numerous cognitive tests correlated with age and lower education. Some also correlated with disease duration, mESR and mDAS28. Regarding vascular pathophysiology, cerebral vascular lesions were associated with VST-A, carotid plaques with multiple cognitive parameters, while MCA and CRC with MOCA, BVRT and BDI. RA patients have significant cognitive impairment. Cognitive dysfunction may occur together with or independently of depression/anxiety. Older patients and those with lower education are at higher risk to develop cognitive impairment. Cognitive screening might be a useful tool to identify subgroups to be further investigated for cerebrovascular pathologies.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the amount of periodontal support on the fracture resistance of root-amputated maxillary molar teeth restored with either direct class. I. restorations or class II. mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) indirect overlay restorations with cuspal coverage., Methods: Sixty sound maxillary first molars were collected and randomly divided into four groups. In Groups 1 and 2, MOD cavities were prepared and all cusps were reduced by 2 mm, whereas in Group 3 and 4, only a conservative Class I. cavity was prepared. Subsequently, root canal treatment was performed and the mesio-buccal roots were amputated. Groups 1 and 2 were restored with indirect composite overlay, while Groups 3 and 4 received direct composite fillings. After restoration, teeth were embedded as follows: Groups 1 and 3: normal bone level, Groups 2 and 4: furcation involvement. The specimens were submitted to static fracture resistance testing. Fracture thresholds and fracture patterns were measured and evaluated., Results: Group 1 had the highest fracture resistance (2311,6 N) among the restored groups and showed statistically significant difference compared to Group 2 (p = 0.038) and Group 4 (p = 0.011). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of fracture resistance between the rest of the groups. In terms of the fracture patterns, Group 3 was characterized by the highest percentage (60%) of mostly favorable fractures, while the rest of the groups showed predominantly unfavorable ones., Conclusions: The amount of periodontal support seems to influence the fracture resistance of root-amputated and restored maxillary molars.

Introduction: Oral mucositis is a frequent complication of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Ectoine is a natural extremolyte that can stabilize biological membranes and counteract inflammatory reactions. This study investigated ectoine-containing mouthwash for the prophylaxis and the treatment of oral mucositis. Its effectiveness, tolerability, and safety were compared to those of the local standard-of-care calcium phosphate mouthwash., Methods: This prospective, active-controlled, observational study was conducted in two study centers in Hungary from January 2016 to October 2017. Sixty patients undergoing chemotherapy were to be recruited and allocated to one of three treatment arms: prophylactic treatment with ectoine (20 patients), active treatment with ectoine (20 patients), or calcium phosphate (20 patients). The study lasted 21 days, comprising four visits on day 0, day 7, day 14, and day 21., Results: In all, 45 patients were included in the study (prophylactic ectoine, 10 patients; active ectoine, 20 patients; calcium phosphate, 15 patients). In the prophylactic ectoine group, few mucositis symptoms of mild or moderate severity occurred throughout the study. In the active ectoine and the calcium phosphate groups, symptoms of mild and moderate severity at inclusion were reduced significantly after 14 days of treatment and were mostly resolved at the end of the study. The difference between the active ectoine and the calcium phosphate groups was not significant. According to patients' assessments, ectoine mouthwash was more effective and tolerable than calcium phosphate mouthwash., Conclusions: Ectoine mouthwash is safe, well tolerated, and effective for the active treatment of oral mucositis following chemotherapy. Its effectiveness is comparable to that of calcium phosphate. Patients prefer ectoine mouthwash to calcium phosphate mouthwash., Trial Registration Number: NCT02816515., Funding: Bitop AG (Dortmund, Germany). Plain language summary available for this article.

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is an endogenous mediator that contributes to many important physiological processes including vasodilation and vascular smooth muscle relaxation; in turn, preventing tissue damage and reducing inflammation. Heme oxygenase (HO) enzymes, of which HO-1 is inducible by harmful stimuli, were found to regulate intestinal inflammation in experimental animal models of colitis. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of H 2 S against 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats, and whether HO enzyme system is involved in the H 2 S-induced colonic cytoprotection. Male Wistar rats were treated with TNBS to induce colitis, and H 2 S donor (Lawesson's reagent) was prepared two times/day at different concentrations, and delivered per os (from day 1 to day 3). Our results suggest that daily treatment (2 times/day) with H 2 S donor, could significantly decrease the extent of colonic inflammation compared to vehicle treatment, and the most effective daily dose of H 2 S donor against inflammation was 18.75 µM/kg/day. Per os administration of H 2 S donor increased the colonic HO enzyme activity; on the contrary, the protective effect of H 2 S was abolished by the co-treatment with HO inhibitor. Our findings suggest that H 2 S confers colonoprotection, probably by modulation of anti-inflammatory parameters and HO enzyme activity.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible correlation between the periodontal and dental status and sperm pathology in idiopathic male infertility., Methods: The periodontal and caries status and semen quality of 199 men presented with unexplained male infertility were examined. Periodontal and dental factors were analysed by sperm pathology categories., Results: A total of 106 men had normal sperm parameters, whereas 93 men had some type of spermpathology; 27.95% had oligozoospermia, 23.65% asthenozoospermia, 16.12% cryptozoospermia, 32.25% combined oligo-asthenozoospermia. Poor periodontal status was found in about half of the study group (45.7%). The DMFT index was not a significantly higher in any of the spermpathology groups. The odds ratio of calculus, bleeding on probing (BOP) and BOP at ≥50% of the teeth were significantly higher in the combined group (AOR = 1.04, AOR = 1.13, AOR = 4.92, respectively) in multivariate analyses compared to those in the normozoospermia group. Gingival bleeding in the history and urban residency were the only predictors for pathospermia shown by the logistic regression model (AORs were 1.82 and 2.26, respectively)., Conclusions: Some features of poor periodontal status, as gingival bleeding in the history, presence of calculus and BOP, were associated with oligo+asthenozoospermia in men with idiopathic infertility., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Autoimmune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been associated with autoimmune atherosclerosis leading to increased cardiovascular risk. Traditional risk factors, genetics, as well as the role of systemic inflammation including inflammatory cells, cytokines, chemokines, proteases, autoantibodies, adhesion receptors and others have been implicated in the development of these vascular pathologies. Cardiovascular risk may be determined by the use of currently available tools. In addition, non-invasive assessment of vascular pathophysiology by imaging, as well as laboratory biomarkers can help to refine risk assessment. With respect to prevention and therapy, traditional vasculoprotection using statins, ACE inhibitors, aspirin should be applied to patients at risk. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and corticosteroids may be pro-atherogenic, on the other hand, they may also be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory nation. Traditional and biologic DMARDs may have significant vascular and metabolic effects. Decreasing inflammatory activity by any of these agents may lead to better CV outcome. The official EULAR recommendations on the assessment and management of cardiovascular disease in arthritides may guide the rheumatologist during the process of CV screening, prevention and treatment., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) in measuring thinning bone surrounding dental implants. Three implants were inserted into the mandible of a domestic pig at 6 different bone thicknesses on the vestibular and the lingual sides, and measurements were recorded using CBCT. The results were obtained, analyzed, and compared with areas without implants. Our results indicated that the bone thickness and the neighboring implants decreased the accuracy and reliability of CBCT for measuring bone volume around dental implants. We concluded that CBCT slightly undermeasured the bone thickness around the implant, both buccally and orally, compared with the same thickness without the implant. These results support that using the i-CAT NG with a 0.2 voxel size is not accurate for either qualitative or quantitative bone evaluations, especially when the bone is thinner than 0.72 mm in the horizontal dimension.