Clinical insights into the three-dimensional anatomy of cheek teeth in alpacas based on micro-computed tomography - Part 2: Maxillary cheek teeth

Abstract Background Scientific knowledge regarding alpaca dentistry is relatively limited despite its clinical implications. The present gap in available supportive data leads to limited treatment options for dental pathology in alpacas in comparison to other species. The main goal of this study was to gain novel insights into the general and pulp morphology of maxillary cheek teeth to allow development of more advanced treatment strategies in the future. Also, the risk of causing pulp exposure when floating maxillary cheek teeth was of particular interest. Concurent research focusing on the anatomy of mandibular cheek teeth has been performed accordingly. The results obtained in mandibular teeth are expected to be non-extrapolatable because of the structural differences between mandibular and maxillary teeth. Results Pulp morphology of maxillary cheek teeth showed great variation. A common pulp chamber was identified in 46/83 (55.4%) teeth with a mean dental age of 2 years and 7 months (± 2 years and 5 months). Pulpal segmentation was more commonly observed in teeth of increasing age. Full columnar segmentation was seen in 33/69 teeth (47.8%), whereas within-column segmentation was observed in 36/83 teeth (43.4%). Age and degree of segmentation of the pulpal tissue varied greatly according to Triadan position. Physical contact between roots of adjacent teeth was found in the majority of examined molars (range 82–94%) which resulted in morphological adaptations at the level of the root tips. The measured sub-occlusal dentinal thickness was as low as 0.46 mm above pulp horn 2 in a 14 years and 11 months old Triadan 09, emphasizing the risk of pulp exposure attributed to dental floating. Conclusion This study offers an objective description of age-dependent maxillary cheek teeth pulp morphology in alpacas. Current findings are of great value to provide a basis for the development of tooth-saving techniques as a treatment for dental disease in this species. Observed physical contact between the roots of different examined molars may be a facilitating factor in the spread of apical infection in chronically diseased cases. Finally, a conservative approach regarding dental floating is recommended in order to avoid iatrogenic damage to pulp tissue.

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Clinical insights into the three-dimensional anatomy of cheek teeth in alpacas based on micro-computed tomography. Part 1: mandibular cheek teeth

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-03038-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kirsten Proost ◽

Matthieu N. Boone ◽

Ivàn Josipovic ◽

Bart Pardon ◽

Koen Chiers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Options ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Objective Evaluation ◽

Health Concern ◽

Dental Age ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Pulp Chamber ◽

Dental Pathology ◽

Morphological Adaptations ◽

Tooth Roots

Abstract Background Despite dental disease being a common health concern in alpacas, important dental pathology including apical infection, remains poorly understood. Treatment options are limited compared to veterinary dentistry techniques in other species. The primary goal of this study was to increase understanding of the external and internal anatomy of mandibular cheek teeth to enable the development of tooth sparing techniques in this species. Also, an objective evaluation of the sub-occlusal dentinal thickness in normal mandibular cheek teeth is warranted to understand the risks associated with reduction of overgrown teeth. Results Overall pulp anatomy was variably characterized by the presence of a common pulp chamber in younger teeth, and segmentation of pulp cavities into multiple separate pulp entities within the same tooth with increasing age. A common pulp chamber was identified in 55.3% (26/47) of teeth with a mean dental age of 1 year and 11 months (± 1 year and 8 months). Columnar segmentation was recorded in the remaining teeth with a mean dental age of 6 years and 5 months (± 3 years and 11 months). Age of segmentation of the common pulp chamber into multiple separate pulp entities shows wide variation and is dependent of the specific Triadan position. The present study illustrates the presence of disto-mesial root contacts between adjacent tooth roots, often leading to morphological adaptations, most frequently observed between Triadan 09–10s (80%) and 10–11s (67%). The measured sub-occlusal dentinal thickness was as low as 1.11 mm over some pulp horns. The sub-occlusal dentinal thickness was lower than 2, 3, and 4 mm in 13.1, 38.1 and 61.4% of performed measurements, respectively. Conclusion This study provides detailed information on age-dependent mandibular cheek teeth anatomy in alpacas, which may support the use and development of advanced dental treatments in this species such as endodontics and tooth sectioning techniques. Apical morphological adaptations caused by disto-mesial root contact between adjacent mandibular cheek teeth are clearly illustrated. The limited amount of sub-occlusal secondary dentin warrants a cautious approach with regards to dental floating in alpacas.

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Micro-Computed Tomography-Based Three-Dimensional Anatomical Structure of the Region Around the Pterygoid Hamulus

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal ◽

10.1177/10556656211036302 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 105566562110363

Author(s):

Jiuli Zhao ◽

Hengyuan Ma ◽

Yongqian Wang ◽

Tao Song ◽

Chanyuan Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Muscle Fibers ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Anatomical Structure ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

3 Dimensional ◽

Middle Ear Ventilation ◽

Optimal Approach ◽

Velopharyngeal Function

Objective Palatoplasty would involve the structures around the pterygoid hamulus. However, clinicians hold different opinions on the optimal approach for the muscles and palatine aponeurosis around the pterygoid hamulus. The absence of a consensus regarding this point can be attributed to the lack of investigations on the exact anatomy of this region. Therefore, we used micro-computed tomography to examine the anatomical structure of the region surrounding the pterygoid hamulus. Design Cadaveric specimens were stained with iodine–potassium iodide and scanned by micro-computed tomography to study the structures of the tissues, particularly the muscle fibers. We imported Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine images to Mimics to reconstruct a 3-dimensional model and simplified the model. Results Three muscles were present around the pterygoid hamulus, namely the palatopharyngeus (PP), superior constrictor (SC), and tensor veli palatini (TVP). The hamulus connects these muscles as a key pivot. The TVP extended to the palatine aponeurosis, which bypassed the pterygoid hamulus, and linked the PP and SC. Some muscle fibers of the SC originated from the hamulus, the aponeurosis of which was wrapped around the hamulus. There was a distinct gap between the pterygoid hamulus and the palatine aponeurosis. This formed a pulley-like structure around the pterygoid hamulus. Conclusions Transection or fracture of the palatine aponeurosis or pterygoid hamulus, respectively, may have detrimental effects on the muscles around the pterygoid hamulus, which play essential roles in the velopharyngeal function and middle ear ventilation. Currently, cleft palate repair has limited treatment options with proven successful outcomes.

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Using Naïve Bayes Algorithm to Estimate the Response to Drug in Lung Cancer Patients

Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening ◽

10.2174/1386207322666190125151624 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (10) ◽

pp. 734-748 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Baoling Guo ◽

Qiuxiang Zheng

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Side Effects ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Drug Response ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Cancer Resistance ◽

Lung Cancer Patients ◽

Bayes Algorithm

Aim and Objective: Lung cancer is a highly heterogeneous cancer, due to the significant differences in molecular levels, resulting in different clinical manifestations of lung cancer patients there is a big difference. Including disease characterization, drug response, the risk of recurrence, survival, etc. Method: Clinical patients with lung cancer do not have yet particularly effective treatment options, while patients with lung cancer resistance not only delayed the treatment cycle but also caused strong side effects. Therefore, if we can sum up the abnormalities of functional level from the molecular level, we can scientifically and effectively evaluate the patients' sensitivity to treatment and make the personalized treatment strategies to avoid the side effects caused by over-treatment and improve the prognosis. Result & Conclusion: According to the different sensitivities of lung cancer patients to drug response, this study screened out genes that were significantly associated with drug resistance. The bayes model was used to assess patient resistance.

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Molecular Subtypes and Precision Oncology in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10132803 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (13) ◽

pp. 2803

Author(s):

Carolin Czauderna ◽

Martha M. Kirstein ◽

Hauke C. Tews ◽

Arndt Vogel ◽

Jens U. Marquardt

Keyword(s):

Clinical Care ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Specific Treatment ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Precision Oncology ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 ◽

Liver Cancers

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are the second-most common primary liver cancers. CCAs represent a group of highly heterogeneous tumors classified based on anatomical localization into intra- (iCCA) and extrahepatic CCA (eCCA). In contrast to eCCA, the incidence of iCCA is increasing worldwide. Curative treatment strategies for all CCAs involve oncological resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy in early stages, whereas chemotherapy is administered at advanced stages of disease. Due to late diagnosis, high recurrence rates, and limited treatment options, the prognosis of patients remains poor. Comprehensive molecular characterization has further revealed considerable heterogeneity and distinct prognostic and therapeutic traits for iCCA and eCCA, indicating that specific treatment modalities are required for different subclasses. Several druggable alterations and oncogenic drivers such as fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene fusions and hotspot mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutations have been identified. Specific inhibitors have demonstrated striking antitumor activity in affected subgroups of patients in phase II and III clinical trials. Thus, improved understanding of the molecular complexity has paved the way for precision oncological approaches. Here, we outline current advances in targeted treatments and immunotherapeutic approaches. In addition, we delineate future perspectives for different molecular subclasses that will improve the clinical care of iCCA patients.

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Application of subject-specific adaptive mechanical loading for bone healing in a mouse tail vertebral defect

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-81132-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Angad Malhotra ◽

Matthias Walle ◽

Graeme R. Paul ◽

Gisela A. Kuhn ◽

Ralph Müller

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Loading ◽

Bone Defect ◽

Bone Healing ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Computed Tomography Images ◽

Bone Defect Healing ◽

Subject Specific

AbstractMethods to repair bone defects arising from trauma, resection, or disease, continue to be sought after. Cyclic mechanical loading is well established to influence bone (re)modelling activity, in which bone formation and resorption are correlated to micro-scale strain. Based on this, the application of mechanical stimulation across a bone defect could improve healing. However, if ignoring the mechanical integrity of defected bone, loading regimes have a high potential to either cause damage or be ineffective. This study explores real-time finite element (rtFE) methods that use three-dimensional structural analyses from micro-computed tomography images to estimate effective peak cyclic loads in a subject-specific and time-dependent manner. It demonstrates the concept in a cyclically loaded mouse caudal vertebral bone defect model. Using rtFE analysis combined with adaptive mechanical loading, mouse bone healing was significantly improved over non-loaded controls, with no incidence of vertebral fractures. Such rtFE-driven adaptive loading regimes demonstrated here could be relevant to clinical bone defect healing scenarios, where mechanical loading can become patient-specific and more efficacious. This is achieved by accounting for initial bone defect conditions and spatio-temporal healing, both being factors that are always unique to the patient.

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Neuroinflammation and the Kynurenine Pathway in CNS Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10061548 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1548

Author(s):

Mustafa N. Mithaiwala ◽

Danielle Santana-Coelho ◽

Grace A. Porter ◽

Jason C. O’Connor

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Kynurenine Pathway ◽

Economic Problem ◽

Cns Disease ◽

Therapeutic Implications ◽

Efficacious Treatment ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Significant Health

Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) remain a significant health, social and economic problem around the globe. The development of therapeutic strategies for CNS conditions has suffered due to a poor understanding of the underlying pathologies that manifest them. Understanding common etiological origins at the cellular and molecular level is essential to enhance the development of efficacious and targeted treatment options. Over the years, neuroinflammation has been posited as a common link between multiple neurological, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Processes that precipitate neuroinflammatory conditions including genetics, infections, physical injury and psychosocial factors, like stress and trauma, closely link dysregulation in kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism as a possible pathophysiological factor that ‘fuel the fire’ in CNS diseases. In this study, we aim to review emerging evidence that provide mechanistic insights between different CNS disorders, neuroinflammation and the KP. We provide a thorough overview of the different branches of the KP pertinent to CNS disease pathology that have therapeutic implications for the development of selected and efficacious treatment strategies.

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In-Vivo Degradation Behavior and Osseointegration of 3D Powder-Printed Calcium Magnesium Phosphate Cement Scaffolds

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14040946 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 946

Author(s):

Katharina Kowalewicz ◽

Elke Vorndran ◽

Franziska Feichtner ◽

Anja-Christina Waselau ◽

Manuel Brueckner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Three Dimensional ◽

Bone Substitutes ◽

Magnesium Phosphate ◽

Degradation Behavior ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Calcium Magnesium ◽

Interest In Research ◽

In Vivo Degradation ◽

Volume Decrease

Calcium magnesium phosphate cements (CMPCs) are promising bone substitutes and experience great interest in research. Therefore, in-vivo degradation behavior, osseointegration and biocompatibility of three-dimensional (3D) powder-printed CMPC scaffolds were investigated in the present study. The materials Mg225 (Ca0.75Mg2.25(PO4)2) and Mg225d (Mg225 treated with diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP)) were implanted as cylindrical scaffolds (h = 5 mm, Ø = 3.8 mm) in both lateral femoral condyles in rabbits and compared with tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Treatment with DAHP results in the precipitation of struvite, thus reducing pore size and overall porosity and increasing pressure stability. Over 6 weeks, the scaffolds were evaluated clinically, radiologically, with Micro-Computed Tomography (µCT) and histological examinations. All scaffolds showed excellent biocompatibility. X-ray and in-vivo µCT examinations showed a volume decrease and increasing osseointegration over time. Structure loss and volume decrease were most evident in Mg225. Histologically, all scaffolds degraded centripetally and were completely traversed by new bone, in which the remaining scaffold material was embedded. While after 6 weeks, Mg225d and TCP were still visible as a network, only individual particles of Mg225 were present. Based on these results, Mg225 and Mg225d appear to be promising bone substitutes for various loading situations that should be investigated further.

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Hitting the Bull’s-Eye: Mesothelin’s Role as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13163932 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (16) ◽

pp. 3932

Author(s):

Dannel Yeo ◽

Laura Castelletti ◽

Nico van Zandwijk ◽

John E. J. Rasko

Keyword(s):

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Survival Rates ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Pleural Mesothelioma ◽

Normal Tissues ◽

Drug Conjugates ◽

Aggressive Cancer ◽

Immunotherapy Target ◽

Bull's Eye

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. MPM originates from the mesothelial lining of the pleura. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a glycoprotein expressed at low levels in normal tissues and at high levels in MPM. Many other solid cancers overexpress MSLN, and this is associated with worse survival rates. However, this association has not been found in MPM, and the exact biological role of MSLN in MPM requires further exploration. Here, we discuss the current research on the diagnostic and prognostic value of MSLN in MPM patients. Furthermore, MSLN has become an attractive immunotherapy target in MPM, where better treatment strategies are urgently needed. Several MSLN-targeted monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, immunotoxins, cancer vaccines, and cellular therapies have been tested in the clinical setting. The biological rationale underpinning MSLN-targeted immunotherapies and their potential to improve MPM patient outcomes are reviewed.

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B Cells and Antibodies as Targets of Therapeutic Intervention in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

Pharmaceuticals ◽

10.3390/ph14010037 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 37

Author(s):

Jan Traub ◽

Leila Husseini ◽

Martin S. Weber

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

Neuromyelitis Optica ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Complement Factor ◽

Major Subset ◽

Spectrum Disorders

The first description of neuromyelitis optica by Eugène Devic and Fernand Gault dates back to the 19th century, but only the discovery of aquaporin-4 autoantibodies in a major subset of affected patients in 2004 led to a fundamentally revised disease concept: Neuromyelits optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are now considered autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases, bringing the pivotal pathogenetic role of B cells and plasma cells into focus. Not long ago, there was no approved medication for this deleterious disease and off-label therapies were the only treatment options for affected patients. Within the last years, there has been a tremendous development of novel therapies with diverse treatment strategies: immunosuppression, B cell depletion, complement factor antagonism and interleukin-6 receptor blockage were shown to be effective and promising therapeutic interventions. This has led to the long-expected official approval of eculizumab in 2019 and inebilizumab in 2020. In this article, we review current pathogenetic concepts in NMOSD with a focus on the role of B cells and autoantibodies as major contributors to the propagation of these diseases. Lastly, by highlighting promising experimental and future treatment options, we aim to round up the current state of knowledge on the therapeutic arsenal in NMOSD.

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The orthopedic characterization of cfap298tm304 mutants validate zebrafish to faithfully model human AIS

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-86856-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marie-Hardy Laura ◽

Cantaut-Belarif Yasmine ◽

Pietton Raphaël ◽

Slimani Lotfi ◽

Pascal-Moussellard Hugues

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Fluid Circulation ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Csf Flow ◽

Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation ◽

Clinical Criteria ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

AbstractCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation relies on the beating of motile cilia projecting in the lumen of the brain and spinal cord cavities Mutations in genes involved in cilia motility disturb cerebrospinal fluid circulation and result in scoliosis-like deformities of the spine in juvenile zebrafish. However, these defects in spine alignment have not been validated with clinical criteria used to diagnose adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The aim of this study was to describe, using orthopaedic criteria the spinal deformities of a zebrafish mutant model of AIS targeting a gene involved in cilia polarity and motility, cfap298tm304. The zebrafish mutant line cfap298tm304, exhibiting alteration of CSF flow due to defective cilia motility, was raised to the juvenile stage. The analysis of mutant animals was based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), which was conducted in a QUANTUM FX CALIPER, with a 59 µm-30 mm protocol. 63% of the cfap298tm304 zebrafish analyzed presented a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, that was evolutive during the juvenile phase, more frequent in females, with a right convexity, a rotational component and involving at least one dislocation. We confirm here that cfap298tm304 scoliotic individuals display a typical AIS phenotype, with orthopedic criteria mirroring patient’s diagnosis.

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