Influence of various iodine supplementation levels and two different iodine species on the iodine content of the milk of cows fed rapeseed meal or distillers dried grains with solubles as the protein source

Supplementation of animal feed with iodine influences the iodine content of milk and therefore, in addition to salt iodination, provides another possibility for improving the human iodine supply. On the other hand, excessive iodine intake by humans through drinking milk must be avoided. Furthermore, the iodine content of milk varies, depending on the presence of iodine antagonists in feed (e.g., glucosinolates in rapeseed) and the applied iodine species. This study evaluated the impact of various feed iodine supplementation levels up to the permitted maximum level, the effect of applying rapeseed compared with a glucosinolate-free ration, and the impact of 2 different iodine species on the iodine content of milk. A total of 32 dairy cows were divided into 4 groups with 8 animals each. Two groups received distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as the protein source, and the others received rapeseed meal (RSM, 16.5% of total diet). In each case, half the animals received feed supplemented with iodine in the form of potassium iodide, and the other half received feed supplemented with iodine in the form of calcium iodate. Iodine supplementation levels of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) were tested in consecutive periods of 21 d each. The milk iodine concentration increased with increasing iodine supplementation of the feed. Rapeseed meal in the ration (0.58 mmol of glucosinolates/kg of diet DM) diminished the milk iodine concentration by up to one-half to one-third of the concentration achieved by DDGS. At iodine supplementation levels of 2 mg/kg of DM and higher, the differences were significant. The application of iodate predominantly resulted in higher milk iodine concentrations compared with iodide, but not significantly in any period. At the highest tested iodine supplementation (5 mg/kg of DM), the milk iodine concentration increased up to 1,464 (iodide) and 1,578 microg/kg (iodate) when feeding DDGS and up to 718 (iodide) and 620 microg/kg (iodate) in the RSM groups. The carry over of iodine from feed into milk amounted to 30 to 56% when using DDGS, and 11 to 25% when using RSM. The maximum level of iodine currently allowed in the feed of dairy cows in Europe could lead to high milk iodine concentrations. As a result, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level in human nutrition could be exceeded. Therefore, this maximum level needs to be reevaluated. In addition to iodine supplementation, the application of RSM in the ration must be considered when estimating the iodine content of milk.

Adult behavioral and pharmacological dysfunctions following disruption of the fetal brain balance between pro-inflammatory and IL-10-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling

Maternal infections during pregnancy increase the risk for schizophrenia and related disorders of putative neurodevelopmental origin in the offspring. This association has been attributed to enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the fetal environment in response to maternal immunological stimulation. In contrast, the specific roles of anti-inflammatory cytokines are virtually unknown in this context. Here, we demonstrate that genetically enforced expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 by macrophages attenuates the long-term behavioral and pharmacological consequences of prenatal immune activation in a mouse model of prenatal viral-like infection by polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (PolyI:C; 2 mg/kg, intravenously). In the absence of a discrete prenatal inflammatory stimulus, however, enhanced levels of IL-10 at the maternal-fetal interface by itself also precipitates specific behavioral abnormalities in the grown offspring. This highlights that in addition to the disruptive effects of excess pro-inflammatory molecules, a shift toward enhanced anti-inflammatory signaling in prenatal life can similarly affect cognitive and behavioral development. Hence, shifts of the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine classes may be a critical determinant of the final impact on neurodevelopment following early life infection or innate immune imbalances.

Dermoid cyst of the parotid gland—a case report and brief review of the literature

There is controversy over the frequency of dermoid cysts in the head and neck area. Some authors report that they are common, whereas others say that only 7% of such cysts occur in the head and neck area. In either case, they are extremely rare in the parotid gland. When PubMed is searched for 'dermoid cyst of the parotid gland', only 11 articles are listed. Only four of the articles written in English are case reports of dermoid cysts of the parotid gland. Due to the rarity of descriptions and the considerable diversity of swellings of the parotid gland diagnosis is difficult. Visualizing options like computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound cannot give a conclusive preoperative diagnosis. This case report shows the challenges in diagnosis and gives a short review of the literature.

[Medical expert opinions in oral and maxillofacial medicine regarding incisor tooth trauma]

BACKGROUND

The treatment of traumatized patients plays a significant role in the everyday life of oral and maxillofacial surgeons as well as of dentists. Traumas of incisor teeth account for a considerable part. These traumas are often followed by lawsuits. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to highlight aspects of these lawsuits of special significance and to show the consequences for surgeons and general practitioners.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 398 medical expert opinions were evaluated. Moreover, an online search of databases for relevant court decisions was performed. Analysis was initially based on formal aspects of the cases and reports. It was later supplemented by a differentiated assignment of the questions addressed by the courts to the expert consultants.

RESULTS

In 97 (24%) medical expert opinions traumas of the incisor teeth were the main subject. In 35% the trauma was caused by traffic accidents followed by assaults. In one-third the medical expert opinion was commissioned by accident insurance companies. The compensation for pain and suffering was between 1500 and 2000 euros per lost tooth.

CONCLUSION

Traumas of incisor teeth are often followed by litigations. Clinicians performing first treatment should ensure that documentation of clinical and radiological findings is detailed and complete. This documentation plays a decisive role in medical expert opinions.

Ursachen, Therapie und Komplikationen bei der Frakturversorgung des Unterkiefers – eine retrospektive Analyse von 10 Jahren

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the mandible are a common form of facial injury. The aetiological factors associated with mandibular fractures and the trends in these factors over a 10-year period are reported.

METHODS

A retrospective survey was carried out of 724 patients presenting with a fracture of the mandible over the 10-year-period 1994-2003. Patients; records were reviewed and analyzed according to age, sex, cause of injury, anatomic site of fracture, treatment and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Over the 10-year-period the rate of mandibular fractures remained constant (mean 40,7%). There were no changes in the age group (mean 33,3 years) or in the higher prevalence in male (male-female-ratio 2,3 : 1). The major causes of fractures were assaults (38,6%) and accidental fall (27,3%). The most common fracture site was the condylar region (47,0%) followed by the angle (29,4%). Most fractures were treated by closed reduction until 2002, thereafter surgical treatment increased noticeable. The complication rate was 8,9% and the most common complications were hardware exposure and infection.

CONCLUSION

Fractures of the mandible are a prevalent form of facial injury. Aetiological factors show no significant change over the 10-year-period. Complication-rate is low and will support the tendency towards surgical treatment.

Maternal immune activation during pregnancy increases limbic GABAA receptor immunoreactivity in the adult offspring: implications for schizophrenia

Prenatal exposures to a variety of infections have been associated with an increased incidence of schizophrenia. We have reported that a single injection of the synthetic cytokine releaser PolyI:C to pregnant mice produced offspring that exhibited multiple schizophrenia-related behavioral deficits in adulthood. Here, we characterized the effect of maternal inflammation during fetal brain development on adult limbic morphology and expression of GABAA-receptors. The PolyI:C treatment did not induce morphological abnormalities but resulted in a significant increase in GABAA receptor subunit alpha2 immunoreactivity (IR) in the ventral dentate gyrus and basolateral amygdala in adult treated compared to control subjects. Correlative analyses between the a2 subunit IR in the ventral dentate gyrus and the performance in the prepulse inhibition paradigm revealed a significant correlation in controls that was however absent in the pathological condition. These results suggest that prenatal immune activation-induced disturbances of early brain development result in profound alterations in the limbic expression of GABAA receptors that may underlie the schizophrenia-related behavioral deficits in the adult mice.

Mineralization at the interface of implants

Osseointegration of implants is crucial for the long-term success of oral implants. Mineralization of the bone's extracellular matrix as the ultimate step of a mature bone formation is closely related to implant osseointegration. Osteogenesis at oral implants is a complex process, driven by cellular and acellular phenomena. The biological process of the maintenance and emergence of minerals in the vicinity of oral implants is influenced to a great extent by biophysical parameters. Implant-related structural and functional factors, as well as patient-specific factors, govern the features of osteogenesis. To understand the influence of these factors in peri-implant bone mineralization, it is important to consider the basic biological processes. Biological and crystallographic investigations have to be applied to evaluate mineralization at implant surfaces at the different hierarchical levels of analysis. This review gives insight into the complex theme of mineral formation around implants. Special focus is given to new developments in implant design and loading protocols aimed at accelerating osseointegration of dental implants.

Technical and clinical assessment of the use of a new material-based splint in orthognathic surgery

Heat or auto-cured acrylic resins are materials that are commonly used in splint construction. Newly developed light-cured resins hold promise in view of the altered characteristics of the material. The aim of this study was to evaluate how far light-curing resin-based splints can be used in orthognathic surgery. Over a period of 1 year, 141 orthognathic surgeries were planned and performed using randomly chosen light-cured splints versus auto-polymerized splints. The performance of splint fabrication, the model planning and the clinical use were assessed by different measurements. The dental technician, the orthodontist and the surgeon evaluated objective parameters (model damage, fabrication time, accuracy of registration, adjustment time) as well as subjective criteria (handling). This study revealed that the use of light-curing splints significantly improved the accuracy (97.7% versus 81.2% in the case of acrylic materials). Less time was needed for the fabrication and adjustment of the splint. There was concomitantly less model damage to be observed when light-curing resins were used (9.2% versus 83.5%) and subjective measurements revealed significantly better handling of light-curing resin-based splints. Light-curing resin splints used in orthognathic surgery seem to be advantageous.

Principles of bone formation driven by biophysical forces in craniofacial surgery

Biophysical forces, particularly mechanical loading and electromagnetic signals, are important regulators of bone formation. Indeed, the regenerative capacity of bony tissue is largely the result of the bone's capacity to recognise the functional environment required for the emergence and maintenance of a structurally intact bone. Biophysical methods of stimulation have therefore been introduced and have proved successful in clinical practice with craniofacial bones. Distraction osteogenesis, application of ultrasound, calculated transfer of stresses, and exposure to an electromagnetic field are some examples of biophysically driven approaches to influencing bone formation. The purpose of this review is to provide an insight into cellular and tissue models that are used to study the effects of biophysical stimuli on bone.

The influence of an increased cobalt supply to dairy cows on the vitamin B status of their calves

In the experiment the influence of an elevated oral cobalt supply (Co content in the ration 0.27 mg Co/kg DM; supplement of 0.14 mg Co/kg DM as CoSO(4)) to pregnant dairy cows on the vitamin B(12) concentration in milk, colostrum and vitamin B(12) status of their calves was tested in comparison with unsupplemented controls (0.13 mg Co/kg DM). While there was no significant difference in vitamin B(12) concentration in the at 70th day of lactation (start of the experiment; 3.77 +/- 1.41 vs. 3.66 +/- 1.03 ng/ml) and 290th day of lactation (almost drying off; 4.75 +/- 3.05 vs. 4.44 +/- 0.96 ng/ml), cobalamin concentration in the milk colostrum showed a tendency towards a higher cobalt content in the ration of the supplemented cows in comparison with the controls (21.0 +/- 8.4 vs. 16.7 +/- 11.9 ng/ml). Differences in the vitamin B(12) concentration in the serum of the newborn calves before and after ingestion of colostrum were not detected. From these results it can be concluded that cobalt content of 0.13 mg Co/kg DM in the ration based on wilted grass silage seems to be sufficient for pregnant dairy cows.

[Occupational exposures with risk of transmission of HIV, HBC and HCV in health care workers]

Health care workers are often victims of occupational injuries by contaminated sharps or projection of contaminated fluids to mucous membranes and are therefore at risk for transmission of HIV, HBV and HCV. Every technical and organisation-related measure useful to prevent injuries should be implemented and personal protection equipment must be made available to workers. Promotion of hepatitis B immunization is a key issue. Immediate evaluation of injured employee is necessary to assess the risk related to exposure and the indication for post-exposure prophylaxis (anti-retroviral therapy for HIV, immunoglobulins and vaccination for hepatitis B). When a health care worker has been exposed to one of the blood-born viruses, thorough information and follow-up should be offered by a specialist.

[Osteoblast reaction on SLA and microgrooved implant surfaces]

The osseointegration process of dental implants depends on the tissue reaction at the tissue-implant interface. Osteoblasts are the main cells responsible for the regulation of osteoinduction. The manner and kinetics of the tissue reaction crucially depend on the interaction between osteoblasts and the morphology of the implant surface. The aim of this study was to investigate osteoblast behaviour on different implant surfaces (smooth, microgrooved, SLA) under standardized conditions. For this in vitro investigation we used primary bovine osteoblasts. Attachment kinetics, proliferation rate and synthesis of bone-associated proteins were used as parameters for cell reaction. The results demonstrate that both attachment and adhesion strength of the primary cell surface interaction was higher on the microgrooved surfaces than on SLA surfaces. The proliferation rate of cells and the synthesis of bone-specific proteins were higher on microgrooved surfaces in contrast to SLA surfaces. Ultrastructural analysis revealed phenotypic osteoblast-like cells on smooth and microgrooved surfaces, whereas cells on SLA surfaces showed a more fibroblastic appearance. This study demonstrates that the morphology of the implant surface determined the subsequent osteoblast reaction. An optimal cell reaction was found at surfaces which are smooth in the microenvironment of osteoblasts.