Three-dimensional analysis of the morphological changes of the craniofacial jaw and condyle in patients with idiopathic condylar resorption

In this study we aim to describe the three-dimensional analysis of condylar deformation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and morphological changes of the craniofacial jaw in patients with idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR). We also compare those with a control group that is healthy and matched for age and gender. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and cephalometric radiograph (X-ray) were conducted and analysis of craniofacial measurement, condylar width, length, height, and condylar axial angle changes were done three-dimensionally using ProPlan CMF™ 3.0 software (Materialise). The craniofacial jaw measurements of the ICR patients were significantly different than the control group and the significant changes in the mandible can be seen in ICR patients according to the results of this study. The results of smaller condylar width and height in the ICR group reflect the smaller size of the condyle compared with an unaffected condyle. Also, both right and left sagittal condylar angles (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003), respectively, and axial condylar angles (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02), respectively, displayed significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, the vertical development of the condyle decreased along with reduced measurements in the width and height of the condyle in ICR patients, and differences in the morphology of the craniofacial jaw and condylar angles were observed between study groups.

Antiviral activity of some plants used in Nepalese traditional medicine

Methanolic extracts of 41 plant species belonging to 27 families used in the traditional medicine in Nepal have been investigated for in vitro antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and influenza virus A by dye uptake assay in the systems HSV-1/Vero cells and influenza virus A/MDCK cells. The extracts of Astilbe rivularis, Bergenia ciliata, Cassiope fastigiata and Thymus linearis showed potent anti-herpes viral activity. The extracts of Allium oreoprasum, Androsace strigilosa, Asparagus filicinus, Astilbe rivularis, Bergenia ciliata and Verbascum thapsus exhibited strong anti-influenza viral activity. Only the extracts of A. rivularis and B. ciliata demonstrated remarkable activity against both viruses.

Suitability of Anabaena PCC7120 expressing mosquitocidal toxin genes from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis for biotechnological application

We present evidence that Anabaena PCC7120 (A.7120) strains expressing mosquitocidal toxin genes from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) have a strong potential for biotechnological application. Characterization of two 4-year-old recombinant A.7120 clones constructed previously in our laboratory [clone 7 and clone 11, each carrying three Bti genes (cry4Aa, cry11Aa, and p20)] revealed three facts. First, the Bti genes were stable in A.7120 even in the absence of antibiotic selection when the genes were integrated in the chromosome (in clone 11); and the genes were also stable as plasmid-borne constructs (in clone 7), provided the cultures were maintained under continued selection. Second, clone 7 (kept under selection) and clone 11 (either kept or not kept under selection) continued to be mosquitocidal through 4 years of culture. Third, growth of the recombinant clones was comparable to the wild type under optimal growth conditions, indicating that growth was not compromised by the expression of toxin genes. These results clear the way for the development of mass production techniques for A.7120 strains expressing Bti toxin genes.