High-Density Dermal Matrix for Soft Tissue Augmentation Using a Matrix Tissue Graph Technique-A Comprehensive Multicenter Analysis of 20 Implants: A 1-Year Follow-Up Retrospective Study

Background: In this multicenter case series analysis, the authors present successful instances of 20 single-screw-retained and implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation samples. Methods: A high-density heterologous dermal matrix (Derma® Osteobiol by Tecnoss, Torino, Italy) was employed with a specific technique named the matrix tissue graft (MTG) in all these cases characterized by an inadequate initial supra-crestal tissue height (thin if 1 mm or medium if 2 mm) to enhance the peri-implant soft tissues both vertically and horizontally. Results: The implants were deemed successful in all cases, yielding a success proportion of 100% (one-sided 97.5% confidence interval = 83.2-100%). The buccal and lingual gains were, respectively, 2.2 ± 0.38 mm (range 1.7-3.22 mm) and 0.83 ± 0.33 mm (range 0.1-1.5 mm). These measurements were calculated as the maximum distance between two superimposed .stl file models (derived from two different IOS devices) scanned before implant placement and 1 year after dermal matrix healing. Conclusions: An outstanding vertical and horizontal gain was obtained using this heterologous derma matrix placed above the bone crest and surrounding the dental implants.

Milk quality of Italian Mediterranean Buffalo as affected by Temperature-Humidity Index during late spring and summer

Eighteen Italian Mediterranean buffalo cows were subjected to fortnightly milk sampling from May to July 2022. Air temperature and relative humidity were monitored throughout the trial; temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated and ranged from 69 to 79 so that 3 classes were set to study the effect of different THI on milk quality: THI less than 72 - THI < 72; THI ranging from 72 to 76 THI72-76, and THI over 76 - THI > 76. Individual milk samples from buffalo cows were analyzed for milk composition and coagulation traits, fatty acid and amino-acid composition, enzymatic and mineral profile. The THI > 76 class registered the highest lactose content and poorer milk clot characteristics in comparison with THI < 72. Exposure to THI over 76 resulted in increased contents of saturated and short- chain fatty acids in milk as well as in the highest values of atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes and the lowest essential amino-acid content. Moreover, the lowest value of Calcium, Copper and Selenium contents were found in the milk of buffalo cows exposed to THI over 72. Results confirm that Italian Mediterranean buffalo expresses a good level of thermo-tolerance, even though exposure to daily THI over 76 has a deleterious effect on some nutritional and technological properties of milk.

Exploring the potential of calcium-based biomaterials for bone regeneration in dentistry: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Regenerative medicine emerged as a promising strategy for addressing bone defects, with several bone grafts currently being used, including autografts, allografts, xenografts and alloplasts. Calcium-based biomaterials (CaXs), a well-known class of synthetic materials, have demonstrated good biological properties and are being investigated for their potential to facilitate bone regeneration. This systematic review evaluates the current clinical applications of CaXs in dentistry for bone regeneration.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive search was conducted to collect information about CaXs and their applications in the dental field over the last ten years. The search was limited to relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 72 articles were included in this scoping review, with eight studies related to periodontology, 63 in implantology and three in maxillofacial surgery respectively. The findings suggest that CaXs hold promise as an alternative intervention for minor bone regeneration in dentistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Calcium-based biomaterials have shown potential as a viable option for bone regeneration in dentistry. Further research is warranted to fully understand their efficacy and safety in larger bone defects. CaXs represent an exciting avenue for researchers and clinicians to explore in their ongoing efforts to advance regenerative medicine.

Treatment of Mandibular Impacted Canine in a Patient with Class II Division 1 Malocclusion with "Reverse Pin": A Case Report

This case report presents an orthodontic treatment conducted on a 13-year-old girl with bilateral Class II malocclusion and a mandibular impacted canine. The presence of an impacted tooth necessitates careful consideration of the timing of orthodontic treatment, the appropriate surgical procedure to expose the tooth, the specific orthodontic mechanics involved, and the potential problems that may arise, all of which depend on the type and location of the canine impaction in the jaw. The treatment plan included a surgical procedure to expose the impacted tooth and orthodontic traction to guide it into position. Correction of the Class II Division 1 malocclusion utilized a specialized technique called the "reverse pin", reducing vertical side effects. The revised version maintains clarity and key information about the case report and treatment.

Effects of extended transition milk feeding on blood metabolites of female Holstein dairy calves at 3 weeks of age: a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach

Transition milk (TRM) is a rich source of bioactive components that promotes intestinal development and growth, and reduces the susceptibility to diarrhoea in calves. The objective of this study was to characterise the effects of replacing pasteurised waste milk (none-saleable milk containing antibiotic and/or drug residues) with pasteurised TRM for 3 wk on blood metabolites of dairy calves at 21 d of age. A total of 84 healthy newborn female Holstein calves was blocked by birth order and assigned randomly to four treatment groups with partial replacement of pasteurised waste milk by TRM (second milking after parturition) at 0 (0 L/day TRM + 6 L/day milk), 0.5 (0.5 L/day TRM + 5.5 L/day milk), 1 (1 L/day TRM + 5 L/day milk), or 2 L (2 L/day TRM + 4 L/day milk) for a 21-day period. Serum metabolome was determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis on a subset of 26 randomly selected individuals from calves fed pasteurised waste milk (CON, 6 L/d milk; n = 13) or TRM (2 L/d TRM + 4 L/d milk; n = 13) at 21 d of age. The identified metabolites (194 out of 265) were categorised according to chemical class and the number of metabolites per class in the serum, amongst which glycerophospholipids 16% (n = 43), fatty acyls 7% (n = 19), organic acids 7% (n = 18), organic heterocyclic compounds 5% (n = 13), benzenoids 5% (n = 12), sphingolipids 5% (n = 12), organic oxygen compounds 4% (n = 11), and nucleic acids 3% (n = 9), were the predominant types. Significant differences in metabolites were determined by the volcano plot. Applying the volcano plot, only two metabolites (ceramide and phosphatidylserine) were significantly different between CON and TRM. Overall, our results suggested that prolonged TRM feeding for 3 wk had little effect on the serum metabolome of the dairy calves. We speculate that the potential effects of feeding TRM for 3 wk compared with waste milk were spatially limited to affect the composition of the local gut microbial community and the growth or function of the intestinal epithelium, not allowing detection of the likely effects in the serum through a metabolomic approach.

Labial Frenectomy using Laser: A Scoping Review

Labial frenectomy is a surgical technique, that aims to remove the frenulum with its attachment to the underlying bone. Frenectomy, is indicated if the frenulum attachment causes midline diastema, gingival recession, hindrance in maintaining oral hygiene, or if it interferes with lip movements and for prosthetic needs. A labial frenectomy can be performed either by the routine scalpel technique, electrocautery, and most recently medical lasers. The aim of this study was to evaluate, whether the laser technique is more effective than the conventional surgical technique, and whether there are differences between the different types of lasers. The scoping review was conducted and prepared on the basis of the indications of the PRISMA guidelines (PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, PRISMA-ScR) of PRISMA checklist, and nine papers were considered admissible to the qualitative analysis for the following outcomes: bleeding during intervention, use of sutures, duration of the intervention, and use of analgesic drugs in the days following the intervention. This review suggests that laser-performed labial frenectomy is faster and offers better intra- and postoperative management; however, due to the limited number of available papers, the final results of the present review are not absolute.

Does miR-197 Represent a Valid Prognostic Biomarker in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)? A Systematic Review and Trial Sequential Analysis

(1) Background: Between tumors of the head and neck region, the squamous cell variant (HNSCC) is the most common and represents one of the main neoplasms affecting humans. At the base of carcinogenesis processes, there are genetic alterations whose regulation can be influenced by changes in the expression of microRNA (miR). Consequently, despite recent studies indicating miR-197 as a potential prognostic biomarker of survival for many varieties of cancer, there are currently no systematic reviews and trial sequential/bioinformatics/meta-analysis regarding the role of miR-197 in HNSCC. Our hypothesis was that with the existing literature, it is possible to clarify whether the different expressions of miR-197 in neoplastic tissues can represent a prognostic biomarker of survival in head and neck tumors. (2) Methods: The systematic review was reported following the indications of PRISMA and by consulting six electronic databases (including one register). Moreover, this review was carried out using the Kaplan–Meier plotter database portal, and hazard ratio (HR) data were extracted. Finally, a trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to test the robustness of the proposed meta-analysis. (3) Results: This search identified 1119 articles and outcomes of the meta-analysis, reporting an aggregate HR for overall survival (OS) between the highest and lowest miR-197 expression of 1.01, 95% CI: [1.00, 1.02]. (4) Conclusions: We can state that, from the literature data included in the present meta-analysis, and from the TSA and bioinformatics analysis data, miR-197 does not currently represent a valid prognostic biomarker for HNSCC, although the data provided by the Kaplan–Meier plotter suggest that miR-197 can serve as a putative biomarker in short-term (5 years) survival.

Potential benefits of early-life supplementation of liquid feed with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds or oregano (Origanum vulgare) leaves on growth, health, and blood metabolites in Holstein dairy calves

This study was performed to determine the early-life (first month of age) supplementation of liquid feed with fennel seed powder (FSP) or oregano leaf powder (OLP) on growth performance, health, and blood biochemical attributes in preweaning dairy calves. Holstein female calves (n = 57; 1 d of age; 34.1 ± 0.97 kg of BW; mean ± SE) were assigned randomly to receive liquid feed (colostrum and milk) with no added herbal plants (CON) or supplemented with FSP (3 g/d) or OLP (30 g/d) during the first month of age. The calves received pooled colostrum (4.5 kg/d on the first 2 d of life; total solids = 25.0% ± 1.24; mean ± SD) and then pooled waste milk (6 kg/d from d 3 to 44, 5 kg/d from d 45 to 46, 4 kg/d from d 47 to 48, and 3 kg/d from d 49 to 50 of the trial; total solids = 12.54% ± 0.50) to ensure they receive same mixed liquid feed daily. The calves had unlimited access to the starter feed and fresh water and remained in the study until weaning on d 51 of age. The average mean temperature-humidity index was 70.1 units (ranging between 61.9 to 78.2) during the experiment, indicating a borderline degree of environmental heat-load. The amount of starter feed offered and refused was recorded daily. The calves were weighed immediately after birth and every 10 d thereafter, before the morning feeding. Jugular blood samples were taken immediately before and 24 h after colostrum feeding, at first month of age, and at weaning to quantify serum concentrations of glucose, urea N, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, globulin, aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde. Health checks including rectal temperature, general appearance (on a 1-5 score system), fecal score (on a 1-5 score system), and bovine respiratory disease (BRD; scored using the University of Wisconsin Calf Health Chart) were performed daily, by a veterinarian who was unaware of the calf treatment allocations, for all calves over the study period. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare growth performance and blood metabolites among treatment groups, and a logistic regression model using a binomial distribution (PROC GLIMMIX, SAS v. 9.4, SAS Institute Inc.) was used to assess the chance of elevated rectal temperature (≥39.4°C), general appearance (≥2), diarrhea (≥3), and BRD. A Poisson regression model (PROC GENMOD) was also used to test group differences in the experience of days with elevated rectal temperature and general appearance, and frequency and duration of diarrhea or BRD. Total nutrient intake (DM, CP, and ME, but not ether extract) originating from milk and starter feed was greater in OLP- (but not FSP-) supplemented calves compared with CON group, being partially associated with difference in milk refusal. Calves receiving FSP and OLP had greater average daily gain, BW gain, skeletal gain (withers height or heart girth, respectively), and feed efficiency compared with CON animals with no difference between FSP and OLP. Rectal temperature was lower in FSP- (but not OLP-) supplemented calves compared with CON animals. The CON animals had a greater chance of experiencing higher rectal temperature (≥39.4°C; odds ratio = 1.55 and confidence interval = 1.12-2.15 and odds ratio = 1.33 and confidence interval = 0.92-1.90, respectively, compared with FSP and OLP) and general appearance (≥2; odds ratio = 1.99 and confidence interval = 1.45-2.74 and odds ratio = 1.45 and confidence interval = 1.03-2.05), and diarrhea (odds ratio = 1.47 and confidence interval = 1.11-1.97 and odds ratio = 1.49 and confidence interval = 1.07-2.08) compared with those receiving FSP or OLP; with the chance of BRD being lower in FSP- (but not OLP-) supplemented versus CON animals (odds ratio = 1.59 and confidence interval = 1.13-2.23). As compared with OLP and CON groups, FSP treatment resulted in shorter days with elevated rectal temperature and general appearance. Supplementing FSP or OLP decreased the duration of diarrhea and BRD but not their frequency compared with CON. Duration of diarrhea was not different between FSP- or OLP-supplemented calves but calves supplemented with FSP had shorter days with BRD compared with OLP-supplemented calves. Of the blood constituents measured on d 30, concentration of aspartate transferase was higher in FSP- (but not CON) versus OLP-supplemented calves, indicating a transient liver tissue damage or dysfunction which was subsequently ameliorated. At weaning, blood concentration of triglycerides was higher in FSP and OLP groups compared with CON group. Supplementation of the liquid feed with FSP or OLP, especially FSP, had beneficial effects on calf growth performance and health. Further experiments are warranted for optimizing the dosage and duration of feeding FSP or OLP as feed additives for dairy calves.

Green extraction of bioactive compounds from wine lees and their bio-responses on immune modulation using in vitro sheep model

The objective of this study was to apply microwave-assisted extraction using green solvents starting from 3 different wine (white, rosé, and red) lees and to test their bio-response on sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cytokines secretion. Wine lees (WL) of local organic farming from white wine, produced with Trebbiano cultivar, rosé and red wine, made with Nero di Troia cultivar, were collected. The WL were subjected to microwave-assisted extraction using 2 green solvents (water and ethanol) in 3 different combinations (water; water/ethanol 1:1 vol/vol; ethanol) with a dry matter-to-solvent ratio of 1:40 (wt/vol) at 4 temperature levels: 50, 100, 150, and 200°C. Sodium carbonate Na₂CO₃ (2 mmol/g of dry weight of lees) was used for increasing the polyphenol extraction yield. A total number of 6 extracts, 2 for each kind of WL investigated, according to their total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant capacity, were selected to be tested on sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as an animal model. All the WL extracts demonstrated a strong antiproliferative action. On the contrary, the cytokines' profile was mainly dependent on the different winemaking derived WL and the extraction solvent combination procedures. Red WL extract obtained by a combination of water/Na₂CO₃ and tested at 0.8 mg/mL, resulted in an increase of both IL-6 secretion and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Data from the present study demonstrated that WL extracts derived from different winemaking and solvent extraction could have a bimodal action on control of inflammatory mediated damage and highlighted the importance for further studies aimed at applying the biorefinery process on by-products to increase their economic value and exploit new derived bioactive compound.

Evaluation of natural plant extracts as antioxidants in a bovine in vitro model of oxidative stress

Oxidative stress contributes to many inflammatory-based diseases of dairy cattle especially during periods of increased metabolic activity such as around calving. Endothelial cells play a key role in maintaining normal inflammatory responses, but they are especially susceptible to macromolecule damage during times of oxidative stress. Therefore, bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were used to study the effect of natural tannin-based extracts on oxidative stress that may improve health and well-being of cattle. Tannins are secondary metabolites in plants with potent antioxidant activity that have been used as natural feed additives for food-producing animals. However, there is little information on how tannin-rich plant extracts may affect oxidative stress in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum; PMG), tara (Caesalpinia spinosa; TA), chestnut (Castanea sativa; CH), and gambier (Uncaria gambir; GM) natural extracts using an in vitro BAEC model of oxidative stress. Natural extracts were tested at a concentration of 80 μg/mL. Viability, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and isoprostanes were determined on cultured BAEC treated with different plant natural extracts. No changes in cell viability was detected following PMG and GM treatments. In contrast, there was a 30% reduction of BAEC viability following treatment with CH or TA extracts. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production was significantly less abundant in cells treated with natural extracts than with the lipopolysaccharide control. Moreover, antioxidant activity varied according to the tested extract, showing a reduction of 63, 45, 51, and 27% in PMG, GM, CH, and TA, respectively. The formation of isoprostanes as a consequence of lipid peroxidation after induction of oxidative stress also were significantly decreased in PMG-treated cells when compared with the untreated cells. Theses findings suggest that PMG extract has the potential to mitigate oxidative stress without detrimental effects on cell viability. Further in vitro and in vivo research is warranted to explore the antioxidant potential of PMG extract as a dietary supplement to control oxidative stress in dairy cattle.

Milk nutrition and childhood epilepsy: An ex vivo study on cytokines and oxidative stress in response to milk protein fractions

We present a pilot study on the effects of milk protein fractions [α_S1-casein (CN), α_S2-CN, κ-CN, β-CN, and a mix of α-lactalbumin (α-LA) and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG)] from different animal species (bovine, ovine, and caprine) on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative status in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from children with generalized epilepsy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained by density gradient from blood of 10 children with generalized epilepsy (5 males; mean age 33.6 ± 5.4 mo) and 10 controls (5 males; mean age 35.6 ± 6.8 mo). Children with epilepsy were grouped according to cytokine levels as follows: children with epilepsy having low levels of cytokines not different from those of control children (LL-EC); children with epilepsy having cytokine levels at least 5-fold higher (medium levels) than those of control children (ML-EC); and children with epilepsy having cytokine levels at least 10-fold higher (high levels) than those of control children (HL-EC). The production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10, IL-6, and IL-1β was studied in cultured PBMC incubated with α_S1-CN, α_S2-CN, κ-CN, β-CN, and a mix of α-LA and β-LG from bovine, caprine, and ovine milks. The levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and catalase activity were assessed in cultured supernatant. In the HL-EC group, β-CN from small ruminant species (ovine and caprine) induced the highest levels of TNF-α, whereas PBMC incubated with α_S2-CN from ovine milk and the mix of β-LG and α-LA from all tested milk species had the lowest levels of TNF-α. Within the HL-EC group, production of IL-1β was higher for bovine and ovine α_S2-CN fractions and lower for caprine and ovine β-CN and κ-CN. In the HL-EC group, IL-6 was higher in cultured PBMC incubated with α_S2-CN from bovine and ovine milk than from caprine milk. The cytokine IL-10 did not differ among milking species. The highest levels of ROS/RNS were found after incubation of PBMC with the β-CN fraction in bovine milk. Catalase activity was higher in PBMC cultured with β-CN isolated from bovine and caprine milk and with α_S1-CN from ovine milk.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation and cytokine production in sheep as affected by cortisol level and duration of stress

A large number of studies recognize glucocorticoids (Gc) as suppressors of inflammation; Gc exert an important role in coordinating the magnitude and duration of host immune responses. In the present in vitro investigation, we tested incremental levels of cortisol to verify the immunosuppressive or immunopermissive role of cortisol in sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after acute and chronic stress. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMC were cultured for 24h and 96h at 37°C with 5% of CO₂ and varying cortisol levels: 10 ng/mL (baseline), 100 ng/mL (physiological poststressor), and 1,000 ng/mL [hyperactivated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis]. The cell-free supernatants were collected for determination of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 by ELISA, and the bromodeoxyuridine assay was performed on cells. Physiological cortisol concentration negatively affected the levels of IL-6 secreted by PBMC, resulting in increased cell proliferation after acute stress (24h of incubation). However, physiological cortisol concentration exhibited a reduction in cell proliferation induced by increased levels of IL-6 secreted by PBMC during chronic stress (96h of incubation). The cortisol concentration representing a hyperactivated HPA axis led to a reduction in cell proliferation after acute stress, which was probably induced by the elevated IL-10 production. Our results demonstrate that in sheep the effect of Gc on the immune system was related to the magnitude and the duration of stress. In particular, cortisol levels higher than physiological concentrations suppressed cell proliferation soon after acute stress. Instead, the physiological poststressor concentration of cortisol affected the immune responses in a bidirectional manner depending on the duration of the stressor.

Quality of buffalo milk as affected by dietary protein level and flaxseed supplementation

The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effects of protein level and flaxseed supplementation on the yield and quality of buffalo milk. In particular, the fatty acid profile of milk from buffalo cows subjected to different diets has been investigated. A 2×3 factorial design was tested with buffalo cows receiving 2 dietary crude protein (CP) and 3 flaxseed (FS) supplementation levels. Treatments were (1) low dietary CP level [12% of dry matter (DM)] and no flaxseed supplementation (LP); (2) low dietary CP level (12% of DM) and low flaxseed supplementation (500g/d) (LPFS500); (3) low dietary CP level (12% of DM) and moderate flaxseed supplementation (1,000g/d) (LPFS1000); (4) moderate dietary CP level (15% of DM) and no flaxseed supplementation (MP); (5) moderate dietary CP level (15% of DM) and low flaxseed supplementation (500g/d) (MPFS500); and (6) moderate dietary CP level (15% of DM) and moderate flaxseed supplementation (1,000g/d) (MPFS1000). Milk protein and casein were affected by flaxseed supplementation being higher in MP, intermediate in LP, and lower in flaxseed-supplemented diets. However, the results from the present study highlighted that low protein diets sustained milk yield, protein, and casein synthesis in milk when whole flaxseed was administered. Short-chain fatty acids, in particular C8:0 and C10:0, were the lowest in milk from buffalo cows fed the highest level of flaxseed supplementation. Medium-chain fatty acids were the lowest in FS1000, intermediate in FS500, and the highest in the HP and LP groups. Long-chain fatty acids were the highest in FS1000, intermediate in FS500 groups, and the lowest in milk from buffalo receiving no flaxseed supplementation. Protein level of the diet influenced the percentage of C18:0, which was higher in MP than LP groups. Total conjugated linoleic acid content evidenced the same trend of long-chain fatty acids, with an increase of about 7% in FL500 and of 22% in FL1000 than the control. Apart from protein level of the diet, atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, and n-6/n-3 were the lowest in FS1000 groups; thrombogenic index and n-6/n-3 were intermediate in milk from animals receiving FS500. Nutritional value of the acidic profile in buffalo milk is influenced by flaxseed supplementation, and its improvement reflects the level of dietary flaxseed supplementation.

Healing at implants placed in bone of different morphology: an experimental study in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To study osseointegration at implants installed using a standard bed preparation in sites of different bone morphology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In six Labrador dogs, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted. After 4 months of healing, flaps were elevated, and two recipient sites were prepared in each side of the mandible, one in the second premolar and the other in the molar regions. Bone morphology and final insertion torque were evaluated. Healing abutments were applied, and the flaps were sutured to allow a non-submerged healing. After 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections were obtained for histomorphometric analyses.

RESULTS

At the premolar sites, bone morphology Class 2 and at the molar regions Class 3 or 4 were identified. The final insertion torque was 50-55 Ncm at the premolar and 30-35 Ncm at the molar sites. Mean osseointegration in percentage reached 61.5 ± 11.5% and 63.3 ± 10.1% at the premolar and molar sites, respectively. Mineralized bone density evaluated from the implant surface up to a distance of about 0.6 mm lateral to the implant surface was 63.0 ± 7.4% and 65.4 ± 17.7% at the premolar and molar sites, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar implant bed preparations performed at premolar and molar sites with different bone morphology, yielding insertion torque values of about 30-35 and 50-55 Ncm, respectively, did not affect osseointegration after 4 months at non-submerged implants.

Milk from different species: Relationship between protein fractions and inflammatory response in infants affected by generalized epilepsy

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of protein fractions from bovine, caprine, and ovine milk on production of cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC) from infants with generalized epilepsy. Bovine, caprine, and ovine bulk milks were pasteurized and analyzed for chemical composition. Then, PBMC were isolated from 10 patients with generalized epilepsy (5 males; mean age 33.6±5.4mo). Production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10, IL-6, and IL-1β was studied in cultured PBMC (from infants with epilepsy and controls) stimulated by bovine, caprine, and ovine milk and casein and whey protein fractions, and levels of ROS and RNS were measured in the culture supernatant. The ability of PBMC to secrete cytokines in response to milk and protein fraction stimulation may predict the secretion of soluble factor TNF-α in the bloodstream of challenged patients. Bovine, caprine, and ovine bulk milks induced low-level production of IL-10 by cultured PBMC in at least 50% of cases; the same behavior was observed in both casein and whey protein fractions for all species studied. Bovine and ovine milk and their casein fractions induced production of lower levels of IL-1β in 80% of patients, whereas caprine milk and its casein fraction induced the highest levels in 80% of patients. The amount of IL-6 detected after stimulation of PBMC by milk and its fractions for all species was lower than that of other proinflammatory cytokines. In the bovine, total free radicals were higher in bulk milk and lower in the casein fraction, whereas the whey protein fraction showed an intermediate level; in caprine, ROS/RNS levels were not different among milk fractions, whereas ovine had higher levels for bulk milk and casein than the whey protein fraction. Lower levels of ROS/RNS detected in PBMC cultured with caprine milk fraction could be responsible for the lower levels of TNF-α cytokine in the corresponding fraction. Cytokines might be useful biomarkers to discriminate the effects of foods on the inflammatory response; dietary strategies could help in alleviating the negative effects of epilepsy in infants.

Electrophysiological mechanisms underlying ERP amplitude reduction in patients with schizophrenia: A time-frequency analysis

Background

It is hypothesized that the event-related potentials are generated by different electrophysiological mechanisms, i.e., event-related power increase and enhanced degree of phase-locking over trial. The study aimed to characterize the relative contribution of these mechanisms to the ERP in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ).

Materials and methods

One hundred and fifteen chronic stabilized SCZ and 62 healthy controls (HC) recruited to the study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses were included. Scalp potentials were recorded during a standard auditory oddball task. Stimulus-locked segments were extracted for all standard trials and correctly hit target trials. Trials contaminated by other artifacts were rejected. For each subject and stimulus type the event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) and the inter-trial-coherence (ITC) were computed to assess event-related power increase and inter-trial phase-locking. The two groups were compared using Student's t-test followed by Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results

SCZ presented a reduced amplitude of both N100 and P3b. For both standard and target stimuli, at Cz and Pz, ERSP was reduced in SCZ in the delta-theta band (from 0 up to 400 ms). The ITC index, at the same channels, was reduced in SCZ in the delta band for standard stimuli (from 0 to 300 ms), and in both delta and theta bands for target stimuli (from 300 to 400 ms).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that alterations of both mechanisms are involved in N100 and P3b amplitude reduction observed in SCZ. Inter-trial phase-locking abnormalities for N100 were limited to the delta band, while for P3b involved delta and theta frequencies.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Activities of indigenous proteolytic enzymes in caprine milk of different somatic cell counts

Individual caprine milk with different somatic cell counts (SCC) were studied with the aim of investigating the percentage distribution of leukocyte cell types and the activities of indigenous proteolytic enzymes; proteolysis of casein was also studied in relation to cell type following recovery from milk. The experiment was conducted on 5 intensively managed dairy flocks of Garganica goats; on the basis of SCC, the experimental groups were denoted low (L-SCC; <700,000 cells/mL), medium (M-SCC; from 701,000 to 1,500,000 cells/mL), and high (H-SCC; >1,501,000 cells/mL) SCC. Leukocyte distribution differed between groups; polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes were higher in M-SCC and H-SCC milk samples, the percentage macrophages was the highest in H-SCC, and levels of nonviable cells significantly decreased with increasing SCC. Activities of all the main proteolytic enzymes were affected by SCC; plasmin activity was the highest in H-SCC milk and the lowest in L-SCC, and elastase and cathepsin D activities were the highest in M-SCC. Somatic cell count influenced casein hydrolysis patterns, with less intact α- and β-casein in H-SCC milk. Higher levels of low electrophoretic mobility peptides were detected in sodium caseinate incubated with leukocytes isolated from L-SCC milk, independent of cell type, whereas among cells recovered from M-SCC milk, macrophages yielded the highest levels of low electrophoretic mobility peptides from sodium caseinate. The level of high electrophoretic mobility peptides was higher in sodium caseinate incubated with polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes and macrophages isolated from M-SCC, whereas the same fraction of peptides was always the highest, independent of leukocyte type, for cells recovered from H-SCC milk. In caprine milk, a level of 700,000 cells/mL represented the threshold for changes in leukocyte distribution, which is presumably related to the immune status of the mammary gland. Differences in the profile of indigenous lysosomal proteolytic enzymes in caprine milk may influence the integrity of casein based on proteolysis patterns of sodium caseinate incubated with isolated and lysed leukocyte types.

Sequential Healing at Calcium- versus Calcium Phosphate-Modified Titanium Implant Surfaces: An Experimental Study in Dogs

PURPOSE

The aim of this paper was to study the sequential healing of bone tissues at implants with different configuration and different modified surfaces.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve Beagle dogs were used. Extractions of all teeth from the second premolar to the first molar were performed in both sides of the mandible. After 3 months, full-thickness flaps were elevated and two implants of different systems and with different surfaces were randomly installed in the premolar region in one side of the mandible. One surface was acid etched and further modified with calcium ions (BTI unicCa®), the other was sandblasted and acid etched plus a nanometer calcium phosphate deposition (3i T3®). The flaps were sutured to allow a fully submerged healing. The surgery on the other side of the mandible and the sacrifices were planned in such a way to obtain biopsies representing the healing after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 6 per period).

RESULTS

After 1 and 2 weeks of healing, the mean values of new bone apposition on the implant surfaces were 5.9 ± 3.3% and 29.8 ± 16.0% at BTI unicCa and 4.6 ± 3.3% and 12.4 ± 5.6% at 3i T3, respectively. After 4 and 8 weeks, the percentage increased, being 49.4 ± 8.1% and 63.6 ± 7.3% at BTI unicCa and 40.3 ± 10.0% and 47.3 ± 20.2 at 3i T3, respectively. Differences statistically significant between the two surfaces were found only at the 2- and 4-week observation periods. Concomitantly, the old bone was resorbed at both surfaces from about 15-17% after 1 week to about 4-6% after 8 weeks of healing.

CONCLUSION

Moderately rough surfaces modified with calcium ions or discrete calcium phosphate nanocrystalline deposition showed similar patterns of sequential healing. Higher new bone percentages were found at BTI unicCa compared with the 3i T3 implants, the difference being statistically significant at 2 and 4 weeks observation.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and immune regulation in heat-stressed sheep after supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids from different sources on immune regulation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation in heat-stressed sheep. The experiment was carried out during the summer 2012. Thirty-two Comisana ewes were divided into 4 groups (8 sheep/group): (1) supplemented with whole flaxseed (FS); (2) supplemented with Ascophyllum nodosum (AG); (3) supplemented with a combination of flaxseed and A. nodosum (FS+AG); and (4) control (C; no supplementation). On d 22 of the experiment, cortisol concentrations in sheep blood were measured after an injection of ACTH. Cellular immune response was evaluated by intradermic injection of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) at 0, 15, and 30 d of the trial. Humoral response to ovalbumin (OVA) was measured at 0, 15, and 30 d. At 0, 15, and 30 d of the experiment, blood samples were collected from each ewe to determine production of T-helper (Th)1 cytokines (IL-12 and IFN-γ), and Th2 cytokines (IL-10, IL-4, IL-13), and concentrations of heat shock proteins (HSP) 70 and 90. Ewes supplemented with flaxseed alone had greater cortisol concentrations and a longer-lasting cell-mediated immune response compared with ewes in the control and other groups. Anti-OVA IgG concentrations increased in all groups throughout the trial, even though ewes in the FS+AG group had the lowest anti-OVA IgG concentrations at 15 d. The level of IL-10 increased in all groups throughout the experiment; the FS+AG group had the lowest IL-13 concentration at 15 and 30 d. The concentration of HSP 70 increased in AG ewes at the end of the experiment and decreased in FS ewes, whereas that of HSP 90 increased in FS ewes compared with FS+AG ewes. Flaxseed supplementation was found to influence in vivo HPA activation in heat-stressed sheep, resulting in increased cortisol concentrations, probably to meet increased energy demand for thermoregulation. Flaxseed supplementation also supported Th1 response via a complex cross-talk between IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-γ production.

Dietary glutamine enhances immune responses of dairy cows under high ambient temperature

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of adding Gln or Gln in combination with flaxseed to the diet on milk production and immune response of dairy cows during the summer season. The experiment lasted 60 d and involved 24 lactating Friesian cows, divided into 4 groups of 6 animals, fed as follows: (1) control diet, (2) control diet supplemented with 160 g/d of rumen-protected Gln (GLN), (3) control diet supplemented with whole flaxseed (FS), and (4) control diet supplemented with both flaxseed and Gln (FS+GLN). Individual milk samples were collected at morning and afternoon milkings every 14 d throughout the experiment and analyzed for pH, total protein, casein, fat, lactose content, and somatic cell count. Milk samples were also analyzed for milk fatty acid profile. Monitoring of cow immune responses was carried out by the determination of lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin in vivo on each animal by measurement of skin-fold thickness at site of phytohemagglutinin injection. A humoral response to chicken egg albumin (OVA) was determined following a subcutaneous injection with OVA. Plasma samples were measured for the presence of anti-OVA IgG, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10. Results indicate that Gln administration can be used to support dairy cows under a hot climate, because Gln was able to enhance cow immune reactions in terms of a strengthening of cell-mediated immune response, which is weakened in cows under heat stress. In addition, an increase in milk and fat, protein, and casein yields in response to GLN was observed. When administrating Gln in combination with flaxseed, milk production and milk fat profile did not further increase compared with FS milk, and a reduction in immune reactivity compared with FS and GLN cows was found.

Consumer acceptance and sensory evaluation of Monti Dauni Meridionali Caciocavallo cheese

Twelve Caciocavallo cheeses were collected from 6 factories (A, B, C, D, E, F) located in the Monti Dauni Meridionali area (Southern Italy) that adopted different protocols for cheese production. A total of 160 consumers were involved in the sensory evaluation of Caciocavallo cheese after 180 d of ripening. Cheese attributes were used to describe the flavor, texture, and appearance of cheeses. The highest scores for the shiny attribute were assigned to cheeses B, C, and E, whereas color intensity was the highest in cheeses B, D, and F. Strength, salty, and piquant attributes were higher in cheeses F and A because of the use of raw milk (F), rennet paste (A), and percentage of salt in the brine (A, F). Consumers perceived a more granular structure during the second half of chewing of Caciocavallo cheese F, as evidenced by the highest value for the grainy attribute. A positive correlation was found between overall flavor and odor intensity and water-soluble nitrogen, low molecular weight peptides, and free fatty acids and between piquant and butyric and caproic acids. A principal components analysis applied to the sensory attributes accounted for 65% of the total variance. The score plot showed that cheeses F and A were located in a well-defined zone of the plot, with cheeses in this zone displaying higher levels of strength, piquant, and salty attributes. The preference test assigned 40% of the preference to Caciocavallo cheese A, 38% to cheese F, 9% to cheese E, 8% to cheese D, and 7% to cheeses B and C. Sensory evaluation of Monti Dauni Meridionali Caciocavallo cheeses is a useful analysis to highlight the principal attributes able to influence consumers' liking that are related to biochemical features of the cheese.

Immune competence of the mammary gland as affected by somatic cell and pathogenic bacteria in ewes with subclinical mastitis

Immune competence of the ewe mammary gland was investigated by monitoring the leukocyte differential count, cytokine pattern, and endogenous proteolytic enzymes in milk samples with different somatic cell counts (SCC) and pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the leukocyte differential count and T-lymphocyte populations were evaluated in ewe blood. A total of 1,500 individual milk samples were randomly selected from the pool of the samples collected during sampling and grouped into 5 classes of 300 samples each, on the basis of SCC. Classes were <300,000 cells/mL, from 300,000 to 500,000 cells/mL, from 501,000 to 1,000,000 cells/mL, from 1,001,000 to 2,000,000 cells/mL, and >2,000,000 cells/mL. Microbiological analyses of ewe milk were conducted to detect mastitis-related pathogens. Sheep whose udders were without clinical abnormalities, and whose milk was apparently normal but with at least 10(3)cfu/mL of the same pathogen were considered to have subclinical mastitis and therefore defined as infected. Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes (PMNL) and macrophages increased with SCC, whereas lymphocytes decreased. Milk samples with SCC >1,000,000 cells/mL showed differences in leukocyte populations between uninfected and infected ewes, with higher percentages of PMNL and macrophages and lower percentages of lymphocytes in infected animals. Nonviable PMNL levels were the highest in ewe milk samples with SCC <300,000 cells/mL; starting from SCC >500,000 cells/mL, nonviable PMNL were higher in uninfected ewes than in infected ones. In infected animals giving milk with SCC >1,000,000 cells/mL, a higher CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio was observed, suggesting that the presence of pathogens induced an activation of both CD4(+) and CD8(+). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-12 were higher in infected than uninfected ewes, irrespective of SCC. Plasmin activity increased along with SCC and was always higher in infected than uninfected animals; cathepsin D increased starting from 1,001,000 cells/mL in milk samples from noninfected ewes and starting from 301,000 cells/mL in milk samples from infected animals. The associations between somatic cells, cytokines, endogenous proteolytic enzymes, and pathogenic bacteria can be used to better understand the pathogenesis of subclinical mastitis in ewes and the effect on the immune response of ewe mammary gland.

Effect of solar radiation and flaxseed supplementation on milk production and fatty acid profile of lactating ewes under high ambient temperature

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of protection from solar radiation and whole flaxseed supplementation on milk yield and milk fatty acid profile in lactating ewes exposed to high ambient temperature. The experiment was conducted during summer and involved 40 ewes divided into 4 groups. The ewes were either exposed (not offered shade) or protected from solar radiation (offered shade). For each solar radiation treatment, ewes were supplemented with whole flaxseed or not. Milk samples from each ewe were collected at the morning and afternoon milking every week, and analyzed for pH, total protein, casein, fat, and lactose content, somatic cell count, and renneting parameters (clotting time, rate of clot formation, and clot firmness after 30 min). At the beginning of the experiment, and then at d 23 and 44, milk samples were analyzed for milk fatty acids using gas chromatography. Flaxseed supplementation significantly increased milk yield, fat, protein, and casein yields, and somatic cell count, and increased fat and lactose contents of milk. A decrease of saturated fatty acids from C6:0 to C16:0 and an increase of C18:1 trans-11 and C18:2 cis-9,trans-11 was observed in milk from flaxseed-supplemented ewes. Flaxseed supplementation decreased saturated fatty acids content and increased total monounsaturated fatty acids content, the total content of isomers of conjugated linoleic acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acids content in milk. Flaxseed also increased the α-linolenic acid content of milk. As a result, milk from supplemented groups showed an increase in n-3 fatty acid content. Flaxseed supplementation decreased short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids, and increased long-chain fatty acid content of milk. On average, flaxseed supplementation increased the C18:2 cis-9,trans-11/C18:1 trans-11 Δ(9)-desaturase index starting from d 23 of the experiment, in correspondence with the highest C18:2 cis-9,trans-11 content of milk from flaxseed-supplemented ewes. Flaxseed decreased atherogenic and thrombogenic indices of milk. Protection from solar radiation during summer did not improve yield and composition of ewe milk. Nevertheless, milk from ewes exposed to solar radiation showed decreased long-chain fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids contents, and in particular, decreased vaccenic acid, rumenic acid, and total conjugated linoleic acid contents.