Autoimmune-prone mice share a promoter haplotype associated with reduced expression and function of the Fc receptor FcgammaRII

Human autoimmune diseases thought to arise from the combined effects of multiple susceptibility genes include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune diabetes. Well-characterised polygenic mouse models closely resembling each of these diseases exist, and genetic evidence links receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (FcR) with their pathogenesis in mice and humans [1] [2] [3]. FcRs may be activatory or inhibitory and regulate a variety of immune and inflammatory processes [4] [5]. FcgammaRII (CD32) negatively regulates activation of cells including B cells and macrophages [6]. FcgammaRII-deficient mice are prone to immune-mediated disease [7] [8] [9]. The gene encoding FcgammaRII, Fcgr2, is contained in genetic susceptibility intervals in mouse models of SLE such as the New Zealand Black (NZB) contribution to the (NZB x New Zealand White (NZW)) F1 strain [1] [10] [11] and the BXSB strain [12], and in human SLE [1] [2] [3]. We therefore sequenced Fcgr2 and identified a haplotype defined by deletions in the Fcgr2 promoter region that is present in major SLE-prone mouse strains (NZB, BXSB, SB/Le, MRL, 129 [13]) and non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice but absent in control strains (BALB/c, C57BL/6, DBA/2, C57BL/10) and NZW mice. The autoimmune haplotype was associated with reduced cell-surface expression of FcgammaRII on macrophages and activated B cells and with hyperactive macrophages resembling those of FcgammaRII-deficient mice, and is therefore likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE and possibly diabetes.

Effects of beta-pinene on yeast membrane functions

The effects of beta-pinene on yeast cells were studied. This terpene inhibited respiration with glucose or ethanol as the substrate. The inhibition depended on the ratio of the terpene to the amount of yeast cells; for a fixed concentration of pinene, inhibition decreased as the amount of yeast cells increased. Pinene also inhibited the pumping of protons and K+ transport, but this inhibition was more marked with with ethanol than with glucose as the substrate, indicating the mitochondrial localization of the inhibition. The studies on isolated mitochondria showed a series of effects, starting with the disappearance of the respiratory control and deenergization of the organelles and followed by an inhibition of respiration at higher concentrations of the terpene. The effect on respiration could be localized to the cytochrome b region of the electron transport chain. No effect could be detected on the activity of ATPase. The effects can be ascribed to a localization of pinene on membranes which was also accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence polarization of diphenyl hexatriene, probably meaning an increase in the fluidity of the membrane, localized preferentially to the mitochondria.

A Century of Change towards Prevention and Minimal Intervention in Cariology

Better understanding of dental caries and other oral conditions has guided new strategies to prevent disease and manage its consequences at individual and public health levels. This article discusses advances in prevention and minimal intervention dentistry over the last century by focusing on some milestones within scientific, clinical, and public health arenas, mainly in cariology but also beyond, highlighting current understanding and evidence with future prospects. Dentistry was initially established as a surgical specialty. Dental caries (similar to periodontitis) was considered to be an infectious disease 100 years ago. Its ubiquitous presence and rampant nature-coupled with limited diagnostic tools and therapeutic treatment options-meant that these dental diseases were managed mainly by excising affected tissue. The understanding of the diseases and a change in their prevalence, extent, and severity, with evolutions in operative techniques, technologies, and materials, have enabled a shift from surgical to preventive and minimal intervention dentistry approaches. Future challenges to embrace include continuing the dental profession's move toward a more patient-centered, evidence-based, less invasive management of these diseases, focused on promoting and maintaining oral health in partnership with patients. In parallel, public health needs to continue to, for example, tackle social inequalities in dental health, develop better preventive and management options for existing disease risk groups (e.g., the growing aging population), and the development of reimbursement and health outcome models that facilitate implementation of these evolving strategies. A century ago, almost every treatment involved injections, a drill or scalpel, or a pair of forceps. Today, dentists have more options than ever before available to them. These are supported by evidence, have a minimal intervention focus, and result in better outcomes for patients. The profession's greatest challenge is moving this evidence into practice.

Current Status of microRNA-Based Therapeutic Approaches in Neurodegenerative Disorders

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a key gene regulator and play essential roles in several biological and pathological mechanisms in the human system. In recent years, plenty of miRNAs have been identified to be involved in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), thus making them an attractive option for therapeutic approaches. Hence, in this review, we provide an overview of the current research of miRNA-based therapeutics for a selected set of NDDs, either for their high prevalence or lethality, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Friedreich's Ataxia, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Frontotemporal Dementia. We also discuss the relevant delivery techniques, pertinent outcomes, their limitations, and their potential to become a new generation of human therapeutic drugs in the near future.

The use of a cyanine dye in measuring membrane potential in yeast

An attempt was made to use 3,3'-dipropylthiacarbocyanine as a membrane potential probe in yeast by following both its fluorescence changes and its uptake by the cells under different conditions. It was found that the uptake of the dye into the cytoplasmic compartment was translated into an increased fluorescence, and the uptake by the mitochondria produced a quenching of the fluorescence. The experiments to measure uptake showed that a large amount of the dye was taken up by the cells under "deenergized" conditions. The uptake of the cyanine, however, was significantly reduced by the omission of the substrate, by deenergization of the mitochondria, or by the addition of K+, but not by Na+. This cyanine seems to be a good, qualitative indicator of the potential of the plasma membrane and of the mitochondria of the cells, with a faster response than those probes used before in yeast.

Potential of information technology in dental education

The use of information technology (IT) in dentistry is far ranging. In order to produce a working document for the dental educator, this paper focuses on those methods where IT can assist in the education and competence development of dental students and dentists (e.g. e-learning, distance learning, simulations and computer-based assessment). Web pages and other information-gathering devices have become an essential part of our daily life, as they provide extensive information on all aspects of our society. This is mirrored in dental education where there are many different tools available, as listed in this report. IT offers added value to traditional teaching methods and examples are provided. In spite of the continuing debate on the learning effectiveness of e-learning applications, students request such approaches as an adjunct to the traditional delivery of learning materials. Faculty require support to enable them to effectively use the technology to the benefit of their students. This support should be provided by the institution and it is suggested that, where possible, institutions should appoint an e-learning champion with good interpersonal skills to support and encourage faculty change. From a global prospective, all students and faculty should have access to e-learning tools. This report encourages open access to e-learning material, platforms and programs. The quality of such learning materials must have well defined learning objectives and involve peer review to ensure content validity, accuracy, currency, the use of evidence-based data and the use of best practices. To ensure that the developers' intellectual rights are protected, the original content needs to be secure from unauthorized changes. Strategies and recommendations on how to improve the quality of e-learning are outlined. In the area of assessment, traditional examination schemes can be enriched by IT, whilst the Internet can provide many innovative approaches. Future trends in IT will evolve around improved uptake and access facilitated by the technology (hardware and software). The use of Web 2.0 shows considerable promise and this may have implications on a global level. For example, the one-laptop-per-child project is the best example of what Web 2.0 can do: minimal use of hardware to maximize use of the Internet structure. In essence, simple technology can overcome many of the barriers to learning. IT will always remain exciting, as it is always changing and the users, whether dental students, educators or patients are like chameleons adapting to the ever-changing landscape.

Accuracy of imaging methods for detection of bone tissue invasion in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

The objective of this review is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of imaging methods for detection of mandibular bone tissue invasion by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A systematic review was carried out of studies in MEDLINE, SciELO and Science Direct, published between 1960 and 2012, in English, Spanish or German, which compared detection of mandibular bone tissue invasion via different imaging tests against a histopathology reference standard. Sensitivity and specificity data were extracted from each study. The outcome measure was diagnostic accuracy. We found 338 articles, of which 5 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Tests included were: CT (four articles), MRI (four articles), panoramic radiography (one article), positron emission tomography (PET)/CT (one article) and cone beam CT (CBCT) (one article). The quality of articles was low to moderate and the evidence showed that all tests have a high diagnostic accuracy for detection of mandibular bone tissue invasion by SCC, with sensitivity values of 94% (MRI), 91% (CBCT), 83% (CT) and 55% (panoramic radiography), and specificity values of 100% (CT, MRI, CBCT), 97% (PET/CT) and 91.7% (panoramic radiography). Available evidence is scarce and of only low to moderate quality. However, it is consistently shown that current imaging methods give a moderate to high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of mandibular bone tissue invasion by SCC. Recommendations are given for improving the quality of future reports, in particular provision of a detailed description of the patients' conditions, the imaging instrument and both imaging and histopathological invasion criteria.

Effects of cyclohexane, an industrial solvent, on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and on isolated yeast mitochondria

Little information on the effects of cyclohexane at the cellular or subcellular level is available. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cyclohexane inhibited respiration and diverse energy-dependent processes. In mitochondria isolated from S. cerevisiae, oxygen uptake and ATP synthesis were inhibited, although ATPase activity was not affected. Cyclohexane effects were similar to those reported for beta-pinene and limonene, suggesting that the cyclohexane ring in these monoterpenes may be a determinant for their biological activities.

Trehalose-mediated protection of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase from Kluyveromyces lactis during freeze-drying and rehydration

During freeze-drying and rehydration, the activity of the H+-ATPase from the plasma membrane of Kluyveromyces lactis was preserved by increasing concentrations of carbohydrates. When the H+-ATPase was freeze-dried in the absence of carbohydrates the activity was lost. The protective efficiency of carbohydrates was as follows: trehalose > maltose > sucrose > glucose > galactose. Each carbohydrate exhibited the maximal protection at a concentration of 20 mg carbohydrate per milligram of protein or above. No structural changes of the rehydrated H+-ATPase were detected by intrinsic fluorescence measurements. Trehalose, at 20 mg/mg protein, protected the enzyme activity completely during freeze-drying and rehydration. Rehydration temperature was critical; at 20 degrees C or below, activity was fully retained, while at 30, 40, or 50 degrees C activity decreased in proportion with temperature. The trehalose-protected freeze-dried H+-ATPase was stored at different temperatures for up to 60 days. Storage at 4 degrees C resulted in retention of most of the enzymatic activity, while storage at 20 or 30 degrees C resulted in loss of activity. The protection of the H+-ATPase by trehalose suggests that this carbohydrate might protect other membrane enzymes from inactivation during handling.

Interactions of calcium with yeast mitochondria

The interactions of Ca2+ with mitochondria from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were explored. Mitochondria were loaded with the metallochromic dye Fluo-3 to measure the concentration of free calcium in the matrix. Addition of EGTA or Ca2+ led to fluctuations in mitochondrial free calcium between 120 and 400 nM. Ca2+ variations were slower at 4 degrees C than at 25 degrees C or in the presence of phosphate instead of acetate. The net uptake of 45Ca2+ was higher with phosphate than with acetate. The optimum pH for Ca2+ uptake was 6.8. Ruthenium red did not affect the uptake of Ca2+. Addition of antimycin-A or uncouplers led to a small and transient release of Ca2+. Addition of EGTA or the monovalent cations Na+ or K+ resulted in higher release of Ca2+. Site I but not site II dependent O2 consumption was partially inhibited by EGTA. The effect of Ca2+ on NADH oxidation is similar to results reported with enzymes from mammalian sources which use NADH, such as the pyruvate, isocitrate and oxoglutarate dehydrogenases.

Control of mitochondrial matrix calcium: studies using fluo-3 as a fluorescent calcium indicator

Fluo-3, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, is sequestered by isolated rat liver mitochondria and is an effective probe for evaluating the concentration and kinetics of change of mitochondrial matrix ionized calcium ([Ca2+]m) under a variety of conditions. At the wavelengths employed, there is no significant interference by auto-fluorescence. There is an insignificant release of the indicator over four hours and the loading and presence of fluo-3 has no effect on respiratory rate or oxidative phosphorylation. The [Ca2+]m steady state can be altered by the assay conditions, i.e. the presence of extra-mitochondrial Ca2+, Mg2+ phosphate and respiratory inhibitors. The total matrix ionized calcium represents a small percent (less than 0.01%) of the total mitochondrial calcium.

The status of the Lutzomyia longipalpis species complex and possible implications for Leishmania transmission

The sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu latu has been identified as the principal vector of American visceral leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease that primarily affects children in several countries of South and Central America. Over the past several years increases have occurred both in the number of reported cases and the population at risk: approximately 1.6 million people reside in highly endemic areas with 16,000 cases reported annually. Several studies have attempted to relate the epidemiology of this disease to variability in Lu. longipalpis that is now recognized to be a complex of at least three sibling species. Morphological variation in this species was first noted by Mangabeira (1969). Since then physiological and biochemical differences have been reported by several investigators. Recent reports in Costa Rica of the presence of Lu. longipalpis in a focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania chagasi may be an additional indication of variability in this species. While existing evidence indicates that the morphospecies Lu. longipalpis may represent a complex of sibling species, genetic, epidemiological and ecological distinctions have not been fully resolved. Thus, delimitation of systematic boundaries within the complex and corresponding to geographic distributions and roles in transmission remain unresolved. The purpose of this review is to summarize from the literature observations of polymorphism in this morphospecies and consider what significance this reported variability may have to the epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis.

Thermal inactivation of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase from Kluyveromyces lactis. Protection by trehalose

The activity of the isolated plasma membrane H+-ATPase from Kluyveromyces lactis was measured during incubation at 35-45 degrees C and in the absence or in the presence of 0-0.6 M trehalose. As the temperature of incubation was raised from 35 to 45 degrees C, increasing enzyme inactivation rates were observed. Thermal inactivation kinetics of the H+-ATPase were biphasic exhibiting a first rapid phase and then a second slow phase. The transition from the native state occurred through a temperature-mediated increase in the inactivation rate constants of both phases. A model is proposed where the native H+-ATPase yields a partially active intermediary during the first phase of inactivation and then the intermediary is slowly converted into a totally inactive enzyme in the second phase. At each of these temperatures trehalose protected the enzymatic activity in a concentration dependent manner. Full protection was observed at 0.6 M trehalose in the range of 35-40 degrees C. Whereas, at 42 and 45 degrees C, the trehalose-mediated thermoprotection of the H+-ATPase was only partial. Trehalose stabilized the enzyme mainly by preventing the temperature dependent increase of the first and second inactivation rate constants.

Mechanism for procaine-mediated hyperactivated motility in guinea pig spermatozoa

Hyperactivated motility was studied in guinea pig spermatozoa. In the presence of the local anesthetic procaine, a high number of sperm cells (64%) showed hyperactivation when incubated in minimal culture medium with pyruvate, lactate, and glucose. Hyperactivated motility was dependent on glucose in the medium. Sperm ATP concentration was increased twofold in hyperactivated sperm when compared to procaine-treated non-hyperactivated cells. cAMP levels were also higher in hyperactivated cells than in control spermatozoa. Thus, in living spermatozoa high levels of ATP appear to be needed to generate hyperactivation. cAMP is present at a high concentration in hyperactivated spermatozoa, therefore a role of cAMP in hyperactivation cannot be excluded. Depletion of external Ca2+ did not inhibit procaine-induced hyperactivated motility. Hence, procaine canceled the requirement of external Ca2+ for sperm to express hyperactivated motility.

Requirements of Cyc2p and the porin, Por1p, for ionic stability and mitochondrial integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

It was previously demonstrated that Cyc2p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a mitochondrial protein; that the cyc2-Delta2 deletion lacking the entire gene causes a diminution to only approximately 20% of the normal levels of cytochrome c due to a partial deficiency in mitochondrial import of apo-cytochrome c; that the deletion causes a defective mitochondrial function, as revealed by diminished growth on media containing nonfermentable carbon sources; and that this defect is exacerbated in hyper-ionic KCl media and at higher incubation temperatures, but is suppressed on media containing sorbitol, a nonionic compound. We report that por1-Delta strains lacking the mitochondrial porin, Por1p, but not por2-Delta strains lacking the related porin, share some phenotypes similar to the cyc2-Delta2 strain, including hypersensitivity to KCl in glycerol medium. Moreover, spontaneous swelling in the presence of ATP was detected in mitochondria from the cyc2-Delta2 strain, while swelling could be detected in mitochondria from the other strains only after the addition of KCl. Thus, highly unspecific membrane permeation may be triggered by ATP in the cyc2-Delta2 strain. We suggest that Por1p and Cyc2p, in addition to their own unique functions, serve to maintain the osmotic stability of mitochondria, but by different mechanisms.

Potassium collapses the deltaP in yeast mitochondria while the rate of ATP synthesis is inhibited only partially: modulation by phosphate

Addition of increasing concentrations of K+ to yeast mitochondria in the presence of 0 to 400 microM phosphate and 200 microM Mg2+ led to uncoupled respiration and decreased protonmotive force (deltaP):at 0 K+ deltaP = 213 mV, negative inside, where deltapsi = 180 mV and deltapH = 33 mV, while at 20 mM K+ deltaP = 28 mV, where deltapsi = 16 mV and deltapH = 12 mV. In contrast, the synthesis of ATP resulted in smaller values for the Km and the Vmax in 400 microM Pi and increasing ADP: in 0 K+, Km = 18.6 microM and Vmax = 75.4 nmol (min x mg protein)-1, while in 20 mM K+, Km = 5.2 microM and Vmax = 46.0 nmol (min x mg protein)-1, i.e., when K+ depleted most of the deltaP, and at ADP concentrations below the Km, the rate of ATP synthesis was essentially the same as in the absence of K+. At saturating ADP, the rate of ATP synthesis in the presence of K+ was about 60% of the rate observed without K+. The synthesis of ATP by yeast mitochondria was inhibited by oligomycin or uncouplers. K+ had no effects on rat liver mitochondria. Adenylate kinase activity was much smaller in yeast mitochondria than in rat liver mitochondria and thus did not account for the synthesis of ATP observed in the presence of K+. The effects of K+ on the deltaP of yeast mitochondria were prevented by increasing concentrations of phosphate (1 to 4 mM). At 4 mM phosphate, the deltaP was always above 200 mV and the kinetics of ATP synthesis were as follows: 0 K+ Km = 10.0 microM and Vmax = 88.3 nmol (min x mg protein)-1. At 20 mM K+, Km = 7.4 microM and Vmax = 133 nmol (min x mg protein)-1.

Calcium ionophoretic activity of chemically synthesized oligomeric derivatives of prostaglandin B1

Chemically synthesized dimers, trimers and tetramers of 15-dehydroprostaglandin B1 and 16,16'-dimethyl-15-dehydroprostaglandin B1 facilitate the release of Ca2+ from isolated rat liver mitochondria. The parent monomeric prostaglandins had no significant activity. The rate of release was stimulated by exogenous K+ or Na+, suggesting an antiport exchange of monovalent cations for intra-mitochondrial Ca2+. The activity depended upon the presence of ruthenium red, which prevented recycling of Ca2+; comparison of the activity with A23187 and carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone indicated that the prostaglandin B1 oligomers were functioning as ionophores and the release of Ca2+ was not caused by an uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. The oligomers caused a major decrease in the membrane potential but only when the mitochondria were preloaded with exogenous Ca2+, and even then, the Ca2+ efflux was completed before the membrane potential decreased to less than 90 mV. The oligomeric molecules were able to form supramolecular aggregates in the presence of Ca2+ as detected by light scattering. They extracted Ca2+ into an organic phase, and translocated Ca2+ from one aqueous domain to another across an organic barrier; K+ and Na+ modulated these processes. The prostaglandin B1 derivatives also translocated Rb+ from one aqueous phase to another across an organic barrier when Ca2+ was translocated.

Interactions of arsenate, sulfate and phosphate with yeast mitochondria

In the presence of K(+), addition of ATP or ethanol to yeast mitochondria triggers the depletion of the transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi) and this is prevented by millimolar concentrations of phosphate (PO(4)). Different monovalent and polyvalent anions were tested for their protective effects on mitochondria from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Only arsenate (AsO(4)) and sulfate (SO(4)) were as efficient as PO(4) to protect mitochondria against the K(+) mediated swelling, depletion of the DeltaPsi, and decrease in the ratio of uncoupled state to state 4 respiration rates. Protection by PO(4), SO(4) or AsO(4) was inhibited by mersalyl, suggesting that these anions interact with a site located in the matrix side. In addition, the effects of SO(4) and AsO(4) on the F(1)F(0)-ATPase were tested: both SO(4) and AsO(4) inhibited the synthesis of ATP following competitive kinetics against PO(4) and non-competitive kinetics against ADP. The mersalyl sensitive uptake of (32)PO(4) was not inhibited by SO(4) or AsO(4), suggesting that the synthesis of ATP was inhibited at the F(1)F(0)-ATPase. The hydrolysis of ATP was not inhibited, only a stimulation was observed when AsO(4) or sulfite (SO(3)) were added. It is suggested that the structure and charge similarities of PO(4), AsO(4) and SO(4) result in undiscriminated binding to at least two sites located in the mitochondrial matrix: at one site, occupation by any of these three anions results in protection against uncoupling by K(+); at the second site, in the F(1)F(0)-ATPase, AsO(4) and SO(4) compete for binding against PO(4) leading to inhibition of the synthesis of ATP.

Using magnetic resonance phase-contrast velocity mapping for diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome

Objective

To evaluate phase-contrast velocity mapping (PCVM) as a diagnostic tool for pelvic congestion syndrome and comparing this approach with direct venography.

Method

We prospectively include nine women with clinical suspicion of pelvic congestion syndrome during a six-month period. All patients underwent a magnetic resonance phase-contrast scan before a direct venography. We considered a case of pelvic congestion syndrome when the PCVM showed a retrograde or slow (less than 5 cm/second) flow in any gonadal vein. This criterion was compared with the standard diagnostic criterion observed from a direct venography.

Results

Using direct venography we found 14 abnormal veins and all of them were correctly identified by the PCVM. The other four veins were found to be normal by the direct venography. However, two of them (the same patient) were abnormal in the PCVM, even though this patient had the classical symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome.

Conclusion

PCVM is a useful tool for diagnosing pelvic contrast syndrome and can avoid invasive procedures such as direct venography.

Roles of microRNAs in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders and their therapeutic potential

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (∼21 nucleotides), endogenous, non-coding RNA molecules implicated in the post-transcriptional gene regulation performed through target mRNA cleavage or translational inhibition. In recent years, several investigations have demonstrated that miRNAs are involved in regulating both carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis in humans and other organisms. Moreover, it has been observed that the dysregulation of these metabolism-related miRNAs leads to the development of several metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. Hence, in this current review, with the aim to impulse the research arena of the micro-transcriptome implications in vital metabolic pathways as well as to highlight the remarkable potential of miRNAs as therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders in humans, we provide an overview of the regulatory roles of metabolism-associated miRNAs in humans and murine models.

Internet and information technology use by dental students in Chile

As part of a larger cross-country survey of dental students, students from the School of Dentistry, The University of Valparaiso, were invited to participate in a study to describe their use of information and communication technology (ICT). Information was derived from a 124-item questionnaire which included 14 socio-demographic items and 29 items asking about ICT use. ICT items were derived from a University of Birmingham, UK, battery. Data was collected in July and August 2004. A total of 162 of the 249 dental students participated in the study. The average age of students was 21.0 years (SD 2.4 years). The majority of participants (62.1%) were female. All participants had access to a computer, and 96.4% used the Internet. Most students had home Internet connections (73.4%). The most commonly used Internet sites on at least a weekly basis were: email (92.2%); and search engines (88.3%). However, a very few (21.1%) used the Internet to search for dental information for their studies on at least a weekly basis. Furthermore, although the majority (70.4%) found Internet use easy/very easy, 56.2% indicated that any search for information was easy/very easy. The majority (72.2%) indicated that the use of virtual education would not affect their class attendance. The final multivariate model explained 26% of the variance in ICT use, significant predictors for ICT use were gender, year of study, level of difficulty in using Internet, and place of Internet use. However, Internet use was mostly for non-dental purposes.