Multiple dental implant failures: A retrospective analysis of implant retention time and risk factors

BACKGROUND

The present retrospective study investigates implant retention time in patients who had experienced multiple implant failures and explores possible risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent placement of at least two implants and experienced failure of two or more implants between 2004 and 2022 were included in the study population. Both patient- and implant-related risk factors, including age, sex, medical history, medication intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, implant properties and anatomical and surgical factors, were evaluated. Descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed to assess implant retention time and failure risk, with the level of statistical significance set at 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 371 patients (178 men and 193 women, median age 63 years) with 3,141 implants were included in the analysis (3.14% of all patients treated since 2004). Out of these implants, 1,090 failures were observed (59.01% of all failed implants at the Academy of Oral Implantology, Vienna, Austria), with a median retention time of 108.11 months. Patients who lost teeth due to periodontitis did not show a tendency towards early implant failure (P > 0.001). Nicotine consumption (P < 0.001), age < 50 years and > 70 years (P < 0.001), maxillary location (P = 0.05), transgingival healing (P < 0.001), no provisional restoration (P = 0.035) and short implant length (P < 0.001) were associated with statistically significantly shorter implant retention times.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with multiple implant failures displayed cluster behaviour and had a median implant retention time of 9 years. Smoking, short implant length, single-stage surgery and immediate loading were all associated with a higher risk of failure, whereas age between 50 and 70 years and tooth loss due to periodontitis were associated with a longer implant retention time.

Army ant middens - Home and nursery of a diverse beetle fauna

Army ants provide nourishment to a large variety of animals. This includes birds that feed on animals flushed out by army ant raids, symbiotic arthropods that consume the ants' prey or their brood, and other arthropods that scavenge on army ant refuse deposits. The latter have not received much attention, and the few published studies lack detailed species identifications. Here we provide a first systematic inventory of the beetle fauna associated with refuse deposits of Eciton army ants, with a focus on Eciton burchellii. We collected 8364 adult beetles, 511 larvae, and 24 eggs from 34 deposits at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We used a combination of DNA barcoding and morphology to identify a subset of 436 specimens to species level. The samples included several new species, and we here formally describe two water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae). Refuse deposits harbored a diverse beetle fauna. The identified subset consisted of 91 beetle species from 12 families, with rove beetles being the most abundant and diverse visitors. Of the 85 species found with E. burchellii, 50 species were collected from only one or two refuse deposits. Conversely, seven species were found in 10 or more refuse deposits, indicating a certain level of habitat specialization. We matched adults and immatures for 22 beetle species via DNA barcodes, demonstrating that army ant middens also serve as a beetle nursery. The present survey highlights the significant ecological function of army ants as promoters of biodiversity and their status as keystone species in tropical rainforests.

Esthetic Outcomes for Immediate Implant Placement with Immediate Provisionalization in the Anterior Maxilla with Buccal Dehiscence: Results of a Comparative Pilot Study

PURPOSE

The aim of this pilot exploratory cohort study was to assess the value of buccal augmentation in immediate implant placement and immediate restoration of anterior teeth in maxillae with missing buccal lamellar bone with regard to esthetic parameters, as well as soft and hard tissue level changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study compared three groups of 10 patients each with immediate implant placement and immediate restoration in the anterior maxilla: (1) patients with partially to totally missing buccal bone with simultaneous augmentation with bovine collagen (test group augmented [TGA]); (2) patients with partially to totally missing buccal bone without augmentation (test group nonaugmented [TNA]); and (3) patients with intact buccal lamellar bone (control group [CG]). The pink esthetic score (PES) and the course of the peri-implant bone level after 1, 3, and 12 months were used as assessment criteria.

RESULTS

After 12 months, the PES in the TGA was assessed as being better than it was preoperatively (mean ± SD: 8 ± 3.09 vs 9.25 ± 3.01, respectively, P = .8243), while it remained almost identical in the other two groups (TNA = 8.75 ± 2.7 vs 8.6 ± 3.3, P = .4098; CG = 10.6 ± 2.41 vs 10.6 ± 2.22, P = .7085). A significant difference among the PES values of the three groups was not observed at any point in time (preoperative: P = .118, 12 months: P = .383). In total, the TNA and CG showed an improvement in 3 out of 7 parameters of the PES after 12 months, while this was the case in 5 out of 7 parameters in the TGA. No significant difference among the three groups could be seen at any time point regarding peri-implant bone level. In the CG and TGA patients, a nonsignificant improvement in peri-implant bone level was seen after 12 months (respectively: 1.6 mm to 0.99 mm; P = .08068; 1.89 mm to 1.73 mm; P = .5866). In contrast, TNA patients showed a nonsignificant deterioration vs the postoperative situation (1.16 mm to 1.45 mm; P = .08208).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this pilot study, it can be concluded that a missing buccal lamellar bone appears to be no contraindication for immediate implant placement and immediate restoration, provided the baseline esthetic situation is accepted. As compared to the nonaugmented defect group or the group with intact lamellar bone, neither the esthetic nor the radiologic results could be improved significantly by augmentation with bovine collagen.

Age and Appearance Shape Behavioral Responses of Phasmids in a Dynamic Environment

Although morphological adaptations leading to crypsis or mimicry have been studied extensively, their interaction with particular behaviors to avoid detection or recognition is understudied. Yet animal behaviors interact with morphology to reduce detection risk, and the level of protection conferred likely changes according to the surrounding environment. Apart from providing a locational cue for predators, prey motion can also serve as concealing behavior in a dynamic environment to prevent detection by potential predators or prey. Phasmids are conventionally known to rely on their adaptive resemblance to plant parts for protection, and this resemblance may vary across life stages and species. However, little is known about how their behaviors interact with their appearance and their environment. We investigated two species of phasmids with varying morphology and color patterns at different ontogenetic stages and examined their behavioral responses to a wind stimulus as a proxy for a dynamic environment. While adult behaviors were mostly species-specific, behavioral responses of nymphs varied with appearance and environmental condition. Display of different behaviors classified as revealing was positively correlated, while the display of concealing behaviors, except for swaying, was mostly negatively correlated with other behaviors. Exhibition of specific behaviors varied with appearance and environmental condition, suggesting that these behavioral responses could help reduce detection or recognition cues. We discuss the differences in behavioral responses in the context of how the behaviors could reveal or conceal the phasmids from potential predators. Our results provide a novel investigation into adaptive resemblance strategies of phasmids through the interaction of behavior and morphology, and highlight the importance of considering the effects of dynamic environments on sending and receiving cues.

A remarkable legion of guests: Diversity and host specificity of army ant symbionts

Tropical rainforests are among the most diverse biomes on Earth. While species inventories are far from complete for any tropical rainforest, even less is known about the intricate species interactions that form the basis of these ecological communities. One fascinating but poorly studied example are the symbiotic associations between army ants and their rich assemblages of parasitic arthropod guests. Hundreds of these guests, or myrmecophiles, have been taxonomically described. However, because previous work has mainly been based on haphazard collections from disjunct populations, it remains challenging to define species boundaries. We therefore know little about the species richness, abundance and host specificity of most guests in any given population, which is crucial to understand co-evolutionary and ecological dynamics. Here, we report a quantitative community survey of myrmecophiles parasitizing the six sympatric Eciton army ant species in a Costa Rican rainforest. Combining DNA barcoding with morphological identification of over 2,000 specimens, we discovered 62 species, including 49 beetles, 11 flies, one millipede and one silverfish. At least 14 of these species were new to science. Ecological network analysis revealed a clear signal of host partitioning, and each Eciton species was host to both specialists and generalists. These varying degrees in host specificities translated into a moderate level of network specificity, highlighting the system's level of biotic pluralism in terms of biodiversity and interaction diversity. By providing vouchered DNA barcodes for army ant guest species, this study provides a baseline for future work on co-evolutionary and ecological dynamics in these species-rich host-symbiont networks across the Neotropical realm.

Evaluation of Binders in Twin-Screw Wet Granulation

The binders povidone (Kollidon 30), copovidone (Kollidon VA64), hypromellose (Pharmacoat 606), and three types of hyprolose (HPC SSL‑SFP, HPC SSL, and HPC SL‑FP) were evaluated regarding their suitability in twin-screw wet granulation. Six mixtures of lactose and binder as well as lactose without binder were twin-screw granulated with demineralized water at different barrel fill levels and subsequently tableted. A screening run with HPC SSL determined the amount of water as an influential parameter for oversized agglomerates. Subsequent examination of different binders, especially Kollidon 30 and Kollidon VA64 resulted in large granules. All binders, except Pharmacoat 606, led to a reduction of fines compared to granulation without a binder. The molecular weight of applied hyproloses did not appear as influential. Tableting required an upstream sieving step to remove overlarge granules. Tableting was possible for all formulations at sufficient compression pressure. Most binders resulted in comparable tensile strengths, while Pharmacoat 606 led to lower and lactose without a binder to the lowest tensile strength. Tablets without a binder disintegrated easily, whereas binder containing tablets of sufficient tensile strength often nearly failed or failed the disintegration test. Especially tablets containing Pharmacoat 606 and HPC SL‑FP disintegrated too slowly.

Psychosocial and physical long-term outcome in patients with a history of takotsubo cardiomyopathy or myocardial infarction - a multi-centered case control study

Physical long-term impacts of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC) remain controversial and an underestimation of their severity becomes increasingly evident. Even less is known about mental long-term impacts of TTC. This study aims at a better understanding of the physical and mental long-term effects of TTC in comparison to myocardial infarctions (MI). On average 5 years after disease onset, 68 TTC patients and 68 age- and sex-matched MI patients were assessed for disease-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, social support, resilience, and life events prior to disease onset. Scores of TTC and MI patients were compared to each other and to normative references values. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictive value of the number of life events prior to disease onset for physical and mental long-term outcomes. Both groups displayed higher scores in depression and anxiety, higher levels of chronic stress, and lower scores in physical and mental quality of life in comparison to norm samples, while social support did not differ from norms. No differences between the two patient groups were observed. Within both groups, the majority of patients (TTC: 69.1%; MI: 60.3%) reported stressful life events prior to disease onset. In TTCs and MIs, the number of events had a significant impact on long-term mental health and chronic stress. Notably, both patient collectives scored higher in resilience than healthy controls. Results suggest negative long-term impacts of TTC on mental and physical wellbeing, comparable to those of MI. Besides a good somatic-medical care, psychotherapeutic support, including the development of functional coping strategies, might be warranted for TTC patients. The long-term impact of TTC should be taken as serious as that of MI.

Expansion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Fixed-Bed Bioreactor System Based on Non-Porous Glass Carrier – Part B: Modeling and Scale-up of the System

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are a promising cell source for the manufacturing of cell therapy or tissue-engineered implants. In part A of this publication a fixed-bed bioreactor system based on non-porous borosilicate glass spheres and procedures for the automated expansion of hMSC with high yield and vitality was introduced. Part B of this study deals with the modeling of the process in order to transfer the bioreactor system from the laboratory to the production scale. Relevant model parameters were obtained by fitting them to the experimental data of hMSC-TERT cultivations in scales up to 300 cm3. Scale-up calculations were carried out exemplarily for a target cell number of twenty billion cells.

Matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation for reconstruction of articulating surfaces in the temporomandibular joint: a pilot study covering medium- and long-term outcomes of 6 patients

Objective

Matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation is routinely used in joints of the extremities but not in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Study Design

We report the first case series in 7 patients of a tissue engineering approach to regenerate severely degraded articulating surfaces in the TMJ by simultaneously completely resurfacing both the mandibular condyle and the articular eminence/glenoid fossa with a commercially available collagen sponge seeded with autologous cells stabilized within a fibrin matrix. To facilitate healing, we temporarily employed a silicone membrane to protect the engineered tissues. The indications for surgery were posttraumatic fibro-osseous ankylosis, ankylosing osteoarthritis, or late-stage osteoarthritis.

Results

Six of the patients were recalled for follow-up after 3 years 6 months to 12 years 1 month. The maximum incisal opening was 18.2 ± 9.2 mm (range, 9-33 mm) before and 31.2 ± 13.6 mm (range, 12-47 mm) at the latest follow-up. Histologic specimens taken at 4 months showed beginning differentiation of fibrocytes into chondrocytes, whereas at 3 and 11 years, mature hyaline cartilage—not typical for the TMJ—was present.

Conclusions

We conclude that the reconstruction of TMJ surfaces by matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation may become a routine method for cartilage regeneration in the TMJ in the future.

Akkermansia muciniphila: a novel functional microbe with probiotic properties

Akkermansia muciniphila is an intestinal anaerobe which has been proposed as a new functional microbe with probiotic properties. However, the species is not included in the European Union qualified presumption of safety (QPS) list and has not yet been assessed. Moreover, products containing A. muciniphila are not on the market and are thus controlled by the Novel Foods Regulation, which requires extensive safety assessment. This review addresses the safety aspects of the use of A. muciniphila based on published information on its functions in humans and predictions based on its activity in model animals. Further, comprehensive studies related to A. muciniphila and its safety properties have gradually appeared and are summarised here. Many of the criteria required for novel food safety assessment in Europe can thus be fulfilled. However, studies focusing on the toxicological properties of A. muciniphila, including long-term and reproduction studies, have not so far been reported and are discussed in the light of the observation that most, if not all, healthy subjects are known to carry this intestinal anaerobe. As this also applies to other beneficial bacteria found in the human intestinal tract, the A. muciniphila case can be seen as a model for the comprehensive safety evaluations required by the European authorities.

Therapeutic approach to target mesothelioma cancer cells using the Wnt antagonist, secreted frizzled-related protein 4: Metabolic state of cancer cells

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer, characterized by rapid progression, along with late metastasis and poor patient prognosis. It is resistant to many forms of standard anti-cancer treatment. In this study, we determined the effect of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4), a Wnt pathway inhibitor, on cancer cell proliferation and metabolism using the JU77 mesothelioma cell line. Treatment with sFRP4 (250 pg/ml) resulted in a significant reduction of cell proliferation. The addition of the Wnt activator Wnt3a (250 pg/ml) or sFRP4 had no significant effect on ATP production and glucose utilisation in JU77 cells at both the 24 and 48 h time points examined. We also examined their effect on Akt and Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) phosphorylation, which are both important components of Wnt signalling and glucose metabolism. We found that protein phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β varied over the 24h and 48 h time points, with constitutive phosphorylation of Akt at serine 473 (pAkt) decreasing to its most significant level when treated with Wnt3a+sFRP4 at the 24h time point. A significant reduction in the level of Cytochrome c oxidase was observed at the 48 h time point, when sFRP4 and Wnt3a were added in combination. We conclude that sFRP4 may function, in part, to reduce/alter cancer cell metabolism, which may lead to sensitisation of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics, or even cell death.

A new approach to measure sustainability in German facility management

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the development of an action and assessment framework to make sustainability in German facility management (FM) transparent, measurable and assessable.

Design/methodology/approach

– The underlying research project’s approach to develop the new action and assessment framework consisted of a three-step methodology: to define and substantiate sustainability in FM, to operationalise and quantify sustainability in FM and to validate the developed system draft through an initial pilot study.

Findings

– The main result of the presented research project is a set of 24 criteria, organised into the separate areas of environmental, economic and sociocultural quality, as well as the quality of FM organisation and the sustainability of building/contract-specific facility services. The assessment methodology reflects the strategic approach of a plan–do–check–act loop to create a transparent and objective appraisal and a practical action framework.

Research limitations/implications

– The outcome of the study is initially only a measurement and assessment framework. To transform the finalised system draft and assessment tool into a certification system, further steps of development are necessary.

Practical implications

– The newly developed action and assessment framework is able to cure the blind spot that the relevant players (building owners, users and service providers) suffer from while developing, purchasing and comparing concepts for sustainable FM. The results and practical experiences of its initial pilot study show that this new framework can make the building operation phase and its processes transparent, measurable and assessable.

Social implications

– The guideline is also able to establish a crucial basis for the development of corporate sustainability strategies and sustainability reporting. This is an important step in closing the existing gap in numerous corporate social responsibility reports.

Originality/value

– Due to its assessment methodology and the calibration of its criteria, this new action and assessment framework both diversifies and completes the range of existing sustainability certification systems.

Multi-lineage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells - To Wnt, or not Wnt

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent precursor cells originating from several adult connective tissues. MSCs possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into several lineages, and are recognized by the expression of unique cell surface markers. Several lines of evidence suggest that various signal transduction pathways and their interplay regulate MSC differentiation. To that end, a critical player in regulating MSC differentiation is a group of proteins encoded by the Wnt gene family, which was previously known for influencing various stages of embryonic development and cell fate determination. As MSCs have gained significant clinical attention for their potential applications in regenerative medicine, it is imperative to unravel the mechanisms by which molecular regulators control differentiation of MSCs for designing cell-based therapeutics. It is rather coincidental that the functional outcome(s) of Wnt-induced signals share similarities with cellular redox-mediated networks from the standpoint of MSC biology. Furthermore, there is evidence for a crosstalk between Wnt and redox signalling, which begs the question whether Wnt-mediated differentiation signals involve the intermediary role of reactive oxygen species. In this review, we summarize the impact of Wnt signalling on multi-lineage differentiation of MSCs, and attempt to unravel the intricate interplay between Wnt and redox signals.

In-vivo monitoring of acute DSS-Colitis using Colonoscopy, high resolution Ultrasound and bench-top Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Mice

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate (colour Doppler-) high-resolution-ultrasound (hrUS) and bench-top magnetic resonance imaging (btMRI) as new methods to monitor experimental colitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

hrUS, btMRI and endoscopy were performed in mice without colitis (n = 15), in mice with acute colitis (n = 14) and in mice with acute colitis and simultaneous treatment with infliximab (n = 19).

RESULTS

Determination of colon wall thickness using hrUS (32 MHz) and measurement of the cross-sectional colonic areas by btMRI allowed discrimination between the treatment groups (mean a vs. b vs. c - btMRI: 922 vs. 2051 vs. 1472 pixel, hrUS: 0.26 vs. 0.45 vs. 0.31 mm). btMRI, endoscopy, hrUS and colour Doppler-hrUS correlated to histological scoring (p < 0.05), while endoscopy and btMRI correlated to post-mortem colon length (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The innovative in vivo techniques btMRI and hrUS are safe and technically feasible. They differentiate between distinct grades of colitis in an experimental setting, and correlate with established post-mortem parameters. In addition to endoscopic procedures, these techniques provide information regarding colon wall thickness and perfusion. Depending on the availability of these techniques, their application increases the value of in vivo monitoring in experimental acute colitis in small rodents.

KEY POINTS

• Improved in vivo monitoring might balance interindividual differences in murine colitis. • In monitoring murine colitis, btMRI and hrUS are safe and technically feasible. • Very short examination times underline the usefulness especially of hrUS. • Results of btMRI and hrUS correlate with endoscopic and post-mortem findings.

Biofouling on polymeric heat exchanger surfaces with E. coli and native biofilms

The biofouling affinity of different polymeric surfaces (polypropylene, polysulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyether ether ketone) in comparison to stainless steel (SS) was studied for the model bacterium Escherichia coli K12 DSM 498 and native biofilms originating from Rhine water. The biofilm mass deposited on the polymer surfaces was minimized by several magnitudes compared to SS. The cell count and the accumulated biomass of E. coli on the polymer surfaces showed an opposing linear trend. The promising low biofilm formation on the polymers is attributed to the combination of inherent surface properties (roughness, surface energy and hydrophobicity) when compared to SS. The fouling characteristics of E. coli biofilms show good conformity with the more complex native biofilms investigated. The results can be utilized for the development of new polymer heat exchangers when using untreated river water as coolant or for other processes needing antifouling materials.

Neue Synthesewege zu neutralen gemischtsubstituierten Eisen-Schwefel-Clustern / Novel Synthetic Pathways to Neutral Mixed-Ligand Iron-Sulfur Clusters

The reaction of [Fe(NiSiMe3)2)2] with thiols RSH, elemental sulfur, and neutral ligands L (with sulfur donor atoms, e. g. thiourea derivatives) gives [Fe4S4(SR)2L2] clusters in high yields. The structure of [Fe4S4(2.4.6-(C3H7)3C6H2-S)2(dpdmi)2] (dpdmi: diisopropyldimethyl- imidazolthion) was determined by X-ray crystallography.

When [Fe4S4I4]2- is reacted with a large excess of PMePh2 or PMe2Ph [F6S6I2(PMePh2)4] and [Fe6S6l2(PMe2Ph)4]. respectively, are obtained in nearly quantitative yield. Basket-like structures of the [Fe6S6]2+ cores were detected by X-ray structure analysis. While [Fe4S4(SR)4]2- clusters do not react with phosphanes at ambient temperature 2:2 functional­ized species like [Fe4S4(SR)2(tmtu)2] lead to basket-type clusters [Fe6S6(SR)2(PR3)4].

Crystal Structure of (NH4)2[Mo3S(S2)6] Containing the Novel Isolated Cluster [MO3S13]2-

The novel tri-nuclear metal-sulfur cluster [Mo3S(S2)6]2- can be obtained as its ammonium salt by the reaction of a Moiv containing aqueous solutions with polysulfide. Its crystal and molecular structure has been determined by a single crystal X-ray study. The crystals are monoclinic (space group Cm, with a = 11.577(6) Å, b = 16.448(7) Å, c = 5.716(2) Å, β = 117.30(3)°, V = 967.2 Å3 , Z = 2, dexptl. = 2.54(2) g/cm3 , dcal = 2.54 g/cm3). The structure consists of isolated [Mo3S(S2)6]2- units, with three Mo atoms at the vertices of a triangle. There are bridging as well as terminal S2 2--ligands lying above and below the Mo3-plane (bond distances: Mo-Mo = 2.722 Å, Mo-S(terminal) = 2.435, Mo-S(bridging) = 2.452, Mo3-S = 2.353(4) Å and S-S = 2.04 Å (mean values)).

Effects of reduced nocturnal temperature on pig performance and energy consumption in swine nursery rooms

The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of a reduced nocturnal temperature (RNT) regimen on performance of weaned pigs and energy consumption during the nursery phase of production. The age of weaned pigs assigned to experiments ranged from 16 to 22 d. In Exp. 1, 3 stations conducted 2 trials under a common protocol that provided data from 6 control rooms (CON; 820 pigs) and 6 RNT rooms (818 pigs). Two mirror-image nursery rooms were used at each station. Temperature in the CON room was set to 30°C for the first 7 d, then reduced by 2°C per week through the remainder of the experiment. Room temperature settings were held constant throughout the day and night. The temperature setting in the RNT room was the same as CON during the first 7 d, but beginning on the night of d 7, the room temperature setting was reduced 6°C from the daytime temperature from 1900 to 0700 h. The use of heating fuel and electricity were measured weekly in each room. Overall, ADG (0.43 kg), ADFI (0.62 kg), and G:F (0.69) were identical for CON and RNT rooms. Consumption of heating fuel [9,658 vs. 7,958 British thermal units (Btu)·pig(-1)·d(-1)] and electricity (0.138 vs. 0.125 kilowatt-hour (kWh)·pig(-1)·d(-1)] were not statistically different for CON and RNT rooms, respectively. In Exp. 2, 4 stations conducted at least 2 trials that provided data from 9 CON rooms (2,122 pigs) and 10 RNT rooms (2,176 pigs). Experimental treatments and protocols were the same as Exp. 1, except that the RNT regimen was imposed on the night of d 5 and the targeted nighttime temperature reduction was 8.3°C. Neither final pig BW (21.8 vs. 21.5 kg; SE = 0.64), ADG (0.45 vs. 0.44 kg; SE = 0.016), ADFI (0.61 vs. 0.60 kg; SE = 0.019), nor G:F (0.75 vs. 0.75; SE = 0.012) were different for pigs housed in CON or RNT rooms, respectively. Consumption of heating fuel and electricity was consistently reduced in RNT rooms for all 4 stations. Consumption of heating fuel (10,019 vs. 7,061 Btu·pig(-1)·d(-1); SE = 1,467) and electricity (0.026 vs. 0.021 kWh·pig-1·d-1; SE = 0.004) were lower (P < 0.05) in the RNT rooms compared with CON rooms. This represents a 30% reduction in heating fuel use and a 20% reduction in electrical use with no differences in pig growth performance or health. From these experiments, we conclude that imposing a RNT regimen from 1900 to 0700 h is effective in reducing energy costs in the nursery without compromising pig performance, which will reduce production costs and decrease emissions of greenhouse gases.

Lysosomal dysfunction causes neurodegeneration in mucolipidosis II 'knock-in' mice

Mucolipidosis II is a neurometabolic lysosomal trafficking disorder of infancy caused by loss of mannose 6-phosphate targeting signals on lysosomal proteins, leading to lysosomal dysfunction and accumulation of non-degraded material. However, the identity of storage material and mechanisms of neurodegeneration in mucolipidosis II are unknown. We have generated 'knock-in' mice with a common mucolipidosis II patient mutation that show growth retardation, progressive brain atrophy, skeletal abnormalities, elevated lysosomal enzyme activities in serum, lysosomal storage in fibroblasts and brain and premature death, closely mimicking the mucolipidosis II disease in humans. The examination of affected mouse brains at different ages by immunohistochemistry, ultrastructural analysis, immunoblotting and mass spectrometric analyses of glycans and anionic lipids revealed that the expression and proteolytic processing of distinct lysosomal proteins such as α-l-fucosidase, β-hexosaminidase, α-mannosidase or Niemann-Pick C2 protein are more significantly impacted by the loss of mannose 6-phosphate residues than enzymes reaching lysosomes independently of this targeting mechanism. As a consequence, fucosylated N-glycans, GM2 and GM3 gangliosides, cholesterol and bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate accumulate progressively in the brain of mucolipidosis II mice. Prominent astrogliosis and the accumulation of organelles and storage material in focally swollen axons were observed in the cerebellum and were accompanied by a loss of Purkinje cells. Moreover, an increased neuronal level of the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 and the formation of p62-positive neuronal aggregates indicate an impairment of constitutive autophagy in the mucolipidosis II brain. Our findings demonstrate the essential role of mannose 6-phosphate for selected lysosomal proteins to maintain the capability for degradation of sequestered components in lysosomes and autophagolysosomes and prevent neurodegeneration. These lysosomal proteins might be a potential target for a valid therapeutic approach for mucolipidosis II disease.

Expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells in a fixed-bed bioreactor system based on non-porous glass carrier--part A: inoculation, cultivation, and cell harvest procedures

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are a promising cell source for several applications of regenerative medicine. The cells employed are either autologous or allogenic; by using stem cell lines in particular, allogenic cells enable the production of therapeutic cell implants or tissue engineered implants in stock. For these purposes, the generally small initial cell number has to be increased; this requires the use of bioreactors, which offer controlled expansion of the hMSC under GMP-conform conditions. In this study, divided into part A and B, a fixed bed bioreactor system based on non-porous borosilicate glass spheres for the expansion of hMSC, demonstrated with the model cell line hMSC-TERT, is introduced. The system offers convenient automation of the inoculation, cultivation, and harvesting procedures. Furthermore, the bioreactor has a simple design which favors its manufacturing as a disposable unit. Part A is focused on the inoculation, cultivation, and harvesting procedures. Cultivations were performed in lab scales up to a bed volume of 300 cm³. The study showed that the fixed bed system, based on 2-mm borosilicate glass spheres, as well as the inoculation, cultivation, and harvesting procedures are suitable for the expansion of hMSC with high yield and vitality.

Expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells in a fixed-bed bioreactor system based on non-porous glass carrier - Part B: Modeling and scale-up of the system

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are a promising cell source for the manufacturing of cell therapy or tissue-engineered implants. In part A of this publication a fixed-bed bioreactor system based on non-porous borosilicate glass spheres and procedures for the automated expansion of hMSC with high yield and vitality was introduced. Part B of this study deals with the modeling of the process in order to transfer the bioreactor system from the laboratory to the production scale. Relevant model parameters were obtained by fitting them to the experimental data of hMSC-TERT cultivations in scales up to 300 cm3. Scale-up calculations were carried out exemplarily for a target cell number of twenty billion cells.

Immune response of broiler chickens fed different levels of arginine and vitamin E to a coccidiosis vaccine and Eimeria challenge

One-day-old broiler chicks (n = 300) were orally vaccinated (Coccivac-B) and divided into 6 groups to evaluate Arg at 3 levels of supplementation, 0, 0.3, or 0.6% [normal level (NARG), medium level (MARG), or high level (HARG), respectively], and 2 levels of vitamin E (VE), 40 or 80 IU/kg of feed (VE40 or VE80, respectively), in a factorial experiment. Birds were reared in floor pens with fresh pine shavings and provided a corn-soybean-based diet and water ad libitum. At d 14, all chickens were orally challenged with a mixture of Eimeria field isolates (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella). In vitro heterophil and monocyte oxidative burst (HOB and MOB, respectively) was measured at d 21 from cells isolated from peripheral blood. Antibody levels (IgG, IgM, and IgA isotypes, ELISA) and NO were measured at d 14 and 28. The HOB was lower in birds fed the VE40 diets but was increased with the MARG and HARG treatments, whereas birds fed the VE80 diet had a higher HOB irrespective of Arg level. Birds fed the VE80 diet had high levels of MOB, which was not further improved by Arg, whereas birds fed the VE40-MARG diet had the highest MOB response. Plasma NO was not affected by diet at d 14, but at d 28, plasma NO was higher in birds fed the VE80-MARG or the VE40-NARG diet and lower in birds fed the VE80-NARG or the VE40-MARG diet. Birds fed the VE40-HARG or VE80-MARG diet had the highest IgG levels at d 14, but at d 28, birds fed the VE80-MARG diet had the highest IgG levels. The IgM concentration was lower in birds fed NARG levels irrespective of VE levels at d 14, but at d 28, IgM levels were higher in birds fed the VE40-HARG or the VE80-MARG feed. The IgA concentration was not consistently affected at d 14 or 28. These results suggest that Arg and VE fed at levels higher than those recommended by the NRC may play complementary roles on the innate and humoral immune response against an Eimeria challenge, potentially improving vaccine efficacy and response to field infections.

Use of Encapsulated Stem Cells to Overcome the Bottleneck of Cell Availability for Cell Therapy Approaches

Nowadays cell-based therapy is rarely in clinical practice because of the limited availability of appropriate cells. To apply cells therapeutically, they must not cause any immune response wherefore mainly autologous cells have been used up to now. The amount of vital cells in patients is limited, and under certain circumstances in highly degenerated tissues no vital cells are left. Moreover, the extraction of these cells is connected with additional surgery; also the expansion in vitro is difficult. Other approaches avoid these problems by using allo-or even xenogenic cells. These cells are more stable concerning their therapeutic behavior and can be produced in stock. To prevent an immune response caused by these cells, cell encapsulation (e.g. with alginate) can be performed. Certain studies showed that encapsulated allo- and xenogenic cells achieve promising results in treatment of several diseases. For such cell therapy approaches, stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells, are an interesting cell source. This review deals on the one hand with the use of encapsulated cells, especially stem cells, in cell therapy and on the other hand with bioreactor systems for the expansion and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in reproducible and sufficient amounts for potential clinical use.

Production process for stem cell based therapeutic implants: expansion of the production cell line and cultivation of encapsulated cells

Cell based therapy promises the treatment of many diseases like diabetes mellitus, Parkinson disease or stroke. Microencapsulation of the cells protects them against host-vs-graft reactions and thus enables the usage of allogenic cell lines for the manufacturing of cell therapeutic implants. The production process of such implants consists mainly of the three steps expansion of the cells, encapsulation of the cells, and cultivation of the encapsulated cells in order to increase their vitality and thus quality. This chapter deals with the development of fixed-bed bioreactor-based cultivation procedures used in the first and third step of production. The bioreactor system for the expansion of the stem cell line (hMSC-TERT) is based on non-porous glass spheres, which support cell growth and harvesting with high yield and vitality. The cultivation process for the spherical cell based implants leads to an increase of vitality and additionally enables the application of a medium-based differentiation protocol.

Observations on unaided smoking cessation after deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens

AIMS

We explore whether clinical research on deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) to treat addiction is justified besides theoretical speculation.

METHODS

Since 2004, 10 patients who were also smokers were treated at the University of Cologne for Tourette's syndrome (TS), obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) or anxiety disorders (AD) by DBS of the NAc. We assessed their smoking behavior after DBS and (in retrospection) before by the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and additional items.

RESULTS

Three male patients were able to quit smoking after DBS. They were less dependent and higher motivated compared to the rest of the sample. They are stimulated with a higher voltage. During 1-year, 2-year, and 30-month follow-ups, we found a higher rate of successful smoking cessation (20, 30 and 30%) compared to unaided smoking cessation in the general population (13, 19 and 8.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Albeit the results of the study are severely limited by the method of retrospective self-assessment of psychiatric patients, further research of DBS of the NAc to treat addiction seems justified. In addition to biological mediators, psychosocial factors should be assessed in further prospective studies.