Emergence and pandemic spread of small ruminant lentiviruses.

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) cause chronic, persistent infections in populations of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) worldwide. The vast majority of SRLV infections involve two genotypes (A and B) that spread in association with the emergence of global livestock trade. However, SRLVs have likely been present in Eurasian ruminant populations since at least the early Neolithic period. Here, we use phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches to reconstruct the origin of pandemic SRLV strains and infer their historical pattern of global spread. We constructed an open computational resource ('Lentivirus-GLUE') via which an up-to-date database of published SRLV sequences, multiple sequence alignments (MSAs), and sequence-associated metadata can be maintained. We used data collated in Lentivirus-GLUE to perform a comprehensive phylogenetic investigation of global SRLV diversity. Phylogenies reconstructed from genome-length alignments reveal that the deep divisions in the SRLV phylogeny are consistent with an ancient split into Eastern (A-like) and Western (B-like) lineages as agricultural systems disseminated out of domestication centres during the Neolithic period. These findings are also consistent with historical and phylogeographic evidence linking the early 20th century emergence of SRLV-A to the international export of Central Asian Karakul sheep. Investigating the global diversity of SRLVs can help reveal how anthropogenic factors have impacted the ecology and evolution of livestock diseases. The open resources generated in our study can expedite these studies and can also serve more broadly to facilitate the use of genomic data in SRLV diagnostics and research.

Precision of orthognathic digital plan transfer using patient-specific cutting guides and osteosynthesis versus mixed analogue-digitally planned surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Over the last decade, the accuracy of three-dimensional computer-assisted orthognathic surgery has been investigated extensively. The absence of high-quality controlled trials, limited number of studies overall, and methodological flaws have hindered its use in general clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of computer-assisted orthognathic surgery compared to the classic occlusal wafers. Eighteen patients were randomly allocated to two groups: CAD/CAM splints and patient-specific osteosynthesis were used for maxillary positioning in group 1; occlusal wafers fabricated on a semi-adjustable articulator were used in group 2. Patients were assessed for linear and angular deviations of maxillary position from the virtual plan using cone beam computed tomography scans. The CAD/CAM group showed mean deviations of 0.26mm vertically, 0.17mm anteroposteriorly, and 0.07mm mediolaterally, while the classic wafer group showed mean deviations of 1.45mm vertically, 1.31mm anteroposteriorly, and 0.71mm mediolaterally. Statistical analysis showed that the proposed workflow provided a significantly more accurate plan transfer compared to classic occlusal wafers. Despite the statistical significance, the clinical significance was less appreciated. However, this new technology facilitated cases with skeletal asymmetry, reduced operating times, and allowed a trainee surgeon to perform the procedure with great accuracy and minimal time. The main limitation was the high cost.

Production, formulation and antagonistic activity of the biocontrol like-yeast Aureobasidium pullulans against Penicillium expansum.

Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud (Ach 1-1) was grown in a glucose fed-batch fermentor to 106 g dry wt l(-1) in 48 h. The cells were dried in a fluidized bed dryer with a final viability of 62%. After 7 months at 4 degrees C, the viability was 28% of the initial value (= 2.3 x 10(10 )c.f.u. g(-1) dry matter). A protection level of 89% was achieved with the biomass preparation at 1 x 10(8 )c.f.u. ml(-1) after 28 and 7 days for apples stored respectively at 5 and 25 degrees C against Penicillium expansum. Our process is suitable to produce large quantities of the strain Ach 1-1 as biological control agent for apple preservation.

Selection of antagonists of postharvest apple parasites: Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea.

The objectives of this study were to constitute a collection of pathogenic agents of economic importance which cause losses of apple fruits after harvest namely Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum and to select in vivo efficient antagonistic strains able to protect fruits against both pathogens at 5 degrees C (P. expansum) and 25 degrees C (P. expansum & B. cinerea). Twenty strains of P. expansum and ten strains of B. cinerea have been isolated from infected apple fruits. Potential antagonistic micro-organisms (thirty three isolates) belonging to yeast, bacteria and fungi have been isolated from apple surface. Six of them (strains Ach1-1, Ach2-1, Ach2-2 belonging to Aureobasidium pullulans (De Bary) Arnaud, and strains 1112-3, 1113-10 and 1113-5 belonging to Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Am. v. pullulans) showed a high level of protection (more than 80%) at 25 degrees C. once inoculated with P. expansum or B. cinerea for 5 days. The highest level of protection against P. expansum (96%) was observed with the application of Ach 2-1. Six days after inoculation of B. cinerea, strains Ach 2-2 and Ach 2-1 insured 100% and 96% of protection, respectively. At lower temperature (5 degrees C), first symptoms of P. expansum appeared 13 days after its inoculation. Percentages of protection observed after apple treatment with one of the six antagonistic strains were ranged from 78% to 94% 20 days after P. expansum inoculation. Strains labelled Ach showed a protective level higher than 90% against this pathogen, followed by strain 1113-10 (90%), strain 1113-5 (89%) and strain 1112-3 (82%). At 26 days post-inoculation, levels of protection decreased but remained higher than 60% (more than 80% with strain Ach2-2 and strain 1113-5, 75% with strain Ach2-1 and 1113-10, 72% with ach1-1, 61% for the other strains). Strain Ach2-2 and 1113-10 were retained as the best antagonists for the subsequent studies.

Competent closure of chronic oroantral fistula with Zenoderm.

Ten patients suffered from chronic oroantral fistula had been closed with Zenoderm (lyophilized porcine dermis) covering the bony defects by 1-2 mm. The Zenoderm was covered by buccal sliding and rotating pedicle palatal flaps after complete resolution of sinusitis and/or infection of the fistula. In nine patients, competent closure of the fistula had been achieved also Zenoderm supported the flaps against negative or positive pressure from the sinus and supported the bony contour. In only one case the Zenoderm was expelled from the tissues due to infection which prevented healing of the flaps; this patient was controlled diabetic. The current study showed that Zenoderm had promising results in closing the chronic oroantral fistula.

Carcinogenesis of mouse submandibular salivary gland using DMBA implant.

Carcinogenesis of 35 ddy male mice submandibular salivary glands were attempted; using implants of a 1 mg (2 mm) prepared pellets of the potent chemical carcinogen 9, 10-dimethyl-1, 2-benzanthracene (DMBA) dry powder without a vehicle or carrier. This method appeared to be easy, fast and effective. Within a period ranging from 7-14 weeks; twenty animals developed epidermoid carcinoma (two of them developed squamous cell carcinoma of covering skin as well), and two animals developed mixed tumors (pleomorphic adenoma like tumor) but neither adenocystic carcinoma nor sarcoma were found, the results were adequately discussed.

Comparative study of meniscus replacement using autogenous auricular cartilage versus Zenoderm.

Twelve adult mongrel dogs were divided into two groups and were used in this study; to compare and to evaluate histologically in 3 months period; unilateral replacement of the dogs meniscus of temporomandibular joint with either autogenous cartilage of their external ears or with Zenoderm heterogeneous graft. Autogenous cartilage of the dogs ear was progressively replaced by fibrous tissue and its attachment to the lateral pterygoid muscle was started at the third month postoperatively. On the other hand, Zenoderm was replaced by vascular fibrous tissue and begun to attach to the lateral pterygoid muscle from the first month postoperatively and showed also good functional adaptation to the bony surfaces. In both grafts there were no changes of the bone architecture.

Uses of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in presurgical evaluation of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Nine cases of unilateral internal derangement of TMJ indicated for surgical intervention, were selected for this study. The affected joints were imaged by MRI presurgically. The non-affected joints were also imaged as controls. MRI findings were correlated with intraoperative surgical findings. The results were absolutely accurate as regards degenerative joint pathosis and capsular rupture, and with high degree of accuracy (85.7%) in detection of disc displacement. Two cases of disc perforation were not detected by MRI. The results were promising and encouraging the use of this noninvasive imaging technique as presurgical aid in TMJ disorders.