Leadless pacemaker implantation via the internal jugular vein.

BACKGROUND: Leadless pacemaker therapy was introduced to overcome lead- and pocket-related complications in conventional transvenous pacemaker therapy. Implantation via the femoral vein, however, may not always be feasible. The aim of this study was to evaluate leadless pacemaker implantation using a jugular vein approach and compare it to the standard implantation approach through the femoral vein. METHODS: The records of the first consecutive 100 patients undergoing MicraTM leadless pacemaker implantation via the right internal jugular vein from two centers were included in this study. Periprocedural safety and efficacy of the jugular approach were compared to the first 100 patients having undergone a femoral implantation approach at the University Hospital Zurich. RESULTS: 100 patients underwent successful implantation of a leadless pacemaker via the internal jugular vein (mean age, 81.18 ± 8.29, 60% males). Mean procedure time was 35.63 ± 10.29 min with a mean fluoroscopy time of 4.66 ± 5.16 min. The device was positioned at the inferior septum in 25 patients, at the high septum in 24 and mid-septum in 51 patients. The mean pacing threshold was 0.56 ± 0.35 V at 0.24 ms pulse width with a sensed amplitude of 10.0 ± 4.4 mV. At follow-up, electrical parameters remained stable in all patients. Compared with femoral implantation, patients undergoing jugular transvenous pacemaker implantation were of similar age and had similar comorbidities. Mean procedure- (48.9 ± 21.0 min) and fluoroscopy times (7.7 ± 7.8 minutes, both p <0.01) were shorter compared to the femoral approach. Electrical parameters were similar between the two approaches. There were only two complications during jugular veinous implantations (1 pericardial effusion and 1 dislocation), compared to 16 complications using the femoral approach (1 pericardial effusion, 2 femoral artery injuries and 13 major groin hematomas). CONCLUSION: The jugular approach may represent a safe and efficient alternative to the femoral implantation method for implantation of the Micra leadless pacemaker.

Comparative effectiveness of hand scaling by undergraduate dental students following a two-week pre-clinical training course.

BACKGROUND: The Bologna reform resulted in a drastic restructuring of pre-clinical training courses at the University of Zurich. The aim of this study was to assess student pre-clinical scaling/root planning skills after just 8.5 hours of manual training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three consecutive classes of dental students (n = 41; n = 34; n = 48) were tasked with removing lacquer concrement from the maxillary left canine on a typodont using Gracey and universal (Deppeler M23A) curettes. At baseline (prior to instruction), a timed five-minute session of scaling/root planning was undertaken. The second scaling/root planning session was held immediately following training. Eight experienced dental hygienists and eight lay people served as positive and negative controls, using the same instruments and time limit, respectively. Instrumented teeth were collected, scanned and planimetrically analysed for the percentage of tooth surface cleaned. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the dental students' improvement after the training (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and to compare it to that of laypeople and dental hygienists (Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test followed by Conover's post hoc test). RESULTS: At baseline, the dental students' mean scaling scores of the cleaned surfaces were not significantly different than those of laypeople (29.8%, 31.0%, 42% vs 27.9%). However, after 8.5 hours of manual training, the students' ability to clean the maxillary tooth improved significantly and they achieved mean removal values of 61.7%, 79.5% and 76% compared to the 67.4% (P < .001) of the experienced dental hygienists (Tables Tables  and ). There were no statistically significant differences between the scores achieved by students after training and those achieved by experienced dental hygienists. CONCLUSION: A shortened pre-clinical training time was sufficient for students to acquire the basic scaling/root planning skills needed in preparation for clinical training. Further research is needed to identify ways to help students consistently reach highest skill levels.

MicroRNAs 223-3p and 93-5p in patients with chronic kidney disease before and after renal transplantation.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a multifactorial dysregulation of bone and vascular calcification and closely linked to increased cardiovascular mortality and concomitant bone disease. We aimed to investigate specific microRNA (miRNA) signatures in CKD patients to find indicators for vascular calcification and/or bone mineralization changes during CKD and after kidney transplantation (KT). A miRNA array was used to investigate serum miRNA profiles in CKD patients, then selected miRNAs were quantified in a validation cohort comprising 73 patients in CKD stages 3 to 5, 67 CKD patients after KT, and 36 healthy controls. A spectrum of biochemical parameters including markers for kidney function, inflammation, glucose, and mineral metabolism was determined. The relative expression of miR-223-3p and miR-93-5p was down-regulated in patients with CKD stage 4 and 5 compared to healthy controls. This down-regulation disappeared after kidney transplantation even when lower glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) persisted. MiR-223-3p and miR-93-5p were associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and eGFR levels, and by trend with interleukin-8 (IL-8), C-peptide, hematocrit, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). This study contributes new knowledge of serum miRNA expression profiles in CKD, potentially reflecting pathophysiological changes of bone and calcification pathways associated with inflammation, vascular calcification, mineral and glucose metabolism. Identified miRNA signatures can contribute to future risk markers or future therapeutic targets in bone and kidney disease.

[Total artificial heart]. / Das komplett künstliche Herz.

BACKGROUND: To date the CardioWest™ total artificial heart is the only clinically available implantable biventricular mechanical replacement for irreversible cardiac failure. OBJECTIVES: This article presents the indications, contraindications, implantation procedere and postoperative treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In addition to a overview of the applications of the total artificial heart this article gives a brief presentation of the two patients treated in our department with the CardioWest™. RESULTS: The clinical course, postoperative rehabilitation, device-related complications and control mechanisms are presented. CONCLUSION: The total artificial heart is a reliable implant for treating critically ill patients with irreversible cardiogenic shock. A bridge to transplantation is feasible with excellent results.

Fabric-skin models to assess infection transfer for impetigo contagiosa in a kindergarten scenario.

Children in community bodies like kindergartens are predisposed to suffer from impetigo. To consider important measures for infection prevention, direct and indirect transmission routes of pathogens must be revealed. Therefore, we studied the role of skin and fabrics in the spread of the impetigo pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and the strain Streptococcus equi (surrogate to Streptococcus pyogenes) in order to assess infection transfer in realistic scenarios. The transmission of test strains was studied with standardized fabric-skin models using a technical artificial skin and fabrics of different fiber types commonly occurring in German kindergartens. In synthetic pus, both test strains persisted on artificial skin and fabrics for at least 4 h. Friction enhanced transfer, depending on the fiber type or fabric construction. In a skin-to-skin setup, the total transfer was higher than via fabrics and no decrease in the transmission rates from donor to recipients could be observed after successive direct skin contacts. Children in kindergartens may be at risk of transmission for impetigo pathogens, especially via direct skin contact, but also by the joint use of fabrics, like towels or handicraft materials. Fabric-skin models used in this study enable further insight into the transmission factors for skin infections on the basis of a practical approach.

In vitro evaluation of a novel biofilm remover.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel device for its efficacy in removing experimental biofilm from root surfaces and its potential for concomitantly removing/roughening the surface substance. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A novel acrylic rotary device (biofilm remover, BR) was tested in vitro in three experiments: surface loss, surface roughness [positive controls: Perioset (PS) and Proxoshape (PR)] and biofilm removal [positive controls: ultrasonic (US) and PS]. Surface loss/surface roughness was evaluated for dentin samples instrumented for three 20 s periods. The calcium removed during instrumentation was analysed after each interval and cumulatively, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Surface roughness was measured using profilometric analysis. Biofilm removal was evaluated on dentin specimens coated with a 64.5 h 6-species in vitro formed biofilm, after one 20 s treatment. Surface loss was analysed using anova with Scheffé post hoc test, and surface roughness/biofilm removal was analysed using Mann-Whitney test (all P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Significantly less substance loss [µg (± 1 SD)] was observed with the novel device at all time points, both interval and cumulative (1.0 (± 0.5) versus 9.3 (± 3.2) PS and 9.9 (± 1.9) PR at 60 s). Surface roughness [µm (95% CI)] was significantly lower for BR than for PS and PR [0.00 (-0.01, 0.08) 0.20 (0.16, 0.27) and 0.21 (0.19, 0.24) at 60 s]. Significantly less biofilm bacteria remained after treatment with both BR 4.5 (-0.1, 16.2) and US 1.9 (-0.2, 14.3), compared to PS 52 (27.9, 82.1). CONCLUSIONS: The novel biofilm remover was less damaging to dentin surfaces, while removing biofilm at least as effectively as devices used in this study.

Testosterone to dihydrotestosterone ratio as a new biomarker for an adverse metabolic phenotype in the polycystic ovary syndrome.

CONTEXT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disease with many different aspects, including hyperandrogenism and metabolic disturbances. Clinical phenotypes show different patterns of steroid hormones that have been investigated to some extent. OBJECTIVE: This study intended to determine the role of the testosterone (TT) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) ratio (TT/DHT ratio) in PCOS patients and to further assess the correlation of this ratio with hormonal, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters. DESIGN AND SETTING: Serum samples of 275 premenopausal PCOS patients fulfilling Rotterdam criteria and 35 BMI-matched, premenopausal, healthy controls were analyzed for testosterone, DHT, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured total levels of testosterone and DHT and calculated unbound hormone levels as well as the ratio of testosterone to DHT. Further, impaired glucose tolerance, basal and stimulated serum insulin levels, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance according to the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) were assessed. RESULTS: PCOS patients showed significantly higher levels of TT (P < .001), free testosterone (P < .001), and free DHT (P < .001) compared to healthy controls. The TT/DHT ratio was significantly higher in PCOS patients (P < .001). No difference was found for total DHT levels (P = .072). In PCOS patients alone, the TT/DHT ratio was significantly higher in obese patients (P < .001) and patients with metabolic syndrome (P < .001), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (P < .001) or insulin resistance (P < .001). Significant correlations of the TT/DHT ratio with various adverse anthropometric, hormonal, lipid and liver parameters and parameters of glucose metabolism were found. CONCLUSION: Our data provide evidence for a strong link between a high TT/DHT ratio and an adverse metabolic phenotype in PCOS patients. This correlation was only found in PCOS patients, suggesting the TT/DHT ratio to be a new biomarker for an adverse metabolic phenotype in PCOS patients.

Testicular synthesis and vitamin D action.

CONTEXT: The vitamin D system has pleiotropic effects not only in bone metabolism. Its role in testicular steroidogenesis is new and deserves intensive research. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that vitamin D, especially 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3 (calcitriol)] induces male steroidogenesis and intend to identify its impact on genes and pathways in testicular androgen regulation. METHODS: Human adult primary testicular cells were isolated, treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, and their gene expression levels profiled by microarray analysis. Highly regulated genes were confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR. In addition, the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in combination with LH and IGF-I on the gene expression level of androgens were assessed. T levels in the culture media were determined by a high-resolution ELISA. The expression of vitamin D receptor was confirmed at baseline and after 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulation using immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Microarrays depicted 63 genes significantly regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3, including genes related to male androgen and vitamin D metabolism, mainly triggered by the vitamin D receptor/retinoid X receptor activation. 1,25(OH)2D3 led to significant changes in the expression profiles of reproductive genes and significantly increased T synthesis in human testicular cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Data from our human primary testicular cell culture model suggest that vitamin D plays a major role in male steroidogenesis in vitro.

Odontogenic deep neck space infection as life-threatening condition in pregnancy.

Odontogenic deep neck space infections represent a severe disease with possible life-threatening complications. Despite knowledge of these infectious diseases, treatment remains a challenge for every maxillofacial surgeon. Therapy of severe neck infections is even more crucial during pregnancy because of the possible life-threatening situation for both the mother and the foetus. The possible compromise of oral health during pregnancy is well known, however severe odontogenic infections are rarely considered in the literature. The following case report describes the dramatic course of a deep neck space infection in a pregnant patient, commencing with typical symptoms of localized odontogenic infection and ending in a critical, life-threatening condition for the patient and a lethal condition for the foetus. The case represents the first description of intrauterine, foetal death caused by a deep neck space infection. Implications for dental and medical treatment during pregnancy, especially regarding odontogenic infections, are presented and discussed with findings in the international literature.

Comparison of marginal bleeding using a periodontal probe or an interdental brush as indicators of gingivitis.

AIM: To compare the use of interdental brushes to a periodontal probe in assessing marginal bleeding, in natural gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four consecutive volunteers presenting with gingival inflammation were recruited at their semi-annual recall appointments for this study. All had ≥50% papillary height and no pocketing that exceeded 4 mm. Contra-lateral quadrants (1 & 3 or 2 & 4) were randomly tested for bleeding with one pass-through with an interdental brush or with a periodontal probe inserted 2 mm into the gingival sulcus. The presence or absence of both bleeding and plaque were then recorded. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the interdental brushes and the periodontal probe, and the plaque and bleeding scores. RESULTS: The periodontal probe and the interdental brushes showed mean average bleeding scores of 47.39% and 45.74% respectively. The correlation coefficient for the two methods was 0.73 (P < 0.0001). No correlation between plaque and bleeding was found. CONCLUSIONS: Interdental brushes can be considered a valid alternative to a periodontal probe in assessing marginal bleeding in gingivitis patients. An interdental brush, sized correctly for each interdental space, is easy to handle, atraumatic to the papillae and will allow gingivitis patients to monitor their own progress, while at the same time performing a beneficial oral hygiene procedure and removing any interdental plaque present.

Biofilm reduction and staining potential of a 0.05% chlorhexidine rinse containing essential oils.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the biofilm reduction and discolouration potential of a new 0.05% chlorhexidine (CHX) digluconate solution, containing additional essential oil and alcohol components, compared with that of standard control CHX solutions (0.05% and 0.2% CHX). METHODS: The potential to reduce total viable counts of growing mixed microbial populations was examined using the Zurich biofilm model. Biofilms were created on sterile pellicle-coated hydroxyapatite discs and exposed to test substances at different time points. After 64.5 h, mean colony-forming units and SDs were determined. Colour change measurements using light reflection analysis were carried out on saliva preconditioned bovine dentin and enamel samples, as well as on composite and glass ceramic restorative materials, after successive immersions in a standardized tea brew and the CHX solutions. RESULTS: The test solution was able to reduce biofilm formation by 3 log steps compared with a negative (water) control. This was significantly less effective than the standard control CHX solutions, which reduced viable counts by 6 log steps. Both the test and control solutions exhibited staining on all surfaces. Staining was most pronounced on dentin, followed by enamel and to a significantly lesser degree on the restorative materials. Furthermore, the staining caused by the test solution on these restorative materials was generally lower than that caused by the control solutions. CONCLUSIONS: The test solution exhibited an antimicrobial activity. The composition, however, seems to hamper its effectiveness. Accordingly, it produced statistically significant, although by trend less, staining on restorative materials.

Hunter syndrome (Muccopolysaccharridosis Type II) in Macedonia and Bulgaria.

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II) is caused by a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS; EC 3.1.6.13). METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe 11 boys from Bulgaria and Macedonia detected in the period from 1998 to 2008. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.77+/-1.29 years. All children were severely retarded: IQ ranged from 34-80, and they all had coarse faces and hepatomegaly. In addition, splenomegaly was found in 81.81% patients, dysostosis in 45.45%, kyphosis in 27.27%, deafness in 18.08%, growth below the third percentile in 45.45%, growth below the parental target height in all patients, stiff joints in 56.56% and hypertrophic myocardiopathy in 18.18% children. Two patients died at the age of 11 and 35 years. Plasma iduronate-2-sulfatase was low in all probands and normal in parents and relatives. Two new mutations were discovered: p.K236N (c.708G>C) in a child with a moderately severe phenotype, and p.Q80K (c.238C>A) which resulted in a severe phenotype and early death at the age of 11 years. Heterozygote carriers of the pathogenic allele were 29 female relatives. The calculated incidence rate for MPS II in Macedonia (censuses 1994 and 2002, children under 14 years: 483,923 and 426,280) and Bulgaria (censuses 1992 and 2006, children under 14 years: 1 126, 598 and 1,077,020) are 0.36 and 0.46 respectively, while the calculated prevalence rate are 3.6 and 4.6 per 1,000,000 boys (aged 0-14 years). Correlating phenotype and genotype remains a complex endeavour. CONCLUSIONS: We report calculated incidence and prevalence rates in two South Eastern European countries, and 2 novel genetic alterations correlated with their phenotypes.

Evaluation of the tissue toxicity of antiseptics by the hen's egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane (HETCAM).

BACKGROUND: Antiseptics are frequently used for the prophylaxis and treatment of local infections of chronic wounds. Whereas local antiseptics in general have a positive effect on wound healing an uncritical use may impair wound healing due to toxic side effects. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the vascular irritation potential of different antiseptic solutions and ointments commonly used for short and long term application as a measure of tissue toxicity. METHOD: The vascular irritation was evaluated by the hen's egg test (HET) on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The effects on the vessels of a mucous membrane were directly assessed by stereomicroscopic observation in vivo. RESULTS: Severe CAM irritation was observed after short-term applications of 1% octenidin-2HCl (Octenisept), 72% isopropanol (Cutasept), 0.35% chloroxylenol (Dettol) and 10% PVP-I ointment (Betaisodona). Medium irritations were observed for 10% PVP-I solution (Betaisodona), 3% lysosomal PVP-I ointment (Repithel), 1.8% cadexomer-iodine ointment (Iodosorb) and 1% cadexomer-iodine pellets (Iodosorb). Finally, slight irritations were observed for 1% PVP-I solution (Betaisodona), 0.1% polyhexanid plus betain (Prontosan) and 1% silver-sulfadiazine ointment (Flammazine), whereas 0.04% polyhexanid solution (Lavanid), washings from sterile maggots of Lucilia sericata and filtrated enzymes from Clostridium histolyticum (Iruxol-N) showed no effects of irritation. In the long-term approaches, no vascular irritations were found for polyhexanid, washings from Lucilia sericata and enzyme filtrations from Clostridium histolyticum. CONCLUSION: The vascular injuries caused by the studied antiseptics are an indirect indicator of their tissue toxicity. Strikingly, even therapeutic substances, which have been regarded as safe in their application for the treatment of chronic wounds in clinical studies, showed severe irritations on the CAM. We suggest that agents with no or low irritation potential on the CAM should be preferred in the clinical practice in order to obtain optimal results.

Phenotype determining alleles in GM1 gangliosidosis patients bearing novel GLB1 mutations.

GM1 gangliosidosis manifests with progressive psychomotor deterioration and dysostosis of infantile, juvenile, or adult onset, caused by alterations in the structural gene coding for lysosomal acid beta-galactosidase (GLB1). In addition, allelic variants of this gene can result in Morquio B disease (MBD), a phenotype with dysostosis multiplex and entire lack of neurologic involvement. More than 100 sequence alterations in the GLB1 gene have been identified so far, but only few could be proven to be predictive for one of the GM1 gangliosidosis subtypes or MBD. We performed genotype analyses in 16 GM1 gangliosidosis patients of all phenotypes and detected 28 different genetic lesions. Among these, p.I55FfsX16, p.W65X, p.F107L, p.H112P, p.C127Y, p.W161X, p.I181K, p.C230R, p.W273X, p.R299VfsX5, p.A301V, p.F357L, p.K359KfsX23, p.L389P, p.D448V, p.D448GfsX8, and the intronic mutation IVS6-8A>G have not been published so far. Due to their occurrence in homozygous patients, four mutations could be correlated to a distinct GM1 gangliosidosis phenotype. Furthermore, the missense mutations from heteroallelic patients and three artificial nonsense mutations were characterized by overexpression in COS-1 cells, and the subcellular localization of the mutant proteins in fibroblasts was assessed. The phenotype specificity of 10 alleles can be proposed on the basis of our results and previous data.

Effects of quetiapine on cognitive functions in schizophrenic patients: a preliminary single-trial ERP analysis.

AIM: The study aimed to explore by means of single-trial event-related potentials (ERPs), whether and how the medication change from older neuroleptics to quetiapine in schizophrenic patients led to a significant cognitive enhancement. This single-trial ERP analysis helps to investigate attention and memory processes in the single patient before and after treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen schizophrenic patients (mean age: 40.1+/-13.5 years) were followed up for 16 weeks and assessed for changes of clinical symptoms and ERP components P300 representing target detection processes and N400 indexing context integration in word recognition processes. Three subjects had to be excluded from the ERP recording sessions because of excessive blink artefacts and movements. RESULTS: Regarding the P300 components of the target detection, there were significant increases of amplitudes in 5 of 10 patients (50%) at week 16 comparing with week 0. Regarding the N400 components of the word recognition, there were significant increases of amplitudes in 4 of 10 patients (40%) at week 16 comparing with week 0. DISCUSSION: The mean scores of PANSS, MADRS, Bf-S, SCL-90 and CGI-S at the end of study (week 16) showed significant improvements compared to the baselines (week 0) (p<0.05). During the study, no extrapyramidal symptoms as well as akathisia were reported after quetiapine treatment. These preliminary data suggest that quetiapine might partially improve the cognitive functions in the context integration and target detection processing in these patients. This technical procedure (single-trial ERP) may help to differentially assess cognitive enhancements in each single patient under treatment.

Selective iNOS-inhibition does not influence apoptosis in ruptured canine cranial cruciate ligaments.

Abnormal patterns of cell death, including increased apoptosis, can influence homeostasis of ligaments and could be involved in the pathogenesis of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. Increased nitric oxide (NO) production has been implicated as a stimulus to increased apoptosis in articular cartilage. This study investigated apoptotic cell death in ruptured canine CCL (CCL group, n = 15), in ruptured CCL of dogs treated with oral L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (L-NIL), a selective NO-synthetase(NOS)-inhibitor, (L-NIL group, n = 15) and compared the results with normal canine CCL (control group, n = 10). Orally administered L-NIL at a dosage of 25mg/m2 of body surface area was effective in inhibiting NO production in the articular cartilage of dogs in the L-NIL group, but it did not significantly influence the increased quantity of apoptotic cells found in ruptured CCL specimens. The results of this study suggest that apoptosis of ligamentocytes in the canine CCL is not primarily influenced by increased NO production within the stifle joint.

A variation of the radial artery and its clinical implications for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Since the radial artery is increasingly harvested as a bypass graft, surgeons are confronted with its anatomical variations. We report on a radial artery running laterally around the distal part of the radius, while a superficial palmar branch is running straight down. The radial artery can be dissected distally to get enough length for the bypass graft, but attention has to be paid to the superficial branch of the radial nerve running nearby to prevent postoperative paresthesias and numbness. The superficial palmar branch of the radial artery can be ligated. Allen's test in such a case is not valid because it is always negative.

Stainless steel sponge: a novel carrier for the immobilisation of the white-rot fungus Trametes hirsuta for decolourization of textile dyes.

Alginate beads, polyurethane foam, nylon sponge and stainless steel sponge were tested as carrier materials for the white-rot fungus Trametes hirsuta for laccase production under submerged fermentation conditions. Stainless steel sponge was the best carrier material leading to the highest laccase activities of up to 800 U/l after 8 days of cultivation. These values are higher than those reported to date operating with inert supports and without inducer addition. In a 1-l bioreactor containing T. hirsuta immobilised on stainless steel sponge laccase activities of about 2200 U/l were obtained when the culture medium was supplemented with 1 mM copper sulphate. There were no operational problems with this system during culturing time. The textile dye Indigo Carmine was almost totally degraded in 3 days by T. hirsuta grown in this bioreactor, while Lanaset Marine was degraded in two successive batches, reaching in the first batch a decolourization percentage of about 82% in 15 h and in the second one by 71% in 28 h. Results obtained after inhibition of growth of T. hirsuta by antibiotics indicated that dye decolourization could not exclusively be attributed to laccase activity.

Chemistry and biology of thiamethoxam: a second generation neonicotinoid.

Thiamethoxam is the first commercial neonicotinoid insecticide from the thianicotinyl subclass. It was discovered in the course of our optimisation program on neonicotinoids started in 1985. Novel variations of the nitroimino-heterocycle of imidacloprid led to 4-nitroimino-1,3,5-oxadiazinanes exhibiting high insecticidal activity. Among these, thiamethoxam (CGA 293433) was identified as the best compound and selected for worldwide development. The compound can be synthesised in only a few steps and high yield from easily accessible starting materials. Thiamethoxam acts by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It exhibits exceptional systemic characteristics and provides excellent control of a broad range of commercially important pests, such as aphids, jassids, whiteflies, thrips, rice hoppers, Colorado potato beetle, flea beetles and wireworms, as well as some lepidopteran species. In addition, a strong preventative effect on some virus transmissions has been demonstrated. Thiamethoxam is developed both for foliar/soil applications and as a seed treatment for use in most agricultural crops all over the world. Low use rates, flexible application methods, excellent efficacy, long-lasting residual activity and favourable safety profile make this new insecticide well-suited for modern integrated pest management programmes in many cropping systems.

[Marginal fit of dental restorations and the periodontium in Swiss army recruits]. / Restaurationsrandschlusse und Parodont bei Schweizer Rekruten.

The present study analyzed the relationship between periodontal health adjacent to filled and unfilled tooth sites in young men (recruits). The status of oral health of 419 Swiss army recruits, aged 19 to 20 years was assessed by determining Plaque Index (PI), Retention Index (RI) and Gingival Index (GI) as well as Pocket Probing Depth (PPD) and Probing Attachment Loss (PAL). In addition, the level of alveolar bone was measured using digitized bite-wing radiographs with an enlargement of 4.5x. Filling margins were assessed and the distance between the alveolar bone crest and the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) measured to the nearest one tenth of a millimeter. These data were compared with the clinical parameters. A total of 8'050 sites were examined. 765 or 9.5 of the sites in the posterior area were filled. 119 of them showed filling overhangs larger than 0.2 mm. Thus, 1.5 % of the examined sites had a significant overhanging margin. All clinical parameters had greater values at filled than at unfilled sites. The differences were statistically not significant. Even the sites with margins overhanging more than 0.8 mm (n=14) did not show significantly different parameters compared to unfilled sites. The comparison with a similar study involving recruits 11 years earlier assessed that the recruits of 1996 had less and smaller filling overhangs. This, in turn, means that, in Switzerland restorative dentistry in young males has been markedly improved during the 1980's and 1990's.