The Dimensions of Expansion: report of the 2007 NZAO Symposium.

The biennial symposium of the Education, Research and Development Group (ERDG) of the New ZealandAssociation of Orthodontists (NZAO) was held in Queenstown on August 17 and 18, 2007. Following a well-tested format, the symposium considered the effects of expansion of the dental arches in the three planes of space and over time, a timely but difficult topic given the current fashion to avoid the extraction of teeth to correct dental crowding. The findings reported here represent the consensus reached by delegates attending the symposium.

Chromosome 3p allele loss in early invasive breast cancer: detailed mapping and association with clinicopathological features.

AIMS: Chromosome 3p allele loss is a frequent event in many common sporadic cancers including lung, breast, kidney, ovarian, and head and neck cancer. To analyse the extent and frequency of 3p allelic losses in T1N0 and T1N1 invasive sporadic breast cancer, 19 microsatellite markers spread along 3p were analysed in 40 such breast carcinomas with known clinicopathological parameters. METHODS: Loss of heterozygosity analysis was carried out using 3p microsatellite markers that were non-randomly distributed and chosen to represent regions that show hemizygous and/or homozygous losses in lung cancer (lung cancer tumour suppressor gene region 1 ( LCTSGR1) at 3p21.3 and LCTSGR2 at 3p12), and regions demonstrating suppression of tumorigenicity in breast, kidney, lung, and ovarian cancer. RESULTS: Allelic loss was seen at one or more loci in 22 of these clinically early stage sporadic breast tumours, but none had complete 3p allele loss. Several regions with non-overlapping deletions were defined, namely: (1) 18 tumours showed loss at 3p21-22, a physical distance of 12 Mb; (2) 11 tumours showed loss at 3p12 within a physical distance of 1 Mb, this region is contained within LCTSGR2; (3) six tumours showed loss at 3p25-24, including the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) locus; (4) five tumours showed loss at 3p14.2, including the fragile histidine triad (FHIT) locus. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date defining the extent and range of 3p allelic losses in early stage invasive breast cancer and the results indicate that region 3p21-22 containing LCTSGR1 and a region at 3p12 within LCTSGR2 are the most frequent sites of 3p allelic loss in these breast carcinomas. This suggests that tumour suppressor genes located in these regions may play important roles in the development of breast cancer. There was an association between increasing 3p allelic loss and increasing tumour grade and loss of progesterone (p = 0.0098) and oestrogen (p = 0.0472) receptor expression, indicating a link between 3p allelic loss and the regulation of differentiation.

Aspects of professional development of orthodontists in New Zealand.

Strategic planning, service development, and management by objective are approaches usually associated with corporate business. However, the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) is using them successfully in responding to the rapidly changing legislative, professional, and commercial environment in this country. This report gives an account of an initiative taken by NZAO in response to such changes to strengthen the professional development of practising orthodontists in New Zealand. This involved setting up a group within the Association to organise a meeting on a key issue in clinical orthodontics, using a workshop format to promote discussion and debate in place of the passive reception of information characteristic of most professional meetings. It also sought to test the feasibility of having a live keynote presentation via video-teleconference link from a speaker in the United States.

Pernin: a novel, self-aggregating haemolymph protein from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus (Bivalvia: Mytilidae).

A protein, designated pernin, found in the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, comprises almost all of the protein in cell-free haemolymph. It occurs as large, aggregate structures of several hundred units resembling small virus-like particles. Pernin is a non-pigmented, glycosylated protein, composed of 497 amino acids, which has an estimated molecular mass of 60 kDa. It is exceptionally rich in histidine (13.7%) and aspartic acid (12.3%), amino acids both known to participate in the binding of divalent metal cations. In addition, pernin has serine protease inhibitor activity, likely due to a sequence of eight N-terminal amino acid residues, separated from the remainder of the protein via a histidine-aspartate spacer. The pernin monomer comprises three regions of obvious sequence duplication. These make up approximately 95% of the pernin molecule and have sequences clearly homologous to the active-site domain of Cu-Zn SODs (superoxide dismutases). Despite several of the metal ion co-ordinating histidine residues being retained, pernin contains no Cu or Zn. It is, however, associated with Fe with an apparent stoichiometry of 1 atom of Fe to 6 molecules of pernin. Since pernin has no demonstrable SOD activity, these SOD-derived sequences presumably have been modified for another function.

Comparison of pathological and biological features of symptomatic and mammographically detected ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast.

To determine whether the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) detected mammographically or presenting clinically is the same or differs, pathological and biological (c-erbB-2 and p53 detection) features of 79 cases of pure DCIS, 5 cases with microinvasion and 8 cases with 1 to 2 mm of invasion, all detected by mammography, have been compared with 59 cases of pure DCIS, 8 cases with microinvasion and 7 cases with 1 to 2 mm invasion, all of which presented clinically. Half of the mammographically detected group were smaller than 20 mm, and there was a higher incidence of these being low grade, whereas 30% of the symptomatic cases were smaller than 20 mm, and more of this group were larger than 50 mm. For the pure DCIS, there were less high-grade and more intermediate-grade cases in the mammographically detected group, although the incidence of low grade was similar between the two groups. There were more cases with a micropapillary pattern in the symptomatic group. C-erbB-2 protein was detected in 42% of the mammographically detected cases, whereas 59% of the symptomatic cases had c-erbB-2 reactivity. P53 detection was similar for both groups (33.0% and 37.0%). There were more symptomatic cases with invasion, and these were predominantly high grade, whereas the mammographically detected cases were both high and intermediate grade. Twelve of the 15 symptomatic cases with invasion expressed c-erbB-2, in comparison with 4 of the 13 mammographically detected cases, with half of the high-grade lesions in the latter group being negative. This study has shown that although there is overlap of pathological and biological features between DCIS presenting clinically and that detected mammographically, there can be differences in extent, grade, and invasion. The impact of this, however, can be determined only by clinical follow-up.

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor mRNA and protein in primary breast carcinomas.

The expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA and protein has been determined in a group of breast carcinomas and compared to oestrogen and progesterone receptor (ER, PgR) status, as well as pathological features. In situ hybridization using a digoxigenin-labelled oligonucleotide probe was applied to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections, and immunohistochemistry was used to determine EGFR protein. EGFR mRNA was detected in 66% of carcinomas with a third having labelling similar to normal breast tissue, 22% heterogeneous weak to strong labelling, and 11% strong labelling. EGFR protein was detected in 36% and these tumours had a strong correlation to lack of ER and high histological grade. The presence of EGFR protein was strongly correlated with more intense labelling for EGFR mRNA (p < 0.0001). This contrasted with normal breast in which both EGFR protein and mRNA were present with varying degrees in both tumours and a normal breast control. The ER-/PgR- carcinomas showed the full range of EGFR mRNA labelling. It is postulated that oestrogen or oestrogen regulated proteins are involved in regulation of EGFR mRNA and protein. In a proportion of tumours lacking steroid receptors regulation is lost, leading to EGFR overexpression.

Breast carcinomas occurring in young women (< 35 years) are different.

One hundred and sixty-three breast carcinomas occurring in women aged between 26 and 44 years were examined for pathological features, oestrogen and progesterone receptor status, proliferation as determined by Ki-67 labelling and the presence of c-erbB-2 and p53 protein, and were compared with a control group of carcinomas from women in the 50-67 years age group. Carcinomas occurring in women aged under 35 years had a significantly high incidence of being poorly differentiated and of having high proliferation rates. This group also had a significantly high incidence of p53 protein staining. Carcinomas in the under 30 years age group had a lower incidence of oestrogen and progesterone receptor positivity. No differences were found in c-erbB-2-positive staining between the groups. Infiltrating lobular carcinomas were only identified in women aged 40 years and over. There was a higher incidence of a family history in the 35-44 years age group (18%) than in the under 35 years age group (11%). Breast carcinomas occurring in women aged under 35 years are more aggressive. An important finding is the high incidence of p53 positivity, which may indicate genetic instability.

The production of cricket paralysis virus in suspension cultures of insect cell lines.

The yields of cricket paralysis virus from two insect cell lines propagated in suspension culture were examined. Although Trichoplusia ni (TN368) cells produced more virus per cell than Drosophila line 2 (DL2) cells, the smaller DL2 cells reached a higher cell density. Thus the difference in production between TN368 and DL2 cultures was minimal. In mixed infections of Flock House virus and cricket paralysis virus (CrPV), CrPV was the predominant virus produced despite being present at a much lower multiplicity of infection.

A combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery approach to the treatment of extreme anterior open bite in an adult.

This report describes a combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery approach to the treatment of open bite in an adult female. An aesthetically pleasing and stable result was achieved in which the Intercuspal and Retruded Contact Positions were coincident. The functioning occlusion exhibited bilateral canine rise and an absence of non-working-side interferences on lateral excursion. Incisal guidance with disclusion of the posterior occlusal surfaces occurred on protrusive function. There were no signs or symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction before or after treatment.

Relationship of transforming growth factor beta 1 to extracellular matrix and stromal infiltrates in invasive breast carcinoma.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) comprises a group of multifunctional regulatory proteins, whose effects include stimulation of extracellular matrix formation and modification of immune function. The presence of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 in invasive breast carcinomas has been determined and related to pathological features, the presence of fibronectin and tenascin and lymphocyte/macrophage infiltration, using immunohistochemistry. Differences were observed in the extent of reactivity within the same carcinoma and between tumours stained with an antibody detecting TGF-beta 1 ane one detecting TGF-beta plus TGF-beta 2, the latter having a higher level of reactivity. Prominent reactivity for TGF-beta 1 was associated with lymph node metastasis, (0.02 > P > 0.01), increased detection of cellular fibronectin, fine stromal fibronectin staining, more prominent reactivity for tenascin (0.02 > P > 0.01), the presence of tumour-associated macrophage infiltration and altered ratios of CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte populations, with CD8 lymphocytes predominating. These associations were not observed for carcinomas showing prominent staining with antibody detecting TGF-beta 2 as well as TGF-beta 1. The findings indicate that TGF-beta 1 may have a role in invasion and metastasis of breast carcinomas.

Expression of the pS2 peptide in primary breast carcinomas: comparison of membrane and cytoplasmic staining patterns.

The pS2 protein is oestrogen-regulated in breast cancer cell lines. Previous studies have shown a relationship to oestrogen receptor in primary breast carcinomas. This study examined 178 breast carcinomas for pS2 using immunohistochemistry. A high frequency (77 per cent) of positive tumours was found, using a 10 per cent cut-off point to define a positive tumour. There was no relationship with menopausal status or node status, a significant association with differentiation, a weak association with oestrogen receptor, and no association with progesterone receptor or overall survival. Two patterns of cellular localization were observed: cytoplasmic and membrane. The former showed a stronger relationship with oestrogen receptor status, although there were oestrogen receptor-negative tumours with marked pS2 staining. Membrane staining showed a stronger relationship with differentiation, with a staining pattern similar to that observed for milk fat globule membrane. The staining patterns observed may support a role for pS2 in a secretory mechanism. However, the expression and function of pS2 in breast carcinomas remain complex, and are not simply related to oestrogen regulation.

A combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery approach to the treatment of extreme deep overbite in an adult.

This report describes a combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery approach to the treatment of extreme deep overbite in an adult male. An aesthetically pleasing and stable result was achieved without extensive restorative or prosthetic treatment and their inevitable sequelae. The functioning occlusion exhibited bilateral canine rise and an absence of non-working side interferences on lateral excursion. Incisal guidance with disclusion of posterior occlusal surfaces occurred on protrusive function.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 in ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinomas of the breast.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a multi-functional regulatory protein which can affect growth, immune responses, angiogenesis and the formation of extracellular matrix. Its role in breast carcinomas has been investigated using an antiserum to TGF-beta 1 and immunohistochemistry. 27 ductal carcinomas in situ and 54 invasive carcinomas were examined, employing formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. There was no reactivity in 55.5% of in situ carcinomas in comparison with the invasive tumour where only a third were negative. Prominent reactivity was seen in 11% of in situ tumours, and 20% of invasive carcinomas. There was no correlation between detection of transforming growth factor beta 1, and histological grade, oestrogen receptor status, epidermal growth factor receptor status and Ki-67 labelling for the invasive carcinomas. There was a significant relationship between prominent reactivity and node status, all carcinomas with this degree of staining having metastasised. This, along with the differences between in situ and invasive carcinomas, suggests that TGF-beta 1 may be a determining factor for invasion and metastasis.

Expression of p53 protein in infiltrating and in-situ breast carcinomas.

Five antibodies directed against the whole or part of p53 protein have been used to detect the protein immunohistochemically in 70 infiltrating breast carcinomas and 10 ductal carcinomas in situ. Mutations are known to occur in different conserved domains, and the antibodies employed spanned the expected sites. p53 protein was identified in 53 per cent of infiltrating carcinomas using the antibodies PAb 240, PAb 1801, C19, and JG8. The antibody PAb 421 detected the protein in 31.5 per cent; all positive with the other antibodies. Well-differentiated oestrogen receptor-positive tumours had a low incidence of p53 detection. Variation in the percentage of reactivity was seen between carcinomas and in some cases between different antibodies in the same cancer. Those carcinomas with a high percentage of positive cells with all antibodies were more likely to have metastasized to nodes, be at an advanced stage, and be oestrogen receptor-negative/epidermal growth factor receptor-positive. There was no significant correlation with c-erbB-2 protein expression or retinoblastoma protein loss. p53 protein was detected in a high proportion of cells in three of the six comedo ductal carcinomas in situ studied but either not at all or at a lower level in tumours of the cribriform type. p53 mutations are common in breast carcinomas, but heterogeneity within individual tumours is frequent. Marked expression of p53 appears to relate to tumour progression.

Place of functional appliances in orthodontics.

Functional orthodontic appliances have recently captured the interest of a significant portion of the dental profession. In numerous articles and short courses, functional appliances have been portrayed as a new, low cost, easily managed and completely safe treatment modality. Claims have been made that they can make mandibles grow, can align the dentition without the need for extractions, and that because such treatment effects are achieved 'physiologically' they are thus inherently stable. Do functional appliances really work? The historical background to the development of functional appliances is described and the results of a number of clinical investigations are compared and discussed. Comment on the implications of functional appliance therapy is given and finally, a statement as to the rational use of functional appliances in practice is suggested.

Flock House virus: a nodavirus isolated from Costelytra zealandica (White) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

The physico-chemical properties of Flock House virus (FHV) were examined. FHV was shown to have a single-stranded RNA genome divided between two species of MW 1.1 and 0.46 million; the genome was infectious. FHV has a single, coat protein of 43,000 MW. The virus sediments at 142S and has a density of 1.351 g/ml in CsCl at pH 7. These properties indicate that FHV is a nodavirus but it is distinguishable from Nodamura virus and black beetle virus by differences in electrophoretic mobility, the size of the coat protein, particle density and stability in CsCl.