Identifying DNA methylation biomarkers for non-endoscopic detection of Barrett’s esophagus

We report a biomarker-based non-endoscopic method for detecting Barrett’s esophagus (BE), based on detecting methylated DNAs retrieved via a swallowable balloon-based esophageal sampling device. BE is the precursor of, and a major recognized risk factor for, developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Endoscopy, the current standard for BE detection, is not cost-effective for population screening. We performed genome-wide screening to ascertain regions targeted for recurrent aberrant cytosine methylation in BE, identifying high-frequency methylation within the CCNA1 locus. We tested CCNA1 DNA methylation as a BE biomarker in cytology brushings of the distal esophagus from 173 individuals with or without BE. CCNA1 DNA methylation demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC)=0.95 for discriminating BE-related metaplasia and neoplasia cases versus normal individuals, performing identically to methylation of VIM DNA, an established BE biomarker. When combined, the resulting two biomarker panel was 95% sensitive and 91% specific. These results were replicated in an independent validation cohort of 149 individuals, who were assayed using the same cutoff values for test positivity established in the training population. To progress toward non-endoscopic esophageal screening, we engineered a well-tolerated, swallowable, encapsulated balloon device able to selectively sample the distal esophagus within 5 minutes. In balloon samples from 86 individuals, tests of CCNA1 plus VIM DNA methylation detected BE metaplasia with 90.3% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity. Combining the balloon sampling device with molecular assays of CCNA1 plus VIM DNA methylation enables an efficient, well-tolerated, sensitive, and specific method of screening at-risk populations for BE

Failures in implants

The burning problem that all the implantologists are confronted today is the complications and failures occurring with the treatment of osseointegrated implants. To further optimize the treatment outcome, etiologies and factors associated with implant failures should be elucidated. Conceivably such knowledge is needed for developing adequate treatment and prevention strategies. Hence, this paper is intended to provide an insight regarding various aspects of failures that affect dental implants

Comparison of stress patterns and displacement in conventional cantilever fixed partial denture with resin bonded cantilever fixed partial denture: A finite element analysis

<b>Aim:</b> This study aims to analyze the stress patterns and displacement in the cantilever resin bonded fixed partial denture (RBFPD) and compare it with the conventional cantilever fixed partial denture using 3-D finite element analysis. Also, the effect of cement on the displacement and stress patterns in conventional cantilever fixed partial denture was to be analyzed. <b> Materials and Methods:</b> Three-dimensional models were prepared layer wise to depict the conventional cantilever and the cantilever RBFPD. Once the models were made, the material properties were assigned and divided into three groups. (2-conventional cantilever with resin cement, 1- conventional cantilever with GIC cement and 3-resin bonded cantilever with resin cement). Load was applied in vertical as well as lateral directions and the stress patterns along with displacement were analyzed. <b> Results:</b> The results revealed that the von Mises stresses in all the three groups were found to be almost equal under vertical loading. Under lateral loading, the stress was more in cantilever RBFPD. Displacement in all the three axes was significantly less in the cantilever RBFPD. <b>Conclusion:</b> Stress concentration in the lateral direction in cantilever RBFPD was found to be higher than the cantilever conventional group. Displacement in X, Y and Z axes was less in cantilever RBFPD