Ceramides are known to play a major regulatory role in apoptosis by inducing cytochrome c release from mitochondria. We have previously reported that ceramide, but not dihydroceramide, forms large and stable channels in phospholipid membranes and outer membranes of isolated mitochondria. C(2)-ceramide channel formation is characterized by conductance increments ranging from <1 to >200 nS. These conductance increments often represent the enlargement and contracture of channels rather than the opening and closure of independent channels. Enlargement is supported by the observation that many small conductance increments can lead to a large decrement. Also the initial conductances favor cations, but this selectivity drops dramatically with increasing total conductance. La(+3) causes rapid ceramide channel disassembly in a manner indicative of large conducting structures. These channels have a propensity to contract by a defined size (often multiples of 4 nS) indicating the formation of cylindrical channels with preferred diameters rather than a continuum of sizes. The results are consistent with ceramides forming barrel-stave channels whose size can change by loss or insertion of multiple ceramide columns.

The purpose of this study was to measure the efficacy of anchorage control between differential moments mechanics and temporary anchorage devices in a clinical trial. Forty-six patients requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars were allocated into 2 treatment groups. The differential moments group (G1) received a nickel titanium (NiTi) intrusion arch and a 150g NiTi closing coil spring for separate canine retraction, followed by a continuous mushroom loop archwire for the retraction of the incisors. The TAD group (G2) received one miniscrew placed between maxillary second premolars and first molars with a 150 g NiTi closing coil spring connecting the miniscrew to a hook placed in the archwire between the lateral incisor and canine. Lateral cephalograms were taken before (T1) and after incisor retraction (T2). The ratio of molar protraction to incisor retraction was calculated and intragroup and intergroup changes in upper lip, maxillary incisor and molar position were analyzed by paired and independent t-tests. Twenty-eight patients were analyzed after 18 patients did not receive the intervention, were lost to follow-up, or discontinued treatment. The ratio of molar protraction to incisor retraction in G1 was 0.44 and in G2 was -0.11, which was significantly different. There was a statistically significant change in upper lip from T1 to T2 but no difference between the two groups. Moreover, there was a significant distal molar tipping and lingual incisor tipping in G2. There is a significant difference in the amount of anchorage control using differential moments mechanics compared to TADs. Although statistically significant retraction of upper lip was observed in both groups, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Objective: To compare the efficiency in anchorage preservation of conventional and self-ligating brackets after the extraction of first maxillary premolars using differential moment mechanics. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight patients requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars and maximum anchorage during space closure were evaluated based on bracket type. Group 1, comprising 23 patients, was bonded with preadjusted conventional brackets (CBs) with a slot of 0.022-inch 3 0.030-inch. Group 2 comprised 15 patients who were bonded with 0.022 inch preadjusted self-ligating brackets (SLBs). Patients in both groups received a nickel titanium (NiTi) intrusion arch and a 150 g NiTi closing coil spring for separate canine retraction, followed by a continuous mushroom loop archwire to retract the incisors. Lateral cephalograms were available at the start of treatment (T1) and at the completion of space closure (T2). Statistical comparisons were performed with paired and unpaired Student's t-tests. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in maxillary molars anchorage loss (3.87 6 1.35 mm and 3.65 6 1.73 mm for the CB and SLB groups, respectively). Only the mean vertical movement of the tip of the incisor was significantly different between the groups (CB 5 20.92 6 1.46 mm; SLB 5 0.56 6 1.65 mm). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the amount of anchorage loss of the maxillary first molars between SLB and CB systems during space closure using differential moments. (Angle Orthod. 2013;83:937-942.)

Oculofaciocardiodental syndrome (OFCD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting ocular, facial, dental and cardiac systems. The clinical diagnosis of OFCD can be challenging due to a wide variety of symptoms. OFCD is found only in females due to its X-linked inheritance pattern and embryonic lethality for males. Radiculomegaly of canines is the most consistent finding in these patients. In this report we present a female patient with characteristic facial features and a comprehensive overview of OFCD. Diagnosis of OFCD in this patient was verified by genetic analysis, during which we found a novel mutation in BCOR.

Cuspid gigantism or radicomegaly is a rare occurrence often associated with a hereditary, X-linked condition, called oculo-cardio-facio-dental (OFCD)syndrome. This syndrome is also characterized by atrial septal defects and/or ventricular septal defects, congenital cataracts and unusual facial characteristics.Confirmation of this syndrome is often provided by dentists or orthodontists when they diagnose an extremely large canine root length from the panoramic radiograph. The following case report shows a multidisciplinary approach to the dental treatment of a patient with OFCD syndrome and a canine-first premolar transposition. The orthodontic approach required a mini-plate to achieve significant mesial movement of a gigantic maxillary canine that erupted in close contact with the first molar.