Detection of a broad variety of molecular signatures in all CHD specimens suggests that diverse bacterial colonization may be more important than a single pathogen. Our observation does not allow us to conclude that bacteria are the causative agent in the etiopathogenesis of CHD. However, bacterial agents could have secondarily colonized atheromatous lesions and could act as an additional factor accelerating disease progression.

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This study aimed to evaluate the assessment of attractiveness of standardized changes in incisor proportions. Two original photographs, showing the maxillary anterior teeth in the frame of a smile, were computer-manipulated. From the so-produced symmetrical 'golden standard' images, two sets were constructed. Each set contained one golden standard image and seven images with different standardized changes concerning (i) width-to-length ratios of the central incisors (60-96%) and (ii) tooth-to-tooth proportions between the widths of lateral and central incisors (43-87%). The judges, consisting of three groups of individuals (24 dentists, 24 medical students, and 179 patients), ranked each photo set for attractiveness on a visual analogue scale. The width-to-length ratios were assessed as most attractive within a range of 75-85% (medical students, patients) or 75-80% (dentists), respectively. The tooth-to-tooth proportions showed the best results concerning attractive appearance within a range of 50-74% (medical students, patients) or 56-68% (dentists), respectively. No significant differences between the participant groups were found except for some extreme variations. It was concluded that a most attractive 'golden range' could be identified for both the width-to-length ratios and the tooth-to-tooth proportions of the maxillary incisors.

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Common MR imaging sequences such as 3D GRE have high diagnostic accuracy in depicting small pulmonary nodules when artifacts from cardiac and respiratory motion are absent.

Background: Gallstones represent a prevalent and costly health problem. The changing epidemiology and the emerging non-surgical interventions for gallstone disease necessitate the definition of target populations for future therapies. This study aimed to define patterns of gallstone composition and identify demographic predictors of gallstone composition in a large sample of symptomatic gallstones from Northern Germany.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the subjective judgment (SJ) of patients on their own dental appearance and to correlate the results with objective measurements (OM) of their dentition concerning the appearance of the upper incisors. Seventy-five participants (30 men and 45 women) with normal well-being were included in the study. In a questionnaire they judged the appearance of their upper incisors. Furthermore, OM were evaluated by the investigator with regard to the following points: (i) absolute length of the upper central incisors, (ii) their length exposed during laughing, (iii) width-to-length ratio of central incisors and (iv) the proportion between the width of the lateral and central incisors. The subjective results were registered on visual-analogue scales. For the objective results standardized photographs were taken. No gender dependent differences could be found for the objectively measured parameters (median): OM1, 10.7 mm; OM2, 8.1 mm; OM3, 0.81; OM4, 0.79. However, significant correlations between subjective and objective results (SJ1/OM1, SJ2/OM2, SJ3/OM3) could be shown for men, but not for women. The maximum of the calculated regression-curves for men reflect 'golden standard values' well known from the literature. The degree of satisfaction concerning appearance of anterior incisors in accordance with golden standard values is higher for men than for women.