Size-dependent immune-modulating effect of amorphous nanosilica particles.

The immune-modulating effect following intradermal injection of various-sized amorphous silica particles was analyzed in terms of induction of ovalbumin-specific CD8+ T cells in vivo. IFN-gamma ELISPOT assays revealed that only nanosilica particles with a diameter of less than 100 nm significantly enhanced CD8+ T cell responses against ovalbumin. These results indicate that the size of nanomaterials is a critical determinant in terms of their safe use.

Factors predicting successful discontinuation of continuous renal replacement therapy.

This multicentre, retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2010 to determine the optimal time for discontinuing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) by evaluating factors predictive of successful discontinuation in patients with acute kidney injury. Analysis was performed for patients after CRRT was discontinued because of renal function recovery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the success or failure of CRRT discontinuation. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, urine output at discontinuation, creatinine level and CRRT duration were found to be significant variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for urine output, 0.814). In conclusion, we found that higher urine output, lower creatinine and shorter CRRT duration were significant factors to predict successful discontinuation of CRRT.

Familial primary hyperparathyroidism: study of the pedigree in three generations.

The familial occurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism in which the proband is a 55-year-old man is reported. His 58-year-old sister and 40-year-old brother had undergone partial parathyroidectomy, and histological examination revealed hyperplasia in both cases. Their father and a daughter of the proband had a history of nephrolithiasis. The three siblings showed high levels of plasma parathyroid hormone (even the two postoperative cases). All of them had a history of nephrolithiasis and peptic ulcers. In the proband, image studies did not reveal any abnormality in the neck region. At present, the three cases do not exhibit any abnormalities in the pancreas or the pituitary by imaging studies and endocrine tests.

[Lung cancer accompanying sarcoidosis with diffuse myocardial involvement].

We describe an interesting case of adenocarcinoma of the lung accompanying sarcoidosis with diffuse myocardial involvement. A 69-year-old man had a tumor shadow on chest X-ray films of the right upper lung field. Bronchofiberscopy was performed in Jan. 1997. Because transbronchial biopsy specimens disclosed granuloma, the patient was treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, and streptomycin sulfate for tuberculosis, but did not show any improvement. In March 1997, the patient was examined by an ophthalmologist for blurred vision. He was given a diagnosis of uveitis and referred to us for evaluation because his serum ACE and lysozyme levels were elevated. Bronchofiberscopy was performed again, and a diagnosis of lung cancer accompanying sarcoidosis was made based on the findings of transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage. The disease progressed rapidly, and the patient died 47 days after admission. Autopsy disclosed sarcoid granulomas in cardiac muscle tissue and lung tissue. There have been very few reports on the co-existence of sarcoidosis and lung cancer, and the relationship between the two diseases is unclear.

[Successful combination chemotherapy with low-dose methotrexate and steroids for dermatomyositis complicated by interstitial pneumonitis].

A 44-year-old woman visited our hospital in August 1997 with complaints of general fatigue and low-grade fever. Initial examination disclosed slightly elevated muscle enzymes and inflammatory reactions. A diagnosis of dermatomyositis was made on the basis of findings of skin symptoms consistent with Gottron's signs and a slight decrease in muscular strength. Reticular shadows were observed in both lower lung fields on chest X-ray films, and examination of transbronchial lung biopsy specimens revealed interstitial pneumonitis. After 1 course of steroid pulse therapy, the patient was placed on a regimen of prednisolone (PSL) at 60 mg/day and cyclosporin (CsA) at 200 mg/day. Although her skin symptoms and interstitial pneumonitis temporarily subsided, aggravated interstitial pneumonitis and elevated blood LDH levels were observed as the steroid dose (PSL) was being tapered. After a second course of steroid pulse therapy, the PSL dose was increased to 50 mg/day and CsA was replaced by methotrexate (MTX), at 7.5 mg/week. This brought the patient's interstitial pneumonitis under control. Although our patient had dermatomyositis complicated by interstitial pneumonitis which belongs to the group of poor prognosis, she responded favorably to combination chemotherapy with low-dose MTX.

[Histological study on experimental tooth movement in alveolar bone defects implanted with decalcified bone powder].

Recently, secondary bone grafting for the alveolar cleft of cleft lip and palate patients has carried out generally with the object of connecting the alveolar cleft, of leading the tooth eruption, of control the tooth axis. In this study, the experimental tooth movements to the area were tested and the histological changes were investigated with adult cats. The experimental defects of 2mm in diameter were made at the alveolar bone mesial to the both maxillary first molar. At the experimental side, DBP were stuffed into the defect. Only defects were made at the control side. The tooth were moved for 6 weeks. The restoration of the defect hadn't occurred at the control side after 14 weeks. While appositional bone growth and new bone formation surrounding the DBP were observed, and complete restoration had be already occurred at experimental side after only 8 weeks. In the group which tooth movement were started after 1 week, the existing alveolar bone were bent to mesial at both side. In the group were started after 8 weeks, the existing alveolar bone were bent to mesial at the control side, either. The DBP and new bone were resorbed at the same time at the experimental side.

[Clinical studies on crevicular fluid of abutment tooth. 3. Effect of tannin-fluoride preparation on gingival health].

It was examined, in this study, whether the tannin-fluoride preparation (HY preparation), which might have a caries reductive, plaque inhibiting and astringent action, could reduce the incidence of gingival inflammation around abutment teeth for removable partial dentures. Zinc oxide eugenol cement mixed with HY preparation filled in the cavity prepared in the resin base facing the abutment tooth. Crevicular fluid (Periotron unit: GCF), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PII), probing depth and caries activity around the abutment tooth were measured during 12 months. The following results were obtained: 1. GCF decreased at 1 month later and showed low values at 2, 3, 6 and 12 months. 2. The percentage of low GI value showed an increasing tendency during the experimental period. 3. There was slight variation in PII and probing depth during the experimental period. 4. Caries activity showed a decreasing tendency. These results indicate that the tannin-fluoride preparation reduces not only caries activity but also gingival inflammation around abutment tooth.

Manufacture of a weakly denatured collagen fiber scaffold with excellent biocompatibility and space maintenance ability.

Although collagen scaffolds have been used for regenerative medicine, they have insufficient mechanical strength. We made a weakly denatured collagen fiber scaffold from a collagen fiber suspension (physiological pH 7.4) through a process of freeze drying and denaturation with heat under low pressure (1 × 10(-1) Pa). Heat treatment formed cross-links between the collagen fibers, providing the scaffold with sufficient mechanical strength to maintain the space for tissue regeneration in vivo. The scaffold was embedded under the back skin of a rat, and biocompatibility and space maintenance ability were examined after 2 weeks. These were evaluated by using the ratio of foreign body giant cells and thickness of the residual scaffold. A weakly denatured collagen fiber scaffold with moderate biocompatibility and space maintenance ability was made by freezing at -10 °C, followed by denaturation at 140 °C for 6 h. In addition, the direction of the collagen fibers in the scaffold was adjusted by cooling the suspension only from the bottom of the container. This process increased the ratio of cells that infiltrated into the scaffold. A weakly denatured collagen fiber scaffold thus made can be used for tissue regeneration or delivery of cells or proteins to a target site.

Contribution of shame and attribution style in developing PTSD among Japanese University women with negative sexual experiences.

The roles of shame and attribution style in developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were examined among 172 Japanese university women with negative sexual experiences (NSEs) using a structural equation model. "Shame" directly predicted PTSD, whereas "Internal Attribution" and "External Attribution" did not. The effect of Internal Attribution on PTSD was mediated by Shame. In a simultaneous analysis of multi-groups, only the relationship with the perpetrator showed a different contribution for shame in developing PTSD symptoms. In addition, the role of the shame and attribution style in developing PTSD symptoms in the Japanese culture was discussed.

Adolescents' attachment style and early experiences: a gender difference.

We examined gender differences in perceived rearing and adult attachment style in adolescents. A total of 3,912 senior college students (1,149 men and 2,763 women) ages 18-23 (men's M = 20.1 years, women's M = 20.0 years) were administered a set of questionnaires including Relationship Questionnaire (to measure adult attachment), the Parental Bonding Instrument (perceived rearing), and a list of early life events. In the men, positive adult total attachment style was predicted by the scores of paternal care and low scores on maternal overprotection in a hierarchical regression analysis. On the other hand, in the women, positive adult total attachment style was predicted by the scores of paternal and maternal care, and low score on maternal overprotection. Adult attachment was also predicted by fewer Peer Victimization experience as a child in both men and women. However, while men's adult attachment was predicted by Self Disease experiences, women's adult attachment was predicted by Top Star experiences and fewer Relocation experiences. The adult attachment style was predictable from early experiences but there existed some gender differences.

Clinical studies on marginal gingiva around abutment tooth (Part 3). Effect of tannin-fluoride preparation on gingival health.

It was examined whether the tannin-fluoride preparation (HY preparation), which might have a caries-reductive, plaque inhibiting and astringent action, could reduce the incidence of gingival inflammation around abutment teeth. Zinc oxide eugenol cement mixed with the HY preparation was packed in the cavity prepared in the resin base facing the abutment tooth. Gingival crevicular fluid (Periotron units:GCF), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PlI) and probing depth around the abutment teeth were measured over a 3 month period. The following results were obtained: 1. GCF decreased at month 1 and showed low values at months 2 and 3. 2. GI showed a decreasing tendency. 3. PlI and probing depth did not show obvious changes. These results indicate that the tannin-fluoride preparation reduces gingival inflammation around abutment teeth.

Quantitative evaluation of the shape and the elasticity of repaired cleft lip.

Tight lip in repaired cleft lip patients with or without cleft palate (CL[P]) has been discussed as one of the causal factors of maxillary growth retardation and malocclusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shape and the elasticity of repaired cleft lip quantitatively. Forty-one Japanese CL(P) patients were examined. Fifty-four noncleft patients under orthodontic treatment were used as a control group. An apparatus to stretch the anguli oris bilaterally was devised and the extensibility of the lip was measured to evaluate lip elasticity. Standardized photos of the lips were taken to examine lip shape. CL(P) patients showed poor elasticity of the lip. This trend was more apparent in bilateral CL(P) patients than in unilateral CL(P) patients. The upper lip of CL(P) patients was significantly shorter in vertical height. These results clearly demonstrated the tightness and shortness of the repaired lip in CL(P) patients.

Clinical studies on marginal gingiva around the abutment tooth. 2. Gingival health around proximal surface area adjacent to edentulous space.

Sixty subjects (42 subjects with dentures and 18 subjects without dentures) participated in this study. Crevicular fluid flow (Periotron unit: CGF), gingival index (GI), plaque index (P1I) and probing depth (PD) of 209 marginal gingiva around the proximal surface area adjacent to the edentulous space of natural and crowned abutment teeth were measured to evaluate gingival health. The following results were obtained. 1. The GI, P1I and PD in the subjects with dentures were higher than those in the subjects without dentures. The GCF in the subjects with dentures was inclined to be higher when compared to that in the subjects without dentures. 2. In the subjects with dentures, the GCF, GI and PD of crowned teeth were higher than those of natural teeth. On the other hand, in the subjects without dentures, the GCF, GI and PD of crowned teeth were almost equal to those of natural teeth.

Clasping system with rotational path of insertion. 2. Relation between mesio-distal distance of edentulous space and retentive force.

The rotational path of insertion differs substantially from the conventional path or perpendicular path of insertion. With a rotational path, one segment of the partial denture is seated first, then the remainder of it is rotated into position. One segment of this system is the rigid retentive component with a long occlusal rest and the other is the conventional clasp. This study examined the influence of mesio-distal distance of the edentulous space, the point of the displacing force, the undercut of rigid retentive component and the inclination of the abutment tooth on the retention of this system. The following results were obtained: 1) Retention of the denture was the lowest when a displacing force was applied at the conventional clasp part under the conditions of mesio-distal distances with edentulous spaces of 10, 20 and 30 mm, respectively. 3) Retention showed a tendency to decrease progressively as the proximal undercut on the rigid retentive component was changed to 2.0, 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 mm, respectively. The values of the decreasing ratio of retentive forces were almost the same regardless of the mesio-distal distance of the edentulous space. 4) Retention of the denture was improved when a tilted tooth was used as an abutment tooth on the rigid retentive component side.