Acellular Extrinsic Fiber Cementum Is Invariably Present in the Superficial Layer of Apical Cementum in Mouse Molar.

The cementum is a highly mineralized tissue that covers the tooth root. The regional differences among the types of cementum, especially in the extrinsic fibers that contribute to tooth support, remain controversial. Therefore, this study used second harmonic generation imaging in conjunction with automated collagen extraction and image analysis algorithms to facilitate the quantitative examination of the fiber characteristics and the changes occurring in these fibers over time. Acellular extrinsic fiber cementum (AEFC) was invariably observed in the superficial layer of the apical cementum in mouse molars, indicating that this region of the cementum plays a crucial role in supporting the tooth. The apical AEFC exhibited continuity and fiber characteristics comparable with the cervical AEFC, suggesting a common cellular origin for their formation. The cellular intrinsic fiber cementum present in the inner layer of the apical cementum showed consistent growth in the apical direction without layering. This study highlights the dynamic nature of the cementum in mouse molars and underscores the requirement for re-examining its structure and roles. The findings of the present study elucidate the morphophysiological features of cementum and have broader implications for the maintenance of periodontal tissue health.

Multiomics analysis of cultured mouse periodontal ligament cell-derived extracellular matrix.

A comprehensive understanding of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for developing biomimetic ECM scaffolds for tissue regeneration. As the periodontal ligament cell (PDLC)-derived ECM has shown potential for periodontal tissue regeneration, it is vital to gain a deeper understanding of its comprehensive profile. Although the PDLC-derived ECM exhibits extracellular environment similar to that of periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue, details of its molecular composition are lacking. Thus, using a multiomics approach, we systematically analyzed cultured mouse PDLC-derived ECM and compared it to mouse PDL tissue as a reference. Proteomic analysis revealed that, compared to PDL tissue, the cultured PDLC-derived ECM had a lower proportion of fibrillar collagens with increased levels of glycoprotein, corresponding to an immature ECM status. The gene expression signature was maintained in cultured PDLCs and was similar to that in cells from PDL tissues, with additional characteristics representative of naturally occurring progenitor cells. A combination of proteomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the cultured mouse PDLC-derived ECM has multiple advantages in tissue regeneration, providing an extracellular environment that closely mimics the environment in the native PDL tissue. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding PDLC-derived ECM and should contribute to the development of biomimetic ECM scaffolds for reliable periodontal tissue regeneration.

Effect of Sparc knockout on the extracellular matrix of mouse periodontal ligament cells.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a critical component in maintaining tooth stability. It is composed of cells and an extracellular matrix (ECM), each with unique roles in tissue function and homeostasis. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a calcium-binding matricellular glycoprotein, plays a crucial role in regulating ECM assembly and turnover, alongside facilitating cellular-ECM interactions. In the present study, mass spectrometry-based proteomics was used to assess the impacts of Sparc-knockout (KO) on PDL-derived cells. Results demonstrated that Sparc-KO significantly reduces ECM production and alters its composition with increased levels of type I collagen. Despite this increase in Sparc-KO, type I collagen was not likely to be effectively integrated into the fibrils due to collagen cross-linking impairment. Furthermore, the pathway and process enrichment analyses suggested that SPARC plays a protective role against ECM degradation by antagonistically interacting with cell-surface collagen receptors. These findings provide detailed insights into the multifaceted role of SPARC in ECM organization, including its impact on ECM production, collagen regulation, and interactions with various cellular compartments. A better understanding of these complex mechanisms is crucial for comprehending the causes of periodontal disease and tissue regeneration, where precise control of ECM organization is necessary.

Optimal Administration of Phosphorus Adsorbents When Using Medical Nutritional Supplements for Tube-fed Patients.

All medical enteral nutrition products contain phosphorus and when administered to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and on dialysis, they lead to the risk of elevated serum phosphorus levels. Thus, serum phosphorus levels should be monitored, and phosphorus adsorbents should be used in cases of high serum phosphorus levels. In this study, we investigated the effect of phosphorus adsorbents on enteral nutrition, using Ensure Liquid®, a medical nutritional formula, for patients with CKD and those on dialysis. Additionally, we compared the effects of the simple suspension method, in which various phosphorus-adsorbing agents are suspended and mixed directly with the nutritional formula for tube administration (hereafter referred to as the "pre-mix method"), and the conventional method, in which only the phosphorus-adsorbing agents are administered separately from the nutritional formula for tube administration (hereafter referred to as the "normal administration method"). The administration of various phosphorus adsorbents using the pre-mix technique resulted in a phosphorus removal rate of 8-15% (approximately 12% on average). Therefore, through the pre-mix method, maintaining the phosphorus content of Ensure Liquid® below the daily phosphorus intake standard was possible for patients on dialysis. The pre-mix method via the simple suspension method of administering phosphorus adsorbent with Ensure Liquid® resulted in less drug adsorption to the injector and tube and a higher phosphorus removal rate than the normal administration method.

Phenotypic Markers Reflecting the Status of Overstressed Tea Plants Subjected to Repeated Shade Cultivation.

Shade cultivation is a traditional Japanese tea cultivation method in which the shoot buds are shaded for several weeks. This technique is increasingly used for green tea production because it produces tea of high quality (as indicated by umami and nutritional content) and commands high prices. However, given that shaded tea plants are grown under low-light stress, concerns exist regarding damage to tea plants caused by repeated shade cultivation. To understand basic physiological responses and accumulative changes in photosynthetic ability and metabolites of tea plants subjected to repeated shading, we performed a pot experiment on immature tea plants grown in a growth chamber subjected to repeated shading treatments. The results demonstrated that shade cultivation caused a decrease in non-structural carbohydrate content and an increase of several degrees in leaf surface temperature, reflecting transpiration through the leaf stomata, as a result of a reduction in photosynthetic ability. An increase of several degrees in canopy temperature and a reduction in photosynthetic ability in the field in the mid-summer season was also observed in overstressed tea plants subjected to repeated shading. Metabolomic analysis identified several candidate biomarkers, such as citrulline and glycine betaine, that were significantly changed in individuals affected by shade cultivation. These physiological changes may be an indicator of the stress status of tea plants grown under repeated shade cultivation.

Asymmetric Synthesis of the Aromatic Fragment of Sespendole.

Sespendole is an indole sesquiterpene alkaloid bearing two isoprenyl groups, one of which is highly oxidized. Herein, we disclose an eight-step synthesis of the aromatic fragment of sespendole in an optically pure form, starting from 4-bromo-2-fluoronitrobenzene. The key steps were a Claisen rearrangement at room temperature for introduction of the prenyl group and a coupling between the dianion generated from prenylated bromo-N-tosylanilide and a chiral epoxy aldehyde.

Achievement of Target Serum Uric Acid Levels and Factors Associated with Therapeutic Failure among Japanese Men Treated for Hyperuricemia/Gout.

Objective To assess the rate of successfully achieving treatment goals among Japanese men with hyperuricemia/gout and identify factors influencing the success rate. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2012, examined the serum uric acid (SUA) levels and clinical characteristics of 2,103 men with hyperuricemia/gout selected from an initial population of 136,770 individuals who participated in a workplace health checkup. The success rates (defined as SUA ≤6.0 mg/dL) were calculated, and a multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with "therapeutic failure" to achieve target SUA levels. Results The rate of successfully achieving the target SUA level was 37.5%. The body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with therapeutic failure [25.0≤ Category (C) 2<27.5, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.35; 27.5≤C3<30.0, AOR=1.69; C4 ≥ 30.0, AOR=1.94; relative to C1<25.0]. A significant positive association was also observed between waist circumference (WC) and therapeutic failure (85≤C2<90, OR=1.29; 90≤C3<95, OR=1.41; 95≤C4, OR=2.28; relative to C1<85.0 cm). Those with higher BMI/WC measurements were significantly more likely to have higher SUA levels than those with lower such measurements. The ongoing intake of dyslipidemia medication was identified as a protective factor against therapeutic failure. Discussion Our findings suggest a possible association between obesity and therapeutic failure, underscoring the importance of maintaining lipid profiles as part of managing SUA levels. Better management of both obesity and dyslipidemia may prevent future cardiovascular disorders by ensuring healthier SUA levels.

[Changes in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese workers during decade 2001-2011].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the 10-year changes in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese workers. METHODS: Annual health examination data between 2001 and 2011 were collected from the Tokyo Health Service Association. The data covers an average 119,956 (73,842 male and 46,114 female) workers at 1,159 worksites each year. The prevalences of obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking were calculated in 5-year age groups for each year. Overall prevalence estimates were adjusted for age using the indirect method. RESULTS: For male workers, the crude prevalences of obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking were 26.9%, 19.0%, 22.7%, 6.9%, and 49.4%, respectively, in 2001, and 28.5%, 19.9%, 26.6%, 5.9%, and 34.4%, respectively, in 2011. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypercholesterolemia has increased over the 10-year period. Especially among those aged 50 years or over, significant increasing trends were found for obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes. For female workers, the crude prevalences of obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking were 10.4%, 7.1%, 19.1%, 1.7%, and 16.6%, respectively, in 2001 and 11.6%, 7.4%, 16.7%, 1.7%, and 10.3%, respectively, in 2011. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypercholesterolemia has decreased over the 10-year period. Especially among those aged 40-59 years, a significant decreasing trend was found for hypercholesterolemia. Smoking prevalence showed a steady decrease among both male and female workers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall cardiovascular risk prevalence of Japanese workers has remained almost unchanged over the 10-year period, but there is a significant increasing trend in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among male workers. Male workers aged 50 years or over are identified as a subgroup requiring special attention, whose cardiovascular risk prevalence is increasing.

Impact of weight gain on cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese male workers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of weight gain on cardiovascular risk factors among younger (25 to 44 years) and older (45 to 64 years) Japanese male workers in terms of population attributable risk percentage (PAR%). METHODS: Using the 2008 and 2009 health examination data, 49,587 eligible male workers aged 25 to 64 years were examined for their 1-year changes in body weight and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Mean weight change was significantly greater than zero in the younger group (+0.27 kg) but not in the older group (-0.08 kg). The PAR% due to weight gain for the development and maintenance of cardiovascular risk factors was estimated at 21.8% and 5.4%, respectively, in the younger and older groups. CONCLUSIONS: The age-stratified PAR% estimates suggest that weight gain prevention programs will make greater contributions to cardiovascular health in younger than in older male workers.

BMI, waist circumference, and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese adults.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the association between waist circumference (WC) and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors varies with obesity (BMI) status. METHODS: Using the 2008 health examination data of a Japanese health service association, eligible 57,141 adults aged 20-65 years without coronary heart disease or stroke, whose blood sample had been taken in the fasting state, were enrolled in the study. The participants were classified as being underweight (BMI <18.5), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), and overweight (BMI ≥25.0). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to assess the ability of WC to discriminate subjects with and without a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors was found in 16.0% of men and 3.4% of women. The adjusted OR [95% confidence intervals (CI)] per 5-cm increase in WC of the underweight, normal weight, and overweight groups was 1.57 (1.12-2.20), 1.55 (1.49-1.62), and 1.34 (1.30-1.38), respectively, for men and 1.50 (0.84-2.69), 1.53 (1.40-1.68), and 1.32 (1.23-1.41), respectively, for women. The area under curve (95% CI) of the underweight, normal weight, and overweight groups was 0.68 (0.59-0.77), 0.70 (0.69-0.71), and 0.62 (0.61-0.63), respectively, for men and 0.70 (0.53-0.86), 0.75 (0.73-0.78), and 0.64 (0.61-0.68), respectively, for women. CONCLUSION: High WC was associated with increased risk of clustering of cardiovascular risk factors independent of BMI. As well as the magnitude of the association, the ability of WC to discriminate subjects with and without a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors varied with obesity (BMI) status.

Pseudolymphoma of the liver: Sonographic findings and review of the literature.

We report a case of hepatic pseudolymphoma in a 67-year-old woman that was detected during an abdominal sonography screening. The lesion was further evaluated using CT, MRI, angiography, and contrast-enhanced sonography. The imaging features of this tumor are discussed herein. The diagnosis of pseudolymphoma was achieved via sonographically guided biopsy. The lesion regressed completely within 1 year.

Evaluation of malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma using the ultrasonic B-mode method: clinical significance of extracapsular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma using ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of capsule formation or presence of capsular invasion on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS: The patient group consisted of 70 patients with 74 HCC lesions who had been examined by US and undergone surgical tumor resection at our institution. For these patients, we conducted the following comparative studies: (a) comparison between halo findings on US and microscopic capsular results; (b) comparison between halo findings on US and tumor diameter, tumor histological differentiation, and serum value of each tumor marker; and (c) comparison between halo findings on US and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: (a) The corresponding value between sonographic halo and histological capsule was 90.1%, and that between presence of extracapsular invasion on US and that seen by histology was 88.0%. (b) There was no relation between US images and histological differentiation of tumors. (c) Presence of extracapsular invasion on US was a predisposing factor for the development of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: (1) Globally speaking, sonographic halo corresponded to the histological tumor capsule. (2) In patients with extracapsular invasion, tumor recurrence after treatment increased. Thus, a better understanding of sonographic halo findings helps determine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in HCC patients.

Oral peppermint oil is a useful antispasmodic for double-contrast barium meal examination.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Intraluminally administered peppermint oil (PO) is reportedly a safe and useful antispasmodic for gastroscopy, colonoscopy and double-contrast barium enema. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of oral PO for double-contrast barium meal examination (DCBM) without other antispasmodics. METHODS: Two hundred and five randomly chosen subjects (PO group) and 215 sex- and age-matched controls were enrolled. All participants underwent DCBM. The PO group was orally administered PO and a barium suspension mixture at the start of DCBM. Radiographs were blindly evaluated for spasm and overlapping with barium-filled duodenal loops (scored 0-3, indicating none to severe). The quality of barium coating of the mucosa and overall diagnostic quality (scored 0-3, indicating not acceptable to excellent) were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in subject acceptance between PO group and controls, and no adverse effects in either group. Scores for spasm at the esophagus, lower stomach and duodenal bulb were significantly lower in the PO than in the control group (P < 0.001). Scores for overlapping at the lower stomach and duodenal bulb were significantly lower in the PO than in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Scores for overall diagnostic quality at the esophagus, lower stomach and duodenal bulb were significantly higher in the PO than in the control group (P < 0.001). Oral PO reduces spasm of the esophagus, lower stomach and duodenal bulb, inhibits barium flow to the distal duodenum, and improves diagnostic quality without other antispasmodics. CONCLUSIONS: Oral PO is a safe, easy to use and effective antispasmodic for DCBM.

Clinical pathological significance of iron metabolism with chronic hepatitis C patients.

Serum ferritin levels, and histological liver iron content were determined in 106 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) to find out whether iron status is involved in the pathogenesis of CHC and to study the relationship between sexual differences and the liver function test and liver histology. The serum ferritin index (SFI) as an indicator when both male and female subjects are combined was calculated. SFI significantly correlated with serum aminotransferase levels. In a comparative study of the relationship between serum ferritin levels and histological liver iron content, serum ferritin levels most strongly correlated with sinusoidal iron score (SIS) in male. A study of the relationship between liver histology and serum ferritin levels, and histological liver iron content showed that in the male subjects, serum ferritin levels, the portal iron score (PIS), SIS, and total iron score significantly increased as activity increased and serum ferritin levels and PIS were significantly higher as the F stage increased. These findings indicate that serum ferritin levels reflect histological liver iron content. Serum ferritin levels and histological liver iron content reflect histological activity and the F stage in males; in females, however, no relationship was observed.

Texture Analysis of Laparoscopic Images in Chronic Liver Disease.

Determination of the site of progression of chronic liver disease is important for prognosis. In the present study we used texture analysis to quantitatively assess progression based on the appearance of the surface of the liver during laparoscopy. A total of 34 chronic liver disease patients who underwent laparoscopic examinations over a 2-year period were enrolled in this study. Their laparoscopic photographs were classified into a chronic hepatitis or a liver cirrhosis group, and image analysis was performed with intraoperative photographs of laparotomy patients without associated liver disease serving as the normal control group. The photographs of the 3 groups were input into a digital image processorr (NEXUS6400) by a film scanner, and the image data obtained were analyzed by the gray level difference method, the run length method, and fractal number. Significant differences were observed between the quantitative values in the three groups by each of these methods, but it was not possible to evaluate fine changes at the liver surface occurring during the progression of chronic hepatitis to liver cirrhosis.