Identification method for dental alloy type using a cosine similarity program: A preliminary investigation.

Although dental evidence is frequently used for the identification of unidentified persons, information about the many types of alloys used in prosthetics is not utilized. If the type of alloy can be identified from a small amount of material, the scope of the search could be narrowed. In this experiment, a method was investigated for identifying the alloy type using 3 kinds of cutting points (a white point and 2 types of silicone points). Wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) was used for elemental analysis. The elements were translated into multidimensional vectors, and the cosine similarity was calculated to compare vectors of the WDS results and vectors of the official data of alloys. According to the results, cosine similarity showed a concordance of more than 0.8. The developed program is expected to be useful as a method for identifying alloy types using only a small amount of grinding dust.

Bone Tissue Engineering in Rat Calvarial Defects Using Induced Bone-like Tissue by rhBMPs from Immature Muscular Tissues In Vitro.

This study aimed to induce bone-like tissue from immature muscular tissue (IMT) in vitro using commercially available recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2, rhBMP-4, and rhBMP-7, and then implanting this tissue into a calvarial defect in rats to assess healing. IMTs were extracted from 20-day-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) fetal rats, placed on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) with 10 ng/µL each of rhBMP-2, BMP-4, and BMP-7, and cultured for two weeks. The specimens were implanted into calvarial defects in 3-week-old SD rats for up to three weeks. Relatively strong radiopacity was observed on micro-CT two weeks after culture, and bone-like tissue, comprising osteoblastic cells and osteoids, was partially observed by H&E staining. Calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen were detected in the extracellular matrix using an electron probe micro analyzer, and X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra of the specimen were found to have typical apatite crystal peaks and spectra, respectively. Furthermore, partial strong radiopacity and ossification were confirmed one week after implantation, and a dominant novel bone was observed after two weeks in the defect site. Thus, rhBMP-2, BMP-4, and BMP-7 differentiated IMT into bone-like tissue in vitro, and this induced bone-like tissue has ossification potential and promotes the healing of calvarial defects. Our results suggest that IMT is an effective tissue source for bone tissue engineering.

The PIGRET assay, a method for measuring Pig-a gene mutation in reticulocytes, is reliable as a short-term in vivo genotoxicity test: Summary of the MMS/JEMS-collaborative study across 16 laboratories using 24 chemicals.

The in vivo mutation assay using the X-linked phosphatidylinositol glycan class A gene (Pig-a in rodents, PIG-A in humans) is a promising tool for evaluating the mutagenicity of chemicals. Approaches for measuring Pig-a mutant cells have focused on peripheral red blood cells (RBCs) and reticulocytes (RETs) from rodents. The recently developed PIGRET assay is capable of screening >1×106 RETs for Pig-a mutants by concentrating RETs in whole blood prior to flow cytometric analysis. Additionally, due to the characteristics of erythropoiesis, the PIGRET assay can potentially detect increases in Pig-a mutant frequency (MF) sooner after exposure compared with a Pig-a assay targeting total RBCs (RBC Pig-a assay). In order to test the merits and limitations of the PIGRET assay as a short-term genotoxicity test, an interlaboratory trial involving 16 laboratories was organized by the Mammalian Mutagenicity Study Group of the Japanese Environmental Mutagenicity Society (MMS/JEMS). First, the technical proficiency of the laboratories and transferability of the assay were confirmed by performing both the PIGRET and RBC Pig-a assays on rats treated with single doses of N-nitroso-N-ethylurea. Next, the collaborating laboratories used the PIGRET and RBC Pig-a assays to assess the mutagenicity of a total of 24 chemicals in rats, using a single treatment design and mutant analysis at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the treatment. Thirteen chemicals produced positive responses in the PIGRET assay; three of these chemicals were not detected in the RBC Pig-a assay. Twelve chemicals induced an increase in RET Pig-a MF beginning 1 week after dosing, while only 3 chemicals positive for RBC Pig-a MF produced positive responses 1 week after dosing. Based on these results, we conclude that the PIGRET assay is useful as a short-term test for in vivo mutation using a single-dose protocol.

Evaluation of the RBC Pig-a and PIGRET assays using single doses of hydroxyurea and melphalan in rats.

To evaluate the suitability of the rat Pig-a assay on reticulocytes (PIGRET assay) as a short-term test, red blood cell (RBC) Pig-a and PIGRET assays after single doses with hydroxyurea (HU) and melphalan (L-PAM) were conducted and the results of both assays were compared. HU was administered once orally to male SD rats at 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg, and both assays were conducted using peripheral blood withdrawn from the jugular vein at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after dosing. L-PAM was administered at 1.25, 2.5 and 5mg/kg in the same manner. L-PAM produced significant dose-dependent increases in mutant frequencies in the PIGRET assay after single oral doses, but did not produce dose-dependent increases in mutant frequencies in the RBC Pig-a assay. These results suggest that the PIGRET assay is more sensitive for the evaluation of the mutagenic potential of L-PAM than the RBC Pig-a assay. In contrast, HU, a clastogenic but not DNA-reactive compound, gave negative results in both assays. The results with these 2 chemicals indicate that the single-dose PIGRET assay in rats has the potential to properly detect DNA-reactive compounds that directly cause DNA damage in a short-term assay.

MicroRNA-mediated Th2 bias in methimazole-induced acute liver injury in mice.

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNAs containing approximately 20 nucleotides that negatively regulate target gene expression. Little is known about the role of individual miRNAs and their targets in immune- and inflammation-related responses in drug-induced liver injury. In the present study, involvement of miRNAs in the T helper (Th) 2-type immune response was investigated using a methimazole (MTZ)-induced liver injury mouse model. Co-administration of L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine and MTZ induced acute hepatocellular necrosis and elevated plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) from 4h onward in female Balb/c mice. The hepatic mRNA expression of Th2 promotive factors was significantly increased concomitantly with plasma ALT levels. In contrast, the hepatic mRNA expression of Th2 suppressive factors was significantly decreased during the early phase of liver injury. Comprehensive profiling of hepatic miRNA expression was analyzed before the onset of MTZ-induced liver injury. Using in silico prediction of miRNAs that possibly regulate Th2-related genes and subsequent quantification, we identified up-regulation of expression of miR-29b-1-5p and miR-449a-5p. Among targets of these miRNAs, down-regulation of Th2 suppressive transcription factors, such as SRY-related HMG-box 4 (SOX4) and lymphoid enhancer factor-1 (LEF1), were observed from the early phase of liver injury. In conclusion, negative regulation of the expression of SOX4 by miR-29b-1-5p and that of LEF1 by miR-449a-5p is suggested to play an important role in the development of Th2 bias in MTZ-induced liver injury.

Kupffer cell-mediated exacerbation of methimazole-induced acute liver injury in rats.

Methimazole (MTZ), an anti-thyroid drug, is known to cause liver injury in humans. It has been demonstrated that MTZ-induced liver injury in Balb/c mice is accompanied by T helper (Th) 2 cytokine-mediated immune responses; however, there is little evidence for immune responses associated with MTZ-induced liver injury in rats. To investigate species differences in MTZ-induced liver injury, we administered MTZ with a glutathione biosynthesis inhibitor, L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO), to F344 rats and subsequently observed an increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which are associated with hepatic lesions. The hepatic mRNA expression of innate immune-related genes significantly increased in BSO- and MTZ-treated rats, but the change in Th2-related genes was not much greater than the change observed in the previous mouse study. Moreover, an increase in Kupffer cells and an induction of the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins were accompanied by an increase in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, indicating that Kupffer cell activation occurs through HMGB1-TLR4 signaling. To elucidate the mechanism of liver injury in rats, gadolinium chloride, which inactivates the function of Kupffer cells, was administered before BSO and MTZ administration. The gadolinium chloride treatment significantly suppressed the increased ALT, which was accompanied by decreased hepatic mRNA expression related to innate immune responses and ERK/JNK phosphorylation. In conclusion, Kupffer cell-mediated immune responses are crucial factors for the exacerbation of MTZ-induced liver injury in rats, indicating apparent species differences in the immune-mediated exacerbation of liver injury between mice and rats.

Optimal dose selection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea for the rat comet assay to evaluate DNA damage in organs with different susceptibility to cytotoxicity.

The in vivo rodent alkaline comet assay (comet assay) is a promising technique to evaluate DNA damage in vivo. However, there is no agreement on a method to evaluate DNA damage in organs where cytotoxicity is observed. As a part of the Japanese Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (JaCVAM)-initiative international validation study of the comet assay, we examined DNA damage in the liver, stomach, and bone marrow of rats given three oral doses of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) up to the maximum tolerated dose based on systemic toxicity. MNU significantly increased the % tail DNA in all the organs. Histopathological analysis showed no cytotoxic effect on the liver, indicating clearly that MNU has a genotoxic potential in the liver. In the stomach, however, the cytotoxic effects were very severe at systemically non-toxic doses. Low-dose MNU significantly increased the % tail DNA even at a non-cytotoxic dose, indicating that MNU has a genotoxic potential also in the stomach. Part of the DNA damage at cytotoxic doses was considered to be a secondary effect of severe cell damage. In the bone marrow, both the % tail DNA and incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes significantly increased at non-hematotoxic doses, which were different from the non-cytotoxic doses for liver and stomach. These findings indicate that an optimal dose for detecting DNA damage may vary among organs and that careful attention is required to select an optimum dose for the comet assay based on systemic toxicity such as mortality and clinical observations. The present study shows that when serious cytotoxicity is suggested by increased % hedgehogs in the comet assay, histopathological examination should be included for the evaluation of a positive response.

Genotoxicity evaluation of benzene, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and trisodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid monohydrate using a combined rat comet/micronucleus assays.

As a part of the Japanese Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (JaCVAM)-initiative international validation study of the in vivo alkaline comet assay (comet assay), we examined DNA damage in the liver, stomach, and bone marrow of rats dosed orally three times with up to 2000 mg/kg of benzene, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and trisodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid monohydrate. All three compounds gave negative results in the liver and stomach. In addition, a bone marrow comet and micronucleus analysis revealed that benzene, but not di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or trisodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid monohydrate induced a significant increase in the median % tail DNA and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, compared with the respective concurrent vehicle control. These results were in good agreement with the previously reported genotoxicity findings for each compound. The present study has shown that combining the micronucleus test with the comet assay and carrying out these analyses simultaneously is effective in clarifying the mechanism of action of genotoxic compounds such as benzene.

Discovery of N-substituted 7-azaindoline derivatives as potent, orally available M1 and M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors selective agonists.

We designed and synthesized novel N-substituted 7-azaindoline derivatives as selective M1 and M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) agonists. Hybridization of compound 2 with the HTS hit compound 5 followed by optimization of the N-substituents of 7-azaindoline led to identification of compound 1, which showed highly selective M1 and M4 mAChRs agonistic activity, weak human ether-a-go-go related gene inhibition, and good bioavailability in multiple animal species.

Discovery of N-sulfonyl-7-azaindoline derivatives as potent, orally available and selective M(4) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonists.

We designed and synthesized novel N-sulfonyl-7-azaindoline derivatives as selective M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonists. Modification of the N-carbethoxy piperidine moiety of compound 2, an M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR)-preferring agonist, led to compound 1, a selective M4 mAChR agonist. Compound 1 showed a highly selective M4 mAChR agonistic activity with weak hERG inhibition in vitro. A pharmacokinetic study of compound 1 in vivo revealed good bioavailability and brain penetration in rats. Compound 1 reversed methamphetamine-induced locomotor hyperactivity in rats (1-10 mg/kg, po).

Immature muscular tissue differentiation into bone-like tissue by bone morphogenetic proteins in vitro, with ossification potential in vivo.

The objective of this study was to induce bone formation from immature muscular tissue (IMT) in vitro, using bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) as a cytokine source and an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) scaffold. In addition, cultured IMTs were implanted subcutaneously into Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to determine their in vivo ossification potential. BMPs, extracted from bovine cortical bones, were applied to embryonic SD rat IMT cultures, before 2 weeks culture on ePTFE scaffolds. Osteoblast-like cells and osteoid tissues were partially identified by hematoxylin-eosin staining 2 weeks after culture. Collagen type I (Col-I), osteopontin (OP), and osteocalcin (OC) were detected in the osteoid tissues by immunohistochemical staining. OC gene expression remained low, but OP and Col-I were upregulated during the culture period. In vivo implanted IMTs showed slight radiopacity 1 week after implantation and strong radiopacity 2 and 3 weeks after implantation. One week after implantation, migration of numerous capillaries was observed and ossification was detected after 2 weeks by histological observation. These results suggest that IMTs are able to differentiate into bone-like tissue in vitro, with an ossification potential after implantation in vivo.

Identification of N-substituted 8-azatetrahydroquinolone derivatives as selective and orally active M(1) and M(4) muscarinic acetylcholine receptors agonists.

We designed and synthesized N-substituted 8-azatetrahydroquinolone derivatives as selective M1 and M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors agonists. Optimization of selected derivatives led to the discovery of compound 7 as a highly potent M1 and M4 agonist with weak hERG inhibition. Oral administration of compound 7 improved psychosis-like behavior in rats.

Discovery of novel N-substituted oxindoles as selective m1 and m4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors partial agonists.

Activation of the M1 and M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors is thought to play an important role in improving the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, discovery of selective agonists for these receptors has been a challenge, considering the high sequence homology and conservation of the orthosteric acetylcholine binding site among muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. We report in this study the discovery of novel N-substituted oxindoles as potent muscarinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonists selective for M1 and M4 over M2, M3, and M5. Among these oxindoles, compound 1 showed high selectivity for the M1 and M4 receptors with remarkable penetration into the central nervous system. Compound 1 reversed methamphetamine- and apomorphine-induced psychosis-like behaviors with low potency to extrapyramidical and peripheral side effects.