Presence of BPIFB1 in saliva from non-obese diabetic mice.

We previously showed that mRNA expression of BPIFB1 (Bpifb1), an antibacterial protein in the palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone protein family, was increased in parotid acinar cells in non-obese diabetic (NOD, NOD/ShiJcl) mice, which is an animal model for Sjögren's syndrome. However, we did not previously assess the protein levels. In this report, we confirmed the expression of BPIFB1 protein in the parotid glands of NOD mice. Immunoblotting of subcellular fractions revealed that BPIBB1 was localised in secretory granules in parotid glands from NOD mice, and was almost not in parotid glands from the control mice. BPIFB1 had N-linked glycan that reacted with Aleuria aurantia lectin, which caused two types of spots with a slightly different pI and molecular weight. The expression of BPIFB1 protein was also demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. BPIFB1 was detected in the saliva from NOD mice but not in the saliva from the control mice, indicating individual constitution. BPIFB1 in saliva may be applied to other research as a diagnostic marker.

Pathogenesis of taste impairment and salivary dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible pandemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The characteristics of the disease include a broad range of symptoms from mild to serious to death, with mild pneumonia to acute respiratory distress syndrome and complications in extrapulmonary organs. Taste impairment and salivary dysfunction are common early symptoms in COVID-19 patients. The mouth is a significant entry route for SARS-COV-2, similar to the nose and eyes. The cells of the oral epithelium, taste buds, and minor and major salivary glands express cell entry factors for SARS-COV-2, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin. We describe the occurrence of taste impairment and salivary dysfunction in COVID-19 patients and show immunohistochemical findings regarding the cell entry factors in the oral tissue. We review and describe the pathogeneses of taste impairment and salivary dysfunction. Treatment for the oral disease is also described. Recently, it was reported that some people experience persistent and prolonged taste impairment and salivary dysfunction, described as post-COVID-19 syndrome or long COVID-19, after the acute illness of the infection has healed. To resolve these problems, it is important to understand the pathogenesis of oral complications. Recently, important advances have been reported in the understanding of gustatory impairment and salivary dysfunction. Although some progress has been made, considerable effort is still required for in-depth elucidation of the pathogenesis.

Proposal for research and education: joint lectures and practicals on central nervous system anatomy and physiology.

We coordinated anatomy and physiology lectures and practicals to facilitate an integrated understanding of morphology and function in a basic medical science program for dental students and to reduce the time spent on basic science education. This method is a means to provide the essential information and skills in less time. The overall impression was that the practice of joint central nervous system lectures and practicals was an efficient method for students, which suggests that joint lectures might also be useful for clinical subjects. About two-thirds of students felt that the joint anatomy and physiology lecture on the central nervous system was useful and necessary in understanding the relationship between morphology and function, at least for this subject. One-third of students were neutral on the effectiveness of this method. However, the survey results suggest that improvements are needed in the method and timing of joint lectures and practicals. The present teaching approach can be further improved by conducting combined lectures in which the form and function of anatomic structures are presented by the relevant departments during the same lecture. Finally, joint lecturers and practicals offer an opportunity to increase student understanding of the importance of new research findings by the present authors and other researchers.

[Histological study of bone regeneration using vascular endothelial growth factor on rat mandibular bone defect].

PURPOSE: Local application of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined to determine whether it is effective in promoting bone regeneration. METHODS: We operated on live 6-week male SD rat mandibular bone tissue to prepare bone defects in order to attempt the guided bone regeneration (GBR) method. Laboratory animals were divided into 3 groups: the control group, the fibrin group, and the VEGF group. Both radiological observation using soft x-ray and histological observation were performed respectively on the 10th, 20th and 30th days after the operations. RESULTS: After 10 days, there was no apparent radio-photographic changes in the bone defects. However, after 20 days there were quite apparent changes, and after 30 days there were even more remarkable changes. The fibrin and VEGF groups changed more than the control group. In our histological observation, we observed rich capillary formation most notably in the VEGF group. This VEGF group also exhibited regeneration in the bone tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Histological and soft x-ray radiological observations indicated that VEGF was effective for blood vessel formation, and VEGF offers potential for bone regeneration.

10.2% power conversion efficiency polymer tandem solar cells consisting of two identical sub-cells.

Polymer tandem solar cells with 10.2% power conversion efficiency are demonstrated via stacking two PDTP-DFBT:PC71 BM bulk heterojunctions, connected by MoO3/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO as an interconnecting layer. The tandem solar cells increase the power conversion efficiency of the PDTP-DFBT:PC71 BM system from 8.1% to 10.2%, successfully demonstrating polymer tandem solar cells with identical sub-cells of double-digit efficiency.

The median atlanto-occipital joint in advanced age.

STUDY DESIGN: Exploration of the craniocervical junction in cadavers of elderly individuals. OBJECTIVE: Histologic evaluation of osseous contact zones observed between the basiocciput and anterior arch of the atlas. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous findings of possible osseous contact zones at the anterior rim of the foramen magnum and anterior arch of the atlas suggested the existence of real joints. METHODS: A total of 100 cadaver specimens were investigated using magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, and median saw-cut and histologic sections. RESULTS: Of the specimens, 42% showed osteoarthritis-related osteophytes (primarily directed cranially) of the articular surfaces of the median atlantoaxial joint. In 5 cases, a large osteophyte of the anterior arch of the atlas touched the basiocciput. In 3 cases, a third occipital condyle touched the anterior arch of the atlas and/or tip of the dens. These osseous contact zones were histologically verified as real joints (the median atlanto-occipital or occipito-odontoid joints). CONCLUSIONS: Of the 8 median atlanto-occipital joints found in this study, 3 were third occipital-condyle based, and 5 osteoarthritis-based. The former were congenital in character, while the latter were acquired.