Five-year clinical results for treatment of intrabony defects with EMD, guided tissue regeneration and open-flap debridement: a case series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although regenerative periodontal surgery with EMD or guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration, there are limited data on the long-term results following these treatment modalities. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes in intrabony defects following regenerative periodontal surgery with EMD or GTR compared with open-flap debridement (OFD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 40 subjects (44 teeth), with no history of smoking or systemic diseases that could interfere with periodontal disease and who received one of three surgical procedures (EMD, GTR or OFD) for two- or three-wall intrabony defects, were analyzed. Postoperative reduction in probing pocket depth, gain in clinical attachment level, gingival recession and percentage bone fill were compared at 1, 3 and 5 years. RESULTS: Reduction in probing pocket depth after GTR was significantly higher than after OFD at 1 and 3 years postoperatively, but there was no difference between the groups at 5 years. The gains in clinical attachment level for EMD (at 3 and 5 years) and for GTR (at 1, 3 and 5 years) were significantly greater than for OFD. Gingival recession after treatment with EMD and GTR showed a tendency toward positive results, whereas no such tendency was observed for OFD. Postoperative percentage bone fill for EMD and GTR was significantly greater than for OFD at 3 and 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: This is a retrospective study and an exploratory report with a high risk of bias. Within the limits of the current study, it may be concluded that superior gains in clinical attachment level and improved percentage bone fill can be obtained with EMD and GTR when compared with OFD, and these can be maintained over a period of 5 years.

Genotype of FLOWERING LOCUS T homologue contributes to flowering time differences in wild and cultivated roses.

Rose flowers have long delighted humans as ornamental plants. To improve the ornamental value of roses it is necessary to understand the regulatory mechanisms of flowering. We previously found that flowering time is controlled by three minor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and a major QTL co-localised with RoFT. In this study, we isolated three RoFT alleles encoding completely identical amino acid sequences from the parents of a mapping population. Correlation analysis of the RoFT genotypes and flowering time phenotypes in the mapping population showed that the RoFT_f and RoFT_g alleles contribute to the early-flowering phenotype, while the RoFT_e allele contributes to the late-flowering phenotype. We developed two novel cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers based on the genomic sequences of the RoFT alleles and clearly showed that the relationship between RoFT genotype and flowering time was applicable to 12 of 13 cultivated roses grown at the Higashiyama Botanical Gardens, Japan. Allele-specific expression analysis using a reverse transcription CAPS assay suggested that these RoFT alleles are regulated differentially at the transcription level. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants ectopically expressing the RoFT gene showed an early-flowering phenotype. Conversely, in roses, RoFT was continuously expressed after floral bud formation, and RoFT transcript accumulation reached its peak after that of the floral meristem identity gene RoAP1b. These data suggest that RoFT may be essential not only for floral transition but also for normal floral development and flowering in roses.

Anxiety accelerates T-helper 2-tilted immune responses in patients with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Stress, which mediates anxiety, worsens skin symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The contribution of anxiety to immune dysfunction, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD, requires clarification. OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between anxiety and atopy-relevant immune function in AD. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with AD and 58 normal individuals without a history of allergic disorders were enrolled in this study. To assess anxiety, the state-trait anxiety inventory was completed for both groups. In the AD group, measurements were made of SCORAD scores, serum IgE levels, itching (visual analogue scale), blood eosinophil count and T-helper (Th) 1/Th2 ratio in the peripheral blood. RESULTS: Anxiety was significantly higher among the subjects with AD than the normal subjects, and trait anxiety (TA) was higher than state anxiety (SA) in the AD group. Serum total IgE levels were correlated positively with TA and the TA/SA ratio and inversely with SA, and the Th1/Th2 ratio was correlated inversely with TA and the TA/SA ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with AD had higher anxiety levels than normal individuals, and those with a stronger perception of TA than SA showed enhanced serum IgE synthesis and Th2 shifting.

Ribostamycin inhibits the chaperone activity of protein disulfide isomerase.

In the process of screening of proteins binding to ribostamycin in bovine liver using the affinity column chromatography, we found that ribostamycin inhibited the chaperone activity of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), but it did not inhibit the isomerase activity. PDI was identified by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. A 100:1 molar ratio of ribostamycin to PDI was almost sufficient to completely inhibit the chaperone activity of PDI. The binding affinity of ribostamycin to purified bovine PDI was determined by the Biacore system, which gave a K(D) value of 3.19 x 10(-4) M. This suggests that ribostamycin binds to region distinct from the CGHC motif of PDI. This is the first report to describe the inhibitor of the chaperone activity of PDI.

The dipeptide, gamma-glutamylcysteine, is recognized by the anti-glutathione antibody single chain Fv fragment 20C9.

The anti-glutathione antibody scFv 20C9, which we previously isolated from a human synthetic phage antibody scFv library [Hirose, M., Hayano, T., Shirai, H., Nakamura, H., and Kikuchi, M. (1998) Protein Eng. 11, 243-248], was expressed in the E. coli pET system and purified by sequential chromatography on Ni and glutathione-conjugated affinity resins. The purified scFv 20C9 antibody was characterized for its binding affinity for several glutathione derivatives by the BIACORE system. Although GSH, GSSG, and gamma-Glu-Cys could bind to the immobilized antibody, this was not the case for Cys-Gly, l-Glu, l-Cys, l-Gly, or several other glutathione derivatives such as gamma-Glu-Ser-Gly. The results suggest that a gamma-glutamic acid and sulfur atom are important for scFv 20C9 antibody recognition of glutathione. This is the first report to indicate that an scFv antibody can recognize a region as small as a dipeptide.

Nucleotide sequence of the porcine 60S ribosomal protein L35 cDNA.

The cDNA encoding the 60S ribosomal protein L35 was cloned from the porcine liver cDNA library using the N-terminal fragment coding region of human protein disulfide isomerase as the probe.

A case of hemangioma accompanied by inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen.

Both hemangioma and inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the spleen are rare benign mass lesions. Moreover, a splenic hemangioma accompanied by IPT is extremely rare. A 61-year-old woman who suffered from liver cirrhosis had a splenic cavernous hemangioma surrounded by granuloma. The literature on IPT of the spleen has described several possibilities of its causes; however, it is still unknown. This case was accompanied by portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis, which may cause microrupture of hemangioma resulting in an IPT.

Nuclear cyclin D1 overexpression is a critical event associated with cell proliferation and invasive growth in gallbladder carcinogenesis.

Cyclin D1 overexpression is remarkably frequent in several human carcinomas and is believed to be a critical event in oncogenesis. We examined cyclin D1 expression, p53 expression, and the Ki-67 labeling index by immunostaining in human gallbladder mucosa in conditions varying from normal to malignant tissue. We also examined K-ras codon 12 mutations in these tissues with a two-step polymerase chain reaction. Nuclear cyclin D1 overexpression was observed in 48% of carcinomas occurring independently of adenoma, but not in adenomas, carcinomas arising in adenomas, or nonneoplastic lesions. Cytoplasmic cyclin D1 overexpression was observed in about 15% of abnormal specimens, irrespective of the type of epithelial abnormality. Carcinomas showing nuclear cyclin D1 overexpression had significantly higher Ki-67 labeling indexes than those with no overexpression. Moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas showed a higher incidence of nuclear cyclin D1 overexpression than papillary to well differentiated carcinomas. Specimens with cyclin D1 overexpression showed a high incidence of lymph permeation, venous permeation, and lymph node metastasis. We conclude that nuclear cyclin D1 overexpression is a critical event importantly associated with cell proliferation and invasive growth in gallbladder carcinogenesis, and that cyclin D1 immunostaining may become a useful marker for evaluating gallbladder carcinomas.

[Study of transforming growth factor-alpha expression in duodenal ulcer].

Various growth factors were also reported to promote healing of peptic ulcer. We have used a monoclonal antibody in conjunction with a standard immunohistochemical technique to characterize the expression of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) in duodenal ulcer. TGF-alpha immunoreactivity is found in Brunner's gland, also in immature gland and in duodenal epitheliums, but not in gastric metaplasia of the duodenum. TGF-alpha expression of healing and scar stage was higher than that of active stage. The presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori infection did not affect the expression of TGF-alpha in duodenal ulcer.

K-ras codon 12 and p53 mutations in biopsy specimens and bile from biliary tract cancers.

To evaluate whether it is useful for diagnosis to detect K-ras and p53 mutations in biopsy specimens and bile of biliary tract lesions, 12 cholangiocarcinomas (CC), eight cases of cholangitis, seven gallbladder carcinomas (GBC), seven gallbladder cholesterol polyps, four cases of adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder and five cases of cholecystitis were examined. K-ras and p53 mutations in bile were detected by a two-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. In addition, p53 protein expression in biopsy specimens from CC were examined by immunostaining. K-ras mutations at codon 12 were detected in 50% of CC and 57.1% of GBC in both biopsy specimens and bile. The incidence of p53 mutations was 33.3% in CC and 42.9% in GBC. p53 protein overexpression was observed in 60% CC biopsy specimens. In contrast, K-ras and p53 abnormalities were not detected in any non-neoplastic biliary tract lesion. K-ras and p53 mutations in biliary tract cancers showed the same mutation patterns in spite of differences in the collection methods used between bile and biopsy specimens or surgically resected tissue. Genetic analysis of K-ras and p53 mutations in biopsy specimens and bile may be useful for the diagnosis of biliary tract cancers, although it may be effectively limited to patients with advanced disease.

[Waldenström's macroglobulinemia effectively treated with chronic daily oral administration of low-dose etoposide].

A 77-year-old woman with complaints of fever and systemic lymphadenopathy was admitted to our hospital on February 16, 1995. Serum IgM was elevated to 2,097 mg/dl. Lymph node biopsy showed diffuse infiltration with lymphoplasmacytoid cells. Thus, she was diagnosed as having Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Considering her age and congestive heart failure, she was treated with oral administration of low-dose etoposide (25 mg/day). Splenomegaly and superficial lymphadenopathy disappeared after one course of therapy. Until her death due to pneumonia, complete remission continued for one year without any symptoms and adverse effects except for mild diarrhea. Low-dose etoposide therapy was considered to be well tolerated and useful for elderly patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

[Plasma cell leukemia associated with monocytosis].

A 51-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in December 1993, because of fatigue. Peripheral blood tests showed a WBC of 49,400/microliter with 36% plasma cells and 35% monocytes, Hb 14.5 g/dl, and Plt 137,000/microliter. Bone marrow aspirate revealed hypercellularity with 48.7% plasma cells and 22.4% monocytes. Plasma cells in blood were positive for CD38 and PCA-1. Serum calcium, IgA and M-CSF levels were elevated to 14.1 mg/dl, 2,337 mg/dl and 2.7 ng/ml, respectively. Immunoelectrophoresis of serum and urine revealed IgA lambda type M protein and lambda type Bence Jones protein, respectively. Rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy chain and light chain were demonstrated by Southern blotting analysis. Plasma cell leukemia (IgA lambda type) was diagnosed. He was treated with combination chemotherapy and IFN-alpha and achieved complete remission. However, he suffered a meningeal relapse in February 1995, and died in April 1996. It seems likely that the enhanced production of M-CSF by myeloma cells and/ or activated B cells stimulated monocyte production.

Polymeric calcium phosphate cements: analysis of reaction products and properties.

Chemical and mechanical properties of water-based polymeric calcium phosphate cements (PCPC) were investigated. These cements were derived from mixing several types of water-soluble polymers, e.g., gelatin, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poly(alkenoic acids) such as poly(acrylic acid), with a calcium phosphate cement (CPC) mixture consisting of equimolar amounts of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and anhydrous dicalcium phosphate (DCPA) as well as several other TTCP-containing mixtures. Cement formation was observed with all of the PCPCs. With the gelatin and PVA cements, significant amounts of hydroxyapatite (HA) formation were observed within 24 h. Their setting times and mechanical properties were similar to those of the purely inorganic CPC that is derived from the reaction of TTCP and DCPA in water. Although the mechanical properties of a gelatin-CPC cement were only slightly improved, its handling characteristics were superior to that of CPC. Significantly faster setting and stronger cements were obtained using polycarboxylic acid polymers with CPC. However, only small amounts of HA were observed in these types of polymeric cements even after 1 mon storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C. This research demonstrates the feasibility of preparing several new types of dental cements based on the interaction of water-soluble polymers with a self-setting calcium phosphate powder mixture.

Polymeric calcium phosphate cements: setting reaction modifiers.

In this study, the effects of several additives on the setting behavior and mechanical properties of polymeric calcium phosphate cements were investigated. The cements were derived from a polycarboxylic acid (PCA) and a calcium phosphate cement (CPC) powder that consisted of equimolar amounts of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and dicalcium phosphate (DCPA). Retardation of the setting reaction in the PCA-CPC cements was observed by adding tribasic sodium phosphate and fluorides such as stannous fluoride, zirconium(IV) fluoride and titanium(IV) fluoride. It was found that increasing the concentration of these additives decreased the mechanical strength of the cements. However, improvements in both setting and mechanical properties for the PCA-CPC cements were observed by the combined use of 8% (w/w) stannous fluoride and 10% (w/w) tartaric acid. The mechanical properties of the PCA-CPC cement also were improved by adding calcium acetate, calcium methacrylate, zirconium(IV) sulfate and phosphonoacetic acid.

Properties of test metal ceramic titanium alloys.

Four test alloys were prepared using a high frequency centrifugal casting machine and a ceramic crucible for the development of titanium bonding alloys that can be cast in the ordinary atmosphere. Of these alloys, 10.06% Ti, 78.79% Ni, 9.02% Pd, 1.77% Sn and 9.91% Ti, 78.56% Ni, 9.07% Pd, 1.86% Sn, 0.65% Ir could be cast by the conventional high frequency centrifugal method; however, 89.18% Ti, 8.75% Ni, 1.03% Pd, 0.28% Sn and 89.81% Ti, 8.15% Ni, 1.01% Pd, 0.18% Sn, 0.67% Ir could be cast only by the argon are melting method. The alloys 10.06% Ti, 78.95% Ni, 9.02% Pd, 1.77% Sn and 9.91% Ti, 78.56% Ni, 9.07% Pd, 1.86% Sn, 0.65% Ir showed excellent physical and mechanical properties and bonding strengths, surpassing those of the commercial alloys TPW and Unimetal. Concerning the elution of component elements, the amounts of titanium eluted from these alloys were far smaller than those from pure titanium or a Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and nickel elution, which has become an issue in relation to metal allergy, was almost nil in contrast to Unimetal (Ni-Cr alloy). The alloy 9.91% Ti, 78.56% Ni, 9.07% Pd, 1.86% Sn, 0.65% Ir showed properties that indicated its favorable use as an alloy for the bonding of dental porcelain.

Line analysis of interface layer on dentin by means of electron-probe microanalysis.

Three types of brominated methacrylates, SBPPM, BPylM, and BNEM, were synthesized. The distribution of Br, Ca, and Fe at the interface between dentin treated with the 10-3 solution and resin containing these monomers was analyzed using an electron-probe microanalyzer (EPMA) in order to predict the composition and thickness of the interface layer on dentin for the corresponding unbrominated methacrylates. There was no significant difference between the brominated and unbrominated methacrylates in either the bond strength to the treated dentin or in the thickness of the interface layer on dentin observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thickness determined with EPMA was equivalent to that observed with SEM. The concentration of each brominated methacrylate in the interface layer was higher than the original concentration in the resin monomers, and BNEM showed higher concentration than the others. The presence of Fe in the layer was confirmed by EPMA.

Liquid gallium alloys for metallic plastic fillings.

Ga-In-Sn alloys that are liquid at room temperature have been developed to replace mercury in metal plastic fillings. These liquid alloys were mixed with Ag-Pd-Sn-Cu-Zn to form powder alloys, 'a plasto-metallic body'. Various physical properties of these materials were evaluated. Strength increased markedly immediately after mixing, and polishing was possible on the same day. A good marginal seal could be expected as these materials expand on setting. The technique for filling is simpler and more rapid than is the case with amalgam materials. These materials also seem to be useful in paediatric dentistry for the handicapped, where extensive treatments are frequently performed under general anaesthesia.

[Mechanical properties and curing depth of urethane tetramethacrylate-based composite resins].

Mechanical properties and curing depth of light-cured composite resins based on five types of urethane tetramethacrylate (UTeMA; IP-4 M, XY-4 M, MC-4 M, HM-4 M and TM-4 M) were investigated, and compared them with those of UDMA-based composite resins. Composites based on UTeMA monomers containing an aromatic or cyclohexane ring in their chemical structure (IP-4 M, XY-4 M and MC-4 M) showed a relatively rigid properties than those based on aliphatic UTeMA (HM-4 M and TM-4 M). The composite resins based on XY-4 M monomer showed a curing depth and transmission coefficient superior to the other composite resins. UTeMA-based composites showed a significantly higher rigid properties than UDMA-based composites, while their rigidity did not improve the flexural strength.