Ridge augmentation using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 with biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating ß-tricalcium phosphate: a preclinical study in dogs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) regulates the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells, resulting in the promotion of bone formation. Biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) have been reported as a scaffold, which has the ability to control growth factor release, offering sufficient mechanical strength and efficient migration of mesenchymal cells. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the combined use of recombinant human FGF-2 (rhFGF-2) and gelatin/ß-TCP sponge on ridge augmentation in dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six male beagle dogs were used in this study. Twelve wk after tooth extraction, bilateral 10 × 5 mm (width × depth) saddle-type defects were created 3 mm apart from the mesial side of the maxillary canine. At the experimental sites, the defects were filled with gelatin/ß-TCP sponge infiltrated with 0.3% rhFGF-2, whereas gelatin/ß-TCP sponge infiltrated with saline was applied to the control sites. Eight wk after surgery, qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. RESULTS: There were no signs of clinical inflammation at 8 wk after surgery. Histometric measurements revealed that new bone height at the experimental sites (2.98 ± 0.65 mm) was significantly greater than that at the control sites (1.56 ± 0.66 mm; p = 0.004). The total tissue height was greater at the experimental sites (6.62 ± 0.66 mm) than that at the control sites (5.95 ± 0.74 mm), although there was no statistical significant difference (p = 0.051). Cast model measurements revealed that the residual defect height at the experimental sites (2.31 ± 0.50 mm) was significantly smaller than that at the control sites (3.51 ± 0.78 mm; p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The combined use of rhFGF-2 and gelatin/ß-TCP sponge promotes ridge augmentation in canine saddle-type bone defects.

Effect of a tunnel-structured ß-tricalcium phosphate graft material on periodontal regeneration: a pilot study in a canine one-wall intrabony defect model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tissue regeneration is affected by the porosity, chemical properties and geometric structure of graft materials. Regeneration of severe periodontal defects, such as one-wall intrabony defects, is difficult because of reduced tissue support, and bone grafts are commonly used in such cases. In the present study, a tunnel-structured ß-tricalcium phosphate (tunnel ß-TCP) graft material designed to stimulate bone formation was fabricated. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of this graft material on periodontal regeneration in one-wall intrabony defects in dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six male beagle dogs were used in this study. First, the mandibular second and third incisors were extracted. Experimental surgery was performed 12 wk after tooth extraction. Bilateral 4 × 8 mm (width × depth) one-wall intrabony defects were created in the mesial side of the mandibular canines. At the experimental sites, the defects were filled with tunnel ß-TCP, whereas the control defects were left empty. Twelve weeks after surgery, qualitative and quantitative histological analyses were performed. RESULTS: There were no signs of clinical inflammation 12 wk after surgery. Coronal extension indicative of new bone formation was higher at the experimental sites than at the control sites, although the differences between both the sites in the newly formed cementum and connective tissue attachment were not significant. Newly formed periodontal ligament and cementum-like tissue were evident along the root surface at the experimental sites. The inner surface of the tunnels was partially resorbed and replaced with new bone. New blood vessels were observed inside the lumens of tunnel ß-TCP. CONCLUSION: Tunnel ß-TCP serves as a scaffold for new bone formation in one-wall intrabony defects.

Effect of increasing body condition on key regulators of fat metabolism in subcutaneous adipose tissue depot and circulation of nonlactating dairy cows.

In response to negative energy balance, overconditioned cows mobilize more body fat than thin cows and subsequently are prone to develop metabolic disorders. Changes in adipose tissue (AT) metabolism are barely investigated in overconditioned cows. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the effect of increasing body condition on key regulator proteins of fat metabolism in subcutaneous AT and circulation of dairy cows. Nonlactating, nonpregnant dairy cows (n=8) investigated in the current study served as a model to elucidate the changes in the course of overcondition independent from physiological changes related to gestation, parturition, and lactation. Cows were fed diets with increasing portions of concentrate during the first 6wk of the experiment until 60% were reached, which was maintained for 9wk. Biopsy samples from AT of the subcutaneous tailhead region were collected every 8wk, whereas blood was sampled monthly. Within the experimental period cows had an average BW gain of 243±33.3 kg. Leptin and insulin concentrations were increased until wk 12. Based on serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acids, the surrogate indices for insulin sensitivity were calculated. High-concentrate feeding led to decreased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and homeostasis model assessment due to high insulin and glucose concentrations indicating decreased insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin, an adipokine-promoting insulin sensitivity, decreased in subcutaneous AT, but remained unchanged in the circulation. The high-concentrate diet affected key enzymes reflecting AT metabolism such as AMP-activated protein kinase and hormone-sensitive lipase, both represented as the proportion of the phosphorylated protein to total protein, as well as fatty acid synthase. The extent of phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and the protein expression of fatty acid synthase were inversely regulated throughout the experimental period, whereas the extent of phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase was consistently decreasing by the high-concentrate diet. Overcondition in nonpregnant, nonlactating dairy cows changed the expression of key regulator proteins of AT metabolism and circulation accompanied by impaired insulin sensitivity, which might increase the risk for metabolic disorders.

Effects of Fusarium mycotoxins in rations with different concentrate proportions on serum haptoglobin and hepatocellular integrity in lactating dairy cows.

It was hypothesized that long-term intake of a diet contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) and differing in the proportion of concentrate might affect hepatocellular integrity and function as well as biomarkers of systemic inflammation in lactating dairy cows. In Period 1 (11 weeks), 26 lactating German Holstein cows (13 primiparous and 13 pluriparous, 31 days in milk, 522 kg body weight, on average) were divided into two groups and fed diets (50% concentrate) with (MYC, n = 12; on average 5.3 mg DON/kg DM) or without (CON, n = 14) DON contaminations. In Period 2 (16 weeks), each group was further divided into two groups to test whether elevated concentrate proportion as additional burden might enhance the toxicity of DON. The cows in MYC60 (n = 6; 4.6 mg DON/kg DM) and CON60 (n = 7) received the diet with 60% concentrate, while cows in MYC30 (n = 6; 4.4 mg DON/kg DM) and CON30 (n = 7) received the diet with 30% concentrate. Blood samples were taken in biweekly intervals for activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase as well as for concentration of total bilirubin and haptoglobin. Biopsies from liver were collected in week 27 for morphological analyses. No DON effect was found for the variables assessed in blood. The diet with 60% concentrate led to higher activities of AST and GLDH in Period 2. No morphological change was found by both light and electron microscopic analyses of liver samples. Results indicated that long-term intake of DON-contaminated diet over 27 weeks led to neither relevant damages of hepatocytes nor systemic inflammatory responses in lactating dairy cows, even if the dietary concentrate proportion was increased to 60%.

Domain-specific mutations in TGFB1 result in Camurati-Engelmann disease.

Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED, MIM 131300) is an autosomal dominant, progressive diaphyseal dysplasia characterized by hyperosteosis and sclerosis of the diaphyses of long bones. We recently assigned the CED locus to an interval between D19S422 and D19S606 at chromosome 19q13.1-q13.3, which two other groups confirmed. As the human transforming growth factor-1 gene (TGFB1) is located within this interval, we considered it a candidate gene for CED.

Pre- and post-fire pollutant loads in an urban fringe watershed in Southern California.

Post-fire runoff has the potential to be a large source of contaminants to downstream areas. However, the magnitude of this effect in urban fringe watersheds adjacent to large sources of airborne contaminants is not well documented. The current study investigates the impacts of wildfire on stormwater contaminant loading from the upper Arroyo Seco watershed, burned in 2009. This watershed is adjacent to the Greater Los Angeles, CA, USA area and has not burned in over 60 years. Consequently, it acts as a sink for regional urban pollutants and presents an opportunity to study the impacts of wildfire. Pre- and post-fire storm samples were collected and analyzed for basic cations, trace metals, and total suspended solids. The loss of vegetation and changes in soil properties from the fire greatly increased the magnitude of storm runoff, resulting in sediment-laden floods carrying high concentrations of particulate-bound constituents. Post-fire concentrations and loads were up to three orders of magnitude greater than pre-fire values for many trace metals, including lead and cadmium. A shift was also observed in the timing of chemical delivery, where maximum suspended sediment, trace metal, and cation concentrations coincided with, rather than preceded, peak discharge in the post-fire runoff, amplifying the fire's impacts on mass loading. The results emphasize the importance of sediment delivery as a primary mechanism for post-fire contaminant transport and suggest that traditional management practices that focus on treating only the early portion of storm runoff may be less effective following wildfire. We also advocate that watersheds impacted by regional urban pollutants have the potential to pose significant risk for downstream communities and ecosystems after fire.

Comparison of the prognostic value of inflammation-based prognostic scores in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation-based prognostic scores including the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) are associated with survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of these inflammation-based prognostic scores in patients with HCC. METHODS: In total, 150 patients with newly diagnosed HCC were prospectively evaluated. Patients were divided according to the GPS, modified GPS, NLR, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Prognostic Index (PI), and PNI. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was calculated to compare the predictive ability of each of the scoring systems. A univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the clinicopathological variables associated with overall survival. RESULTS: The GPS consistently had a higher AUC value at 6 months (0.768), 12 months (0.787), and 24 months (0.758) in comparison with other inflammation-based prognostic scores. A multivariate analysis showed that the GPS was independently associated with overall survival. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the GPS, an inflammation-based prognostic score, is an independent marker of poor prognosis in patients with HCC and is superior to the other inflammation-based prognostic scores in terms of prognostic ability.

Introduction and evaluation of computer-assisted education in an undergraduate dental hygiene course.

OBJECTIVE: This paper introduced newly developed computer-assisted learning materials and reports of a survey of junior college dental hygiene students who have used them. METHODS: We authored new educational material to promote students' basic dental hygiene practice skills using a simulation software generator. A set of five developed materials were tested by 43 female second-year dental hygiene students during the second semester at a college in Chiba, Japan. The evaluation was conducted in the form of a questionnaire including open-ended questions. Students' opinions were analysed using characteristic diagrams, a troubleshooting tool that can be used to visually illustrate the causes and effects of a problem. RESULT: The overall results of the evaluation were positive. The students were given five sets of simulation learning materials (SLMs). Eighty-three percent of the students felt that they could carry out independent study of clinical practice better after the virtual practice. Ninety-three percent of them felt that the exercises should be continued in the future, and eighty-eight percent of them felt that this virtual practice deepened their interest in other classes and training sessions. All of the students found the virtual practice beneficial for their learning. DISCUSSION: The present results suggest that the students became conscious of their lack of knowledge through SLMs. These findings indicate that SLMs for practicing basic clinical procedures is beneficial.

Surfactant protein C G100S mutation causes familial pulmonary fibrosis in Japanese kindred.

Several mutations in the surfactant protein C (SP-C) gene (SFTPC) have been reported as causing familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF). However, the genetic background and clinical features of FPF are still not fully understood. We identified one Japanese kindred, in which at least six individuals over three generations were diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. We examined the patients radiologically and histopathologically and sequenced their SFTPC and ABCA3 genes. We also established a cell line stably expressing the mutant gene. All the patients had similar radiological and histopathological characteristics. Their histopathological pattern was that of usual interstitial pneumonia, showing numerous fibroblastic foci even in areas without abnormal radiological findings on chest high-resolution computed tomography. No child had respiratory symptoms in the kindred. Sequencing of SFTPC showed a novel heterozygous mutation, c.298G>A (G100S), in the BRICHOS domain of proSP-C, which co-segregated with the disease. However, in the ABCA3 gene, no mutation was found. In vitro expression of the mutant gene revealed that several endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins were strongly expressed. The mutation increases endoplasmic reticulum stress and induces apoptotic cell death compared with wild-type SP-C in alveolar type II cells, supporting the significance of this mutation in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.

The SNP c.1326T>G in the non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G (NCAPG) gene encoding a p.Ile442Met variant is associated with an increase in body frame size at puberty in cattle.

Recently, we had located a bovine carcass weight QTL, CW-2, to a 591-kb interval on BTA6 and have identified the SNP c.1326T>G in the NCAPG (non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G) gene that leads to the amino acid change p.Ile442Met in the NCAPG protein, which is a candidate causative variation. Here, we examined the association of the NCAPG:c.1326T>G locus with linear skeletal measurements of growth-associated traits during adolescence, which is a period of intensive growth, using two historically and geographically distant cattle populations: 792 Japanese Black steers and 161 F(2) bulls of an experimental cross from Charolais and German Holstein. In both populations, the SNP NCAPG:c.1326T>G was associated with each component of body frame size: height, length and width at puberty. The associations of CW-2 with height- and length-associated traits were observed at an earlier growth period compared to the associations with thickness- and width-associated traits, indicating that the primary effect of the CW-2 QTL may possibly be exerted on skeletal growth. The significant associations of the NCAPG:c.1326T>G locus with growth-associated skeletal measurements are similar to the effects of the syntenic region on human chromosome 4 that are associated with adult height in humans, supporting the hypothesis that CW-2 is analogous to the human locus and pointing to a conserved growth-associated locus or chromosomal region present in both species.

Mice with cleavage-resistant N-cadherin exhibit synapse anomaly in the hippocampus and outperformance in spatial learning tasks.

N-cadherin is a homophilic cell adhesion molecule that stabilizes excitatory synapses, by connecting pre- and post-synaptic termini. Upon NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation by glutamate, membrane-proximal domains of N-cadherin are cleaved serially by a-disintegrin-and-metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) and then presenilin 1(PS1, catalytic subunit of the γ-secretase complex). To assess the physiological significance of the initial N-cadherin cleavage, we engineer the mouse genome to create a knock-in allele with tandem missense mutations in the mouse N-cadherin/Cadherin-2 gene (Cdh2 R714G, I715D, or GD) that confers resistance on proteolysis by ADAM10 (GD mice). GD mice showed a better performance in the radial maze test, with significantly less revisiting errors after intervals of 30 and 300 s than WT, and a tendency for enhanced freezing in fear conditioning. Interestingly, GD mice reveal higher complexity in the tufts of thorny excrescence in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Fine morphometry with serial section transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction reveals significantly higher synaptic density, significantly smaller PSD area, and normal dendritic spine volume in GD mice. This knock-in mouse has provided in vivo evidence that ADAM10-mediated cleavage is a critical step in N-cadherin shedding and degradation and involved in the structure and function of glutamatergic synapses, which affect the memory function.

Histological evaluation of alveolar ridge augmentation using injectable calcium phosphate bone cement in dogs.

Alveolar ridge augmentation is an important procedure to restore tooth loss. Several types of graft materials have been used for augmenting the alveolar ridge. An injectable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) has been applied to periodontal bone defects and has shown favourable results. Thus, this CPC may work as an effective graft material for alveolar ridge augmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the CPC for large-scaled (about 7 x 8 x 6 mm) ridge augmentation in dogs. Alveolar ridge defects were created bilaterally in the maxilla of six beagle dogs. The CPC was applied to one of the bilateral maxillary defects. The untreated defect on the contralateral side served as control. The animals were sacrificed at 6 months after surgery and decalcified histological specimens of the alveolar ridge were prepared histometrically and evaluated under a light microscope. Newly formed and reconstructed alveolar ridges covering the CPC were observed in all experimental sites. In the control sites, only slight newly bone formation was observed. Histomorphometrical analysis indicated that the CPC grafted group exhibited significantly (P = 0.0001) increased area and height in new bone formation compared with those of the control group. The results indicate that the CPC appears to be an effective material for alveolar ridge augmentation and may act as a space maintainer to conduct new bone formation.

[Myxoid type of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the anterior mediastinum; report of a case].

A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of right chest pain. Chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT) disclosed a 9 cm mass in the right anterior mediastinum. The tumor demonstrated low signal intensity on T1-weighted images, and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. It showed delayed enhancement on dynamic magnetic resonance (MR). The operation was performed and the tumor including the infiltrated pericardium and upper and middle lobe of right lung was resected. Histologically, the tumor showed a multinodular proliferation of spindle-shaped or polygonal tumor cells with abundant myxoid background. The histopathological diagnosis of the tumor was myxoid malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). This is a case report of primary myxoid MFH in the anterior mediastinum. The case is rare in its primary site, but it is typical in CT and MR findings.

Effect of rhBMP-2 with PLGA/gelatin sponge type (PGS) carrier on alveolar ridge augmentation in dogs.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 has been shown to promote bone formation because of its osteoinductive property. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rhBMP-2 delivered on a poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer/gelatin sponge (PGS) in vertical alveolar ridge augmentation on height-reduced edentulous mandible to verify the retention of rhBMP-2 withstanding the pressure of soft tissues. Coronal defects of the alveolar bone were created in six adult beagle dogs. After a healing period of 9 weeks, PGSs with or without rhBMP-2 (0 or 0.4 mg mL(-1)) were implanted on the defects(6 mm in height, 30 mm in length, 8 mm in width). Sixteen weeks after implantation, the bone mineral content (BMC) and the total bone area were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. The BMC and the total bone area of the defect sites with rhBMP-2 group were significantly greater (133+/-33 mg mm(-1), 277+/-54 mm2, respectively) than those of the control group (80+/-19 mg mm(-1), 155+/-49 mm2, respectively) (P<0.01, P<0.0001, respectively; paired t-test). From the histological analyses, the height of newly formed bone in the experimental group was greater than that of the control group (4.3+/-0.9 mm, 0.22+/-0.28 mm, P<0.0001, n=6, paired t-test). These results indicate that PGS has characteristics of effective bone graft substitutes for implantation of rhBMP-2 on vertical alveolar ridge augmentation in huge defect of mandibles in dogs.

[Bronchial schwannoma diagnosis by surgical treatment; report of a case].

18-year-old male was referred to our hospital due to persistent cough. The patient was admitted for the investigation of the abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT). Chest CT showed a 2.5 cm nodular shadow in the right lower lobe. Bronchofiberscopy revealed the polypoid lesion at the right lower lobe bronchus obstructing the entire lumen of B8-10. The tumor surface was smooth and rich in small vessels. Right lower lobectomy was peformed. The diagnosis of schwannoma was confirmd with the S-100 positive immunohistochemical stain. Bronchial schwannoma is relatively rare disease; less than 90 cases have been reported with respect to schwannoma of case report in Japan.

Effects of angiotensin II generated by an angiotensin converting enzyme-independent pathway on left ventricular performance in the conscious baboon.

Human chymase is a serine proteinase that converts angiotensin (Ang) I to Ang II independent of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro. The effects of chymase on systemic hemodynamics and left ventricular function in vivo were studied in nine conscious baboons instrumented with a LV micromanometer and LV minor axis and wall thickness sonomicrometer crystal pairs. Measurements were made at baseline and after [Pro11DAla12] Ang I, a specific substrate for human chymase, was given in consecutive fashion as a 0.1 mg bolus, an hour-long intravenous infusion of 5 mg, a 3 mg bolus, and after 5 mg of an Ang II receptor antagonist. [Pro11DAla12]Ang I significantly increased LV systolic and diastolic pressure, LV end-diastolic and end systolic dimensions and the time constant of LV relaxation and significantly decreased LV fractional shortening and wall thickening. Administration of a specific Ang II receptor antagonist reversed all the hemodynamic changes. In separate studies, similar results were obtained in six of the baboons with ACE blockade (20 mg, intravenous captopril). Post-mortem studies indicated that chymase-like activity was widely distributed in multiple tissues. Thus, in primates, Ang I is converted into Ang II by an enzyme with chymase-like activity. This study provides the first in vivo evidence of an ACE-independent pathway for Ang II production.

Cellular localization and regional distribution of an angiotensin II-forming chymase in the heart.

The human heart is a target organ for the octapeptide hormone, angiotensin II (Ang II). Recent studies suggest that the human heart contains a dual pathway of Ang II formation in which the major Ang II-forming enzymes are angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and chymase. Human heart chymase has recently been purified and its cDNA and gene cloned. This cardiac serine proteinase is the most efficient and specific Ang II-forming enzyme described. To obtain insights into the cardiac sites of chymase-dependent Ang II formation, we examined the cellular localization and regional distribution of chymase in the human heart. Electron microscope immunocytochemistry using an anti-human chymase antibody showed the presence of chymase-like immunoreactivity in the cardiac interstitium and in cytosolic granules of mast cells, endothelial cells, and some mesenchymal interstitial cells. In the cardiac interstitium, chymase-like immunoreactivity is associated with the extracellular matrix. In situ hybridization studies further indicated that chymase mRNA is expressed in endothelial cells and in interstitial cells, including mast cells. Tissue chymase levels were determined by activity assays and by Western blot analyses. Chymase levels were approximately twofold higher in ventricles than in atria. There were no significant differences in chymase levels in ventricular tissues obtained from non-failing donor hearts, failing ischemic hearts, or hearts from patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. These findings suggest that a major site of chymase-dependent Ang II formation in the heart is the interstitium and that cardiac mast cells, mesenchymal interstitial cells, and endothelial cells are the cellular sites of synthesis and storage of chymase. In the human heart, because ACE levels are highest in the atria and chymase levels are highest in ventricles, it is likely that the relative contribution of ACE and chymase to cardiac Ang II formation varies with the cardiac chamber. Such differences may lead to differential suppression of cardiac Ang II levels during chronic ACE inhibitor therapy in patients with congestive heart failure.

Epstein-Barr virus-infected T lymphocytes in Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome.

The clonal composition of EBV-infected cells was examined in three cases of EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome by analysis of the heterogeneity of terminal repetitive sequences in the EBV genome, indicating monoclonal expansion of EBV-infected cells in all cases. Involvement of T lymphoid cells was determined by in situ hybridization using 35S-labeled RNA probes specific for the small EBV-encoded nuclear RNAs, EBER1 and EBER2, in combination with immunostaining for the TCR-beta chain, CD45RO, CD20, CD30 and CD68 antigens in these three cases. The majority of lymphoid cells showing EBER transcripts were stained by antibodies against CD45RO and T cell receptor-beta. In contrast, EBER-specific signals were not detectable on B cells or hemophagocytic cells. These data support the concept that EBV-associated T cell proliferation is a primary feature of EBV-AHS.