Relationship between age-related changes in mandibular third molar roots and the possibility of mental nerve paresthesia after tooth extraction.

Mental nerve paresthesia is a serious postoperative complication of mandibular third molar extraction. It appears that no study has examined the relationship between the surface morphology of the mandibular third molar roots and the possibility of mental nerve paresthesia following tooth extraction. Therefore, the root morphology of the mandibular third molars was examined according to age using dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and the possibility of mental nerve paresthesia following tooth extraction was evaluated. The study included 1216 patients who had undergone mandibular third molar extractions. The root morphology of 1534 teeth in 791 patients who had CBCT performed before surgery was studied. Factors evaluated were age, complete or incomplete formation of the mandibular third molar roots, periodontal ligament atrophy of the mandibular third molar roots, hypercementosis, and mandibular canal deformation. Mandibular third molar root formation was completed between the ages of 19 and 30 years. Complete formation of the mandibular third molar roots (P = 0.002) and deformation of the mandibular canal (P < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for mental nerve paresthesia. These findings suggest that the risk of mental nerve paresthesia could be reduced if the extraction of third molars is performed prior to complete root formation.

Autophagy activators stimulate the removal of advanced glycation end products in human keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can impact cellular homoeostasis and protein structure, thus is implicated in numerous skin conditions including yellow, dull appearance. AGE formation is irreversible; thus, understanding of the recycling process of AGEs in the skin is critical for addressing skin appearance conditions. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether (i) accumulation of AGEs occurs in dull appearance group among young population (age 20-29) (ii) in vitro autophagy stimulation results in reduction of AGEs in keratinocytes. METHODS: Facial cheek biopsies were collected from Chinese women (age 20-50) exhibiting either dull or non-dull appearing skin. Histological assessment of glycation was performed for representative subjects among the 20-29 years sub-group by immunofluorescence staining of AGEs. LC-MS methods and keratinocyte cell culture were used to assess impact of autophagy modulators and skin care materials on carboxymethyl lysine (CML) amount, a representative AGE. RESULTS: Notable amounts of AGEs were observed in the epidermal samples among young females. Interestingly, the amount of AGEs was significantly higher among the dull skin appearance group. Treatment of keratinocytes with glyceraldehyde (GLA) enhanced CML in the cells, and postglycation treatment with autophagy activators reduced CML. Two skin care materials, Nymphaea alba flower extract (a.k.a. white water lily extract) and sucrose dilaurate, were identified based from in vitro autophagy activation and found to reduce CML in keratinocytes. CONCLUSION: We found AGEs accumulate in the facial epidermis even among young people, correlating to a yellow and dull appearance. We also demonstrated in vitro activation of autophagy can reduce AGEs in keratinocytes, and autophagy activating skin care materials, N. alba flower extract and sucrose dilaurate, also reduce AGEs in the keratinocyte in vitro model. These data suggest epidermal AGEs contribute to the dull skin appearance, and autophagy activators may provide an effective solution to improve dull appearance by removing and recycling the accumulated glycation in the skin.

The transcribed-ultraconserved regions in prostate and gastric cancer: DNA hypermethylation and microRNA-associated regulation.

The transcribed-ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) are a novel class of non-coding RNAs, which are absolutely conserved (100%) between the orthologous regions of the human, rat and mouse genomes. Previous studies have described that several T-UCRs show differential expressions in cancers and might be involved in cancer development. We investigated the transcriptional levels of representative 26 T-UCRs and determined the regions that were differently expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and gastric cancer (GC). A quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the downregulation of Uc.158+A expression by a DNA methylation-associated mechanism, which was restored by 5-Aza-dC (5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine) treatment. Bisulfite genomic sequencing using cell lines and tissue samples demonstrated cancer-specific CpG hypermethylation in both GC and PCa. However, Uc.416+A was only overexpressed in GC and we identified an miR-153 binding site in the possible regulatory region of Uc.416+A using online databases. Along with a forced expression or knockdown of miR-153 in MKN-74 GC cells, the transcriptional levels of Uc.416+A were significantly disturbed. A luciferase reporter gene assay supported the direct regulation of Uc.416+A expression by miR-153. Furthermore, Uc.416+A was associated with cell growth through the regulation of IGFBP6 (insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6) in GC. These findings suggest an oncogenic role of Uc.416+A in GC, which suggests that our approach would provide new insights into functional studies of T-UCRs in cancer biology.

Activating GNAS and KRAS mutations in gastric foveolar metaplasia, gastric heterotopia, and adenocarcinoma of the duodenum.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic gastric-type epithelium, including gastric foveolar metaplasia (GFM) and gastric heterotopia (GH), is a common finding in duodenal biopsy specimens; however, there is still controversy regarding their histogenetic backgrounds. METHODS: We analysed a total of 177 duodenal lesions, including 66 GFM lesions, 81 GH lesions, and 30 adenocarcinomas, for the presence of GNAS, KRAS, and BRAF mutations. RESULTS: Activating GNAS mutations were identified in 27 GFM lesions (41%) and 23 GH lesions (28%). The KRAS mutations were found in 17 GFM lesions (26%) and 2 GH lesions (2%). A BRAF mutation was found in only one GFM lesion (2%). These mutations were absent in all 32 normal duodenal mucosa specimens that were examined, suggesting a somatic nature. Among the GFM lesions, GNAS mutations were more common in lesions without active inflammation. Analyses of adenocarcinomas identified GNAS and KRAS mutations in 5 (17%) and 11 lesions (37%), respectively. Immunohistochemically, all the GNAS-mutated adenocarcinomas diffusely expressed MUC5AC, indicating gastric epithelial differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of GFM and GH harbours GNAS and/or KRAS mutations. The common presence of these mutations in duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma with a gastric epithelial phenotype implies that GFM and GH might be precursors of these tumours.

Frequent GNAS mutations in low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: The molecular basis for the development of appendiceal mucinous tumours, which can be a cause of pseudomyxoma peritonei, remains largely unknown. METHODS: Thirty-five appendiceal mucinous neoplasms were analysed for GNAS and KRAS mutations. A functional analysis of mutant GNAS was performed using a colorectal cancer cell line. RESULTS: A mutational analysis identified activating GNAS mutations in 16 of 32 low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) but in none of three mucinous adenocarcinomas (MACs). KRAS mutations were found in 30 LAMNs and in all MACs. We additionally analysed a total of 186 extra-appendiceal mucinous tumours and found that GNAS mutations were highly prevalent in intraductal papillary mucinous tumours of the pancreas (88%) but were rare or absent in mucinous tumours of the colorectum, ovary, lung and breast (0-9%). The prevalence of KRAS mutations was quite variable among the tumours. The introduction of the mutant GNAS into a colorectal cancer cell line markedly induced MUC2 and MUC5AC expression, but did not promote cell growth either in vitro or in vivo. CONCLUSION: Activating GNAS mutations are a frequent and characteristic genetic abnormality of LAMN. Mutant GNAS might play a direct role in the prominent mucin production that is a hallmark of LAMN.

Relationship between the localization of fibroblast growth factor 9 in prostate cancer cells and postoperative recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) enhances cell proliferation and invasiveness in several malignant diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of FGF9 in postoperative recurrence after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Cell viability and invasion of LNCaP cells were assessed using MTT assay and Matrigel invasion assay, respectively, in the presence or absence of treatment with recombinant FGF9. Tissues obtained during a radical prostatectomy in 133 male patients were immunohistochemically stained using anti-FGF9 antibody. RESULTS: Cell viability and invasion of LNCaP was significantly enhanced by treatment with recombinant FGF9. Immunohistochemical staining detected FGF9-positive cells in 20 samples. The prevalence of FGF9-positive cells in cases with a Gleason score of 8 or higher was 34.2%, which was significantly higher than that in those with Gleason scores of 7 or lower (7.3%, P=0.0003), respectively. The 3-year biochemical relapse-free survival rate was 17.5% in cases with FGF9-positive cells, which was significantly lower than that in cases in which FGF9-positive cells were not detectable (75.5%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that FGF9 can stimulate proliferation and invasion in prostate cancer cells, thus FGF9 could be a candidate of a predictive factor for recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

Sporadic isolations of a multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone during a 14-month epidemic in a general hospital in Hiroshima.

BACKGROUND: During 2005-2007, we experienced sporadic isolations of multidrug-resistant (MDRP) Pseudomonas aeruginosa from wards in a general hospital in Hiroshima. The objective of this study was to analyze epidemiology relationships and the mode of spread of the strains. METHODS: Clonality was assessed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and serotyping. MICs were determined using the microdilution broth method. Investigations of the affected patients' movements and environmental sampling from the affected wards were conducted. RESULTS: An abrupt increase in MDRP isolations began at the end of 2005 and ended in February 2007. A total of 25 MDRP strains were sporadically isolated from nine wards. Fourteen strains were genotypically and serologically identical. Analysis of the patients' movements identified that six of the 14 MDRP-positive patients became positive for MDRP when they were in the intensive care unit (ICU), and two became positive after the patients moved from the ICU to another nursing unit. Four MDRP strains were isolated from patients who did not stay in the ICU and were in ward E6, which had the second highest number of isolations. In July 2006, environmental sampling of the hospital identified a toilet brush in ward E6 that was contaminated with MDRP that was genotypically and serologically identical to the clinical isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the sporadic increase in MDRP isolates during 2005-2007 in the general hospital in Hiroshima was due to an epidemic of an MDRP clone. Continuity and spread of infection was probably due to cross infection and contamination in the hospital with the MDRP strain.

Wnt5a signaling is involved in the aggressiveness of prostate cancer and expression of metalloproteinase.

Wnt5a is a representative ligand that activates the beta-catenin-independent pathway in Wnt signaling. Although it has been reported that abnormal activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin-dependent pathway is often observed in human prostate cancer, the involvement of the beta-catenin-independent pathway in this cancer is unclear. Abnormal expression of Wnt5a and beta-catenin was observed in 27 (28%) and 49 (50%) of 98 prostate cancer cases, respectively, by immunohistochemical analyses. Simultaneous expression of Wnt5a and beta-catenin was observed in only five cases, suggesting their exclusive expression. The positive detection of Wnt5a was correlated with high Gleason scores and biochemical relapse of prostate cancer, but that of beta-catenin was not. Knockdown and overexpression of Wnt5a in human prostate cancer cell lines reduced and stimulated, respectively, their invasion activities, and the invasion activity required Frizzled2 and Ror2 as Wnt receptors. Wnt5a activated Jun-N-terminal kinase through protein kinase D (PKD) and the inhibition of PKD suppressed Wnt5a-dependent cell migration and invasion. In addition, Wnt5a induced the expression of metalloproteinase-1 through the recruitment of JunD to its promoter region. These results suggest that Wnt5a promotes the aggressiveness of prostate cancer and that its expression is involved in relapse after prostatectomy.

Coherent precession of magnetization in the superfluid 3He A-phase.

We report the first observation of coherent precession of magnetization in superfluid 3He A-like phase (CP-A) in aerogel. The coherent precession in bulk 3He A-phase is unstable due to the positive feedback of spin supercurrent to the gradient of phase of precession. It was predicted that the homogeneous precession will be stable if the orbital momentum of the 3He A-phase can be oriented along the magnetic field. We have succeeded to prepare this configuration by emerging 3He in uniaxially deformed anisotropic aerogel. The dissipation rate of coherent precession states in aerogel is much larger than that in bulk 3He B-phase. We propose a mechanism of this dissipation.

The localization of proteins encoded by CRYM, KIAA1199, UBA52, COL9A3, and COL9A1, genes highly expressed in the cochlea.

Genes that are highly expressed in the inner ear, as revealed by cDNA microarray analysis, may have a crucial functional role there. Those that are expressed specifically in auditory tissues are likely to be good candidates to screen for genetic alterations in patients with deafness, and several genes have been successfully identified as responsible for hereditary hearing loss. To understand the detailed mechanisms of the hearing loss caused by the mutations in these genes, the present study examined the immunocytochemical localization of the proteins encoded by Crym, KIAA1199 homolog, Uba52, Col9a3, and Col9a1 in the cochlea of rats and mice. Confocal microscopic immunocytochemistry was performed on cryostat sections. Ultrastructurally, postembedding immunogold cytochemistry was applied using Lowicryl sections. Crym protein was predominantly distributed in the fibrocytes in the spiral ligament, as well as the stria vascularis in rats. KIAA1199 protein homolog was localized in various supporting cells, including inner phalangeal, border, inner and outer pillar, and Deiters' cells. Uba52 protein was restrictedly localized within the surface of the marginal cells of the stria vascularis. Collagen type IX was found within the tectorial membrane as well as fibrocytes in the spiral ligament. The present results showed cell-specific localization of the encoded proteins of these highly expressed genes, indicating that the coordinated actions of various molecules distributed in different parts of the cochlea are essential for maintenance of auditory processing in the cochlea.

Pinning of texture and vortices of the rotating B-like phase of superfluid 3He confined in a 98% aerogel.

We have investigated pinning effects on texture and vortices of the B-like phase of superfluid (3)He in a rotating aerogel up to +/-2pi rad/s by cw-NMR. We observed deformation of the NMR spectra in rotation, due to counterflow between the superflow and the normal flow. The average intensity of the counterflow was calculated from the change of NMR spectra. The rotation dependence of the counterflow intensity is similar to the magnetization curve of hard type II superconductors or the counterflow response of (4)He-II in packed powders. This counterflow behavior is in qualitative agreement with a model that vortices are pinned unless the counterflow exceeds a critical velocity v(c). The temperature independence of v(c) suggests that v(c) is associated with the expansion of primordial vortices.

The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous hyperpigmentation occurs in multiple conditions. In addition, many Asian women desire a lighter skin colour. Thus, there is a need for the development of skin lightening agents. Niacinamide is a possible candidate. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of niacinamide on melanogenesis in vitro and on facial hyperpigmentation and skin colour in vivo in Japanese women. METHODS: Melanin production was measured in a purified mushroom tyrosinase assay, cultured melanocytes, a keratinocyte/melanocyte coculture model, and a pigmented reconstructed epidermis (PREP) model. The clinical trials included 18 subjects with hyperpigmentation who used 5% niacinamide moisturizer and vehicle moisturizer in a paired design, and 120 subjects with facial tanning who were assigned to two of three treatments: vehicle, sunscreen and 2% niacinamide + sunscreen. Changes in facial hyperpigmentation and skin colour were objectively quantified by computer analysis and visual grading of high-resolution digital images of the face. RESULTS: Niacinamide had no effect on the catalytic activity of mushroom tyrosinase or on melanogenesis in cultured melanocytes. However, niacinamide gave 35-68% inhibition of melanosome transfer in the coculture model and reduced cutaneous pigmentation in the PREP model. In the clinical studies, niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.

Histopathological examination of two cases of anterior staphyloma associated with Peters' anomaly and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

AIMS: To clarify the developmental mechanism and critical period for the uncommon complex of Peters' anomaly and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV). METHODS: Two eyes with Peters' anomaly and PHPV were histologically examined by serial section. One eye was enucleated at age 7 months (case 1) and the other at age 4 months (case 2) owing to severe anterior staphyloma. RESULTS: In both eyes, defects in the endothelium, Descemet's membrane, and posterior stroma were observed in the central cornea, and the degenerative lens adhered to the posterior surface of the defective corneal stroma. Also, in both eyes, the anterior chamber space was not formed and the undifferentiated iris stroma adhered to the posterior surface of the peripheral cornea. Mesenchymal tissue containing melanocytes was observed behind the degenerative lens, and the pigment epithelium was absent at the lower nasal side of the ciliary body in case 1. In case 2, mesenchymal tissue containing scattered melanocytes in the vitreous cavity was seen on the posterior retina. Based on the histological findings, both cases were diagnosed as Peters' anomaly caused by the faulty separation of the lens vesicle, PHPV, maldevelopment of the iris and ciliary body, and goniodysgenesis. CONCLUSION: Migratory disorders of neural crest cells from 4 to 7 weeks of gestation may be responsible for various ocular anomalies including Peters' anomaly and PHPV, as observed in these cases.

[Probability of the standardization of control survey in local medical association].

This report discusses about the probability of the standardization of external quality control (control survey) in local medical area such as prefecture size. For example, our control survey by Hiroshima medical association in Hiroshima prefecture is selected and shown on their effort to the standardization of the control survey. This Hiroshima control survey is continuing for 27 years and its purpose is the improvement of the differences between laboratory facilities. For the all standardization of control survey system, tests, devices and reagents, the recent reports of Hiroshima control survey shows that the reference methods by Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) and the enzyme reference materials by Japan Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standardization (JCCLS) are very useful for the improvement of the differences between laboratory facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Isolation and characterization of the human AKT1 gene, identification of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and their lack of association with Type II diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: AKT1, a serine/threonine protein kinase, is an important downstream target of the insulin-signalling pathway, with both anti-apoptotic and peripheral metabolic effects. Because impaired insulin signalling is a major hallmark of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, we considered whether the AKT1 gene could be a candidate gene involved in susceptibility of this condition. To test this possibility, we isolated and characterized the human AKT1 gene. We also looked for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene and examined their association with Type II diabetes mellitus in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. METHODS: Human BAC/P1 genomic libraries were screened to isolate the AKT1 gene. To obtain structural information and the sequences of the exon-intron boundaries, BAC/P1 clones were directly sequenced. Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms was done by polymerase chain reaction of each exon, followed by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in Ashkenazi Jewish patients with Type II diabetes mellitus and in control subjects. RESULTS: The human AKT1 gene was at least 24.6 kb in length and comprised 14 exons. Altogether 13 putative intragenic single nucleotide polymorphisms, with minor-allele frequencies ranging from 0.011 to 0.354, were identified. The allelic and the genotypic frequencies of 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms were the same in diabetic patients and in control subjects. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: The results of our studies show that the AKT1 gene is not a major contributor to susceptibility to Type II diabetes mellitus in Ashkenazi Jews.

Various glutathione S-transferase isoforms in the rat cochlea.

The localization of three glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoforms in the rat cochlea was examined using specific antibodies against each isoform. GST immunoreactivities were found in particular parts of the cochlea, including the intermediate cells and the basal cells of the stria vascularis and various types of fibrocytes in the spiral ligament. The different cell types showed varying combinations of GST isoforms. The GST immunopositive cells identified in the present study may play a central role in the metabolism and inactivation of endogenous and exogenous ototoxic compounds. The specific arrangements also indicated a possible contribution to the detoxification process in the form of a blood-labyrinth barrier.

Hypercholesterolemia induces leukocyte entrapment in the retinal microcirculation of rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate leukocyte dynamics in the retinal microcirculation of hypercholesterolemic rats in vivo using acridine orange digital fluorography. METHODS: 18 male pigmented rats were divided into 3 groups according to their diet; (A) control diet (0.1% cholesterol) for 8 weeks, (B) control diet for an initial 4 weeks followed by a high-cholesterol (HC) diet (5% cholesterol) for another 4 weeks and (C) HC diet for 8 weeks. Leukocyte dynamics were observed with acridine orange digital fluorography. The diameter of major retinal vessels and the number of leukocytes trapped in the retina were evaluated quantitatively. RESULTS: Both groups B and C showed approximately 4-fold higher serum cholesterol levels than in group A. The diameters of retinal arteries and veins were not significantly different among the three groups. Also, no rolling leukocytes were observed in any of the groups. In the retinal microcirculation at 30 minutes after acridine orange injection, the density of trapped leukocytes in both groups B and C was significantly greater than in group A (23.19 +/- 2.13, 28.56 +/- 1.96 and 13.67 +/- 1.45 cells/mm(2), respectively, p < 0.01). Furthermore, group C exhibited a significantly greater number of trapped leukocytes than in group B (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Enhanced leukocyte entrapment in the retinal microcirculation was induced in the early stage of hypercholesterolemia. Entrapment was increased as the period of hypercholesterolemia was prolonged. Leukocyte accumulation in the retina may be an early vascular dysfunction leading to arteriosclerosis in hypercholesterolemia.