The Presence or Absence of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity to Discriminate Pluripotency Characteristics in Porcine Epiblast Stem Cell-Like Cells.

Porcine embryonic stem cells (pESCs) would provide potentials for agricultural- and biotechnological-related applications. However, authentic pESCs have not been established yet because standards for porcine stem cell-specific markers and culture conditions are not clear. Therefore, the present study reports attempts to derive pluripotent epiblast stem cells either from in vitro or in vivo derived porcine embryos. Nine epiblast cell lines (seven lines from Berkshire and two lines from Duroc) could only be isolated from day 9- to 9.5-old in vivo derived early conceptuses. Pluripotency features were analyzed in relation to the presence or absence of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. Interestingly, the mRNA expression of several marker genes for pluripotency or epiblast was different between putative epiblast stem cells of the two groups [AP-positive (+) pEpiSC-like cell 2 line and AP-negative (-) pEpiSC-like cell 8 line]. For example, expressions of OCT-3/4, NANOG, SOX2, c-MYC, FGF2, and NODAL in AP-negative (-) porcine epiblast stem cell (pEpiSC)-like cells were higher than those in AP-positive (+) pEpiSC-like cells. Expression of surface markers differed between the two groups to some extent. SSEA-1 was strongly expressed only in AP-negative (-) pEpiSC-like cells, whereas AP-positive (+) pEpiSC-like cells did not express. In addition, we report to have some differences in the in vitro differentiation capacity between AP-positive (+) and AP-negative (-) epiblast cell lines. Primary embryonic germ layer markers (cardiac actin, nestin, and GATA 6) and primordial germ cell markers (Dazl and Vasa) were strongly expressed in embryoid bodies (EBs) aggregated from AP-negative (-) pEpiSC-like cells, whereas EBs aggregated from AP-positive (+) pEpiSCs did not show expression of primary embryonic germ layers and primordial germ cell markers except GATA 6. These results indicate that pEpiSC-like cells display different pluripotency characteristics in relation to AP activity.

Feasibility of Assessing Maxillary and Mandibular Bone Mineral Density for Dental Implantation by Using Multidetector Computed Tomography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of the maxillary and mandibular bones for dental implantation by using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed MDCT in 141 patients (78 women and 63 men) at the lumbar vertebrae and at the maxillary and mandibular bones, with a view to dental implantation, from July 2015 to June 2017. Quantitative CT (QCT) using MDCT was performed to obtain Hounsfield unit (HU) values for the maxillary and mandibular bones and to obtain T scores for the lumbar vertebrae. We statistically analyzed the relationships among HU values, and the correlations of QCT values with T scores and of T scores with HU values. RESULTS: There were statistically significant correlations among all these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: QCT using MDCT of the maxillary and mandibular bones seems to be a feasible method for measuring BMD before dental implantation.

Comparative Study on Osseointegration of Implants After Flap and Flapless Surgery in the Mandible of Dogs.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the implant stability and osseointegration of implants using a flap or flapless technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mandibular premolars and molars were extracted from both sides in 6 dogs. After 8 weeks, 4 fixtures were implanted using either a flap or flapless technique. Implant stability quotient was measured on insertion and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks later. The animals were killed while the tissues were histologically analyzed. RESULTS: Implant stability increased for 8 weeks, and no statistically significant differences were observed between the surgical protocols. Bone-implant contact showed 60.27% ± 30.99% for flapless surgery and 59.73% ± 17.12% for flap surgery. And the results of new bone formation area from total area showed 56.07% ± 27.78% for flapless surgery and 57.00% ± 14.66% for flap surgery. There were no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: This study showed no significant difference in implant stability as well as osseointegration regardless of flap or flapless technique.

Incidence and Management of Fractured Dental Implants: Case Reports.

The fracture of dental implants is a rare occurrence in clinical settings. Possible causes of implant fracture include design or production flaws, overloaded occlusion force, implant location, metal fatigue, and bone resorption around the implant. This study reports on the successful removal and reimplantation of fractured implants.

Licochalcone-E induces caspase-dependent death of human pharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells through the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways.

The aim of the present study was to investigate licochalcone-E (Lico-E)-induced apoptosis and the associated apoptotic signaling pathway in FaDu cells, a human pharyngeal squamous carcinoma cell line. Treatment with Lico-E exhibited significant cytotoxicity on FaDu cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 value of Lico-E in FaDu cells was ~50 µM. Treatment with Lico-E increased the number of dead FaDu cells. Furthermore, chromatin condensation, which is associated with apoptotic cell death, was observed in FaDu cells treated with Lico-E for 24 h. By contrast, Lico-E did not produce cytotoxicity or increase the number of dead cells when applied to human normal oral keratinocytes (hNOKs). Furthermore, chromatin condensation was not observed in hNOKs treated with Lico-E. Treatment with Lico-E increased the expression of Fas ligand and the cleaved form of caspase-8 in FaDu cells. Furthermore, treatment with Lico-E increased the expression of pro-apoptotic factors, including apoptosis regulator BAX, Bcl-2-associated agonist of cell death, apoptotic protease-activating factor 1, caspase-9 and tumor suppressor p53, while decreasing the expression of anti-apoptotic factors, including apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 and Bcl-2-like protein 1 in FaDu cells. The expression of cleaved caspases-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase was significantly upregulated following treatment with Lico-E in FaDu cells, while Lico-E-induced apoptotic FaDu cell death was partially suppressed by treatment with Z-VAD-FMK, a pan caspase inhibitor. Therefore, Lico-E-induced oral cancer (OC) cell-specific apoptosis is mediated by the death receptor-dependent extrinsic and mitochondrial-dependent intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways. In conclusion, these data suggested that Lico-E exhibits potential chemopreventive effects and warrants further developed as a chemotherapeutic agent against OC.

Early Bone Formation at a Femur Defect Using CGF and PRF Grafts in Adult Dogs: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the predictability of new bone formation using an autologous concentrated growth factor (CGF) graft alone and platelet graft alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four bony defects of 8 mm were formed, and 3.7- × 10-mm implants were placed in the right femur. The platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), CGF, and synthetic bone were grafted to the bone defect area. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay quantitative analysis and microscopic analysis of the fibrinogen structure were performed. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, the comparisons of each experimental group showed a significant difference between the CGF group and the synthetic bone graft group. When comparing the CGF and allograft material groups, the allograft group showed significantly more new bone formation. In the case of vascular endothelial growth factor, CGF had 1.5 times more than PRF. CGF showed a fibrinogen structure with a constant diameter. CONCLUSION: When applied to a clinical case, CGF is predicted to show better results than PRF.

Comparative study on the osseointegration of implants in dog mandibles according to the implant surface treatment.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the impact of implant surface treatment on the stability and osseointegration of implants in dog mandibles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six adult dogs received a total of 48 implants that were prepared using four different surface treatments; resorbable blast media (RBM), hydroxyapatite (HA), hydrothermal-treated HA, and sand blasting and acid etching (SLA). Implants were installed, and dogs were separated into 2- and 4-week groups. Implant stability was evaluated via Periotest M, Osstell Mentor, and removal torque analyzers. A histomorphometric analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The stability evaluation showed that all groups generally had satisfactory values. The histomorphometric evaluation via a light microscope revealed that the HA surface implant group had the highest ratio of new bone formation on the entire fixture. The hydrothermal-treated HA surface implant group showed a high ratio of bone-to-implant contact in the upper half of the implant area. CONCLUSION: The hydrothermal-treated HA implant improved the bone-to-implant contact ratio on the upper fixture, which increased the implant stability.

Morphology of pedestrian roads and thermal responses during summer, in the urban area of Bucheon city, Korea.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of urban morphology representing sky view factor (SVF) on urban microclimate and on human thermal responses. The physical environments and the changes in body temperatures as well as psychological responses were investigated in summer in Bucheon, Korea. The dry bulb temperature ranged from 31.5 °C at SVF 0.082 site to 35.7 °C at SVF 0.922 site. Most of the environmental elements were statistically correlated to the SVF: the dry bulb temperature R (2) = 0.602, UVB R (2) = 0.556 and the illumination level R (2) = 0.609. The mean skin temperature increased up to 36.0 °C at the SVF 0.940 site and decreased to 33.9 °C at the SVF 0.082 site. The mean skin temperature was statistically correlated to the SVF (p = 0.005). However, the core body temperature was not correlated to SVF because of time delay effect to the previously exposed thermal environment. In the investigation of thermal acceptability, only 5 % of subjects were dissatisfied with the road that was covered with plentiful trees; in contrast, approximately 50 % of subjects were dissatisfied with the road with poor solar obstacles in the summer. The thermal stress was affected by the urban morphology, and the plentiful urban greening improved thermal comfort.

Histomorphometric Analysis of Contaminated Autogenous Tooth Graft Materials After Various Sterilization.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate histomorphometrically contaminated autogenous tooth graft materials, which were resterilized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The intentional defects (diameter: 8 mm, depth: 4 mm) were formed around implant fixture on the iliac crest of 6 mongrel dogs. Autogenous tooth graft materials were made by extracted premolars. After the contamination of the tooth materials, graft procedure was performed; no contaminated group (control group), contaminated groups (nonsterilization group [group 1], ethylene oxide [EO] gas group [group 2], and autoclave group [group 3]). The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and the new bone formation rate (NBFR) were evaluated after sacrifice. RESULTS: The BIC and NBFR of groups 1 and 3 were significantly lower than the control group after 4 weeks. The BIC and NBRF of group 3 were significantly lower than the control group after 8 weeks. However, the BIC and NBRF of group 2 was not significantly different comparing with the control group after 4 and 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Sterilization using EO gas may be more favorable than high-pressure sterilization in cases the reuse of contaminated autogenous tooth graft materials.

Kinematic effect of Nintendo Wii(TM) sports program exercise on obstacle gait in elderly women with falling risk.

[Purpose] This study evaluated the changes in balance ability and obstacle gait after lumbar stabilization exercise and Nintendo Wii(TM) Sports in elderly at risk for falls. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four elderly women with at risk for falls were randomly divided into the control, lumbar stabilization exercise, and Nintendo Wii Sports groups. Static balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale and functional reach test, dynamic balance by the timed up-and-go test, and obstacle negotiation function by crossing velocity and maximum vertical heel clearance. [Results] Both the lumbar stabilization exercise and Nintendo Wii Sports groups showed significant improvements in obstacle negotiation function after the exercise compared to the control group. Berg Balance Scale and functional reach test scores were greater in the lumbar stabilization exercise group, while the timed up-and-go test time was significantly better in the Nintendo Wii Sports groups. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercises and Nintendo Wii Sports improve falling related balance and obstacle negotiation function in elderly women at risk for falls.

Implant Stability Measurements in the Long-Term Follow-up of Dentis Implants: A Retrospective Study With Periotest.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the stability of Dentis implant with the Periotest. METHODS: In total, 36 patients and 88 implants were investigated. Periotest was used to measure implant stability, and a periapical view was taken immediately after surgery and again immediately after, 3 months after, 6 months and 5 years after prosthesis placement. Bone loss on the periapical view, bone quality according to tactile sensation, and area of implant installation were assessed. RESULTS: The mean Periotest value (PTV) immediately after surgery was -1.02, and the mean bone loss rate (bone loss/fixture length × 100) at 6 months after prosthesis placement was 8.42%. PTV was higher with more bone loss (types III, IV vs types I, II bone). The lowest mean PTV was in the lower molar area (-1.48), followed by the lower anterior (-1.41), upper molar (0.11), and upper anterior area (5). One implant failed and survival rates were 98.9%. CONCLUSION: Implant stability was lower in cases with more bone loss and poor bone quality and in the maxilla versus the mandible.

Evaluation of bone formation after grafting with deproteinized bovine bone and mineralized allogenic bone.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of new bone formation of deproteinized bovine bone (Bio-Oss) and mineralized allogenic bone (Tutoplast). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty rats were divided into control and experimental groups (groups 1 and 2): control group, unfilled control; group 1, Bio-Oss; group 2, Tutoplast, respectively. The animals were killed after 6 and 12 weeks, and newly formed bone was analyzed histomorphometrically. RESULTS: In the control group, some new bone formed in the rim of the defect area. In the group 1, newly formed bone was thinner than the adjacent normal bone, and Bio-Oss particles were observed. In the group 2, showed a pattern of gradual fusion with adjacent bone, as well as particles in some areas, similar to the Bio-Oss-treated group. In the 12-week groups, the amount of new bone formation was significantly higher in the experimental groups than in the control group, and it was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. CONCLUSION: Although Tutoplast and Bio-Oss graft materials seem to be useful for bone grafts, Tutoplast showed more active new bone formation than Bio-Oss.

Analysis of Core Stability Exercise Effect on the Physical and Psychological Function of Elderly Women Vulnerable to Falls during Obstacle Negotiation.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of core stability exercise (CSE) on the physical and psychological functions of elderly women while negotiating general obstacles. [Subjects and Methods] After allocating 10 elderly women each to the core stability training group and the control group, we carried out Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and measured crossing velocity (CV), maximum vertical heel clearance (MVHC), and knee flexion angle for assessing physical performances. We evaluated depression and fear of falling for assessing psychological functions. [Results] Relative to the control group, the core stability training group showed statistically significant overall changes after the training session: an increase in POMA scores, faster CV, lower MVHC, and a decrease in knee flexion angle. Furthermore, depression and fear of falling decreased significantly. [Conclusion] CSE can have a positive effect on the improvement of physical and psychological performances of older women who are vulnerable to falls as they negotiate everyday obstacles.

The use of 3 sugammadex out of 5 reversal of during recovery of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in a patient with post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage: a case report.

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) is the most frequent complication of tonsillectomy, and occasionally results in a lethal outcome. A 21-year-old man (height 180 cm, weight 95 kg) was scheduled for a bilateral tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. He required 5 rounds of general anesthesia due to recurrent PTH. The anesthesiologist used sugammadex a total of 3 times to achieve the successful reversal of the deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) induced by rocuronium. After sugammadex 2 mg/kg was administered, the NMB was reversed in 2 minutes each time. Re-administration of rocuronium within a short time interval after sugammadex may result in unpredictable effects of neuromuscular blocking agents. Sugammadex made it possible to perform a rapid, complete reverse when the residual block was maintained by an incomplete reversal of anticholinesterase.

Osteogenic ability according to the decalcified modality of auto-tooth bone grafts in peri-implant defects in dogs.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone generation capacity of the autotransplantation material with clinical and histological analyses after controlled acid treatment conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bony defects were formed in the femur. Then, autotransplantation material was grafted after hydroxyapatite-coated implant placement. Experimental groups were classified according to the acid treatment method: 2% H2SO4 (group 1), 2% HCl (group 2), 2% HNO3 (group 3), or 2% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (group 4). RESULTS: The new bone formation area and bone-implant contact (BIC) of the autotransplantation materials were measured after 8 weeks. The new bone formation area in experimental groups 2, 3, and 4 were greater than that in the control group (no graft) and in experimental group 1 at 8 weeks, and the BIC of experimental group 4 was greater than that in the control group and in experimental group 1; these differences showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Auto-tooth bone treated with EDTA resulted in more effective bone formation in dogs' femurs than bone treated with other solutions.

Displaced implants into maxillary sinus: report of cases.

Although the number of implant placement in the edentulous maxillary region is increasing, there are often some cases in which implants accidentally get displaced into maxillary sinus because of low bone quality, insufficient bone height, bone resorption after surgery, and improper treatment plan. Implants displaced into the maxillary sinus can cause some complications, including mucosal thickening and sinusitis; however, there are also many cases causing no symptoms at all. Treatment procedures for implants displaced into maxillary sinus are observation, removal of implants through intraoral approach, and removal through nasal cavity using endoscope. But treatment may vary according to the presence of sinusitis, ostium obstruction, and oroantral fistula. In this study, 4 patients with present illness of implants displaced into maxillary sinus were selected, and appropriate evaluation and treatment for these cases were studied.

Autogenous teeth used for bone grafting: a comparison with traditional grafting materials.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the surface structures and physicochemical characteristics of a novel autogenous tooth bone graft material currently in clinical use. STUDY DESIGN: The material's surface structure was compared with a variety of other bone graft materials via scanning electron microscope (SEM). The crystalline structure of the autogenous tooth bone graft material from the crown (AutoBT crown) and root (AutoBT root), xenograft (BioOss), alloplastic material (MBCP), allograft (ICB), and autogenous mandibular cortical bone were compared using x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The solubility of each material was measured with the Ca/P dissolution test. RESULTS: The results of the SEM analysis showed that the pattern associated with AutoBT was similar to that from autogenous cortical bones. In the XRD analysis, AutoBT root and allograft showed a low crystalline structure similar to that of autogenous cortical bones. In the CaP dissolution test, the amount of calcium and phosphorus dissolution in AutoBT was significant from the beginning, while displaying a pattern similar to that of autogenous cortical bones. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, autogenous tooth bone graft materials can be considered to have physicochemical characteristics similar to those of autogenous bones.

Histomorphometric analysis of bone formation in bony defects around implants in adult dogs: a comparison of grafts of low and high heat-treated autogenous tooth ash.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the bone formation of autogenous tooth ash treated with different temperatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heat treatment was rendered by powder after extraction of teeth from dogs. The bony defects were made at iliac and resorbable blast medium surfaced implant placement and bone graft was performed; no bone graft group (control group), low heat-treated tooth ash group (group 1), high heat-treated tooth ash group (group 2). Right side had healing periods of 12 weeks, and the left side had 6 weeks. Histomorphometrical analysis was performed at 12 weeks. RESULTS: The control group had poor bone formation and showed large loose connective tissue. Group 1 displayed good healing and bone formation. Group 2 showed higher rate of bone formation than group 1 and the control group. The high heat-treated tooth ash group showed a statistically significant increase in the rate of bone formation in the early stage. CONCLUSION: The heat-treated autogenous tooth ash powder showed excellent new bone formation. The temperature of heat treatment is an important factor in new bone formation. The high heat treatment was the optimal treatment method for making tooth ash than the low heat treatment.

Important role of the C-terminal region of pig aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 in the NADPH-dependent reduction of steroid hormones.

The NADPH-dependent reduction activities of two paralogous pig AKR1C1s with and without 19 additional amino acid residues in C-terminus were evaluated against steroid hormones including 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, progesterone, androstenedione and 5alpha-androstane-3.17-dione, which act as substrates of the AKR1C1S. Among the hormones, the AKR1C1s exhibited the highest activity against 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone and the lowest activity against testosterone and progesterone. Furthermore, the AKR1C1s showed the largest differential activities against; 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, but no such change of activities was found against progestrone and testosterone. These results suggest that the C-terminal region of AKR1C1 plays an important effect in the reduction activities of pig AKR1C1. Thus, the differential activities of two AKR1C1 paralogs observed in the present study provide important insights in understanding the molecular evolution.

Enhanced attachment of human osteoblasts on NH3-treated poly(L-lactic acid) membranes for guided bone regeneration.

Barrier membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR) were prepared by a solvent casting method using solutions of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and chitosan. PLLA and PLLA/chitosan membranes were treated with ammonia gas plasma. PLLA/chitosan membranes were successfully fabricated, and the surface of the PLLA/chitosan membrane was clearly modified by NH3 plasma treatment according to attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Additionally, water contact angle testing indicated that the hydrophilicity of these membranes was significantly increased. MG-63 cells were cultured on each type of membrane, and cell viability was examined using an MTT assay. After one week of culturing, MG-63 cells were more abundant on PLLA/chitosan membranes than on PLLA membranes. The cell viability of PLLA/chitosan membranes with plasma treatment was significantly higher than that of PLLA membranes. These results suggest that this plasma-treated membrane is suitable for GBR and is a promising source of bioactive membrane material for bone regeneration.