Analysis of longitudinal marginal deterioration of ceramic inlays.

This study quantitatively and morphologically analyzed and clarified the longitudinal marginal changes of ceramic inlays and determined the mechanism for those changes. Epoxy replicas of 15 Class II ceramic inlays in permanent premolars prepared at baseline, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 months after placement were selected. A CCD optical laser scanner was employed to measure quantitative changes in the occlusal surfaces of restored teeth. Longitudinal cross-sections of marginal areas of a ceramic inlay were computed, and two profiles of the same location obtained at different periods were superimposed using software. The area enclosed by the two profiles obtained at different periods was defined as the quantitative marginal change, and both the area and maximum depth in the area enclosed were calculated with picture analysis software. The marginal deterioration pattern was analyzed by drawing a longitudinal curve of quantitative change for each restoration. Morphological observation was carried out by scanning electron microscopy at magnifications from 20x to 75x. Quantitative measurement and morphological observation identified a sequential three-stage pattern of marginal deterioration; initial rapid progress of wear of resin composite cement in the first stage, followed by a second stage without any remarkable visible change, then rapid progression of microfractures of ceramics and/or enamel in the third stage. Boundaries between the first and second stage were found in the six and 21-month period, and those between the second and third stage at 72 months. It was concluded that longitudinal marginal deterioration of fired ceramic inlays progressed in a sequential three-stage pattern.

[Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia with monosomy 7 successfully treated with intermediate- and high-dose ara-C].

A 52-year-old man was admitted for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The bone marrow was hypercellular with 67.2% blasts, which were negative for peroxidase, and expressed CD13, CD33, CD34, CD10 and CD7. Cytogenetic and molecular studies revealed t(9;22) and -7(Ph/-7) with major BCR/ABL rearrangement. The patient was treated with the L-AdVP regimen, but failed to achieve complete remission (CR). He then received two courses of chemotherapy consisting of intermediate- and high-dose cytarabine (ara-C), resulting in CR. This case suggests that Ph/-7 ALL with major BCR/ABL gene rearrangement showing coexpression of myeloid antigens may be sensitive to intermediate- and high-dose ara-C.

Adsorption and pharmacokinetics of cyclosporin A in relation to mode of infusion in bone marrow transplant patients.

Two main factors that affect the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporin A (CsA) during 24-h durable intravenous (DIV) administration have been reported, namely physiological changes after bone marrow transplantation, and blood sampling through indwelling lines. In addition, it has been found that infusion sets made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markedly adsorb CsA. We conducted in vitro adsorption studies of CsA on infusion sets, and the administration routes that are used in the treatment of patients with bone marrow transplantation. We also examined the effects of administration route on CsA pharmacokinetics in clinical practice. The in vitro adsorption study using 30-mm segments of lumen from commercially available infusion sets showed that the degree of CsA adsorption per area of lumen made of PVC was significantly higher than that in those made of polyethylene (PE) or polybutadiene (PB), which showed no adsorption of CsA. Due to its adsorption, use of infusion sets made of PVC resulted in about a 40-50% loss of CsA dose, which affected the pharmacokinetic parameters during 24-h DIV, while those made of PE and PB did not. The use of non-PVC infusion sets should allow for accurate monitoring of CsA results, and provide cost benefit in the treatment of bone marrow transplantation.

Malignant transformation of leukoplakia three times in period of 11-years--case report.

Leukoplakia is a commonly occurring precancerous lesion. The following case report describes a patient who had multiple leukoplakia in this mouth. He had three sites of leukoplakia, the left hard palate, the gum of the right maxilla and the gum of the left mandible, all of which underwent malignant transformation during the period of 11-years after diagnosis.