Identification of predictive variables for the recurrence of oral mucocele.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucocele is the most common minor salivary gland lesion with good prognosis after surgical removal. However, its recurrence is not rare, sometimes bothersome. This study aimed to identify the possible predictive variables affecting the recurrence rate of oral mucocele. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The histoclinical data of 164 patients diagnosed with oral mucocele were retrospectively obtained by reviewing dental records. The predictive variables for its recurrence were identified by analyzing its recurrence rate according to clinical variables. RESULTS: The recurrence rate showed the significant differences according to location and age. Oral mucocele recurred with significantly higher frequency on the ventral mucosa of tongue (50.0%) than on the labial/buccal mucosa (8.8%). Its recurrence was significantly more common in the younger patients (aged < 30 years, 16.0%) than in the older patients (aged > 30 years, 4.4%). However, there was no significant difference in recurrence rates between surgical procedures using scalpels and those using lasers. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with oral mucocele should be more carefully informed of its possible recurrence, especially when it is found on the ventral surface of the tongue or in a younger population.

How HIV affects health and service use for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

OBJECTIVE(S): Although rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are similar for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), very little is known about the health needs and service use of those with IDD and HIV. Among a population with IDD, we compared the physical and mental health profiles, as well as general and mental health service use for those with and without HIV. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada using linked administrative health and social service databases. METHODS: The prevalence of physical conditions and mental health disorders, and patterns of service use for any reason and service use for mental health issues were compared among Ontario adults with IDD and HIV (n = 107) and without HIV (n = 63 901) in log-binomial models adjusted for age, sex and neighbourhood income and rurality. RESULTS: Adults with IDD and HIV were more likely than those without HIV to have three types of mental health disorders: non-psychotic disorders [aRR: adjusted rate ratio (aRR): 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.47)], psychotic disorders [aRR: 1.57 (1.09, 2.28)] and substance use disorders [aRR: 3.52 (2.53, 4.91)]. Adults with IDD and HIV were also more likely to have emergency department visits [aRR: 1.68 (1.42, 1.98)] and hospital admissions [aRR: 2.55 (1.74, 3.73)] for any reason, and to have mental health emergency department visits and/or admissions [aRR: 2.82 (1.90, 4.18)]. DISCUSSION: Adults with IDD and HIV have complex health profiles and greater health service use than HIV-negative adults with IDD. These findings call for closer integration of programs delivered by the HIV and disability sectors to optimise the health of this patient population.

Diagnostic profiling of salivary exosomal microRNAs in oral lichen planus patients.

OBJECTIVE: Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease whose exact cause is unclear and which requires efficient diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Identification of disease-specific biomarkers in saliva is an easy, quick, and non-invasive approach for molecular diagnosis. This study was designed to examine salivary exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) that could be candidates for diagnosing and elucidating the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We compared miRNA profiles of salivary exosomes of patients with oral lichen planus with those of healthy controls. Saliva samples from 16 patients with oral lichen planus and eight healthy controls were divided into two sets and examined using miRNA microarray analysis and TaqMan quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The three miRNAs identified (miR-4484, miR-1246, and miR-1290) were further validated. Of these, miR-4484 was significantly upregulated in the salivary exosomes of patients with oral lichen planus. CONCLUSIONS: This study thus identifies a potential miRNA biomarker for oral lichen planus and provides insight into the functions of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of oral inflammatory diseases.

Momentum dependent [Formula: see text] band splitting in LaFeAsO.

The nematic phase in iron based superconductors (IBSs) has attracted attention with a notion that it may provide important clue to the superconductivity. A series of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) studies were performed to understand the origin of the nematic phase. However, there is lack of ARPES study on LaFeAsO nematic phase. Here, we report the results of ARPES studies of the nematic phase in LaFeAsO. Degeneracy breaking between the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] hole bands near the [Formula: see text] and M point is observed in the nematic phase. Different temperature dependent band splitting behaviors are observed at the [Formula: see text] and M points. The energy of the band splitting near the M point decreases as the temperature decreases while it has little temperature dependence near the [Formula: see text] point. The nematic nature of the band shift near the M point is confirmed through a detwin experiment using a piezo device. Since a momentum dependent splitting behavior has been observed in other iron based superconductors, our observation confirms that the behavior is a universal one among iron based superconductors.

Urinary excretion of degradation products of prostacyclin and thromboxane is increased in patients with gestational choriocarcinoma.

Gestational choriocarcinoma metastasizes rapidly, in which process the vasoactive prostanoids may be significant. We therefore compared the urinary excretion of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) metabolites in 19 women with gestational choriocarcinoma and 20 healthy age-matched women by assessing spot urine samples for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha) (degradation products of prostacyclin) as well as for thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and 2,3-dinor-TxB2 (degradation products of TxA2) by high-pressure liquid chromatography, followed by radioimmunoassay; the data were related to urinary creatinine concentration. The urinary output of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha [29.56 +/- 7.0 versus 25.08 +/- 3.91 ng/mmol creatinine (SE)] in patients with choriocarcinoma was normal, but that of 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha in cancer patients was higher than in controls (24.44 +/- 5.20 versus 14.84 +/- 1.94, P less than 0.02), as was that of TxB2 (22.72 +/- 4.69 versus 9.69 +/- 1.52, P less than 0.001) and 2,3-dinor-TxB2 (114.21 +/- 30.81 versus 51.81 +/- 10.40, P less than 0.01). The ratio of net prostacyclin output (6-keto-PGF1 alpha plus 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha) to the net TxA2 output (TxB2 plus 2,3-dinor-TxB2) in cancer patients [0.52 +/- 0.1 (SE)] was lower (P less than 0.03) than in the controls (0.83 +/- 0.1), and in an inverse relation (r = -0.54, P less than 0.05) to the scoring index of poor prognosis for the disease. We conclude that the prostanoid excess in gestational trophoblastic disease, as evidenced for the first time in this study, may originate from choriocarcinoma cells, or may be a paraneoplastic phenomenon, and we conclude also that TxA2 excess may contribute to the tumor growth and/or formation of metastases.

Fracture of the articular disc in the temporomandibular joint: two case reports.

Disc fracture of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a little-known pathological condition owing to its extreme rarity. We report two cases of elderly patients who were diagnosed with disc fracture of the TMJ based on MRI, and we review related reports. On physical examination, an incomplete bite and mild joint pain were observed on the affected side in both patients. An MRI showed a complete fracture in the intermediate zone of the articular disc in the TMJ; the posterior fragment was displaced posteriorly, causing occlusal change in the closed position of the condyle and an incomplete bite. Conservative treatment including manual manipulation, physical therapy and oral appliance had no effect on the occlusal abnormality. Although the inciting cause of the disc fracture remained unclear, the degenerative changes in the joint may have been a factor by increasing the brittleness and reducing the elasticity of the disc.

Circannual variation of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and either coronary artery disease or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

We studied the possible relation between the frequency of ventricular tachyarrhythmic events and thermal stress in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) living in a locally limited area under homogeneous climatic conditions. The frequency of tachyarrhythmic events was correlated with the thermal stress level according to the "Klima Michel Model," a complete thermophysiologic model that calculates "felt-temperature" values on the basis of the outdoor temperature and further meteorologic data. During a mean follow-up time of 40 +/- 17 months (range 4 to 72), 761 ventricular tachyarrhythmic events occurred in 50 of 138 consecutive ICD recipients. Analysis of the monthly felt-temperature levels and the mean circannual variation of the registered ventricular arrhythmias suggested that very cold and very hot conditions may be associated with an increased frequency of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. This finding was confirmed by calculation of the sum of tachyarrhythmias on all 2,039 days of the follow-up period divided into 5-degree-step felt-temperature classes. Thus, thermal stress may be 1 factor triggering the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with cardiac disease and suppressed cardiac function. Part of the increase in cardiac mortality under above-average hot and cold atmospheric conditions may be attributed to ventricular arrhythmic events.

Suppression of inflammatory responses by surfactin, a selective inhibitor of platelet cytosolic phospholipase A2.

Surfactin inhibits platelet and spleen cytosolic 100 kDa phospholipase A2 (PLA2). In contrast, this same compound enhances rat platelet group II PLA2 activity by approximately 2-fold and slightly increases group I PLA2 activity from porcine pancreas and Naja naja venom in vitro. Surfactin does not affect a Ca2+ -independent PLA2 partially purified from bovine brain. Thus, this compound inhibits selectively the cytosolic form of PLA2. Based on in vitro studies utilizing preincubation of surfactin with the enzyme, dialysis, and increased concentrations of substrates, the inhibitory effect of surfactin appears to be due to a direct interaction with the enzyme. Linear regression analysis of the linear portion of a concentration-response curve reveals an IC50 of 8.5 microM. To further determine the inhibitory pattern, a Dixon plot was constructed to show that the inhibition by surfactin is competitive, but not uncompetitive, with an inhibition constant of Ki = 4.7 microM in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, at 37 degrees. Surfactin blocked non-stimulated and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated release of arachidonic acid from monkey kidney CV-1 cells, which contain a cytosolic 100 kDa PLA2 as the major activity, as shown in an anionic exchange DEAE-5PW high performance liquid chromatography profile and western blotting analysis. Surfactin ameliorated inflammation induced by several chemicals. That is, it exhibited in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in several tested inflammatory reactions including 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, and acetic acid-induced mouse writhing. These results demonstrate that surfactin is a selective inhibitor for cytosolic PLA2 and a putative anti-inflammatory agent through the inhibitory effect produced by direct interaction with cytosolic PLA2, and that inhibition of cytosolic PLA2 activity may suppress inflammatory responses.

Response of human chorionic gonadotrophin to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation in the culture media of normal human placenta, choriocarcinoma cell lines, and in the serum of patients with gestational trophoblastic disease.

In vitro and in vivo responses to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) stimulation of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) production were evaluated. We cultured placental tissues of ten weeks and term pregnancy, choriocarcinoma tissues, and monolayers of the BeWo cell line, and added serial dilutions of LHRH (1, 5 and 10 micrograms) to the media for five to seven days. In in vivo experiments, 100 micrograms LHRH was intravenously administered to 20 normally cycling women (control group), 27 women who were 'possible remission', and 21 women with 'minimal resistance' to gestational trophoblastic disease. After injection of LHRH, blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. The concentrations of immunoreactive beta-hCG in in vitro culture media, and in sera from patients, were measured before and after LHRH stimulation by double-antibody radioimmunoassay. These in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that normal and malignant trophoblastic cells responded to the LHRH stimulation by producing immunoreactive beta-hCG. Therefore, LHRH stimulation may be useful in detecting residual choriocarcinoma cells in gestational trophoblastic disease patients during their periremission periods.

Effect of erythromycin on gastric emptying in healthy individuals assessed by radio-opaque markers and plasma acetaminophen levels.

We simultaneously recorded gastric emptying of radio-opaque markers (ROMs) and monitored serial changes in plasma acetaminophen (AAP) levels to demonstrate the relationship between the ROM and the AAP methods, and we investigated the effect of a single intravenous dose of erythromycin (EM) on gastric emptying in healthy human subjects. After an overnight fast, subjects were randomized to receive either placebo or EM lactobionate (Abbott, North Chicago, IL, USA) 250 mg intravenously in a single dose, given immediately before a standard meal. Subjects ingested 1.5 g of AAP and ROMs with the test meal. A supine plain abdominal radiograph was taken 1, 2, 3, and 6 h after ingestion of the test meal. Peripheral blood samples were obtained 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 6 h after ingestion of the test meal. EM significantly accelerated gastric emptying of ROMs. By 6 h, no markers remained in the stomach in any of the subjects in the placebo or EM groups. By 120 min, half of the ROMs had passed into the duodenum in 12.5% of subjects after placebo, whereas EM injection resulted in gastric emptying of half of the ROMs in all subjects. There was no difference in plasma AAP concentration between the placebo and EM groups. There were significant correlations between maximum plasma AAP concentration and gastric emptying of ROMs 120 min after ingestion (r = 0.546; P = 0.019), and between time of maximum plasma AAP concentration and gastric emptying of ROMs 120 min after ingestion (r = -0.568; P = 0.014). The time taken to reach the peak concentrations ranged from 30 to 90 min after ingestion, whereas most ROMs were emptied 120 min after ingestion. We conclude that the gastric emptying assessed by ROMs and by serial changes in plasma AAP level are good, non-invasive, clinically applicable tests, with a significant correlation between the two tests. A single intravenous dose of EM had a prokinetic effect on gastric emptying, assessed by ROMs, in healthy human subjects.

Simultaneous determination of loxoprofen and its diastereomeric alcohol metabolites in human plasma and urine by a simple HPLC-UV detection method.

A simple, reliable HPLC-UV detection method was developed for the simultaneous determination of loxoprofen and its metabolites (i.e. trans- and cis-alcohol metabolites), in human plasma and urine samples. The method involves the addition of a ketoprofen (internal standard) solution in methanol, zinc sulfate solution and acetonitrile to plasma and urine samples, followed by centrifugation. An aliquot of the supernatant was evaporated to dryness, and the residue reconstituted in a mobile phase (acetonitrile:water=35:65 v/v, pH 3.0). An aliquot of the solution was then directly injected into the HPLC system. Separations were performed on octadecylsilica column (250x4.5 mm, 5 microm) with a guard column (3.2x1.5 cm, 7 microm) at ambient temperature. Loxoprofen and the metabolites in the eluent were monitored at 220 nm (a.u.f.s. 0.005). Coefficients of variations (CV%) and recoveries for loxoprofen and its metabolites were below 10 and over 96%, respectively, in the 200 approximately 15000 ng ml(-1) range for plasma and 500 approximately 50000 ng ml(-1) range for urine. Calibration curves for all the compounds in the plasma and urine were linear over the above-mentioned concentration ranges with a common correlation coefficient of 0.999. The detection limit of the present method was 100 ng for all the compounds. These results indicate that the present method is very simple and readily applicable to routine bioavailability studies of these compounds with an acceptable sensitivity.

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula associated with esophageal diverticulum in the adult.

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula is a rare clinical entity in adults. This anomaly may cause various symptoms such as respiratory infections, coughing bouts when eating or drinking, and even hemoptysis. The fistula can cause symptoms in childhood but may not appear until adulthood. We recently experienced a case of congenital bronchoesophageal fistula associated with esophageal diverticulum in an adult. A 63-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to chest discomfort, sore throat and coughing bouts when eating. An empyema with lung abscess had occurred eight years previously. Results of the physical examination were unremarkable. A Barium swallowing revealed a medium-sized diverticulum at the right anterior aspect of the esophagus, which had developed a fistulous connection with the right lower lobe bronchus. The patient was treated by fistulectomy and lobectomy of the right lower lobe. The postoperative course was smooth and uneventful.

The functional relationships between hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis.

The purpose of this research was to investigate functional studies by which the hiatal hernia (HH) may be relevant to a reflux esophagitis (RE). Group I consisted of healthy controls who were endoscopically normal (n = 21). Group II consisted of patients with hiatal hernia but no reflux esophagitis (n = 8). Group III had patients with hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis (n = 9). Group IV had patients with reflux esophagitis but no hiatal hernia (n = 16). Esophageal manometry, ambulatory 24 hour intraesophageal pH monitoring, acid clearance test, and gastric emptying scan were performed in each of the patients. The contraction amplitude at 3 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter did not differ significantly among the four groups, but the mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was significantly decreased in group II. The DeMeester score in ambulatory 24 hour intraesophageal pH monitoring was significantly higher in group III compared with the controls. No significant difference among the groups was found with respect to acid clearance. Total and proximal gastric emptying times (T1/2) were significantly delayed in group III. We found that hiatal hernia combined with delayed gastric emptying may bear a relationship to the multifactorial origins of reflux esophagitis, and we suggest a rationale for using prokinetic agents as the therapeutic regimen in patients with HH complicated by RE.

In vivo release of beta human chorionic gonadotropin by luteinizing hormone releasing hormone stimulation and its clinical application as a remission criterion in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease.

In vivo responses of trophoblasts to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) stimulation in 48 gestational trophoblastic disease patients were observed. Serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels after LHRH injection were significantly increased in patients with hCG values between 5 and 20 mIU/ml (minimal resistance group) but not in patients whose hCG levels were less than 5 mIU/ml (possible remission group). The sensitivity, specificity and the predictive values of LHRH stimulation test were 75.0, 91.3 and 95.5% in the possible remission group and 87.5, 20.0 and 77.8% in the minimal resistance group.

Effects of multiagent chemotherapy and independent risk factors in the treatment of high-risk GTT--25 years experiences of KRI-TRD.

UNLABELLED: A retrospective and comparative study of high-risk gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) treated with different chemoregimen from 1971 to 1995 was performed and to find most effective chemotherapy regimen and independent risk factors. Three hundred seven patients in scoring over 8 points in WHO classification were categorized into high-risk group among 802 GTT cases received chemotherapy in the 2,418 GTD patients registered at KRI-TRD (Korean Research Institute for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease), Catholic University Medical College in Korea. Study groups of multiagent combination chemotherapy in 227 patients of the high-risk GTT were divided such as 49 cases of combination chemotherapy with MTX + folinic acid and Act-D, 40 cases of MAC regimen, 42 cases of CHAMOCA regimen, and 96 cases of EMA/CO. Initial tumor response according to hCG titer decrease was found in good response (log fall) 69.8%, of EMA /CO regimen group. On the other hand, good response was shown in only 24.5% of MTX + ACT-D, 32.5% of MAC regimen, and 52.4%, of CHAMOCA regimen respectively. Remission rate of EMA/CO regimen was 90.6% (87/96) and courses of chemotherapy until remission was 8.5+/-2.2. However, remission rate of other regimens of MTX + Act-D, MAC, and CHAMOCA were 63.3%, (31/49) 67.5% (27/40) and 76.2% (32/45) respectively, with 10.0+/-4.0, 10.7+/-4.3, 9.1+/-3.9 chemotherapy courses respectively until remission. Therefore, EMA/CO regimen groups were found to have low drug toxicity, early remission and a low failure rate. In the study of independent risk factors in the 165 cases of high-risk gestational trophoblastic tumor patients received EMA/CO regimen, stepwise Coxs proportional hazard's regression of prognostic factors using multivariate analysis revealed tumor age, number of metastatic organs, metastatic site and inadequate previous chemotherapy. According to the performance of fitted logistic regression model, the prediction rate of death and survival was 80.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The most effective chemotherapy to high-risk GTT was EMA/CO regimen than other regimens. The following factors showed poor prognosis; 1) Tumor age is over 12 month, 2) more than 2 organs had metastatic lesion, 3) inadequate previous therapy that includes unplanned operation and inadequate previous chemotherapy.

Multidisciplinary approach in the management of gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT).

In summary of our 15 years experiences it is obvious that at least about 15% of GTT patients still do not get complete remission in spite of development of multiagent chemotherapy. To obtain better therapeutical result in unceasing problems should be solved and the improvement in newer methods of management as listed below is mandatory: (1) Prediction on risk factors and early diagnosis of the persistent GTT before and after molar evacuation (2) "Clinico-biochemical classification" based on more collective tumor markers (3) New chemotherapeutic agents (4) Regimen for prevention and/or modulation of drug resistance (5) Multimodality treatment including initial and adjuvant surgery, irradiation and immune response modifiers. (6) Remission consolidation

Contribution of mesenchymal proliferation in tooth root morphogenesis.

In mouse tooth development, the roots of the first lower molar develop after crown formation to form 2 cylindrical roots by post-natal day 5. This study compared the morphogenesis and cellular events of the mesial-root-forming (MRF) and bifurcation-forming (BF) regions, located in the mesial and center of the first lower molar, to better define the developmental mechanisms involved in multi-rooted tooth formation. We found that the mesenchyme in the MRF showed relatively higher proliferation than the bifurcation region. This suggested that spatially regulated mesenchymal proliferation is required for creating cylindrical root structure. The mechanism may involve the mesenchyme forming a physical barrier to epithelial invagination of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath. To test these ideas, we cultured roots in the presence of pharmacological inhibitors of microtubule and actin polymerization, nocodazole and cytochalasin-D. Cytochalasin D also inhibits proliferation in epithelium and mesenchyme. Both drugs resulted in altered morphological changes in the tooth root structures. In particular, the nocodazole- and cytochalasin-D-treated specimens showed a loss of root diameter and formation of a single-root, respectively. Immunolocalization and three-dimensional reconstruction results confirmed these mesenchymal cellular events, with higher proliferation in MRF in multi-rooted tooth formation.

4-O-methylhonokiol, a PPARγ agonist, inhibits prostate tumour growth: p21-mediated suppression of NF-κB activity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effects of 4-O-methylhonokiol (MH), a constituent of Magnolia officinalis, were investigated on human prostate cancer cells and its mechanism of action elucidated. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The anti-cancer effects of MH were examined in prostate cancer and normal cells. The effects were validated in vivo using a mouse xenograft model. KEY RESULTS: MH increased the expression of PPARγ in prostate PC-3 and LNCap cells. The pull-down assay and molecular docking study indicated that MH directly binds to PPARγ. MH also increased transcriptional activity of PPARγ but decreased NF-κB activity. MH inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells, an effect attenuated by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. MH induced apoptotic cell death and this was related to G(0) -G(1) phase cell cycle arrest. MH increased the expression of the cell cycle regulator p21, and apoptotic proteins, whereas it decreased phosphorylation of Rb and anti-apoptotic proteins. Transfection of PC3 cells with p21 siRNA or a p21 mutant plasmid on the cyclin D1/ cycline-dependent kinase 4 binding site abolished the effects of MH on cell growth, cell viability and related protein expression. In the animal studies, MH inhibited tumour growth, NF-κB activity and expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, whereas it increased the transcriptional activity and expression of PPARγ, and the expression of apoptotic proteins and p21 in tumour tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION: MH inhibits growth of human prostate cancer cells through activation of PPARγ, suppression of NF-κB and arrest of the cell cycle. Thus, MH might be a useful tool for treatment of prostate cancer.

5-HT(1B) receptors inhibit glutamate release from primary afferent terminals in rat medullary dorsal horn neurons.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although 5-HT(1B) receptors are expressed in trigeminal sensory neurons, it is still not known whether these receptors can modulate nociceptive transmission from primary afferents onto medullary dorsal horn neurons. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Primary afferent-evoked EPSCs were recorded from medullary dorsal horn neurons of rat horizontal brain stem slices using a conventional whole-cell patch clamp technique under a voltage-clamp condition. KEY RESULTS: CP93129, a selective 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist, reversibly and concentration-dependently decreased the amplitude of glutamatergic EPSCs and increased the paired-pulse ratio. In addition, CP93129 reduced the frequency of spontaneous miniature EPSCs without affecting the current amplitude. The CP93129-induced inhibition of EPSCs was significantly occluded by GR55562, a 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist, but not LY310762, a 5-HT(1D) receptor antagonist. Sumatriptan, an anti-migraine drug, also decreased EPSC amplitude, and this effect was partially blocked by either GR55562 or LY310762. On the other hand, primary afferent-evoked EPSCs were mediated by the Ca(2+) influx passing through both presynaptic N-type and P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels. The CP93129-induced inhibition of EPSCs was significantly occluded by ω-conotoxin GVIA, an N-type Ca(2+) channel blocker. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The present results suggest that the activation of presynaptic 5-HT(1B) receptors reduces glutamate release from primary afferent terminals onto medullary dorsal horn neurons, and that 5-HT(1B) receptors could be, at the very least, a potential target for the treatment of pain from orofacial tissues.

Serotypes of Salmonella isolated from faeces of patients with acute diarrhoea in Gwangju Area, Korea, during 2000-2009.

The purpose of this study was to determine the changing pattern of Salmonella serotypes causing acute diarrhoea in humans in Gwangju area, Korea, during 2000-2009. A total of 596 Salmonella isolated from culture of 29,896 faecal samples of patients with acute diarrhoea were included in this study. Faecal samples were collected from local hospitals and clinics in Gwangju area during January 2000-December 2009. The mean annual frequency of isolates for the 10 years was 2.0% (range, 0.9-6.0). The isolates were serologically classified into 43 different serotypes. The 10 most common serotypes were Salmonella Enteritidis (47.9%), S. Typhimurium (20.4%), S. Braenderup (3.2%), S. Montevideo (2.9%), S. Paratyphi B (2.9%), S. London (2.3%), S. Bardo (1.7%), S. Virchow (1.7%), S. Infantis (1.5%) and S. Typhi (1.5%), accounting for 86% of all the isolates. Temporal variations were observed in the distribution of different Salmonella serotypes over the years, and only S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were persistent throughout the study period. Although age specificity varied with serotypes, Salmonella was isolated most frequently from children below 5 years of age (179/596, 30.0%). A seasonal trend was apparent, and the highest rates were found in the summer months. This is the first report of the annual frequency of isolation of Salmonella serotypes, and seasonal and age-specific patterns of salmonellosis in humans in Gwangju area, Korea, over a decade-long period.