Third Dentition Is the Main Cause of Premolar Supernumerary Tooth Formation

While the prevalence of supernumerary teeth (ST) is high in permanent dentition, the etiology of ST in humans remains unclear. However, multiple murine models of ST have elaborated on dated mechanisms traditionally ascribed to ST etiology: one involves the rescue of rudimental teeth, and the second considers the contribution of odontogenic epithelial stem cells. It remains unclear whether these mechanisms of ST formation in mice are applicable to humans. The third dentition is usually regressed apoptotic-that is, the teeth do not completely form in humans. Recently, it was suggested that ST result from the rescue of regression of the third dentition in humans. The present investigation evaluates the proportion of collected general ST cases that evinced a third dentition based on the clinical definition of ST derived from the third dentition. We also investigated the contribution of SOX2-positive odontogenic epithelial stem cells to ST formation in humans. We collected 215 general ST cases from 15,008 patients. We confirmed that the general characteristics of the collected ST cases were similar to the results from previous reports. Of the 215 cases, we narrowed our analysis to the 78 patients who had received a computed tomography scan. The frequency of ST considered to have been derived from the third dentition was 26 out of 78 cases. Evidence of a third dentition was especially apparent in the premolar region, was more common in men, and was more likely among patients with ≥3 ST. SOX2-positive odontogenic epithelial stem cells within the surrounding epithelial cells of developing ST were observed in non-third dentition cases and not in third dentition cases. In conclusion, the third dentition is the main cause of ST in humans. The odontogenic epithelial stem cells may contribute to ST formation in cases not caused by a third dentition.

Relationship between medication adherence and glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

A cross-sectional survey of 358 patients was conducted among type 2 diabetes patients recruited at medical institutions or via an online research company. Medication adherence was measured using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were performed in addition to assessing demographic and disease characteristics and MMAS-8. In conclusion, medication adherence as measured by the MMAS-8 score independently contributes to altering the HbA1c level in the range of 1.12 %. The number of medications prescribed and insulin use are also related to HbA1c.

Expression of ER stress markers (GRP78/BiP and PERK) in patients with tongue cancer

The glucose-regulated protein (GRP78/BiP) and PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) plays a crucial role in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. GRP78/BiP is highly elevated in various human cancers. Our study is to examine the clinicopathological significance of GRP78/BiP and PERK expression in patients with tongue cancer. A total of 85 tongue cancer patients were analyzed, and tumor specimens were stained by immunohistochemistry for GRP78/BiP, PERK, GLUT1, Ki-67 and microvessel density (MVD) determined by CD34.GRP78/BiP and PERK were highly expressed in 47% and 35% of all patients, respectively. GRP78/BiP disclosed a significant relationship with PERK expression, lymphatic permeation, vascular invasion, glucose metabolism and cell proliferation. The expression of GRP78/BiP was significantly higher in metastatic sites than in primary sites (79% vs. 47%, p=0.003). We found that the high expression of GRP78/BiP was proven to be an independent prognostic factor for predicting poor outcome in patients with tongue cancer. In the analysis of PFS, PERK was identified as an independent predictor. The increased GRP78/BiP expression was clarified as an independent prognostic marker for predicting worse outcome. Our study suggests that the expression of GRP78/BiP as ER stress marker is important in the pathogenesis and development of tongue cancer.

First Observation of ^{20}B and ^{21}B

The most neutron-rich boron isotopes ^{20}B and ^{21}B have been observed for the first time following proton removal from ^{22}N and ^{22}C at energies around 230  MeV/nucleon. Both nuclei were found to exist as resonances which were detected through their decay into ^{19}B and one or two neutrons. Two-proton removal from ^{22}N populated a prominent resonancelike structure in ^{20}B at around 2.5 MeV above the one-neutron decay threshold, which is interpreted as arising from the closely spaced 1^{-},2^{-} ground-state doublet predicted by the shell model. In the case of proton removal from ^{22}C, the ^{19}B plus one- and two-neutron channels were consistent with the population of a resonance in ^{21}B 2.47±0.19  MeV above the two-neutron decay threshold, which is found to exhibit direct two-neutron decay. The ground-state mass excesses determined for ^{20,21}B are found to be in agreement with mass surface extrapolations derived within the latest atomic-mass evaluations.

Chronic Basophilic Leukaemia in a Dog

A 13-year-old neutered female mixed-breed dog with a clinical history of emaciation, inappetence and vomiting for 2 months was presented. Blood tests showed marked leucocytosis with increased neutrophil and basophil count, mild thrombocytosis and anaemia. Seven days after the initial visit, the dog died and was submitted for necropsy examination. Grossly, the bone marrow was red in colour and hepatomegaly and splenomegaly with discolouration were observed. A bone marrow smear showed an increased proportion of basophilic lineage cells. Histologically, the bone marrow showed high cellular density and numerous basophilic lineage cells with a round or segmented nucleus. The cytoplasm contained basophilic granules exhibiting metachromasia on toluidine blue staining. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic basophils were diffusely positive for vimentin and myeloperoxidase, but negative for CD3, BLA36, CD163, CD204 and c-kit. The immunohistochemical features of neoplastic basophils that had invaded the liver and spleen were similar to those of the basophils in the bone marrow. Based on the clinicopathological and histopathological findings, chronic basophilic leukaemia was diagnosed. The present case study provides insights into the pathological features of chronic basophilic leukaemia in dogs.

Comprehensive MRI quantification of the substantia nigra pars compacta in Parkinson's disease

PURPOSE

To quantify dopaminergic neurodegeneration and iron overload in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) to evaluate Parkinson's disease (PD) using both quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and neuromelanin imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 39 PD patients (PD group) and 25 healthy controls (HC group) who underwent brain MRI with QSM and neuromelanin imaging. QSM and neuromelanin values of the SNpc were obtained using a voxel-based automated region segmentation system. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the SNpc in the neuromelanin images was calculated based on the mean value for the background region. The neuromelanin value was defined as the neuromelanin volume with an SNR higher than that of the background. The significance of the intergroup differences, and according to the severity stages in the PD group was tested for each QSM and neuromelanin value. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for diagnosing PD was performed for QSM and neuromelanin values.

RESULTS

The QSM value was significantly higher in the PD group than in the HC group (P < 0.05). The neuromelanin value was significantly smaller in the PD group than in the HC group (P < 0.05). The areas under the ROC curve were 0.68 and 0.86 for QSM and neuromelanin values, respectively. Using QSM and neuromelanin imaging to classify the PD stage was difficult.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantifying the SNpc alterations with our region-based approach is useful for the diagnosis of PD.

Retrospective Pathological Studies of Splenic Lesions in Domestic Hamsters (Phodopus spp.)

Fifteen splenic biopsy specimens from a total of 212 biopsy specimens and necropsy cases of domestic hamsters (Phodopus spp.) from the Division of Wild (Exotic) Animal Medicine, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan, collected between 2010 and 2017, were studied retrospectively. The incidence of lesions in the spleen was 7.1% (15/212). The mean age of affected hamsters was 16.6 months and females were affected more than males. The lesions consisted of 10 neoplasms and five non-neoplastic lesions. The most common tumours were histiocytic sarcoma (HS), lymphoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) and hemangiosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed the HSs and MFHs to express lysozyme. The lymphomas were negative for CD20; however, one case was positive for CD3 and another was positive for CD79a. The hemangiosarcoma expressed von Willebrand factor. The non-neoplastic lesions were all fibrotic nodules and these were all identified in ageing female hamsters. The nodules consisted of collagen fibres identified with Masson's trichrome stain, and they were related to repair of trauma in the spleen.

Photodynamic detection of a canine glioblastoma using 5-aminolevulinic acid

Photodynamic detection using 5-aminolevulinic acid has been used to identify the surgical margins during resection of human primary brain tumours. Although there are some reports on its use in malignant tumours in veterinary medicine, it has never been used for primary brain tumours. Here we describe a canine glioblastoma that was detected at autopsy with protoporphyrin IX fluorescence induced by orally administered 5-aminolevulinic acid. The fluorescence was strongest towards the centre of the lesion and was absent in normal brain tissue. Moreover, the fluorescence findings were consistent with MRI and histopathological findings. Our findings suggest that photodynamic detection using 5-aminolevulinic acid might be useful for intraoperative fluorescence-guided resection of malignant gliomas in dogs.

Role of the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient as a Predictor of Tumor Progression in Patients with Chordoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffusion-weighted imaging may aid in distinguishing aggressive chordoma from nonaggressive chordoma. This study explores the prognostic role of the apparent diffusion coefficient in chordomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with residual or recurrent chordoma were divided postoperatively into those with an aggressive tumor, defined as a growing tumor having a doubling time of <1 year, and those with a nonaggressive tumor on follow-up MR images. The ability of the ADC to predict an aggressive tumor phenotype was investigated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The prognostic role of ADC was assessed using a Kaplan-Meier curve with a log-rank test.

RESULTS

Seven patients died during a median follow-up of 48 months (range, 4-126 months). Five of these 7 patients were in the aggressive tumor group, and 2 were in the nonaggressive tumor group. The mean ADC was significantly lower in the aggressive tumor group than in the nonaggressive tumor group (P = .002). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a cutoff ADC value of 1.494 × 10^-3 × mm²/s could be used to diagnose aggressive tumors with an area under the curve of 0.983 (95% CI, 0.911-1.000), a sensitivity of 1.000 (95% CI, 0.541-1.000), and a specificity of 0.900 (95% CI, 0.555-0.998). Furthermore, a cutoff ADC of ≤1.494 × 10^-3 × mm²/s was associated with a significantly worse prognosis (P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower ADC values could predict tumor progression in postoperative chordomas.

Effects of submaximal cycling at different exercise intensities on maximal isometric force output of the non-exercised elbow flexor muscles

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of submaximal cycling at different exercise intensities on maximal isometric force output of the non-exercised elbow flexor muscles after the cycling. A total of 8 healthy young men performed multiple maximal voluntary contractions by the right elbow flexion before, immediately after, 5 min after, and 10 min after a 6-min submaximal cycling at ventilatory threshold (LI), 70% [Formula: see text] (MI), and 80% [Formula: see text] (HI) with both arms relaxed in the air. Force and surface electromyogram (EMG) of the right biceps brachii muscle during the multiple MVCs, blood lactate concentration ([La]), cardiorespiratory responses, and sensations of fatigue for legs (SEF-L) were measured before, immediately after, 5 min after, and 10 min after the submaximal cycling with the three different exercise intensities. Immediately after the submaximal cycling, [La], cardiorespiratory responses, and SEF-L were enhanced in proportion to an increase in exercise intensity of the cycling. Changes in force and EMG activity during the multiple MVCs were not significantly different across the three conditions. The findings imply that group III/IV muscle afferent feedback after the submaximal cycling does not determine the magnitude of MVC force loss of the non-exercised upper limb muscles.

Identification of patterns of factors preceding severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbations in a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Reducing near-fatal asthma exacerbations is a critical problem in asthma management.

OBJECTIVES

To determine patterns of factors preceding asthma exacerbations in a real-world setting.

METHODS

In a nationwide prospective study of 190 patients who had experienced near-fatal asthma exacerbation, cluster analysis was performed using asthma symptoms over the 2-week period before admission.

RESULTS

Three distinct clusters of symptoms were defined employing the self-reporting of a visual analogue scale. Cluster A (42.1%): rapid worsening within 7.4 hours from moderate attack to admission, young to middle-aged patients with low Body mass index and tendency to depression who had stopped anti-asthma medications, smoked, and hypersensitive to environmental triggers and furred pets. Cluster B (40.0%): fairly rapid worsening within 48 hours, mostly middle-aged and older, relatively good inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or ICS/long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) compliance, and low perception of dyspnea. Cluster C (17.9%): slow worsening over 10 days before admission, high perception of dyspnea, smokers, and chronic daily mild-moderate symptoms. There were no differences in overuse of short-acting beta-agonists, baseline asthma severity, or outcomes after admission for patients in these 3 clusters.

CONCLUSION

To reduce severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation, personalized asthma management plans should be considered for each cluster. Improvement of ICS and ICS/LABA compliance and cessation of smoking are important in cluster A. To compensate for low perception of dyspnea, asthma monitoring of peak expiratory flow rate and/or exhaled nitric oxide would be useful for patients in cluster B. Avoidance of environmental triggers, increase usual therapy, or new anti-type 2 response-targeted therapies should be considered for cluster C.

IFN-γ-dependent epigenetic regulation instructs colitogenic monocyte/macrophage lineage differentiation in vivo

Colonic macrophages induce pathogenic inflammation against commensal bacteria, leading to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although the ontogeny of colonic macrophages has been well studied in the past decade, how macrophages gain colitogenic properties during the development of colitis is unknown. Using a chemically induced colitis model, we showed that accumulated Ly6C⁺ cells consisting of inflammatory monocytes and inflammatory macrophages strongly expressed representative colitogenic mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The interferon-γ-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (IFN-γ-Stat1) pathway was required for generating colitogenic macrophages, given that Stat1^-/- mice had less severe colitis and fewer colitogenic macrophages. Notably, IFN-γ induced histone acetylation at the promoter regions of the Tnf and Nos2 loci in the monocyte and macrophage lineage, indicating that IFN-γ-dependent epigenetic regulation instructs the development of the colitogenic monocyte and macrophage lineage in vivo. Collectively, our results provide the essential mechanism by which dysregulated colitogenic monocytes/macrophages develop at the colon mucosa during inflammation, and suggest a new drug target for treating IBD.