The behavior of stem cells and progenitor cells in the periodontal ligament during wound healing as observed using immunohistochemical methods

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify stem cells or progenitor cells in the periodontal ligament and to investigate their behavior during wound healing of bone defects created experimentally in the alveolar process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Intradentinal cavities were created in the mesial root of the first molar of 25 adult male rats that were killed 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 d after surgery. At each time-point, sections were stained immunohistochemically for CD44s (standard), CD34, c-KIT, PCNA, Cbfa-1 and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine using primary antibodies. For morphometric analysis, the ratios of Cbfa-1 and PCNA-positive cells were calculated from the total number of positive cells/10(4) microm(2) in the cavities.

RESULTS

5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine-positive cells were observed in the periodontal ligament and had migrated into the wound areas. A small number of CD44s-, CD34- and c-KIT-positive cells were observed in the bone marrow, but none were observed in the periodontal ligament. CD44s-positive cells were only observed in the alveolar bone cavity at 5 d after surgery. CD34- and c-KIT-positive cells were only observed in the dentin cavity at 7 d after surgery. Cbfa-1 and PCNA scores tended to show an increase 7 d after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow are not involved in the regeneration of the periodontium. Cells that migrated from the residual periodontal ligament regenerated new alveolar bone at the early stage, and the regeneration around the dentin in the cavity was later than in other parts.

Cisplatin-conjugated degradable gelatin microspheres: fundamental study in vitro

The object of this study was to generate cisplatin-conjugated gelatin microspheres (GMSs) and to confirm the subsequent release of cisplatin in vitro. The GMSs (1 mg) were immersed in 50 microl of a cisplatin solution (0.06, 0.15, 0.27, 0.30 or 0.54 mg ml(-1)) at 38 degrees C to allow conjugation. The cisplatin-conjugated GMSs were then extensively washed in double-distilled water and freeze-dried. The platinum concentration in the GMSs samples was investigated as a function of the concentration of cisplatin solution used in their preparation, the number of immersions in cisplatin (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) and the period of immersion (1, 6 or 11 h). In vitro release tests were performed at different time intervals (1, 3, 6, 12 or 24 h) to allow the rate of cisplatin release to be calculated. The platinum concentration of the GMSs increased in proportion to the concentration of cisplatin solution and the length or number of immersions in cisplatin. In vitro release tests demonstrate that the release rate (%) from GMSs after 1, 3, 6, 12 or 24 h was 4.8, 5.5, 7.6, 10.0 and 12.4, respectively. We demonstrated the ability of GMSs to bind cisplatin forming cisplatin-conjugated GMSs. Moreover, we showed that cisplatin continued to bind GMSs strongly during the in vitro release test.

PCB contamination assessment of yusho patients by using preserved human umbilical cord

PCB concentrations in umbilical cord preserved from the time when Yusho patients and healthy subjects gave birth were examined. The total concentration of the 12 DL-PCB isomers ranged from 130 to 12,000 pg/g in the umbilical samples, was about 700 pg/g around 1950 but began to increase in the mid 1960s, reached about 12,000 pg/g between 1968 and 1970 immediately after the Yusho incident. However, the DL-PCB concentration was high between 1968 and 1970 in not only the designated Yusho patients but also healthy subjects, and the maximum DL-PCB concentration was close between the two groups.

[Mature teratoma in the posterior mediastinum showing the fatty density on the chest computed tomography]

We reported a case of posterior mediastinal mature teratoma. A 16-year-old woman was referred for further investigation of a left paravertebral mass detected on chest roentgenogram. The defined mass was located above the diaphragm and showed homogeneous fat density on computed tomography (CT) and hypersignal intensity on both T1 weighted images and T2 weighted images on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiologically, there was a mimicking foci of calcification. The mass was histologically diagnosed as mature teratoma.

Recent progress in understanding the diversity of the human ov-serpin/clade B serpin family

The inhibitory mechanism against proteases is important in the maintenance of homeostasis or health in the body. The human ovalbumin serpin (ov-serpin)/clade B serpin family is one group of the human serpins, a family of serine protease inhibitors. They have acquired diversity in the profiles of target proteases, inhibitory mechanisms, and localization patterns during their evolution. Most serpins target serine proteases, however, some ov-serpins target only cysteine proteases or both serine and cysteine proteases and furthermore, several ov-serpins do not possess inhibitory activities. Although the ov-serpins act primarily as intracellular serpins, some show extracellular and nuclear localizations. Such diversity enables the ov-serpins to play multiple physiological roles in the body. Recent analyses have revealed that the functions of human ov-serpins are more diversified than we previously knew. In this article, we describe recent progress in our understanding of how the human ov-serpin/clade B serpin family demonstrates diversity.

[Pleural covering method of polyglycolic acid felt with sodium alginate water solution for prevention of postoperative pulmonary fistula]

Sodium alginate is the main ingredient of the seaweed, and its water solution has moderate viscosity. The areas of the pleural defect and around the suture line were covered with polyglycolic acid felt by using 5% sodium alginate water solution in 41 patients who underwent pulmonary resection from November 2006 to April 2007. 28 patients were lung cancer, 6 patients were pulmonary metastasis, and 7 patients were pneumothorax. The duration of the postoperative air leakage was 0.7 days on average. Neither side effect nor complication was observed. This method is cheap, safe, and effective for prevention for postoperative pulmonary fistula.

[Pulmonary metastatic meningioma 26-years after craniotomy]

A 68-year-old male, pointed out of bilateral lung tumors, was hospitalized for the evaluation of multiple lung tumors. Chest computed tomography demonstrated 10 x 10 mm and 30 x 60 mm tumors in left lower lung and a 16 x 16 mm tumor in right lower lung. He was operated under the diagnosis of intracranial meningioma 26-years ago. For purpose of diagnosis, partial resections of left lower lung were performed, and then these tumors were diagnosed as pulmonary metastasis of intracranial meningioma. This is a very rare case of pulmonary metastasis of meningioma 26-years after craniotomy.

Nucleon axial charge in (2+1)-flavor dynamical-lattice QCD with domain-wall fermions

We present results for the nucleon axial charge g{A} at a fixed lattice spacing of 1/a=1.73(3) GeV using 2+1 flavors of domain wall fermions on size 16;{3} x 32 and 24;{3} x 64 lattices (L=1.8 and 2.7 fm) with length 16 in the fifth dimension. The length of the Monte Carlo trajectory at the lightest m_{pi} is 7360 units, including 900 for thermalization. We find finite volume effects are larger than the pion mass dependence at m{pi}=330 MeV. We also find a scaling with the single variable m{pi}L which can also be seen in previous two-flavor domain wall and Wilson fermion calculations. Using this scaling to eliminate the finite-volume effect, we obtain g{A}=1.20(6)(4) at the physical pion mass, m_{pi}=135 MeV, where the first and second errors are statistical and systematic. The observed finite-volume scaling also appears in similar quenched simulations, but disappear when V>or=(2.4 fm);{3}. We argue this is a dynamical quark effect.

[Giant mediastinal thyroid follicular carcinoma with tracheal stenosis]

A 76-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea and hypertention. She had the giant thyroid tumor which had been awared but not treated for 40 years. On a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumor was 14 x 10 cm and the tracheal stenosis was completely intrathoracic, which was 5 x 7 mm. Tracheal incubation was performed safety by using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support. A subtotal thyroidectomy was performed by midsternotomy with cervical incision. The weight of the resected specimen was 340 g and the pathological diagnosis was follicular thyroid carcinoma. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient suffered no hoarseness and dyspnea.

[Postoperative penicillin-resistant streptococcus pneumonia in lung cancer patient]

A 78-year-old man underwent a left lower sleeve lobectomy and lymph node dissection for lung cancer. His postoperative course had been uneventful until postoperative day (POD) 3, but severe dyspnea occurred suddenly and the chest X-p showed infiltration shadow on POD 3. Streptococcus pneumonia antigen in the urine was elevated, suggesting pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumonia. The patient was treated with double dose of imipenem/cilastatin sodium and supported with a mechanical ventilator in an intensive care unit. Although the patient recovered from penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumonia, he was suffered from Klebsiella sepsis and expired on the POD 26.

Neutral-kaon mixing from (2+1)-flavor domain-wall QCD

We present the first results for neutral-kaon mixing using (2+1)-flavors of domain-wall fermions. A new approach is used to extrapolate to the physical up and down quark masses from our numerical studies with pion masses in the range 240-420 MeV; only SU(2)_{L}xSU(2)_{R} chiral symmetry is assumed and the kaon is not assumed to be light. Our main result is B_{K};{MS[over ]}(2 GeV)=0.524(10)(28) where the first error is statistical and the second incorporates estimates for all systematic errors.

Cellular responses of rat periodontal ligament cells under hypoxia and re-oxygenation conditions in vitro

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of periodontal ligament cells under hypoxia and re-oxygenation conditions in vitro.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Periodontal ligament fibroblasts were isolated from rat incisors. In the hypoxia group, cells were incubated in 2% O(2) for 1-3 d. In the re-oxygenation group, cells were first incubated under the same conditions as the hypoxia group for 24 h and then were returned to normoxic conditions and cultured for 1-2 additional days.

RESULTS

Proliferation ratios increased in all groups in a time-dependent manner. Proliferation ratios in both the hypoxia and re-oxygenation groups were significantly higher than in the control group on days 2 and 3. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher in the hypoxia group than in the control and the re-oxygenation groups. The expression of bone sialoprotein mRNA was significantly higher in the hypoxia group than in the control group on days 1 and 2. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA was significantly higher in the hypoxia group than in the control group on days 1 and 2. In the re-oxygenation group, the level of expression of bone sialoprotein mRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA were similar to those of the control group. The expression of heat shock protein 70 mRNA in the hypoxia group was similar to that in the control group, whereas in the re-oxygenation group it was statistically higher than in the other groups.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that periodontal ligament cells maintain their osteogenic ability in hypoxia and re-oxygenation conditions in vitro.

[Experience of complete Carney's triad showing pulmonary hamartoma associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumor and para-arotic paraganglioma]

A 34-year-old man, who had undergone the gastrectomy for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and para-aortic paraganglioma 3 years before, was found to have a left lung tumor on a computed tomography. The tumor was revealed to be a pulmonary hamartoma, and diagnosed as Carney's triad. This is a rare case of complete type Carney's triad of an adult male.

Inhibitory effects of suplatast tosilate on the differentiation and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with asthma

BACKGROUND

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that efficiently activate T cells.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effects of suplatast tosilate, which prevents T-helper type 2 responses, on the differentiation and function of monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs).

METHODS

DCs were differentiated in vitro from peripheral monocytes from patients with asthma by the addition of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IL-4 in the presence or absence of suplatast tosilate. Cell surface molecules (CD1a, CD14, CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA-DR) on immature and mature DCs were analysed with flow cytometry, and the secretion of CC chemokine ligand (CCL)17 (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine), IL-12p70, IL-12p40, and IL-10 was measured with an ELISA. We also studied the proliferative responses of allogeneic CD4(+) T cells from healthy subjects to DCs differentiated in the presence of suplatast tosilate. In addition, the production of IFN-gamma and IL-5 by CD4(+) T cells after coculture with untreated DCs or suplatast tosilate-treated DCs was measured with ELISA.

RESULTS

Suplatast tosilate significantly inhibited the expression of CD1a, CD80, and CD86 on immature DCs and of CD1a, CD80, CD83, and CD86 on mature DCs. Suplatast tosilate also significantly inhibited the secretion of CCL17, IL-12p70, and IL-12p40; however, the secretion of IL-10 was not affected. The proliferative responses of allogeneic CD4(+) T cells to suplatast tosilate-treated DCs were suppressed. Moreover, suplatast tosilate-treated DCs had an impaired capacity to stimulate CD4(+) T cells to produce IFN-gamma and IL-5.

CONCLUSION

Suplatast tosilate inhibits the differentiation, maturation, and function of moDCs.

[Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for ligation of anomalous systemic arterial supply to pulmonary sequestration]

A 52-year old female with anomalous systemic arterial supply to pulmonary sequestration was reported. The patient was admitted because of an abnormal lung shadow on chest X-ray film. Computed tomography (CT) showed an anomalous systemic arterial supply to pulmonary sequestration of the left lower lung without lung infection. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for ligation of the anomalous systemic artery was performed. Postoperative course has been uneventful for 14 months after surgery. Blood supply increased to the left lower lung by 3-dimensional CT after surgery. The ligation of anomalous systemic arterial is enough for this disease.

[Pulmonary metastasis from hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma; report of a case]

A 30-year-old female complaint of epigastralgia was diagnosed hepatic epitheloid hemangio endothelioma (EHE) by liver biopsy. The multiple nodules in bilateral lungs and liver were revealed on computed tomography (CT). The tumors of the left lung were resected under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Pathologically these lesions were diagnosed as metastasis from EHE of the liver, and the patient was treated with interleukin-2 from hepatic artery for 12 months.

Developmental Changes of Aldehyde Oxidase Activity in Young Japanese Children

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) plays an important role in metabolizing many drugs, so AO activity in individual patients may be a useful parameter for dose adjustment to avoid severe toxicity. In this study, we investigated the developmental changes of AO activity in 101 children. Urine was collected in the morning, and AO activity was assessed in terms of the ratio of pyridone formation from N(1)-methylnicotinamide, an AO substrate. Significant correlations were found between AO activity and various growth indices (age, body weight, body surface area, and liver volume). Age showed the moderate correlation (r(2)=0.506). AO activity rapidly increased with increase of the subjects' age up to about 1 year. These findings suggest that the AO activity begins to increase soon after birth. Because AO activity is immature in children below 1 year of age, dose adjustment based on individual AO activity should be made for such patients.

u-SHARE: web-based decision support/risk communication tool for healthcare consumers with unruptured intracranial aneurysms

PURPOSE

Clinical management for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) is controversial and requires professional knowledge which is the main reason that patients have difficulty in making decisions. The purpose of this study is to develop a tool that aids healthcare consumers in making optimal shared decisions with decision analysis.

METHODS

The decision model and relevant data were derived from published literature. A web-based decision analytic tool was designed to provide a systematic guide for patients to understand favorable treatment options, intrinsic uncertainty, and critical factors for decision making. Twenty-nine testers evaluated content appropriateness, usability and clinical usefulness of the tool.

RESULTS

The decision analytic tool has been successfully implemented and evaluated. Testers generally judged the web-based decision analytic tool as functional and useful. Acceptance rate for decision analysis was higher in nonhealthcare professionals than health care professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our decision analytic tool was well accepted especially by healthcare consumers. The tool enables UIA patients to enhance their knowledge and understanding toward optimal shared decision making and can be an alternative "structured informed consent tool".

[Mediastinal recurrence of breast cancer suspecting mediastinal fibrosis]

A 63-year-old female, who had undergone a modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer at the age of 45, was suffered from trachyphonia due to left recurrent nerve paralysis at the age of 53. She presented left phrenic nerve paralysis and dysphagia at the age of 61. Computed tomography (CT) revealed mediastinal fibrosis, stenosis of esophagus and superior vena cava, and slight lymph nodes swelling. Video-assisted thoracoscopic mediastinal biopsy was performed and the mediastinal fibrosis was diagnosed as recurrence of breast cancer 17 years after the breast cancer operation. She underwent mediastinal radiation and chemotherapy for mediastinal recurrence and stenting for esophageal stenosis.

[Blunt tracheal transection]

Blunt tracheobronchial injuries are rare, but can be life-threatening. A precise preoperative diagnosis and well recognized plan of surgical treatment, which may be unique for each patient are needed to restore the continuity of tracheobronchial tree in a one-stage intervention. We encountered 2 patients with complete tracheal transection of neck and 1 patient with complete tracheal transection in mediastinum and 15 cm tear in the posterior membranous trachea, whose tracheal injury was difficult to repair using direct intubation of distal airway by bronchoscopy. We achieved a good result of repair using a percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system (PCPS).

Inhibitory effects of fluvastatin on cytokine and chemokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

Statins have anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of fluvastatin on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after allergen-specific and non-allergen-specific stimulation in patients with asthma and in healthy subjects.

METHODS

PBMCs from seven patients with asthma who showed elevated immunoglobulin (Ig)E to house dust mite were isolated and stimulated with Dermatofagoides farinae, purified protein derivative, and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence or absence of fluvastatin. PBMCs from seven healthy subjects were stimulated with PHA. The effects of fluvastatin on cell proliferation and production of cytokines (interferon [IFN]-gamma and interleukin [IL]-5) and chemokines (chemokine CXC motif, ligand [CXCL10], and CC chemokine ligand [CCL17]) were measured. Migration of T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cell lines was also investigated. The expression of CXCR3 and CCR4 was analysed with flow cytometry. Steroid-insensitive PBMCs induced by preculture with IL-2 and IL-4 were also evaluated. Some experiments were performed in the presence of mevalonic acid.

RESULTS

Fluvastatin inhibited the proliferation of PBMCs and decreased the production of IL-5, IFN-gamma, CCL17, and CXCL10 after allergen-specific and non-allergen-specific stimulation; all these effects, except for decreased CXCL10 production, were partially reversed by mevalonic acid. Culture supernatants obtained in the presence of fluvastatin prevented the migration of Th1 and Th2 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, CCR4 and CXCR3 expression on CD4(+) T cells was not affected by the presence of fluvastatin. Fluvastatin inhibited the proliferative response of steroid-insensitive PBMCs to phytohaemagglutinin.

CONCLUSION

Fluvastatin has inhibitory effects on cytokine and chemokine production, and thus might be used as a potential therapeutic agent in severe asthma.