Fabrication of Hydrogen Boride Thin Film by Ion Exchange in MgB2

In this study, hydrogen boride films are fabricated by ion-exchange treatment on magnesium diboride (MgB₂) films under ambient temperature and pressure. We prepared oriented MgB₂ films on strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Subsequently, these films were treated with ion exchangers in acetonitrile solution. TOF-SIMS analysis evidenced that hydrogen species were introduced into the MgB₂ films by using two types of ion exchangers: proton exchange resin and formic acid. According to the HAXPES analysis, negatively charged boron species were preserved in the films after the ion-exchange treatment. In addition, the FT-IR analysis suggested that B-H bonds were formed in the MgB₂ films following the ion-exchange treatment. The ion-exchange treatment using formic acid was more efficient compared to the resin treatment; with respect to the amount of hydrogen species introduced into the MgB₂ films. These ion-exchanged films exhibited photoinduced hydrogen release as observed in a powder sample. Based on the present study, we expect to be able to control the morphology and hydrogen content of hydrogen boride thin films by optimising the ion-exchange treatment process, which will be useful for further studies and device applications.

Muscarinic receptor signaling contributes to atypical antipsychotic drug reversal of the phencyclidine-induced deficit in novel object recognition in rats

Enhancement of cholinergic function via muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M₁ agonism improves cognition in some schizophrenia patients. Most atypical antipsychotic drugs, including clozapine and its active metabolite, N-desmethylclozapine, and lurasidone, enhance the release of acetylcholine in key brain regions involved in cognition (e.g. hippocampus). We determined the effect of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M₁ stimulation on novel object recognition and its contribution to the ability of atypical antipsychotic drugs to reverse the novel object recognition deficit in rats withdrawn from subchronic phencyclidine, a rodent model of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. In control rats, the non-specific muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, scopolamine, and the M₁ selective antagonist, VU0255035, induced a novel object recognition deficit, which was reversed by the M₁ agonist, AC260584. Scopolamine fully blocked the effect of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine, but not lurasidone, to restore novel object recognition in subchronic phencyclidine-treated rats. VU0255035 also blocked these effects of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine, but not lurasidone; however, the blockade was not as complete as that achieved with scopolamine. Furthermore, subchronic phencyclidine increased hippocampal M₁ mRNA expression. These data suggest that M₁ agonism is required for clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine to ameliorate the phencyclidine-induced deficit in novel object recognition, additional evidence that M₁ agonism is a potential target for treating cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.

Dopamine D4 receptor stimulation contributes to novel object recognition: Relevance to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia

Several atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) have high affinity for the dopamine (DA) D₄ receptor, but the relevance to the efficacy for the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of D₄ receptor stimulation or blockade on novel object recognition (NOR) in normal rats and on the sub-chronic phencyclidine (PCP)-induced novel object recognition deficit. The effect of the D₄ agonist, PD168077, and the D₄ antagonist, L-745,870, were studied alone, and in combination with clozapine and lurasidone. In normal rats, L-745,870 impaired novel object recognition, whereas PD168077 had no effect. PD168077 acutely reversed the sub-chronic phencyclidine-induced novel object recognition deficit. Co-administration of a sub-effective dose (SED) of PD168077 with a sub-effective dose of lurasidone also reversed this deficit, but a sub-effective dose of PD168077 with a sub-effective dose of clozapine, a more potent D₄ antagonist than lurasidone, did not reverse the sub-chronic phencyclidine-induced novel object recognition deficit. At a dose that did not induce a novel object recognition deficit, L-745,870 blocked the ability of clozapine, but not lurasidone, to reverse the novel object recognition deficit. D₄ receptor agonism has a beneficial effect on novel object recognition in sub-chronic PCP-treated rats and augments the cognitive enhancing efficacy of an atypical antipsychotic drug that lacks affinity for the D₄ receptor, lurasidone.

PGE2 Activates Cementoclastogenesis by Cementoblasts via EP4

Destruction of cementum and alveolar bone is the main causative event for the exfoliation of teeth as a consequence of periodontitis. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGE receptor subtypes (EPs) play an important role in modulating osteoblast-mediated osteoclastogenesis; however, no information is available on the role of PGE2 and EPs in regulating cementoblast-mediated cementoclastogenesis. We hypothesized that the PGE2-EPs pathway also regulates cementoblasts’ ability to activate cementoclasts. For these studies, OCCM-30 cells (a mouse cementoblast cell line) were exposed to PGE2 and specific EP agonists. PGE2 (100 ng/mL) and EP4 agonist (1 μM) up-regulated RANKL and IL-6 mRNA levels, while they down-regulated OPG mRNA expression. The EP4 antagonist (1 μM) eliminated these effects of PGE2. PGE2 treatment of co-cultures of OCCM-30 cells with bone marrow cells induced TRAP-positive cells via the EP4 pathway. These findings suggest that PGE2 promotes cementoblast-mediated cementoclastogenesis by regulating the expression of RANKL and OPG via the EP4 pathway.

A metal sulfide photocatalyst composed of ubiquitous elements for solar hydrogen production

A visible-light-sensitive tin sulfide photocatalyst was designed based on a ubiquitous element strategy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Kelvin probe imaging of photo-injected electrons in metal oxide nanosheets from metal sulfide quantum dots under remote photochromic coloration

Metal oxide and quantum dot (QD) heterostructures have attracted considerable recent attention as materials for developing efficient solar cells, photocatalysts, and display devices, thus nanoscale imaging of trapped electrons in these heterostructures provides important insight for developing efficient devices. In the present study, Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) of CdS quantum dot (QD)-grafted Cs4W11O36(2-) nanosheets was performed before and after visible-light irradiation. After visible-light excitation of the CdS QDs, the Cs4W11O36(2-) nanosheet surface exhibited a decreased work function in the vicinity of the junction with CdS QDs, even though the Cs4W11O36(2-) nanosheet did not absorb visible light. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that W(5+) species were formed in the nanosheet after visible-light irradiation. These results demonstrated that excited electrons in the CdS QDs were injected and trapped in the Cs4W11O36(2-) nanosheet to form color centers. Further, the CdS QDs and Cs4W11O36(2-) nanosheet composite films exhibited efficient remote photochromic coloration, which was attributed to the quantum nanostructure of the film. Notably, the responsive wavelength of the material is tunable by adjusting the size of QDs, and the decoloration rate is highly efficient, as the required length for trapped electrons to diffuse into the nanosheet surface is very short owing to its nanoscale thickness. The unique properties of this photochromic device make it suitable for display or memory applications. In addition, the methodology described in the present study for nanoscale imaging is expected to aid in the understanding of electron transport and trapping processes in metal oxide and metal chalcogenide heterostructure, which are crucial phenomena in QD-based solar cells and/or photocatalytic water-splitting systems.

Glue embolization for gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding: contribution to hemodynamics and healing process

BACKGROUND

Although the morbidity of bowel ischemic events after glue embolization has been suggested, a causal relationship between glue and ischemia has not been clearly established.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficiency and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA-TAE) for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between October 2006 and October 2012, 21 patients with upper GIH underwent NBCA-TAE, and endoscopic data were obtained within 30 days of follow-up. Shock index prior to and immediately after NBCA-TAE were compared to determine changes in hemodynamics. Days to Forrest type III, as assessed by follow-up endoscopy, was used as an indicator of the healing process. Other clinical outcomes included days for starting ingestion and for hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Sixteen gastric and five duodenal ulcers, classified into Forrest type I, were treated. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in all the patients, and no re-bleeding occurred within the follow-up period. Shock index significantly (P < 0.001) improved from before (0.99 ± 0.076) to immediately after NBCA-TAE (0.67 ± 0.038). Sequential mucosal healing processes were observed in all the patients, and the number of days to Forrest type III was 9.6 ± 7.1. The number of days for starting ingestion and hospital discharge was 9.0 ± 4.5 and 15 ± 7.7 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

NBCA-TAE is an effective and safe method for the control of nonvariceal upper GIH, in terms of contribution to hemodynamics and healing process of the gastroduodenal mucosa.

Transumbilical laparoscopic surgery using GelPort through an umbilical zigzag skin incision

INTRODUCTION

We report herein a new method of transumbilical laparoscopic surgery using a GelPort through an umbilical zigzag skin incision. The method involves collaborating with plastic surgeons to ensure the procedure was minimally invasive.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

After marking a zigzag skin incision in the umbilical region, the skin was incised along this line. Then, a GelPort double-ring wound retractor was inserted through the incision, which enlarged the diameter of the fascial opening to 6 cm. The Gelport was latched on the wound retractor ring, following the inflation of the pneumoperitoneum by CO (2). One or more additional ports were inserted as necessary. All operations were performed in the standard fashion. The specimen was easily extracted from the abdomen through the umbilical incision, and anastomosis was performed. Using the above method, we performed the following procedures: one total gastrectomy, one distal gastrectomy, three gastric local resections, five right hemicolectomies, two high anterior resections, three cholecystectomies, and seven transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasties. All cases were accomplished without any complications using this method. The wounds of the umbilical region were almost "scarless" in all cases.

DISCUSSION

We developed an umbilical zigzag skin incision technique to perform abdominal laparoscopic operations using a GelPort, with a minimal number of skin incisions. We consider that our method reduces the technical difficulties associated with laparoscopic surgery and maintains cosmesis.

nm23-H1 expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma in relation to metastasis and survival

The expression of nm23-H1, product of putative metastasis suppressor gene, was evaluated immunohistochemically in 31 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of salivary glands and correlated with their clinicopathologic features. All benign salivary gland tumors of various types, which were used as a non-metastatic control, showed obvious nm23-H1 expression. The immunoreactivity of tumor cells was stronger than that of normal salivary gland components, although the distribution patterns of positive cells considerably varied between tumor types. In ACC, 16 cases (52%) showed the reduction of nm23-H1 immunoreactivity either in positive cell frequency or staining intensity. These cases were referred to as negative cases. The incidence of negative cases was 67% (10/15) and 38% (6/16) of the cases with and without metastasis, respectively. Furthermore, metastatic tumors showed decreased immunoreactivity of this protein compared with their primary tumors. The prognosis of patients with a nm23 negative tumor was generally poorer than that with a positive tumor. These results may suggest that the reduction of nm23-H1 protein has an implication for metastasis of ACC.

Optimization of cell-wall skeleton derived from Mycobacterium bovis BCG Tokyo 172 (SMP-105) emulsion in delayed-type hypersensitivity and antitumor models

Cell-wall skeleton prepared from Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG-CWS) is known as a potent adjuvant and has been shown to possess antitumor activity in many non-clinical and clinical studies. As there are no approved BCG-CWS formulations for cancer therapy, we investigated the potential for cancer immunotherapy of SMP-105, our originally produced BCG-CWS. For optimizing SMP-105 emulsion, we compared the effects of drakeoland squalane-based SMP-105 emulsions on IFN-γ production in rats and evaluated their ability to induce skin reaction in guinea pigs. Both emulsions had the same activity in both experiments. We selected squalane as base material and produced two types of squalane-based formulations (vialed emulsion and pumped emulsion) that can easily be prepared as oil-in-water emulsions. Although the vialed emulsion showed the same pattern of distribution as a usual homogenized emulsion, the pumped emulsion showed more uniform distribution than the other two emulsions. Whereas both emulsions enhanced strong delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in a mouse model, the pumped emulsion induced slightly smaller edema. Data on oil droplet size distribution suggest that few micrometer oil droplet size might be appropriate for oil-in-water microemulsion of SMP-105. The antitumor potency of SMP-105 emulsion was stronger than that of some of the launched toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists (Aldara cream, Picibanil, and Immunobladder). Aldara and Picibanil showed limited antitumor effectiveness, while Immunobladder had almost the same effect as SMP-105 at the highest dose, but needed about 10 times the amount of SMP-105. These findings first indicate that SMP-105 has great potential in cancer immunotherapy.

Transumbilical laparoscopic surgery using GelPort through an umbilical zigzag skin incision

INTRODUCTION

We report herein a new method of transumbilical laparoscopic surgery using a GelPort through an umbilical zigzag skin incision. The method involves collaborating with plastic surgeons to ensure the procedure was minimally invasive.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

After marking a zigzag skin incision in the umbilical region, the skin was incised along this line. Then, a GelPort double-ring wound retractor was inserted through the incision, which enlarged the diameter of the fascial opening to 6 cm. The Gelport was latched on the wound retractor ring, following the inflation of the pneumoperitoneum by CO (2). One or more additional ports were inserted as necessary. All operations were performed in the standard fashion. The specimen was easily extracted from the abdomen through the umbilical incision, and anastomosis was performed. Using the above method, we performed the following procedures: one total gastrectomy, one distal gastrectomy, three gastric local resections, five right hemicolectomies, two high anterior resections, three cholecystectomies, and seven transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasties. All cases were accomplished without any complications using this method. The wounds of the umbilical region were almost "scarless" in all cases.

DISCUSSION

We developed an umbilical zigzag skin incision technique to perform abdominal laparoscopic operations using a GelPort, with a minimal number of skin incisions. We consider that our method reduces the technical difficulties associated with laparoscopic surgery and maintains cosmesis.

Topical application of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans cytolethal distending toxin induces cell cycle arrest in the rat gingival epithelium in vivo

BACKGROUND

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is one of the etiological pathogens implicated in the onset of periodontal disease. This pathogen produces cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) that acts as a genotoxin to induce cell cycle arrest and cellular distension in cultured cell lines. Therefore, CDT is a possible virulence factor; however, the in vivo activity of CDT on periodontal tissue has not been explored. Here, CDT was topically applied into the rat molar gingival sulcus; and the periodontal tissue was histologically and immunohistochemically examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Recombinant purified A. actinomycetemcomitans CDT was applied to gingival sulcus of male Wistar rats and tissue samples were immunohistochemmically examined.

RESULTS

One day after application, infiltration of neutrophils and dilation of blood vessels in the gingival connective tissue were found. At day three, desquamation and detachment of cells in the junctional epithelium was observed. This abrasion of junctional epithelium was not observed in rats treated with mutated CDT, in which a His274Ala mutation is present in the CdtB subunit. This indicates the tissue abrasion may be caused by the genotoxicity of CdtB. Expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker for proliferating cells, was significantly suppressed using CDT treatment in the junctional epithelium and gingival epithelium.

CONCLUSION

Using the rat model, these data suggest CDT intoxication induces cell cycle arrest and damage in periodontal epithelial cells in vivo.

Phagocytosis plays a dual role in activating dendritic cells; digestive production of active Toll-like receptor ligands and cooperation with Toll-like receptor signaling

Phagocytosis is an initial step in innate immunity, which is also stimulated by signals via Toll-like receptors (TLRs); however, the cooperation of phagocytosis with signals through TLRs to establish acquired immunity is unknown. We found that phagocytosis is an essential process to induce an immune reaction against an insoluble TLR ligand. Cell-wall skeleton prepared from Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG-CWS), an insoluble TLR2 ligand, activated and matured murine splenic dendritic cell (DC) line BC-1 as well as a soluble TLR2 ligand, Pam3CSK4. Surprisingly, BC-1 maturation with BCG-CWS was completely suppressed by inhibiting phagocytosis, while that with Pam3CSK4 was not affected. Moreover, BCGCWS induced intense delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions against mitomycin C-inactivated Lewis lung carcinoma cells but Pam3CSK4 did not. These results suggested that the phagocytosis process enables the insoluble TLR2 ligand to activate DCs via TLR2 comparable to a soluble TLR2 ligand in vitro, and stimulating TLR2 alone is not sufficient to establish T cell-mediated immunity in vivo. It is therefore conceivable that the process of phagocytosis induces additional effects on TLR2-stimulated DCs to activate cellmediated immunity in vivo.

Injection of cell-wall skeleton of Mycobacterium bovis BCG draining to a sentinel lymph node eliminates both lymph node metastases and the primary transplanted tumor

Based on recent developments in innate immunity, we focused on a microbial immunostimulator for cancer immunotherapy. If innate immunity is properly activated, tumor antigens distributed endogenously in cancer patients will be exploited to activate tumor immunity. We chose the cell-wall skeleton of M. bovis BCG (BCGCWS) and investigated the potential of monotherapy without exogenous tumor antigens. We used strain 2 guinea pigs bearing syngenic line 10 hepatoma, which is an excellent disease model of spontaneous lymph node metastasis, and examined the tumor-eradicating activity of highly purified BCG-CWS (SMP-105), excluding the effect of local inflammation on tumor growth. SMP-105 eliminated both established metastases and the implanted tumor, when injected into different but not distant sites from the tumor, whereas, when injected into the opposite side, neither metastases nor the primary tumor was eradicated. SMP-105 was observed in the draining lymph node engulfed by phagocytes, presumably macrophages or dendritic cells, but was not detected in distant lymph nodes or the spleen. It took about 2 weeks until the tumor-eliminating effect was observed. Taken together it is considered that macrophages or dendritic cells were activated by SMP-105 and encountered tumor cells in the sentinel lymph node to generate tumor immunity during the lag time. In conclusion, we suggested the potential of mono-therapy with a strong immunostimulator and that SMP-105 is a most promising agent for cancer immunotherapy. Separate injection from tumor draining to a sentinel lymph node using classical guinea pig models will be a useful method for investigating immunostimulators.

Role of fibrosis-related genes and pancreatic duct obstruction in rat pancreatitis models: implications for chronic pancreatitis

Human chronic pancreatitis is characterized by irreversible fibrosis, whereas pancreatic fibrosis in animal models is reversible. In this study, we compare the development of pancreatic fibrosis in the dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC) model, WBN/Kob rats and bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. DBTC (8 mg/kg) was administered to LEW rats, and the pancreas was histopathologically investigated sequentially. Male and female WBN/Kob rats aged 4, 6 and 8 months were also examined. BDL rats were prepared by ligation of the bile duct at the duodenal portion and sacrificed at 3 or 7 days after ligation. Fibrosis in the DBTC model peaked after 1 week and was limited to the areas around the pancreatic ducts after 2 weeks, and was composed of both type I and type III collagen. In contrast, fibrosis in male WBN/Kob rats peaked at age 4 months, expanded into intralobular area, and was composed of type III collagen. It exhibited almost no type I collagen and a marked tendency to regress. Pancreatic fibrosis in BDL rats was somewhat difficult to induce and required increased stimulation. This suggests that fibrosis in human biliary pancreatitis may gradually form based on weak, continuous stimulation. We conclude that type I collagen may be involved in the progression of irreversible fibrosis. The imbalance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix molecules or degree of stimulation over a certain period may lead to pancreatic fibrosis. Gene expressions of prolyl hydroxylase and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-2 were elevated.

Hippocampal volumes and diffusion-weighted image findings in children with prolonged febrile seizures

OBJECTIVES

To assess hippocampal volumes (HV) and signal changes on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) within 5 days of prolonged febrile seizures (PFS) and compare them with the PFS duration and EEG.

METHODS

We studied 12 children (mean age: 32 +/- 21 months, range 10 months-5 years) within 5 days of a first episode of PFS (a seizure or series of seizures lasting for 30 min or longer, without return of consciousness between the seizures). The HV measurements were carried out using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and signal intensity abnormalities were evaluated visually on DWI. HV in patients were compared with those of 13 neurologically normal controls (mean age 31 +/- 16 months, range 15 months-5 years). HV abnormalities correlated with PFS duration. HV and DWI abnormalities were compared with EEG abnormalities.

RESULTS

Seizure duration ranged from 40 to 95 min. In seven out of twelve patients, seizures were refractory and lasted for 60 min or longer despite intravenous infusion of diazepam. In the patients with PFS for 60 min or longer, HV were significantly larger than that of controls. In all patients, there was a positive correlation between HV and seizure duration. DWI showed hyperintensity in unilateral hippocampus in three patients with intractable seizures, ipsilateral thalamus in two, and cingulate in one. EEG showed abnormalities in temporal areas ipsilateral to the DWI abnormalities in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Large HV and hippocampal hyperintensity on DWI were seen in patients with refractory PFS. Our results suggest that medically refractory PFS lasting for 60 min or longer may cause structural changes in limbic structures that could promote later epileptogenesis.

DFF45/ICAD restores cisplatin-induced nuclear fragmentation but not DNA cleavage in DFF45-deficient neuroblastoma cells

We have previously defined a homozygously deleted region at chromosome 1p36.2-p36.3 in human neuroblastoma cell lines, NB-1 and NB-C201, and identified six genes including DFF45/ICAD within this region. In this study, we found that NB-C201 cells are much more resistant to various genotoxic stresses such as cisplatin (CDDP) than CHP134 and SH-SY5Y cells that do not have the homozygous deletion. To examine a role(s) of DFF45 in the regulation of apoptosis in response to CDDP, we have established stably DFF45-expressing NB-C201 cell clones (DFF45-1 and DFF45-3) and a control cell clone (NB-C201-C) using a retrovirus-mediated gene transfer. In contrast to NB-C201-C cells, DFF45-3 cells displayed apoptotic nuclear fragmentation in response to CDDP. Although CDDP-induced proteolytic cleavage of procaspase-3 and DFF45 in DFF45-3 cells, we could not detect a typical apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Additionally, deletion analysis revealed that C-terminal region of DFF45 is required for inducing nuclear fragmentation. Unexpectedly, (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays demonstrated that DFF45 has undetectable effect on CDDP sensitivity of NB-C201 cells. Taken together, our present results suggest that DFF45/DFF40 system may be sufficient for CDDP-induced nuclear fragmentation but not DNA cleavage.

Hippocampal volumes and diffusion-weighted image findings in children with prolonged febrile seizures

OBJECTIVES

To assess hippocampal volumes (HV) and signal changes on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) within 5 days of prolonged febrile seizures (PFS) and compare them with the PFS duration and EEG.

METHODS

We studied 12 children (mean age: 32 +/- 21 months, range 10 months-5 years) within 5 days of a first episode of PFS (a seizure or series of seizures lasting for 30 min or longer, without return of consciousness between the seizures). The HV measurements were carried out using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and signal intensity abnormalities were evaluated visually on DWI. HV in patients were compared with those of 13 neurologically normal controls (mean age 31 +/- 16 months, range 15 months-5 years). HV abnormalities correlated with PFS duration. HV and DWI abnormalities were compared with EEG abnormalities.

RESULTS

Seizure duration ranged from 40 to 95 min. In seven out of twelve patients, seizures were refractory and lasted for 60 min or longer despite intravenous infusion of diazepam. In the patients with PFS for 60 min or longer, HV were significantly larger than that of controls. In all patients, there was a positive correlation between HV and seizure duration. DWI showed hyperintensity in unilateral hippocampus in three patients with intractable seizures, ipsilateral thalamus in two, and cingulate in one. EEG showed abnormalities in temporal areas ipsilateral to the DWI abnormalities in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Large HV and hippocampal hyperintensity on DWI were seen in patients with refractory PFS. Our results suggest that medically refractory PFS lasting for 60 min or longer may cause structural changes in limbic structures that could promote later epileptogenesis.

Effects of Endogenous and Exogenous Prostaglandin E2on the Proliferation and Differentiation of a Mouse Cementoblast Cell Line (OCCM-30)

BACKGROUND

Cementum formation is considered to be a critical event for successful regeneration of periodontal tissues. Cementoblasts share many characteristics with osteoblasts. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is an important local factor in bone metabolism. Although the effects of PGE(2) on osteoblasts are well known, its effects on cementoblasts have not yet been established. We examined the effects of PGE(2) on proliferation and differentiation in a mouse cementoblast cell line, OCCM-30 cells.

METHODS

OCCM-30 cells were treated with three concentrations of PGE(2) (10, 100, and 1,000 ng/ml). Cell number, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and expression for mineralization-related genes were determined. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) ligand (RANKL) expression were also examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The addition of PGE(2) at the highest dose used in this study suppressed cell proliferation of OCCM-30 cells. The expression of mineralization-related marker mRNA, such as type 1 collagen, ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin (OCN), was constitutively detected in OCCM-30 cells. PGE(2) dose dependently stimulated ALP activity and BSP-mRNA expression in OCCM-30 cells at day 3. Transcripts for OPG and RANKL and the protein level of OPG in culture media were upregulated with PGE(2) stimulation.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that PGE(2) suppressed cementoblast proliferation but stimulated ALP activity and the BSP-mRNA level, suggesting a role of PGE(2) in controlling cementoblast differentiation, and further indicate that PGE(2) modulates RANKL and OPG expression in cementoblasts; the increase of OPG secreted from cementoblasts with PGE(2) stimulation may be essential to protect the root surface from resorption.

Periostin is frequently overexpressed and enhances invasion and angiogenesis in oral cancer

Oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of human cancer. Typically OSCC cells show persistent invasion that frequently leads to local recurrence and distant lymphatic metastasis. We previously identified Periostin as the gene demonstrating the highest fold change expression in the invasive clone by comparing the transcriptional profile of parent OSCC cell line and a highly invasive clone. Here, we demonstrated that Periostin overexpression enhanced invasiveness in oral cancer cell lines. To know the role of Periostin in invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis in OSCC cases, we first examined the expression of Periostin mRNA in 31 OSCC cases by RT-PCR and Periostin protein in 74 OSCC cases by immunohistochemistry. Then, we compared the Periostin expression with invasion pattern, metastasis and blood vessel density. Periostin mRNA and protein overexpression were frequently found in OSCC cases and Periostin expression was well correlated with the invasion pattern and metastasis. Moreover, blood vessel density of Periostin-positive cases was higher than those of Periostin-negative cases. Interestingly, recombinant Periostin enhanced capillary formation in vitro in a concentration-dependant manner. In summary, these findings suggest that Periostin may promote invasion and angiogenesis in OSCC, and that Periostin can be a strong marker for prediction of metastasis in oral cancer patients.

Characteristics of periodontal ligament subpopulations obtained by sequential enzymatic digestion of rat molar periodontal ligament

Periodontal ligament (PDL) consists of different cell populations in various differentiation stages. In the present study, we isolated cell populations from rat molar PDL by sequential enzymatic digestion and characterized growth potential and mineralization activity of the PDL subpopulations (PDL-SP) to throw light on the mechanism of PDL remodeling and, in its turn, periodontal tissue regeneration. PDL attached to extracted rat molars was digested 2 mg/ml collagenase and 0.25% trypsin at 37 degrees C for 30 min. Then four consecutive digestions were performed for 20 min each in a fresh digestive solution. The solutions were centrifuged to collect released cells and 5 PDL subpopulations (30M-, 50M-, 70M-, 90M-and 110M-PDL-SP) were obtained. Light microscopic observation showed that about a half of PDL in width attached on the root surface of extracted teeth and 30M-PDL-SP was considered to contain cells mainly from middle portion of PDL. Scanning electron microscopic examination indicated that 110M-PDL-SP was enriched by root lining cementoblastic cells. 30M-PDL-SP showed a high level of proliferative activity. Although the growth potential of a subpopulation decreased in PDL-SP toward the root surface, 110M-PDL-SP had a high proliferative activity equivalent to that of 30M-PDL-SP. Analyses of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mineralization activities showed that higher activities in PDL-SP toward the surface of roots and that 110M-PDL-SP had the highest activity of ALP and the largest number of mineralization nodules. The present study shows as supposed by previous studies on cell kinetics in PDL that subpopulations with larger growth potential were generally located in the middle portion of PDL and those with higher mineralization activities toward the surface of the roots. It is suggested, however, that a possible pathway of PDL cell turnover may exist within the PDL-SP on the root surface in addition to the generally recognized pathway from the middle area of PDL to root surface.

Photoinduced Hydrophilicity of Heteroepitaxially Grown ZnO Thin Films

Single crystalline ZnO thin films were heteroepitaxially grown on sapphire substrates by rf-magnetron sputtering. The ZnO films on sapphire A and C face were oriented along the (0001) direction, whereas the ZnO film on sapphire R face was oriented along the (11-20) direction. The rate of photoinduced hydrophilic conversion strongly depended on the surface crystal structure. The ZnO film oriented along the (11-20) direction exhibited a higher hydrophilicizing rate than those oriented along the (0001) direction. The high hydrophilicizing rate of the ZnO oriented along the (11-20) direction is due to its surface atomic arrangement. The outermost layer of the ZnO surface of the (11-20) face contains oxygen ions, which are considered to be energetically reactive sites and responsible for the hydrophilic conversion.

New procedure for purse-string suture in thoracoscopic esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis

BACKGROUND

In endoscopic surgery, one of the greatest problems is the difficulty with the reconstructive procedure. This problem frequently makes operating times longer. The authors have performed thoracoscopic esophagectomy and intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis for reconstruction using a circular stapler for the esophageal cancer. Although the circular stapler is a useful device for gastrointestinal anastomosis, it was difficult to place a purse-string suture and to fixate the anvil into the proximal esophagus endoscopically.

METHODS

The authors devised a new procedure for the placement of the purse-string suture by using an Endo-Stitch device along with a new method to incise the esophageal wall and thereby facilitate fixation of the anvil.

RESULTS

The authors attempted this procedure for five patients. The anastomoses were performed successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

The new procedure can make endoscopic intrathoracic anastomosis feasible and safe. In addition, this procedure can be applied widely to other endoscopic reconstructions.

Immuno-localization of COX-1 and COX-2 in the rat molar periodontal tissue after topical application of lipopolysaccharide

Up-regulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in the periodontal tissue is considered to be important for periodontal tissue destruction. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the dynamic changes of immuno-localization of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in rat periodontal tissue after topical application of lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 5 mg/ml in physiological saline) from Escherichia coli into the rat molar gingival sulcus. In the normal periodontal tissue, small numbers of junctional epithelium (JE) cells and numerous osteocytes embedded in alveolar bone constitutively expressed COX-1. The COX-1 expression was not effected by LPS application. JE cells, especially in the coronal portion of JE also expressed COX-2. LPS application induced the JE cells with consequent transient expression of COX-2 with a peak at day 1. These findings suggest that JE cells may play a critical role in first defense line against LPS challenge and PGE2 from JE cells may be responsible for the initiation of periodontal inflammation. In the deep periodontal tissue, cementoblasts and osteoblasts showed constitutive expression of COX-2, which may be induced by continuous cyclic tension force due to occlusal pressure. LPS application caused a transient up-regulation of COX-2 expression in periodontal ligament fibroblasts, cementoblasts and osteoblasts. It is suggested that the inducible production of PGE2 via COX-2 by these cells may be associated with connective tissue destruction and alveolar bone resorption.

Inhibition of CD44v9 upregulates the invasion ability of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

The aim of the present study has been to determine the role of CD44v9 in the metastatic process of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We have examined the expression intensity of CD44v9 in four OSCC cell lines, and using cell culture insert investigated the invasion ability of the cells expressing CD44v9 at higher levels (HSC-2, HSC-3), and the cells expressing this protein at lower levels (HSC-4, KB) with or without the treatment with an anti-CD44v9 antibody. In the highly expressing cells, the addition of anti-CD44v9 antibody enhanced their invasion ability, whereas it showed no effect on the invasion ability of the weakly expressing cells. These results suggest that the reduction of CD44v9 expression may weaken cell-to-cell adhesion in OSCC and make the tumor cells detach easily from their nests, resulting in the enhancement of their invasion ability. It may ultimately promote the establishment of a metastatic lesion.

Cementum: a phosphate-sensitive tissue

Ectopic calcification within joints has been reported in humans and rodents exhibiting mutations in genes that regulate the level of extracellular pyrophosphate, e.g., ank and PC-1; however, periodontal effects of these mutations have not previously been examined. These initial studies using ank and PC-1 mutant mice were done to see if such mineral deposition and resulting ankylosis were occurring in the periodontium as well. Surprisingly, results indicated the absence of ankylosis; however, a marked increase in cementum formation on the root surfaces of fully developed teeth of these mutant mice was noted. Examination of ank mutant mice at earlier ages of tooth root formation indicated that this striking observation is apparent from the onset of cementogenesis. These findings suggest that cells within the periodontal region are highly responsive to changes in phosphate metabolism. This information may prove valuable in attempts to design successful therapies for regenerating periodontal tissues.

Initial attachment of osteoblasts to various guided bone regeneration membranes: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has proved to be a suitable and somehow predictable technique for promoting bone regeneration. A variety of synthetic and naturally derived GBR barriers have been used in clinics to facilitate bone regeneration. These barriers may differ in composition and structure and these may affect the outcomes of GBR. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro ability of osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) to attach to various GBR membranes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six GBR/GTR (guided tissue regeneration) membranes [BioMend (BM), Resolut (RL), Guidor (GD), EpiGuide (EG), Gore-Tex (GT) and Millipore filter (MP)] were tested. For controls, cells were directly plated on culture dishes (CD). Each test membrane was secured to the bottom of a culture dish with a double-sided adhesive tape. All samples were triplicate. At 1.5 and 24 h after plating of 2 ml (5 x 10(4) cells/ml) of MC3T3-E1 (passage 7) cells, the specimens were rinsed with phosphate-buffered saline to wash out any unattached cells and then fixed with a 10% buffered formalin solution for 1 d. After washing with distilled water, the cells were stained with hematoxylin. The number of attached cells was counted under a light microscope equipped with an ocular-micrometer in a unit area of 0.25 mm(2) (five areas on each membrane). In addition, cell morphology attached to the membranes was evaluated under scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

Data were presented as mean +/- standard error and analyzed for statistical difference using a generalized Wilcoxon's test. Cell attachment at 1.5 h was as follows: MP (27.5 +/- 2.1) > RL (17.0 +/- 1.4) approximately equals BM (14.5 +/- 1.4) approximately equals EG (11.4 +/- 1.0) > GD (5.2 +/- 0.8) approximately equals GT (3.1 +/- 0.6); and at 24 h was: MP (67.6 +/- 3.6) > RL (35.8 +/- 1.8) > BM (15.4 +/- 0.9) approximately equals EG (13.3 +/- 1.3) > GD (5.9 +/- 0.7) approximately equals GT (5.6 +/- 1.3). At 24 h, the scanning electron microscope finding revealed that cells attached on MP, RL, BM and EG were flatter in shape, like cells on CD, than cells on GD and GT, where cells were rather round.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study suggested that MP, BM, RL and EG enhanced the early osteoblast attachment. However, the true benefit of this observation in clinic remains to be determined.

Establishment of human cementifying fibroma cell lines by transfection with temperature-sensitive simian virus-40 T-antigen gene and hTERT gene

Human cementifying fibroma (HCF) is a benign fibro-osseous neoplasm of periodontal ligament (PDL) origin containing varying amounts of mineralized material resembling cementum. In the present study, we established cell lines from HCF, which were detected in the mandible of a 54-year-old Japanese man. To obtain immortalized cell clones, we undertook transfection with temperature-sensitive simian virus-40 (SV40) T-antigen and hTERT into HCF cells. Cells transfected with SV40 T-antigen entered "crisis" state between passages 22 and 35, but activation of telomerase by transfection with hTERT in the SV40-transformed HCF cells resulted in bypass of the crisis and maintenance over passage 200. HCF cell lines decreased the expression of SV40 T-antigen and the activity of cell proliferation at a nonpermissive temperature (39 degrees C) in comparison with that at a permissive temperature (33 degrees C). High activities of alkaline phosphatase and mineralization and the expression of type I collagen, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were observed in HCF cells at 39 degrees C. Overall, these findings suggest that: (i) HCF cell lines may represent a novel in vitro human cell model for the study of the regulatory mechanism of differentiation and proliferation of the human PDL; and (ii) transfection of plasmids encoding the temperature-sensitive SV40 T-antigen gene and hTERT gene may be useful for obtaining immortalized cell lines from benign human tumor and, probably, nonneoplastic human tissues.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel 1beta-methyl carbapenems with cycloalkylamine moiety at the C-2 position

Novel 1beta-methyl carbapenems with a cycloalkylamine moiety as a side chain were synthesized and their structure-activity relationships were studied. These carbapenems showed potent antibacterial activities against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and moderate urinary recovery when administered intraperitoneally in mice.

Attachment, proliferation and differentiation of periodontal ligament cells on various guided tissue regeneration membranes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane materials, per se, on the periodontal tissue regeneration. Rat periodontal ligament (PDL)-derived cells were used to study the attachment, proliferation and differentiation, in vitro, on various GTR membranes. Five commercially available membranes bovine type I collagen (BioMend; BM), bovine type I atelocollagen (Tissue Guide; TG), polylactic acid (Epi-Guide; EG), co-polymer of polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid (Resolute; RL) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene: e-PTFE (Gore Tex; GT)-were examined. A 3 x 3 mm section of the membrane was fixed to the bottom of a 35 x 10 mm style culture dish and plated with 2 ml of cell suspension at an initial density of 5 x 10(4) cells/ml in culture medium with 10% fetal bovine serum. For cell growth analysis, the specimens were fixed with 10% buffered formalin and stained with hematoxylin at 1.5 hours and 1, 3 and 5 days after cell seeding. The number of cells included in a unit area of 0.25 mm2 were counted under light microscopy. As a comparative scaffold of cell proliferation, a plastic cover for cell culture slip (Celldesk; CD) was used. For analysis of cell differentiation, activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcification were histochemically revealed after 2-week cultivation. The initial number of PDL cells attached to the membrane at 1.5 hours after cell seeding was different among membranes. RL, TG and EG had the same level of attached cell numbers as that on CD, while the cell numbers on GT and BM were significantly lower than that on CD (p < 0.01). The rate of cell proliferation with time also differed among the membranes examined. RL and BM demonstrated a significantly higher number of cells at 5 days than at 1.5 hours (p < 0.01). TG had increased numbers of cells at 3 and 5 days after cell seeding. However, there was no statistical difference between the cell numbers at 1.5 hours and 5 days after cell seeding (p > 0.1). EG had a similar number of cell attachments to that at 1.5 hours throughout the experimental period. There was almost no cell proliferation on GT. Cell clusters of ALP positive cells and foci of calcification were seen on all membranes except for GT, where a scant number of cells were seen. Results from this study implied that GTR membrane materials, per se, may influence cell proliferation and differentiation in the process of periodontal tissue regeneration.

High expression of S-phase kinase-interacting protein 2, human F-box protein, correlates with poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinomas

Reduced expression of p27(Kip1), a cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor, is frequently found in various cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and is attributable to an enhancement of its degradation. Skp2, an F-box protein necessary for DNA replication, is required for the ubiquitinylation and subsequent degradation of p27(Kip1). In the present study, we examined the expression of Skp2 and its correlation with the expression of p27(Kip1) protein or p27(Kip1) degradation in OSCC. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that high expression of Skp2 was present in 49% of OSCCs and only 20% of epithelial dysplasias. Significantly, high expression of Skp2 was correlated with poor prognosis of OSCC patients. We also found an inverse correlation between the expression of Skp2 and p27 by immunohistochemical analysis. A similar correlation was observed in OSCC cell lines and OSCC tissues by Western blot analysis. Interestingly, OSCC tissues with Skp2 expression had high p27(Kip1) degradation activity. These findings indicate that (a) Skp2 may play an important role for the development of OSCC, (b) Skp2 can be a novel target for OSCC treatment as well as a strong prognostic marker, and (c) the reduction in p27(Kip1) protein may be brought about by enhancement of its degradation mediated by increased levels of Skp2 protein.