Regional distribution and relative frequency of gastrointestinal endocrine cells in the ddN mice: an immunohistochemical study

The distributions and frequencies of some endocrine cells in the eight portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract - fundus, pylorus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum of the ddN mouse, were studied with immunohistochemical method using seven types of antisera against chromogranin (Cg) A serotonin, somatostatin, glucagon, gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 and human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP). In the GI tract of ddN mice, CgA, serotonin, somatostatin, glucagon, gastrin, CCK-8 immunoreactive (IR) cells were identified with various frequencies, but hPP-IR cells were not observed in this study. Most of IR cells in the intestinal portion were generally spherical or spindle in shape (open type cell) whereas cells showing round in shape (close type cell) were found in the intestinal gland and stomach regions occasionally. They showed the highest frequency in the pylorus or colon. CgA-IR cells were observed from the pylorus to ileum. Serotonin-IR cells were detected throughout the whole GI tract except for the fundus. Somatostatin-IR cells were demonstrated throughout the whole GI tract except for the cecum and colon. Gastrin and CCK-8-IR cells were restricted to the pylorus and duodenum. In addition, a few glucagon-IR cells were restricted to the fundus and rectum. In conclusion, the general distribution patterns and relative frequency of GI endocrine cells of the ddN mouse was similar to that of other strains of mice. However, some strain and/or species-dependent unique distributions and frequencies of endocrine cells were also observed in the present study.

Enhanced bone forming ability of SLA-treated Ti coated with a calcium phosphate thin film formed by e-beam evaporation

With an electron-beam evaporation process, a calcium phosphate (Ca-P) thin film of approximately 500 nm thick was deposited on sand blasted with large grits and acid etched (SLA) Ti without changing the typical morphology of the SLA surface. Dissolution behavior was investigated by measuring the amount of dissolved phosphate ions with ion chromatography after immersing the SLA Ti sample coated with a Ca-P film in 1 ml de-ionized water maintained at 37 degrees C for different periods of soaking time, and the surface morphology was observed with field emission scanning electron microscopy. The amount of phosphate ions increased quickly right after immersion but began to decrease after 2 days of immersion by redeposition with Ca ions as apatite, and the amount of biomimetic apatite increased with the extended soaking time. The Saos-2 cell was more attached on the coated surface, and the in vivo evaluation was that the Ca-P deposited SLA implant greatly improved the new bone formation ability.

Investigation of bone formation using calcium phosphate glass cement in beagle dogs

Purpose

Among available biomaterials, bioceramics have drawn special interest due to their bioactivity and the possibility of tailoring their composition. The degradation rate and formulation of bioceramics can be altered to mimic the compositions of the mineral phase of bone. The aim of this study was to investigate the bone formation effect of amorphous calcium phosphate glass cement (CPGC) synthesized by a melting and quenching process.

Methods

In five male beagle dogs, 4 × 4 mm 1-wall intrabony defects were created bilaterally at the mesial or distal aspect of the mandibular second and fourth premolars. Each of the four defects was divided according to graft materials: CPGC with collagen membrane (CM), biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) with CM, CM alone, or a surgical flap operation only. The dogs were sacrificed 8 weeks post-surgery, and block sections of the defects were collected for histologic and histometric analysis.

Results

There were significant differences in bone formation and cementum regeneration between the experimental and control groups. In particular, the CPGC and BCP groups showed greater bone formation than the CM and control groups.

Conclusions

In conclusion, CPGC was replaced rapidly with an abundant volume of new bone; CPGC also contributed slightly to regeneration of the periodontal apparatus.

Evaluation of vitrification for cryopreservation of teeth

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether vitrification in the cryopreservation of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells could be useful for tooth banking.

Methods

In step 1, primary cultured human PDL cells were cryopreserved in 100% conventional cryopreservation media and 100% vitrification media (ESF40 media) in different temperatures for 2 weeks. In step 2, a series of modified vitrification formulae named T1 (75% vitrification media + 25% F-media), T2 (50% vitrification media + 50% F-media) and T3 (25% vitrification media + 75% F-media) were used to store PDL cells for 2 weeks and 4 weeks in liquid nitrogen. MTT assay was performed to examine the viability of PDL cells.

Results

Maximum cell viability was achieved in cells stored in 100% conventional cryopreservation media at -196℃ (positive control group) in step 1. Compared to the positive control group, viability of the cells stored in 100% vitrification media was very low as 10% in all test conditions. In step 2, as the percentage of vitrification media decreased, the cell viability increased in cells stored for 2 weeks. In 4-week storage of cells in step 2, higher cell viability was observed in the T2 group than the other vitrification formulae while the positive control group had the highest viability. There was no statistically significant difference in the cell viability of 2-week and 4-week stored cells in the T2 group.

Conclusions

These observations indicate 100% vitrification media is not successful in PDL cell cryopreservation. Conventional cryopreservation media is currently the most appropriate media type for this purpose while T2 media would be interesting to test for long-term storage of PDL cells.

A case of isolated invasive Aspergillus colitis presenting with hematochezia in a nonneutropenic patient with colon cancer

Gastrointestinal invasive aspergillosis is often reported as part of a disseminated infection, and rarely as an isolated organ infection. Isolated invasive Aspergillus colitis is very rare, being observed only in patients with hematological malignancy and neutropenia. We encountered an unusual case of isolated invasive Aspergillus colitis presenting with hematochezia in a nonneutropenic patient with colon cancer. Fungal hyphae with surrounding inflammatory cells and mucosal necrosis were observed during the histological examination of a biopsy sample obtained at endoscopy. This case indicates that isolated invasive Aspergillus colitis may develop in a variable context of immunosuppression.

Immobilization of tyrosinase in carboxylic and carbonyl group-modified MWNT electrode and its application for sensing phenolics in red wines

Tyrosinase-immobilized biosensor was fabricated based on PAAc-g-MWNT and PMAn-g-MWNT, respectively. The poly(acrylic acid)-grafted multi-wall carbon nanotubes, PAAc-g-MWNT, and poly(maleic anhydride)-grafted multi-wall carbon nanotube, PMAn-g-MWNT, were prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid (AAc) and maleic anhydride (MAn) on the surface of MWNT. The biosensor was prepared on ITO glass electrode by coating of chitosan solution with tyrosinase-immobilized PAAc-g-MWNT and PMAn-g-MWNT, respectively. The sensing ranges of the tyrosinase-immobilized biosensor based on PAAc-g-MWNT and PMAn were in the range of 0.2-0.9 mM concentration and in the range of 0.1-0.5 mM for phenol in phosphate buffer solution, respectively. Optimal pH and temperature conditions for sensing various phenolic compounds with tyrosinase-immobilized biosensor were determined. Total phenolic content for three commercial red wines on tyrosinase-immobilized biosensor were also determined.

The complete genome sequence of freesia mosaic virus and its relationship to other potyviruses

We have completed the genomic sequence of a potyvirus, freesia mosaic virus (FreMV), and compared it to those of other known potyviruses. The full-length genome sequence of FreMV consists of 9,489 nucleotides. The large protein contains 3,077 amino acids, with an AUG start codon and UAA stop codon, containing one open reading frame typical of a potyvirus polyprotein. The polyprotein of FreMV-Kr gives rise to eleven proteins (P1, HC-pro, P3, PIPO, 6K1, CI, 6K2, VPg, NIa, NIb and CP), and putative cleavage sites of each protein were identified by sequence comparison to those of other known potyviruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the polyprotein revealed that FreMV-Kr was most closely related to PeMoV and was related to BtMV, BaRMV and PeLMV, which belong to the BCMV subgroup. This is the first information on the complete genome structure of FreMV, and the sequence information clearly supports the status of FreMV as a member of a distinct species in the genus Potyvirus.

Bone-added osteotome sinus floor elevation with simultaneous placement of non-submerged sand blasted with large grit and acid etched implants: a 5-year radiographic evaluation

PURPOSE

Implant survival rates using a bone-added osteotome sinus floor elevation (BAOSFE) procedure with simultaneous placement of a non-submerged sand blasted with large grit and acid etched (SLA) implant are well documented at sites where native bone height is less than 5 mm. This study evaluated the clinical results of non-submerged SLA Straumann implants placed at the time of the BAOSFE procedure at sites where native bone height was less than 4 mm. Changes in graft height after the BAOSFE procedure were also assessed using radiographs for 5 years after the implant procedure.

METHODS

The BAOSFE procedure was performed on 4 patients with atrophic posterior maxillas with simultaneous placement of 7 non-submerged SLA implants. At least 7 standardized radiographs were obtained from each patient as follows: before surgery, immediately after implant placement, 6 months after surgery, every year for the next 3 years, and after more than 5 years had passed. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at every visit. Radiographic changes in graft height were calculated with respect to the implant's known length and the original sinus height.

RESULTS

All implants were stable functionally, as well as clinically and radiographically, during the follow-up. Most of the radiographic reduction in the grafted bone height occurred in the first 2 years; reduction after 2 years was slight.

CONCLUSIONS

The simultaneous placement of non-submerged SLA implants using the BAOSFE procedure is a feasible treatment option for patients with severe atrophic posterior maxillas. However, the grafted bone height is reduced during the healing period, and patients must be selected with care.

The influence of diabetes mellitus on periodontal tissues: a pilot study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to preliminarily evaluate the influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) on periodontal tissue without establishment of periodontitis.

Methods

Seven-week-old db/db mice were used for the diabetic experimental group and systematically healthy mice of the same age were used as controls. After 1 week of acclimatization, the animals were sacrificed for hard and soft tissue evaluation. The pattern of bone destruction was evaluated by stereomicroscope evaluation with alizarin red staining and radiographic evaluation by microscopic computerized tomography images. Histological evaluation was performed with hematoxylin and eosin stain for evaluation of soft tissue changes.

Results

In both stereomicroscope evaluation and radiograph image analysis, aggressive form of bone destruction was observed in diabetic animals when compared to the systematically healthy controls. In histological evaluation, apical migration of junctional epithelium with slight inflammatory cell infiltration was observed with disarrangement of connective tissue fibers.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, diabetic animals presented distortion in periodontal attachment and an aggressive bone loss pattern when compared to the healthy controls, suggesting that DM has an independent effect on periodontal tissue destruction irrespective of the presence or absence of periodontal disease.

A hybrid technique for sinus floor elevation in the severely resorbed posterior maxilla

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified sinus floor elevation technique described hereafter as a "hybrid technique," in 11 patients with severely resorbed posterior maxillae.

Methods

Eleven patients who received 22 implants in the maxillary premolar and molar areas by the hybrid technique were enrolled in this study. A slot-shaped osteotomy for access was prepared on the lateral wall along the lower border of the sinus floor. The Schneiderian membrane was fully reflected through the lateral slot. Following drilling with the membrane protected by a periosteal elevator, the bone was grafted. All implants were placed simultaneously with sinus augmentation. The cumulative success rate was calculated and clinical parameters were recorded. Radiographic measurements were performed.

Results

All implants were well maintained at last follow up (cumulative success rate=100%). The mean residual bone height, augmented bone height, crown-to-implant ratio, and marginal bone loss were 4.1±1.64 mm, 8.76±1.77 mm, 1.21±0.33 mm, and 0.34±0.72 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

Simultaneous implant placement with sinus augmentation by hybrid technique showed successful clinical results over a 2-year observation period and may be a reliable modality for reconstruction of a severely resorbed posterior maxilla.

The effects of newly formed synthetic peptide on bone regeneration in rat calvarial defects

Purpose

Significant interest has emerged in the design of cell scaffolds that incorporate peptide sequences that correspond to known signaling domains in extracellular matrix and bone morphogenetic protein. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone regenerative effects of the synthetic peptide in a critical-size rat calvarial defect model.

Methods

Eight millimeter diameter standardized, circular, transosseus defects created on the cranium of forty rats were implanted with synthetic peptide, collagen, or both synthetic peptide and collagen. No material was was implanted the control group. The healing of each group was evaluated histologically and histomorphometrically after 2- and 8-week healing intervals.

Results

Surgical implantation of the synthetic peptide and collagen resulted in enhanced local bone formation at both 2 and 8 weeks compared to the control group. When the experimental groups were compared to each other, they showed a similar pattern of bone formation. The defect closure and new bone area were significantly different in synthetic peptide and collagen group at 8 weeks.

Conclusions

Concerning the advantages of biomaterials, synthetic peptide can be an effective biomaterial for damaged periodontal regeneration.

The induction of bone formation in rat calvarial defects and subcutaneous tissues by recombinant human BMP-2, produced in Escherichia coli

We investigated the ability of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2, produced from Escherichia coli (ErhBMP-2), to form orthotopic and ectopic bone in rat models. BMP-2 was expressed in E. coli and extracted from the inclusion bodies. Critical-sized calvarial defects and subcutaneous pouches were created in rats, and an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) was loaded with different doses of ErhBMP-2 for implantation. ACS alone and sham surgery controls were also included. Implant sites were evaluated by histological and/or histometric analyses following a 2- or 8-week healing interval. In the calvarial defect model, enhanced bone formation was observed with all doses of ErhBMP-2, while only limited amounts of new bone were found in controls. In the ectopic subcutaneous implant model, bone formation was clearly observed in all animals treated with ErhBMP-2 at 2 weeks. However, at 8 weeks, less new bone formation was detected than at 2 weeks. Nevertheless, the remaining new bone showed an advanced degree of bone remodeling and more maturity than that observed at 2 weeks. These results showed that ErhBMP-2 was osteoinductive under controlled in vivo conditions. Thus, ErhBMP-2 has definite potential as an alternative to rhBMP-2 produced in a eukaryotic system for clinical use.

Histological characteristics of newly formed cementum in surgically created one-wall intrabony defects in a canine model

PURPOSE

Periodontal regenerative therapies for defects created by severe periodontitis are mainly focused on bone regeneration. Although cementum regeneration needs to be better understood, it is believed to play an important role in periodontal regeneration. The first step toward a full understanding of cementum regeneration is to compare repaired cementum to pristine cementum. This study, which used histological techniques, was designed to focus on cementum regeneration and to compare pristine cementum to repaired cementum after surgical procedures with 8 and 24 week healing periods in a canine model.

METHODS

Buccal and lingual mucoperiosteal flaps of 10 beagle dogs were surgically reflected to create critical-sized defects. Intrabony one-wall defects, of which dimension is 4 mm width and 5 mm depth, were made at the distal aspect of mandibular second premolars and the mesial aspect of mandibular fourth premolars in the right and left jaw quadrants. Animals were sacrificed after 8 and 24 weeks post-surgery for histological specimen preparation and histometric analysis.

RESULTS

The repaired cementum was composed mostly of acellular cementum and cellular mixed fiber cementum and was thicker in the apical area than in the coronal area. The acellular cementum of the supracrestal area appeared to be amorphous. The newly formed cellular cementum was partially detached from the underlying circumpulpal dentin, which implied a weak attachment between new cementum and dentin, and this split was observed to a lesser extent in the 24 week group than in the 8 week group. The vertical height of the repaired cementum was greater in the 24 week group than in the 8 week group.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that repaired cementum after root planing was mainly acellular cementum and cementum tissue that matured to a shape similar to pristine cementum as the healing progressed from 8 to 24 weeks.

Conjugated linoleic acids content in M.longissimus dorsi of Hanwoo steers fed a concentrate supplemented with soybean oil, sodium bicarbonate-based monensin, fish oil

We hypothesized that increasing ruminal pH would lead to enrichment of adipose tissue with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Twenty-four Korean native (Hanwoo) steers were used to investigate the additive effects of monensin (30ppm, SO-BM) and/or fish oil (0.7%, SO-BMF) in the diets along with soybean oil (7%) and sodium bicarbonate (0.5%, SO-B) on cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLAs in adipose tissue. The steers were assigned to randomly four groups of six animals each based on body weight. The control group (CON) was fed a commercial concentrate for the late fattening stage. Supplementation of oil and sodium bicarbonate reduced feed intake and daily gain, and fish oil further decreased feed intake (P<0.001) and daily gain (P<0.087) compared to steers fed other diets. Total CLA and CLA isomers in M.longissimus dorsi were not affected when steers were fed SO-B and SO-BM diets compared with those of steers fed CON and SO-BMF diets. However, total poly unsaturated fatty acids were higher (P=0.03) in steers fed SO than in CON steers.

En bloc resection for right colon cancer directly invading duodenum or pancreatic head

PURPOSE

We undertook this study to analyze clinical features and surgical outcome of en bloc resections of the right side colon cancer directly invading duodenum and/or pancreatic head.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of all patients who underwent en bloc resection of duodenum and/or pancreas for right colon cancers were analyzed retrospectively. From September 1994 to September 2006, 1,016 patients underwent curative right hemicolectomy. Nine patients (0.9%) had en bloc resection of a right side colon cancer with duodenum or pancreatic head invasion.

RESULTS

The median operative time was 320 minutes (range, 200-420) and the median blood loss was 700 mL (range, 100-2,000). The mean size of tumor was 6.6 cm (range, 3.2-10.7). The mean preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was 10.6 ng/mL (range, 0.2-50.8). There was no 30 day perioperative mortality. The median disease-free survival was 23.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.2-41.8] and the median overall survival was 28.1 months (95% CI 9.7-46.5).

CONCLUSION

In patients with locally advanced right side colon cancer that directly invades the duodenum or pancreas can be safely resected with curative potential with minimum morbidity and mortality. Long term disease free survival can occur in a significant number of patients undergoing curative en bloc resection in this particular subset of patients.

A new compound, 1H,8H-pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1,8-dione, suppresses airway epithelial cell inflammatory responses in a murine model of asthma

Clinical and experimental studies have established eosinophilia as a sign of allergic disorders. Activation of eosinophils in the airways is believed to cause epithelial tissue injury, contraction of airway smooth muscle and increased bronchial responsiveness. As part of the search for new antiasthmatic agents produced by medicinal plants, the effects of 270 standardized medicinal plant extracts on cytokine-activated A549 human lung epithelial cells were evaluated. After several rounds of activity-guided screening, the new natural compound, 1H,8H-Pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1,8-dione (PPY), was isolated from Vitex rotundifolia L. To elucidate the mechanism by which the anti-asthmatic responses of PPY occurred in vitro, lung epithelial cells (A549 cell) were stimulated with TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL-1beta to induce the expression of chemokines and adhesion molecules involved in eosinophil chemotaxis. PPY treatments reduced the expression of eotaxin, IL-8, IL-16 and VCAM-1 mRNA significantly. Additionally, PPY reduced eotaxin secretion in a dose-dependent manner and significantly inhibited eosinophil migration toward A549 medium. In addition, PPY treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 and ERK1/2, suggesting that it can inhibit the MAPK/NF-KB pathway. To clarify the anti-inflammatory and antiasthmatic effects of PPY in vivo, we examined the influence of PPY on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation in a murine model of asthma. To accomplish this, mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and then examined for the following typical asthmatic reactions: an increase in the number of eosinophils in BALF; the presence of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 in the BALF; the presence of allergen-specific IgE in the serum; and a marked influx of inflammatory cells into the lung. Taken together, our results revealed that PPY exerts profound inhibitory effects on the accumulation of eosinophils into the airways while reducing the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the BALF. Therefore, these results suggest that PPY may be useful as a new therapeutic drug for the treatment of allergic asthma.

The efficacy of frontline platinum-based combination chemotherapy in advanced adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater

Adenocarcinoma arising from the ampulla of Vater is a rare neoplasm that accounts for only 0.2% of all gastrointestinal tract malignancies and has limited data regarding its frontline therapy. We investigated the treatment outcomes in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater receiving frontline cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. We analyzed 29 patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater who had been treated by frontline cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy between June 2003 and April 2008. The chemotherapeutic agent added to cisplatin was gemcitabine in 9 patients and fluorouracil (FU) in 20 patients (11; intravenous 5-FU and 9; oral 5-FU (capecitabine)). The median age of patients was 56 years (range, 36-78), and the median ECOG performance status was 1 (0-1). The confirmed overall response rate was 27.5%, and the disease control rate was 72.4%. In all patients, no complete responses and 8 partial responses were observed (overall response rate, 27.5%). Stable disease was observed in 13 patients (44.8%), and progressive disease in 5 patients (17.2%). The median time to progression (TTP) was 4.9 months (95% CI, 3.4-6.4), and the median overall survival (OS) was 12.5 months (95% CI, 10.6-14.4). There were no significant differences for TTP and OS according to the different chemotherapeutic agents added to cisplatin. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities included leukopenia in seven patients and thrombocytopenia in one patient. There were no grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic toxicities or treatment-related deaths. The cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy showed moderate activity and a favorable toxicity profile as a frontline treatment for patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater.

Delayed improvement of insulin secretion after autologous islet transplantation in partially pancreatectomized patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of autologous islet transplantation (ITx) on glucose homeostasis and insulin secretory function after partial pancreatectomy (Px). Fourteen nondiabetic patients who underwent distal Px and autologous ITx for benign pancreatic tumors were enrolled in the study (Px + ITx group). Fourteen normal glucose-tolerant controls and 6 Px without ITx controls were recruited, and all groups were followed over a 24-month period. They performed the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and the 1-mg glucagon stimulation test. Hemoglobin A(1c) was measured, and indices of insulin secretion were calculated. In the Px + ITx group, insulin secretion increased after a nadir at 6 months. Glucose tolerance, which had been abruptly impaired immediately after Px, recovered until 6 months and stabilized thereafter. As a result, differences in glucose intolerance emerged between the subjects in the Px group and those in the Px + ITx group at 24 months after Px. Characteristic variables in the better insulin secretory subjects in the Px + ITx group included younger age, less extensive pancreas resection, and a greater number of total islets. In summary, delayed amelioration of glucose intolerance was induced by autologous ITx after partial Px, even with a small number of islets.