Dental Pulp and Periodontal Ligament Cells Support Osteoclastic Differentiation

Odontoclasts and cementoclasts are considered to play major roles in the internal resorption of dentin and the external resorption of tooth roots. In this study, we evaluated the osteoclast-inducing ability of human dental pulp and periodontal ligament cells, which are mesenchymal cells in dental tissues. These cells expressed RANKL and OPG mRNA constitutively. As osteoclast precursors, CD14+ monocytes derived from human peripheral blood were isolated, and incubated together with human dental pulp or periodontal ligament cells. Both cell types spontaneously induced the differentiation of CD14+ monocytes into osteoclasts without osteotropic factors. These results suggest that dental pulp and periodontal ligament cells are involved in regulating the differentiation and function of osteoclasts.

Interferon-beta augments eosinophil adhesion-inducing activity of endothelial cells

Viral infections induce exacerbations of asthma. One of the earliest host responses to viral infections is the production of innate cytokines including type I interferons (IFNs), such as IFN-beta, which may act to modify airway inflammation. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether IFN-beta modifies the eosinophil adhesion-inducing activity of endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with IFN-beta for 24 h in the presence or absence of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Eosinophils were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. The ability of the IFN-beta-stimulated HUVEC monolayers to induce eosinophil adhesion was assessed according to the eosinophil peroxidase assay. Eosinophil adhesion to HUVECs was significantly augmented by IFN-beta in the presence of TNF-alpha but not in its absence. The augmented adhesion was inhibited by anti-alpha(4) integrin monoclonal antibody (mAb) or anti-beta(2) integrin mAb. IFN-beta significantly enhanced the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on HUVECs in the presence of TNF-alpha. Interferon-beta can augment the adhesiveness of endothelial cells to eosinophils, mainly through the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. This action of interferon-beta may contribute to the intensification of airway inflammation in asthma that is associated with exacerbations induced by viral infections.

Efficient and low-noise single-photon detection in 1550 nm communication band by frequency upconversion in periodically poled LiNbO3 waveguides

We demonstrate 1500 nm band single-photon detection with low dark-count noise and a potentially high efficiency, which may allow long distance and high-bit-rate quantum key distribution. By developing frequency upconversion devices based on periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides, which are specifically designed to use a pump wavelength longer than that of communication-band photons, we completely eliminate the dark-count noise caused by parasitic nonlinear processes in the waveguide. We observed an internal conversion efficiency as high as 40% and demonstrated scaling down to the single photon level while maintaining a background dark-count rate of 10(2)s(-1).

Baseline clinical and radiographic features are associated with long-term (8 years) signs/symptoms for subjects with diseased temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which baseline clinical and radiographic features were associated with long-term outcomes in patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).

METHODS

49 patients with unilateral radiographically proven TMJD were available in this study. Self-reported long-term (mean 96.2 months) outcomes (current joint pain, maximum mouth opening and joint noise) after TMJD treatments were assessed by questionnaire. The impact of multiple initial clinical/radiographic findings (gender, age at first visit, time interval between first visit and questionnaire survey, treatment method, disc displacement, disc morphology, disc mobility, condylar bony change and morphology of the articular eminence) on the long-term outcomes was assessed using stepwise multiple regression and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Patient age at the first visit was significantly correlated with current joint pain. Disc mobility and morphology of the articular eminence were significantly correlated with current range of maximal mouth opening.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that patients who appeared symptomatic at a younger age or who initially had a fixed disc were the most likely to have recurrent or persisting clinical signs/symptoms of TMJD after 8 years.

Primary oral KIT-positive tumour consistent with gastrointestinal stromal tumour

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are characteristically positive for KIT (reflective of the c-KIT gene). A case is reported of an apparent rapidly growing gastrointestinal stromal tumour, which arose in the floor of the mouth and metastasized to the left neck without evidence of disease elsewhere.

Isolated osteochondroma near the mandibular angle

A benign tumour of osseous and cartilaginous origins, osteochondroma generally develops in osseous tissue and is frequently found near the end of long bones. It is relatively rare in the oral and maxillofacial region but is common in the mandibular condyle and coronoid process in the pediculate form. This is a report on a rare case of osteochondroma in soft tissue near the mandibular angle without pedicle to the bone.

Gefitinib for non-small-cell lung cancer patients with epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutations screened by peptide nucleic acid-locked nucleic acid PCR clamp

This study was prospectively designed to evaluate a phase II study of gefitinib for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Clinical samples were tested for EGFR mutations by peptide nucleic acid-locked nucleic acid PCR clamp, and patients having EGFR mutations were given gefitinib 250 mg daily as the second treatment after chemotherapy. Poor PS patients omitted chemotherapy. Of 107 consecutive patients enrolled, samples from 100 patients were informative, and EGFR mutations were observed in 38 patients. Gefitinib was given to 27 patients with EGFR mutations, and the response rate was 78% (one complete response and 20 partial responses; 95% confidence interval: 58–93%). Median time to progression and median survival time (MST) from gefitinib treatment were 9.4 and 15.4 months, respectively. Grade 3 hepatic toxicity and skin toxicity were observed in one patient each. There were significant differences between EGFR mutations and wild-type patients in response rates (78 vs 14%, P=0.0017), and MST (15.4 vs 11.1 months, P=0.0135). A Cox proportional hazards model indicated that negative EGFR mutation was a secondary prognostic factor (hazards ratio: 2.259, P=0.036). This research showed the need for screening for EGFR mutations in NSCLC patients.

Phase II study of gefitinib for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations detected by PNA-LNA PCR clamp

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Background: The responsiveness to gefitinib has been reported to closely link to the presence of EGFR gene mutations. We developed a method, PNA-LNA PCR clamp, capable of detecting EGFR mutations in the presence of 100-fold background of wild type EGFR from normal cells (Can Res. 2005;65:7276). This study was prospectively designed to evaluate 1) the sensitivity and the specificity of the PNA-LNA PCR clamp (sample size > 100 pts) and 2) a phase II study of gefitinib for NSCLC patients (pts) with EGFR gene mutations (sample size > 25 pts to show the lower limit of 95% CI > 50%). Methods: Clinical samples (sputum, pleural effusion, bronchial fluid and paraffin tissue) were obtained from consecutive NSCLC pts with informed consent in our institution, and were tested by the PNA-LNA PCR clamp. After the second informed consent, for PS 0–2, inoperable stage III and IV pts with EGFR mutations, gefitinib (250mg P.O. daily) was given as the second treatment after docetaxel containing chemotherapy. In case of poor PS pts, the first line chemotherapy was omitted. Results: From Sept. ’04 to Oct. ’05, samples from 100 of a total of 107 pts were informative of EGFR mutation status. PNA-LNA PCR clamp detected EGFR mutations in 38 pts (38%) (15 males/23 females; median age:62; adenoca.:33 pts). Exon 19 deletions, L858R and L861Q were found in 25 (66%), 12 (32%) and 1 (2%) patients, respectively. But 62 pts (51 males/11 females; median age:66; Ad:43 pts) were judged to have wild type EGFR. Between positive and negative pts in EGFR mutation, there was significant difference in the distinction of sex (p = 0.00001). Gefitinib was given to 26 pts with EGFR mutations as the first line (4 pts) or the second line treatment (22 pts). One patient and 20 patients showed CR and PRs, respectively, and the response rate was 81% (95% CI: 61–94%). For patients with wild EGFR genes, gefitinib was given to 5 patients and one patient (20%) showed PR. The response rate was significantly different between wild and mutant EGFR genes detected by the PNA-LNA PCR clamp (p = 0.017). Conclusions: PNA-LNA PCR clamp could reliably detect EGFR mutations, indicating the method is useful to detect EGFR mutations in clinical specimens. Updated data will be presented at the meeting.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Relevance of callosal and periventricular MRI lesions to oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between callosal or periventricular lesions, and the presence of oligoclonal IgG bands (OB) or the IgG index in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was studied in 34 Japanese clinically definite MS cases. Sagittal 2-mm fast fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) imaging was added to the routine MRI studies.

RESULTS

Among the 34 patients, 20 (59%) were OB positive. Among the 20 patients with OB-positive MS, 17 (85%) had callosal lesions, although only two (14%) of 14 OB-negative MS patients had callosal lesions. The periventricular lesion area was significantly larger in the OB-positive patients compared with the OB-negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study clearly demonstrated a strong association between the periventricular lesions and OB in Japanese MS. Certain OB-related immune mechanisms may contribute to the development of callosal and periventricular lesions in MS. OB may be an important factor to understand the pathomechanisms of MS lesions.

Sore throat and hoarseness after total intravenous anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Sore throat and hoarseness are common complications, but these have not been studied after total i.v. anaesthesia.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 418 surgical patients, aged 15-92 yr, after total i.v. anaesthesia with propofol, fentanyl and ketamine to assess possible factors associated with sore throat and hoarseness.

RESULT

We found sore throat in 50% and hoarseness in 55% of patients immediately after surgery. This decreased to 25% for sore throat and 24% for hoarseness on the day after surgery. Both sore throat and hoarseness were more common in females and when lidocaine spray had been used. Cricoid pressure during laryngoscopy was inversely associated with the risk of sore throat.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of these factors may reduce postoperative throat complications, and improve patient satisfaction.

Induction of hepatitis C virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in mice by immunization with dendritic cells treated with an anthrax toxin fusion protein

As a novel and safe vaccine strategy, the anthrax toxin-mediated antigen delivery system composed of lethal factor (LF) fusion protein and protective antigen (PA) has been studied to prime hepatitis C virus (HCV) core-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in vivo. The core epitope fused to LF (LF-core) together with PA induces a negligible core-specific CTL response in mice, whereas core-specific CTL are effectively primed in mice by injecting dendritic cells (DCs) treated in vitro with LF-core and PA. These findings imply that LF fusion protein plus PA in combination with dendritic cells may be useful for a novel T cell vaccine against HCV infection.

Follicular cyst in a patient with myotonic dystrophy: a case of cyst with differentiation toward follicular infundibulum, isthmus, inner root sheath, and hair

We report a case of follicular cyst, which developed in a patient with myotonic dystrophy (MyD). Histopathologically, the cyst showed infundibular and trichilemmal keratinization, inner root sheath differentiation, aggregation of basaloid cells, and pilomatricoma-like changes in the pericystic connective tissue. These findings have been reported in follicular cysts with Gardner's syndrome (GS). Interestingly, pilomatricoma is known as one of the skin diseases associated with MyD, though there have been no reported cases of cyst formation with differentiation toward portions of hair follicle in a MyD patient. In our case, we hypothesized that the cyst might be derived from embryonic follicular germinative cells or follicular stem cells under the genetic influence of the MyD gene, as observed in follicular cysts in patients with GS.

Specific IgE and IgG to gelatin in children with systemic cutaneous reactions to Japanese encephalitis vaccines

BACKGROUND

Systemic allergic reactions to Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine that include urticaria, angioedema, and rash have been reported. In Japan, children who suffered from allergic immediate-type reactions to JE vaccine had antigelatin IgE in their sera. However, the immunologic mechanism of allergic nonimmediate-type reactions that consist of cutaneous signs appearing several hours or more after JE vaccination has not been defined.

METHODS

Serum samples were taken from 28 children who showed allergic nonimmediate-type cutaneous reactions to JE vaccine. Furthermore, serum samples were taken from 10 children who showed allergic immediate-type reactions with cutaneous signs and/or respiratory symptoms to JE vaccine. We have defined an immediate-type reaction as one occurring within 1 h after vaccination.

RESULTS

Of 10 children who showed immediate-type reactions, all had antigelatin IgE and IgG. Of 28 children who showed systemic nonimmediate-type reactions, one had antigelatin IgE and nine (32%) had antigelatin IgG. The child who had antigelatin IgE showed urticaria 2 h after JE vaccination.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that some children who showed allergic nonimmediate-type reactions to JE vaccine were sensitized to gelatin.

Purification and characterization of an autoregulatory substance capable of regulating the morphological transition in Candida albicans

The yeast Candida albicans has a distinguishing feature, dimorphism, which is the ability to switch between two morphological forms: a budding yeast form and a multicellular invasive filamentous form. This ability has been postulated to contribute to the virulence of this organism. Studies on the morphological transition from a filamentous to a budding yeast form in C. albicans have shown that this organism excretes an autoregulatory substance into the culture medium. This substance was extracted and purified by normal-phase and reversed-phase HPLC. The autoregulatory substance was structurally identified as 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrienoate (farnesoic acid) by NMR and mass spectrometry. Growth experiments suggest that this substance does not inhibit yeast cell growth but inhibits filamentous growth. These findings have implications for developmental signaling by the fungus and might have medicinal value in the development of antifungal therapies.

Seasonal changes of humoral and cellular immune responses to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergens in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) with pollinosis

The natural occurrence of Japanese cedar [Cryptomeria japonica (CJ)] pollinosis has been reported in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata). The present study was designed to investigate seasonal changes in immunological reactions to CJ pollen allergens in monkeys with CJ pollinosis. Blood samples were collected from six monkeys with CJ pollinosis before and after CJ pollen season. Seasonal changes in specific IgE and IgG to major allergens (Cry j 1 and Cry j 2) were observed before and after CJ pollen season. The humoral responses decreased significantly before CJ pollen and increased after CJ pollen season. Similar seasonal changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferative responses to CJ allergens were observed before and after CJ pollen season. These humoral and cellular immune responses might serve as a biomarker for assessing new immunotherapies for monkeys with pollinosis.

E2F regulates growth-dependent transcription of genes encoding both catalytic and regulatory subunits of mouse primase

DNA polymerase alpha-primase is one of the principal enzymes involved in eukaryotic chromosomal DNA replication. Mouse DNA polymerase alpha-primase consists of four subunits with molecular masses of 180, 68, 54 and 46 kDa. Protein and mRNA expression levels of the four subunits are up-regulated in a coordinated manner in response to growth stimulation. We have previously analysed the transcription of the 180 kDa (p180) and 68 kDa (p68) subunits, which form the DNA polymerase catalytic complex, and found that growth-dependent regulation of transcription of the mouse p180 and p68 genes is mediated by a common factor, E2F, while the basal transcription of the genes is regulated by different transcription factors. We characterized the transcriptional regulation of the 54 kDa (p54) and 46 kDa (p46) subunits, which form the DNA primase catalytic complex. We isolated genomic clones spanning the 5'-flanking regions of the p54 and p46 genes and showed, using transient expression and gel mobility shift assays, that the basal transcription of p54 is controlled by Sp1 and GA-binding protein, as is the basal transcription of the p180 gene. The basal transcription of p46 is controlled by unknown factor(s) which were bound to the upstream sequence. The variant E2F sites close to the transcription initiation sites of the p54 and p46 genes had no basal promoter activity, but were essential for the growth-dependent transcription of both genes. The promoter regions of the four subunits of mouse DNA polymerase d-primase complex share several common features. The coordinated transcription of all four subunits in response to growth stimulation appears to be controlled by E2F.

Lesions in lateral hypothalamic areas increase splenocyte apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

The lateral hypothalamic area (LHa) is involved in various functions such as feeding, drinking, sexual and reward behavior, among others. Recently, we demonstrated that the LHa can regulate cellular immunity in the spleen. In experiments involving the LHa, it was noticed that the spleen shrinks noticeably after LHa destruction. To explore this phenomenon further, the effect of LHa lesioning on splenocyte apoptosis was investigated.

METHODS

Male Wistar-King-Aptekman rats underwent bilateral lesioning of their LHa and consequent spleen weights, splenocyte numbers and apoptosis were measured. For the detection of splenocyte apoptosis, both ELISA, which measures DNA fragmentation within the splenocytes, and flow cytometry, which measures the percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes in the spleen, were used.

RESULTS

In the LHa-lesioned rats, spleen weights and the number of splenocytes decreased significantly within 24 h. Additionally, in the spleen, lymphocyte apoptosis significantly increased compared to the control after 6 h.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the LHa may play a role in immunoregulation by affecting lymphocytes in the spleen through apoptosis and may be relevant to the pathway of stress-induced apoptosis.