Influence of the Crystallization Firing Process on Marginal and Internal Adaptation of Silicate-based Glass-ceramic Inlays Fabricated With a CAD/CAM Chairside System

OBJECTIVE

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems are widely used in dental treatment. Clinicians can use chairside CAD/CAM technology, which has the advantage of being able to fabricate inlays on the same day. We aimed to evaluate the effects of crystallization firing processes, fabrication methods (one-step and two-step), and materials on marginal and internal adaptations of silicate-based glass-ceramic all-ceramic inlays fabricated with CAD/CAM chairside systems.

METHODS

Ten artificial mandibular left first molars were prepared with standardized ceramic class II mesialocclusal (MO) inlay cavities. Optical impressions were obtained using CEREC Omnicam Ban. IPS e-max CAD (IE), (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Initial LiSi Block (LS) (Hongo, Bunkyoku, Tokyo, Japan), VITA Suprinity (SP), (Vita Zahnfabrick, Bad Säckingen, Germany), and Celtra Duo (CD) (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) (n=10) were milled using CEREC MC XL (Bensheim, Germany). IE and SP were crystallization-fired using CEREC Speed Fire. The silicone replica technique was used for the measurement of internal (axial and pulpal walls) and marginal (cervical and occlusal edge) adaptations. The adaptations were measured using a thin layer of light-body polyvinyl siloxane impression material placed between the master tooth inlay preparation and restoration. Marginal and internal adaptations of IE, LS, SP, and CD were measured using a stereomicroscope (500×). For IE and SP, marginal and internal adaptations were measured before and after the crystallization firing process. Data analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test. For IE and SP, marginal and internal adaptations before and after the crystallization firing process were analyzed using the t-test. The significance level was set at α=0.05.

RESULTS

One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in occlusal and cervical edge marginal adaptations among the material groups (p<0.001). The Tukey HSD test revealed a significant difference in marginal occlusal and cervical edge adaptations between LS and CD groups and IE and SP groups (p≤0.05). For IE and SP inlays, the t-test revealed a significant difference between occlusal and cervical edge adaptations before the crystallization firing process and those after the crystallization firing process, with the latter group showing a more significant discrepancy in adaptation than the former group (p≤0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Fabrication methods (one- and two-step) affected the marginal adaptation compatibility but not internal compatibility of MO inlays. The crystallization firing process affected the marginal adaptation of inlays using lithium silicate or lithium disilicate glass-ceramics. However, adaptation to the cavity was considered clinically acceptable for all materials.

GCT-31. DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITY OF CSF-PLAP ON INTRACRANIAL GERM CELL TUMOR

BACKGROUND

Since the majority of intracranial germ cell tumor(GCT) is sensitive for chemoradiation, biopsy specimens are usually tiny and not enough for accurate pathological diagnosis. To supply complementary diagnostic information, a-fetoprotein or human chorionic gonadotropin-b are important biomarkers. Recently CSF-placental alkaline-phosphatase(PLAP) is also reported as an additional biomarker in intracranial GCT. This study’s purpose is to evaluate the significance of CSF-PLAP.

METHODS

CSF-PLAP was obtained from the patients with the intraventricular and periventricular tumor before any adjuvant therapy. Definitive diagnoses were made by histopathological information and/or their clinical courses; GCT(germinoma or non-germinomatous GCT(NGGCT)) or other tumors. In GCT, the relationship between CSF-PLAP and tumor reduction volume was evaluated. Tumor volumes were calculated on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging before and after initial chemoradiotherapy.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2019, 42 patients were studied: 24 with GCT and 18 with others. CSF-PLAP value in patients with GCT was significantly higher than those with others: the Specificity was 88% and the sensitivity was 95% at the cutoff value of 8.0 pg/ml. For GCT patients, CSF-PLAP value tended to be higher in germinoma(n=12, mean 4756 pg/ml), compared to the value in NGGCT(n=7, mean 332 pg/ml), although there was no statistical difference. There was a significant positive correlation between initial CSF-PLAP value and tumor reduction volume.

CONCLUSION

CSF-PLAP is a useful tumor marker for GCT differentiating from the other tumors located in intraventricular and periventricular region and CSF-PLAP value might correlate with the volume of germinomatous component of the tumor.

SURG-02. INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF HYDROCEPHALUS IN THE PEDIATRIC AND YOUNG-ADULT PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMORS; THE EFFICACY OF LONG-TERM INDWELLING EXTERNAL VENTRICULAR DRAINAGE

BACKGROUND

Pediatric and Young-Adult (AYA) brain tumors often present with hydrocephalus. As temporary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure, we perform long-term indwelling external ventricular drainage (EVD) in the case of the management of CSF diversion more than two weeks presumably. The aim of this study is to investigate the initial management for hydrocephalus in pediatric /AYA patients with brain tumor, especially about long-term EVD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients less than 30 years of age diagnosed with brain tumor between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Procedures of long-term EVD were similar to that of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) operation. Using flow-control VPS system, peritoneal catheter passed out of the body at the anterior chest, and distal end of the catheter was connected to standard EVD system.

RESULTS

In total of 345 patients with brain tumor, 109 had hydrocephalus at presentation. Among them, 25 patients (23%) underwent long-term EVD. The main reasons for selecting long-term EVD were to avoid intraperitoneal dissemination (n=13), and to maintain longer period of CSF diversion for the treatment of tumor (n=12). The median of long-term EVD was 38 days (range: 12 – 222 days). Although one case suffered from drainage tube occlusion at 59 days, there were no other complications such as infection or accidental evulsion. Eventually, 3 cases required permanent VPS for persistent hydrocephalus.

CONCLUSION

Long-term EVD is safe and effective option for CSF diversion. This procedure should be taken into consideration if patients have a risk of dissemination and may elude permanent VPS.

Characterization of pediatric Philadelphia-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with kinase fusions in Japan

Recent studies revealed that a substantial proportion of patients with high-risk B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) harbor fusions involving tyrosine kinase and cytokine receptors, such as ABL1, PDGFRB, JAK2 and CRLF2, which are targeted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In the present study, transcriptome analysis or multiplex reverse transcriptase–PCR analysis of 373 BCP-ALL patients without recurrent genetic abnormalities identified 29 patients with kinase fusions. Clinically, male predominance (male/female: 22/7), older age at onset (mean age at onset: 8.8 years) and a high white blood cell count at diagnosis (mean: 94 200/μl) reflected the predominance of National Cancer Institute high-risk (NCI-HR) patients (NCI-standard risk/HR: 8/21). Genetic analysis identified three patients with ABL1 rearrangements, eight with PDGFRB rearrangements, two with JAK2 rearrangements, three with IgH-EPOR and one with NCOR1-LYN. Of the 14 patients with CRLF2 rearrangements, two harbored IgH-EPOR and PDGFRB rearrangements. IKZF1 deletion was present in 16 of the 22 patients. The 5-year event-free and overall survival rates were 48.6±9.7% and 73.5±8.6%, respectively. The outcome was not satisfactory without sophisticated minimal residual disease-based stratification. Furthermore, the efficacy of TKIs combined with conventional chemotherapy without allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in this cohort should be determined.

Cytotoxic Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Human Gingival Fibroblasts In Vitro

In-office bleaching is a popular treatment in modern esthetic dentistry. However, bleaching agents sometimes accidentally adhere to the gingiva and peripheral tissues, even when applied by well-trained dentists. This can lead to transient pain and whitish changes in the gingiva. Although these symptoms disappear within several hours, the effects of bleaching agents on gingiva have not been well described in the literature. The present study aimed to elucidate the cytotoxic effects of a bleaching agent on cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). We performed a comprehensive analysis of the toxic effects of in-office bleaching agents on gingiva using cultured HGFs and DNA microarray. Survival rates of HGFs decreased with increases in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which became significant at concentrations of 1.5 × 10(-3)% or higher at every time point. Concentrations lower than 1.5 × 10(-3)% did not affect survival rates of HGFs. Cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide was significantly weakened by the addition of vitamin E. Stimulation by in-office bleaching agents triggered the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α cascade in gingival fibroblasts. As the TNF-α cascade can be inhibited by vitamin E additives, treatment with vitamin E may protect gingival fibroblasts against the toxic effects of an in-office bleaching agent. The present results suggest that local administration of vitamin E to gingiva before in-office bleaching may be useful for preventing gingival irritation due to accidental adhesion of a bleaching agent.

The differential production cross section of the [Formula: see text](1020) meson in [Formula: see text] = 7 TeV [Formula: see text] collisions measured with the ATLAS detector

A measurement is presented of the [Formula: see text] production cross section at [Formula: see text] = 7 TeV using [Formula: see text] collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 383 [Formula: see text], collected with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. Selection of [Formula: see text](1020) mesons is based on the identification of charged kaons by their energy loss in the pixel detector. The differential cross section is measured as a function of the transverse momentum, [Formula: see text], and rapidity, [Formula: see text], of the [Formula: see text](1020) meson in the fiducial region 500 [Formula: see text] 1200 MeV, [Formula: see text] 0.8, kaon [Formula: see text] 230 MeV and kaon momentum [Formula: see text] 800 MeV. The integrated [Formula: see text]-meson production cross section in this fiducial range is measured to be [Formula: see text] = 570 [Formula: see text] 8 (stat) [Formula: see text] 66 (syst) [Formula: see text] 20 (lumi) [Formula: see text].

Malignant female adnexal tumor of Wolffian origin (FATWO) positive for CD56: a possible diagnostic role for the biomarker

Female adnexal tumors of Wolffian origin (FATWOs) are rare tumors that arise in the broad ligament from the remnants of the mesonephric duct. Most FATWOs behave in a benign fashion, and there are only 14 case reports worldwide describing malignant FATWOs. The authors report herein the case of a 69-year-old woman with a malignant FATWO, positive for CD56. The mass was composed mainly of solid neoplastic epithelial cells, closely packed, branching, and anastomosing in slender tubules. There was an eosinophilic secretion within the lumens of some of the cysts and tubules. The number of mitoses was somewhat high in the active areas, numbering five to seven per ten high-power fields. The tumor cells were strongly positive for glutathione S-transferase π, and positive for cal- retinin, vimentin, c-Kit, CD99, and CD56; neuron-specific enolase was also partially expressed. The tumor cells were negative for inhibin α, estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, B-cell lymphoma 2, and S100. Taken together, these immunohistochemical and pathological findings gave the diagnosis of malignant FATWO. The patient experienced a recurrence one year after her initial surgery. CD56 immunostaining was negative in two benign FATWO cases at the present institution. These findings suggest that CD56-positivity may be a diagnostic biomarker to differentiate malignant FATWOs from benign lesions.

Improved luminosity determination in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] using the ATLAS detector at the LHC

The luminosity calibration for the ATLAS detector at the LHC during pp collisions at [Formula: see text] in 2010 and 2011 is presented. Evaluation of the luminosity scale is performed using several luminosity-sensitive detectors, and comparisons are made of the long-term stability and accuracy of this calibration applied to the pp collisions at [Formula: see text]. A luminosity uncertainty of [Formula: see text] is obtained for the 47 pb-1 of data delivered to ATLAS in 2010, and an uncertainty of [Formula: see text] is obtained for the 5.5 fb-1 delivered in 2011.

Search for a light charged Higgs boson in the decay channel [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] events using pp collisions at [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS detector

A search for a charged Higgs boson (H+) in [Formula: see text] decays is presented, where one of the top quarks decays via t→H+b, followed by H+→ two jets ([Formula: see text]). The other top quark decays to Wb, where the W boson then decays into a lepton (e/μ) and a neutrino. The data were recorded in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in 2011, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 4.7 fb-1. With no observation of a signal, 95 % confidence level (CL) upper limits are set on the decay branching ratio of top quarks to charged Higgs bosons varying between 5 % and 1 % for H+ masses between 90 GeV and 150 GeV, assuming [Formula: see text].

Measurement of kT splitting scales in W→ℓν events at [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of splitting scales, as defined by the kT clustering algorithm, is presented for final states containing a W boson produced in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The measurement is based on the full 2010 data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36 pb-1 which was collected using the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Cluster splitting scales are measured in events containing W bosons decaying to electrons or muons. The measurement comprises the four hardest splitting scales in a kT cluster sequence of the hadronic activity accompanying the W boson, and ratios of these splitting scales. Backgrounds such as multi-jet and top-quark-pair production are subtracted and the results are corrected for detector effects. Predictions from various Monte Carlo event generators at particle level are compared to the data. Overall, reasonable agreement is found with all generators, but larger deviations between the predictions and the data are evident in the soft regions of the splitting scales.

Observation of associated near-side and away-side long-range correlations in sqrt[s(NN)]=5.02 TeV proton-lead collisions with the ATLAS detector

Two-particle correlations in relative azimuthal angle (Δø) and pseudorapidity (Δη) are measured in sqrt[s(NN)] = 5.02 TeV p+Pb collisions using the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The measurements are performed using approximately 1 μb(-1) of data as a function of transverse momentum (p(T)) and the transverse energy (ΣE(T)(Pb)) summed over 3.1 < η < 4.9 in the direction of the Pb beam. The correlation function, constructed from charged particles, exhibits a long-range (2 < |Δ η | < 5) "near-side" (Δø ~ 0) correlation that grows rapidly with increasing ΣE(T)(Pb). A long-range "away-side" (Δø ~ π) correlation, obtained by subtracting the expected contributions from recoiling dijets and other sources estimated using events with small ΣE(T)(Pb), is found to match the near-side correlation in magnitude, shape (in Δη and Δø) and ΣE(T)(Pb) dependence. The resultant Δø correlation is approximately symmetric about π/2, and is consistent with a dominant cos2Δø modulation for all ΣE(T)(Pb) ranges and particle p(T).

Multi-channel search for squarks and gluinos in [Formula: see text]pp collisions with the ATLAS detector at the LHC

A search for supersymmetric particles in final states with zero, one, and two leptons, with and without jets identified as originating from b-quarks, in 4.7 fb-1 of [Formula: see text]pp collisions produced by the Large Hadron Collider and recorded by the ATLAS detector is presented. The search uses a set of variables carrying information on the event kinematics transverse and parallel to the beam line that are sensitive to several topologies expected in supersymmetry. Mutually exclusive final states are defined, allowing a combination of all channels to increase the search sensitivity. No deviation from the Standard Model expectation is observed. Upper limits at 95 % confidence level on visible cross-sections for the production of new particles are extracted. Results are interpreted in the context of the constrained minimal supersymmetric extension to the Standard Model and in supersymmetry-inspired models with diverse, high-multiplicity final states.

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] production cross section in the tau + jets channel using the ATLAS detector

A measurement of the top quark pair production cross section in the final state with a hadronically decaying tau lepton and jets is presented. The analysis is based on proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, with a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.67 fb-1. The cross section is measured to be [Formula: see text] and is in agreement with other measurements and with the Standard Model prediction.

Jet energy resolution in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] recorded in 2010 with the ATLAS detector

The measurement of the jet energy resolution is presented using data recorded with the ATLAS detector in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text]. The sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35 pb-1. Jets are reconstructed from energy deposits measured by the calorimeters and calibrated using different jet calibration schemes. The jet energy resolution is measured with two different in situ methods which are found to be in agreement within uncertainties. The total uncertainties on these measurements range from 20 % to 10 % for jets within |y|<2.8 and with transverse momenta increasing from 30 GeV to 500 GeV. Overall, the Monte Carlo simulation of the jet energy resolution agrees with the data within 10 %.

[A case of Burkitt lymphoma with multifocal bone invasion]

A 12-year-old boy admitted to a local hospital with fever, migratory arthralgia, and periosteal reaction on X Ray. He was transferred to our hospital because magnetic resonance imaging scan of his whole body showed multiple abnormal signals in bones. Laboratory findings on admission showed the increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein, immunoglobulin G, hemolytic complement activity and soluble interleukin-2 receptor. Peripheral blood and bone marrow examination did not show any abnormality. The clinical appearance of his condition suggested the diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). He was treated with steroid, however his fever and bone pain continued. A bone and bone marrow biopsy was performed and the results of histopathology showed precursor-B acute leukemia/lymphoma. His bone pain relapsed after the chemotherapy for ALL. Finally, blast cells resembling L3 morphology were detected in the peripheral blood. The reevaluated bone marrow was predominantly replaced with Burkitt like lymphoblasts. He was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma by further specific examination.

Measurement of Z boson production in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76 TeV with the ATLAS detector

The ATLAS experiment has observed 1995 Z boson candidates in data corresponding to 0.15  nb(-1) of integrated luminosity obtained in the 2011 LHC Pb+Pb run at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76  TeV. The Z bosons are reconstructed via dielectron and dimuon decay channels, with a background contamination of less than 3%. Results from the two channels are consistent and are combined. Within the statistical and systematic uncertainties, the per-event Z boson yield is proportional to the number of binary collisions estimated by the Glauber model. The elliptic anisotropy of the azimuthal distribution of the Z boson with respect to the event plane is found to be consistent with zero.

Search for dark matter candidates and large extra dimensions in events with a photon and missing transverse momentum in pp collision data at sqrt[s]=7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Results of a search for new phenomena in events with an energetic photon and large missing transverse momentum in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV are reported. Data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.6 fb(-1) are used. Good agreement is observed between the data and the standard model predictions. The results are translated into exclusion limits on models with large extra spatial dimensions and on pair production of weakly interacting dark matter candidates.

Search for magnetic monopoles in sqrt[s]=7 TeV pp collisions with the ATLAS detector

This Letter presents a search for magnetic monopoles with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider using an integrated luminosity of 2.0  fb(-1) of pp collisions recorded at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=7  TeV. No event is found in the signal region, leading to an upper limit on the production cross section at 95% confidence level of 1.6/ϵ  fb for Dirac magnetic monopoles with the minimum unit magnetic charge and with mass between 200 GeV and 1500 GeV, where ϵ is the monopole reconstruction efficiency. The efficiency ϵ is high and uniform in the fiducial region given by pseudorapidity |η|<1.37 and transverse kinetic energy 600-700<E(kin)sinθ<1400  GeV. The minimum value of 700 GeV is for monopoles of mass 200 GeV, whereas the minimum value of 600 GeV is applicable for higher mass monopoles. Therefore, the upper limit on the production cross section at 95% confidence level is 2 fb in this fiducial region. Assuming the kinematic distributions from Drell-Yan pair production of spin-1/2 Dirac magnetic monopoles, the efficiency is in the range 1%-10%, leading to an upper limit on the cross section at 95% confidence level that varies from 145 fb to 16 fb for monopoles with mass between 200 GeV and 1200 GeV. This limit is weaker than the fiducial limit because most of these monopoles lie outside the fiducial region.

Search for direct top squark pair production in final states with one isolated lepton, jets, and missing transverse momentum in sqrt[s] = 7 TeV pp collisions using 4.7 fb(-10 of ATLAS data

A search is presented for direct top squark pair production in final states with one isolated electron or muon, jets, and missing transverse momentum in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV. The measurement is based on 4.7 fb(-1) of data collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Each top squark is assumed to decay to a top quark and the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP). The data are found to be consistent with standard model expectations. Top squark masses between 230 GeV and 440 GeV are excluded with 95% confidence for massless LSPs, and top squark masses around 400 GeV are excluded for LSP masses up to 125 GeV.

Search for a supersymmetric partner to the top quark in final states with jets and missing transverse momentum at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A search for direct pair production of supersymmetric top squarks (t(1)) is presented, assuming the t(1) decays into a top quark and the lightest supersymmetric particle, χ(1)(0), and that both top quarks decay to purely hadronic final states. A total of 16 (4) events are observed compared to a predicted standard model background of 13.5(-3.6)(+3.7)(4.4(-1.3)(+1.7)) events in two signal regions based on ∫Ldt = 4.7 fb(-1) of pp collision data taken at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. An exclusion region in the t(1) versus χ(1)(0) mass plane is evaluated: 370<m(t)(1)}<465 GeV is excluded for m(χ)(1)(0) ~ 0 GeV while m(t)(1) = 445 GeV is excluded for m(χ)(1)(0) ≤ 50 GeV.

A search for [Formula: see text] resonances with the ATLAS detector in 2.05 fb-1 of proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text]

A search for top quark pair resonances in final states containing at least one electron or muon has been performed with the ATLAS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The search uses a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.05 fb-1, which was recorded in 2011 at a proton-proton centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. No evidence for a resonance is found and limits are set on the production cross-section times branching ratio to [Formula: see text] for narrow and wide resonances. For narrow Z' bosons, the observed 95 % Bayesian credibility level limits range from 9.3 pb to 0.95 pb for masses in the range of mZ'=500 GeV to mZ'=1300 GeV. The corresponding excluded mass region for a leptophobic topcolour Z' boson (Kaluza-Klein gluon excitation in the Randall-Sundrum model) is mZ'<880 GeV ([Formula: see text]).

Search for supersymmetry in events with three leptons and missing transverse momentum in √[s]=7 TeV pp collisions with the ATLAS detector

A search for the weak production of charginos and neutralinos decaying to a final state with three leptons (electrons or muons) and missing transverse momentum is presented. The analysis uses 2.06 fb(-1) of √[s]=7 TeV proton-proton collision data delivered by the Large Hadron Collider and recorded with the ATLAS detector. Observations are consistent with standard model expectations in two signal regions that are either depleted or enriched in Z-boson decays. Upper limits at 95% confidence level are set in R-parity conserving phenomenological minimal supersymmetric and simplified models. For the simplified models, degenerate lightest chargino and next-to-lightest neutralino masses up to 300 GeV are excluded for mass differences from the lightest neutralino up to 300 GeV.

Search for lepton flavour violation in the eμ continuum with the ATLAS detector in [Formula: see text]pp collisions at the LHC

This paper presents a search for the t-channel exchange of an R-parity violating scalar top quark ([Formula: see text]) in the e±μ∓ continuum using 2.1 fb-1 of data collected by the ATLAS detector in [Formula: see text]pp collisions at the Large Hadron Collider. Data are found to be consistent with the expectation from the Standard Model backgrounds. Limits on R-parity-violating couplings at 95 % C.L. are calculated as a function of the scalar top mass ([Formula: see text]). The upper limits on the production cross section for pp→eμX, through the t-channel exchange of a scalar top quark, ranges from 170 fb for [Formula: see text] to 30 fb for [Formula: see text].

Measurement of the ZZ production cross section and limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge couplings in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of the ZZ production cross section in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.02 fb(-1) recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC is presented. Twelve events containing two Z boson candidates decaying to electrons and/or muons are observed, with an expected background of 0.3 ± 0.3(stat)(-0.3)(+0.4)(syst) events. The cross section measured in a phase-space region with good detector acceptance and for dilepton masses within the range 66 to 116 GeV is σ(ZZ → ℓ+ ℓ- ℓ+ ℓ-)(fid) = 19.4(-5.2)(+6.3)(stat)(-0.7)(+0.9)(syst) ± 0.7(lumi) fb. The resulting total cross section for on-shell ZZ production, σ(ZZ)(tot) = 8.5(-2.3)(+2.7)(stat)(-0.3)(+0.4)(syst) ± 0.3(lumi) pb, is consistent with the standard model expectation of 6.5(-0.2)(+0.3) pb calculated at the next-to-leading order in QCD. Limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge boson couplings are derived.

Long-term results of Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group trials for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 1984-1999

We report the long-term results of Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group's studies L84-11, L89-12, L92-13, and L95-14 for 1846 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which were conducted between 1984 and 1999. The value of event-free survival (EFS)+/-s.e. was 67.2+/-2.2% at 10 years in L84-11, which was not improved in the following two studies, and eventually improved to 75.0+/-1.8% at 10 years in L95-14 study. The lower EFS of the L89-12 reflected a high rate of induction failure because of infection and delayed remission in very high-risk patients. The L92-13 study was characterized by short maintenance therapy; it resulted in poor EFS, particularly in the standard-risk (SR) group and boys. Females did significantly better than males in EFS in the early three studies. The gender difference was not significant in overall survival, partly because >60% of the males survived after the testicular relapse. Randomized studies in the former three protocols revealed that intermediate- or high-dose methotrexate therapy significantly reduced the testicular relapse rate. In the L95-14 study, gender difference disappeared in EFS. Contrary to the results of larger-scale studies, the randomized control study in the L95-14 reconfirmed with updated data that dexamethasone 8 mg/m(2) had no advantage over prednisolone 60 mg/m(2) in the SR and intermediate-risk groups. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was assigned to 100, 80, 44, and 44% of the patients in the studies, respectively. Isolated central nervous system relapse rates decreased to <2% in the last two trials. Secondary brain tumors developed in 12 patients at 8-22 years after cranial irradiation. Improvement of the remission induction rates and the complete omission of irradiation are currently main objectives in our studies.

Cooperation of phosphate monomer and silica modification on zirconia

Ceramic restorations with resin-based adhesive systems have been the focus of recent attention in clinical dentistry. Yttrium-oxide-partially-stabilized zirconia (YPSZ) ceramics have optimized physical properties and exhibit favorable fracture toughness, though their bonding properties are problematic. Although functional phosphate monomers and silica-coating by tribochemical modification were expected to improve the bonding properties between YPSZ ceramics and resin-based adhesives, these two methods remain controversial. This study evaluated the efficiency of silica-coating by tribochemical modification of YPSZ ceramics. The application of phosphate monomer and a silane coupling agent on silica-coated YPSZ was also investigated. The silica-coating of YPSZ ceramics by tribochemical modification was not efficient, given the higher mechanical toughness of the densely sintered ceramics. Stable shear bond strength was achieved on silica-coated YPSZ ceramics with the cooperative interaction of phosphate monomer and silane coupling.

Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome in childhood: A retrospective study of 36 patients in Japan

We report here a retrospective analysis of 36 children with therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) diagnosed between 1990 and 1999 in Japan. Their median age was 7.7 years and the median latency period for the development of t-MDS was 38.5 months. The primary tumors were hematologic in 15 of the cases and nonhematologic in 21. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 32/34(94%) patients: abnormalities of chromosomes 5and/or 7 in 41% and notably, 11q23 abnormalities in 31%. The prognosis of children with t-MDS was very poor as compared to children with primary MDS (5 year survival: 16% versus 54%, p<0.0001).

Bonding efficacy and side effects of the high purity glyceryl mono-methacrylate

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of experimentally developed high purity glyceryl mono-methacrylate (GM) as a dentine primer and to evaluate the possibility of allergic reaction. The efficacy of experimental dentine primers was evaluated by measuring the polymerization contraction gap width and the tensile bond strength. Allergic reaction was evaluated by the guinea-pig maximization test. The skin reaction was evaluated according to the criteria of the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group. Contraction gap formation was completely prevented and the tensile bond strength was not significantly affected by priming with GM on high-purity GM. The allergic response decreased when high-purity GM was employed as the challenger. It was concluded that the clinical use of the high-purity GM is beneficial as the delayed allergic reaction could be avoided with no detrimental effect on the dentine bonding.

MxA expression in patients with viral infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Many patients suffer febrile diseases soon after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Some of the symptoms of viral infections and acute GVHD are often difficult to distinguish. However, an accurate diagnosis is important since the treatments for these conditions are different. It is known that MxA protein is specifically induced in patients with several viral infections. We investigated the cytoplasmic expression of MxA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with fever after allogeneic SCT using a newly generated monoclonal antibody (KM1135) and flow cytometry. The level of MxA expression was significantly higher in patients diagnosed with viral infections (n=6, cytomegalovirus in three, Epstein-Barr virus in one, human herpesvirus-6 in one, adenovirus in one) than control individuals (n=9) (P<0.05, Mann-Whitney test). The level of MxA in patients with aGVHD (n=7) was identical to that in controls. The level of MxA correlated well with the amount of the cytomegalovirus antigen-positive cells in the presence of acute GVHD in two patients. The measurement of MxA is simple and useful in distinguishing viral disease from acute GVHD after allogeneic SCT.

Successful treatment of natural killer (NK) cell leukemia following a long-standing chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

The optimal treatment for natural killer (NK) cell leukemia after chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection has not been determined. A 15-year-old boy presented with NK cell leukemia following CAEBV infection for 5 years. The peripheral blood and BM had an increased number of CD3(-)CD56(+) large granular lymphocytes and a monoclonal integration of the EBV genome was detected. Chemotherapy was not sufficiently effective to control the disease. Allogeneic BMT from an HLA-identical sister was performed using a conditioning regimen consisting of total body irradiation, cyclophosphamide and thiotepa. The patient is disease-free with a perfect performance status 24 months after BMT. This is the first report to show that allogeneic BMT is potentially able to cure NK cell leukemia after CAEBV infection.

Effect of multiple application of dentin bonding agent on marginal integrity of resin composite

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of multiple application of dentin bonding agent to the adhesive surface on the marginal integrity of resin composite. The effect of multiple applications was evaluated by measuring the wall-to-wall polymerization contraction gap and by SEM observation. Multiple application of dentin bonding agent was found to prevent formation of the contraction gap. Although monomer penetration into the enlarged collagen network has been widely discussed as the possible mechanism of the dentin bonding agent and dentin primer, the true detailed mechanism of the dentinal bonding agent and dentin primer should be consistently explained by the prevention of monomer diffusion into the dentin and water contamination of the adhesive interface.

Growth of human T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia lymphoblasts in NOD/SCID mouse fetal thymus organ culture

The in vitro proliferation of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells in its entirety has not been well delineated because of a lack of an appropriate culture system that mimics the growth pattern in a living body. We applied a NOD/SCID mouse fetal thymus organ culture (FTOC) for leukemic cells from fresh (one case) and frozen (seven cases) bone marrow (BM) samples of children with T-ALL. Cell growth was observed in all seven samples in the culture, reaching a proliferational peak at 4 weeks, and it was calculated that the proliferation potential was 212-to 319-fold. The FTOC-derived T-ALL cells showed similarity to the original cells morphologically and immunophenotypically, still possessed clonalities and were able to regenerate overt leukemia in NOD/SCID mice. These FTOC-derived T-ALL cells differed from ordinary cell lines because they always need FTOC support. Thus, we established a new in vitro culture for T-ALL cells. A comparison of the original and FTOC-derived T-ALL cells revealed that the proportion of cells expressing IL-7R increased in all seven cases. Sorting and re-seeding of FTOC-derived IL-7R+ and IL-7R- cells into secondary FTOC resulted in a predominant generation of IL-7R+ cells from both fractions, while IL-7R- cells proliferated more potently than did IL-7R+ cells, suggesting that a pathway for the conversion of IL-7R- to IL-7R+ exists during the proliferation of T-ALL lymphoblasts. Addition of exogenous IL-7 or neutralization with anti-IL-7 antibody did not influence the growth pattern of T-ALL cells in FTOC. The current study provides a unique assay system for the exploration of the hierarchy within human T-lymphoid leukemic cells, and should facilitate the establishment of novel therapeutic modalities.