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AIM: The aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of signal transduction of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) through their specific down signaling molecules Smads inducing bone formation in response to mechanical stimulus during distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the rat mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteotomy of the left mandible was performed in 45 rats. Thirty rats underwent mandibular distraction (protocol; 5 days latency, 8 days distraction, and 2 weeks consolidation) while 15 rats served as non-distracted (fracture healing) group. The expression of BMPs-2,-4 and Smads 1, 5, and 8 were evaluated in the new regenerate area using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Expressions of BMPs-2,-4 and Smads 1, 5, and 8 were moderate during latency, significantly increased during distraction and decreased towards consolidation period. CONCLUSIONS: The enhanced expression of BMPs and its Smads during distraction compared to the nondistracted group suggests the possible role of BMP signaling pathway in translation of mechanical forces into biological results during DO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited knowledge relating to the influence of mechanical stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the degree of damage this stress can induce in the case of an altered occlusal plane on the extracellular matrix cartilage and chondrocytes. The aim of this study was to examine the histopathological influence of an altered occlusal plane on rabbit TMJ cartilage. Methods: Fifteen male Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. In 12 cases, the upper right and lower left teeth were ground to their cervical level so that the occlusal plane was tilted right side up. Their temporomandibular joints (TMJs) harvested at 3 days, 1, 2 and 4 weeks were analyzed immunocytochemically and immunohistochemically. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick endlabeling (TUNEL) method was used for immunocytochemical study to detect DNA fragmentation in chondrocytes. An immunohistochemical study was also performed to evaluate the metabolism of type 2 collagen in the extracellular matrix in the TMJ cartilage. Results: The number of apoptotic cells increased in all experimental animals. More apoptotic cells were observed in the articular eminences than in the condyles. The type 2 collagen-positive area in the condyles was reduced at the beginning but recovered within 4 weeks, and remained small throughout this experimental period in the articular eminences. Conclusions: These findings suggest that histopathological changes occurred in response to alteration of the occlusal plane. The influence decreased as the occlusal plane recovered in the condyles, but the immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical influence continued in the articular eminences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) sialographic images as a diagnostic tool for patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Methods: The morphological findings and various kinds of functional parameters in volunteers on dynamic MR sialographic images were compared with those in five patients with definite Sjögren's syndrome. Results: On the MR sialographs of all five patients with Sjögren's syndrome, the so-called 'apple-tree appearance' was seen. The difference in two functional parameters using the dynamic MR sialographic data was elucidated between the two groups. The maximum area of the detectable ducts in the group of patients was significantly smaller ( P < 0.001) than that in the group of volunteers. The ratio of change in the detectable ducts in the group of patients was significantly lower ( P = 0.011) than that in the group of volunteers. Conclusions: Our study suggests that dynamic MR sialographic data in addition to MR sialographic images might be useful for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining is a widely accepted method for the detection of DNA fragmentation in nuclei of apoptotic cells. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is closely associated with changes in condylar cartilage and modulates apoptosis in various tissues including cartilage. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between apoptotic chondrocytes and TNF-alpha in a rabbit model of arthritis. METHOD: Unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis was induced in 20 adult New Zealand White rabbits. From 1 day to 6 weeks after the induction of arthritis, immunohistochemical analysis for TNF-alpha and TUNEL was performed. RESULTS: In condylar cartilage, TNF-alpha-positive cells and TUNEL-positive cells were localized together. TNF-alpha-positive chondrocytes seemed to precede TUNEL-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that TNF-alpha may be involved in apoptosis and/or apoptotic necrosis of chondrocytes as TMJ arthritis progresses from the acute to chronic stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the utility of 3D-FASE for the visualization of salivary gland ducts for use in MR sialographic sequences.We compared MR sialographic images and virtual endoscopic views from 3D-FASE with those from three kinds of sequences described by previous reports in a 3D parotid gland duct model and volunteer. The four sequences were two-dimension fast spin-echo (2D-FSE), three-dimension fast spin-echo (3D-FSE), two-dimension fast asymmetric spin-echo (2D-FASE), and three-dimension fast asymmetric spin-echo (3D-FASE).In the 3D parotid gland duct model, image visibility on visual score was clearest with 3D-FSE, followed by 3D-FASE (P = 0.028). In the volunteers, the visualization of images improved in the following order: 3D-FASE > 3D-FSE > 2D-FSE > 2D-FASE.The technique of 3D-FASE sequencing is more suitable and useful for MR sialography with an appropriate acquisition time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate interleukin 1 (IL-1) as a mucosal adjuvant in the induction of salivary antibodies to Streptococcus sobrinus, S. sobrinus together with IL-1 was applied through the palatine tonsils of rabbits. IL-1 caused approximately 50 and 100% increases in the antibodies reacting against S. sobrinus fragments in the saliva and blood plasma, respectively, compared to the antibodies in those same fluids after tonsillar applications of S. sobrinus alone. In the case of the addition of IL-1, the antibodies reacting to the protein antigens of S. sobrinus increased in each fluid, without affecting the antibodies reacting to saccharide antigens. Delayed-type hypersensitivity to S. sobrinus , characterized by ear swelling and by an increase in IFN-γ mRNA in RT-PCR analysis, was found to be induced only in rabbits immunized with IL-1. S. sobrinus protein antigens caused ear swelling as intense as that caused by S. sobrinus fragments. Thus, IL-1 induced an antibody response and cell-mediated immunity mainly reacting to protein antigens of S. sobrinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To study the effects of rifampicin on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nilvadipine. Methods Five healthy adult volunteers received nilvadipine (4 mg) orally before and after a 6 day treatment with rifampicin. Blood and urine were collected and assayed for plasma nilvadipine and urinary 6β-hydroxycortisol and cortisol. Results The treatment with rifampicin reduced the mean (± s.d.) AUC of nilvadipine from 17.4 ± 8.4 to 0.6 ± 0.4 µg l-1 h (mean difference -16.8 µg l-1 h, 95% CI -9.4, 24.2 µg l-1 h). While the administration of nilvadipine alone elicited a significant (P < 0.05) hypotensive (mean difference for diastolic blood pressure –8 mmHg, 95% CI -4, -12 mmHg) and reflex tachycardia (mean difference 5 beats min-1 , 95% CI 1, 9 beats min-1 ), the treatment with rifampicin abolished these responses. The urinary 6β-hydroxycortisol/cortisol ratio showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase from 10.3 ± 4.0 to 50.3 ± 24.6 by rifampicin: mean difference 40.1, 95% CI 20.4, 59.8. Conclusions Because rifampicin may greatly decrease the oral bioavailability of nilvadipine, caution is needed when these two drugs are to be coadministered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rabbits, Staphylococcus lentus is one of the major bacteria in saliva and a minor bacteria in jejunum fluids and nasal wash. The presence and induction of naturally occurring antibodies reacting to rabbit indigenous bacteria were studied. In non-immune rabbits, the proportion of anti–S. lentus IgA antibodies to total IgA in the saliva was several times higher than that in the intestinal fluids and the nasal wash. The salivary antibodies were found to have increased 1 week after a single tonsillar application of isolated S. lentus cells but not after a single nasal application or a single intragastric instillation. In addition, the anti–S. lentus antibodies in the saliva highly increased with weekly tonsillar applications of isolated S. lentus but increased only one-fifth with weekly nasal applications of the same cells. These results strongly suggest that the palatine tonsils, which we believe had already been sensitized by S. lentus in the physiological condition, induced naturally occurring antibodies in rabbit saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fas antigen is a cell surface protein that mediates apoptosis via signal transduction from the plasma membrane. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), messenger RNA for Fas antigen was detected in the human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, SCC-25. In serum-free medium, a monoclonal anti-Fas antibody (CH-11) induced Fas antigen expression in SCC-25 cells, as determined by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting, using an anti-Fas polyclonal antibody (Fas D) as primary antibody. Fas antigen was localized to the cytoplasm and the cell membrane. The molecular weight of the protein recognized by Western blot analysis was 35,000, consistent with the value reported for the Fas antigen. The CH-11 antibody did not induce Fas antigen expression in serum-containing medium. To determine whether CH-11 could induce apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma, we examined its effects on the survival of cultured SCC-25 cells. Anti-Fas monoclonal antibody in serum-free medium induced cytotoxicity in SCC-25 cells in a time-dependent manner up to 8 h, as determined by phase-contrast microscopy and WST-1 assay. Marked nuclear condensation and fragmentation of chromatin were observed in the CH-11-treated cells using Hoechst 33342 staining. This anti-Fas monoclonal antibody also induced DNA ladder formation in SCC-25 cells in a time-dependent manner. The present results indicate that the anti-Fas monoclonal antibody (CH-11) may mediate apoptosis by binding to the Fas antigen expressed in SCC-25 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A monospecific and high titer polyclonal antibody, designated as Fas D, raised against synthetic polypeptides selected from a part of the human Fas antigen (aa 104-114), was used to identify the Fas antigen in human oral epithelia in normal and pathological states. The human gingival proteins had been extracted and analysed by an ABC (avidin-biotin complex) immunoblotting technique. The antibody interacted with a single band in gingival proteins with an estimated molecular weight of 35,000, which is in good agreement with that calculated from amino acid sequences of the human Fas antigen. Using an indirect immunohistochemical method, the antibody localized on the stratum spinosum and the basal part of the stratum corneum of normal human gingiva. Specimens obtained from patients with odontogenic keratocysts, leukoplakia, lichen planus, and squamous cell carcinoma were also stained with the antibody. The pattern of the Fas antigen distribution in oral stratified squamous epithelia was, with some overlapping, characteristic for each disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the upper limit of the number of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer treatment cycles in different age groups. Cumulative take-home baby rates; Benefits of the procedure to patients suffering from infertility; Factors behind the low pregnancy rates; Theoretical significance to obstetrics and gynecology.

Examines the manifestation of primary psoas abscess during pregnancy. Case report; Diagnosis; Conservative treatment by antibiotics.

Purpose: Clinical investigation into the correlation between AIWA's score and premature labor. Patients: Eight hundred and twenty-nine (829) mothers delivered single baby at AIWA Maternity Hospital in 2000. The number of primipara (P) was 394, while that of multipara (M) was 435. We eventually analyzed 587 deliveries in 829, because the resting 238 deliveries were not fully followed up before delivery and the resting four were undertaken therapeutic premature termination. These 587 mothers had at least one time of AIWA's scoring in both 14–24 weeks of gestation and 25–32 weeks of gestation. Methods: We have been using the AIWA's score to detect and prevent premature labor for 4 years, which consists of findings of transvaginal ultrasonography (cervical length and funneling of internal os of the uterus), and internal examination (looseness of external os of the uterus and consistency of the cervix). The full score is 12, which means extremely high risk of premature labor. On the other hand, the score zero means no risk of premature labor. The patients, whose score over 8, should go into hospital to have cervical cerclage. and if multipara has histories of premature deliveries and/or threatened premature labor, P-score (1–3) is added to AIWA's score according to the degree of the risk. Five hundred and eighty-seven (587) deliveries were divided in four groups, including (1) over 1 week hospitalization (2) having cervical cerclage (3) premature deliveries (4) normal range deliveries (including OPD therapy and <1 week hospitalization). The distribution of AIWA's score was analyzed separately between nullipara and multipara in 14–19, 20–24, 25–28, and 29–32 weeks of gestation, respectively. In hospitalized patients, the most previous scores before hospitalization was analyzed. And, indications for prophylactic cervical cerclage before 27 weeks of gestation were: (1) nullipara and #8807; 8 (AIWA's score alone),... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To elucidate the availability of ‘AIWA’s scoring' in prevention of preterm labor. Patients: We retrospectively studied the 6434 deliveries after 22 weeks of gestation, managed at AIWA-Maternity Hospital from 1986 to 1990, and from 1995 to 2000. • C-stage: deliveries from 1986 to 1990: 1786 (control stage without AIWA's scoring); • P-stage: deliveries from 1995 to 1997: 2190 (prototype stage without AIWA's scoring); • A-stage: deliveries from 1998 to 2000: 2458 (applied stage with AIWA's scoring). Nine twins and seven cases of pregnant mother transportation (MT) in (C) 1786, 25 twins and 3 MT in (P) 2190, and 17 twins, 2 triplets, 6 MT in (A) 2458, were involved, respectively. Methods: The ‘AIWA’s score' of risk assessment for premature delivery consists of cervical consistency, insertion resistance to external os of uterus by internal examination, and cervical length and funneling of internal os of uterus measured by transvaginal ultrasonography. The full AIWA's score is 12 point, which means extremely high risk of premature labor. On the other hand, 0 point means no risk of it. Then, P-score (0–3) consists of the history of early delivery, abortion after 18 weeks of gestation, present multiplicity and so forth. AIWA's score + P-score = AP-score. (A) From 1998 to 2000, in case with AP-score >8, before 26 weeks of gestation, patients had cervical cerclage if they wanted after severely informed consent. We compared some parameters between C- and A-stage. Results: The rate of premature delivery declined (from 4.5 to 3.2% <37 weeks [P < 0.05]; from 2.5 to 1.3%, <36 weeks [P < 0.01]) in A-stage using the risk assessment system. In all premature deliveries, those before 32 weeks of gestation declined from 15.2 to 2.6% (P < 0.01) in A-stage. The rate of preterm PROM <34 weeks in all deliveries declined from 0.56 to 0.12% (P < 0.05), while the rate of preterm PROM in premature labor decreased from 12.7 to... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]