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Ectopic enrichment of oral microbes in the gut is a notable alteration in gut microbial balance. These microbes are likely delivered from the oral cavity with saliva and food; however, evidence of oral–gut microbial transmission is insufficient and needs further investigation. In this observational study, we examined 144 pairs of saliva and stool samples collected from community-dwelling adults to verify the oral–gut microbial link and identify the relevant influencing factors on the increased abundance of oral microbes within the gut. The bacterial composition of each sample was determined using PacBio single-molecule long-read sequencing of the full-length 16S ribosomal RNA gene and amplicon sequence variant (ASV) analysis. Although the bacterial compositions of salivary and gut microbiota were distinctly different, at least 1 ASV was shared between salivary and gut microbiota in 72.9% of subjects. Shared ASVs accounted for 0.0% to 63.1% (median 0.14%) of the gut microbiota in each subject and frequently included abundant Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus parasanguinis. Their total relative abundance in the gut was significantly higher in older subjects or those with dental plaque accumulation. The gut microbiota with ≥5% of shared ASVs displayed a higher abundance of Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Klebsiella and a lower abundance of Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Megamonas, and Parabacteroides. Our study presents evidence for the translocation of oral bacteria to the gut in community-dwelling adults and suggests that aging and dental plaque accumulation contribute to an increased abundance of oral microbes in the gut, which might be relevant to the compositional shift in the gut commensals.

Tissue damage and necrosis from inflammatory processes are a consequence of ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). In skeletal muscle, ischemia reduces the aerobic energy capacity of muscle cells, leading to adverse biochemical alterations and inflammation. The goal of this study is to show that exposure to near-infrared light (NIR) during a period of ischemia reduces IRI by decreasing necrosis and inflammation in addition to decreasing proinflammatory M1 and increasing protective M2 macrophages. C57/Bl6 mice underwent unilateral tourniquet-induced hindlimb ischemia for 3 h followed by reperfusion for either 15 or 30 min. Mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Group 1 underwent IRI with 30 min reperfusion. Group 2 underwent IRI with a 15 min reperfusion. Each group consisted of 50% no-NIR and 50% NIR-treated mice with exposure of 50 mW/cm

Background Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) is a potential driver oncogene. Although HER2-targeted precision therapy has been tested in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the demographic characteristics of HER2-positive NSCLC have not been systematically defined. Methods Patients with pathologically confirmed stage IIIB/IV or recurrent NSCLC, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2, were prospectively registered. HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays were performed to screen patients. HER2 mutations were identified by using direct gene sequencing. The aim of this study was to clarify the frequency, characteristics, and outcome of HER2-positive NSCLC. HER2 was defined as positive if the tumor harbored IHC3+, IHC2+/FISH+, or exon 20 insertion mutations. Results Of the 1,126 tumors screened, 34 (3.0%) were IHC3+, and 34 (3.0%) were IHC2+/FISH+. Among the 724 epidermal growth factor receptor wild-type tumors, 21 (2.9%) were HER2-mutant tumors, including A775-G776insYVMA (n = 15). Interestingly, the IHC3+ tumors and mutant tumors were entirely exclusive. Female patients had HER2-mutant tumors more frequently, whereas both IHC3+ and IHC2+/FISH+ tumors were detected more often in male subjects and smokers. Patients with an HER2-aberrant tumor had a significantly worse prognosis than those with epidermal growth factor receptor-positive and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive tumors, possibly due to the low proportion that received HER2-targeted therapies (n = 15 [26%]) and low response rates of 0% and 14% in patients with HER2-overexpressing and HER2-mutant tumors, respectively. Conclusions This prospective large-scale cohort study is the first to show comprehensively the frequency and clinical demographic characteristics of those with HER2-positive advanced lung tumors in detail, providing critical historical data for future drug development against HER2-positive NSCLC. Future treatment strategies would be developed stratified according to the types of HER2 aberrations. Trial Registry UMIN Registration No. 000017003; URL: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000019691

A new passive monitoring system applied to large surface wave plasmas (SWP) is experimentally tested. In the first experiment, spatial distributions of the electron density and temperature are measured using double probes. Subsequently, integral photography with deconvolution techniques is applied to identify the three-dimensional emissivity distribution of SWP. The result obtained from the first experiment seems to identify the localization of SWP around the antenna launching an 860 MHz microwave.

Over the past year, there have been many changes in hip arthroplasty. Some of the new information further solidifies practices such as the use of tranexamic acid for blood conservation and the detection of infection through alpha defensins, and other studies have enhanced our knowledge of surgical approaches and the modes of failure of implants. Compared with the past, the biggest changes have not been in surgical materials or techniques but in how surgeons will practice in the future with respect to outcomes. ### Bearings Total hip arthroplasty is increasingly being utilized in younger, more active patients with long life expectancies. Researchers have conducted studies using different bearing couples in the hopes of improving the longevity of implants. In one report, the authors conducted a Level-I study to determine if there was a short-term to intermediate-term survivorship difference among common total hip arthroplasty bearings used in patients younger than 65 years of age1. This report described the survivorship of ceramic on ceramic, ceramic on highly cross-linked polyethylene, and metal on highly cross-linked polyethylene. Direct-comparison meta-analysis found no differences among the bearing surfaces in terms of the risk of revision. Network meta-analysis likewise found no differences in survivorship across the three implant types, suggesting that, at least in the short term, any of the bearing combinations functioned well in younger patients. Another randomized controlled trial compared the results of ceramic-on-ceramic bearing with those of ceramic-on-polyethylene bearings2. At the 10-year follow-up, there were no group differences (p > 0.48) in both the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and the SF-12 (RAND 12-Item Health Survey). There were no failures or loss of fixation related to bearing surfaces or wear in either group. Comparing ceramic-on-ceramic bearings with ceramic-on-polyethylene bearings, there were few short-term differences in function or wear. These …

The score based on the office systolic blood pressure, age, fasting blood glucose level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (SAGE score) has been proposed as a useful marker to identify elevated values of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). The present cross-sectional study was conducted to examine whether the SAGE score is also a useful marker to identify subjects with elevated brachial-ankle PWV values in Japanese subjects with hypertension. We measured the brachial-ankle PWV and calculated the SAGE score in a total of 1019 employees of a Japanese company with hypertension and 817 subjects with hypertension derived from a multicenter study cohort. The analyses in this study were based on data from these two study groups as well as on a composite population of the two (n = 1836). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve to identify subjects with brachial-ankle PWV values of ≥1800 cm/s was over 0.70 in each of the three study groups. Even after adjustments, a SAGE score ≥7 had a significant odds ratio for identifying subjects with brachial-ankle PWV values ≥1800 cm/s in the 1836 study subjects from the composite occupational and multicenter study cohort (odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.4–3.0, P < 0.01). Thus, in Japanese subjects with hypertension, the SAGE score may be a useful marker for identifying subjects with elevated brachial-ankle PWV values. © 2020, The Japanese Society of Hypertension.

BACKGROUND Quadriceps tendon rupture following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an infrequent but potentially devastating adverse event. Although uncommon, the long-term sequelae of this injury can result in permanent inability to walk. Despite the severity of this injury, there is no single accepted treatment, with various surgical methods producing mixed results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a modified V-Y turndown flap as a viable alternative method of treatment for this injury. METHODS Twenty-four quadriceps tendon ruptures in 23 patients (10 men and 13 women) who underwent TKA (8 primary and 15 revision), including 1 tendon rerupture, were treated with use of a modified V-Y turndown. The average patient age at the time of the V-Y flap repair was 61 years (range, 41 to 86 years). Knee Society scores, range of motion, strength, medical comorbidities, nature of the procedure (i.e., primary versus revision), and the ability to walk were all recorded before and after the quadriceps reconstruction, along with general satisfaction and adverse events following the procedure. RESULTS Twelve patients (52%) had predisposing comorbidities, including obesity, diabetes, chronic dialysis, and steroid dependence. Prior to repair with the V-Y flap, none of the patients were able to walk independently, requiring either a wheelchair or walker. No patient had quadriceps strength greater than 3 (of 5), although all had full passive extension. Following the repair procedure, patients had significant (p < 0.0001) improvements in mean Knee Society knee score (88.7; range, 45 to 95) and mean strength (4.8; range, 3 to 5), and all were able to walk without assistive devices. Twenty knees exhibited active range of motion of 0° to 120°, whereas 4 had residual extensor lag of ≥5° (range, 5° to 35°). Major adverse events were limited to a single hematoma and an unacceptable extensor lag (35°) after repair. CONCLUSIONS The modified V-Y quadriceps tendon turndown flap was a reliable alternative treatment for achieving restoration of the extensor mechanism after complete quadriceps tendon rupture following TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Ischemia reperfusion injury and tissue necrosis commonly follows administration of a tourniquet. Previously, we have shown that exposure to non-thermal infrared (NIR) light decreases neutrophil and macrophage mediated inflammation and tissue necrosis in a mouse hindlimb model. This study tests whether exposure to NIR light during a period of ischemia limits tissue damage by reducing secretion of chemoattractant proteins and phenotypic switching of tissue macrophages from a pro-inflammatory (M1) to a wound healing (M2) phenotype. Methods and Results: Mouse hindlimbs received 3 hours of tourniquet-induced ischemia followed by a period of reperfusion with or without 15 or 30 minutes of NIR exposure. Hindlimbs receiving injury and NIR treatment showed a significant decrease in the neutrophil chemoattractants CXCL1 and CXCL5 by ELISA, compared with mice receiving ischemia reperfusion injury alone and control mice receiving no injury or NIR. Protein isolated from mouse hindlimbs receiving NIR treatment and injury had a significant decrease in M1 macrophage marker CD68 and significant increase in M2 macrophage marker CD206, normalized to CD14, compared with mice receiving injury alone and uninjured mice. Conclusion: We have shown that NIR light affects neutrophil chemokine secretion and tissue macrophage polarization in a murine hindlimb ischemia and reperfusion model. These data indicate that NIR light treatment during tourniquet administration limits inflammatory responses, reduces tissue necrosis, and promotes wound healing following removal of the tourniquet. Thus, NIR treatment may improve limb preservation following vascular injury and inform timing of tourniquet application during surgical procedures.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now recognized as a significant and rapidly growing global health burden. Growing epidemiological evidence suggests that higher albuminuria and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, even in patients with mild-to-moderate kidney impairments, are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and cerebrovascular disease in general populations. This article discusses the current epidemiological evidence of the excess risk for cardiovascular disease in patients with CKD, taking its prevention and management into account.

CASE We report a case of intraoperative femoral head trial dislocation, with intrapelvic migration treated only with close observation with over the 17-year follow-up. CONCLUSION Total hip arthroplasty has been used as an effective means of treating debilitating arthritis of the hip. Common complications of hip arthroplasty have been discussed at length in the literature. Intraoperative dislocation of the femoral head trial with intrapelvic migration is a relatively uncommon complication with only several documented cases in the literature. Multiple treatment strategies are described for this complication including immediate surgical exploration, delayed surgical exploration, laparoscopic exploration, and observation.

Implant fixation through osseointegration is essential for the success of uncemented total joint arthroplasty, and nature and composition of implant surface play a critical role in this process. Despite widespread use of uncemented implants, the extent of bone ingrowth into implants is generally only a small percentage of the total implant surface. An understanding of the processes whereby bone cells grow into and multiply on porous surfaces is critical for the design and manufacture of implants that maximize ingrowth and implant fixation. A wide variety of implant materials are currently utilized for uncemented total joint arthroplasty, including titanium mesh, cobalt chromium beads, and tantalum deposited on a carbon network. Despite differences in physical and chemical properties of these materials, all have functioned well clinically. Therefore, the goals of this study were to compare and contrast the effects of these materials on the proliferation, phenotypic maturation, and mineralization of osteoblasts. Disks of porous tantalum, titanium mesh, and cobalt chromium beaded surfaces were fabricated and processed employing the same methods used to produce implants, including packaging and sterilization. Preosteoblasts were plated on disks, cellular morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Osteoblast proliferation was significantly higher on the porous tantalum compared to other implant surfaces. Alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin secretion, and upregulation of RUNX2 were inversely proportional to the rate of proliferation. Mineralization of osteoblasts paralleled the rate of proliferation. These findings suggest that proliferation of osteoblasts into the interstices of implant materials along with delayed maturation were favorable for increased bone ongrowth and ultimately implant stabilization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 276–281, 2015.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial mediator of hindlimb collateralization and angiogenesis. Within tissues there are nitrosyl-heme proteins which have the potential to generate NO under conditions of hypoxia or low pH. Low level irradiation of blood and muscle with light in the far red/near infrared spectrum (670 nm, R/NIR) facilitates NO release. Therefore, we assessed the impact of red light exposure on the stimulation of femoral artery collateralization. Rabbits and mice underwent unilateral resection of the femoral artery and chronic R/NIR treatment. The direct NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME were also administered in the presence of R/NIR. DAF fluorescence assessed R/NIR changes in NO levels within endothelial cells. In vitro measures of R/NIR induced angiogenesis were assessed by endothelial cell proliferation and migration. R/NIR significantly increased collateral vessel number which could not be attenuated with L-NAME. R/NIR induced collateralization was abolished with c-PTIO. In vitro, NO production increased in endothelial cells with R/NIR exposure, and this finding was independent of NOS inhibition. Similarly R/NIR induced proliferation and tube formation in a NO dependent manner. Finally, nitrite supplementation accelerated R/NIR collateralization in wild type C57Bl/6 mice. In an eNOS deficient transgenic mouse model, R/NIR restores collateral development. In conclusion, R/NIR increases NO levels independent of NOS activity, and leads to the observed enhancement of hindlimb collateralization.

Metal on metal articulations in hip arthroplasty offer advantages, including lower volumetric wear compared to conventional metalonpolyethylene bearings, and increased resistance to dislocation. Reports described early failures, with histologic features similar to a Type IV immune response. Mechanisms by which metal wear products cause this reaction are not completely understood. We hypothesized a mechanism through direct activation of endothelial cells (ECs) by metal ions, resulting in both vasculitis and accumulation of lymphocytes without prior immune sensitization. Effects of metal ions were evaluated using human ECs in culture. Alterations in chemotactic proteins IL8 and MCP1 were assessed, as was upregulation of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and lymphocyte binding to ECs. Cobalt increased secretion of IL8 and MCP1 significantly, and upregulated the expression of ICAM-1 in ECs compared to stimulation by chromium and controls. Binding of lymphocytes to ECs and transEC migration were both significantly increased by cobalt but not chromium. These findings suggest that cobalt contributes more to the activation of ECs and lymphocyte binding than chromium without an allergic response. Some of the adverse tissue reactions to implants with components made of cobalt-chromium-molybdenium alloys may be due in part to activation of the endothelium by metal ions.

We created an information and communication technology system to monitor the feeding of grazing cattle, comprising the following elements: (1) actuators, including an audio player, feeder, and stanchion (an equipment for locking cattle neck during feeding); (2) wireless nodes with Wi-Fi connectivity to control the actuators; (3) Internet protocol (IP)-addressed cameras with Wi-Fi connectivity; (4) a wireless access point enabling the wireless nodes and IP cameras to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi; and (5) a Web server that communicates with the wireless nodes and delivers a control graphical user interface for use by farmers. Farmers can call cattle towards an IP camera and feed them by using a smartphone without being physically present on the farm. Next, we constructed a received signal strength-based location system for grazing cattle. This included monitoring the location of cattle on pastures in mountainous areas, where issues to be considered included low energy consumption for battery operation and radio propagation degradation due to the undulating topography of the pastures. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, an experimental study was conducted in a pasture with an area of 2 km2. We also provided a means to view the locality on a smartphone by creating an application that connects to this system. In this study, we created two systems controllable via a smartphone, one system to call cattle and the other to monitor their locations. These systems could be very useful to farmers in controlling and monitoring cattle grazing.

Background Despite the general success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), up to 20% of patients report dissatisfaction following surgery. One potential cause of this dissatisfaction is residual pain secondary to neuroma formation in the sensory nerve branches that innervate the knee. We found, after performing a retrospective review, that up to 9.7% of patients following primary TKA and up to 21% of revision cases exhibited persistent knee pain attributable to neuroma formation. Despite the high incidence of this pathology, little is known about the effective diagnosis or treatment of neuroma formation following TKA. Methods Between 2011 and 2014, 50 patients with persistent symptomatic neuroma pain following TKA underwent selective denervation. These patients had demonstrated the appropriate selection criteria and had failed conservative management. Patients were evaluated by the visual analog scale pain score and the Knee Society Score to determine the outcome of the described treatment. Results Thirty-two patients (64%) rated their outcome as excellent, 10 (20%) as good, 3 (6%) as fair, and 2 (4%) reported no change. The mean visual analog scale pain score was improved from 9.4 ± 0.8 to 1.1 ± 1.6 following surgery ( P ≤ .001). The mean Knee Society Scores increased from 45.5 ± 14.3 to 94.1 ± 8.6 points ( P ≤ .0001). Three patients (6%) required the second neurectomy due to recurrent pain and received excellent pain relief postoperatively. There were 2 complications of superficial skin peri-incisional hyperemia related to dressings. Average follow-up duration was 24 months (range, 16-38 months). Conclusion Our study suggests that selective denervation provides an effective and long-lasting option for the management of this pathology.

We have developed a highly sensitive inspection technique based on an electron beam inspection for detecting the contact failure of a poly-Si plugged layer. It was difficult to distinguish the contact failure from normal landing plugs with high impedance. Normally, the thermal annealing method has been used to decrease the impedance of poly-Si plugs and this method increases the difference of charged characteristics and voltage contrast. However, the additional process made the loss of time and broke down the device characteristics. Here, the interval scanning method without thermal annealing was effectively applied to enhance the difference of surface voltage between well-contacted poly-Si plugs and incomplete contact plugs. It is extremely useful to detect the contact failures of non-annealed plug contacts with high impedance.

The purpose of this study was to determine how keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOTs) in the mandible are reduced during marsupialisation, and to predict the best time for secondary enucleation by analysing computed tomography (CT) images. 15 patients with KCOTs were treated with marsupialisation surgery, and 42 series of CT data taken during the marsupialisation process were analysed. CT data were reconstructed in three-dimensional (3D) images. The 3D images were used to measure the diameter and volume, and to analyse the changes that occurred after marsupialisation. Marsupialised KCOTs tended to be reduced equally towards the window in the tumour. The amount of volume reduction per day (V(r)) was reduced in proportion to the volume (V) with the formula V(r)=-0.0029×V. The formula manipulation for V was V=V(0)×e(-0.0029t) (t=duration after marsupialisaton (day)). The volume of marsupialised KCOTs was reduced by half over a 239 day cycle. These results demonstrate that the future shape of marsupialised mandibular KCOTs, under good control, could be predicted with significant accuracy using CT data. This prediction could decrease the prolonged marsupialisation state in patients with KCOTs.

Background: The mitotic activity of the epithelial cells of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) is greater than that of other odontogenic jaw cysts, and the mitotic activity of the epithelial cells decreases after marsupialization. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) interacts with its specific receptor (KGFR), and elicits the proliferation and/or differentiation of the various types of epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of KGF/KGFR in OKCs before and after marsupialization. Methods: The expression of KGF was immunohistochemically detected in the specimens of 16 OKCs and 11 dentigerous cysts before and after marsupialization. The expression of KGF mRNA was measured in the fibroblasts isolated from OKCs by real-time PCR. Results: KGF was expressed in the epithelial cells and fibroblasts of 12 and seven of 16 OKC specimens, respectively. The intensity of the KGF expression in both the epithelial cells and the fibroblasts significantly decreased after marsupialization. KGFR was expressed throughout the epithelium in 15 of 16 OKC specimens, but the intensity of the KGFR expression did not change after marsupialization. The expression of KGF was detected in the epithelium of two of 11 dentigerous cyst specimens, but not in the fibroblasts before marsupialization. Real-time PCR revealed that recombinant human interleukin (IL)-1α increased the expression of KGF mRNA in the fibroblasts isolated from OKCs. Conclusion: KGF/KGFR signaling may play a crucial role in the epithelial cells of OKCs. Furthermore, the expression of KGF in the fibroblasts of OKCs is regulated by IL-1α.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) is thought to play a crucial role in the growth of keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs) in the jaw. The function of IL-1 alpha is regulated by the local levels of IL-1 alpha, its receptor and receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in tissues. In this study, the expression of these proteins was investigated both before and after marsupialization in KCOTs. METHODS: The expression of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) and IL-1Ra was detected immunohistochemically in 10 specimens of KCOTs. RESULTS: IL-1 alpha was intensively expressed throughout the epithelium in all cases, while mild expression of IL-1 alpha was detected in the subepithelial layer endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Mild or intensive immunoreactivity for IL-1RI was also observed in the epithelial cells in all cases, and in the endothelial cells and fibroblasts in five cases respectively. The expression of IL-1Ra was detected in the epithelial cells in five cases, and in the endothelial cells and fibroblasts in three cases. After marsupialization, the immunoreactivity for IL-1 alpha and IL-1RI in the epithelial cells decreased, while the immunoreactivity for IL-1Ra in the epithelial cells increased. However, the immunoreactivity for IL-1RI and IL-1Ra in endothelial cells and fibroblasts did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: The effects of IL-1 alpha on the epithelial cells might be downregulated after marsupialization by changing the expression levels of IL-1 alpha, IL-1RI and IL-1Ra in the epithelium of KCOTs.

Interleukin-1α(IL-1α) stimulates the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in odontogenic keratocyst fibroblasts. However, the signaling pathways remain obscure. In this study, we investigated IL-1αsignaling pathways that regulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in odontogenic keratocyst fibroblasts. IL-1αincreased the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein, and PGE2 secretion in the fibroblasts. IL-1αincreased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). PD-98059, SB-203580, SP-600125, and PDTC—which are inhibitors of ERK1/2, p38, JNK, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), respectively—attenuated the IL-1α-induced COX-2 mRNA expression and activated protein kinase C PGE2 secretion. IL-1α(PKC), and PKC inhibitor staurosporine inhibited IL-1α-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK, and decreased IL-1α-induced COX-2 mRNA expression. Thus, in odontogenic keratocyst fibroblasts, IL-1αmay stimulate COX-2 expression both through the PKC-dependent activation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK signaling pathways, and through the NF-κB cascade.

A passive UHF RF identification (RFID) tag IC with embedded 2-KB ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) for rewritable applications enables a 2.9 times faster read-and-write transaction time over EEPROM-based tag ICs. The resulting FeRAM-based tag has a nominally identical communication range for both read and write operations, which is indispensable for data write applications. The evaluated tag communication range with a folded dipole antenna is from 0 m to 4.3 m, at the 953-MHz carrier frequency with 4-W transmitting Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) from a reader/writer. The developed tag IC features two circuit blocks to maximize the communication range in 0.35-mum CMOS/FeRAM technology. First is a CMOS-only full-wave rectifier, which can improve the measured efficiency by up to 36.6% by reducing the input parasitic capacitances and optimization of multiplier structure. This efficiency is more than twice that of previously-published results. Second is a low-voltage current-mode ASK demodulator to accommodate a low-breakdown voltage of FeRAM, which converts the ASK power modulation into a linearly modulated current over an incoming power range of 27 dB, corresponding to the entire communication range. The developed demodulator can thus resolve the primary design tradeoff issue between device protection and detection sensitivity in the conventional voltage-mode demodulator

Chondrocyte-derived extracellular organelles known as articular cartilage vesicles (ACVs) participate in non-classical protein secretion, intercellular communication, and pathologic calcification. Factors affecting ACV formation and release remain poorly characterized; although in some cell types, the generation of extracellular vesicles is associated with up-regulation of autophagy. We sought to determine the role of autophagy in ACV production by primary articular chondrocytes. Using an innovative dynamic model with a light scatter nanoparticle counting apparatus, we determined the effects of autophagy modulators on ACV number and content in conditioned medium from normal adult porcine and human osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Healthy articular chondrocytes release ACVs into conditioned medium and show significant levels of ongoing autophagy. Rapamycin, which promotes autophagy, increased ACV numbers in a dose- and time-dependent manner associated with increased levels of autophagy markers and autophagosome formation. These effects were suppressed by pharmacologic autophagy inhibitors and short interfering RNA for ATG5. Caspase-3 inhibition and a Rho/ROCK inhibitor prevented rapamycin-induced increases in ACV number. Osteoarthritic chondrocytes, which are deficient in autophagy, did not increase ACV number in response to rapamycin. SMER28, which induces autophagy via an mTOR-independent mechanism, also increased ACV number. ACVs induced under all conditions had similar ecto-enzyme specific activities and types of RNA, and all ACVs contained LC3, an autophagosome-resident protein. These findings identify autophagy as a critical participant in ACV formation, and augment our understanding of ACVs in cartilage disease and repair.

Intracystic fluid pressure may have a crucial role in the growth of odontogenic jaw cysts. In this study, we investigated the relation between the size of the cyst and the pressure of the fluid within odontogenic keratocysts, dentigerous cysts, and radicular cysts. The radiolucent area of the cyst on a panoramic radiograph was linearly related to the volume in the cavity, and the correlation coefficient (gamma) was 0.70 (n = 25, P < 0.001). Intracystic fluid pressure correlated negatively with the radiolucent area in odontogenic keratocysts (gamma = -0.76, n = 9, P = 0.02), dentigerous cysts (gamma = -0.54, n = 16, P = 0.03), and radicular cysts (gamma = -0.69, n = 10, P = 0.03). The values of [(intracystic fluid pressure (mmHg)) x (radiolucent area (cm(2)))] did not differ significantly among the three types of cyst. Intracystic fluid pressure may therefore be negatively related to the size of all three types of cyst.

A nonvolatile ferroelectric memory-based eight-context dynamically programmable gate array (DPGA) enables low-cost field programmable systems by the elimination of off-chip nonvolatile memories as well as the multicontext architecture. Since read and program sequences of configuration data loading from/to the DPGA are securely protected, unauthorized users cannot access the stored configuration data. The associated configuration memory consists of a SRAM-based six-transistor and 4-ferroelectric capacitor cell. The developed configuration memory achieves access time of 4ns, comparable to standard SRAM, which is 20 times faster than conventional ferroelectric memory; furthermore, it features a nondestructive read operation and a stable data recall scheme. The employed logic block circuit can effectively improve the available number of logic gates for the multicontext scheme with minimum area overhead. The prototype nonvolatile DPGA is fabricated in a 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS with ferroelectric memory technology, and the implementation result of the Data Encryption Standard (DES) encryption/decryption functions on this DPGA presents proper operation up to 51 MHz at 3.3V. The nonvolatile storage of configuration memory is verified for power-supply voltage as low as 1.5 V at room temperature, which is the lowest operation voltage ever reported for PbZrTiO/sub 3/ (PZT)-based ferroelectric memories.

Background Marsupialization results in the reduction of odontogenic cyst size. Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) is thought to play a crucial role for the expansion of odontogenic keratocysts. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of marsupialization on the expression of IL-1alpha and on the proliferating activity of a lining epithelium in odontogenic keratocysts. Methods The concentrations of IL-1alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the intracystic fluids of odontogenic keratocysts were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of IL-1alpha mRNA in odontogenic keratocysts was measured before and after marsupialization by in situ hybridization. The expression of IL-1alpha and epithelial cell-proliferating activities in odontogenic keratocysts were also measured by immunohistochemistry using antibodies for human IL-1alpha and Ki-67 antigen, respectively. Results The intracystic fluid levels of IL-1alpha were significantly higher than those of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in odontogenic keratocysts. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed that strong expression of IL-1alpha mRNA and protein was mainly detected in the epithelial cells of odontogenic keratocysts. After marsupialization, the signal intensities for IL-1alpha mRNA and protein were significantly decreased. In addition, the Ki-67 labeling index of the epithelial cells was decreased proportionally with the grade of IL-1alpha mRNA expression after the marsupialization. Conclusion Our findings suggest that marsupialization may reduce the size of odontogenic keratocyst by inhibiting IL-1alpha expression and the epithelial cell proliferation.

In the present study, we measured the levels of the cytokines and gelatinase species in the fluids of ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts, and showed that ameloblastomas can be distinguished from odontogenic keratocysts by the use of these biochemical data. We found that interleukin (IL)-1alpha and IL-1beta levels in the intracystic fluids of ameloblastomas were significantly lower than those in the fluids of odontogenic keratocysts, while IL-6 levels in the fluids of ameloblastomas were significantly higher than those in the fluids of odontogenic keratocysts. On the other hand, no significant differences in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels of the fluids were detected between ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts. An immunohistochemical study revealed that the staining intensity of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in the tumor cells of ameloblastomas was significantly weaker than that in the epithelial cells of odontogenic keratocysts, while the staining intensity of IL-6 in the tumor cells was significantly stronger than that in the epithelial cells of odontogenic keratocysts. Gelatin zymography of the fluids showed that only a small amount of pro-MMP-9 was detected in ameloblastomas, while both pro-MMP-9 and the active form of MMP-9 were detected in 8 of 10 cases of odontogenic keratocysts. Thus, ameloblastomas can be distinguished from odontogenic keratocysts by measuring IL-1alpha and IL-6 levels, and gelatinase species in the fluids.

Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are thought to be involved in odontogenic cyst expansion. In this study, we investigated the effects of IL-1alpha on the secretion and activation of MMP-9 in odontogenic jaw cysts. An active form of MMP-9 was present in odontogenic keratocyst (6 of 8 cases) fluids more frequently than dentigerous cyst (3 of 10 cases) and radicular cyst (3 of 10 cases) fluids, although proMMP-9 was present in all cyst fluids. Odontogenic keratocyst fragments in explant culture secreted a larger amount of IL-1alpha than dentigerous cyst and radicular cyst fragments in explant culture, and spontaneously secreted both proMMP-9 and an active form of MMP-9. The fragments of dentigerous cysts and radicular cysts secreted a small amount of proMMP-9, but no active form of MMP-9. Exogenously added recombinant human IL-1alpha (rhlL-1alpha) increased the secretion and activation of proMMP-9 in the fragments of dentigerous cysts and radicular cysts. The epithelial cells isolated from odontogenic keratocysts secreted IL-1alpha and proMMP-9 without stimulation. Under the cultivation on a fibronectin-coated dish, rhIL-1alpha increased the secretion of proMMP-9 from the epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, rhIL-1alpha induced the secretion of proMMP-3 and plasminogen activator urokinase (u-PA) from the epithelial cells, and converted the secreted proMMP-3 to the active form in the presence of plasminogen. The secreted proMMP-9 was also activated in the presence of rhIL-1alpha and plasminogen. Hence, our results suggest that IL-1alpha may up-regulate not only proMMP-9 secretion but also proMMP-9 activation by inducing proMMP-3 and u-PA production in the cyst epithelial cells by autocrine/paracrine regulatory mechanisms.

The crystalline properties of Ta2O5 thin films deposited by an off-axis aperture-installation-type pulsed laser deposition technique are investigated and the results are compared with the results for films deposited by the conventional on-axis technique. No significant difference in the substrate temperature dependence is seen between films deposited on-axis or off-axis at a pulse repetition frequency of 30 Hz. When the repetition frequency is lowered, the degree of c-axis orientation is increased in both films. This tendency is more pronounced in the off-axis films. Therefore it is found that the off-axis aperture-installation-type pulsed laser deposition technique is effective not only for decreasing the density of droplets, but also for obtaining more highly c-axis-oriented crystalline films.

Cytokines that stimulate bone resorption are produced by cells found in bone marrow. However, marrow cells produce multiple factors, some of which may be inhibitors of osteoclast differentiation or activity. Thus, it is not possible to predict a priori whether the mixture of factors produced by marrow cells will have a net stimulatory or inhibitory effect on bone resorption. In this study, we showed that the net effect of whole marrow is to inhibit osteoclast activity induced by parathyroid hormone. Fractionation of the marrow revealed that the inhibitory activity was in the marrow fluid. However, conditioned media obtained from marrow cell cultures also inhibited osteoclast activity. Thus, it is likely that the inhibitory factors are produced in vivo by cells residing in the marrow. These inhibitory factors may represent a physiological regulatory process that plays an important role in maintaining the balance between bone resorption and formation. Because we have previously shown that interleukin-6 is one of the cytokines that parathyroid hormone induces in osteoblastic cells to stimulate osteoclast activity, one potential mechanism by which the marrow-derived inhibitory factors might act is by preventing this production of interleukin-6. However, we found that the marrow cell-conditioned media do not inhibit the production or activity of interleukin-6. Thus, the inhibitory factors appear to block osteoclast activity through a mechanism that does not involve interleukin-6. Taken together, these results demonstrate the importance of factors that inhibit bone resorption and emphasize that the presence of cytokines that stimulate bone resorption in conditions such as osteoporosis and orthopaedic implant loosening should be interpreted with caution unless evidence exists demonstrating their functional importance.

Previous investigators described a kindred with an X-linked dominant form of phosphate wasting in which affected children did not have radiographic evidence of rickets, whereas older individuals were progressively disabled by severe bowing. They proposed that this kindred suffered from a distinct disorder that they referred to as adult-onset vitamin D-resistant hypophosphatemic osteomalacia (AVDRR). We recently identified a gene, PHEX, that is responsible for the disorder X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. To determine whether AVDRR is a distinct form of phosphate wasting, we searched for PHEX mutations in affected members of the original AVDRR kindred. We found that affected individuals have a missense mutation in PHEX exon 16 that results in an amino acid change from leucine to proline in residue 555. Clinical evaluation of individuals from this family indicates that some of these individuals display classic features of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, and we were unable to verify progressive bowing in adults. In light of the variability in the clinical spectrum of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and the presence of a PHEX mutation in affected members of this kindred, we conclude that there is only one form of X-linked dominant phosphate wasting.

Fourier-transform (FT) Raman spectra have been measured for twelve kinds of ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers with vinyl acetate (VA, the comonomer) varying in the 7 to 44 wt% range. Principal component analysis (PCA) has been carried out for the Raman spectra pretreated by multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) or normalization to discriminate the twelve samples. They are clearly discriminated from one another by a score plot of the PCA factor 1 and factor 2 based upon 36 Raman spectra in the series. Principal component (PC) weight loadings for factor 1 show that the discrimination relies largely upon the bands due to CO stretching and OCO bending modes of VA and those assigned to CC stretching modes of the ethylene unit. A peak corresponding to the CH 2 wagging mode, whose intensity is known to be sensitive to the crystallinity of polyolefines, appears strongly in PC weight loadings for factor 2, indicating that the score on factor 2 reflects the crystallinity of EVA. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) has allowed us to propose a calibration model which predicts the VA content in EVA with the correlation coefficient and standard error of prediction of 0.997 and 0.95 wt%, respectively.

Heavily magnesium-doped p-type-InGaAs layers on InP(100) substrates were successfully grown, for the first time, by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using bis-ethylcyclopentadienyl-magnesium, (C2H5C5H4)2Mg (EtCp2Mg), as organometallic precursor for the Mg. It was experimentally verified that the room-temperature hole concentration of Mg into InGaAs increased with increase of the V III ratio and decrease of the growth temperature. A maximum hole concentration of over 4 × 1019 cm−3 was obtained. The diffusion coefficient of Mg in InGaAs was experimentally derived to be 10−12 cm2/s at 800°C, which was comparable to that of Be. Finally, InP InGaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) with Mg-doped bases were fabricated successfully. Measured maximum current gain was about 320 with a 90 nm thick base and a sheet resistance of the base layer of 1.28 kΩ/sq.

Implant fixation through osseointegration is essential for the success of uncemented total joint arthroplasty, and nature and composition of implant surface play a critical role in this process. Despite widespread use of uncemented implants, the extent of bone ingrowth into implants is generally only a small percentage of the total implant surface. An understanding of the processes whereby bone cells grow into and multiply on porous surfaces is critical for the design and manufacture of implants that maximize ingrowth and implant fixation. A wide variety of implant materials are currently utilized for uncemented total joint arthroplasty, including titanium mesh, cobalt chromium beads, and tantalum deposited on a carbon network. Despite differences in physical and chemical properties of these materials, all have functioned well clinically. Therefore, the goals of this study were to compare and contrast the effects of these materials on the proliferation, phenotypic maturation, and mineralization of osteoblasts. Disks of porous tantalum, titanium mesh, and cobalt chromium beaded surfaces were fabricated and processed employing the same methods used to produce implants, including packaging and sterilization. Preosteoblasts were plated on disks, cellular morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Osteoblast proliferation was significantly higher on the porous tantalum compared to other implant surfaces. Alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin secretion, and upregulation of RUNX2 were inversely proportional to the rate of proliferation. Mineralization of osteoblasts paralleled the rate of proliferation. These findings suggest that proliferation of osteoblasts into the interstices of implant materials along with delayed maturation were favorable for increased bone ongrowth and ultimately implant stabilization.

Objective To investigate the change in occlusal evaluations from the 5-year-olds' index to the Goslon Yardstick and to compare the relationship between the evaluations and maxillofacial growth in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Design A prospective longitudinal study. Subjects The sample consisted of 85 patients with complete UCLP who underwent surgery from 1969 to 1994 and were treated at the Kyushu University Hospital in Fukuoka, Japan. Subjects had two serial dental casts performed at the ages of 5 and 10 years. Furthermore, each patient had lateral cephalographs taken at the age of 5 years, 76 of 85 subjects had films taken at the age of 10 years, and 54 subjects also had lateral cephalograms taken after the age of 15 years. Methods Every dental cast was evaluated by the 5-year-olds' index and the Goslon Yardstick, respectively. The lateral cephalographs were traced and digitized, and angular dimensions were calculated. Outcomes were compared using Spearman's rank-order correlation analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Results and Conclusion Dental arch relationships were evaluated and rated as 2.96 in the 5-year-olds' index and 2.85 in the Goslon Yardstick, respectively. Both groupings showed a significant relationship, and they showed no change in 36 out of 85 subjects (42.3%), significant improvement in 30 (35.3%), and deterioration in 19 (22.3%). Two occlusal groupings and maxillofacial morphology on the cephalographs indicated that the grouping reflected the anteroposterior position of the mandible. Moreover, both groupings showed some relation to previous maxillofacial growth, but they did not show any relationship with future growth. The Goslon Yardstick may not predict maxillofacial morphology in adulthood.

Metal on metal articulations in hip arthroplasty offer advantages, including lower volumetric wear compared to conventional metalonpolyethylene bearings, and increased resistance to dislocation. Reports described early failures, with histologic features similar to a Type IV immune response. Mechanisms by which metal wear products cause this reaction are not completely understood. We hypothesized a mechanism through direct activation of endothelial cells (ECs) by metal ions, resulting in both vasculitis and accumulation of lymphocytes without prior immune sensitization. Effects of metal ions were evaluated using human ECs in culture. Alterations in chemotactic proteins IL8 and MCP1 were assessed, as was upregulation of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and lymphocyte binding to ECs. Cobalt increased secretion of IL8 and MCP1 significantly, and upregulated the expression of ICAM-1 in ECs compared to stimulation by chromium and controls. Binding of lymphocytes to ECs and transEC migration were both significantly increased by cobalt but not chromium. These findings suggest that cobalt contributes more to the activation of ECs and lymphocyte binding than chromium without an allergic response. Some of the adverse tissue reactions to implants with components made of cobalt-chromium-molybdenium alloys may be due in part to activation of the endothelium by metal ions.

This paper describes a localization technique to be used for a pasturing management system. Issues to be addressed are low energy consumption for battery operation and radio propagation degradation due to undulating lands in pastures. We decided to use received signal strength- (RSS-) based trilateration for low power, and to consider the topographical effect using particle filters (PF). To evaluate the proposed algorithm, an experimental campaign was conducted in a pasture with an area of 2 km2. The results show that the proposed algorithm improves the localization accuracy by 28% when compared with the least square (LS) algorithm, whereas plain PF increased it by 14%. These results show that our technique meets the requirements for pasture management.

Ceramics have several outstanding mechanical properties especially at high temperatures, but a difficulty in machining has been hindering the cost-effective use. Hence, bonding between ceramics and metals has become an important technology. Among many bonding techniques such as brazing, diffusion bonding, frictional bonding and so forth, brazing is one of the most promising methods for practical applications. There are several bonding parameters such as temperature, time, pressure and atmosphere. In this work, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/aluminum bonding using an aluminum alloy as a filler sheet is dealt with, and the effects of some parameters on the bonding strength are mainly discussed.

The effect of an external electric field on the diffraction profile of cubic BaTiO3 has been examined by high-resolution X-ray diffraction. Two remarkable changes in the 400 diffraction profiles are observed: one is a peak narrowing due to a rearrangement of grains at temperature 10–20 K above Curie temperature, and the other is a peak broadening and collapsing observed on a single grain at temperatures closer to the transition. It is also found that no second phase appears in the crystal in the temperature range related to the observations mentioned above. The results indicate that a kind of ferroelectricity can be induced by an external field even in the cubic structure.