Clinico-pathological aspects of a residual natal tooth: a case report

A Japanese girl was referred to Osaka University Dental Hospital for examination of a tooth-like structure that had erupted following spontaneous exfoliation of a natal tooth in the lower left primary central incisor region. The structure had erupted at 6 months of age, and radiographic and clinical examination showed composition of pulp and dentin, but no enamel. On histological examination, the majority of the dentin area had a tubular dentin-like appearance, while the outer area of the root appeared to be composed of an osteodentin-like substance. Most of the dentin was covered by cementum. These findings suggest that the structure had originated from a developing remnant of the extracted natal tooth, which must have remained in the gingival tissues. We termed this calcified structure a residual natal tooth.     

INTRAOPERATIVE BLEEDING IN ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION IN THE STOMACH AND STRATEGY FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

To control intraoperative bleeding is an important key to successful endoscopic submucosal dissection. The distribution of submucosal vessels encountered during the procedure differ in places in the stomach and are roughly categorized into three groups: those located in the antrum, those in the lesser curvature, and those on the anteroposterior corpus wall which consists of oblique muscle layers. Therefore, knowledge of a suitable setting of diathermy and adjusted depth of dissection in the submucosal layer for each site is imperative. The combination of utilizing the distal attachment forced or swift coagulation (trimming with coagulation mode) have enable the treatment with an insulation tipped knife safer.     

Human urotensin-II potentiates the mitogenic effect of mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein on vascular smooth muscle cells: comparison with other vasoactive agents and hydrogen peroxide.

Human urotensin-II (U-II) is the most potent vasoactive peptide identified to date, and may be involved in hypertension and atherosclerosis. We investigated the effects of the interactions between U-II or other vasoactive agents and mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (mox-LDL) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the induction of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Growth-arrested rabbit VSMCs were incubated with vasoactive agents (U-II, endothelin-1, angiotensin-II, serotonin, or thromboxane-A2) in the presence or absence of mox-LDL or H2O2. [3H]Thymidine incorporation into DNA was measured as an index of VSMC proliferation. On interaction with mox-LDL or H2O2, U-II induced the greatest increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation among these vasoactive agents. A low concentration of U-II (10 nmol/l) enhanced the potential mitogenic effect of low concentrations of mox-LDL (120 to 337%) and H2O2 (177 to 226%). U-II at 50 nmol/l showed the maximal mitogenic effect (161%), which was abolished by G protein inactivator (GDP-beta-S), c-Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor (radicicol), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (Ro31-8220), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase inhibitor (PD98059), or Rho kinase inhibitor (Y27632). Mox-LDL at 5 microg/ml showed the maximal mitogenic effect (211%), which was inhibited by free radical scavenger (catalase), intracellular and extracellular antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine and probucol), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor (diphenylene iodonium), or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125). These results suggested that U-II acts in synergy with mox-LDL in inducing VSMC DNA synthesis at the highest rate among these vasoactive agents. Activation of the G protein/c-Src/PKC/ERK and Rho kinase pathways by U-II together with the redox-sensitive JNK pathway by mox-LDL may explain the synergistic interaction between these agents.     

Strategy for research and development of antifungal agents]

The incidence of deep-seated mycosis has recently been increasing, while the number of clinically available antifungal agents is very limited and each agent has some drawbacks. We focused on the triazole class that is known to have good profiles as antifungal agents. After researching them, we found that CS-758 had excellent profiles in terms of antifungal spectrum, activity, and safety. Until this candidate was obtained, we experienced the following difficulties: (1) In vivo activity did not always reflect in vitro activity. (2) The relationship between in vivo activity and pharmacokinetic profile was important in selecting a candidate as an antifungal agent. (3) Suitable infection-models had to be established to predict clinical efficacy. (4) It was necessary to demonstrate superiority over marketed drugs to develop a novel agent. These experiences give us good ideas for future development of novel antifungal agents.     

LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR PERFORATED APPENDICITIS WITH PELVIC ABSCESS

We performed laparoscopic appendectomy and drainage to treat panperitonitis due to perforated appendicitis that occurred in a 28‐year‐old woman. We believe this is an appropriate procedure to treat perforated appendicitis because it is safe and minimally invasive, and faster recovery can be expected than after conventional open appendectomy.     

MANAGEMENT TO PREVENT BLEEDING DURING ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION USING THE FLUSH KNIFE FOR GASTRIC TUMORS

The gastric vasculature responsible for intraoperative bleeding in endosocpic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the ramified vascular network occupying the middle of the submucosal layer and large vessels penetrating the muscle layer. Appropriate management for these vessels must be addressed. The trimming of the ramified vascular network can be safely performed with coagulation mode following shallow mucosal cutting. A large penetrating vessel usually requires precoagulation prior to dissection. These procedures are effectively performed with the water jet short needle knife (Flush knife).     

Dynamic Interaction of Craniofacial Structures during Head Positioning and Direct Laryngoscopy in Anesthetized Patients with and without Difficult Laryngoscopy

Background: We lack fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms of difficult laryngoscopy despite its clinical significance. The aim of this study was to examine how head positioning and direct laryngoscopy alter arrangements of craniofacial structures.

Methods: Digital photographs of the lateral view of the head and neck were taken at each step of head positioning and direct laryngoscopy in age- and body mass index-matched patients with (n = 13) and without (n = 13) difficult laryngoscopy during general anesthesia with muscle paralysis. The images were used for measurements of various craniofacial dimensions.

Results: Both simple neck extension and the sniffing position produced a caudal shift of the mandible and a downward shift of the larynx, resulting in an increase of the submandibular space. Direct laryngoscopy during the sniffing position displaced the mandible and tongue base upward and caudally, and the larynx downward and caudally, increasing the submandibular space and facilitating vertical arrangement of the mandible, tongue base, and larynx to the facial line. These structural arrangements in response to direct laryngoscopy were not observed in patients with difficult laryngoscopy, whereas head positioning produced similar structural arrangements in patients with and without difficult laryngoscopy.     

Effects of diet with or without exercise on leptin and anticoagulation proteins levels in obesity.

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and thromboembolic events. We investigated the effects of weight reduction by a 12-week calorie-restricted diet with or without aerobic exercise (diet group and diet plus exercise group) on leptin and anticoagulation proteins levels. Forty-two obese nondiabetic individuals were evaluated for blood levels of leptin, protein C activity, free protein S antigen and for body fat area calculated on computerized tomography before and after intervention. Before intervention, serum levels of leptin and free protein S antigen correlated positively with several adiposity-related parameters. After the program, body weight and fat area were significantly decreased in both groups. Body mass index and leptin levels decreased in both groups, with a larger change in the diet plus exercise group than in the diet group. Although protein C activity levels did not change in both groups, free protein S antigen levels decreased significantly in the diet plus exercise group. In conclusion, the 12-week programs had significant effects on the initial weight reduction and body fat mass, decreasing lepin levels in obese nondiabetic individuals. To clarify whether aerobic exercise has additional or direct effects on the anticoagulation system, a study in a large number of individuals is needed.     

Pharmacologic preconditioning effects: Prostaglandin E1 induces heat-shock proteins immediately after ischemia/reperfusion of the mouse liver

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has several potential therapeutic effects, including cytoprotection, vasodilation, and inhibition of platelet aggregation. This study investigates the protective action of PGE1 against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in vivo using a complementary DNA microarray. PGE1 or saline was continuously administered intravenously to mice in which the left lobe of the liver was made ischemic for 30 minutes and then reperfused. Livers were harvested 0, 10, and 30 minutes postreperfusion. Messenger RNA was extracted, and the samples were labeled with two different fluorescent dyes and hybridized to the RIKEN set of 18,816 full-length enriched mouse complementary DNA microarrays. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels at 180 minutes postreperfusion were significantly lower in the PGE1-treated group than in the saline-treated group. The cDNA microarray analysis revealed that the genes encoding heat-shock protein (HSP) 70, glucose-regulated protein 78, HSP86, and glutathione S-transferase were upregulated at the end of the ischemic period (0 minutes postreperfusion) in the PGE1 group. Our results suggested that PGE1 induces HSPs immediately after ischemia reperfusion. HSPs might therefore play an important role in the protective effects of PGE1 against ischemia/reperfusion injury of the liver.