Type II collagen and aggrecan mRNA expressions in rabbit condyle following disc displacement

The aim of this investigation was to study the remodelling of cartilage in the mandibular condyle following disc displacement (DD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Forty adult Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. The right joints of 28 of the 40 rabbits had their discs surgically displaced. Four of the 28 were killed at 4 days or 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of aggrecan and type II collagen in cartilages were measured using in situ hybridization techniques. Results showed that aggrecan mRNA expression reduced in the first week after DD. The expression began to recover after 4 weeks and reached a normal level after 6 weeks. Type II collagen mRNA expression reduced from 4 weeks and the expression recovered after 8 weeks. This suggests that the chondrocyte reacting to the displacement of the TMJ disc, alters its matrix gene expression patterns and it is may be the cause of the shape changes of TMJ after DD.     

IFN-γ enhances the anti-tumour immune response of dendritic cells against oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective

To investigate the expression of antigen processing-1 (Tap-1) and Tapasin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and observe the immune response against OSCC by use of IFN-γ-antigen induced dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and in vivo.

Design

Expression of Tap-1 and Tapasin in different cell lines was analysed. CAL27 cells were treated with IFN-γ. Antigen from the treated cells was presented by DCs. Pulsed DC was then co-cultivated with CD8+ T lymphocyte to induce antigen specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs). The immune response elicited by CTLs against OSCC was observed.

Results

A significant lower expression of Tap-1 and Tapasin was observed in OSCC cell lines. IFN-γ exerted time-dependent effect for increasing the expression of these genes. Antigen from the treated CAL27 cells was presented by DCs. CTLs were induced and generated a strong immune response in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Tap-1 and Tapasin were downregulated in OSCC. IFN-γ increased the expression of these genes. Use of IFN-γ-antigen induced DCs could induce stronger immune response in vitro and in vivo.     

Microbiome of Deep Dentinal Caries from Reversible Pulpitis to Irreversible Pulpitis

Introduction

This study examined the identity of the microbiome of deep dentinal caries and its correlation with the inflammation status of caries-induced pulpitis.

The effect of xylitol on Streptococcus mutans in children

A study was performed on 91 second-grade students from the Los Angeles Unified School District to test the effects of xylitol chewing gum on Streptococcus mutans in the saliva. Saliva was collected from students and tested for the first time using the new University of California, Los Angeles, monoclonal antibody testing method. Students found to have moderate or high levels of salivary S. mutans were administered four tablets/day of xylitol gum for three weeks. The levels of S. mutans in the saliva of children in the high caries index subgroup decreased by 61.7 percent. Xylitol can be dispensed in a public school setting by school nurses and can be a very safe, efficient and inexpensive preventative measure for children at high risk for dental caries.     

Reconstruction of curved mandibular angle defects using a new internal transport distraction device: an experiment in goats

A new internal distraction device, comprising a square-bodied bow, a transport plate, a traction mechanism, and two stabilisers, was developed to allow transportation of bone around an arc. Eight adult goats were studied. A curved mandibulectomy 3cm long was made on the mandibular angle. The distractor was implanted to restore the defect. The bone was distracted at a rate of 1mm per day after a 5-day latent period. Distraction lasted 25 to 32 days. Curvilinear distraction was successful in six of the eight goats. After consolidation periods of four or eight weeks, smooth curved bone masses were restored in the distracted areas. Radiographically, there was considerable bone density in the distraction area and opaque columns streamed in the direction of distraction. Histological examination showed membranous bony regeneration in the restored bone. These results suggest that restoration of curved bone defects using the new internal transport distraction device was feasible in goats.     

牙种植数字化全景X线片失真率的临床评价

目的:了解数字化全景片失真率的大小以及在临床效果评价中的指导意义。方法:对术前使用统一直径钢珠的放射模板56个修复病例162个种植体拍摄数字化全景X线片,应用Cliniview5.1分析软件对各部位钢珠进行测量3次,取均值。了解拍摄后影像中钢珠的变化情况。结果:采用数字化全景X线片技术可观察到上下颌骨不同区域钢珠失真率与标准钢珠直径差异很小,失真率范围为0.2%￣2%,不同区域钢珠测量值之间有明显差异(P〈0.05〉):下颌前牙区与下颌双尖牙区、下颌前牙区与下颌磨牙区、下颌双尖牙区与上颌磨牙区、上颌磨牙区与下颌磨牙区钢珠测量值之间存在显著性差异。结论:数字化全景X线片对拟种植部位骨量进行评估可得出准确的数据。尽管不同区域钢珠测量值之间存在差异,但并不影响其测量值应用于临床的准确性。     

下颌复合组织移植实验的显微外科解剖学基础研究

同种异体下颌区复合器官和组织移植的研究刚刚起步,为了了解下颌区复合器官和组织移植的显微外科解剖基础,在犬、兔和猴进行了下颌区及颈部血管解剖比较研究。结果发现,在下颌区域,颌外动脉、颌内动脉、颌外静脉和颌内静脉形成闭合的循环回路。在此基础上可以确定下颌复合器官移植的范围并使移植手术得以进行。