An allometric smoothing function to describe the relation between otolith and somatic growth over the lifespan of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)

We propose a new equation to describe the relation between otolith length (OL) and somatic length (fork length [FL]) of fish for the entire lifespan of the fish. The equation was developed by applying a mathematical smoothing method based on an allometric equation with a constant term for walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) —a species that shows an extended longevity (>20 years). The most appropriate equation for defining the relation between OL and FL was a four-phase allometric smoothing function with three inflection points. The inflection points correspond to the timing of settlement of walleye pollock, changes in sexual maturity, and direction of otolith growth. Allometric smoothing functions describing the relation between short otolith radius and FL, long otolith radius and FL, and FL and body weight were also developed. The proposed allometric smoothing functions cover the entire lifespan of walleye pollock. We term these equations “allometric smoothing functions for otolith and somatic growth over the lifespan of walleye pollock.

Sublethal Photothermal Stimulation with a Micropulse Laser Induces Heat Shock Protein Expression in ARPE-19 Cells

Purpose/Aim of the Study. Subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation is an effective treatment for macular edema. The molecular mechanisms underlying treatment success are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of sublethal laser energy doses on a single layer of densely cultured ARPE-19 cells as a model of the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Materials and Methods. A single layer of densely cultured human ARPE-19 cells was perpendicularly irradiated with a micropulse diode laser. Nonirradiated cells served as controls. Sublethal laser energy was applied to form a photocoagulation-like area in the cultured cell layers. Hsp70 expression was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. Results. Photocoagulation-like areas were successfully created in cultured ARPE-19 cell layers using sublethal laser energy with our laser irradiation system. Hsp70 mRNA expression in cell layers was induced within 30 min of laser irradiation, peaking at 3 h after irradiation. This increase was dependent on the number of laser pulses. Hsp70 upregulation was not observed in untreated cell layers. Immunostaining indicated that Hsp70 expression occurred concentrically around laser irradiation sites and persisted for 24 h following irradiation. Conclusion. Sublethal photothermal stimulation with a micropulse laser may facilitate Hsp70 expression in the RPE without inducing cellular damage

CC chemokine receptor 4 modulates Toll-like receptor 9-mediated innate immunity and signaling

The present study addressed the modulatory role of CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) in Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9-mediated innate immunity and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that CCR4-deficient mice were resistant to both septic peritonitis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and CpG DNA/D-galactosamine-induced shock. In bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMφ) from CLP-treated CCR4-deficient mice, TLR9-mediated pathways of MAPK/AP-1, PI3K/Akt, and IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB were impaired compared to wild-type (WT) cells. While TLR9 expression was not altered, the intensity of internalized CpG DNA was increased in CCR4-deficient macrophages when compared to WT macrophages. Pharmacological inhibitor studies revealed that impaired activation of JNK, PI3K/Akt, and/or IKK/NF-κB could be responsible for decreased proinflammatory cytokine expression in CCR4-deficient macrophages. Interestingly, the CCR4-deficient BMMφ exhibited an alternatively activated (M2) phenotype and the impaired TLR9-mediated signal transduction responses in CCR4-deficient cells were similar to the signaling responses observed in WT BMMφ skewed to an alternatively activated phenotype. These results indicate that macrophages deficient in CCR4 impart a regulatory influence on TLR9-mediated innate immunity.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/60468/1/2290_ftp.pd

Piezo1-pannexin-1-P2X3 axis in odontoblasts and neurons mediates sensory transduction in dentinal sensitivity

According to the “hydrodynamic theory,” dentinal pain or sensitivity is caused by dentinal fluid movement following the application of various stimuli to the dentin surface. Recent convergent evidence in Vitro has shown that plasma membrane deformation, mimicking dentinal fluid movement, activates mechanosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP)/Piezo channels in odontoblasts, with the Ca2+ signal eliciting the release of ATP from pannexin-1 (PANX-1). The released ATP activates the P2X3 receptor, which generates and propagates action potentials in the intradental Aδ afferent neurons. Thus, odontoblasts act as sensory receptor cells, and odontoblast-neuron signal communication established by the TRP/Piezo channel-PANX-1-P2X3 receptor complex may describe the mechanism of the sensory transduction sequence for dentinal sensitivity. To determine whether odontoblast-neuron communication and odontoblasts acting as sensory receptors are essential for generating dentinal pain, we evaluated nociceptive scores by analyzing behaviors evoked by dentinal sensitivity in conscious Wistar rats and Cre-mediated transgenic mouse models. In the dentin-exposed group, treatment with a bonding agent on the dentin surface, as well as systemic administration of A-317491 (P2X3 receptor antagonist), mefloquine and 10PANX (non-selective and selective PANX-1 antagonists), GsMTx-4 (selective Piezo1 channel antagonist), and HC-030031 (selective TRPA1 channel antagonist), but not HC-070 (selective TRPC5 channel antagonist), significantly reduced nociceptive scores following cold water (0.1 ml) stimulation of the exposed dentin surface of the incisors compared to the scores of rats without local or systemic treatment. When we applied cold water stimulation to the exposed dentin surface of the lower first molar, nociceptive scores in the rats with systemic administration of A-317491, 10PANX, and GsMTx-4 were significantly reduced compared to those in the rats without systemic treatment. Dentin-exposed mice, with somatic odontoblast-specific depletion, also showed significant reduction in the nociceptive scores compared to those of Cre-mediated transgenic mice, which did not show any type of cell deletion, including odontoblasts. In the odontoblast-eliminated mice, P2X3 receptor-positive A-neurons were morphologically intact. These results indicate that neurotransmission between odontoblasts and neurons mediated by the Piezo1/TRPA1-pannexin-1-P2X3 receptor axis is necessary for the development of dentinal pain. In addition, odontoblasts are necessary for sensory transduction to generate dentinal sensitivity as mechanosensory receptor cells

Cyclin D1,p16,and p21 gene product expression as a predictor for prognosis in tongue cancer

第６回アジア口腔顎顔面外科学会/第４９回日本口腔外科学会総

Kissing molars class III detected at a young age

Abstract Background Kissing molars (KMs) is defined as a state in which the apex of two impacted molars face opposite directions and the occlusal surfaces touch each other and the crown is in one follicle. Class III KMs have been reported previously; however, reports on class III KMs in young people (< 18 years of age) are limited. Case presentation Here, we present the case of KMs class III confirmed at an early age, supported by a review of the literature. The patient was a 16-year-old female and experienced discomfort in the left molar of the lower jaw and visited in our department. We diagnosed KMs based on an impacted teeth on the buccal side, near the lower jaw wisdom teeth, and a cyst-like low-density area observed around the crown of both teeth, as revealed by computed tomography. We decide to extract the tooth and enucleate the cyst under local anesthesia as the patient experienced discomfort due to occlusion. Furthermore, the cyst-like structure removal and tooth extraction including tooth root were necessary as the patient had KM class III, possibly inducing complicated malocclusion. Although no previous reports recommended timing for KMs tooth extraction, we propose that extraction at an early stage is important regardless of age especially in class III cases. Conclusions We report a case of KM class III detected at an early age