Cell differentiation and development

The development of organoid techniques for regenerative therapy has progressed remarkably with the use of tissue-derived stem cells and pluripotent stem cells based on stem cell biology and tissue engineering technology. To realize whole-organ replacement therapy as next-generation regenerative medicine, it is expected that fully functional bioengineered organs can be reconstructed using an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) bioengineered organ germ and organoids by stem cell manipulation and self-organization. In this mini-review, we focused on substantial advances of 3D bioengineering technologies for the regeneration of complex oral organs with the reconstruction of 3D bioengineered organ germ using organ-inductive potential embryo-derived epithelial and mesenchymal cells. These bioengineering technologies have the potential for realization of future organ replacement therapy

Risk Factors for Tooth Loss in Patients with ≥25 Remaining Teeth Undergoing Mid-Long-Term Maintenance : A Retrospective Study

Tooth loss represents a diffused pathologic condition affecting the worldwide population. Risk factors have been identified in both general features (smoking, diabetes, economic status) and local tooth-related factors (caries, periodontitis). In this retrospective study, we examined the data of 366 patients with a large number of remaining teeth (≥25) undergoing maintenance therapy in order to identify specific risk factors for tooth loss. The number of remaining teeth, number of non-vital teeth, and number of occlusal units were investigated for their correlation with tooth loss. The mean follow-up of patients was 9.2 years (range 5 to 14). Statistically significant risk factors for tooth loss were identified as number of remaining teeth at baseline (p = 0.05), number of occlusal units (p = 0.03), and number of non-vital teeth in posterior regions (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that the number of occlusal units and number of non-vital teeth in the posterior regions were significantly associated with a greater risk of tooth loss (odds ratio 1.88 and 3.17, respectively). These results confirm that not only the number of remaining teeth, but also their vital or non-vital status and the distribution between the anterior and posterior regions influence the long-term survival

中長期的なメンテナンスを受けている患者の歯の喪失の危険因子 : 後ろ向き研究

In this retrospective study, we identified risk factors for tooth loss in patients undergoing mid–long-term maintenance therapy. We surveyed 674 maintenance patients for ≥5 years after active treatment who visited a dental clinic between January 2015 and December 2016. Of these, 265 were men (mean age 54.6 ± 8.0 years old) and 409 were women (mean age 54.0 ± 7.9 years old). Study variables included patient compliance, sex, number of teeth lost, cause of tooth loss (dental caries, periodontal disease, root fracture, others, vital or non-vital teeth), age at start of maintenance, number of remaining teeth at start of maintenance, smoking, use of salivary secretion inhibitors, presence of diabetes mellitus, condition of periodontal bone loss, and use of a removable denture. Most lost teeth were non-vital teeth (91.7% of all cases) and the most common cause of tooth loss was tooth fracture (62.1% of all cases). A statistically significant risk factors for tooth loss was number of remaining teeth at the start of maintenance (p = 0.003)

Role of CGRP in Neuroimmune Interaction via NF-κB Signaling Genes in Glial Cells of Trigeminal Ganglia

Activation of the trigeminal system causes the release of various neuropeptides, cytokines, and other immune mediators. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is a potent algogenic mediator, is expressed in the peripheral sensory neurons of trigeminal ganglion (TG). It affects the inflammatory responses and pain sensitivity by modulating the activity of glial cells. The primary aim of this study was to use array analysis to investigate the effect of CGRP on the glial cells of TG in regulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling genes and to further check if CGRP in the TG can affect neuron-glia activation in the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis. The glial cells of TG were stimulated with CGRP or Minocycline (Min) + CGRP. The effect on various genes involved in NF-κB signaling pathway was analyzed compared to no treatment control condition using a PCR array analysis. CGRP, Min + CGRP or saline was directly injected inside the TG and the effect on gene expression of Egr1, Myd88 and Akt1 and protein expression of cleaved Caspase3 (cleav Casp3) in the TG, and c-Fos and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the spinal section containing trigeminal nucleus caudalis was analyzed. Results showed that CGRP stimulation resulted in the modulation of several genes involved in the interleukin 1 signaling pathway and some genes of the tumor necrosis factor pathway. Minocycline pre-treatment resulted in the modulation of several genes in the glial cells, including anti-inflammatory genes, and neuronal activation markers. A mild increase in cleav Casp3 expression in TG and c-Fos and GFAP in the spinal trigeminal nucleus of CGRP injected animals was observed. These data provide evidence that glial cells can participate in neuroimmune interaction due to CGRP in the TG via NF-κB signaling pathway

Egg eating in snake

16 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.Includes bibliographical references (p. 15-16)."This paper describes the habits and vertebral modifications for egg crushing of a species of Elaphe specialized for the eating of eggs. It is pointed out that considerable variation exists among the three specimens examined, and thus a final decision as to the cause and significance of this variation is precluded at the present time by lack of material, but a number of hypotheses are offered to explain the evolutionary significance of the vertebral modification. There are possible taxonomic implications in view of the development of similar specialization among related forms and their bearing on the status of the snakes (Dasypeltinae), now placed in a separate subfamily largely because of similar but more extreme adaptive specialization. It may be of interest to note here that preliminary investigations of the senior author show that similar specialization exists in Elaphe carinata, E. dione, and E. schrencki anomala, among Chinese species of Elaphe examined thus far. In E. carinata modification of the hypapophyses has progressed to the point of penetration of the esophagus"--P. 14-15

The role of chemical transmitters in neuron-glia interaction and pain in sensory ganglion

Neuropathic pain (NP) develops because of damage to the peripheral or central nervous system. It results in the hyperalgesia and allodynia. In the recent years, various researchers have studied the involvement of neuro-immune system in causing persistence of pain. The absence of synaptic contacts in the sensory ganglion makes them distinctive in terms of pain related signalling. In sensory ganglia, the neurotransmitters or the other modulators such as inflammatory substances produced by the ganglion cells, because of an injury, are responsible for the cross-excitation between neurons and neuron-glial interaction, thus affecting chemical transmission. This chemical transmission is considered mainly responsible for the chronicity and the persistent nature of neuropathic pain. This review examines the pain signalling due to neurotransmitter or cytokine release within the sensory ganglia. The specific areas focused on include: 1) the role of neurotransmitters released from the somata of sensory neurons in pain , 2) neuron-glia interaction and 3) role of cytokines in neuromodulation and pain

Identification of microRNA Signatures in Peripheral Blood of Young Women as Potential Biomarkers for Metal Allergy

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a short (19–24 nucleotide) endogenous non-protein RNA that exists in the body and controls the translation process from genes to proteins. It has become useful as a diagnostic tool and a potential treatment target in cancer research. To explore the function of miRNA in contact dermatitis, female participants with a positive metal allergy diagnosis (n = 3) were enrolled along with additional female participants with no medical history of metal allergy (n = 3). A patch test was performed on each participant. Peripheral blood was collected from all the participants before the patch test and at days 3 and 7 after starting the patch test. After total RNA was obtained from peripheral blood leukocytes and cDNA was generated, microarray analysis was performed to analyze the large-scale circulating miRNA profile. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was then used to clarify the overall target miRNA expression. Downregulation of hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-23b-3p, hsa-miR-26b-5p, and hsa-miR-150-5p was found on day 7. Certain miRNAs were confirmed using RT-PCR. These peripheral blood miRNAs could be diagnostic biomarkers for metal allergies

Analgesic Effect of Tranilast in an Animal Model of Neuropathic Pain and Its Role in the Regulation of Tetrahydrobiopterin Synthesis

Trigeminal neuralgia is unilateral, lancinating, episodic pain that can be provoked by routine activities. Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, are the drugs of choice; however, these possess side-effects. Microvascular decompression is the most effective surgical technique with a higher success rate, although occasionally causes adverse effects. The potential treatment for this type of pain remains unmet. Increased tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels have been reported in association with axonal injury. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tranilast on relieving neuropathic pain in animal models and analyze the changes in BH4 synthesis. Neuropathic pain was induced via infraorbital nerve constriction. Tranilast, carbamazepine, or saline was injected intraperitoneally to assess the rat’s post-intervention pain response. In the von Frey’s test, the tranilast and carbamazepine groups showed significant changes in the head withdrawal threshold in the ipsilateral whisker pad area. The motor coordination test showed no changes in the tranilast group, whereas the carbamazepine group showed decreased performance, indicating impaired motor coordination. Trigeminal ganglion tissues were used for the PCR array analysis of genes that regulate the BH4 pathway. Downregulation of the sepiapterin reductase (Spr) and aldoketo reductase (Akr) genes after tranilast injection was observed compared to the pain model. These findings suggest that tranilast effectively treats neuropathic pain