Treatment of infected root canals with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin

This review paper describes the various applications of 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methyl methacrylate-tri-n-butyl borane (4-META/MMA-TBB) and reviews research studies on the treatment of infected root canals using 4-META/MMA-TBB resin. 4-META/MMA-TBB resin exhibits good biocompatibility, polymerisation, and adhesiveness to dentine. As a result, it has improved the previously low success rates of root-end sealing, root canal filling, and perforation sealing in difficult cases. Root-end sealing of resected surfaces using 4-META/MMA-TBB during apicoectomy and intentional replantation prevents leakage from root canal and root resorption. 4-META/MMA-TBB can offer sealing for root canals with opened root apex in which pressure could not be applied during root canal filling. In this paper we will discuss clinical cases related to the application of this resin and the benefits of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin

Bone-Orchestrating Cells, Osteocytes

Osteocytes build up functional syncytia, i.e., the osteocytic lacunar-canalicular system（OLCS）. The osteocytes are interconnected through gap junctions between their cytoplasmic processes, which pass through narrow passageways referred to as osteocytic canaliculi. There are two possible ways, in which molecules can be transported throughout the OLCS: via the cytoplasmic processes and their gap junctions, and via the pericellular space in the osteocytic canaliculi. Transport of minerals and small molecules through a spatially well-organized OLCS appears to be pivotal for bone mineral homeostasis and bone remodeling control. Recently, osteocyte-derived molecules -- sclerostin, dentin matrix protein-1, fibroblast growth factor 23（FGF23）-- have been put in evidence as they may be related to osteocytic functions such as regulation of bone remodeling and so forth. Osteocytes were shown to regulate phosphorus serum levels and osteoblastic activity through the expression of FGF23 and sclerostin. In our observations, FGF23 and sclerostin synthesis seemed to be associated with the spatial regularity of the OLCS: both proteins were consistently expressed by osteocytes in epiphyses and cortical bones showing regularly arranged OLCS. In contrast, mice bearing high bone turnover, e.g., osteoprotegerin deficient mice, revealed markedly-diminished sclerostin. This review will introduce our recent studies on the regularity of OLCS and the osteocytic function

G-CSF influences mouse skeletal muscle development and regeneration by stimulating myoblast proliferation

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and its receptor are needed for skeletal muscle development and injury-induced regeneration in mice