Localization of SUMOylation factors and Osterix in odontoblast lineage cells during dentin formation and regeneration.

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) conjugation (SUMOylation) is a post-translational modification involved in various cellular processes including the regulation of transcription factors. In this study, to analyze the involvement of SUMOylation in odontoblast differentiation, we examined the immunohistochemical localization of SUMO-1, SUMO-2/3, and Osterix during rat tooth development. At the bud and cap stages, localization of SUMOs and Osterix was hardly detected in the dental mesenchyme.

Root canal system of the maxillary canine.

To better assess the efficacy of mechanical preparation of root canals, transparent specimens of 250 extracted maxillary canines were investigated for canal configuration, thickness and curvature of the root canal, condition of any accessory canals, and location of the apical foramen. Fewer than 40% of the specimens showed accessory canals that were mechanically impossible to clean. The majority of the lateral branches were small, greater than a #15 file, and none of the branches were larger than a #20 file.

Construction of database for three-dimensional human tooth models and its ability for education and research--Carious tooth models -.

To construct a human teeth database which is freely available to researchers and students, three-dimensional human tooth models were generated in a previous study, by means of micro-CT, from 35 human teeth extracted during orthodontic treatment. In this study, X-ray images of 55 extracted human teeth were acquired using three-dimensional micro-CT at a resolution of 50x50x50 microm, and then visualized using a numerical data visualization software. These carious tooth models provided insight into the morphology and progression of carious defects as well as a rare insight into the morphology of carious tooth pulp, therefore rendering them as a useful tool and efficient method for dental students' learning.

Alveolar bone regeneration of subcutaneously transplanted rat molar.

Regeneration of alveolar bone is essential for periodontal treatment. Recently, cell replacement therapy has been focused on periodontal disease, but the source of the cells that regenerate alveolar bone is still uncertain. Therefore, to clarify the source of these bone-regenerating cells, we transplanted GFP-transgenic rat molars into the subcutaneous tissues of wild-type rats.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome patients with overweight and hypertension in a Japanese workplace.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and overweight combined with hypertension and to examine whether OSAHS in conjunction with overweight and hypertension is associated with daytime sleepiness. In a Japanese workplace of 28,636 employees, 368 men (19-62 yr old), who were anxious regarding their OSAHS symptoms, underwent home pulse oximetry. Of these, 153 men subsequently underwent all-night polysomnography (PSG), and OSAHS was diagnosed in 149.

Immunohistochemical localization of alpha-Smooth muscle actin during rat molar tooth development.

The dental follicle contains mesenchymal cells that differentiate into osteoblasts, cementoblasts, and fibroblasts. However, the characteristics of these mesenchymal cells are still unknown. alpha-Smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) is known to localize in stem cells and precursor cells of various tissues.

A child with simple ulcer of the colon effectively treated with the combination of prednisolone, azathioprine, and pentoxifylline.

A rare case of simple ulcer of the colon in a 7-year-old girl is reported. Simple ulcer is clinically and pathologically recognized as a serious disease linked to intestinal Behcet's disease. Recently, some immunomodulators, such as thalidomide and antitumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody, have been used to treat Behcet's disease, with varying degrees of success.