Dectin-2 Deficiency Promotes Proinflammatory Cytokine Release From Macrophages and Impairs Insulin Secretion.

Pancreatic islet inflammation plays a crucial role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Macrophages residing in pancreatic islets have emerged as key players in islet inflammation. Macrophages express a plethora of innate immune receptors that bind to environmental and metabolic cues and integrate these signals to trigger an inflammatory response that contributes to the development of islet inflammation.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of mitochondrial fission factor.

Aims/hypothesis: Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles continuously undergoing fission and fusion, referred to as mitochondrial dynamics, to adapt to nutritional demands. Evidence suggests that impaired mitochondrial dynamics leads to metabolic abnormalities such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) phenotypes. However, how mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the development of NASH is poorly understood.

Rab8a is involved in membrane trafficking of Kir6.2 in the MIN6 insulinoma cell line.

Although ATP-sensitive K (K) channels play an important role in the secretion of insulin by pancreatic beta cells, the mechanisms that regulate the intracellular transport of K channel subunit proteins (i.e., Kir6.

Effects of 4,9-anhydrotetrodotoxin on voltage-gated Na channels of mouse vas deferens myocytes and recombinant Na1.6 channels.

Molecular investigations were performed in order to determine the major characteristics of voltage-gated Na channel β-subunits in mouse vas deferens. The use of real-time quantitative PCR showed that the expression of Scn1b was significantly higher than that of other β-subunit genes (Scn2b - Scn4b). Immunoreactivity of Scn1b proteins was also detected in the inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle of mouse vas deferens.

ZD0947, a sulphonylurea receptor modulator, detects functional sulphonylurea receptor subunits in murine vascular smooth muscle ATP-sensitive K channels.

In order to identify functional sulphonylurea receptor (SUR.x) subunits of native ATP-sensitive K channels (K channels) in mouse portal vein, the effects of ZD0947, a SUR.x modulator, were investigated on spontaneous portal vein contractions, macroscopic membrane currents and unitary currents recorded (using patch-clamp techniques) in freshly dispersed mouse portal vein myocytes.

A Retroperitoneal Isolated Enteric Duplication Cyst Mimicking a Teratoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Enteric duplication cysts lacking anatomic association with the gastrointestinal tract are called isolated enteric duplication cysts (IEDCs). We present an atypical case of a retroperitoneal IEDC with a tortuous tubular complex shape that enfolded the surrounding retroperitoneal fat and mimicked a retroperitoneal teratoma. Multiplanar reconstruction images should be used to evaluate such a lesion correctly.

Occlusal status of implant superstructures at mandibular first molar immediately after setting.

Background: Occlusal contact on the implant superstructures is important for successful treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occlusal contact of single implant superstructures at the mandibular first molar immediately after seating from weak to strong clenching.

Methods: Subjects were nine patients who had just been fitted with an implant prosthesis in the mandibular first molar region, with no missing teeth other than in the implant region.

Influence of occlusal loading force on occlusal contacts in natural dentition.

Purpose: Proper occlusal contact is important for the long-term success of prosthodontic therapy. We clarified the effects of occlusal loading force on occlusal contact in natural dentition by comparing measured values for occlusal loading and occlusal contact area.

Methods: Masseter muscle activity was measured in 10 subjects (2 male, 8 female; mean age, 27 years) with natural dentition using electromyography, with clenching at full strength with nothing interposed between the upper and lower teeth defined as 100% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC).

[New estimation method for displacement characteristic of teeth with occlusal force records].

Objectives: To establish adequate occlusion for prostheses, evaluation of degree of displacement of teeth and implant is essential. However, it cannot be attained without complex equipment, which limits clinical application. To develop a new estimation method for displacement characteristic of teeth and implant by both occlusal force of individual teeth and existing data on degree of displacement, the relationship between increase of total occlusal force and occlusal force of individual teeth was evaluated.