The origin of lumbar subcutaneous edema: two case reports.

Since magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used to evaluate complaints of low back pain, there have been many reports of lumbar subcutaneous edema (LSE). However, the mechanism underlying its development is unknown. We herein report 2 cases that showed the reduction of LSE.

Effects of Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) Laser Irradiation on Bone Metabolism During Tooth Movement.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of low-level neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation on orthodontic tooth movement and histological examination.

Methods: Eleven male Wistar rats (aged 10 weeks) were included. To produce experimental tooth movement in rats, 10 g force was applied to maxillary first molars with nickel titanium closed coil springs.

Cranial bone regeneration after cranioplasty using cryopreserved autogenous bone by a programmed freezer with a magnetic field in rats.

The purpose of this study was to develop a bone tissue bank using a programmed freezer with a magnetic field. Parietal bones were removed from rats and used for organ culture examination (non-cryopreserved, cryopreserved with a magnetic field (CAS) and cryopreserved without a magnetic field group). Next, other parietal bones were used for histological examination.

Role of articular disc in condylar regeneration of the mandible.

The articular disc in the temporomandibular joint plays an important role in mandibular growth. Functional appliances induce regeneration of the condyle even after condylectomy. The aim of this study was to examine the role of the articular disc in regeneration of the condyle after unilateral condylectomy with use of a functional appliance in growing rats.

Factors related to stability following the surgical correction of skeletal open bite.

Objectives: If a skeletal anterior open bite malocclusion is treated by orthognathic surgery directed only at the mandible, the lower jaw is repositioned upward in a counter-clockwise rotation. However, this procedure has a high risk of relapse. In the present study, the key factors associated with post-surgical stability of corrected skeletal anterior open bite malocclusions were investigated.

Effects of pulpectomy on the amount of root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

Introduction: Previous studies have revealed that orthodontic force affects dental pulp via the rupture of blood vessels and vacuolization of pulp tissues. We hypothesized that pulp tissues express inflammatory cytokines and regulators of odontoclast differentiation after excess orthodontic force. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tensile force in human pulp cells and to measure inflammatory root resorption during tooth movement in pulpless rat teeth.

Changes in the lip-line in asymmetrical cases treated with isolated mandibular surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the lip-line in asymmetrical cases treated with mandibular osteotomy alone.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan

Methods: The subjects in this study consisted of 30 patients with an altered lip-line inclination who underwent isolated mandibular osteotomy (bilateral or unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy or intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy) as part of their surgical correction.

Cryopreservation of rat MSCs by use of a programmed freezer with magnetic field.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used for the regeneration of various tissues and cryopreservation of MSCs is so important for regenerative medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influences of cryopreservation on MSCs by use of a programmed freezer with a magnetic field (CAS freezer). MSCs were isolated from bone marrow of rat femora.

Uprighting of severely impacted mandibular second molars: a case report.

Introduction: The incidence of mandibular first and second molar impaction is increasing but still recorded as rare. Treatment methods involving uprighting, extraction, or autologous tooth transplantation have been described.

Aim: The present study describes the uprighting of 3 impacted mandibular second molars presenting with eruptive disorders.

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor-C and -D on osteoclast differentiation and function in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the interaction of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs)-C and -D with cell surface foetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1) and fms-like tyrosine kinase-4 (Flt-4) receptors in the induction and activity of osteoclasts in cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Design: PBMCs were cultured on chamber slides or on ivory discs for 2 or 3 weeks in the presence of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), VEGF-A, -C or -D, or placental growth factor (PlGF) with or without receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). The number of osteoclasts in each group was counted and the area of ivory resorption was measured.

Gummy smile and facial profile correction using miniscrew anchorage.

This case report describes the treatment of a case involving a skeletal Class II facial profile with a gummy smile. While treating a facial profile and a gummy smile, the outcome may not always be successful with orthodontic therapy alone. For this reason, surgical therapy is often chosen to gain an esthetic facial profile and a good smile.

In-vitro and in-vivo study of periodontal ligament cryopreserved with a magnetic field.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a new cryopreservation method with a magnetic field on periodontal regeneration in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: Human periodontal ligament cells were frozen in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide by using a programmed freezer with a magnetic field. Cells were cryopreserved for 3 days at -150°C.

Age-related production of osteoclasts and the changes of serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and receptor activator for nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL) in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice.

Objective: Expression of osteoclasts in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice is substantially reduced by the absence of functional macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). However, it has been reported that osteoclasts do gradually appear in the bones of op/op mice and spontaneously correct the osteopetrosis.

Design: Age-related production of osteoclasts and the changes of serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and receptor activator for nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL) in op/op mice were examined.

Treatment of a case of skeletal class II malocclusion with temporomandibular joint disorder using miniscrew anchorage.

At the present time, there are no reports in the literature on the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) by intrusion of molars using mini-screws. This case report describes the treatment for a female patient, aged 19 years seven months, with a TMD and an excessive lower anterior facial height. Overjet and overbite were +5.

Changes in cortical bone mineralization in the mouse mandible with regenerated condyle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of condylectomy and of a functional appliance on the mineral content, density, and area of the mandibular cortical bone in a growing mouse model. In the condylectomy group, a unilateral condylectomy was performed on the right side of the mouse mandible. In the condylectomy + appliance group, a functional appliance was used to reposition the mandible after the unilateral condylectomy.

Mesenchymal stem cell-induced cranial suture-like gap in rats.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells are used in the reconstruction of many organs and tissues. However, there are no data regarding cranial suture regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells. Because cranial sutures are important for cranial bone growth, the authors examined whether mesenchymal stem cells could aid with suture reformation in adolescent rats.

Expression of Sox 9 and type II and X collagens in regenerated condyle.

The present study was designed to examine the expression of Sox 9 and type II and X collagens in regenerated condyle resulting from the use of a functional appliance. Ninety, 3-week-old, mice were divided equally into the following groups: two experimental groups (condylectomy group and condylectomy with functional appliance group) and the corresponding control group. In the condylectomy group, a unilateral condylectomy was performed on the right side.

A newly developed snack effective for enhancing bone volume.

Background: The incidence of primary osteoporosis is higher in Japan than in USA and European countries. Recently, the importance of preventive medicine has been gradually recognized in the field of orthopaedic surgery with a concept that peak bone mass should be increased in childhood as much as possible for the prevention of osteoporosis. Under such background, we have developed a new bean snack with an aim to improve bone volume loss.

Inhibitory effects of constituents of Morinda citrifolia seeds on elastase and tyrosinase.

A 50% ethanolic extract (MCS-ext) from seeds of Morinda citrifolia ("noni" seeds) showed more potent in vitro inhibition of elastase and tyrosinase, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than extracts of M. citrifolia leaves or flesh. Activity-guided fractionation of MCS-ext using in vitro assays led to the isolation of ursolic acid as an active constituent of elastase inhibitory activity.

Fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt)-4 signaling participates in osteoclast differentiation in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces osteoclast differentiation as well as neovascularization by binding to the fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt)-1 and fetal liver kinase (Flk)-1 receptors. The Flt-4 receptor also plays an important role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of Flt-4 in the signaling pathway of osteoclast differentiation.

Supraposition of unopposed molars in young and adult rats.

Objective: Previous clinical studies indicate that the overeruption of unopposed teeth may be different between young and adult individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the position of the unopposed molar, in young and adult rats.

Methods: In young (4-week old) and adult (26-week old) rats, the right maxillary molar crowns were reduced occlusally by grinding.

VEGF and M-CSF levels in periodontal tissue during tooth movement.

It has been reported that both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and macrophage colonystimulating factor (M-CSF) can induce osteoclast recruitment. Thus, VEGF and M-CSF are considered to be closely involved in the bone remodeling process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in VEGF and M-CSF expression during orthodontic treatment.

Comparative evaluation of 12 immature citrus fruit extracts for the inhibition of cytochrome P450 isoform activities.

In a previous study we found that 50% ethanol extracts of immature fruits of Citrus unshiu (satsuma mandarin) have anti-allergic effects against the Type I, II and IV allergic reactions. However, many adverse interactions between citrus fruit, especially grapefruit juice, and drugs have been reported due to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the competitive inhibitory effects of extracts from immature citrus fruit on CYP activity.

Anti-allergic effect of a combination of Citrus unshiu unripe fruits extract and prednisolone on picryl chloride-induced contact dermatitis in mice.

Effect of 50% ethanolic extract of unripe fruits of Citrus unshiu (CU-ext) on type IV allergic reaction was examined by inhibitory activity of ear swelling of picryl chloride-induced contact dermatitis (PC-CD) in mice. Oral administration of CU-ext and subcutaneous administration of prednisolone showed inhibition of ear swelling during both induction and effector phases of PC-CD. The inhibitory activities of combinations of CU-ext (p.

Influences of reduced masticatory sensory input from soft-diet feeding upon spatial memory/learning ability in mice.

It has been reported that reduction of masticatory afferent stimulation might influence learning and memory function. In order to clarify the influences of reduced masticatory sensory input on spatial memory/learning ability and neuropathological changes, we conducted the Morris water maze experiment and investigated the number of hippocampal neurons in association with the differences in masticatory afferent stimuli from hard- and soft-diet feeding in mice. The water maze experiment showed no significant difference in learning ability between 180-day-old solid- and powderdiet groups.