[A Case of Encapsulated Peritoneal Sclerosis Associated with a Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt].

We experienced a case of encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis(EPS)that developed as a result of peritoneal deterioration induced by ventriculo-peritoneal(VP)shunting. The patient was a 48-year-old man who underwent VP shunting five times since 1 month of age. Six months after the last operation, abdominal symptoms developed and the patient was hospitalized.

Bifidobacterium infantis suppresses proinflammatory interleukin-17 production in murine splenocytes and dextran sodium sulfate-induced intestinal inflammation.

Interleukin (IL)-17 acts as a potent inflammatory cytokine, and IL-17-producing cells (Th17 cells) have received much attention. However, the involvement of commensal and/or probiotic bacteria in IL-17 production has not been evaluated. In this study, we examined the suppressive effects of five bacteria species on IL-17 production in vitro and ex vivo.

Effects of Citrus unshiu powder on the cytokine balance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis to pollen.

We evaluated the effects of a 50% methanol extract of Citrus unshiu powder (MEC) on cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis to cedar pollen. The levels of cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, and GM-CSF, produced by pollen-stimulated PBMC were measured. We found that MEC suppressed pollen-induced TNF-alpha release and increased IFN-gamma release from PBMCs.

Enhanced vertical alveolar bone augmentation by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 with a carrier in rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on vertical bone regeneration of edentulous ridge. Bilateral upper first and second molars of 8-week-old Wistar rats were extracted and the ridges were allowed to heal for 3 weeks. Compressed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer/gelatin sponge (PGS) was used as a carrier of rhBMP-2.

Effect of adhesive primer developed exclusively for heat-curing resin on adhesive strength between plastic artificial tooth and acrylic denture base resin.

Despite progress in the development of denture base resin and artificial tooth materials, dental clinics are still plagued with artificial teeth falling off the denture base--due to poor bond strength--after denture delivery. Against this background, this study sought to examine the effect and durability of an adhesive primer developed exclusively for heat-curing resin on the adhesive strength of heat-curing denture base acrylic resin to plastic artificial tooth. Test specimens were divided into four groups according to the treatment method of the artificial tooth's test bonding surface: air abrasion, adhesive primer application, adhesive primer application after air abrasion, and pretreatment only (control).