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The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of habitual exercise on urinary liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP), which can reflect the degree of various stresses on renal proximal tubule related to the progression of renal disease, in middle‐aged and older adults. Cross‐sectional and interventional approaches were used to comprehensively achieve this purpose. In the cross‐sectional study, we investigated the relationship between physical activity levels and urinary L‐FABP levels in 130 middle‐aged and older adults. In the interventional study, subjects (n=31) were divided into two groups: exercise (n=19) and control group (n=12), whereby we examined the effects of 12‐week aerobic exercise training on urinary L‐FABP levels. The cross‐sectional study showed that the urinary L‐FABP levels were significantly lower in the higher physical activity group than in the lower physical activity group (P<.05). In the interventional study, 12‐week aerobic exercise training significantly decreased urinary L‐FABP levels (P<.01). Furthermore, the relative changes in urinary L‐FABP levels were significantly correlated with the relative changes in physical activity levels and mean arterial pressure after intervention (r=−.374 and r=.530, respectively). Our results revealed that the urinary L‐FABP levels were lower in the higher physical activity individuals, and aerobic exercise training decreased urinary L‐FABP levels. These results suggest that habitual exercise appears to be associated with a decrease in the degree of several stresses on renal proximal tubule and to be beneficial for kidney health in middle‐aged and older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Nanoparticle bioceramics are being investigated for biomedical applications. We fabricated a regenerative scaffold comprising type I collagen and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β- TCP) nanoparticles. Fibroblast growth factor-2 ( FGF-2) is a bioeffective signaling molecule that stimulates cell proliferation and wound healing. This study examined the effects, on bioactivity, of a nano-β- TCP/collagen scaffold loaded with FGF-2, particularly on periodontal tissue wound healing. Material and Methods Beta-tricalcium phosphate was pulverized into nanosize particles (84 nm) and was then dispersed. A nano-β- TCP scaffold was prepared by coating the surface of a collagen scaffold with a nanosize β- TCP dispersion. Scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, compressive testing, cell seeding and rat subcutaneous implant testing. Then, nano-β- TCP scaffold, nano-β- TCP scaffold loaded with FGF-2 and noncoated collagen scaffold were implanted into a dog one-wall infrabony defect model. Histological observations were made at 10 d and 4 wk postsurgery. Results Scanning electron microscopy images show that TCP nanoparticles were attached to collagen fibers. The nano-β- TCP scaffold showed higher compressive strength and cytocompatibility compared with the noncoated collagen scaffold. Rat subcutaneous implant tests showed that the DNA contents of infiltrating cells in the nano-β- TCP scaffold and the FGF-2-loaded scaffold were approximately 2.8-fold and 3.7-fold greater, respectively, than in the collagen scaffold. Histological samples from the periodontal defect model showed about five-fold greater periodontal tissue repair following implantation of the nano-β- TCP scaffold loaded with FGF-2 compared with the collagen scaffold. Conclusion The β- TCP nanoparticle coating strongly improved the collagen scaffold bioactivity. Nano-β- TCP scaffolds containing FGF-2 are anticipated for use in periodontal tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective A diagnosis of periodontitis progression is presently limited to clinical parameters such as attachment loss and radiographic imaging. The aim of this multicenter study was to monitor disease progression in patients with chronic periodontitis during a 24-mo follow-up program and to evaluate the amount of bacteria in saliva and corresponding IgG titers in serum for determining the diagnostic usefulness of each in indicating disease progression and stability. Material and Methods A total of 163 patients with chronic periodontitis who received trimonthly follow-up care were observed for 24 mo. The clinical parameters and salivary content of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were assessed using the modified Invader PLUS assay, and the corresponding serum IgG titers were measured using ELISA. The changes through 24 mo were analyzed using cut-off values calculated for each factor. One-way ANOVA or Fisher's exact test was used to perform between-group comparison for the data collected. Diagnostic values were calculated using Fisher's exact test. Results Of the 124 individuals who completed the 24-mo monitoring phase, 62 exhibited periodontitis progression, whereas 62 demonstrated stable disease. Seven patients withdrew because of acute periodontal abscess. The ratio of P. gingivalis to total bacteria and the combination of P. gingivalis counts and IgG titers against P. gingivalis were significantly related to the progression of periodontitis. The combination of P. gingivalis ratio and P. gingivalis IgG titers was significantly associated with the progression of periodontitis ( p = 0.001, sensitivity = 0.339, specificity = 0.790). Conclusions It is suggested that the combination of P. gingivalis ratio in saliva and serum IgG titers against P. gingivalis may be associated with the progression of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β- TCP), a bio-absorbable ceramic, facilitates bone conductivity. We constructed a highly porous three-dimensional scaffold, using β- TCP, for bone tissue engineering and coated it with co-poly lactic acid/glycolic acid ( PLGA) to improve the mechanical strength and biological performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of implantation of the PLGA/β- TCP scaffold loaded with fibroblast growth factor-2 ( FGF-2) on bone augmentation. Material and Methods The β- TCP scaffold was fabricated by the replica method using polyurethane foam, then coated with PLGA. The PLGA/β- TCP scaffold was characterized by scanning electron miscroscopy ( SEM), transmission electron microscopy ( TEM), X-ray diffraction, compressive testing, cell culture and a subcutaneous implant test. Subsequently, a bone-forming test was performed using 52 rats. The β- TCP scaffold, PLGA-coated scaffold, and β- TCP and PLGA-coated scaffolds loaded with FGF-2, were implanted into rat cranial bone. Histological observations were made at 10 and 35 d postsurgery. Results SEM and TEM observations showed a thin PLGA layer on the β- TCP particles after coating. High porosity (> 90%) of the scaffold was exhibited after PLGA coating, and the compressive strength of the PLGA/β- TCP scaffold was six-fold greater than that of the noncoated scaffold. Good biocompatibility of the PLGA/β- TCP scaffold was found in the culture and implant tests. Histological samples obtained following implantation of PLGA/β- TCP scaffold loaded with FGF-2 showed significant bone augmentation. Conclusion The PLGA coating improved the mechanical strength of β- TCP scaffolds while maintaining high porosity and tissue compatibility. PLGA/β- TCP scaffolds, in combination with FGF-2, are bioeffective for bone augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kosen Y, Miyaji H, Kato A, Sugaya T, Kawanami M. Application of collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold facilitates periodontal wound healing in class II furcation defects in beagle dogs. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 626-634. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: A three-dimensional scaffold may play an important role in periodontal tissue engineering. We prepared bio-safe collagen hydrogel, which exhibits properties similar to those of native extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of implantation of collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold on periodontal wound healing in class II furcation defects in dogs. Material and Methods: The collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold was prepared by injecting collagen hydrogel, cross-linked to the ascorbate-copper ion system, into a collagen sponge. Class II furcation defects (of 5 mm depth and 3 mm width) were surgically created in beagle dogs. The exposed root surface was planed and demineralized with EDTA. In the experimental group, the defect was filled with collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold. In the control group, no implantation was performed. Histometric parameters were evaluated 2 and 4 wk after surgery. Results: At 2 wk, the collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold displayed high biocompatibility and biodegradability with numerous cells infiltrating the scaffold. In the experimental group, reconstruction of alveolar bone and cementum was frequently observed 4 wk after surgery. Periodontal ligament tissue was also re-established between alveolar bone and cementum. Volumes of new bone, new cementum and new periodontal ligament were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, epithelial down-growth was suppressed by application of collagen hydrogel. Conclusion: The collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold possessed high tissue compatibility and degradability. Implantation of the scaffold facilitated periodontal wound healing in class II furcation defects in beagle dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabet. Med. 29, e184-e190 (2012) Abstract Aims Adding aldosterone receptor blockade to standard renoprotective treatment may provide additional renoprotection in patients with overt nephropathy. We expected an impact of spironolactone in early diabetic nephropathy, and for this hypothesis we studied the effect on markers of glomerular and tubular damage in patients with Type 1 diabetes and persistent microalbuminuria. Methods A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study in 21 patients with Type 1 diabetes and microalbuminuria using spironolactone 25 mg or placebo once daily, for 60 days added to standard antihypertensive treatment. After each treatment period, the primary endpoint were evaluated: urinary(u)-albumin excretion/24 hour(h) and secondary endpoints; 24 h blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and markers of tubular damage: urinary liver-type fatty-acid binding protein (LFABP), neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM1). Results All patients completed the study. During spironolactone treatment, urinary albumin excretion rate was reduced by 60% (range 21-80%), from 90 mg/24 h to 35 mg/24 h ( P = 0.01). Blood pressure (24 h) did not change during spironolactone treatment ( P > 0.2 for all comparisons). The GFR (SD) decreased from 78 (6) mL/min/1.73 m2 to 72 (6) mL/min/1.73 m2 ( P = 0.003). Urinary liver-type fatty-acid binding protein, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule 1 did not change during treatment ( P > 0.3 for all comparisons). Treatment was well-tolerated, but two patients had severe hyperkalaemia (plasma potassium = 5.7 mmol/l), which was sufficiently treated with diuretics and dietary intervention. Conclusions Spironolactone treatment in addition to standard renoprotective treatment lowers urinary albumin excretion in microalbuminuric patients with Type 1 diabetes, and thus may offer additional renoprotection independent of blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in the mitochondrial DNA transcriptional control region sequence was investigated in wild and hatchery-released red sea bream Pagrus major from Kagoshima Bay, where an extensive hatchery-release programme has been conducted for >30 years. The programme has successfully augmented commercial catches in the bay (released juveniles have been produced from the captive broodstock, repeatedly used over multiple generations). Samples were also obtained from outside the bay, where limited stocking has occurred. Genetic diversity indices measured as number of haplotypes, haplotype richness, haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were lower in hatchery-released fish than in wild fish. Genetic differences in wild fish from the bay, especially in the inner bay, compared with fish from outside the bay were detected in terms of decreased genetic diversity indices and changed haplotype frequencies. Unbiased population pair-wise F estimates based on an empirical Bayesian method, however, revealed low genetic differentiation between samples from the bay and its vicinity. Mixed stock identification analyses estimated the proportion of hatchery-released fish in wild populations in the inner and central bays at 39·0 and 8·7%, respectively, although the precision of the estimates was very low because of the small genetic differentiation between populations and relatively small sample sizes. Hence, the long-term extensive hatchery release programme has affected the genetic diversity of wild populations in the bay; however, the genetic effects were low and appeared to remain within the bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miyaji H, Sugaya T, Ibe K, Ishizuka R, Tokunaga K, Kawanami M. Root surface conditioning with bone morphogenetic protein-2 facilitates cementum-like tissue deposition in beagle dogs. J Periodont Res 2010; 45: 658–663. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Modification of the root surface may play an important role in regenerating the periodontal attachment between the root and periodontal connective tissue. We speculated that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) application to the root surface constructed a novel attachment by cementum-like hard tissue, although gingival connective tissue proliferated to the root surface. The aim of this study was to examine whether BMP-2 guided cementum-like tissue deposition on a BMP-conditioned root surface. Material and Methods: Root dentin on the buccal side of 24 teeth in four beagle dogs was surgically exposed. The denuded root dentin surfaces were demineralized with EDTA and washed with saline. Subsequently, 15 μL of BMP-2 solution (loading dose, 0.4 and 1.0 μg/μL) was applied to the root dentin surface. In the control roots, phosphate-buffered saline was applied to the root surface. Specimens were analyzed histologically 16 wk after surgery. Results: Formation of cementum-like tissue was frequently observed on the BMP-2-conditioned root at the coronal portion. Cellular cementum-like tissue was separated from the original cementum and encapsulated with gingival connective tissue. Cementum-like tissue formation with BMP-2 at 1.0 μg/μL was significantly greater than that in the control roots and those with BMP-2 at 0.4 μg/μL. Downgrowth of the junctional epithelium in the 1.0 μg/μL BMP-2 group was significantly less than that in the control roots. Conclusion: Root dentin surface conditioning with BMP-2 stimulated cementum-like tissue formation and inhibited epithelial downgrowth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel), is one of the most important commercially exploited fish species in the world, and juvenile production techniques have been developed for its culture and stock enhancement in Japan. However, recent juvenile production has often failed because of the occurrence of viral nervous necrosis caused by betanodaviruses. In this study, we examined the genetic variability of betanodaviruses detected in the diseased juveniles to understand the transmission of the disease in a tuna hatchery. A total of 94 nucleotide sequences of betanodavirus (partial sequence of the coat protein gene, RNA2) were obtained from fish samples by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification and 13 haplotypes were recognized among the sequences. The haplotype distributions in the viral populations from the diseased juveniles were related to the broodstocks from which the juveniles originated, suggesting that vertical transmission had occurred in the hatchery. The statistical parsimony network of viral haplotypes suggests that the nucleotide substitutions among the samples were accumulated in a recent population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the process of population expansion and ascertain the origin of the Sea of Japan population, in a noxious red tide forming dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides, 13 samples, isolated from 11 different localities in Japanese and Korean coasts, were analysed using 10 polymorphic microsatellites. Analyses by nonmetric multidimensional scaling plots of pairwise FST, globalamova, and genetic admixture analysis identified three clusters ¿ the Sea of Japan populations, Yatsushiro Sea (Kumamoto Pref.) populations, and other populations ¿ indicating genetic structuring of the 13 samples into three distinct populations. In the proportion of shared alleles by pairwise individuals ( PSAxy) analyses between the Sea of Japan and the other samples, PSAxy was extremely low compared with that among the Sea of Japan or among other samples, indicating that a large genetic barrier has occurred between the populations. No significant relationship of isolation-by-distance patterns and almost no genetic distance were detected between pairwise samples of the Sea of Japan, although there is a maximal distance of > 600 km between samples. In addition, PSAxy data among the samples were extremely high compared with those among other samples, clearly showing that a large-scale transfer from west to east has occurred via the Tushima Warm Current. In the PSAxy data of the Seto Inland Sea and Pacific samples, individuals showing relatively high PSAxy were concentrated in the three areas of Nagasaki, Harima, and Mie, suggesting that frequent transfer may have occurred by human-assisted dispersal, although Nagasaki and Mie are separated by a distance of approximately 700 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There has been increasing evidence suggesting the involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) and type 1 Ang II receptors (AT1) in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. However, whether such an involvement would promote or suppress the pathophysiology of asthma is controversial. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the role of AT1 in the development of allergic airway inflammation. Methods Agtr1a+/+ [wild-type C57BL/6 mice (WT)] and Agtr1a−/− mice [AT1a knockout mice (AT1aKO)] with a genetic background of C57BL/6 were systemically sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA), followed by OVA inhalation. OVA-specific IgE in serum obtained just before the inhalation was measured. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissues were obtained at various time-points. Cell numbers and differentiation, and cytokine contents in BAL fluids were determined. Peribronchial accumulation of eosinophils and mucus inclusions in the bronchial epithelium were evaluated in lung tissues stained histochemically. Cell numbers and differentiation in BAL fluids of the mice were also determined after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation. Results The levels of OVA-specific IgE in AT1aKO were significantly higher than those in WT. The numbers of total cell, eosinophils and lymphocytes in BAL fluids 7 days after OVA inhalation in AT1aKO were significantly higher than those in WT. Airway inflammation in bronchial tissues in terms of eosinophil accumulation and mucus hypersecretion in AT1aKO was also stronger than in WT. The contents of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, but not IFN-γ, in BAL fluids of AT1aKO were significantly higher than those of WT. In contrast, neutrophil accumulation in BAL fluids after LPS inhalation was significantly higher in WT than in AT1aKO. Conclusion AT1a might be involved in the negative regulation of the development of allergic airway inflammation through polarizing the T-helper (Th) balance towards Th1 predominance. Therefore, it would be of clinical importance to investigate the effects of long-term administration of AT1 blockers on the Th1/Th2 balance in hypertensive patients with bronchial asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Recent studies have shown that bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) stimulates mineralization and osteoclast differentiation. Osteoclastic resorption by BMP-2 application may play an important role in the regulation of new cementum-like tissue formation on the dentin surfaces. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of BMP-2 application on dentin resorption and cementum-like tissue formation at the dentin surfaces. Material and Methods: Seventy-two flat dentin blocks were prepared from rat roots and treated with 24% EDTA. Each block was assigned to group 0, group 100, or group 400, and immersed correspondingly in 0, 100, or 400 µg/ml BMP-2. The dentin blocks were then implanted into palatal connective tissue of rats, and specimens were prepared 2, 4 and 8 wk after surgery for histologic and histomorphometric analyses. Results: BMP-2 caused a dose-dependent increase in dentin resorption by osteoclastic cells. New cementum-like tissue was randomly formed on parts of the nonresorbed and resorbed dentin surfaces in groups 100 and 400. Dentin resorption in groups 100 and 400 was significantly greater than group 0 ( p < 0.01). However, at 8 wk, new cementum-like tissue formed in 41.8% of group 100, as compared with 16.2% of group 400 ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Dentin resorption was stimulated by a high dose of BMP-2, and cementum-like tissue was induced by a low dose of BMP-2, effectively suggesting that BMP-2 application, at an appropriate dose, to a dentin surface may enhance periodontal regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical root fractures lead to advanced periodontal breakdown with deep periodontal pockets and vertical bone defects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinically the periodontal healing of root fracture treatment using adhesive resin cement. In 22 patients, 23 teeth with vertical root fractures were treated with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin cement. Eleven fractured roots were bonded through the root canal (group A) and 12 fractured roots were bonded extra-orally and replanted (group B). All teeth were then restored with full cast crowns (n=20) or coping (n=3). Mean probing depth was 6.6 mm at pre-treatment and 4.4 mm 6 months after the treatment in group A, and 7.4 mm and 4.6 mm, respectively, in group B. Bleeding scores were 100% at pre-treatment and 36.4% after 6 months in group A and 91.7% and 8.3%, respectively in group B. Radiographic bone level was 56.8% at pretreatment and 59.1% after 6 months in group A, and 18.8% and 29.2%, respectively, in group B. Two roots of group A and three roots of group B were extracted due to refracture, deterioration of periodontal inflammation, mobility, and luxation. The remaining roots (n=18) presented no discomfort to the patients and there was no deterioration of periodontal conditions over a mean period of 33 months (range 14-74 months) in group A and over a mean period of 22 months (range 6-48 months) in group B. There was no ankylosed teeth nor was any root resorption detected. The results suggested that the treatment of vertical root fracture using 4-META/MMA-TBB resin has good prognostic possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract – The purpose of the study was to evaluate periodontal healing after replantation of intentionally rotated teeth with healthy and denuded root surfaces. Ten teeth with hopeless prognoses because of extensive alveolar bone loss and deep pockets extending to the apexes only on one or two surfaces, but with a healthy periodontal apparatus on the other surfaces, were selected. A mucogingival flap was elevated and the teeth were extracted carefully so as not to damage the healthy remnant of the periodontal membrane remaining on the root surfaces. Thorough extra-oral debridement was performed on the contaminated root surface and the remnant was carefully conserved. Retrofilling was also done to eliminate an endodontic cause of attachment loss. The teeth were horizontally rotated and then replanted so that the healthy root would face the connective tissue at the initially periodontally involved sites, and the root planed surfaces, which had been periodontally involved, would face the surfaces of the alveolar sockets at initially healthy sites. The teeth were splinted with adjacent teeth. Clinical parameters and radiographic examination were performed pre-operatively, and at 3 or 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. One tooth was extracted 1.5 years postoperatively due to reduced support and the treatment strategy of the patient. The other nine teeth were well maintained without any discomfort for the whole maintenance period of 3 years. In all teeth, areas that previously had no pocketing but were now against denuded root surfaces maintained the previous pocket depth readings. In areas where a deep pocket was present but now had a root surface with healthy periodontium, a distinct decrease of mean pocket depth was observed at the first reexamination 3 months postoperatively. The mean radiographic alveolar bone level increased from 0.3% to 45.3% in 2 years and was thereafter maintained for the entire observation period. Loss of periodontal space and possible root resorption were observed in only one case without other ankylotic symptoms. These results suggest that the healing without ankylosis of an extensive denuded root surface may occur by mechanisms other than the maintenance of a viable periodontal ligament on the root surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the early responses of human periodontal ligament cells attached to recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB and bone morphogenetic protein-2 applied EDTA-demineralized dentin. One hundred and seventy-four root-planed flat dentin blocks were prepared from the mid-third of periodontally diseased human tooth roots. After demineralization with 24% EDTA (pH 7.02) 120 dentin blocks were treated with 0.5 and 1 microgram/ml rhPDGF-BB, 1 and 3μg/ml rhBMP-2 and only MEM as control (24/group). Human periodontal ligament cells (HPLC) were seeded on these dentin surfaces and incubated. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and protein concentration of the attached cell were assessed at d 2, 4 and 7. Fifty-four dentin blocks were seeded with HPLC after application of 1 μg/ml rhPDGF-BB, 3μg/ml rhBMP-2 and MEM (18/group) and then incubated. At d 2, 4 and 7, the attached cells were stained and counted under light microscope. The results showed a significant increase of protein concentration and cell number in PDGF-BB treated groups than control (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) but not the ALP activity, and a significant increase of ALP activity was observed in BMP-2 treated groups than control (p < 0.05) but protein concentration and cell number remained almost the same over time. Thus, rhPDGF-BB and rhBMP-2 application to EDTA demineralized dentin surfaces promote the early human periodontal ligament cell responses by increasing cell proliferation and differentiation, respectively, which would ultimately enhance periodontal regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsatellite markers of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza were developed. Fifty-four of 161 clones were found to contain microsatellite repeats. Primer pairs were designed for 20 of these clones according to their sequence data. Of these, seven primers showed polymorphism for 32 individuals from Iriomote Island, Japan. Two to five alleles per locus were detected, and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.031 to 0.500. Cross-species amplification using five of the seven primers also worked well for B. cylindrica and B. parviflora. Because our previous study reported very low levels of genetic diversity for allozymes in the same Iriomote population, these microsatellite markers should be a powerful tool for various kinds of genetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequences of eight primer pairs of microsatellite loci screened from a genomic library of Betula maximowicziana are reported in this paper. Seven loci showed polymorphism in 44 individuals of the Mitomi population in the central area of Japan and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.045 to 0.659 (mean = 0.412) and from 0.044 to 0.642 (mean = 0.397), respectively. Although the one remaining locus is not polymorphic there, it showed variation in other populations. Thus, these eight microsatellite markers might be useful tools for studying the population and ecological genetics of B. maximowicziana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsatellite markers of Kandelia candel were developed. Forty-nine clones yielded strong positive signals among 331 clones hybridized to repetitive sequence probes. Primer pairs were designed for 19 of these positive clones according to their sequence data. Five of the primer pairs showed polymorphism for 16 individuals from Amami-O-Shima Island, Japan. Three to nine alleles per locus were detected, and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.250 to 0.938. Because our previous study reported very low level of genetic diversity for allozymes in the same Amami population, these microsatellite markers should be powerful tools for the analysis of genetic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: In the treatment of severe periodontal destruction, there is a strong demand for advanced scaffolds that can regenerate periodontal tissues with adequate quality and quantity. Recently, we developed a plasma- and precursor-assisted biomimetic process by which a porous collagen scaffold (CS) could be coated with low-crystalline apatite. The apatite-coated collagen scaffold (Ap-CS) promotes cellular ingrowth within the scaffold compared to CS in rat subcutaneous tissue. In the present study, the osteogenic activity of Ap-CS was characterized by cell culture and rat skull augmentation tests. In addition, the periodontal tissue reconstruction with Ap-CS in a beagle dog was compared to that with CS., Methods: The plasma- and precursor-assisted biomimetic process was applied to CS to obtain Ap-CS with a low-crystalline apatite coating. The effects of apatite coating on the scaffold characteristics (i.e., surface morphology, water absorption, Ca release, protein adsorption, and enzymatic degradation resistance) were assessed. Cyto-compatibility and the osteogenic properties of Ap-CS and CS were assessed in vitro using preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, we performed in vivo studies to evaluate bone augmentation and periodontal tissue reconstruction with Ap-CS and CS in a rat skull and canine furcation lesion, respectively., Results: As previously reported, the plasma- and precursor-assisted biomimetic process generated a low-crystalline apatite layer with a nanoporous structure that uniformly covered the Ap-CS surface. Ap-CS showed significantly higher water absorption, Ca release, lysozyme adsorption, and collagenase resistance than CS. Cell culture experiments revealed that Ap-CS was superior to CS in promoting the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells while suppressing their proliferation. Additionally, Ap-CS significantly promoted (compared to CS) the augmentation of the rat skull bone and showed the potential to regenerate alveolar bone in a dog furcation defect., Conclusion: Ap-CS fabricated by the plasma- and precursor-assisted biomimetic process provided superior promotion of osteogenic differentiation and bone neoformation compared to CS., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The title salt, C(20)H(42)N(4)S(2) (2+)·2ClO(4) (-), was obtained from the reaction of bis-(diethyl-amino)-carbeniumdithio-carboxyl-ate, (Et(2)N)(2)C(2)S(2), with Fe(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O in CH(2)Cl(2). The title compound, in which one of the S atoms of (Et(2)N)(2)C(2)S(2) is bound to a 1,1-bis-(diethyl-amino)-ethane moiety, has two carbenium C atoms, and the charge compensation is provided by two perchlorate anions. The N(2)C-CS(2) bond length is 1.512 (4) Å, corresponding to a C-C single bond, and the dihedral angle between N(2)C- and -CS(2) planes [72.0 (2)°] is smaller than that of (Et(2)N)(2)C(2)S(2) [82.0 (1)°]. The crystal structure features C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds.

Background: Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is a useful marker for renal tubulointerstitial injury. Pioglitazone is reported to be effective in early diabetic nephropathy. The aim of the present study was to determine whether pioglitazone affects urinary L-FABP levels in diabetic nephropathy patients with microalbuminuria., Methods: Sixty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria were randomized to a 12-month treatment with pioglitazone (30 mg/d, n = 17), glibenclamide (5 mg/d, n = 18), voglibose (0.6 mg/d, n = 17), or nateglinide (270 mg/d, n = 16). Pre- and posttreatment urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and urinary L-FABP concentrations were compared between the four treatment groups and 40 age-matched healthy subjects., Results: Pretreatment UAE and urinary L-FABP levels differed little between the four groups. UAE and urinary L-FABP levels were significantly greater in the diabetes patients than in the healthy subjects (UAE: p < 0.001; L-FABP: p < 0.01). After 6 and 12 months, UAE and urinary L-FABP were significantly lower in the pioglitazone treatment group than in the other treatment groups (UAE: 6 months, p < 0.01 and 12 months, p < 0.001; L-FABP: 6 months, p < 0.05 and 12 months, p < 0.01)., Conclusions: Pioglitazone, but not glibenclamide, voglibose, or nateglinide, appears to be effective in reducing UAE and the urinary L-FABP level, suggesting that pioglitazone has a specific role in ameliorating both glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions associated with early diabetic nephropathy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether hard tissue might be formed on dentin surfaces applied with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in palatal connective tissue. Fifty-eight dentin blocks were prepared from rat roots, demineralized with 24% EDTA (pH 7.0), applied with 0, 50 and 100 microgram/ml rhBMP-2, and labeled as groups 0, 50 and 100. The dentin blocks were then transplanted into palatal connective tissue of rats, and specimens were prepared at two and four weeks after surgery for histologic and histomorphometric examinations. The results showed that the percentage of newly formed hard tissue in relation to the total dentin block surface length in groups 0, 50 and 100 was 0.0%, 2.8% and 4.4% at two weeks, and 0.0%, 1.6% and 12.8% at four weeks, respectively. New hard tissue formation in groups 50 and 100 was significantly promoted as compared to group 0 (p < 0.01). These findings thus indicate that rhBMP-2 application to dentin enhanced new hard tissue formation on dentin surfaces in the connective tissue of the palate.