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Acute tongue swelling may be caused by various conditions, including circulation obstruction, infection, hemorrhage, and angioneurotic edema. We present a case of extremely massive swelling of the tongue in a comatose 76-year-old woman caused by systemic edema and local congestion induced by tongue biting that severely impeded the lingual veins. The swelling was improved by setting ratchet mouth props.

市場に出回っている3種無洗米を購入して普通精米と比較した.(1) 走査型電子顕微鏡で精米表面を観察したところ,無洗米は普通精米に比べて除糠されていることが観察された.(2) 成分を調べたところ,無洗米は普通精米に比べて粗タンパク質,粗脂肪,灰分,ショ糖量が減少しているものが多く,普通精米よりも糠が除かれていると推察できた.(3) 米飯テクスチャーを調べたところ,無洗米は普通精米を水洗したものとほぼ同等の硬さ,粘り,バランス度を示し炊飯米として適していることが示された.(4) 無洗米の1種を18時間浸漬したものは,浸漬液中の還元糖と遊離アミノ酸が多くなり,米飯のこげも濃くなった.メイラード反応が関与していると考えられた.

A case of Tourette's syndrome is presented in a thirteen-year-old boy with obsessive-compulsive symptoms including self-mutilation of the upper lip. His upper lip injury was caused by complication of picking with fingernail, and self-biting with the lower anterior teeth. It became rapidly worse and the median part of the upper lip collapsed. But the placement of an acrylic splint was able to prevent further damage of the upper lip.

We studied the role of infiltrating cells and cytokines synthesis in oxazolone (OXA)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) of C57BL/6 mouse ear model. The cell mediate lesion was induced by the OXA challenge after abdominal skin sensitization, and those of infiltrating cells were examined at various time points (0-168 hr). The CHS lesions were indicated as an ear swelling at 24 to 48 hr after the challenge that was caused mainly by infiltration of mononuclear cells expressing CD90+, CD4+ and CD8+. However, NK cells by means of asialo GM1+ cells, were detected in the lesions as early as 2 hr after challenge. The infiltration of NK cells peaked at 8 hr and replaced in the predominant accumulation of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells and some of CD90+ cells. Cytokine expression of the infiltrating cells by RT-PCR, revealed a high level of IL-2 expression at 8, 12, and 24 hr and then reduced expression in the following times, while, IFN-γ was constantly detected from 2 hr to 168 hr. Deletion of the NK cell activity by administration of the anti-asialo GM1 antibody resulted in significantly suppressed cell infiltration and ear swelling. IL-2 mRNA expression was undetected in the infiltrating cells of deletion mouse, whereas IFN-γ was detected at 12, 24, and 48 hr. The presence of NK cells as the first infiltrating cells in the lesion and IL-2 and INF-γ synthesis from the infiltrating cells may play an important role in the elicitation phase of CHS.

Methotrexate (MTX) is the primary drug used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. MTX is a strong immunosuppressive agent and has been reported to cause iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). Stomatitis caused by MTX-related cytotoxicity may occur, but gingival MTX-related LPDs are rare. In this article we present a case of gingival MTX-related LPD in a 60-year-old male with RA. The local findings of the gingival ulceration and alveolar bone exposure were similar to those of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. However, he had never received bisphosphonate therapy. The biopsy specimen of the gingival lesion was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with Epstein-Barr virus positivity. Immediate withdrawal of MTX resulted in marked remission of the LPD.

It is often very difficult to replant avulsed teeth in the deciduous and mixed dentition when the cortical bone is fractured and there are no adjacent teeth for anchorage. In this article, we describe the management of avulsed maxillary incisors in a 7-year-old boy. The avulsed teeth could be successfully repositioned by intra-alveolar transplantation using the 180° rotation (buccolingual reverse) method, which was originally applied to preserve teeth with relatively deep subgingival crown-root fracture, and a vacuum-formed splint was used for fixation. The avulsed teeth were followed up for 42 months. The post-operative course was uneventful with an aesthetic and functionally stable outcome.

To establish a basic strategy for prevention of aspiration pneumonia in patients with motor and intellectual disabilities, we investigated oral opportunistic pathogen (OOP) infections in 31 such patients who were resident at a welfare home. Patients received special oral care from a dental hygienist once a week. OOP samples were collected by scraping the dorsal surface of the tongue, and then cultured. For each patient, the basic reasons for admission and the degree of intellectual disability and mobility were recorded. OOPs were found in 61.3% of the patients, of which methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was the most commonly detected (38.7%). A significantly high proportion of male patients were OOP-positive, and a significantly high proportion of patients with mental retardation were Candida sp.-positive. However, multivariate logistic regression revealed that disability was not associated with OOP positivity. No correlation was found between OOP positivity and disability. Nevertheless, special oral care may be beneficial for maintenance of oral health in patients with disabilities.

Alveolar atrophy may present an anatomical limitation to the placement of endosseous implants. A case is described of severe maxillary alveolar atrophy with immediate implant placement associated with a ridge widening technique in accordance with a split-crest-bone manipulation. Taper-shaped implants were applied in this technique without a barrier membrane. Because this implant was small and tapped into position, it was easier to use and was considered to be appropriate for the ridge widening technique associated with immediate implant placement.

Renin-binding protein (RnBP) is an endogenous renin inhibitor originally isolated from porcine kidney. It was recently identified as the enzyme N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) 2-epimerase [Takahashi, S. et al. (1999) J. Biochem. 125, 348-353] and its active site residue was determined to be cysteine 380 by site-directed mutagenesis [Takahashi, S. et al. (1999) J. Biochem. 126, 639-642]. To further investigate the relationship between structure and function of recombinant human (rh) RnBP as a GlcNAc 2-epimerase, we have constructed several C-terminal deletion and multi-cysteine/serine mutants of rhGlcNAc 2-epimerase and expressed them in Escherichia coli cells. The expression was detected by Western blotting using anti-rhRnBP antiserum. The C-terminal deletion mutant, Delta400-417, had approximately 50% activity relative to the wild-type enzyme, but other C-terminal deletion mutants, Delta380-417, Delta386-417, and Delta390-417, had no enzymatic activity. Mutational analysis of multi-cysteine/serine mutants revealed that cysteines 41 and 390 were critical for the activity or stabilization of the enzyme, while cysteine residues in the middle of the enzyme, cysteines 125, 210, 239, and 302, had no essential function in relation to the activity.

This study investigated the clincopathologic features of primary intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC) related to the third molar of the mandible. Six cases (5 from the literature and 1 new case; mean patient age 73 years) of PIOC associated with completely impacted lower third molar were analyzed. For comparison, 8 cases of PIOC presenting after extraction of the lower third molar were also evaluated, with a significantly lower mean patient age of 56 years. Most lesions were deceptively similar to those related to the lateral type of dentigerous cyst, and half of the impacted cases revealed an asymptomatic fracture of the mandible. In all patients except for the present case, metastasis had not been recorded. Surprisingly, no patients are known to have died of PIOC. In our experience the prognosis of PIOC associated with a completely impacted third molar is much better than commonly believed, although the number of cases involved is too small to make a general conclusion. However, delay in establishing the correct diagnosis followed by extraction without awareness of the carcinoma is know to adversely affect the prognosis.

The distribution of glycoconjugates in normal maxillary sinus tissues, in cases of maxillary sinusitis and in postoperative maxillary cysts (POMC), was examined using seven different lectins as probes. The results showed that wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-1), Ricinus communis agglutinin-1 (RCA-1), and concanavalin A (ConA) strongly react with the cilia and goblet cells. The binding of WGA, PNA, UEA-1, and RCA-1 was increased in maxillary sinusitis and POMC compared with normal maxillary sinus epithelium, whereas that of ConA was decreased. The decreased binding of ConA suggested that there were fewer mannoside residues in the maxillary sinus epithelium in the inflammatory lesion. The PNA bound to the cilia, goblet cells and mucous glandular cells in maxillary sinusitis and POMC, but not in normal, uninflamed cells, indicating that D-galactose was produced by the inflammatory condition. Similar binding patterns of PNA and RCA-1 were found in the cilia and on the surface of the epithelium and in the goblet cells. It is assumed that the carbohydrate moiety in the sinus mucosa is altered in inflammatory conditions.

Helicobacter pylori is an important pathogen involved in the development of gastrointestinal ulcers, but its involvement in oral ulcerous lesions is unclear. As culture is generally recognized as the gold standard for diagnosis of H. pylori infection, we employed this approach to assess the association of H. pylori with oral mucosal ulcerations. Samples were collected from patients with oral mucosal ulcerative disorders: 12 cases of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), 7 cases of herpes simplex virus (HSV) stomatitis, and 3 cases of erosive lichen planus (LP). Serum IgG antibodies against H. pylori were examined in all cases. All of the RAS and erosive LP cases were culture-negative for H. pylori, while two cases of HSV stomatitis were positive. The two culture-positive cases were also seropositve for the H. pylori antigen. It is suggested that H. pylori might not have a direct association with oral ulcerations. However, H. pylori in the oral cavity might exist in a non-culturable coccoid state without productive infection, and might form colonies only under special conditions such as HSV infection.

The salivary duct system in the setting of chronic sialadenitis is predisposed to undergo a variety of cellular modifications. This report documents a rare type of metaplasia of a parotid benign lymphoepithelial lesion. Epimyoepithelial islands showing focal sebaceous differentiation and pure sebaceous cell nests in addition to their usual histologic appearance were noted throughout the lesion. The possible pathogenesis is discussed through a review of the literature.

This report describes a case of primary intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC) arising de novo in the mandible. The patient was a 74-year-old woman and an early PIOC was found incidentally during histopathological examination of the pericoronal tissue obtained at extraction of a deeply impacted third molar. The curetted soft tissues consisted of a microinvasive, keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma with scattered foci of carcinoma cells showing calcification; stromal osseous metaplasia was also observed. After additional treatment, the patient has remained free of disease for 2 years. Since the tumor was completely enclosed in the bone, the only identifiable source of the present PIOC is the reduced enamel epithelium. Despite its rarity, this case emphasizes the importance of careful histologic examination of all apparently innocuous dental follicles that are removed surgically.

In order to meet the challenging patterning requirements of the 14 nm node, the semiconductor industry has implemented use of negative tone develop (NTD) and other tone inversion techniques on wafer to enable use of bright field masks which provide an improved lithography process window. 1,2,3 Due to e-beam write time and mask pattern fidelity requirements, the increased use of bright field masks means that mask makers must focus on improving the performance of their negative tone chemically amplified resist (NCAR) processes. In addition, the move to heavy use of bright field masks is introducing new challenges for mask makers. Bright field masks for 14 nm critical layers are required to have opaque sub-resolution assist features (SRAFs) as small as 50 nm while at the same time having across mask critical dimension uniformity (CDU) of less than 2 nm (3 sigma) to meet the 2014 ITRS targets. 4 Achieving these specifications is particularly difficult for bright field contact and via level masks. This paper will survey the performance requirements for NCAR resists for building 14 nm critical level masks. As part of this survey, the results of current commercially available and development NCAR resists will be compared. The study will focus on key elements of the resist process pertaining to line edge roughness, pattern fidelity, minimum feature size, and critical dimension control through density with differences in resist type, sensitivity, and thickness. In addition, use of a novel flow cell test apparatus for detailed study of the develop loading performance of the NCAR resists will be described. Data showing the current capability of these NCAR materials as well as remaining 14 nm node performance gaps and issues will be presented.

tic lesions of the oral cavity. Oral congenital diseases detected in the fetus have mostly been reported in obstetrics and pediatrics, with reports from oral and maxillofacial units a rarity. We describe a case of congenital mucocele diagnosed on prenatal ultrasonography that presented as a cystic lesion in the tongue.

Cyclomaltodextrin glucanotranferase (CGTase) producing alkaliphilic bacteria were isolated from deep-sea bottom mud samples. Isolates no. 3–22 and no. 1–7 were identified as an alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. and an alkaliphilic Bacillus subtilis strain from their taxonomic characteristics, respectively. Isolate no. 3–22 grew at 4°C whereas isolate no. 1–7 did not. The crude enzymes of both strains showed activity in both broad temperature and broad pH (5–9) ranges, Isolate no. 3–22 produced the main product. β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and minor products, α- and γ-CDs from starch. On the other hand, isolate no. 1–7 produced the main product, β-CD, and the minor product, γ-CD from starch; no α-CD was detected. Isolierung und Teileigenschaften von Cyclomaltodextrin-Glucanotransferase produzierenden alkaliphilen Bacillus spp. aus einer Tiefseeschlamm-Probe. Cyclomaltodextrin-Glucanotransferase (CGTase) produzierende alkaliphile Bakterien wurden aus Tiefseebodenschlammproben isoliert. Die Isolate Nr. 3–22 und Nr. 1–7 wurden als eine Bacillus sp. und ein alkaliphiles Bacillus aufgrund ihrer taxonomischen Charakteristika identifiziert. Die Isolate Nr. 3–2 wuchsen bei 4°C im Gegensatz zu den Isolaten 1–7. Die Rohenzyme beider Stamme zeigten Aktivitat sowohl in einem breiten Temperaturbereich als auch in breiten pH-Bereichen (5–9). Das Isolat Nr. 3–22 produzierte das Hauptprodukt β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) und geringere Produkte wie α- und γ-CDs aus Starke. Andererseits produzierte das Isolat Nr. 1–7 das Hauptprodukt: β-CD, und das geringere Produkt: γ-CD wurde nicht festgestellt.

To clarify the colonization rate of Mobiluncus spp., 889 specimens were collected from the vagina and 688 specimens from the cervical canal in three groups of women, namely, non-pregnant women, pregnant women, and patients fulfilling the criteria of bacterial vaginosis. On screening, this organism was detected from the vagina in 18/576 cases (3.2%) in non-pregnant women and in 2/280 cases (0.7%) in pregnant women, and it was detected from the cervical canal in 12/410 cases (2.9%) in non-pregnant women, and 3/278 (1.1%) in pregnant women. Although the positive rates were slightly higher in non-pregnant women from both the vagina and cervical canal, they were not significant. However, in cases of bacterial vaginosis, the positive rate of Mobiluncus spp. was 9/33 cases (27.3%), so that it was significantly higher than in the other two groups. Although the role of Mobiluncus spp. in bacterial vaginosis has not been clarified, our results indicate that the presence of Mobiluncus spp. is abnormal, since its colonization rate in healthy women is too small to be regarded as a member of normal flora. G. vaqinalis and anaerobes (other than Mobiluncus spp.) are also closely connected to bacterial vaginosis. G. vaginalis alone was seen in 7/33 cases (21.3%), anaerobes alone in 7/33 (21.3%), and Mobiluncus spp. alone in 3/33 cases (9.1%). Multiple infections including 2 or 3 of the above organisms were seen in 13/33 cases (39.3%), and all cases had anaerobes. On the other band, only three cases were infected by none of the above organisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The chimeric CGTase, which was constructed genetically with two β-CD forming type enzyme genes of different species of alkalophilic Bacillus, was characterized by comparing with the actions of parent enzymes. The final composition of CDs in the reaction digest from starch by the chimeric enzyme, especially in the yield of α-CD, was different from those by parent enzymes, and total yields of CDs by these enzymes were almost the same. The chimeric enzyme catalyzed the formation of β-CD as a major action from starch, the rapid synthesis of α-CD from other CDs and maltooligosaccharides and the slow degradation and interconversion of α-CD to others. From these results, the role of second and third segments in the enzyme molecules was discussed. Kinetische Charakterisierung chimarischer Cyclomaltodextrin-Glucanotransferase aus Genen von zwei alkalophilen Bacillus-arten. Die chimarische CGTase, die genetisch mit zwei β-CD bildenden Arten von Enzymgenen von verschiedenen Arten alkalophiler Bacilli aufgebaut war, wurde durch Vergleich mit den Wirkungen der Elternenzyme charakterisiert. Die sich schlieslich ergebende Zusammensetzung der CD in dem Reaktionsabbau aus Starke mit dem chimarischen Enzym, insbesondere bezuglich der Ausbeute an α-CD, war von denen der Elternenzyme verschieden, und die Gesamtausbeute an CD durch diese Enzyme war annahernd die gleiche. Das chimarische Enzym katalysierte die Bildung von β-CD als hauptsachliche Wirkung aus Starke und die schnelle Synthese von α-CD aus anderen CD und Maltooligosacchariden sowie den langsamen Abbau und die Umwandlung von α-CD in andere. Aufgrund dieser Ergebnisse wird die Rolle von zweiten und dritten Segmenten in den Enzymmolekulen diskutiert.

A moderate thermophile, which produces a large amount of extracellular and thermostable cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase, was isolated from soil samples at hot spring areas in Japan. The isolate (A-147), that grew at 30–60°C with an optimum at 45–50°C, was identified as a strain of Bacillus coagulans. The enzyme, which was most active at pH 6.5 and 60°C, was stabilized by 2–3 mM Ca2+, and degraded about 40% (as dry basis) of 13% (w/w) potato starch solution into cyclodextrins composed of α- and β-cyclodextrins dominantly at 74°C and pH 6.5 in the presence of 3 mM Ca2+. The ratio of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins was almost constant (2:2.6:1) during all stages of the reaction. By simultaneous actions of two enzymes from the bacterium and other 2 kinds of Bacillus, starch hydrolysates containing various amounts and rations of cyclodextrins were produced from starch. Ein masiges Thermophiles, das eine grose Menge an extracellularer und thermostabiler Glucanotransferase produziert, wurde aus Bodenproben in Heisquellengebieten von Japan isoliert. Das Isolat (A-147), das bei 30–60°C mit einem Optimum von 45–50°C wuchs, wurde als ein Stamm von Bacillus coagulans identifiziert. Das bei pH 6,5 und 60°C aktivste Enzym wurde durch 2–3 mM Ca2+ stabilisiert und baute etwa 40% (TS) einer 30%igen (w/w) Kartoffelstarkelosung zu Cyclodextrin ab, bestehend aus α- und β-Cyclodextrin, vorwiegend bei 74°C und pH 6,5 in Gegenwart von 3 mM Ca2+. Das Verhaltnis von α-, β- und γ-Cyclodextrinen war nahezu konstant (2:2,6:1) wahrend samtlicher Reaktionsschritte. Durch gleichzeitige Einwirkung von zwei Enzymen aus dem Bakterium und zwei anderen Arten von Bacteria wurden Starkehydrolysate hergestellt, die verschiedene Mengen und Verhaltnisse an Cyclodextrinen enthielten.

Using 12 chimeric cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferases (CGTases) constructed from two genes, the CGTase gene from the alkalophilic Bacillus sp. strain No. 38-2 (CGTase 38-2 gene) and the CGTase gene from the alkalophilic Bacillus sp. strain No. 17-1 (CGTase 17-1 gene), we compared the effect of those chimeric enzymes on cyclodextrin (CD) production, especially on the composition of the CDs produced. It was found that the N-terminal and the C-terminal segments were important for CD production. Chimeric enzymes that contained the N-terminal and the C-terminal segments derived from CGTase 38-2 produced large amounts of CD, and especially a higher proportion of alpha-CD than those of other chimeric enzymes.

Autologous blood injection around the articular capsule and/or into the articular cavity, which is one of the treatments for recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation, was recently reintroduced. Here, we present the management of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation by autologous blood injection in an 84-year-old female. After the treatment, although the right condylar process had settled just beneath the articular tubercle, the dislocation had improved and the patient was able to close her mouth without difficulty.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign reactive vascular lesion characterized by papillary proliferation of endothelial cells.We describe a case of IPEH arising in a 28-year-old man. On admission, a bluish red nodule was noted on the right side of upper lip. The pathological diagnosis of the resected mass was IPEH (pure form) with a thrombus.We briefly also review cases of IPEH in Japan.

A raw starch utilizing microbe was isolated from mud in a milling factory. The 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing and morphological properties of the strain indicated that it belongs to the genus Streptomyces. A strongly raw starch digesting amylase was purified from the culture supernatant of the strain by chromatographic procedures. The specific activity of the enzyme was 11.7 U/mg, molecular mass 47 kDa, optimum pH 6.0, and optimum temperature 50 to 60 degrees C. The enzyme showed sufficient activity even at 70 degrees C. It was activated by calcium, cobaltous, and magnesium ions, and inhibited by copper, nickel, zinc, and ferrous ions. It formed maltose mainly from raw and gelatinized starch, and glycogen. No products were formed from glucose, maltose, maltotriose, pullulan, or cyclodextrins (CDs). The enzyme digested raw wheat, rice, and waxy rice starch rapidly, and raw corn, waxy corn, sweet potato, tapioca, and potato starch normally.

In Japan, Oriental herbal medicines (Kampo) are clinically designated as drugs that can be prescribed by any doctor. The quality of the materials used in Kampo are well controlled by pharmaceutical companies. One of the leading Japanese companies, Tsumura Pharmaceuticals Co. Japan, classifies the herbal materials according to the sub-species of the plant and the place it was collected or grown. Kampo is no longer an old or mysterious prescription and its use must be re-evaluated and considered as a choice for therapy today.

Background This article reviews initial outcomes of the treatment of massive oral bleeding after midfacial fracture. Methods Massive bleeding was defined according to the criteria of Buchanan and Holtmann. The incidence of patients who met these criteria, hematocrit, the type of fracture, time from injury to initial management, source of bleeding, duration of management, and treatment strategy were recorded. Results We identified massive bleeding in the maxillofacial region in 5 of 521 patients (0.96%). All patients demonstrated profuse bleeding from the nose, and no active source of bleeding was evident in the oral cavity. Bleeding was controlled by nasal packing and temporary reduction in all patients, none of whom required artery ligation or embolization. Conclusion Massive oral bleeding associated with midfacial fractures is frequently derived from the nasal cavity and associated structures. Although the nose may be the cause of the bleeding, the sinuses, skull base, and nasopharynx may also have active bleeding that has cleared through the nasal cavity and nasopharynx into the oral cavity. Control of this massive nasal bleeding during the early stage can therefore improve morbidity associated with severe exsanguination.

A palatal appliance with oropharyngeal tube that reduces the upper airway obstructions of an elevenmonth-old male infant with severe cerebral palsy is presented. The palatal appliance was composed of the base plate, the outer guide tube that held the oropharyngeal tube inside it, and the extra outer guide tube for the suction catheter. After the setting of the appliance, respiratory distress was improved without side effects.

We report a distinct morphologic type of neurofibroma, lipomatous neurofibroma, arising in the oral mucosa, which has not been described previously in the literature. A 25-year-old female patient presented with a solitary mucosal mass on the palatal gingiva. Although the limited biopsy material was diagnosed as a spindle cell lipoma, characteristic light microscopic neurofibromatous areas, intricately admixed with mature fat, were found in the entire resection specimen. Immunohistochemically, many of the spindle cells were positive, either diffusely or focally, for common neural markers, with patchy staining for CD34 and epithelial membrane antigen. S-100 protein was also positive in adipocytes. Ultrastructural examination confirmed the diagnosis of neurofibroma and suggested an intimate relationship between neoplastic neural cells and adipocytes.

This report describes an illustrative case of adenomatoid hyperplasia (AH) of the minor salivary glands on the palate of a 31-year-old man. The clinical features of the present lesion corresponded with those of pleomorphic adenoma, but histologically large lobules of normal-appearing mucous acini were found. The cell proliferative activity demonstrated in histological sections, by an immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67, showed no statistically significant differences among AH and a matched control group of normal palatal salivary glands. This case suggests that AH apparently exhibits an idiopathic, focal hypertrophic lesion of intraoral mucous glands with limited growth potential. (J. Oral Sci. 43, 135-138, 2001)

Glucose isomerase (GI) from Streptomyces olivaceoviridis E-86 is a unique enzyme, very acid-stable with a large potential for corn sweetener industries. The gene encoding this unique enzyme was cloned by a simple two-step PCR method, and expressed in Escherichia coli. A single open reading frame consisting of 1164 base pairs (70.7 mol % of G + C content) that encoded a polypeptide composed of 388 amino acid residues (Mr 42,993) was found. The E. coli transformant carrying the gene overproduced the recombinant GI (rGI) and the enzyme was successfully expressed as a tetramer under the transcriptional control of the tac-promoter. The purified recombinant enzyme was indistinguishable from that of the authentic enzyme e.g. molecular weight, immunological properties, N-terminal amino acid sequences, subunit structures, and temperature and pH profiles. The relationships between structure and properties of the enzymes are also discussed.

This report describes an adult case of cellular hemangioma arising in the lower lip. A 39-year-old healthy woman presented with a polypoid mass of 4 months duration. The tumor imparted little color to the overlying mucosa and was misdiagnosed as a mucous granuloma preoperatively. The lobular proliferation of plump endothelial cells with inconspicuous vascular spaces was a cardinal morphologic feature of the present tumor. (J. Oral Sci. 42, 177-180, 2000)

Soft tissue myxoma of the oral cavity is extremely rare. We present a case of soft tissue myxoma arising from a mandibular anterior gingiva in a 51-year-old male patient. Histological examination showed islands of odontogenic epithelium scattered in the mucinous stroma. This lesion was supposed to have a odontogenic origin. The clinical differences between soft tissue myxoma with bone destruction and those without bone destruction are also discussed by a review of the literature.

The glucose isomerase from Streptomyces olivaceoviridis E-86 was purified by chromatographic procedures, showing one single protein band in the SDS-PAGE. The enzyme had high acid stability, and there was no loss in enzyme activity at pH 5.0 after incubation at 60 degrees C for 30 hr. The enzyme had sufficients activity at 60 degrees C, pH 5.5, (which is the reaction condition for a single-step process with a glucoamylase from A. niger), and at 58 degrees C, pH 6.0, (condition with a glucoamylase from R. niveus). By using this acid-stable glucose isomerase, a single-step process to produce high-fructose corn sweetener (HFCS) from liquefied starch was formed without any reductant or other reagents for enzyme stabilization. The HFCS produced was about fifty percent fructose and less than 1.5% unknown oligosaccharides.

Electrical burns in the oral cavity account for 2.2% of all electrical burns and only 0.12% of all burns; thus, the incidence of electrical burns in the oral cavity is relatively low. As this type of injury occurs in the oral cavity when an individual sucks or chews on a live electrical wire, extension cord, plug, or outlet, most cases occur in toddlers or preschool children, and adult cases are extremely rare. Here we describe a case of an electrical burn in a 56-year-old man who accidentally bit the electric wire of a cleaner while carrying out repairs. Conservative treatment, without surgery, was performed. Two years after the injury, a slight scar and a small tongue deformity remain, but no functional disturbance has been observed.

We compared the expression level of cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) gene of alkalophilic Bacillus species No. 38-2 in various hosts. Plasmid pEAP85, a new excretion vector, containing tac promoter for expression was constructed. CGTase gene was introduced into a new excretion vector pEAP85 and a shuttle vector pHY300PLK and plasmids pCS8, pEAP85-CGT and pKG-1 were constructed. Escherichia coli carrying pEAP85-CGT excretes 70% (350 U/ml culture) of total CGTase (500 U/ml) into the culture broth. This amount was higher than that produced by the original Bacillus species. Bacillus subtilis carrying pGK-1 produced very low level of CGTase(< 0.1 U/ml). Auswirkung des CGTase-Gens des alkalophilen Bacillus No. 38-2 in verschiedenen Wirtsmolekulen. Wir verglichen den Auswirkungsbereich des Cyclomaltodextrin-glucanotransferase (CGTase)-Gens des alkalophilen Bacillus-Spezies Nr. 38-2 in verschiedenen Wirtsmolekulen. Plasmid pEAP85, ein neuer Ausscheidungs-Vektor, der Tac-Promoter zur Ausscheidung enthalt, wurde konstruiert. CGTase-Gen wurde in einen neuen Ausscheidungs-Vektor pEAP85 eingefuhrt, und ein Pendel-Vektor pHY300PLK sowie die Plasmide PCS8, pEAP85-CGT und pKG-1 wurden konstruiert. pEA85-CGT enthaltende Escherichia coli scheiden 70% (350 U/ml Kultur) der gesamten CGTase (500 U/ml) in die Kulturbruhe aus. Diese Menge war groser als die durch die Original-Bacillus-Spezies erzeugte. Bacillus subtilis, welcher pGK-1 enthielt, produzierte nur niedrige Mengen an CGTase (

Renin binding protein (RnBP) is a proteinous renin inhibitor firstly isolated from porcine kidney. Recently, the protein was identified as the enzyme, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) 2-epimerase. The GlcNAc 2-epimerase activity of recombinant human RnBP was specifically inhibited by SH-reagents such as N-ethylmaleimide, 5, 5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoate, and iodoacetic acid, indicating that the most probable reactive site is a cysteine residue. To identify the active site residue(s), we have constructed ten cysteine residue mutants (C41S, C66S, C104S, C125S, C210S, C239S, C302S, C380S, C386S, and C390S) for human GlcNAc 2-epimerase and expressed them in Escherichia coli cells. The relative specific activities of C41S, C66S, C125S, C210S, C239S, C302S, C386S, and C390S are nearly the same to that of the wild-type enzyme. The specific activity of the C104S mutant is 26% of that of the wild-type enzyme. The expression of the C380S mutant in E. coli cells was detected on Western blotting, whereas GlcNAc 2-epimerase activity was not detected in the extract. These results indicate that Cys380 is essential for the enzymatic activity of human GlcNAc 2-epimerase.

The nature and etiology of so-called simple bone cyst (SBC) are still a subject of debate. Our comprehensive review of the literature suggests that SBC, which appears histologically to be a single entity, has different natures and etiologies, resulting in divergent clinical features. In addition, an interesting case of mandibular SBC in an 11-year-old girl is presented with details of radiographic changes over a 7-year period. Fully documented patient records revealed that this lesion originated in the apical area of the first molar and took about 4 years to develop into a clinically evident bony expansion.

The existence of human renin-binding protein (RnBP) in the kidney has been shown by the isolation and characterization of a complex of porcine renin-human RnBP [S. Takahashi et al. (1985) J. Biochem. 97, 671-677]. However, the properties of the free form of human RnBP had not been understood, because of the limitation of materials. In the present study, we have expressed human RnBP in Escherichia coli JM 109 cells under the transcriptional control of taq promoter and purified it by conventional column chromatographies. The purified recombinant human RnBP (rhRnBP) exists as a dimer and inhibits porcine renin activity through formation of a complex of porcine renin with rhRnBP, the so-called high-molecular-weight renin. Moreover, the rhRnBP catalyzes the interconversion between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetyl-D-Mannosamine (ManNAc) with the apparent Km values of 21.3 mM for GlcNAc and 12.8 mM for ManNAc, and 0.13 mM for effector ATP. ATP is essential for the GlcNAc 2-epimerase activity of human RnBP. These results indicate that the human RnBP is a GlcNAc 2-epimerase.

An interesting case of a trauma-induced tender mass of the buccal mucosa in a 45-year-old man was presented. Following surgery, the patient was relieved from pain. Microscopically, the mature adipose tissue is unique in that it contained a single enlarged Pacinian corpuscle near the deep margin. This is the hitherto undescribed intraoral lesion of Pacinian neuroma in the herniated buccal fat pad.

Isolation of enterococci in patients undergoing obstetric and gynecological operations was studied as well as reviewing the postoperative infection due to this organism during the period from 1985 to 1990. 1) In 126 cases undergoing abdominal total hysterectomy, vaginal specimens were obtained before and after (3rd day) the operation. The isolation rates increased after the operation (before 16.7%, after 35.7%). They increased not only in the group using PIPC, CEZ, CEPR, CMZ, and LMOX by drip infusion but also in the group without prophylactic use of antibiotics. On the other hand in the group using CP vaginal suppositories, the isolation rate decreased. However no statistical proof was obtained as to antibiotics especially in regard to cephem drugs as the reason for the increase. 2) Enterococci were isolated from the surgical field during abdominal total hysterectomy in only 2.0% (n = 88). 3) Isolation rates of enterococci inside the transvaginal drain following radical hysterectomy (n = 30) reached 86.7%. 4) E. faecalis was isolated in 20.0% of the cases with wound infection (n = 25). However isolated Enterococcus strains were not regarded to be the causative organism. 5) There was one case of postoperative enterococcal septicemia in treating stage Ib adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.