bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contraception hormonale masculine par les androgènes seuls. Acquis et perspectives
Authors: Soufir J. -C.
Published: August 2012

Il existe en France une demande de contraception masculine. Il est possible d’y répondre en utilisant des stéroïdes (androgènes, progestatifs). Des études effectuées dans plusieurs pays, dont la France, ont confirmé l’efficacité contraceptive de ces traitements — équivalente à celle des contraceptions féminines. On peut utiliser les androgènes seuls qui pourraient être indiqués, dans des conditions bien définies, à des couples pour lesquels les méthodes traditionnelles de contraception ne conviennent pas. Deux obstacles limitent un large usage des androgènes: les risques d’un état d’hyperandrogénie prolongé et le mode d’administration par injection. L’association de progestatifs à de faibles doses d’androgènes devrait réduire ces inconvénients.
LGBTQ adolescents and young adults raised within a Christian religious context: Positive and negative outcomes
Authors: Dahl Angie L. , Galliher Renee V.
Published: August 2012

Religious contexts have traditionally been understood as protective for a variety of psychosocial health outcomes. However, the generalizability of these findings to youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) is questioned due to denominational teachings on same‐sex attractions and sexual behavior. Eight adolescents (15–17 years) and 11 young adults (19–24 years) who identify as LGBTQ raised in Christian religious affiliations (16 participants raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2 participants raised Catholic and 1 participant raised Presbyterian) participated in individual in‐depth interviews, journal writings, and focus groups to provide greater insight into the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals raised within a Christian religious environment. Findings suggest the religious context is related to both positive and negative outcomes. Eight themes are explored using participant's own words and experiences. Directions for future research and implications are discussed.
Regulation of human growth and differentiation factor 3 gene expression by NANOG in human embryonic carcinoma NCCIT cells
Authors: Park Sung-Won , Lim Hye-Young , Do Hyun-Jin , Sung BoReum , Huh Sun-Hyung , Uhm Sang-Jun , Song Hyuk , Chung Hak-Jae , Kim Jin-Hoi , Kim Nam-Hyung , Kim Jae-Hwan
Published: August 2012

We investigated transactivation by NANOG in regulating growth and differentiation factor 3 (GDF3) expression in NCCIT cells. GDF3 expression was affected by shRNA‐mediated downregulation and by exogenous overexpression of NANOG specifically, as well as by retinoic acid‐mediated differentiation. GDF3 transcription was activated by NANOG, and the upstream region (−183 to −1) was sufficient to induce minimal transcriptional activity. Moreover, NANOG binds to the GDF3 minimal promoter in vivo and the transcriptional activity is mediated by NANOG transactivation domain. This study provides the first evidence that NANOG is a transcriptional activator of the expression of the oncogenic growth factor GDF3 in embryonic carcinoma cells.
Genome‐wide biochemical analysis of Arabidopsis protein phosphatase using a wheat cell‐free system
Authors: Takahashi Hirotaka , Ozawa Akihiko , Nemoto Keiichirou , Nozawa Akira , Seki Motoaki , Shinozaki Kazuo , Takeda Hiroyuki , Endo Yaeta , Sawasaki Tatsuya
Published: August 2012

At5g24940
dephosphorylates
MBP
by phosphatase assay (View interaction).
Whole miRNome-Wide Differential Co-Expression of MicroRNAs
Authors: Stäehler Cord F. , Keller Andreas , Leidinger Petra , Backes Christina , Chandran Anoop , Wischhusen Jöerg , Meder Benjamin , Meese Eckart
Published: August 2012

Co-regulation of genes has been extensively analyzed, however, rather limited knowledge is available on co-regulations within the miRNome. We investigated differential co-expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) based on miRNome profiles of whole blood from 540 individuals. These include patients suffering from different cancer and non-cancer diseases, and unaffected controls. Using hierarchical clustering, we found 9 significant clusters of co-expressed miRNAs containing 2–36 individual miRNAs. Through analyzing multiple sequencing alignments in the clusters, we found that co-expression of miRNAs is associated with both sequence similarity and genomic co-localization. We calculated correlations for all 371,953 pairs of miRNAs for all 540 individuals and identified 184 pairs of miRNAs with high correlation values. Out of these 184 pairs of miRNAs, 16 pairs (8.7%) were differentially co-expressed in unaffected controls, cancer patients and patients with non-cancer diseases. By computing correlated and anti-correlated miRNA pairs, we constructed a network with 184 putative co-regulations as edges and 100 miRNAs as nodes. Thereby, we detected specific clusters of miRNAs with high and low correlation values. Our approach represents the most comprehensive co-regulation analysis based on whole miRNome-wide expression profiling. Our findings further decrypt the interactions of miRNAs in normal and human pathological processes.
Postnatal growth hormone deficiency in growing rats causes marked decline in the activity of spinal cord acetylcholinesterase but not butyrylcholinesterase
Authors: Koohestani Faezeh , Brown Chester M. , Meisami Esmail
Published: August 2012

The effects of growth hormone (GH) deficiency on the developmental changes in the abundance and activity of cholinesterase enzymes were studied in the developing spinal cord (SC) of postnatal rats by measuring the specific activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a marker for cholinergic neurons and their synaptic compartments, and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), a marker for glial cells and neurovascular cells. Specific activities of these two enzymes were measured in SC tissue of 21‐ and 90 day‐old (P21, weaning age; P90, young adulthood) GH deficient spontaneous dwarf (SpDwf) mutant rats which lack anterior pituitary and circulating plasma GH, and were compared with SC tissue of normal age‐matched control animals. Assays were carried out for AChE and BuChE activity in the presence of their specific chemical inhibitors, BW284C51 and iso‐OMPA, respectively. Results revealed that mean AChE activity was markedly and significantly reduced [28% at P21, 49% at P90, (p < 0.01)] in the SC of GH deficient rats compared to age‐matched controls. GH deficiency had a higher and more significant effect on AChE activity of the older (P90) rats than the younger ones (P21) ones. In contrast, BuChE activity in SC showed no significant changes in GH deficient rats at either of the two ages studied. Results imply that, in the absence of pituitary GH, the postnatal proliferation of cholinergic synapses in the rat SC, a CNS structure, where AChE activity is abundant, is markedly reduced during both the pre‐ and postweaning periods; more so in the postweaning than preweaning ages. In contrast, the absence of any effects on BuChE activity implies that GH does not affect the development of non‐neuronal elements, e.g., glia, as much as the neuronal and synaptic compartments of the developing rat SC.
The development of sensorimotor reflexes in albino mice; albino rats and black‐hooded rats
Authors: Allam Ahmed A. , Abo‐Eleneen Rasha E.
Published: August 2012

The present investigation aimed to show the differences in the development of sensorimotor reflexes and their relationship to the structural changes in spinal cord, cerebellum and cerebral cortex in three rodent species. The three species are albino rats (A‐Rats), black‐hooded rats (B‐Rats) and albino mice. The development of selected reflexes was examined from day (D1) to D21. The structural changes were investigated at D7, D14, and D21. The following reflexes were analyzed: fore‐limb/hind‐limb grasp, surface body righting, fore‐limb hopping, chin tactile placing, visual placing and body righting in the air. The developmental pattern of the reflexes was different in three rodent species. Although the black‐hooded rats and albino rats belong to the same species, they are different in their appearance and developmental pattern. The development of external features and sensorimotor reflexes appeared earlier in mice than in A‐Rats and B‐Rats. At D7, differentiation of neurons was observed in the spinal cord while in cerebellum and cerebrum the neurons were found to be undifferentiated. At D14 and D21, the differentiated neurons were observed in spinal cord, cerebellum and cerebrum. Our data indicate that the developmental pattern of the reflexes in rodents may not be species specific but may be related to the animal strain.
Molecular Analysis of Salivary Gland Branching Morphogenesis
Authors: Sakai Takayoshi , Larsen Melinda , Kogo Mikihiko , Yamada Kenneth M.
Published: August 2012

Recently, clinicians and scientists have focused on tissue engineering for regenerative medical therapy. This approach promises to provide remarkable clinical breakthroughs for the future. In oral and craniofacial medicine, most scientific approaches to tissue engineering currently involve tooth and bone, while little progress has been made toward regenerating organs such as salivary gland. To develop strategies for salivary gland regeneration, it will be important to understand the molecular mechanisms of normal salivary development. This mini‐review describes a recently developed and tested set of approaches for identifying and characterizing molecules essential for branching morphogenesis and other developmental processes. It shows the value of using laser microdissection and the new process of T7‐SAGE for gene discovery of putative candidate molecules that may be crucial regulators or mediators. We describe a stepwise series of associated strategies for reliable identification and functional testing of a candidate molecule, as well as its successful application to a specific candidate molecule originally identified by T7‐SAGE.
The Relationship between Subcellular Localization of Actinin‐4 and Cell Motility in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Iida Yutaka , Chiba Hiroshige
Published: August 2012

To elucidate the mechanism of invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma, we newly established two different cell lines with a high‐motility phenotype (designated HI type) and low‐motility phenotype (LI type) from CA‐9‐22, a human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, through cell invasion assay (Boyden chamber assay). When we examined the subcellular localization and protein expression of actinin‐4 using these cell lines, although the growth curves were not significantly different between the HI type and LI type, more invasion was seen in the HI‐type than in the LI‐type on Boyden chamber assay (p < 0.0001). Morphologically, a larger number of sharply extended cell processes and spindle formation were observed in the HI‐type than in the LI‐type, and actinin‐4 was mainly distributed in these processes. Western analysis showed that the expression level of actinin‐4 was almost equivalent between the HI and LI types. These findings suggest that subcellular localization of actinin‐4 might be involved in cell motility and cancer invasion by regulating the actin cytoskeleton at the cell processes in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Crucial Role of Tissue‐specific Apoptosis on the Development of Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Hayashi Yoshio , Arakaki Rieko , Ishimaru Naozumi
Published: August 2012

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates and destruction of the salivary and lacrimal glands, and systemic production of autoantibodies to the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles SS‐A/Ro and SS‐B/La, leading to clinical symptoms of dryness of the mouth and eyes (sicca syndrome). Autoreactive T cells bearing the CD4 molecule may recognize an unknown self antigen, triggering autoimmunity in the salivary and lacrimal glands. Although several candidate autoantigens including α ‐fodrin have been reported in Sjögren’s syndrome, the pathogenic roles of the autoantigens in initiation and progression of SS are still unclear. It is possible that individual T cells activated by an appropriate self antigen can proliferate and form a restricted clone. Recent evidence suggests that the apoptotic pathway plays a central role in making T cells tolerant to tissue‐specific self antigen, and may drive the autoimmune phenomenon. We recently reported that tissue‐specific apoptosis in estrogendeficient mice may contribute to autoantigen cleavage, leading to the development of autoimmune exocrinopathy. The studies reviewed imply that tissue‐specific apoptosis and caspase‐mediated α ‐fodrin proteolysis are involved in the progression of autoimmune lesions in Sjögren’s syndrome. Moreover, Fas ligand (FasL) and its receptor Fas are essential in the homeostasis of the peripheral immune system. It is considered that a defect in activation‐induced cell death (AICD) of effector T cells may result in the development of autoimmune exocrinopathy in Sjögren’s syndrome.
Detection of DNA and Immunoreactivity Specific for Mycoplasma fermentans in Synovial Fluid and Sera from Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Authors: Suga Masako , Kubota Eiro , Shibata Takanori
Published: August 2012

This study investigated whether the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans (M. fermentans) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) could be associated with the pathology of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). One hundred fifteen synovial fluid (SF) samples from patients with TMD were evaluated for the presence of DNA of M. fermentans by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Specific antibody against M. fermentans was also detected in the SF as well as sera by Western blot analysis. M. fermentans DNA was identified in 37.4％ of the SF samples from the TMD patients. There was no difference between PCR‐positive and ‐negative rate regarding sex and disease categories, e.g., internal derangement (ID) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, the prevalence of M. fermentans DNA in ID patients was higher in elderly patients (73.3％) than in younger patients(31.8％). Anti‐M. fermentans immunoreactivities (IgG) specific for lipoproteins with various molecular sizes, 56 kilo‐Dalton (kDa), 48 kDa, 38 kDa, and 29 kDa, were also identified in the SF. The immunoreactivity was also detected in the patients’ sera. The reactivity patterns of the anti‐M. fermentans antibodies were, however, different between the SF and the sera ; reactivities to 48 kDa and 29 kDa lipoproteins were prominent in the former, while the reactivities to those of 56 kDa, 48 kDa, and 29 kDa were evidently increased in the latter. The presence of specific DNA and antibody for M. fermentans in the TMJ implies that M. fermentans could possibly induce joint specific immunoreaction, thus perpetuating the inflammatory reaction in the diseased TMJ.
Hyaline Ring Granuloma of the Mandibular Periosteum
Authors: Sato Hirotaka , Miyate Hiroki , Fukuta Yoshiyasu , Satoh Masanobu
Published: August 2012

Hyaline ring granuloma (HRG) is a comparatively rare inflammatory condition occurring mainly in the oral region, and is characterized by hyaline rings (HRs) formed in the granulation tissue. This study describes a case of HRG occurring in the mandibular periosteum of an 18‐year‐old male. Histopathologic, histochemical and electron microscopic studies were performed on surgically excised materials. Histopathologically, ovoid bodies (OBs) surrounded by thin hyaline walls and HRs showing pale‐stained eosinophilic thick hyaline walls were both detected. Histochemical study revealed that the OBs contained many granules chiefly composed of starch. Ultrastructurally, the HRs presented a stratiform structure due to the accumulation of cross‐banded collagen fibrils with a basement membrane‐like lining containing cellulose microfilaments. These results suggest that HRs are formed as follows : the exogenous vegetable materials are encapsulated by collagen, then the component is gradually degraded ; the residual cellulose fraction adheres to the inner surface of the collagenous capsules, and the continuous deposition of collagen at the outer surface of the capsules increases its thickness. Finally, thick hyaline walls of HRs are formed. The possible pathogenesis of this curious lesion is discussed for stomatologists.
Tumor Growth, Local Invasion, Micrometastasis, and Lymph Node Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Visualized in Live Tissue by Green Fluorescent Protein Expression
Authors: Itoh Akifumi , Okumura Kazuhiko , Abiko Yoshihiro , Arakawa Toshiya , Takuma Taishin , Hosokawa Yoichiro , Yajima Toshihiko , Shibata Takanori
Published: August 2012

We report the in vitro establishment of a highly stable green fluorescent protein（GFP）‐expressing transfectant of a highly‐invasive human tongue squamous cell carcinoma（HTSCC）cell line, SAS‐H1. The fluorescent cells permitted the visualization of tumor growth, local invasion, micrometastasis and cervical lymph node metastasis after submucosal injection into the tongues of nude mice. SAS‐H1 cells were transfected with the pEGFP‐N1 expression vector containing the GFP and neomycin resistance genes. Stable SAS‐H1 clones expressing high levels of GFP were selected stepwise in vitro in levels of geneticin（G418）of up to 3,500 μg/ml. Subsequent early stages of local invasion and micrometastasis were visualized by GFP fluorescence in a primary tumor of the tongue. Furthermore, lymph node metastasis was confirmed for all of the orthotopic transplants in mice. However, no distant metastases, including those of lung and liver, were observed. Thus, this model should be useful for studying the metastatic process and for evaluating anti‐metastasis agents in pre‐clinical trials.
Refractory Factors in Head and Neck Cancer: ATP Binding Cassette Transporters Expressed in Head and Neck Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Uematsu Takashi , Naramoto Hiroko , Doto Ryosuke , Uchihashi Takayuki , Matsuura Takashi , Usui Yohei , Uematsu Setsuko , Li Xianqi , Takahashi Masahiro , Yamaoka Minoru , Furusawa Kiyofumi
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present study was to clarify whether ATP binding cassette transporters are refractory factors in head and neck cancer chemotherapy. For in vitro and in vivo chemotherapeutic studies, we employed a human salivary gland adenocarcinoma cell line (HSY) and a human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCCSK) with vincristine (VCR) at clinically equivalent doses. Western blot analysis, reverse transcription‐ polymerase chain reaction, in vivo evaluation in xenograft models inoculated with cultured carcinoma cell line and drug efflux analysis were performed. VCR‐treated SCCSK and HSY cells, as well as xenografted SCCSK and HSY cells in tumor‐bearing nude mice, were found to express MDR1/ABCB1 and MRP1/ABCC1. In addition to MDR1 and MRP1 mRNA, HSY/VCR and its cloned cells expressed MRP7/ABCC10 mRNA, but SCCSK/VCR did not express MRP7. Furthermore, drug resistance to VCR and docetaxel decreased in HSY/VCR in the presence of a competitive MRP7 inhibitor, 17‐beta‐estradiol‐(17‐beta‐D‐glucuronide). These results indicate that MDR1 and MRP1 expression are refractory factors in head and neck cancer chemotherapy and suggest that induction of MRP7 expression is involved in drug resistance in salivary gland adenocarcinomas.
Fibroblast Growth Factor‐2 Accelerates Invasion of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Takashi Hase , Shuichi Kawashiri , Akira Tanaka , Shinichi Nozaki , Natsuyo Noguchi , Koroku Kato , Hiromitsu Nakaya , Kiyomasa Nakagawa , Etsuhide Yamamoto
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) on cancer cell invasion and on fibroblast proliferation in an in vitro model of invasion. Three kinds of human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines with different invasive activity were used: OSC‐20, OSC‐19 (lower invasive type), and HOC313 (higher invasive type). FGF‐2 and its high‐affinity receptors FGFR‐1 and FGFR‐2 were detected by western blotting. The expression of FGF‐2 and FGFRs mRNA was examined in cultured human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Furthermore, recombinant human FGF‐2 (rhFGF‐2) was reacted with each cell line, and the invasion rate was determined by invasion assay. We also observed the behavior of cancer cell invasion in the collagen gel invasion model in the presence or absence of FGF‐2‐neutralizing antibody (anti‐FGF‐2). HOC313 cells showed higher expression of FGF‐2 than OSC‐20 and OSC‐19 cells. The addition of rhFGF‐2 promoted not only the proliferation of fibroblasts, but also the invasion of all cancer cell lines. In contrast, the addition of anti‐FGF‐2 completely inhibited the invasion of OSC‐20 and OSC‐19 cells. These results suggest that a higher invasiveness of squamous carcinoma cells is associated with higher production of FGF‐2, which acts in an autocrine fashion to promote cancer cell invasion, and in a paracrine fashion to promote fibroblast proliferation.
Studies on the Relationship between Bone Strength and Bone Quality in Rats Fed with a Low‐magnesium Diet
Authors: Toshio Okada , Yusuke Kozai , Ryota Kawamata , Takashi Sakurai , Isamu Kashima
Published: August 2012

The relationship between bone strength and bone quality in rats fed with a low‐magnesium (low‐Mg) diet was examined. Twenty four‐week‐old male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n = 10) and a low‐Mg group (n = 10). Each group was fed with a conventional diet or a low‐Mg diet (Mg, 6 mg/100 g diet) for 8 weeks, respectively. After the rats were sacrificed, bone strength, bone mineral content (BMC) and three‐dimensional (3D) trabecular structure of the lumbar vertebra were measured, respectively. The results showed that the values of the BMC were almost the same between the control and the low‐Mg diet groups. On the other hand, the bone strength of the low‐Mg diet group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01). 3D trabecular structure analysis showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05 or 0.01) in the trabecular structure of the low‐Mg diet group as compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the bone strength in this model is not affected by the BMC but is strongly affected by the trabecular structure. The low‐Mg diet model is considered to be an excellent model for examining bone quality.
Roles of IL‐1α in the Growth of Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor
Authors: Kubota Yasutaka , Shirasuna Kanemitsu
Published: August 2012

Keratocystic odontogenic tumors have a high level of proliferative activity in epithelial cells and they tend to grow aggressively in the jaw. The tumor dramatically decreases in size by decompression of the intracystic fluid pressure. We herein focused on the roles of interleukin (IL)‐1α and demonstrated the biochemical mechanisms of the tumor growth. We found that IL‐1α is strongly expressed in the lining epithelial cells of the tumors, and the intracystic fluid levels of IL‐1α are significantly higher than the levels of the other inflammatory cytokines of IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The expression of IL‐1α in the epithelial cells decreases after the marsupialization of the tumor. In vitro experiments also reveal that positive pressure enhances the expression of IL‐1α in the tumor epithelial cells in culture. IL‐1α stimulates the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, and activates the released proMMP‐9 by increasing the expression of proMMP‐3 and plasminogen activator urokinase (u‐PA) in the tumor epithelial cells. In the fibroblasts isolated from the tumors, IL‐1α increases the expression of proMMP‐1, proMMP‐2, and proMMP‐3. IL‐1α also activates proMMP‐2 by inducing the expression of membrane‐type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) synergistically with type I collagen. Furthermore, IL‐1α increases the expression of macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 in the fibroblasts. The COX‐2 synthesizes prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and the secreted PGE2 stimulates the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), while neither IL‐1α nor PGE2 affects the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the fibroblasts. The fibroblasts express Ca2+‐sensing receptor (CasR) on the cell surface, and extracellular Ca2+ activates COX‐2 expression via the CasR. A strong relationship may thus be present between the intracystic fluid pressure and IL‐1α expression in epithelial cells, and the released IL‐1α may play a crucial role in the growth of keratocystic odontogenic tumors by stimulating proteolytic enzyme production and osteoclastogenesis.
Analysis of the Pattern of Maxillofacial Fracture by Five Departments in Tokyo: A Review of 674 Cases
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Ogiuchi Hideki , Kumasaka Akira , Ando Tomohiro , Nakamura Kayoko , Ueki Terukazu , Okada Yutaka , Asanami Souichirou , Chigono Yoshiho , Ichinokawa Yoshimi , Satomi Takefumi , Matsuo Akira , Chiba Hiroshige
Published: August 2012

We studied maxillofacial fractures treated by departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery in Tokyo. A retrospective review of records and radiographs for patients admitted during the 5‐year period from 2000 to 2004 was conducted at five departments in Tokyo. Date, age, gender, cause of injury, fracture site, concomitant injury, domestic violence against women, and treatment were reviewed. 674 patients with maxillofacial fractures were admitted. Male‐to‐female ratio was 3.6 : 1. The most frequent age group was 21–25 years. Fractures of the mandible were most frequent (87%), followed by the maxilla (14%) and the zygomatic bone (12%). Thirty‐one percent of fractures were due to traffic accidents, 29% to accidental falls, 23% to violence and 14% to sports. The incidence of maxillofacial fractures caused by traffic accidents was lower, and that caused by falls and violence were higher than in other countries. Seventeen percent of the maxillofacial fracture patients had concomitant injuries. The incidence of domestic violence‐related maxillofacial fracture was 1.6% of all cases. These cases were mainly caused by a husband (55%) or a sexual partner (36%). Most patients (67%) were treated by open reduction surgery. However, condylar fracture alone was usually treated by closed reduction surgery.
Mouth‐opening Exercises Produce a Decrease in Pain Perception in Patients with Disk Displacement with Reduction
Authors: Kashima Koji , Yokota Rie , Iino Mikiko , Hamasuna Yu , Igawa Kaori , Sakoda Sumio
Published: August 2012

This study was intended to determine whether mouth‐opening exercise reduces pain sensitivity in remote regions as well as in the trigeminal region. Seven female subjects with disk displacement with reduction were asked to perform a three‐minute repetitive mouth opening and closing exercise (exercise A) and a three‐minute continuous mouth opening exercise (exercise B) on two separate days. Sensory/nociceptive perception thresholds were measured at the point over the right masseter and the skin overlying the volar aspect of the right forearm immediately after exercises A and B, and were compared to data in which no exercise was performed (baseline). Significant elevation in the heat‐induced pain threshold was seen as a result of both exercises in the cervical region and in the trigeminal region. Also, a significant elevation in the cold‐induced pain threshold was seen after exercise B in the cervical region. Further, there was a tendency toward a higher warm sensation threshold after exercise A in the cervical region. These results indicate that mouth opening training produces non‐segmental analgesic effects mediated by C fiber and Adelta fiber.
Regulation of Expression of Sprouty Isoforms by EGF, FGF7 or FGF10 in Fetal Mouse Submandibular Glands
Authors: Ohno Kenji , Koyama Noriko , Hayashi Toru , Takai Yoshiaki , Gresik Edward W , Kashimata Masanori
Published: August 2012

Branching morphogenesis of the fetal mouse submandibular gland (SMG) is regulated by signaling through the ErbB and FGF families of tyrosine kinase receptors, whose members activate the ERK‐1/2 pathway. The four Sprouty (Spry) proteins are inhibitory modulators of ERK‐1/2. There is little information on their expression during pre‐ and postnatal development of the SMG. Qualitative RT‐PCR detected mRNAs for Spry1, 2, and 4 from embryonic day 13 (E13) through postnatal day 7 (P7), but only trace amounts of Spry1 and 2 in adult SMGs. More sensitive quantitative RT‐PCR revealed that transcripts for all four Spry isoforms are expressed, and each shows individual patterns of variation across fetal and early postnatal stages, and that there are very low levels of Spry1 and 2, but no Spry3 and 4, in adult glands. EGF, FGF7 and FGF10 upregulate expression of mRNA for Spry1, but only FGF7 upregulates Spry2 mRNA. EGF strongly induces an activating phosphorylation of all four Spry isoforms, but both FGFs do so only minimally. Quantitative RT‐PCR of samples collected by laser capture microdissection showed that transcripts for Spry1 are confined to the epithelium of E13 SMG rudiments. The isoform‐specific temporal variation in the patterns of expression of Spry1, 2, 3 and 4 suggests a potentially important role for these negative modulators of growth‐factor driven ras/ERK‐1/2 signaling at stages when the SMG is most actively undergoing branching morphogenesis.
Two cases of recovery of occlusion by a combination of surgery and orthodontic therapy for adult mandibular impacted teeth
Authors: Sato Chu , Nomura Joji , Matsumura Yoshihiko , Kato Hideharu , Yanase Shigeaki , Tagawa Toshiro
Published: August 2012

We experienced 2 patients in which occlusion was successfully recovered by a combination of surgical subluxation and orthodontic therapy for adult mandibular impacted teeth. Of these cases, the tooth in one case was still vital after completion of the treatment. Herein, we report these 2 cases with a review of the literature.
Efficacy of Electroanatomical Mapping for Radiofrequency Ablation of Right‐sided Accessory Pathways
Authors: Li Tiejun , Miyauchi Yasushi , Kobayashi Yoshinori , Iwasaki Yu‐ki , Horie Tsutomu , Taniguchi Hiroshi , Hirasawa Yasuhiro , Maruyama Mitsunori , Ueno Akira , Abe Junko , Katoh Takao , Takano Teruo
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Due to the difficulty in performing detailed mapping around the tricuspid annulus and the high occurrence of mechanical trauma during the procedure, the outcome of right‐sided accessory pathway (AP) ablation still has a relatively high primary failure and recurrence rate.

Methods and Results: Six patients with right free‐wall APs underwent electroanatomical mapping. The AP had retrograde unidirectional conduction in 3 patients, anterograde unidirectional conduction in 1 patient, and bidirectional conduction in 2 patients. The right atrial (RA) activation map was constructed during right ventricular (RV) pacing (n = 5), and the RV activation map was constructed during RA pacing (n = 3). During mapping, the AP conduction was interrupted by catheter mechanical trauma in 3 patients. The first RF application successfully eliminated the AP conduction within 2 seconds in 3 patients with concealed pathways. In the remaining 3 patients, rescue RF energy was delivered at the tagged bump site on the map. The mean procedure time was 214 ± 77 minutes, and mean fluoroscopy time 63 ± 23 minutes. No recurrence occurred during 12 ± 3.2 months of followup in any of the patients.

Conclusions: With the guidance of an electroanatomical mapping system, right‐sided accessory pathways can be satisfactorily eliminated without later recurrence.
Lead Extractions are not Necessarily Required in the Treatment of Cases with Local Complications Unproven Resional/systemic Infection at the Pacemaker/ implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Site
Authors: Kishi Ryoji , Nakazawa Kiyoshi , Harada Tomoo , Takagi Akihiko , Tohyo Yuko , Osada Keizo , Wakimoto Hirofumi , Ikeda Kyoko , Miyazu Osamu , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Nishio Satoshi , Matsuda Michio , Miyake Fumihiko , Matsumoto Naoki , Kobayashi Shinichi , Sakurai Tsuneharu
Published: August 2012

Introduction: In a case of pacemaker and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantations, there is the possibility of infections related to the device. In such case, the removal of the total system is desirable, however, the lead extraction can sometimes be difficult. Methods: Among 756 subjects who underwent a device implantation procedure, we experienced 19 cases with a device infection or skin problems requiring a surgical procedure such as thinning or inflammation of the skin over the pocket or lead. We divided these 19 cases into three groups as cases with neither systemic nor local infections (N group), cases with regional but systemic infections (R group), and cases with systemic infections (S group). And the prognoses of these cases were investigated. Results: Out of the 19 cases, 12 cases were classified into N group, 5 cases were classified into R group, and the remaining 2 cases were classified into S group. The lead extractions were performed in one case each in the N, R and S groups. None of the cases in the N group developed a systemic infection over an average observation period of 31 months. Four cases in the R group remain been free from systemic infection over an average observation period of 39.5 months. Conclusion: Lead extractions are the ideal treatment in cases with device implantation site complications, but are not necessary if the extraction is difficult.
Modes of Initiation of Two Types of Atrial Reentry in a Patient with Typical Atrial Flutter: Isthmus‐dependent Micro‐reentry versus Macro‐reentry
Authors: Noda Makoto , Suzuki Fumio , Sezaki Kazunori , Katsuno Tetsuya , Usui Michio , Isobe Mitsuaki
Published: August 2012

We studied the modes of initiation of two types of atria] reentrant tachycardias (i.e., microreentry isthmus tachycardia and counterclockwise atrial flutter) in a 39‐year‐old male with typical atrial flutter. Rapid atrial pacing from proximal coronary sinus at a cycle length of 220 msec initiated micro‐reentry isthmus tachycardia (non‐sustained), while rapid atrial pacing at a cycle length of 210 msec initiated sustained atrial flutter circulating counterclockwise around the tricuspid annulus. It was suggested that initiation of the counterclockwise atrial flutter was associated with a pacing‐induced conduction block in the entire width of the isthmus, whereas initiation of the micro‐reentry isthmus tachycardia was associated with a pacing‐induced conduction block in a limited segment of the isthmus (i.e., partial isthmus block).
Efficacy of Long‐term Flecainide Therapy in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation —Analysis Based on Time of Onset—
Authors: Komatsu Takashi , Satou Yoshihiro , Tachibana Hideaki , Nakamura Motoyuki , Okumura Ken , Nakamura Shin , Suzuki Osamu , Horiuchi Daisuke , Yomogida Kunihiko
Published: August 2012

This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of long‐term flecainide therapy in maintaining sinus rhythms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF. based on time of onset. Flecainide (150 mg/day. was administered as an antiarrhythmic drug to a total of 70 patients (54 men and 16 women: mean age 65 ± 10 years. after sinus rhythm was restored spontaneously or by electrical and/or pharmacological cardioversion. Paroxysmal AF was divided into three categories based on time of onset: diurnal type (N = 11), nocturnal type (N = 13), and mixed type (N = 46). The mean follow‐up period was 37.7 ± 17.7 months. The duration of sinus rhythm maintenance in patients with diurnal and nocturnal paroxysmal AF was 32.4 ± 10.4 months and 20.8 ± 8.3 months, respectively; the duration of sinus rhythm maintenance in those with mixed paroxysmal AF was only 7.2 ± 2.1 months. Significant differences were observed in duration between diurnal and mixed cases (mean ± S.E., P < 0.05). Actuarial recurrence‐free rates at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 90.9%, 63.6%, 63.6%, 54.5%, and 54.5%, respectively, for diurnal cases; 84.6%, 76.9%, 53.8%, 38.5%, and 30.8%, respectively, for nocturnal cases; and 58.7%, 39.1%, 28.3%, 21.7%, and 15.2% respectively, for mixed cases. Significant differences in rates at 12 months were observed between diurnal and mixed cases (P < 0.05). These results suggest that flecainide is highly effective in preventing AF recurrence in patients with diurnal paroxysmal AF.
Focal Atrial Tachycardia
Authors: Higa Satoshi , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: August 2012

Over the past decade most of the electrophysiologic mechanisms in patients with focal atrial tachycardias (ATs) have been well studied Recently advanced mapping systems have revealed the precise propagation and the relationship between non radial propagation pattern and substrate property of focal AT Non radial activation pattern of focal AT may mimic macrorentrant AT and may lead to inappropriate ablation strategy In this review we will focus on the current state of mapping and ablation techniques safety and efficacy associated with the catheter ablation for focal AT.
Morphological Properties of Atrial Fibrillation Waves in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction—Spectral Analysis of Atrial Fibrillation Waves in Dilated Cardiomyopathy—
Authors: Sasaki Takeshi , Niwano Shinichi , Fukaya Hidehira , Sasaki Sae , Imaki Ryuta , Yuge Masaru , Hirasawa Shoji , Satoh Daisuke , Moriguchi Masahiko , Fujiki Akira , Izumi Tohru
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Although the atrial fibrillation cycle length (FCL) is considered to shorten in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) as a result of electrical remodeling, whether a long‐term change remains in FCL in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is uncertain. Morphological properties of AF waves were analyzed in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods and Results: The study population consisted of 43 patients with persistent AF, and they were divided into a DCM group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 29). Fibrillation waves from surface ECG lead V1 were purified by subtracting the QRS‐T complex template. Power spectral analysis was performed by Fast Fourier Transformation, and the mean FCL was determined by the peak power frequency in 20 epochs at each recording. The LV ejection fraction was lower in the DCM group (50 ± 18%) than the control (63 ± 8%, p = 0.001). The mean FCL was shorter in the DCM group (132 ± 14 ms) than the control (151 ± 23 ms, p = 0.007) and there was a significant correlation between the FCL and LV dimensions (p = 0.03). Conclusion: In patients with persistent AF and LV dysfunction, FCL was shorter in comparison with the control, and seemed to be influenced by LV dimensions.
Surgical Treatment of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation—Unipolar Radiofrequency Ablation versus Cryoablation, and Left Atrial versus Bi‐atrial Maze Procedures
Authors: Yoshikawa Masaharu , Usui Akihiko , Ueda Yuichi
Published: August 2012

This study evaluated the efficacy of the left atrial Maze procedure (Lt‐maze) and unipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation as an additional procedure for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patient with other cardiac disease.

Methods and Results: The Maze procedure was performed in 100 consecutive patients with AF: Lt‐maze, 71 patients; bi‐atrial Maze (Bi‐maze), 29 patients. Cryoablation and RF ablation were used in 82 and 18 patients, respectively. There were no in‐hospital or early deaths. Fourteen patients (14%) experienced postoperative complications. Seventy‐five patients (75%) were in sinus rhythm (SR) at discharge, 4 patients were in junctional rhythm, and 21 patients had AF. Two patients (2%) required permanent pacemaker implantation. The AF‐free rate at discharge was 79%, and the AF‐free rate at hospital discharge did not differ significantly between cryoablation and unipolar RF ablation (78% and 82%, respectively). There were no significant differences between these two groups in operative results, in terms of the aortic cross‐clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and AF‐free rate, with the AFfree rate not differing significantly in those who received single valve surgery (73% and 75% in the cryoablation and unipolar RF ablation groups, respectively). The equipment cost of the two procedures differed greatly: 14,000 yen/patient for cryoablation and 250,000 yen/patient for RF ablation. The AF‐free rate did not differ significantly between Lt‐maze (76%) and Bi‐maze (86%), including in those who received single valve surgery (72% and 79%, respectively). The significant predictors of AF recurrence in a univariate analysis were left atrial diameter (p = 0.03), duration of AF (p < 0.01), fibrillation amplitude on ECG (p = 0.02), and cardiothoracic ratio (p < 0.01), with the duration of preoperative AF being the only significant predictor of AF in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusion: In this series, unipolar RF ablation for the Maze procedure was as effective as cryoablation at eliminating AF, and Lt‐maze and Bi‐maze were equipotent at restoring SR at discharge.
Late Post‐operative Perforation of the Right Ventricle by a Tined Pacing Lead—Report of a Case—
Authors: Noma Mio , Enomoto Yoshiharu , Matsushita Shounosuke , Hiramatsu Yuji , Shigeta Osamu , Toyama Masahiro , Sakakibara Yuzuru
Published: August 2012

Myocardial perforation by a pacing lead occurred 12 days after implantation. The lead was propelled into the myocardium of the anterior wall of ventricles without passing through the left ventricular cavity, and finally protruded into the pericardial cavity. Computed tomography of the chest was helpful for confirming the perforation by the pacing lead.
Pathological Findings of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Tissue Eighteen Days after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Typical Atrial Flutter
Authors: Takenaka Sou , Fujii Satoki , Inoue Katsumi , Mitsudo Kazuaki
Published: August 2012

A 75‐year‐old man with a prior myocardial infarction, who underwent a coronary artery bypass graft, suffered from typical atrial flutter. He underwent a cavotricuspid linear catheter ablation. Eighteen days after the ablation, he suddenly died. A transmural ablation line was created between the inferior vena cava and tricuspid annulus. Transmural loss of the cardiomyocytes and small clusters of coagulative necrosis were observed. Evidence of edema and a patchy hemorrage remained in the extracellular space.
DDD Pacing Therapy Could Serve as a Dual Purpose Treatment in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy —A Case Report Which Suggests the Importance of Lead Position and the Mechanism—
Authors: Nakahara Shiro , Takayanagi Kan , Toratani Noritaka , Seino Masanori , Sakai Yoshihiko , Kobayashi Sayuki , Matsumoto Kazuo
Published: August 2012

We treated a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) who underwent DDD pacing therapy. He suffered from attacks of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) complicated by sick sinus syndrome. Initially, we were unable to decrease the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient by pacing from the mid‐distal portion of the right ventricular (RV) septum. However, by changing the pacing site to the apical portion guided by right ventriculography, it was possible to decrease the LVOT gradient and at the same time reduce the mitral regurgitation. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) revealed a marked motion delay of the ventricular septum during DDD pacing. The mechanism of the therapy for HOCM provided by the DDD pacing was clearly confirmed by TDI. Furthermore, a dramatic effect of preventing symptomatic PAF with the use of overdrive pacing in the region of Bachmann's bundle was also observed. This case report provides new insight into DDD pacing therapy for patients with HOCM.
Left Phrenic Nerve Stimulation Due to Breakage of the Endocardial Right Ventricular Lead at the Costoclavicular Ligament
Authors: Fujimori Mariko , Sugimoto Akira , Shimizu Takayuki , Tamura Takashi
Published: August 2012

A 78‐year‐old man with a permanent pacemaker (PM) implanted in his left prepectoral area reported twitches in his left lateral abdominal region. Chest X‐rays revealed a broken right atrial (RA) lead and a fracture of the right ventricular (RV) lead at the left costoclavicular ligament. The electrocardiogram (ECG) and the Holler ECG revealed atrial fibrillation (AF) and an improperly functioning PM. We observed that the twitching seemed to correspond with each pacing beat and that it did not appear with his own beat. We suspected that the twitching was due to electric current leakage from the broken RV lead. We performed a PM re‐implantation with a screw‐in RV lead using the extrathoracic approach. After re‐implantation the twitching disappeared. Costoclavicular ligament related electrode lead fractures are not uncommon and electric current leaks can be a source of problems in cardiac pacing. In this case, the electric current leak from the broken RV lead at the costoclavicular ligament stimulated the left phrenic nerve.
Catheter Ablation for Three Focal Atrial Tachycardias in a Patient with Prior Fontan Surgery for Tricuspid Atresia
Authors: Kofune Masayoshi , Watanabe Ichiro , Ashino Sonoko , Okumura Yasuo , Hashimoto Kenichi , Okubo Kimie , Tokai Koichiro , Shindo Atsushi , Sugimura Hidezou , Nakai Toshiko , Saito Satoshi
Published: August 2012

A 28‐year‐old woman who had undergone Fontan surgery for tricuspid atresia at 6 years of age was admitted to Nihon University Hospital due to syncope. Supraventricular tachycardia at 141 beats/min was induced with isoproterenol infusion during a tilt table test. The patient showed atresia of the right atrial orifice of the coronary sinus with persistent drainage into the left superior vena cava. Electrophysiological study was performed. Atrial tachycardia (AT) was induced by rapid atrial pacing. The AT originated in the lower lateral right atrium and electroanatomical mapping showed a focal origin. After successful ablation of the AT, two additional ATs were induced. These ATs were also shown to be of focal origin and were successfully ablated without recurrence during follow‐up.
Long‐term Efficacy of Combination Therapy with Anti‐arrhythmic Agents and Pravastatin in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Komatsu Takashi , Tachibana Hideaki , Sato Yoshihiro , Ozawa Mahito , Ohshima Kyoko , Nakamura Motoyuki , Horiuchi Daisuke , Kobayashi Takao , Okumura Ken
Published: August 2012

Objective: To investigate the long‐term effects of combination therapy with antiarrhythmic agents and pravastatin (10 mg/day) in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and hyperlipidemia.

Method and Results: In all, 318 patients (mean age: 69 ± 12 years) with paroxysmal AF were divided into 2 groups, one receiving pravastatin for hyperlipidemia (pravastatin (+) group, N = 41) and the other not (pravastatin (−) group, N = 277). At 60 months, the survival rate for patients free from conversion to permanent AF was significantly greater in the pravastatin (+) group than in the pravastatin (−) group. The percentage of patients who eventually developed permanent AF despite anti‐arrhythmic therapy was significantly lower in the pravastatin (+) group than in the pravastatin (−) group (9.8% vs. 25.3%). Left atrial dimensions were significantly increased in the pravastatin (−) group during the follow‐up period (from 34.8 ± 6.6 mm to 37.6 ± 7.0 mm: p < 0.01). In contrast, in the pravastatin (+) group, left atrial dimensions remained unchanged between baseline and after treatment (34.4 ± 7.3 mm vs 35.5 ± 6.6 mm).

Conclusion: In patients with paroxysmal AF and hyperlipidemia, addition of pravastatin to anti‐arrhythmic agents seems to enhance the efficacy of these agents in maintaining sinus rhythm and preventing the development of structural remodeling in the myocardium.