The effect of nasal provocation with a single-dose allergen on the physical and cognitive performance of patients with ragweed allergy.

Purpose This study aims to compare the impact of active allergic rhinitis on physical and cognitive abilities of trained allergic athletes to untrained allergic patients. Methods Cognitive, respiratory, and fitness functions were assessed before and after allergen exposure. Participants in both groups were provoked intranasally with ragweed allergen. Results The group of athletes revealed significantly higher average values in peak inspiratory flow and fitness index before and after provocation. In neuropsychological assessments, athletes performed significantly better after allergen provocation in complex working memory capacity. Due to single acute allergen exposure, the size of the nasal cavity and nasal inspiratory peak flow significantly decreased in both groups. The physical performance of both groups did not change after provocation. Executive functions and complex working memory capacity of athletes significantly improved resulting from provocation. Conclusions A single-shot allergen in high dose might cause an increase in mental concentration, which was more pronounced in the group of athletes. This study indicates that acute exposure to allergen cannot affect the physical performance and may result in increased mental focus in patients with allergy notwithstanding the declining respiratory functions.

Different expression of leptin and IGF1 in the adult and prepubertal testis in dogs.

Leptin (Lep) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are implicated in the regulation of testicular function, but in dogs, our knowledge is limited to the possible role of the IGF1 system in testicular tumours. In this study, we aimed to describe and compare gene expression and protein localization of Lep, IGF1 and their receptors (LepR and IGF1R, respectively) in the testis of healthy adult and prepubertal dogs. Testes were collected from sexually healthy mature (n = 7) and from 8-week-old dogs (n = 7). Relative gene expression of Lep, LepR, IGF1 and IGF1R was determined by semi-quantitative real-time (TaqMan) PCR and cellular distribution in the testis by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was carried out with Student's t test. Lep and LepR mRNA concentration was similar between the two groups, but IGF1 and IGF1R gene expression was significantly higher in the 8-week-old pups. Protein localization and the intensity of signals differed by age. In adults, Lep and LepR immunoreactivity was detected in spermatocytes and spermatids. Leydig cells showed sporadic, weak Lep staining. In prepubertal animals, intense Lep signals were present in Leydig and Sertoli cells, and LepR was found in Leydig cells. IGF1 and IGF1R protein was expressed in spermatogonia of the mature testis; IGF1 signals in Leydig cells seemed stronger than IGF1R. In the pups, IGF1 and IGF1R staining was detected in Leydig cells and in gonocytes. Sertoli cells showed weak IGF1 and sporadic, weak IGF1R signals. In conclusion, Lep and IGF1 may support spermatogenesis in adult dogs and mediate Leydig cell function. In the immature testis, they may promote development of Sertoli and Leydig cells and gonocytes.

Col1a1-GFP transgene expression in developing incisors.

Previous studies have shown that terminal differentiation of odontoblasts is accompanied by dramatic increases in type I collagen synthesis. Recently transgenic mice in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression is under the control of the rat 3.6 (pOBCol3.6GFPtpz) and 2.3 (pOBCol2.3GFPemd) Col1a1 promoter fragments were generated. Our analysis of these GFP-expressing transgenic mice shows that the 2.3-kb promoter fragment directs strong expression of GFP only to bones and teeth, whereas the 3.6-kb fragment of promoter directs strong expression of GFP in bone and tooth, as well as in other type I collagen producing tissues. Our observations of incisors in these transgenic mice show high levels of GFP expression in functional odontoblasts and in differentiated osteoblasts. These observations show that expression of GFP reporter genes closely follow the patterns of expression of alpha 1(I) collagen in various tissues including odontoblasts.

[Calculated gastric intramucosal pH changes in the early phase of acute pancreatitis]. / Számított intramucosalis pH-változások a gyomorban az akut pancreatitis kezdeti szakaszában.

Based on the literature dysfunction of splanchnic circulation may be assumeol in the development of severe acute pancreatitis. Abnormal gut functions investigated by routinely used clinical examination is not available. Gastric tonometry indirectly gives information about gut function. Authors followed prospectively 12 patients who suffered from acute pancreatitis. Four patients recovered without complications, 4 patients had different complications and 4 patients died. Gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) was measured by TRIP NGS catheter and Tonocap monitor. Measurements were started at the time of hospitalisation and repeated every six hours on the first 3 days. Intramucosal acidosis (pHi < 7.3) could be measured independently from aetiology. Gastric pHi showed strong correlation with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II. (APACHE II) score (p = 0.02). APACHE II scores were significantly higher in-group pHi < 7.2 (13.9 +/- 1.7) compared to group pHi > 7.2 (7.33 +/- 1.06) (p = 0.002). 24-hour changes in APACHE II scores were significantly greater in the cases of pHi < 7.2 (3.3 +/- 1.47) versus pHi > 7.2 (-0.6 +/- 0.97) (p = 0.03). Changes of pHi in the early phase of acute pancreatitis indicate that splanchnic circulation is already involved and the pHi may have a prognostic value.

Odontogenic epithelium induces similar molecular responses in chick and mouse mandibular mesenchyme.

Previous observations have shown that, during the initiation phase of odontogenesis, signals from mouse odontogenic epithelium can elicit teeth in non-odontogenic but neural crest-derived mesenchyme isolated from ectopic sites including chick mandibular mesenchyme. In the present study the formation of ectopic tooth buds and dental mesenchyme in chick mandibular mesenchyme was examined using heterospecific recombinations between E11 mouse odontogenic epithelium and stage 23 chick lateral mandibular mesenchyme. Both morphological criteria and chick-specific probes for Msx-1, Msx-2, and Bmp-4 mRNAs were used as markers for early dental mesenchyme. Our results demonstrated that interactions of mouse odontogenic epithelium with chick mandibular mesenchyme induce early changes in the chick mandibular mesenchyme including the appearance of a translucent zone, cell proliferation, and induction of expression of Msx-1, Msx-2, and Bmp-4, which have been shown to be associated with the formation of dental mesenchyme. In addition, tooth bud-like structures that resemble E13 tooth buds in vivo both morphologically and in their patterns of gene expression formed after 6 days in the heterospecific recombinations. The tooth bud-like structures consist of invaginated mouse mandibular epithelium and condensed chick mandibular mesenchyme expressing high levels of Msx-1 and Bmp-4, but undetectable levels of Msx-2. Unlike the induction of Msx-1, Msx-2, and Bmp-4 in the underlying mesenchyme, which is specific for signals derived from odontogenic epithelium, the induction of a translucent zone and cellular proliferation in the underlying mesenchyme may be related to the growth-promoting potential of embryonic epithelia and not be specific to signals derived from the odontogenic epithelium. Similar to mouse odontogenic epithelium, agarose beads soaked in recombinant BMP-4 induced a translucent zone, cellular proliferation, and expression of Msx-1, Msx-2, and Bmp-4 in chick mandibular mesenchyme after 24 hours. These observations together showed that avian mandibular mesenchyme has odontogenic potential that is expressed upon interactions with inductive signals from mouse odontogenic epithelium. Similar to odontogenesis in vivo, formation of dental mesenchyme in chick mandibular mesenchyme is mediated by the activation of Msx-1, Msx-2, and Bmp-4.

EGF does not induce Msx-1 and Msx-2 in dental mesenchyme.

Previous heterospecific tissue recombinations indicate that mandibular epithelium exerts the first known inductive signal for odontogenesis in mouse embryos. BMP-4 and EGF are two growth factors implicated as signaling molecules mediating the initial inductive epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during odontogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to examine and compare the effects of these growth factors and mouse mandibular epithelium on expression of Msx-1 and Msx-2 genes in molar-forming mesenchyme. Agarose beads soaked in growth factors or pieces of mouse mandibular epithelium (E11) were placed in contact with E11 molar-forming mesenchyme and cultured for 24 h. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis revealed that, in contrast to mouse mandibular epithelium and BMP-4-releasing beads, EGF-releasing beads did not induce the expression of Msx-1 and Msx-2 in E11 molar-forming mesenchyme. These observations suggest that whereas BMP-4 may be involved in activation of Msx-1 and Msx-2 in the underlying mesenchyme, EGF may regulate events involved in the formation of dental lamina.

Hydrocephalus and craniosynostosis.

OBJECT: A retrospective study of 1727 cases of craniosynostosis was undertaken to determine the interrelationship between abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics and craniosynostosis. METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups: nonsyndromic craniosynostosis and syndromic craniosynostosis. Cases of occipital plagiocephaly without suture synostosis and cases of shunt-induced craniosynostosis were excluded from the study. The majority of patients (1297) were treated surgically for their cranial deformity; 95% of these patients had a postoperative follow-up review period lasting 5 years. Clinical and radiographic charts covering the time from presentation through the follow-up period were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal intracranial CSF hydrodynamics was found in 8.1% of the patients (3.4% of whom had received shunts and 4.5% of whom had not). Three types of CSF hydrodynamic disturbance were observed: progressive hydrocephalus with ventricular dilation, nonprogressive ventriculomegaly, and dilation of the subarachnoid spaces. Hydrocephalus occurred much more frequently in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis (12.1%) than in those with isolated craniosynostosis (0.3%). In fact, patients with kleeblattschädel exhibited hydrocephalus as a constant feature and patients with Crouzon's syndrome were far more likely to have hydrocephalus than those with other syndromes. In Apert's syndrome, ventricular dilation occurred very frequently, but it was almost always nonprogressive in nature. In most cases of syndromic craniosynostosis, venous sinus obstruction and/or chronic tonsillar herniation were found. Their role in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus in craniosynostosis is discussed.

Submerged intraoral device for mandibular lengthening.

The authors report a new technique for mandibular distraction. Lengthening of the mandible by gradual intraoral distraction was obtained in nine young patients. An intraoral device was used in order to avoid external scars. Seven patients had hemifacial microsomia, one patient had a ramus hypoplasia after TMJ ankylosis and one patient had the Treacher-Collins syndrome. The amount of mandibular lengthening ranged from 12 to 28 mm depending on the duration of expansion. Retention after expansion, to allow ossification to take place, lasted for 3 weeks on average. The follow-up period ranged from a minimum of 5 months to a maximum of 44 months.

[Mandibular distraction]. / La distraction mandibulaire.

The authors review the bone lengthening techniques used in orthopaedics, analyse the application of osteogenesis by surgical distraction of the mandible and describe the progress in techniques and equipment. The presentation of clinical cases of mandibular hypoplasia treated by intraoral distraction emphasizes the value of this new technique, particularly in terms of the morphological results, which are superior to those obtained by conventional techniques.

Intraoral distraction for mandibular lengthening: a technical innovation.

An intraoral distraction device for mandibular lengthening is reported. Correction of vertical deficiency of the ramus was associated with expansion of the soft tissue of the jaw, without any visible scars.

Experimental analysis of Msx-1 and Msx-2 gene expression during chick mandibular morphogenesis.

Homeobox-containing genes are thought to be involved in regulating pattern formation in a variety of tissues during embryogenesis. We have examined the expression of the homeobox-related genes Msx-1 and Msx-2 during the development of the chick mandibular arch. Northern blot hybridization indicates that transcripts for both Msx-1 (1.6 Kb) and Msx-2 (3 Kb) are present in the mandibular arch as early as stage 18. The levels of both transcripts in the whole mandible decrease as cartilage is formed in vivo and in vitro. Using in situ hybridization, transcripts of Msx-1 were localized in high amounts to the mesenchyme of the mesial tips of the arches. Msx-2 transcripts were localized in high amounts to medial regions of the arches. Little or no hybridization of either probe was detected in the chondrogenic and myogenic regions of the arches. Transcripts of both genes were also excluded from calcified bone and cartilage. Our results further demonstrate that the mesial tip mesenchyme expressing Msx-1 includes areas of highly proliferative cells and has in vitro chondrogenic potential. The region of mesenchymal cells expressing the Msx-2 gene overlap with areas of developmentally programmed cell death which also contain very few proliferative cells and lack chondrogenic potential in vitro. These results are consistent with the possibility that Msx-1 may be involved in the outgrowth of the mandibular arch and Msx-2 may be involved in both developmentally programmed cell death and delineating the non-chondrogenic region of the medial part of the mandibular arch.

Enhancement of avian mandibular chondrogenesis in vitro in the absence of epithelium.

The roles of mandibular epithelium in chondrogenesis and growth of mandibular mesenchyme were examined in organ cultures. Epithelium and mesenchyme were separated from the mandibular arches of chick embryos at stages before and after the onset of chondrogenesis in vivo (stages 18-28). Isochronic and heterochronic tissue recombinations were prepared. Removal of the mandibular epithelium resulted in reduced growth of the explants and enhanced chondrogenesis, resulting in increased levels of mRNAs for type II collagen and aggrecan. The presence of mandibular epithelium promoted cell division in loosely arranged undifferentiated tissue from the mandibular mesenchyme and resulted in increased levels of type I collagen mRNA. Enhanced chondrogenesis was also observed in the mesenchyme isolated with basement membrane and isolated mesenchyme grown within Matrigel. These findings suggest that mandibular epithelium has mitogenic and chondrogenic-inhibitory effects on the underlying mesenchyme that are stage independent. Furthermore, the chondrogenic-inhibitory effect of mandibular epithelium on the underlying mesenchymal cells is not mediated by basement membrane.

[Bone distraction using an external fixator: a new mandibular lengthening technic. A preliminary study apropos of 2 cases of children with mandibular hypoplasia]. / La distraction osseuse par fixateur externe: une nouvelle technique d'allongement mandibulaire. Etude préliminaire à propos de deux observations chez l'enfant porteur d'une hypoplasie mandibulaire.

The authors expose a technical innovation concerning mandibular lengthening without any bone graft, by applying to the mandibular Ilizarov's principles about limb lengthening by osseous distraction. This surgical technique concerns children with mandibular hypoplasia, like the Hanhart's syndrome (aglossia-adactylia, first observation), or Hemifacial Microsomia (second observation). The purpose of this new technique is mandibular lengthening with functional and aesthetic correction of the mandibular growth deficiency, and minimal morbidity. A specialist staff is essential to realize a distraction device with his minimal and appropriate shape for children, as well as a protection device conception. This external distraction device is placed with transmandibular pins. After mandibular corticotomy by endobuccal incision, the distraction is accomplished, at home by the parents, at the rythm of 1 mm p. two days. The distraction goes on about 2 months, depending on the lack of mandibular growth, and a retention device, much more light, is necessary during 8 weeks more to stabilize the osteogenesis. At the term of an eight weeks gradual distraction, the mandibular lengthening is 17.5 mm for the horizontal ramus (first observation), and 13 mm for the vertical ramus (second observation). The functional and aesthetic results, the swift and secure surgical procedure, lead to put forward this mandibular distraction technique in any mandibular or facial defects.

Amphetamine-metabolites of deprenyl involved in protection against neurotoxicity induced by MPTP and 2'-methyl-MPTP.

The ability of 1-deprenyl to protect against the parkinsonian effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) has been attributed to the inhibition of conversion of MPTP to MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) catalyzed by MAO-B. We report here that deprenyl-treatment in mice has an additional neuroprotective element associated with the rapid metabolization of 1-deprenyl to 1-methamphetamine and 1-amphetamine. 1-Methamphetamine and 1-amphetamine inhibit MPP(+)-uptake into striatal synaptosomes prepared from rats. Post-treatment by 1-deprenyl, 1-methamphetamine, 1-amphetamine (at times when MPTP is no longer present in the striatum of mice) protects against neurotoxicity in C57BL mice by blocking the uptake of MPP+ into dopaminergic neurons, and even against the neurotoxicity induced by 2'CH3-MPTP, which is partly bioactivated by MAO-A. These findings may have clinical implications since deprenyl has recently been found to delay the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Epithelial cell-fibroblast interactions: modulation of extracellular matrix proteins in cultured oral cells.

A model system involving co-cultures of human gingival or periodontal ligament fibroblasts with mouse epithelial root sheath cells or human gingival epithelial cells was used to study epithelial cell-fibroblast interactions. Double-labeled immunofluorescence and microfluorometry were used to investigate the expression of extracellular matrix molecules of collagen type I (collagen I), type III (collagen III) and fibronectin in fibroblasts. When fibroblasts from either source were cultured alone, the fluorescence for collagen I and fibronectin ranged from strongly positive to almost negative. Collagen III staining was relatively weak compared with that of collagen I. After 2-3 days of co-culture, gingival fibroblasts and ligament fibroblasts adjacent to the mouse sheath cells exhibited enhanced intracellular fluorescence for collagen I and fibronectin. Very little change was observed for collagen III. Gingival fibroblasts cultured with gingival epithelial cells showed increased fluorescence for collagen I but decreased fluorescence for fibronectin. In contrast, the fluorescence intensity for both collagen I and fibronectin in ligament fibroblasts were reduced after 3 days of co-culture with gingival epithelial cells. Ultrastructural changes in fibroblasts co-cultured with mouse root sheath cells included increased Golgi cisternae and vesicles and an increased abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum, polyribosomes, secretory vesicles and pinocytotic vesicles. Thus, the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and the metabolic activity of fibroblasts can be modulated by oral epithelial cells.