Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) plays an essential role in the postnatal development and maintenance of mouse mandibular condylar cartilage.

Recently, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) was found to be expressed in the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC), but the possible roles of this molecule in the formation, growth, and maintenance of the cartilage are largely unclear. To analyze such roles, we examined Dspp null mice compared with wild-type mice to assess the consequences of Dspp deletion on the morphology and structure of the MCC. Our data showed that DSPP is expressed in the prechondroblastic, chondroblastic, hypertrophic layers of the MCC. Dspp null mice exhibited decreases in the amount of MCC, with reduced formation of articular and prechondroblastic layers in which progenitor cell proliferation levels were distinctly affected. The expression of extracellular matrix molecules, including biglycan and collagen II, IX, and X, was remarkably altered. The findings in this study indicate that continuous DSPP action is required for the growth and/or maintenance of the MCC.

Loss of dentin sialophosphoprotein leads to periodontal diseases in mice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and its cleaved products, dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP), play important roles in biomineralization. Recently, we observed that DSPP is highly expressed in the alveolar bone and cementum, indicating that this molecule may play an important role in the formation and maintenance of a healthy periodontium, and its deletion may cause increased susceptibility to periodontal diseases. The objective of this investigation was to study the effects of Dspp ablation on periodontal tissues by analyzing Dspp null mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Newborn to 6-mo-old Dspp null mice were examined, and the 3- and 6-mo-old Dspp null mice were characterized in detail using X-ray radiography, histology and scanning electron microscopy (backscattered as well as resin-infiltrating). Wild-type mice of the same age groups served as the normal controls. RESULTS: The Dspp null mice showed significant loss of alveolar bone and cementum, particularly in the furcation and interproximal regions of the molars. The alveolar bone appeared porous while the quantity of cementum was reduced in the apical region. The canalicular systems and osteocytes in the alveolar bone were abnormal, with reduced numbers of canaliculi and altered osteocyte morphology. The loss of alveolar bone and cementum along with the detachment of the periodontal ligaments (PDL) led to the apical migration of the epithelial attachment and formation of periodontal pockets. CONCLUSION: Inactivation of DSPP leads to the loss of alveolar bone and cementum and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections in PDL of Dspp null mice. The fact that the loss of DSPP results in periodontal diseases indicates that this molecule plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the periodontium.

Eight- and 16-membered cyanuric-sulfanuric ring systems: C2N4S2-->C2N3S ring contraction.

Eight- and 16-membered cyanuric-sulfanuric ring systems of the type Ar2C2N4S2(O)2Ar'2 (3a, Ar = 4-BrC6H4, Ar' = Ph; 3b, Ar = 4-CF3C6H4, Ar' = Ph; 3c, Ar = 4-CF3C6H4, Ar' = 4-CH3C6H4) and Ar4C4N8S4(O)4Ar'4 (4b, Ar = 4-CF3C6H4, Ar' = Ph; 4c, Ar = 4-CH3C6H4, Ar' = Ph; 4d, Ar = 4-CF3C6H4, Ar' = 4-CH3C6H4), respectively, were prepared in good yields by the reaction of the corresponding sulfur(IV) systems with m-chloroperbenzoic acid. The X-ray structures of 3b, 3c.C7H14, 4b.CH2Cl2, 4c, and the S(IV) system Ar4C4N8S4Ar'4 (2c, Ar = 4-CH3C6H4, Ar' = Ph) were determined. Upon oxidation the two oxygen atoms in 3b and 3c.C7H14 adopt endo positions leading to a twist boat conformation for the C2N4S2 ring. The 16-membered C4N8S4 rings in 4b and 4c retain a cradle conformation upon oxidation. The S-N bond distances are ca. 0.06 A shorter in all the S(VI) systems compared to those in the corresponding S(IV) rings. The thermolysis of 3b at ca. 220 degrees C occurs primarily via loss of a sulfanuric group, NS(O)Ph, to give the six-membered ring (4-CF3C6H4)2C2N3S(O)Ph (6). The structure of 6 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: 2c, triclinic, space group P1 with a = 13.917(2) A, b = 15.610(4) A, c = 13.491(3) A, alpha = 95.77(2) degrees, beta = 114.82(1) degrees, gamma = 76.21(2) degrees, V = 2583(1) A3, and Z = 2; 3b, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/a with a = 7.316(2) A, b = 29.508(5) A, c = 12.910(2) A, beta = 101.30(2) degrees, V = 2733(1) A3, and Z = 4; 3c.C7H14, triclinic, space group P1 with a = 12.849(4) A, b = 12.863(4) A, c = 12.610(7) A, alpha = 110.61(3) degrees, beta = 105.77(3) degrees, gamma = 62.77(2) degrees, V = 1719(1) A3, and Z = 2; 4b.CH2Cl2, triclinic, space group P1 with a = 12.647(3) A, b = 19.137(3) A, c = 12.550(2) A, alpha = 105.765(11) degrees, beta = 93.610(15) degrees, gamma = 88.877(16) degrees, V = 2917.2(9) A3, and Z = 2; 4c, orthorhombic, space group Pba2 with a = 22.657(2) A, b = 10.570(2) A, c = 10.664(3) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees, V = 2554(1) A3, and Z = 2; 6, triclinic, space group P1 with a = 7.4667(8) A, b = 11.3406(12) A, c = 13.5470(14) A, alpha = 108.000(2) degrees, beta = 105.796(2) degrees, gamma = 94.300(2) degrees, V = 1033.8(2) A3, and Z = 2.

Use of continuous retropleural bupivacaine in postoperative pain management for pediatric thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a continuous bupivacaine infusion into the retropleural space as an adjunct for postoperative pain management in pediatric thoracotomy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 13 pediatric patients undergoing thoracotomy over a 3-year period (April 1995 through July 1997). In seven patients, insertion of a retropleural catheter was accomplished before closure of the thoracotomy by placing an epidural catheter posterior to the parietal pleura. This potential space was entered two intercostal levels below the incision and advanced superiorly four intercostal spaces. Bupivacaine (0.125% or 0.25%) was infused at 0.5 mL/kg/h. Postoperative intravenous narcotic requirement was compared between the study population (n = 7) and the control population (n = 6). Statistical analysis was conducted using the "separate" Student's t test. RESULTS: Thirteen pediatric patients (age range, 7 to 18 years) were evaluated for total morphine use after thoracotomy. Seven patients had anterior spinal release and fusion, whereas five had mediastinal operations, and one patient had a lobectomy. The two groups were comparable in age, weight, and type of operation. Infusion through the retropleural catheter continued for an average of 3.8 days (range, 3 to 6 days). The total mean postoperative morphine requirement was 2.32 mg/kg (0.544 mg/kg/day) in the control population and 0.88 mg/kg (0.204 mg/kg/day) for the patients with a retropleural catheter (P<.001). CONCLUSION: A continuous infusion of bupivacaine through a unique retropleural technique decreases the postoperative need for morphine in postoperative pediatric thoracotomy patients.

Bicycle Stage Racing.

In brief The Ore-Ida Women's Challenge brief bicycle stage race, the largest and longest women's stage race, requires extensive medical support, often in remote areas. The medical team has devised a system of support that can be used as a model. The six-member team includes a primary care physician, nurse, and emergency medical technician. Four vehicles are used to transport medications and supplies. Accurate medical records kept over 8 years allow the team to stock supplies and devise protocols for the injuries they are most likely to encounter.