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Biomedical subjects

G Mori

Publications and source records attributed to G Mori.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Study of elastic fiber organization by scanning force microscopy.

Elastic fibers of beef ligamentum nuchae were observed by atomic force microscopy and data compared with those obtained by conventional and freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Fresh isolated elastin fibers as well as thin sections of ligament fragments, which were fixed and embedded either in relaxed or in stretched conditions, were analysed. The results confirm that, at least in beef ligamentum nuchae, elastic fibers consist of beaded filaments which can be oriented by stretching in the direction of the force applied. Moreover, atomic force microscopy revealed that these beaded filaments are laterally connected by periodical bridges which become more pronounced upon stretching. The data clearly show that elastin molecules are organized in a rather ordered array, at least at the super-molecular level, and a depiction of the elastin organization in beef ligamentum nuchae is attempted.

Animals↗

Response of Azospirillum brasilense Cd to sodium chloride stress.

Growth of Azospirillum brasilense Cd in the presence of different NaCl concentrations showed that it tolerates up to 200 mM NaCl in the medium, without appreciable decline in growth rate. At 300 mM NaCl, a decrease of 66% in growth was observed at 24 h of culture. At 48 h of culture, bacteria in the presence of 300 mM NaCl reached the maximum optical density value that was attained at 12 h by control cultures. This investigation was designed to elucidate the effect of saline stress on Azospirillum brasilense Cd and the physiologic mechanism involved in its possible salinity tolerance. For this reason, studies of other osmolytes, as well as of putrescine metabolism and protein patterns were done with bacteria grown with this NaCl concentration in the medium, at 24 and at 48 hours. A. brasilense responded to saline stress elevating the intracellular concentration of glutamate at 24 h, and of K+ at 48 h. Glucan pattern, putrescine metabolism, and total and periplasmic protein patterns of the treated group showed several changes with respect to the control. In spite of the several cellular functions affected by saline stress, the results imply that A. brasilense Cd shows salinity tolerance in these experimental conditions.

Azospirillum brasilense↗

Hyaluronan-phospholipid interactions.

Hyaluronan-phospholipid interactions have been studied in vitro by negative staining and rotary shadowing electron microscopy. Hyaluronan (HA) molecules of different molecular weights (around 170,000; 740,000, and 1.9 x 10(6) Da) were added to phospholipid suspensions (DPPC or egg lecithin) that were in the form of either unilamellar particles or multilamellar vesicles. Suspensions were then gently stirred and incubated at different temperatures from 24 hr up to 7 days. After 24 hr, at temperatures just above the melting point of the phospholipid used, both unilamellar particles and multilamellar vesicles were already shown to change their organization in the presence of HA, giving rise to the formation of (1) huge perforated membrane-like structures lying on the substrate; (2) 12-nm-thick "cylinders" (rollers) with a tendency to aggregate and to form sheets. These structures were seen only in the presence of high-molecular-weight HA, whereas low-molecular-weight HA (170 kDa) induced fragmentation of liposomes and formation of a few short rollers. These data show that phospholipids and HA interact and suggest they may also do so in vivo within the joint cavity, where both chemical species are present, giving rise to complexes which might exhibit peculiar lubricating and protective properties. It is also proposed that such interactions may not be as efficient in arthritic joints, where HA is degraded to low-molecular-weight fragments.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗

Retinoic acid induces cell proliferation and modulates gelatinases activity in human osteoclast-like cell lines.

The effect of Retinoic Acid (RA) on human osteoclast-like cell lines, obtained from Giant Cell tumors (GCT) of bone, has been investigated evaluating its action on bone resorption, cell proliferation, microtubular organization and gelatinases expression and activity. Increasing concentrations of RA significantly dose-dependently decreased GCTs bone resorption, while 10(-7) M RA promoted an increase of cell proliferation. By immunofluorescence we demonstrated that GCTs express A and B gelatinases and, by zymography, that their activity was enhanced in medium collected from GCTs cultured in the presence of 10(-7) M RA. These data indicate that RA increases cell proliferation and modulates metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity, crucial events during the migration of osteoclast precursors toward bone surfaces.

Bone Resorption↗

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid affects the attachment of Azospirillum brasilense Cd to maize roots.

2.4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a herbicide widely applied to forage, grain and cereals. We previously determined that 1 mM 2,4-D diminished cell growth and cellular activity of Azospirillum brasilense Cd. The present work was designed to determine the possible effect of this herbicide--at concentrations used on crops--on the attachment of the bacteria to maize roots, since this step is of prime importance for the growth stimulation of the plant obtained with Azospirillum brasilense. In this paper we demonstrate that 2,4-D alters the bacterial adhesion to maize roots.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Characterization of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid transport and its relationship with polyamines in Azospirillum brasilense.

We have previously shown that 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) inhibits Azospirillum brasilense growth, the synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins. These toxic effects are prevented when polyamines are added to the culture medium. The purposes of our research were to determine the effects of the herbicide on the number of viable Azospirillum brasilense cells, characterize the 2,4-D transport system and to study the effects of polyamines upon the latter in this microorganism. We found that 2,4-D reduced the number of viable cells and that 2,4-D transport is energy-independent, since it was not affected by metabolic inhibitors. Polyamines did not alter 2,4-D uptake, further supporting the hypothesis that the herbicide most likely produces its toxic effects by interfering with the polyamine metabolism.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of resin-dentin and calcium hydroxide-dentin interface with resin composite restorations.

Calcium hydroxide has been used as a liner in resin composite restorations to protect the pulp. Recent research has demonstrated that pulpal inflammation is caused by microleakage of restorations and by the subsequent passage of bacteria. The present study involved scanning electron microscopic observation of cross-sections of resin composite-dentin interfaces after the interposition of a layer of calcium hydroxide. A new-generation adhesive system that involves etching of the dentin was used. Ultrastructural analysis indicated that polymerization shrinkage of the resin composite caused the separation of the calcium hydroxide from the dentinal surface, forming 8- to 15-micron-wide interfacial gaps in 100% of the areas studied. Where the adhesive was applied directly to dentin, it adhered closely, forming a gap-free attachment with evidence of an acid-resistant hybrid layer (4 to 6 microns in thickness) and resin tags of various lengths that hermetically sealed the dentinal tubules.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on polyamine transport and metabolism in Azospirillum brasilense Cd.

We had previously demonstrated that 1 mM 2,4-D inhibited cell growth, nucleic acid synthesis and protein synthesis (at the ribosomal level) of Azospirillum brasilense. These alterations were prevented by the presence of polyamines in the culture medium. On the other hand, polyamines did not affect the 2,4-D uptake. In this paper we demonstrate that 2,4-D alters the metabolism of polyamines and increases their uptake.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Marginal seal and biocompatibility of a fourth-generation bonding agent.

OBJECTIVES: The pulpal reaction and the marginal sealing of in vivo restored samples using resin composite and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose adhesive system (3M Dental Products) were analyzed in this study. METHODS: Twelve Class I non-exposed cavity preparations were placed on premolars to be removed for orthodontic reasons. They were restored and observed at 7 d and 28 d. RESULTS: The examination of the resin-dentin interface under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed: 1) a gap-free attachment between adhesive resin and dentinal surface in 80% of the areas studied, 2) penetration of resin tags into the dentinal tubules, and 3) formation of a 3-5 micrometer thick acid-resistant hybrid layer. Microfissures measuring about 10 micrometers were observed in only 20a% of the areas studied; these were located along the walls of the cavities, especially near the enamel in zones where there was a lower concentration of dentinal tubules. The histological analysis, carried out 7 d after preparation of the restoration, did not show any alteration of the pulp. After 4 wk, reparative dentin was produced in the pulpal areas corresponding to the restored cavities. SIGNIFICANCE: The quantity of newly formed dentin is correlated with the distance from the cavity to the pulp. The results indicate that acid-etching of vital dentin using 10% maleic acid does not impair pulpal healing in deep Class I cavities and that the Scotchbond Multi-Purpose adhesive system is able to preserve the morphological and biological integrity of the pulpo-dentinal complex.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Polymorphism-structure relationships of rifamexil, an antibiotic rifamycin derivative.

The polymorphism of rifamexil, a rifamycin derivative, has been investigated by thermomicroscopy, differential thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetry), IR spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction. Two crystalline forms, an amorphous material, and three solvates have been studied. The crystal structures of two solvates have also been determined by single-crystal X-ray techniques. Although the overall conformation of rifamexil is very similar in the two compounds, marked differences occur between the two crystal packings, due to differences both in the mutual orientation of the molecules and in the rifamexil-solvent interactions. Multivariate statistical methods have been used to identify the principal structural parameters determining the biological activity of the rifamycins.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

[Micromorphological aspects of dentin].

Samples of dentine of healthy teeth were analysed in this study with at the scanning electron microscope. In order to see the morphological changes in the structure of both the dentine and the dentinary tubules, the dentine was observed at different levels according to the distance from the pulp. After the removal of the odontoblasts the predentine appears to be composed only by collagen fibres and is about 15 microns thick. At this level, the dentinary tubules can reach a diameter of 4 microns. This measure decreases progressively in proportion to the distance from the pulp, reaching about 2 microns at a distance of 1 mm, and 1 micron at 2 mm from the pulp. A decrease in the tubular lumina is observed when the peritubular dentine changes from 0.8 to 1 in thickness. The internal surface of the tubules appears smooth and shows the confluence of very thin lateral canaliculi. The dentinary tubules end forming forks which spread out until they enter into contact with the enamel.

Dental Pulp↗

Immunochemical identification of abnormal constituents in the dermis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum patients.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a connective tissue inherited disease characterized by dermal alterations and mineralization of the elastin fibres. To investigate its pathogenesis, which is still unknown, antibodies against the principal connective tissue components were assayed on ultrathin sections of dermis from 7 PXE subjects and 5 age matched controls. Both control and PXE elastin fibres were positive for heparan, dermatan and chondroitin 0-sulphates, decorin and biglycan. In PXE, elastin fibres were also highly positive for chondroitin 6-sulphate, vitronectin, fibronectin and serum amyloid antigen. Vitronectin and fibronectin were mostly concentrated in the areas of dense mineralization within the elastin fibres. The abnormal microfilament aggregates, often seen in PXE dermis, were positive for all the above mentioned molecular species as well as for collagen types I and III and fibrillin; on the contrary, they were always negative for elastin. The results suggest that PXE is a complex disorder, in which the whole extracellular matrix is deeply disturbed. Therefore, without excluding an elastin gene defect, the data seem rather to suggest that PXE is a disorder of the mechanisms controlling the production of matrix constituents and that elastin mineralization is caused by molecules abnormally produced and entrapped within the fibre during elastin fibrogenesis.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

In vivo and in vitro analysis of a bonding agent.

Recently many researchers have become interested in the adhesion of composite resin to the dentinal surface. Because it is easier to obtain good composite resin adhesion when a surface is free from smear plug, several chemical agents (acids or linking agents) have been suggested for surface preparation. Nevertheless, the pretreatment of dentin leads to an increase of pulpal outflow, which can interfere with the bonding agent's adhesion. Thus, new-generation dentinal bonding agents appeared on the market. They use a pool of highly absorbent primers to facilitate the scattering of the agent in the dentin substratum under humid conditions. The present study shows the results, obtained with the help of scanning electron microscopy, of resinous penetration into the tubular structures of dentin using a latest-generation bonding system. The in vivo and in vitro tests showed a deep scattering of intermediate fluid resin into tubules, even in the presence of physiologic outflow of dentinal fluids.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

The interaction of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, ribosomes and polyamines in Azospirillum brasilense.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an herbicide used extensively in agriculture. We had previously determined that 1 mM 2,4-D could inhibit cell growth, DNA and protein synthesis of Azospirillum brasilense. The present work was designed to determine if these alterations are a consequence of 2,4-D action on polyamine biosynthesis and if the protein synthesis inhibition is a result of ribosomal impairment. In this paper we demonstrate that 2,4-D alters the metabolism of polyamines and, thus, affects protein synthesis at the ribosomal level.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

A clinical, ultrastructural and immunochemical study of Dupuytren's disease.

Aponeurotic tissue from seven normal subjects and from apparently unaffected branches, nodules and cords of 16 Dupuytren's patients were compared. Control tissue was characterized by polymorphous cells, showing cytoplasmic microfilament bundles, numerous pinocytic vesicles, basement membrane-like structures, and a thick coat of interwoven filaments, and by type I- and III-positive heterogeneous collagen fibrils, fibronectin, vitronectin, decorin and proteoglycans. The clinically normal branches consisted of fibroblast-like cells, small type III-highly positive collagen fibrils, fibronectin and proteoglycans. Nodules and fibrotic cords contained fibroblast-like cells, type I and III collagen, fibronectin and proteoglycans. Myofibroblast-like cells in only five out of 16 patients were present. There was no relation between clinical stage and structural alterations; the whole aponeurosis always seemed to be involved; cord retraction would seem to depend on the interactions among fibroblast-like cells and matrix components and among matrix macromolecules themselves.

Adolescent↗

[Clinical studies of S-1108, a new oral cephem, in pediatric patients].

Clinical studies of S-1108, a new oral cephem, in pediatric patients were conducted and results are summarized below. 1) Clinical effects of S-1108 against 18 cases of bacterial infections were excellent in 5 cases, good in 10 cases, fair in 1 case and poor in 2 cases, thus the clinical efficacy rates was 83.3%. 2) Bacteriological effects were evaluated in 16 strains. The elimination rate was 100%. 3) No adverse effects nor abnormal laboratory test results were observed in any of the cases.

Administration, Oral↗

[An ultrastructural analysis of the peritubular dentin and of the tubular lumen in healthy teeth].

In this study the authors examined some specimens of fractured dentine of embedded healthy teeth, of people aged between 20 and 30. Connecting the scanning electron microscopy to a system of computerised analysis of spectrometry (EDS) allowed the analysis of the qualitative composition of the specimens. Therefore, the authors described the tubular structure of the sound, the peri- and the intertubular dentine, the winding course of the dentinal tubules and in some specimens, the presence of cylindrical structures inside the tubules. The EDS analysis demonstrated that these tubular structures have the same composition as the intertubular dentine. Former studies described hollow cylindrical structures having a similar morphology solely as a response of the odontoblasts to white spots. On the contrary, in this study it was demonstrated that it is possible to find cylindrical structures which are definitely mineralized in sound teeth without caries. However, the presence of such formations is not concomitant with the disappearance of peritubular dentine which is a typical structural modification of the pathological advancement of the carious lesion.

Adult↗