Biomedical subjects

S Kopp

Publications and source records attributed to S Kopp.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Study of B Decays to Charmonium States: B-->eta(c)K and B --> chi(c0)K.

In a sample of 9.66x10(6)B&Bmacr; pairs collected with the CLEO detector we make the first observation of B decays to an eta(c) and a kaon. We measure branching fractions B(B+-->eta(c)K+) = (0.69(+0.26)(-0.21)+/-0.08+/-0.20)x10(-3) and B(B degrees -->eta(c)K degrees ) = (1.09(+0.55)(-0.42)+/-0.12+/-0.31)x10(-3), where the first error is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is from the eta(c) branching fraction uncertainty. From these we extract the eta(c) decay constant in the factorization approximation, f(eta(c)) = 335+/-75 MeV. We also search for B decays to a chi(c0) and a kaon. No evidence for a signal is found and we set 90% C.L. upper limits: B(B+-->chi(c0)K+)<4.8x10(-4) and B(B degrees -->chi(c0)K degrees )<5.0x10(-4).

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Interleukin-1beta in antigen-induced arthritis of the rabbit temporomandibular joint.

The aim was to investigate joint perfusate levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in antigen-induced monoarthritis of the rabbit temporomandibular (TMJ) and knee joints. Twenty-four adult male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups: a control group as well as TMJ arthritis and knee joint arthritis groups. After sensitization, unilateral arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection with ovalbumin and the contralateral joint was injected with saline 3 weeks after induction of arthritis. Joints were then perfused continuously with saline and samples were collected at 10-min intervals over a 50-min period. The IL-1beta concentrations in the samples were then analyzed. After killing the animals, the joints were examined histologically. The IL-1beta concentrations in the samples from the arthritic TMJs and knee joints were significantly higher than in the saline-injected and the control joints. Histological signs of chronic arthritis of similar severity were found in both joints. The IL-1beta levels in the samples from the arthritic TM and knee joints correlated with the histological severity of the arthritis, including pannus formation. In conclusion, this study shows that IL-1beta is released in the synovium of rabbit TMJs and knee joints during antigen-induced arthritis, and that high IL-1beta levels in synovial fluid are associated with histological signs of inflammation including, pannus tissue formation.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2001

Chewing ability as a parameter for evaluating the disability of patients with temporomandibular disorders.

Restoration of chewing ability is an important aspect of the treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). However, too little attention has been paid to it. We have used a questionnaire to evaluate and score the chewing ability of TMD patients. The questionnaire includes 19 kinds of food and a chewing task. The patient was asked if she/he experiences difficulty in enjoying eating. The aim of this study was to evaluate correlations between score of chewing ability (SCA) and other symptoms/signs of TMD. Four hundred and seventy-three consecutive TMD patients were evaluated for SCA and other symptoms/signs including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, TMJ and muscle tenderness, TMJ noise (clicking and crepitus), and maximum mouth opening. The relationship between SCA and other symptoms/signs were analysed by multiple regression analysis. Score of chewing ability correlated significantly with TMJ pain and mouth opening capacity but not with TMJ noise and muscle tenderness. Age was a background factor but sex was not. The result of this study suggests that SCA correlated with dysfunction of the TMD patients. This method could be used to evaluate the ability of chewing in assessment of TMD.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

A study of factors for successful splint capture of anteriorly displaced temporomandibular joint disc with disc repositioning appliance.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the factors which influenced the success of disc recapture by the insertion of a disc repositioning appliance. Fifty-one joints with joint clicking that occurred at both middle to late opening and late closing (near maximum cuspation) of the mandible were splinted with a mandibular full-coverage repositioning appliance. The clinical and MR findings were compared between the joints with successful and unsuccessful splint disc capture. Thirty-two clicking joints with reducibly displaced discs (DDWR) had successful disc recapture, while six of 19 joints with displaced disc without reduction (DDWOR). Unsuccessful joints with DDWOR had significantly higher prevalence of deformed disc and joint effusion, higher VAS quantitative pain score, and severe disc displacement especially in medial part of the joint (P < 0.05). From the results of this study joints with DDWR can be expected to have successful disc recapture with the insertion of the appliance. In joints with DDWOR, presence of inflammatory conditions, changed disc morphology and extensive disc displacement in medial part of the joint are negative factors.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Pain mediation by prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 in the human masseter muscle.

The pathophysiology behind chronic pain from masticatory muscles is unclear. Our hypothesis was that this pain is of inflammatory origin and associated with release of inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the presence of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in the masseter muscle and plasma and their relation to myalgia. Nineteen patients with fibromyalgia, 19 with local myalgia of the masseter muscle, and 11 healthy individuals were examined with regard to local muscular pain intensity at rest and pressure pain threshold. Inclusion criteria were masseter muscle pain for at least 3 months and masseter muscle tenderness on digital palpation. Samples were obtained from the masseter muscle by microdialysis, and the dialysates and venous blood samples were analyzed with regard to PGE2 and LTB4 concentration. Intramuscular levels were found in all groups, with significantly higher levels of LTB4 in the patients with fibromyalgia, in whom PGE2 was positively correlated to muscular pain. In the healthy individuals PGE2 was negatively correlated to pressure pain threshold. In both patient groups but not in the healthy individuals LTB4 increased during the consecutive samplings. PGE2 and LTB4 were detectable in the plasma of all groups. In conclusion, both PGE2 and LTB4 were found in the human masseter muscle. LTB4 levels are increased on needle trauma in patients with myalgia. PGE2 levels are related to muscular pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Masseter muscle pain therefore seems to be partly of peripheral inflammatory origin in fibromyalgia.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Long-term follow-up of early treatment of unilateral forced posterior cross-bite with regard to temporomandibular disorders and associated symptoms.

Forty-four subjects, who at the age of 4 years had been treated for unilateral forced cross-bite by grinding or by maxillary arch expansion, were 16-19 years later followed-up by means of a questionnaire about their present condition with regard to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Twenty-two of them had received only early treatment (early questionnaire group) and 22 had received late treatment (late questionnaire group). Fourteen of the subjects who received late treatment also received early treatment. Twenty-nine of the subjects were also examined clinically. Eighteen of these had only received early treatment at 4 years of age (early clinical group), whereas 11 of them also received later treatment in the mixed or permanent dentition because of relapse (late clinical group). No significant differences were found between the early and late groups with regard to signs and symptoms of TMD. Most of the young adults who had undergone orthodontic treatment had well-functioning masticatory systems, and severe TMD signs and symptoms were rare. The results of this study suggest that relapse of early orthodontic treatment and further need of treatment does not influence the later status of subjective symptoms or clinical signs of TMD in young adults.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Radiographic signs of bone destruction in the arthritic temporomandibular joint with special reference to markers of disease activity. A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the progression of radiographic changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with reference to plasma levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease duration. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease and TMJ involvement were included. Individualized tomography of the TMJ was performed twice with an interval of at least 12 months. Blood samples were analysed for IL-1beta and CRP. RESULTS: Significant progression of the overall grade of radiographic changes occurred during the observation period, whereas erosions showed great interindividual variability. Progression of TMJ bone loss was correlated to raised levels of CRP and, in patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, or with shorter duration, also to plasma IL-1beta. CONCLUSION: Progression of overall grade of radiographic changes in the TMJ occurs in patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease. Raised levels of serum CRP are associated with progression of TMJ bone loss.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Prognostic impact of molecular analyses in adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary gland.

BACKGROUND: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary gland is a generally slow-growing but highly malignant neoplasm with a remarkable capacity for recurrence. Prognosis is greatly influenced by the histological subtype (tubular, cribriform or solid), presence of tumour at the margins, anatomic size, and lymph node metastases. However, none of these parameters has proven to be an unequivocal predictor of disease activity. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to investigate the prognostic value of molecular markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Samples from 22 patients, including 4 patients with recurrent disease, were included in the study. By means of immunohistochemistry, the staining pattern of p53, bcl-2, P-glycoprotein, glutathione S-transferase, and topoisomerase as well as sequence analyses of p53 were performed. These molecules were chosen because of their proven association with poor prognosis and therapy resistance in other malignancies. RESULTS: Homozygous p53 mutations were found in all of the 4 recurrent tumors. The other proteins were detected in some tumors, but showed no correlation with histological subtype or recurrence of tumor. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study emphasize the prognostic value of a p53 alteration as an independent prognostic marker. Further, it could be demonstrated for the first time that proteins known for their association with radio- and chemotherapy resistance can be overexpressed in some ACCs suggesting that those molecules could influence the outcome of new therapeutical approaches.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2001

Neuroendocrine, immune, and local responses related to temporomandibular disorders.

Orofacial pain frequently originates from pathologic conditions in the masticatory muscles or temporomandibular joints (TMJs). The mediators and mechanisms that monitor pain and inflammation, centrally or peripherally, are of great interest in the search for new treatment modalities. The neuropeptides substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) have all been found at high levels in the synovial fluid of arthritic TMJs in association with spontaneous pain, while serotonin (5-HT) has been found in association with hyperalgesia/allodynia of the TMJ. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) have been found in arthritic TMJs, but not in healthy TMJs, in association with hyperalgesia/allodynia of the TMJ as well as spontaneous pain. Anterior open bite, which may be a clinical sign of TMJ destruction, has been found in association with high levels of CGRP, NPY, and IL-1 beta in the synovial fluid of the TMJ. Interleukin-1 beta has also been related to radiographic signs of joint destruction. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are both present in the arthritic TMJ, and PGE2 has been shown to be associated with hyperalgesia/allodynia of the TMJ. Very little is known about pain and inflammatory mediators in muscles. However, we know that 5-HT and PGE2 are involved in the development of pain and hyperalgesia/allodynia of the masseter muscle in patients with fibromyalgia, whereas local myalgia (myofascial pain) seems to be modulated by other, as yet unknown mediators. Interaction between the peripheral nervous system (sensory and sympathetic nerves), the immune system, and local cells is probably of great importance for the modulation of pain and inflammation in the TMJ and orofacial musculature.

Arthritis↗

PubMed2000

Immediate effects of the serotonin antagonist granisetron on temporomandibular joint pain in patients with systemic inflammatory disorders.

The aim of this study was to investigate if the 5-HT3 antagonist granisetron reduces temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain in patients with systemic inflammatory joint disorders. Sixteen patients with systemic inflammatory joint disease with pain localized over the TMJ region and tenderness to digital palpation of the TMJ were included. The current resting pain (VASRest) and the pain during maximum mouth opening (VAS(MVM)) of the TMJs were assessed with a 100 mm visual analogue scale. An electronic pressure algometer was used to estimate the pressure pain threshold (PPT) over the lateral aspect of the TMJ. Venous blood was collected for measurement of the plasma and serum levels of 5-HT, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein. The selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron or saline were injected into the posterior part of the upper TMJ compartment in a randomized double-blind manner. The patients in the granisetron group had lower VASRest than the patients in the saline group after 10 min. In the granisetron group, VASRest was decreased after 10 min, while VAS(MVM) was decreased and PPT increased after 20 min. In the saline group, VAS(MVM) was decreased after 20 min. In conclusion, granisetron has an immediate, short-lasting and specific pain reducing effect in TMJ inflammatory arthritis. The 5-HT3 receptor may therefore be involved in the mediation of TMJ pain in systemic inflammatory joint disorders.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Study of charmless hadronic B meson decays to pseudoscalar-vector final states.

We report results of searches for charmless hadronic B meson decays to pseudoscalar( pi(+/-), K+/-, pi(0), or K(0)(S))-vector( rho, K(*), or omega) final states. By using 9.7x10(6) BB pairs collected with the CLEO detector, we report the first observation of B(-)--->pi(-)rho(0), B(0)-->pi(+/-)rho(-/+), and B(-)-->pi(-)omega, which are expected to be dominated by hadronic b-->u transitions. The measured branching fractions are (10.4(+3.3)(-3.4)+/-2.1)x10(-6), (27.6(+8.4)(-7.4)+/-4.2)x10(-6), and (11.3(+3.3)(-2.9)+/-1. 4)x10(-6), respectively. Branching fraction upper limits are set for all of the other decay modes investigated.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Observation of B --> K(+/-) pi(0) and B --> (K)0 pi(0), and evidence for B --> pi(+)pi(-).

We have studied charmless hadronic decays of B mesons into two-body final states with kaons and pions and observe three new processes with the following branching fractions: beta(B-->pi(+)pi(-)) = (4.3(+1. 6)(-1.4)+/-0.5)x10(-6), beta(B-->K(0)pi(0)) = (14.6(+5.9+2.4)(-5.1-3. 3))x10(-6), and beta(B-->K(+)/-pi(0)) = (11.6(+3.0+1.4)(-2.7-1.3))x10(-6). We also update our previous measurements for the decays B-->K(+)/-pi(-/+) and B+/--->K(0)pi(+/-).

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Two-body B meson decays to eta and eta('): observation of B --> eta K*.

In a sample of 19 x 10(6) produced B mesons, we have observed the decays B-->eta K(*) and improved our previous measurements of B-->eta'K. The branching fractions we measure for these decay modes are B(B+-->eta K(*+)) = (26.4(+9.6)(-8.2)+/-3.3)x10(-6), B(B(0)-->eta K(*0)) = (13.8(+5.5)(-4.6)+/-1.6)x10(-6), B(B(+)-->eta'K(+) = (80(+10)(-9)+/-7)x10(-6), and B(B(0)-->eta'K0) = (89(+18)(-16)+/-9)x10(-6). We have searched with comparable sensitivity for related decays and report upper limits for these branching fractions.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Measurement of charge asymmetries in charmless hadronic B meson decays.

We search for CP-violating charge asymmetries (alpha(CP)) in the B meson decays to K(+/-)pi(-/+), K(+/-)pi(0), K(0)(S)pi(+/-), K(+/-)eta('), and omega pi(+/-). Using 9.66 million upsilon(4S) decays collected with the CLEO detector, the statistical precision on alpha(CP) is in the range of +/-0.12 to +/-0.25 depending on decay mode. While CP-violating asymmetries of up to +/-0.5 are possible within the standard model, the measured asymmetries are consistent with zero in all five decay modes studied.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha in synovial fluid and plasma from patients with chronic connective tissue disease and its relation to temporomandibular joint pain.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid (SF-TNF-alpha) and blood plasma (P-TNF-alpha) of patients with chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease and investigate its relation to TMJ pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease and TMJ pain were included in the study. Visual analog scale, tenderness of the TMJ, and pain at mandibular movements were registered, and the pressure pain threshold and pressure pain tolerance levels were measured. TMJ synovial fluid samples and blood plasma were analyzed for TNF-alpha and the levels related to TMJ pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. RESULTS: TNF-alpha was present in the TMJ synovial fluid of 8 of 24 patients at levels significantly exceeding those in plasma at the same visit. The presence of SF-TNF-alpha showed a significant positive correlation to TMJ pain at maximum voluntary mouth opening and tenderness to posterior palpation of the TMJ. CONCLUSION: Local production of TNF-alpha occurs in the TMJ synovium of patients with chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease. Pain on mandibular movement and tenderness on posterior palpation (allodynia) of the TMJ is related to the level of SF-TNF-alpha.

Arthralgia↗

PubMed2000

Prostaglandin E2 in temporomandibular joint synovial fluid and its relation to pain and inflammatory disorders.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid (SF) levels of prostaglandin E2 and its relation to general inflammatory activity and its influence on specific TMJ pain in patients with inflammatory TMJ disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 24 patients (30 joints) with inflammatory TMJ disorders and 4 healthy persons (6 joints). TMJ pain at rest, tenderness to palpation of the TMJ, and TMJ pressure pain threshold, as well as pain during joint movements (PM), were assessed. PGE2 levels were analyzed in synovial fluid samples (SF-PGE2) and blood plasma (P-PGE2). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (B-ESR) as well as the serum levels of C-reactive protein (S-CRP) and antinuclear antibodies were determined. RESULTS: PGE2 was undetectable in the plasma and in the TMJ SF of the healthy persons. In the patients, PGE2 was detectable in 20 of the 30 (67%) SF samples. SF-PGE2 was significantly and positively correlated to PM in the patients. There were significant correlations between P-PGE2 and B-ESR as well as the S-CRP. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the synovial fluid in patients with TMJ inflammatory disorders frequently has a detectable level of PGE2 that is related to TMJ allodynia. The plasma levels of PGE2 seem to be related to the general inflammatory activity in these patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Effect of propranolol and granisetron on experimentally induced pain and allodynia/hyperalgesia by intramuscular injection of serotonin into the human masseter muscle.

We have previously reported that intramuscular injection of serotonin (5-HT) into the masseter muscle elicits pain and allodynia/hyperalgesia in healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist granisetron or 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist propranolol can reduce 5-HT induced pain and allodynia/hyperalgesia in the masseter muscle. Twenty-four healthy individuals (12 males and 12 females) without pain from the masseter muscle region participated. They were examined clinically including tenderness to digital palpation (TDP) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the masseter muscle. 5-HT in combination with granisetron or propranolol was randomly injected on one side in a double-blind manner. 5-HT in combination with saline was used on the contralateral side. After the injections the pain intensity and PPT were recorded 10 times during 30min. After the last recording the TDP was assessed again. The injections were repeated with the other antagonist within 1 week. All three combinations of substances elicited pain after injection, which lasted for 5-8min. 5-HT induced significantly more pain than granisetron+5-HT and propranolol+5-HT. The TDP increased significantly after injection of all combinations of substances, but there was no significant difference between them. The PPT decreased significantly after injection of 5-HT and increased significantly after injection of granisetron+5-HT, while it did not change significantly after injection of propranolol+5-HT. The difference between 5-HT and granisetron+5-HT was significant. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that injection of granisetron and propranolol into the human masseter muscle reduces pain induced by local administration of 5-HT, but that the effect of granisetron is stronger than that of propranolol. In addition, granisetron totally abolishes allodynia/hyperalgesia.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Pain and allodynia/hyperalgesia induced by intramuscular injection of serotonin in patients with fibromyalgia and healthy individuals.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of injection of serotonin (5-HT) into the masseter muscle on pain and allodynia/hyperalgesia. Twelve female patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and 12 age-matched female healthy individuals (HI) participated in the study. The current pain intensity (CPI) and the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the superficial masseter muscles were assessed bilaterally. 5-HT in one of three randomized concentrations (10(-3), 10(-5), 10(-7) M) or isotonic saline was then injected into either of the two masseter muscles in a double-blind manner. After the injections the CPI and PPT were recorded ten times during 30 min. The injections were repeated twice with the other concentrations of 5-HT after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. In the FM-group there was a non-significant increase of CPI after injection that lasted during the entire 30-min period irrespective of whether 5-HT or saline was injected. Neither did the PPT change significantly. In the HI-group pain developed significantly after injection irrespective of whether 5-HT or saline was injected, but significantly more so after 5-HT at 10(-3) M than saline injection. CPI decreased quickly and then remained on a very low level for most of the experiment. 5-HT at both 10(-5) M and 10(-3) M caused a significantly greater decrease of PPT than saline. In conclusion, our results show that 5-HT injected into the masseter muscle of healthy female subjects elicits pain and allodynia/hyperalgesia, while no such responses occur in patients with fibromyalgia.

Adult↗