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Tropical calcific pancreatitis: strong association with SPINK1 trypsin inhibitor mutations.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tropical calcific pancreatitis (TCP) is a chronic pancreatitis unique to developing countries in tropical regions. The cause of TCP is obscure. Whereas environmental factors, such as protein energy malnutrition and ingestion of cassava, have been implicated, a genetic predisposition to the disease also may be important. In the present study we report on mutations in the serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene in north Indian patients with TCP. METHODS: We studied 66 unrelated TCP patients (44 men, 49 with diabetes, and 6 with family history of TCP), 25 relatives, and 92 healthy control subjects. Samples were analyzed for SPINK1 variants (-53C>T, L14P, N34S, P55S, and 272T>C) and cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) variants (A16V, K23R, N29I, and R122H) by melting curve analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (44%) carried the N34S missense mutation, of whom 9 (14%) were homozygotes. In contrast, only 2 (2.2%) control subjects were N34S heterozygotes (prevalence ratio 20.2; 95% confidence interval 5.0-81.8; P < 0.0001 vs. TCP). The severity of pancreatitis did not differ between TCP patients with or without N34S, or among those heterozygous or homozygous for N34S. Among TCP patients with or without diabetes, the frequency of N34S carriers (43% vs. 47%) and N34S homozygotes (14% vs. 12%) was similar. CONCLUSIONS: TCP is highly associated with the SPINK1 N34S mutation. The high prevalence of N34S in TCP patients with and without diabetes suggests that these 2 subtypes have a similar genetic predisposition. The genetic predisposition to TCP resembles, at least in part, the idiopathic chronic pancreatitis found in industrialized countries.

Adult↗

An engineered chaperonin caging a guest protein: Structural insights and potential as a protein expression tool.

The structure of a chaperonin caging a substrate protein is not quite clear. We made engineered group II chaperonins fused with a guest protein and analyzed their structural and functional features. Thermococcus sp. KS-1 chaperonin alpha-subunit (TCP) which forms an eightfold symmetric double-ring structure was used. Expression plasmids were constructed which carried two or four TCP genes ligated head to tail in phase and a target protein gene at the 3' end of the linked TCP genes. Electron microscopy showed that the expressed gene products with the molecular sizes of ~120 kDa (di-TCP) and ~230 kDa (tetra-TCP) formed double-ring complexes similar to those of wild-type TCP. The tetra-TCP retained ATPase activity and its thermostability was significantly higher than that of the wild type. A 260-kDa fusion protein of tetra-TCP and green fluorescent protein (GFP, 27 kDa) was able to form the double-ring complexes with green fluorescence. Image analyses indicated that the GFP moiety of tetra-TCP/GFP fusion protein was accommodated in the central cavity, and tetra-TCP/GFP formed the closed-form similar to that crystallographically resolved in group II chaperonins. Furthermore, it was suggested that caging GFP expanded the cavity around the bottom. Using this tetra-TCP fusion strategy, two virus structural proteins (21-25 kDa) toxic to host cells or two antibody fragments (25-36 kDa) prone to aggregate were well expressed in the soluble fraction of Escherichia coli. These fusion products also assembled to double-ring complexes, suggesting encapsulation of the guest proteins. The antibody fragments liberated by site-specific protease digestion exhibited ligand-binding activities.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Natural history of endocrine failure in tropical chronic pancreatitis: a longitudinal follow-up study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diabetes in tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP), also known as fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD), is frequently seen at diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the natural history of endocrine failure in TCP subjects without diabetes at baseline. METHODS: Of 73 TCP subjects without diabetes according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria at baseline who were seen at an out-patient center, 54 (74.0%) underwent periodic oral glucose tolerance tests on follow up. Another 54 sex-matched, non-diabetic subjects without chronic pancreatitis served as controls. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were noted. RESULTS: After a median follow up of 5.0 years in TCP subjects and 7.0 years in controls, 27 of 54 TCP subjects (50%) developed diabetes compared with 14 of 54 controls (25.9%). Of the TCP subjects, those who developed diabetes on follow up were older (31 +/- 12 vs 23 +/- 11 years; P = 0.013), had a higher body mass index (21.7 +/- 4.4 vs 18.2 +/- 3.5 kg/m2; P = 0.004), higher 2 h post-load plasma glucose (8.8 +/- 1.9 vs 6.7 +/- 1.4 mmol/L; P < 0.001) and lower fecal chymotrypsin (2.1 +/- 1.2 vs 4.3 +/- 2.5 U/g; P < 0.001) at baseline compared with those who did not develop diabetes. The median time for the development of diabetes after diagnosis of TCP was 9.6 years (compared with 14.4 years among controls). Only 2 of 13 TCP subjects (15.4%) who had undergone surgical interventions during the normal glucose tolerance phase developed diabetes during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: In TCP, there is progressive deterioration of endocrine pancreatic function, with development of diabetes in 50% of patients upon follow up, suggesting that FCPD is merely a later stage in the course of TCP. Early surgery may prevent the development of diabetes in TCP subjects.

Adult↗

Genetic and biochemical characterization of a 2,4,6-trichlorophenol degradation pathway in Ralstonia eutropha JMP134.

Ralstonia eutropha JMP134 can grow on several chlorinated aromatic pollutants, including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). Although a 2,4,6-TCP degradation pathway in JMP134 has been proposed, the enzymes and genes responsible for 2,4,6-TCP degradation have not been characterized. In this study, we found that 2,4,6-TCP degradation by JMP134 was inducible by 2,4,6-TCP and subject to catabolic repression by glutamate. We detected 2,4,6-TCP-degrading activities in JMP134 cell extracts. Our partial purification and initial characterization of the enzyme indicated that a reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2)-utilizing monooxygenase converted 2,4,6-TCP to 6-chlorohydroxyquinol (6-CHQ). The finding directed us to PCR amplify a 3.2-kb fragment containing a gene cluster (tcpABC) from JMP134 by using primers designed from conserved regions of FADH2-utilizing monooxygenases and hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenases. Sequence analysis indicated that tcpA, tcpB, and tcpC encoded an FADH2-utilizing monooxygenase, a probable flavin reductase, and a 6-CHQ 1,2-dioxygenase, respectively. The three genes were individually inactivated in JMP134. The tcpA mutant failed to degrade 2,4,6-TCP, while both tcpB and tcpC mutants degraded 2,4,6-TCP to an oxidized product of 6-CHQ. Insertional inactivation of tcpB may have led to a polar effect on downstream tcpC, and this probably resulted in the accumulation of the oxidized form of 6-CHQ. For further characterization, TcpA was produced, purified, and shown to transform 2,4,6-TCP to 6-CHQ when FADH2 was supplied by an Escherichia coli flavin reductase. TcpC produced in E. coli oxidized 6-CHQ to 2-chloromaleylacetate. Thus, our data suggest that JMP134 transforms 2,4,6-TCP to 2-chloromaleylacetate by TcpA and TcpC. Sequence analysis suggests that tcpB may function as an FAD reductase, but experimental data did not support this hypothesis. The function of TcpB remains unknown.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Platelet-derived growth factor enhancement of two alloplastic bone matrices.

BACKGROUND: The use of alloplastic matrices that mimic the mineral phase of bone has become a viable alternative to current mainstream therapies in dentistry such as allografts and autogenous grafts. Because alloplastic bone substitutes generally have relatively poor osteogenic properties, analyzing their potential as vehicles to deliver growth factors is an important step in assessing methods to enhance their clinical efficacy. The aim of these studies was to treat beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and calcium sulfate (CaSO(4)) with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB to enhance the osteogenic capabilities of these materials. METHODS: In the beta-TCP studies, PDGF-BB adsorption and release were accomplished using (125)I radiolabeled growth factor and non-radioactive human recombinant PDGF at a ratio of 1:300 M. For the adsorption studies, the radiolabeled PDGF-BB/ non-radioactive PDGF solutions with resultant PDGF concentrations of 10(7) and 10(8) M were incubated with beta-TCP from 1 to 120 minutes, and the amount of adsorbed (125)I-PDGF-BB was measured using a gamma counter. Similar adsorption studies were conducted with a 30-minute incubation of beta-TCP with various PDGF concentrations. In vitro release studies were conducted with beta-TCP to which radiolabeled PDGF had been adsorbed as above. Release studies were also conducted with CaSO(4) that was hydrated with the radioactive PDGF solution described above for the TCP studies. In vivo PDGF-BB release from beta-TCP and CaSO(4) was evaluated in a mouse model, where the radioactive PDGF/non-radioactive PDGF-BB treated beta-TCP or CaSO(4) sample was inserted subcutaneously and later removed for radioactive measurement. Proliferation of human osteoblastic cells in the presence of PDGF- treated beta-TCP or CaSO(4) was assessed by (3)H thymidine incorporation. RESULTS: The absorption studies revealed that PDGF-BB was absorbed in a concentration and time-dependent manner to beta-TCP. In the in vitro release studies, approximately 45% of the adsorbed PDGF-BB was released after 10 days. In vivo release from both materials occurred faster than in vitro release. Osteoblastic cells incubated with PDGF-BB-treated matrices showed significantly (P <0.05, ANOVA) greater proliferation than with control matrices alone. CONCLUSION: These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using PDGF-BB in combination with alloplastic materials such as beta-TCP or CaSO(4) to serve as more effective bone graft materials with enhanced osteogenic properties.

Adolescent↗

The effect of varying the particle size of beta tricalcium phosphate carrier of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-4 on bone formation in rat calvarial defects.

BACKGROUND: Beta tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) has been developed as one of the carriers of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP). However, it is not known whether the particle size of beta-TCP is related to its resorption rate and the degree of bone formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using beta-TCP with different particle sizes on the ability of rhBMP-4 to enhance bone formation in the rat calvarial defect model. METHODS: Calvarial, 8-mm-diameter, critical-size defects were created in 100 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Five groups of 20 animals each received either rhBMP-4 (2.5 microg) using beta-TCP with a particle size of 50 to 150 microm, rhBMP-4 (2.5 microg) using beta-TCP with a particle size of 150 to 500 microm, a beta-TCP control with a particle size of 50 to 150 microm, a beta-TCP control with a particle size of 150 to 500 microm, or a sham-surgery control, respectively, and were evaluated by measuring their histologic and histometric parameters following a 2- and 8-week healing interval. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the defect closure, new bone area, or augmented area between either the two rhBMP-4/beta-TCP groups or between the two beta-TCP control groups at 2 and 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: rhBMP-4 combined with either small- or large-particle beta-TCP had a significant effect on the induction of bone formation compared to either a small- or large-particle beta-TCP control or a sham-surgery control. Within the parameters of this study, varying the particle size of beta-TCP did not seem to have a significant effect on bone formation.

Animals↗

[Bone inductive activity of beta-tricalcium phosphate-bone morphogenetic protein complex].

For the development of new implantable biomaterials as bone substitutes in the treatment of jaw bone defects, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) bound to porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) was investigated in the present experimental study in mice. The BMP was extracted from bovine cortical bone while the beta-TCP was synthesized by a mechanochemical method. The affinity of BMP to beta-TCP was examined by means of beta-TCP column chromatography. The porous beta-TCP combined with the BMP by dialysis was implanted in the muscle pouches of mice. The beta-TCP or BMP alone was also implanted in the same places in the controls. Three weeks after the implantation a new bone formation was observed in the exterior surface of the beta-TCP/BMP complex, but not in that of the beta-TCP control. The quantity of bone induced by the beta-TCP/BMP complex was determined on the X-ray film by a computer supported image analysis system. The osteoinductive activity of the complex was higher than that of the BMP alone. The histological relationship between the beta-TCP/BMP complex and the original tissues was excellent. The result of the present study may indicate that the beta-TCP/BMP complex can be used as an osteogenetic biomaterial for the treatment of bone tissue defects.

Animals↗

Glycine regulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-gated ion channel in hippocampal membranes.

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-gated ion channel (NMDA channel) is regulated by glycine. To examine the interaction of glycine and NMDA receptor ligands on NMDA channel function, we used a biochemical marker of channel opening, [3H]N-(1-[thienyl]cyclohexyl)piperidine (TCP). We quantified [3H]glycine,L-[3H]glutamate, and TCP binding in an identical membrane preparation. This allowed direct comparison of NMDA and glycine receptor occupancy and channel activation. Glycine increased the association and dissociation rates of NMDA-dependent TCP binding to hippocampal membranes, without altering the Kd or Bmax for TCP binding. Structurally similar amino acids mimicked the action of glycine, with D-isomers being more potent than L-isomers. The potency of glycine in regulating TCP binding matched that for displacing [3H]glycine. Glycine stimulation of TCP binding required the presence of NMDA agonists and was inhibited by the NMDA antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid. Glycine stimulation of NMDA-dependent TCP binding was not associated with an increase in agonist binding to the NMDA receptor. Likewise, NMDA stimulation of glycine-dependent TCP binding was not associated with an increase in the binding of glycine to the glycine receptor. These findings permit the following conclusions: 1) glycine stimulates TCP binding solely by increasing the access of TCP to its site in the NMDA channel; 2) TCP binding can be used to quantify glycine regulation of the NMDA channel; 3) a stereospecific glycine receptor, as part of the NMDA receptor-channel complex, regulates NMDA-evoked channel opening by a mechanism not involving increased agonist binding to the NMDA receptor. Thus, it appears that the mechanism of glycine and NMDA receptor regulation of the NMDA channel is analogous to that of a two-key lock; both receptors, by independent and mutually required mechanisms, alter channel conformation to allow ion passage.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Hindlimb extensor reflex of spinal rats given tranylcypromine stereoisomers.

The hindlimb extensor reflex of reserpinized, spinal rats was used to determine whether tranylcypromine (dl-TCP) and its stereoisomers (d-TCP and l-TCP) after tryptaminergic neurotransmission. dl-TCP and d-TCP caused an extensor reflex while l-TCP failed to cause a reliable extensor reflex. Neither H 22/54 nor nialamide affected the extensor reflex in rats given dl-TCP, while H 22/54 reduced the reflex in rats given d-TCP. The results suggest that dl-TCP and d-TCP have direct as well as indirect actions on tryptaminergic neurotransmission.

Animals↗

Para-hydroxytranylcypromine: presence in rat brain and heart following administration of tranylcypromine and an N-cyanoethyl analogue.

para-Hydroxytranylcypromine (p-OHTCP) has recently been unequivocally identified in our laboratory as a metabolite of the antidepressant tranylcypromine (TCP). In the study reported here, we have determined brain and heart levels of p-OHTCP in the rat after intraperitoneal administration of a 0.1 mmol/kg dose of TCP or N-(2-cyanoethyl)tranylcypromine (CE-TCP). The animals were killed at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120 or 240 min after drug administration and the tissues (brain and heart) rapidly dissected out. The tissues were frozen in isopentane on solid carbon dioxide and stored at -20 degrees C until time of analysis. Tissue levels of p-OHTCP, TCP and CE-TCP were determined after aqueous pentafluorobenzoylation by conducting analyses with a gas-liquid chromatograph equipped with a fused silica (SE-54) capillary column and an electron-capture detector. Our results show that substantial concentrations of p-OHTCP were present in both brain and heart after TCP and CE-TCP administration. Higher levels of p-OHTCP were present in the brain than in the heart after TCP treatment, but this situation was reversed with the CE-TCP-treated rats. Since p-OHTCP has been shown to retain some MAO-inhibiting properties and to have effects on uptake of catecholamines and serotonin it could therefore contribute to the pharmacological profile of TCP.

Animals↗

Stereoselective effect of tranylcypromine enantiomers on brain serotonin.

Brain levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and L-tryptophan were measured in reserpinized rats given the enantiomers of tranylcypromine (TCP). (+)-TCP (1.5-30 mg/kg) increased levels of 5-HT, whereas (-)-TCP failed to affect 5-HT levels. (+)-TCP at high dosage (30 mg/kg) decreased brain levels of 5-HIAA, whereas (-)-TCP failed to affect 5-HIAA levels. Neither (+)-TCP nor (-)-TCP influenced brain levels of L-tryptophan. The effects of (+)-TCP on behavior resembled those of drugs which influence 5-HT processes, whereas (-)-TCP failed to produce 5-HT-dependent behaviors. The findings support the notion that TCP enantiomers have stereoselective effects on serotonergic mechanisms.

Animals↗

Covalent interactions of 1,2,3-trichloropropane with hepatic macromolecules: studies in the male F-344 rat.

Preliminary investigations into the role of biotransformation in 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP)-induced tumor formation have been undertaken. Male F-344 rats were administered 30 mg/kg [14C]TCP (100 microCi/kg) ip and killed 4 hr later. The extent of covalent binding to hepatic protein, DNA, and RNA was 418, 244, and 432 pmol [14C]TCP equivalents/mg, respectively. An in vivo covalent binding time course showed no significant change in [14C]TCP equivalents bound to hepatic DNA (1-48 hr), while binding to protein was maximal by 4 hr and decreased significantly by 48 hr. The binding of TCP-associated radioactivity to hepatic protein and DNA was shown to be cumulative for two and three doses when given 24 hr apart. Pretreatment of animals with phenobarbital caused a decrease while pretreatment with SKF 525-A caused an increase in covalent binding of [14C]TCP equivalents to protein and DNA. Pretreatment of rats with beta-naphthoflavone did not alter the covalent binding of [14C]TCP equivalents to protein or DNA. However, glutathione depletion with L-buthionine-(R,S)-sulfoximine increased binding to protein by 342% while it decreased binding to DNA by 56%. Intraperitoneal administration of TCP also depleted hepatic GSH by 41 and 61% 2 hr after doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg. The in vivo binding data suggest a dual role for GSH in the bioactivation of TCP. It may, in part, be that GSH is involved in the bioactivation and covalent binding of TCP to hepatic DNA. However, it also appears to detoxify a reactive intermediate(s) that binds to protein.

Analysis of Variance↗

Successful antidote of multiple lethal infections using sustained delivery of difluoromethylornithine by means of ceramic drug delivery devices.

The objectives of this study were (1) to cure multiple infections of trypanosomiasis in rats by the sustained release of DFMO from biodegradable tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and aluminum-calcium-phosphorous oxide (ALCAP) delivery systems, and (2) to determine if the side effects associated with oral administration of DFMO can be avoided by using TCP and ALCAP capsules. Sixty-eight SD male albino rats (235-270 g) were divided randomly into five groups. Each rat in group I (n = 16) was implanted subcutaneously (s.c.) with four TCP capsules (two large TCP (L-TCP), one PLA-impregnated large TCP (IL-TCP) and one thin TCP capsule (TN-TCP)). Rats in group II (n = 16) were implanted s.c. with four ALCAP ceramics (two large ALCAP (L-ALCAP), one PLA-impregnated large ALCAP (IL-ALCAP) and one thin ALCAP capsule (TN-ALCAP)). Rats in groups III (n = 16), IV (n = 4) and V (n = 16) were left without implants. Rats in group III (n = 16) were given 4% (w/v) DFMO (pH 7) in drinking water at the day of inoculation and continued up to 7 days postinoculation. Rats in group IV (n = 4) served as a nontreated group. Rats in group V (n = 16) served as normal controls. The results showed that all rats implanted with with TCP or ALCAP implants had no intoxications symptoms or side effects such as diarrhea during the treatment period. In contrast, rats given DFMO in drinking water exhibited foul-smelling diarrhea during the treatment period. Microscopic evaluation of blood smears collected from rats receiving DFMO chemotherapy showed an occasional or limited number of stumpy shape (SS) trypanosomes. This study suggests that (1) ceramic drug delivery systems are capable of delivering DFMO in a sustained manner for two months, and were able to cure repeated infections of trypanosomiasis; (2) the use of ceramic implants avoided widely fluctuating, irregular levels of DFMO in the body by keeping sustained levels above minimal effective concentrations; (3) ceramic drug delivery systems provide a pharmacological potentiality for drugs such as DFMO which have been withheld from the market because of severe side effects when administered using conventional methods of drug administration; and (4) DFMO-filled ceramic devices can be implanted subcutaneously in animals that face a threat of lethal protozoal infections in highly infested areas of the world.

Administration, Oral↗

Localisation of osteogenic and osteoclastic cells in porous beta-tricalcium phosphate particles used for human maxillary sinus floor elevation.

We and others have shown earlier that porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) (Cerasorb) can be used in patients to augment the maxillary sinus floor prior to placement of oral dental implants. To better understand the transformation of TCP particles into bone tissue, we analyse here the appearance of cells with osteogenic or osteoclastic potential in relation to these particles. In biopsies taken at 6 months after sinus floor augmentation we observed bone growth into the TCP particles but also replacement by soft connective tissue. To identify possible osteoprogenitor cells in this tissue, histological sections were immunostained with an antibody to Runx2/Cbfa1, an essential and early transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation. The osteogenic potential of cells was further confirmed by immunostaining for bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN). Other sections were stained for Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP) activity to identify cells with osteoclastic capacity. Runx2/Cbfa1 positive connective tissue cells were found in abundance throughout and around the TCP particles, even at a distance of several millimetres from the maxillary bone surface. About 95% of the cells found within TCP particles stained positive for Runx2/Cbfa1. Fewer cells stained positive for BSP and OPN, suggesting more mature osteoblastic properties. Mono- and binucleate TRAP-positive cells, but no multinucleate TRAP-positive osteoclasts, were found in the soft tissue infiltrating the TCP and at the surface of the TCP particles. Both the Runx2/Cbfa1 positive and the TRAP-positive cells decreased apically with increasing vertical distance from the maxillary bone surface. This data suggests that the TCP particles attract osteoprogenitor cells that migrate into the interconnecting micropores of the bone substitute material by 6 months. The lack of large multinucleate TRAP positive cells suggests that resorption of the TCP material by osteoclasts plays only a minor role in its replacement by bone. Chemical dissolution, possibly favoured by a high cell metabolism in the particles, seems the predominant cause of TCP degradation. The abundance of Runx2/Cbfa1 positive cells would indicate that with a greater time of healing there will be further bone deposition into these particles.

Bone Substitutes↗

Enhanced osteoinduction by controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 from biodegradable sponge composed of gelatin and beta-tricalcium phosphate.

Biodegradable gelatin sponges at different contents of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) were fabricated to allow bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 to incorporate into them. The in vivo osteoinduction activity of the sponges incorporating BMP-2 was investigated, while their in vivo profile of BMP-2 release was evaluated. The sponges prepared had an interconnected pore structure with an average pore size of 200 microm, irrespective of the beta-TCP content. The in vivo release test revealed that BMP-2 was released in vivo at a similar time profile, irrespective of the beta-TCP content. The in vivo time period of BMP-2 retention was longer than 28 days. When the osteoinduction activity of gelatin or gelatin-beta-TCP sponges incorporating BMP-2 was studied following the implantation into the back subcutis of rats in terms of histological and biochemical examinations, homogeneous bone formation was histologically observed throughout the sponges, although the extent of bone formation was higher in the sponges with the lower contents of beta-TCP. On the other hand, the level of alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content at the implanted sites of sponges decreased with an increase in the content of beta-TCP. The gelatin sponge exhibited significantly higher osteoinduction activity than that of any gelatin-beta-TCP sponge, although every sponge with or without beta-TCP showed a similar in vivo profile of BMP-2 release. In addition, the in vitro collagenase digestion experiments revealed that the gelatin-beta-TCP sponge collapsed easier than the gelatin sponge without beta-TCP incorporation. These results suggest that the maintenance of the intrasponge space necessary for the osteoinduction is one factor contributing to the osteoinduction extent of BMP-2-incorporating sponges.

Absorbable Implants↗

Relationship between ceramic primer and ceramic surface pH on the bonding of dual-cure resin cement to ceramic.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between a ceramic primer and ceramic surface pH on the microtensile bond strength of dual-cure resin cement to ceramic. METHODS: Ceramic blocks (Vita Celay Blanks) were cut into multiple 3mm-thick slices and polished using 600-grit SiC paper. Two pairs were left untreated (controls), six pairs were treated with 40% phosphoric acid (PA), six pairs were treated with 20% hydrofluoric acid (HFA), and rinsed with water for either 15, 30 or 60 s. Half the specimens were silanated with Tokuso ceramics primer (TCP) (Tokuyama) and the other half with TCP formulated without phosphate monomer (TCP-NoPM). All the pairs were bonded with Bistite II dual-cure resin cement (Tokuyama) and light-cured. After 24 h water storage at 37 degrees C, the bonded specimens were cut into 6x0.7x0.7 mm(3) beams and their microtensile bond strengths (micro TBS) determined. Failure modes were determined using a confocal laser-scanning microscope. For scanning chemical analysis, the polished slices were cut into quarters, divided into seven groups of six, and treated in a similar manner as described for the micro TBS test. Surface pH was then determined using a scanning chemical microscope. For SEM examination, one ceramic quarter from each of the seven groups was used. RESULTS: Three-way ANOVA revealed that the micro TBS of TCP was significantly higher than TCP-NoPM with no acidic treatment (p<0.05). However, after treatment of the ceramic surface with either PA or HFA, and 15 s rinsing, there was a significant reduction in surface pH (p<0.05), and no significant difference in micro TBS between TCP and TCP-NoPM (p>0.05). For TCP, there were no significant differences in micro TBS and failure mode between the control, PA, and HFA treated groups when the water rinsing time was increased. Whereas, for TCP-NoPM and surface treatment with PA, an increase in rinsing time resulted in a significant reduction in micro TBS and a significant increase in surface pH (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Acidic treatment of the ceramic surface did not significantly increase dual-cure resin/ceramic bond strengths when the ceramic primer, TCP, was used. It is suggested that when no phosphate monomer is present in a ceramic primer, dual-cure resin cement/ceramic bond strength is dependent upon the concentration of H(+) ions on the ceramic surface.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

An improvement in sintering property of beta-tricalcium phosphate by addition of calcium pyrophosphate.

The sintering behavior of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP, Ca2P2O7)-doped beta-tricalcium phosphate [TCP, Ca3(PO4)2], prepared by solid state reaction, was investigated in-situ, using dilatometry. Pure beta-TCP undergoes phase transition to alpha-TCP at about 1200 degrees C; hence pure beta-TCP ceramics should be sintered bclow 1200 degrees C. Pure beta-TCP sintered body can achieve a relative density of only 86% when sintered at 1150 degrees C. However, the addition of CPP in the range of 0.5-3 wt% delays phasc transition of beta-TCP and enables sintering of beta-TCP at 1200 degrees C without a phase transformation to alpha-TCP. Due to this effect of CPP added to TCP, CPP-doped beta-TCP ceramics with relative density over 95% could be obtained when sintered at 1200 degrees C for 2 h.

Bone Cements↗

Incorporating biologic measurements (SF(2), CFE) into a tumor control probability model increases their prognostic significance: a study in cervical carcinoma treated with radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: To assess whether incorporation of measurements of surviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF(2)) and colony-forming efficiency (CFE) into a tumor control probability (tcp) model increases their prognostic significance. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Measurements of SF(2) and CFE were available from a study on carcinoma of the cervix treated with radiation alone. These measurements, as well as tumor volume, dose, and treatment time, were incorporated into a Poisson tcp model (tcp(alpha,rho)). Regression analysis was performed to assess the prognostic power of tcp(alpha,rho) vs. the use of either tcp models with biologic parameters fixed to best-fit estimates (but incorporating individual dose, volume, and treatment time) or the use of SF(2) and CFE measurements alone. RESULTS: In a univariate regression analysis of 44 patients, tcp(alpha,rho) was a better prognostic factor for both local control and survival (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively) than SF(2) alone (p = 0.009 for local control, p = 0.29 for survival) or CFE alone (p = 0.015 for local control, p = 0.38 for survival). In multivariate analysis, tcp(alpha,rho) emerged as the most important prognostic factor for local control (p < 0.001, relative risk of 2.81). After allowing for tcp(alpha,rho), CFE was still a significant independent prognostic factor for local control, whereas SF(2) was not. The sensitivities of tcp(alpha,rho) and SF(2) as predictive tests for local control were 87% and 65%, respectively. Specificities were 70% and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A Poisson tcp model incorporating individual SF(2), CFE, dose, tumor volume, and treatment time was found to be the best independent prognostic factor for local control and survival in cervical carcinoma patients.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗