No abstract

The filiform papillae of subadult alligator (120 cm-260 cm total length) tongues are examined by scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. The filiform papillae form cone-like structures and are observed over the entire dorsal surface of a relatively long tongue with a round tip. The filiform papillae are composed of four layers; outer, upper intermediate, lower intermediate, and basal layer. The keratinized epithelial cells are analysed by the sulphur (S), and nitrogen (N) content levels. The S content is higher than that of N. In the anterior side of the filiform papillae, this content is lower than that in the posteriors. The S content is highest of all at about 2 microns in depth from the surface. These results suggest that the use of S concentration measurements may serve to be an effective tool for a simple, offhand evaluation of keratinization.

Functional teeth from young American alligators (120 cm to 260 cm total length) were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) of the elements of the enamel layer. On the tip of the tooth, the enamel layer is thick, but over the crown it gradually reduces in thickness until it disappears near the cement-enamel junction. The enamel layer is distinguished by inner and outer layers. The inner layer is formed of separated, irregularly shaped blocks composed of small crystals. In the outer layer, the enamel crystals are closely packed and oriented perpendicularly to the surface. Radially oriented, lamella-like structures of the enamel are elongated, crystallized bands which extend from the inner to the outer layer of the enamel as reported by Kvam (Acta Odontol. Scand. 17:745-751, 1959). The highest density of crystals occurs in the enamel layer before complete calcification. Concentrations of iron, copper, and fluoride are located approximately 20 μm below the surface of the enamel in the outer layer where crystals are closely packed. The concentration of trace elements (e.g., Fe, F, Cu) is related to the formation of hydroxyapatite.

A supernumerary cusp of the valve of the pulmonary trunk was found in a 75-year old, male Japanese. The valve was composed of 4 cusps of different size and shape. The supernumerary cusp was located between the right and left cusps. We found this case from a series of 1,100 consecutive necropsies.

Many patients have such feelings as anxiety, fear or strain towards dental therapy. These feelings can bring about physiological changes , chiefly on sympathetic nerves, and in the extreme, can cause psychogenic cerebral anemia. For this reason it is important to lessen these feelings.It is possible to do this with hypnosis, but there are many problems with this method. For example, the doctor's level of skill in administering this technique and the patient's dependence on the doctor must be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is not used very often.Autogenic training diminishes sensitivity by autohypnosis, so it must be efficient because the doctor does not have much time to work with the patient to achieve an effective level of hypnosis.The patients were divided into three groups, one group was given autogenic training, the second group was given Lorazepam, an anti-anxiety drug , and the third group was given no treatment. Fingertip-capacity pulse and heart-pulse were counted as physiological saline solution was injected into the oral musoca . The results from these groups sugggest that the sympathetic nervous system can be controlled to a certain extent by a variety of fingertip-capacity-pulses and the patients complained less of pain on injection.