Cellular diversity of the brain is largely attributed to the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of progenitor cells. In mammalian cerebral development, it has been difficult to determine how heterogeneous the neural progenitor cells are, owing to dynamic changes in their nuclear position and gene expression. To address this issue, we systematically analyzed the cDNA profiles of a large number of single progenitor cells at the mid-embryonic stage in mouse. By cluster analysis and in situ hybridization, we have identified a set of genes that distinguishes between the apical and basal progenitors. Despite their relatively homogeneous global gene expression profiles, the apical progenitors exhibit highly variable expression patterns of Notch signaling components, raising the possibility that this causes the heterogeneous division patterns of these cells. Furthermore, we successfully captured the nascent state of basal progenitor cells. These cells are generated shortly after birth from the division of the apical progenitors, and show strong expression of the major Notch ligand delta-like 1, which soon fades away as the cells migrate in the ventricular zone. We also demonstrated that attenuation of Notch signals immediately induces differentiation of apical progenitors into nascent basal progenitors. Thus, a Notch-dependent feedback loop is likely to be in operation to maintain both progenitor populations.

From our results, it is suggested that we are not able to eliminate the influence of parafunction for the prosthesis only by designing the surface of occlusal splint using the semi-adjustable articulator. Our splint may have the potential to detect specific facets due to parafunctions as nocturnal bruxism.

Background-The narrowest area of the airway between the posterior nasal opening and the epiglottis is usually located in the retro palatal area. Many consider this the most likely site of airway obstruction during an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) event. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in soft palate and airway length between OSA and non-OSA patients.

The objective of this study is to evaluate usefulness of mandibular reconstructions using a custom-made titanium mesh (Ti-mesh) tray and particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM). A consecutive nine patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction were enrolled in this study. They were five men and four women (mean age: 53.9 years). Virtual reality simulation was performed using computer software based on the pre-operative computed tomography data. A 3-dimensional (3-D) skull model was constructed using a 3-D printer. A tray was custom-made from a Ti-mesh sheet bent to adapt to the model. After PCBM harvesting from bilateral posterior ilia, the tray was fixed to the host bone. New bone formation and configuration of the reconstructed mandible were assessed radiologically. Complications were recorded in each patient during the follow-up period. Patients, satisfaction with post-operative facial contour was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS score, range = 0-100). In six of nine patients, excellent new bone formation was recognised and expected results were radiologically achieved. Complications occurred in four patients. These complications included Ti-mesh fracture, Ti-mesh exposure in the oral cavity, and delayed infection. Mean VAS score on patient satisfaction was 77.6. Although the data are preliminary, the results suggest that this method is clinically useful.

The objective of this study was to evaluate usefulness of mandibular reconstructions using custom-made titanium mesh (Ti-mesh) tray and particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM). Consecutive 21 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction were enrolled in this study. They were 13 men and 8 women (mean age, 52.0 years). Virtual reality simulation was performed using computer software based on the preoperative computed tomography data. A 3-dimensional skull model was constructed using 3-dimensional printer. A tray was custom-made from Ti-mesh sheet bent to adapt to the model. After PCBM harvesting from posterior ilia and/or proximal tibia, the tray was fixed to the host bone. New bone formation and configuration of the reconstructed mandible were assessed radiologically. Complications were recorded in each patient during the follow-up period. Patients' satisfaction with postoperative facial contour was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS score, range, 0-100). In 16 of 21 patients, excellent new bone formation was recognized and expected results were radiologically achieved. In 5 patients, new bone formation was insufficient. Causes of insufficient bone formation included postoperative infection in 2 patients, Ti-mesh tray fracture in 2 patients, and local recurrence of lower gingival cancer in 1 patient. To prevent a tray fracture, a double-layered Ti-mesh tray was useful. Mean VAS score on patients' satisfaction was 77.1. Our results comprehensively suggest that mandibular reconstruction using custom-made Ti-mesh tray and PCBM is clinically useful.