Remote Virtual Companion via Tactile Codes and Voices for The People With Visual Impairment / 生物化学与生物物理进展

ObjectiveExisting artificial vision devices can be divided into two types: implanted devices and extracorporeal devices, both of which have some disadvantages. The former requires surgical implantation, which may lead to irreversible trauma, while the latter has some defects such as relatively simple instructions, limited application scenarios and relying too much on the judgment of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enough security. Here we propose a system that has voice interaction and can convert surrounding environment information into tactile commands on head and neck. Compared with existing extracorporeal devices, our device can provide a larger capacity of information and has advantages such as lower cost, lower risk, suitable for a variety of life and work scenarios. MethodsWith the latest remote wireless communication and chip technologies, microelectronic devices, cameras and sensors worn by the user, as well as the huge database and computing power in the cloud, the backend staff can get a full insight into the scenario, environmental parameters and status of the user remotely (for example, across the city) in real time. In the meanwhile, by comparing the cloud database and in-memory database and with the help of AI-assisted recognition and manual analysis, they can quickly develop the most reasonable action plan and send instructions to the user. In addition, the backend staff can provide humanistic care and emotional sustenance through voice dialogs. ResultsThis study originally proposes the concept of “remote virtual companion” and demonstrates the related hardware and software as well as test results. The system can not only achieve basic guide functions, for example, helping a person with visual impairment to shop in supermarkets, find seats at cafes, walk on the streets, construct complex puzzles, and play cards, but also can meet the demand for fast-paced daily tasks such as cycling. ConclusionExperimental results show that this “remote virtual companion” is applicable for various scenarios and demands. It can help blind people with their travels, shopping and entertainment, or accompany the elderlies with their trips, wilderness explorations, and travels.

Clinical efficacy of 595-nm pulsed-dye laser in treatment of childhood facial spider nevi: a retrospective study of 110 patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Spider nevi (SN) are quite common in children. SN are treated via different techniques, and complete removal often requires multiple treatments. However, few studies have evaluated the treatment of SN. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of a 595-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL) for treating facial SN in children.@*Methods@#A total of 110 children aged 0.2 to 12 years with facial SN were treated with a 595-nm PDL in a single institution from January 2016 to February 2018. In accordance with the treatment method, the patients were retrospectively divided into the small-spot-combined-with-large-spot group (SL-group) and the large-spot group (L-group). Patients with poor therapeutic results were retreated every 6 weeks until the lesions disappeared. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. The groups were compared using independent-samples t tests, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, and Fisher exact probability test.@*Results@#The therapeutic efficacy was significantly higher in the SL-group than in the L-group, with clearance rates of 90.9% and 53.0% after the primary treatment, respectively (χ2= 17.937, P < 0.001). For skin lesions with a central spider body diameter ≥1 mm, the once-treatment cure rates were 100% in the SL-group and 34.8% in the L-group (χ2 = 20.780, P < 0.001). For skin lesions with a central spider body diameter <1 mm, the once-treatment cure rates were 82.6% in the SL-group and 62.8% in the L-group (χ2 = 3.961, P = 0.138). The rates of adverse reactions and recurrence did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.141 and P = 1.000, respectively).@*Conclusions@#The 595-nm PDL might be a safe and effective treatment option for facial SN in children. The small-spot-combined-with-large-spot method is especially suitable for SN with a central spider body diameter ≥1 mm.

Clinical efficacy of 595-nm pulsed-dye laser in treatment of childhood facial spider nevi: a retrospective study of 110 patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Spider nevi (SN) are quite common in children. SN are treated via different techniques, and complete removal often requires multiple treatments. However, few studies have evaluated the treatment of SN. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of a 595-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL) for treating facial SN in children.@*METHODS@#A total of 110 children aged 0.2 to 12 years with facial SN were treated with a 595-nm PDL in a single institution from January 2016 to February 2018. In accordance with the treatment method, the patients were retrospectively divided into the small-spot-combined-with-large-spot group (SL-group) and the large-spot group (L-group). Patients with poor therapeutic results were re-treated every 6 weeks until the lesions disappeared. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. The groups were compared using independent-samples t tests, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, and Fisher exact probability test.@*RESULTS@#The therapeutic efficacy was significantly higher in the SL-group than in the L-group, with clearance rates of 90.9% and 53.0% after the primary treatment, respectively (χ = 17.937, P < 0.001). For skin lesions with a central spider body diameter ≥1 mm, the once-treatment cure rates were 100% in the SL-group and 34.8% in the L-group (χ = 20.780, P < 0.001). For skin lesions with a central spider body diameter <1 mm, the once-treatment cure rates were 82.6% in the SL-group and 62.8% in the L-group (χ = 3.961, P = 0.138). The rates of adverse reactions and recurrence did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.141 and P = 1.000, respectively).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The 595-nm PDL might be a safe and effective treatment option for facial SN in children. The small-spot-combined-with-large-spot method is especially suitable for SN with a central spider body diameter ≥1 mm.

The state of the art research findings on the relationship between chronic periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease: a review / 中华口腔医学杂志

Along with the development of periodontal medicine, there is a growing number of evidence showing that periodontitis could influence systemic health. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by microbial infection mediated by dental plaque. Periodontal pathogenic microorganisms and its toxic products can disseminate through the blood stream or may cause the host immune response, which may lead to pathological changes of cerebral vessels and brain tissues to establish connection with Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss, language and cognitive dysfunction. This article reviewed the association between chronic periodontitis and AD.

Amyloid beta-protein induces apoptosis of neurons in rat hippocampus and expression changes of cyclophilin A in these neurons / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To explore the neuron injury in rat hippocampus induced by Aβ25-35 and the cyclophilin A (CyPA) expression changes in these neurons. Methods Sixty healthy Wister rats were equally randomized into experimental group and control group (n=30); AD rat models in the experimental group were established by injection of Aβ25-35 into the bilateral hippocampus of rats,and rats of the control group were received NS injection. The morphological features of neurons in the CA1 area of hippocampus were observed by HE staining; the neuron apoptosis was determined with TUNEL staining; the mRNA and protein expressions of CyPA were detected by PT-PCR and Western blotting,respectively. Results Aβ25-35 caused damage and apoptosis of neurons in the CA1 area of hippocampus; with time being prolonged,the cell injury aggravated and apoptosis increased in the CA1 area ofhippocampus; significant differences were noted as compared with those in control group 1,7 and 14 d after the inducement (P＜0.05).After injection of Aβ25-35 into the hippocampus of rat,the mRNA and protein expressions of CyPA were obviously changed:in early stage,the expressions increased,and then,the expressions decreased gradually; significant differences were noted as compared with those in control group 1 and 7 d after the inducement (P＜0.05); the protein expression of CyPA in the experimental group 14 d after the inducement was significantly decreased as compared with that in the control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion Aβ25-35 plays a neurotoxicity role through aggravating the apoptosis of neurons; and the increment of CyPA expressions maybe play an endogenously protective role in these damage.

Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis with different fimA genotypes on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) with different fimA genotypes on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In the present study, PgATCC33277 (type I fimA genotype), WCSP 115 (type II fimA genotype), W83 (type IV fimA genotype), and Escherichia coli-lipopolysaccharide (Ec-LPS) were designed as experimental group 1, 2, 3, and positive control group, respectively, to stimulate HUVEC, and the un-stimulated HUVEC were analyzed as negative control group. The three strains of Pg were cultured anaerobically in standard condition, and then the Pg cells and Ec-LPS were co-cultured with HUVEC for 2, 6, and 24 h, respectively. The amount of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 produced by HUVEC was detected with flow cytometry (FCM). The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 by HUVEC were assayed with confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of ICAM-1 on the surface of HUVEC were intensified after infected by Pg with I, II, and IV fimA genotypes (P < 0.05). The amounts of ICAM-1 were 60.27 ± 5.43, 80.81 ± 1.44, and 85.94 ± 2.56 for Pg with type I fimA genotype, 86.69 ± 8.81, 90.19 ± 0.00, and 96.18 ± 0.48 for Pg with type II fimA genotype, 59.66 ± 0.40, 85.79 ± 4.86, and 96.04 ± 2.07 for Pg with type IV fimA genotype at 2, 6 and 24 h after infection, respectively. The up-regulation effects caused by Pg with type II and IV fimA genotypes were stronger than those caused by Pg with type I fimA genotype at different time points except at 2 h (P < 0.05). Under the present experimental condition, infected by Pg with type I, II and IV fimA genotypes stimulated low expression of VCAM-1 by HUVEC, it showed no significant differences among all the groups (P > 0.05). Expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in Pg infected HUVEC were confirmed by CLSM. Infection of HUVEC with Pg resulted in more fluorescence staining of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 compared with that in uninfected HUVEC cultures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The virulence and pathogenicity of Pg is associated with its fimA genotypes, Pg with type II and IV fimA genes possess stronger ability to stimulate HUVEC to up-regulate the expression of cell adhesion molecules, which may lead to disorders in vascular endothelial function.</p>

Effects of cyclophilin A on apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by Aβ25-35 and its mechanism / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of cyclophilin A (CyPA) on apoptosis of PC 12 cells induced by Aβ25-35 and its potential mechanism. Methods PC 12 cells were divided into normal control group (0 μmol/L Aβ25-35), Aβ25-35 inducement group (10 μmol/L Aβ25-35) and drug protection groups (0.1, 1,10 and 100 nmol/L CyPA+10 μmol/L Aβ25-35). Cells in the drug protection groups were pretreated by CyPA of different concentrations for 30 min, and then co-cultured with Aβ25-35 We evaluated the survival rate of PC12 cells with MTT assay, analyzed the apoptosis of PC12 cells with Hoechst33258 staining, and detected the mRNA expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax with PT-PCR and the protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bax with Western blotting. Results Cells pretreated wth CyPA of 1, 10 and 100 nmol/L enjoyed an obvious elevation of survival rate of PC 12 cells, a significant reduction of apoptosis induced by Aβ25-35,an obvious increase of mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and protein level of Bcl-2, and a statistical decrease of mRNA expression of Bax and protein level of Bax as compared with those cells of the Aβ25-35 inducement group (P<0.05);and these effects were dose-dependent. Conclusion CyPA could resist the toxic role of Aβ25-35 on PC 12 cells and reduce the apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner by up-regulation of anti-apoptosis gene Bcl-2 and down-regulation of apoptosis gene Bax.

Effects of C-reactive protein on chemotaxis ability of monocytes in vitro / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) on monocytes chemotaxis ability in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Transwell chemotaxis assay was used to evaluate the changes of chemotactic ability of THP-1 monocytes in each group treated with CRP in different concentration.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CRP increased the number of attracted monocytes in response to MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). When treated with CRP concentration at 2 microg x mL(-1), the number of chemotactic monocytes increased (P < 0.05). The number of attracted monocytes increased as CRP concentration was elevated (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CRP can increase chemotactic ability of THP-1 monocytes in concentration dependent manner.</p>

Protective effect of cyclophilin A against Alzheimer's amyloid beta-peptide (25-35)-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) is considered responsible for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Possible mechanisms underlying Abeta-induced neuronal cytotoxicity include excessive production of reactive oxidative species (ROS) and apoptosis. Cyclophilin A (CypA), exhibits antioxidant properties and protects neurons against oxidative stress induced injury. This study was conducted to demonstrate whether CyPA added to cultured PC12 cells could alleviate Abeta-induced oxidative stress and protect them from apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PC12 cells were pre-incubated for 30 minutes with recombinant human cyclophilin A (rhCyPA) in 0.1 nmol/L, 1.0 nmol/L, 10 nmol/L and 100 nmol/L and then incubated with 10 micromol/L Abeta(25-35). In every group, cell viability, apoptotic morphology, apoptotic rate, intracellular ROS accumulation, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of PC12 cells and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were detected. Subsequently, the expression of the active form of caspase-3 was determined by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was shown that cultures treated with 1.0 nmol/L, 10 nmol/L or 100 nmol/L rhCyPA + Abeta(25-35) had significantly higher cell viability and a lower rate of apoptosis compared with the cultures exposed only to Abeta(25-35). In addition, rhCyPA attenuated Abeta(25-35)-induced overproduction of intracellular ROS and Abeta(25-35)-induced a decrease in activity of the key antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px. Furthermore, rhCyPA also attenuated Abeta(25-35)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of caspase-3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CyPA may act as an ROS scavenger, and prevent Abeta(25-35)-induced neurotoxicity through attenuating oxidative stress induced by Abeta(25-35).</p>

Serum C-reactive protein levels and lipid profiles concentrations in moderate to severe periodontitis and coronary heart disease: a comparative study / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation between moderate to severe periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) and to examine the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in subjects with CHD and/or moderate to severe periodontitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum CRP levels, serum lipids [low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG)] and clinical periodontal parameters [clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP)] were measured and analyzed in coexistent moderate to severe periodontitis and CHD patients (n = 47), CHD patients (n = 28), moderate to severe periodontitis patients (n = 40), and healthy subjects (n = 40).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum CRP levels in control group, moderate to severe periodontitis patients, CHD patients and patients with both diseases were (1.30 +/- 0.15), (2.44 +/- 0.18), (5.99 +/- 0.82) and (6.88 +/- 0.71) mg/L, respectively. The differences among these four groups were significant (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression revealed that moderate to severe periodontitis patients exhibited markedly elevated odds of having CHD (OR = 2.417, 95% CI: 1.126 - 6.659). The total cholesterol levels were also significantly different among the four groups (P = 0.017).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The moderate to severe periodontitis was associated with elevated serum CRP levels which may in turn affect the initiation and progression of CHD, and may be a risk factor for CHD.</p>

Effects of montelukast on atherosclerosis and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in ahypercholesterolemic rabbit model / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of montelukast on atherosclerosis and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty four male New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into four groups including normal control group (n = 6), placebo group (n = 8), atorvastatin group (1.5 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), beginning at 8(th) weeks for 4 weeks, n = 10) and montelukast group (1 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), beginning at 8(th) weeks for 4 weeks, n = 10). Rabbits except those in normal control group were fed a high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. Serum lipids were measured at 0, 8 and 12 weeks after intervention. The intima/media ratio, percentages of macrophages or smooth muscle cells in intima and the expression of MCP-1 mRNA were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Atherosclerosis was evidenced in placebo group and atorvastatin or montelukast treatment significantly reduced neointima (0.32 +/- 0.12 and 0.34 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.12 +/- 0.36, P < 0.05) and macrophage content [(9.8 +/- 4.6)% and (11.2 +/- 3.7)% vs. (34.6 +/- 8.8)%, P < 0.05], increased SMC content [(18.6 +/- 6.9)% and (19.2 +/- 8.6)% vs. (5.2 +/- 2.3)%, P < 0.05] and inhibited expression of MCP-1 mRNA (0.42 +/- 0.08 and 0.40 +/- 0.06 vs. 2.36 +/- 0.48, P < 0.01). Montelukast had similar anti-atherogenetic effects as atorvastatin but had no influence on plasma lipids.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Montelukast could attenuate atherosclerosis in this hypercholesterolemic rabbit model which might be attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects.</p>

Effect of fibrinogen on the secretion of interleukin-1beta and - 8 by polymorphonuclear leukocytes / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of one of the acute-phase proteins, fibrinogen, on the release of IL-1beta and -8 by human peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and the possible role of fibrinogen during the destruction of periodontium.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral PMN were isolated by discontinuous density gradient centrifuging technique. The freshly isolated PMN were suspended in Hank's balanced saline solution (1 x 10(9)/L) supplemented with 0.5% BSA and 0.1% glucose. The levels of IL-1beta and -8 in the supernatants produced by cultured cells upon the addition of human fibrinogen at different concentrations were measured by ELISA technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Incubated with human fibrinogen at 2 g/L or 10 g/L for different time periods, human peripheral PMN released significantly greater amount of IL-1beta [(10.41 +/- 0.37) - (35.86 +/- 0.30) ng/L or (22.81 +/- 0.45) - (57.77 +/- 2.08) ng/L] and IL-8 [(93.90 +/- 13.95) - (2045.66 +/- 53.03) ng/L or (115.02 +/- 10.61) - (3858.69 +/- 25.65) ng/L] than PMN without the stimulation of fibrinogen (IL-1beta, P < 0.001, and IL-8, P < or = 0.016). The higher concentration of fibrinogen or the longer treatment time, the higher levels of IL-1beta and -8 were released by PMN (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Fibrinogen induced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and -8 by PMN and may be involved in magnification of the inflammatory response of periodontium and bone resorption.</p>

Correlation between levels of fibrinogen, beta455 g/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of fibrinogen, the-beta455 G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism and the severity of periodontal inflammation and to explore the possible role of fibrinogen in the association of periodontitis with coronary heart disease (CHD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 121 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis and periodontally healthy and gingivitis controls were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected and the plasma fibrinogen levels were determined by the clotting method of Clauss. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with Hae III were used to examine the -beta455 G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in moderately or severely chronic periodontitis patients [(3.45 +/- 0.68) g/L] than periodontally healthy and gingivitis controls [(2.47 +/- 0.42) g/L, P < 0.001]. The carrier status of the A allele at position -455 in the beta fibrinogen gene was associated with elevated fibrinogen levels and the frequency of the-A455 allele in the beta fibrinogen gene in the patient group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.032). Carriers of the -A455 allele were about 3-fold more likely to have moderate or severe periodontitis as compare to individuals without the -A455 allele( OR = 3. =135, P= 0.008).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Fg-beta455 G/A polymorphism may contribute to the elevated plasma fibrinogen levels and put individuals at higher risk of having severe periodontitis. As the independent risk factor of CHD, fibrinogen levels and Fg-beta455 G/A polymorphism may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.</p>

Study of the correlation between moderately and severely chronic periodontitis and coronary heart disease / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation between moderately and severely chronic periodontitis and coronary heart disease, as well as the role of fibrinogen in the mechanisms responsible for the correlation between periodontitis and coronary heart disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>95 subjects who were systemic health or patients of coronary heart disease with or without periodontitis were enrolled. All the subjects were placed into 4 groups based on their periodontal status and cardiovascular health. The 4 groups were healthy control group (HC), moderately and severely chronic periodontitis group (MSP), coronary heart disease group(CHD), and MSP coexisted with CHD group (MSP+CHD). Clinical periodontal index were examined, at the same time, plasma fibrinogen levels and serological changes used in diagnosing of cardiovascular disease routinely were determined. ANOVA and ANCOVA were used in the statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fibrinogen levels of HC, MSP, CHD, and MSP+CHD group were (2.36+/-0.37), (3.63+/-0.73), (4.08+/-0.84), and (4.14+/-0.96) g/L, respectively. Fibrinogen levels of MSP and MSP+CHD group were significantly higher than that of healthy controls (P<0.01). The patients with moderately to severely chronic periodontitis were more likely to have coronary heart disease as compared to periodontally healthy controls (OR=2.527, P=0.047) after adjusted for blood pressure and body mass index.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Moderately and severely chronic periodontitis maybe a risk factor of coronary heart disease and fibrinogen could be one of the biological basis which links periodontitis with coronary heart disease.</p>

Effect of fibrinogen on the adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis to human oral epithelial cells / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the role of fibrinogen molecule in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An in vitro cell culture model was used. Methyl-(3)H Thymidine radiolabeled Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) ATCC 33277 were examined for their ability to adhere to and invade the confluent monolayers of human oral epithelial KB cells with or without exogenous human fibrinogens by scintillation spectrometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The addition of exogenous fibrinogens made more amount of and higher ratios of adhesive and invasive Pg, in contrast to the group without exogenous fibrinogen (P < 0.001). At different concentrations of exogenous fibrinogen, the amount and ratios of adhesive and invasive Pg varied significantly (P < or = 0.007). The higher concentrations of exogenous fibrinogen was added, the greater amount and ratios of adhesive and invasive Pg were found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Fibrinogen promotes the adherence of Pg to human oral epithelial cells and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.</p>

Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3 in periodontal tissues of rat periodontitis model / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3 in periodontal tissues of rat periodontitis model at different stages of inflammation of varied severity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The periodontal tissues were immunohistochemically stained by antibody of MMP-2 and MMP-3.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MMP-2 and MMP-3 were both strongly positive in gingival epithelia and fibroblasts in periodontal ligament in rat periodontitis model. And chronic periodontitis showed lower expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3 than that of acute gingivitis and acute peridontitis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3 varies in different stage of periodontitis. MMP-2 and MMP-3 may play an important role in development of periodontitis.</p>

Effect of electro-stimulating therapy on the repair of astrocytes and neurons in the rehabilitative course of cerebral infarction / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: At present, there is few reports about using middl ecerebral artery obstraction (MCAO) model to determine the repair course of cerebral infarction during functional training.OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of electro-stimulating therapy on promoting the rehabilitation of cerebral infarction and its mechanism.DESIGN: Randomized controlled study.SETTING: Animal Center and Electron Microscope Laboratory of Zhongshan University.MATERIALS: The experiment was carried out in the Animal Center of Zhongshan Medical College and Neurological Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhongshang University from January 2002 to December2004. A total of 200 healthy males SD rats, aged 3 months and weighing 90-110 g, were selected. According to the following criteria: SBP＞180mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), BWT score of MCAO models which were reproduced by RHRSP was 1, totally 180 RHRSP were admitted to the research and divided into electro-stimulating therapy group (n=90) and control group (n=90).METHODS: Electro-stimulating was given to four accupuncture points of the paralyzed limbs of rats. The electro-stimulating treatment was given about 30 minutes once a day. And a therapy course was 6 days, and between two therapy courses there was one-day break. At the end of 1st, 3rd,6th and 9th therapy courses, the brain of motor function and tissue in marginal zone of cerebral infarction were assayed as follow: [1] The beam walking test (BWT, 1 as severe disorder and 7 as normal). [2] Electron microscope. [3] Astrpcyte glial fibriliary acidic protein, neurofilament protein and microtubule-associated protein-2 were assayed with immunohistochemistry. Five fields of each slice in the two groups were randomly selected to add up the positive cell number. Totally 30 positive cells of glial fibriliary acidic protein was selected to assay average absorbency (A) of positive cellular plasm. [4] Apoptosis of neurons were observed with in situ end-labeling (ISEL). [5] Brain-micro vasodilatatio was observed according to the criteria of one complete microvessel account under the field.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: [1] Scores of motor function; [2] Ultramicrostructure of cranial neurons and astrocyte; [3] Cranial glial fibriliary acidic protein, neurofilament protein and microtubule-associated protein-2;[4] Apoptosis of neurons; [5] Diastole of cerebral microvessel.RESULTS: Totally 180 rats were eligible while 20 rats were excluded because of their BWT score＞1 after MCAO operation. [1] Results of beam walking test (BWT): Functional recovery of paralysis limbs in electric stimulation group was better than that in control group from the third to the ninth course. In the ninth course, 6 points of rats in electric stimulation group was more than that in control group (42, 46, χ2=15.4, P ＜ 0.01). [2]Positive absorbency of cerebral glial fibriliary acidic protein: That in electric stimulation group was higher than that in control group in the 3rd, 6th,and 9th [(52.97±0.59)% vs (46.40±0.56)%; (49.44±0.80)% vs (46.40±0.56)%;(43.25±0.48)% vs (34.20±0.50)%, P ＜ 0.05]. [3] Assay of neurofilament protein: That in electric stimulation group was higher than that in control group in the 6th and 9th course [(22.9±2.7)% vs (11.9±2.3)%; (26.5±1.7)%vs (11.7±1.5)%, P ＜ 0.05]. [4] Assay of microtubule-associated protein-2:That in electric stimulation group was higher than that in control group in the 6th and 9th course [(21.7±1.3)% vs (11.3±1.1)%; (24.4±2.1)% vs(11.9±2.3)%, P ＜ 0.05]. [5] Apoptosis of neurons: There was not significantly different between the two groups. [6] Results of open number of cerebral microvessel: That in electric stimulation group was higher than that in control group in the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th course (33 vs 19; 48 vs 31;45 vs 25; 46 vs 23, Z=-2.309, P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION: Electro-stimulating treatment can promote motor function of paralyzed limbs, which was due to that electro-stimulating treatment may promote extinction of the swollen feet of astrocytes, reinforce neurons activity and arouse the dilatation of cerebral capillary which promote the microvascular dilatation in order to improve cerebral blood circulation.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen activates the nuclear factor-?B pathway and delays spontaneous apoptosis in neutrophils / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen (Mtb-Ag) on neutrophils apoptosis.Methods The fresh isolated neutrophils from healthy adults blood were cultured with Mtb-Ag for 24 h,with or without pretreatment of nuclear factor -?B (NF-?B) inhibitor N-tosyl-L-phenylanyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) for 30 minutes.Annexin V staining and Flow cytometry were used to measure cell apoptosis of neutrophils.NF-?B DNA binding was measured by gelelectrophorestic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in neutrophils after incubated with Mtb-Ag for 0,1,2,4,6,24 hours.Results Comparing to the spontaneous apoptosis (55%?6%) of neutrophils after culture in vitro for 24 h,treatment of Mtb-Ag (1.125 mg/ml) decreased the cell apoptosis of neutrophils (32%?3%).The NF-?B shift bands were detected at 1 h in neutrophils after stimulated by Mtb-Ag,and reached maximum peak at 2 hours,and then returned to basal levels within 24 h.Pretreatment of TPCK inhibited the anti-apoptosis role of Mtb-Ag in neutrophils.Conclusion Mtb-Ag prevents neutrophils apoptosis and its inhibitory role concerns NF-?B pathway.