Epidemiological characteristics of infected patients aged 60 years and older during the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Sanya, Hainan in 2022 / 中国热带医学

@# or older during the outbreak epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant in Sanya City, Hainan Province, August-September 2022, and to provide scientific and effective basis for formulating strategies for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in the elderly in the future. Methods　The data of 1 785 COVID-19 cases aged ≥60 years reported from August 1 to September 8, 2022 in Sanya City, and 537 local COVID-19 inpatients aged ≥60 years treated in Sanya Central Hospital were collected and analyzed using WPS Office 2018 software for data cleaning, database assistance, and drawing, and SPSS 22.0 software was used to statistically describe and analyze the counting data. Results　A total of 1 785 local COVID-19 cases aged ≥60 years were reported in China's Disease Prevention and Control Information System, including 1 509 confirmed cases (84.54%) and 276 asymptomatic cases (15.46%). Of the confirmed cases, 1 448 were mild cases (95.96%), 40 were common cases (2.65%), 10 were severe cases (0.66%), and 11 were critical cases (0.73%), and no deaths were reported. The ratio of male to female was 0.88∶1. The youngest was 60 years old, the oldest age was 107 years old, with a median age of 67 years old. Most of them (1 559 cases, 87.34%) were non-social employed personnel. Among them, 952 (53.33%) were from Tianya District and 733 (41.06%) from Jiyang District. Among the 537 COVID-19 elderly infected patients hospitalized in Sanya Central Hospital, infected patients with underlying diseases accounted for 287 (53.45%) cases of hypertension, diabetes and other types of basic diseases (chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, etc.), and there were serious infections. Conclusions　Most of the elderly infected with Omicron variants were mild cases with few symptoms, but the elderly infected with Omicron variants were difficult to recover or even worsen the condition due to old age and underlying diseases. Therefore, by analyzing the various aspects of elderly infected cases, scientific and effective basis can be provided to prevent and control the epidemic situation in the future, and reduce the occurrence of severe, critical and death cases of COVID-19 in the elderly.

Analysis of epidemic characteristics and related factors of norovirus in diarrhea patients in Guangxi, 2015-2020 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and related factors of norovirus in Guangxi from 2015 to 2020, and to provide scientific recommendations for norovirus prevention and control. Methods The foodborne diseases surveillance data were collected from 11 sentinel hospitals through the National Foodborne Disease Monitoring and Reporting System from 2015 to 2020. R software with version 4.0.3 was used for descriptive and statistical analysis, including epidemic curve, chi-square test, and trend chi-square and so on. Logistic regression was used to analyze norovirus-related factors, OR values and 95% confidence intervals were calculated respectively with the statistical test level of P<0.05. Results There were 1 008 norovirus cases detected, with a detection rate of 12.75% (1 008/7 903). Children with age less than 5 years (OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.13-1.82) and patients at age 20-45 (OR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.13-1.87) were high risk population. The detection rate was higher in autumn (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.08-1.53) but lower in summer (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.55-0.80). In addition, the tourist area (Guilin City) presented a higher detection rate than other areas (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.10-1.80). Aquatic products (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.03-1.91), meat and dairy products (OR=1.31, 95%CI: 1.06-1.61) were high-risk foods for norovirus infection. The prevention and control policies of COVID-19 can reduce the possibility of norovirus by 61% (OR=0.39, 95%CI: 0.31-0.49) showed a declining trend (Trend χ2=85.33, P<0.001). In addition, prolonged visit time can lead to 19%-23% decrease in the detection rate of norovirus (OR24-48 hours=0.81, 95%CI: 0.70-0.95; OR>48 hours=0.77, 95%CI: 0.63-0.93). Conclusions　The epidemic of norovirus presented seasonal and regional distribution in Guangxi with a declining detection rate trend in diarrhea patients during recent 6 years. Young children were high-risk population in infection norovirus. The intake of seafood can increase the risk of norovirus infection. The prevention and control policies of COVID-19 can sharply decrease the possibility of infection norovirus. The monitoring of key foods such as seafood should be strengthened, and the early screening of suspected cases should be taken. The norovirus monitoring should be improved to ensure the health of the population.

Comparison of two different methods of rapid expansion combined with maxillary protraction in the treatment of skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To compare the effect of bone-anchored versus tooth-borne rapid palatal expansion (RPE) combined with maxillary protraction in the treatment of skeletal class Ⅲ patients with maxillary hypoplasia. Methods: Twenty-six skeletal class Ⅲ patients with maxillary hypoplasia in the late mixed or early permanent dentition were selected. All the patients underwent RPE combined with maxillary protraction in the Department of Orthodontics, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University from August 2020 to June 2022. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Thirteen patients were enrolled in the bone-anchored RPE group [4 males and 9 females, aged (10.2±1.7) years] and the others were in the tooth-borne RPE group [5 males and 8 females, aged (10.1±1.0) years]. Ten sagittal linear indices [Y-Is distance (the distance from the incisor edge of the maxillary incisor to the vertical reference axis), Y-Ms distance (the distance from the mesial contact point of the maxillary first molar to the vertical reference axis), the relative distance between the maxillary and mandibular molars, overjet, etc.], 6 vertical linear indices [PP-Ms distance (the distance changes from Ms to the palatal plane), etc.] and 8 angle indices [SN-MP angle (the upper external angle of the intersection of the sella-nasion plane and the mandibular plane), U1-SN angle (the lower internal angle of the intersection of the long axis of the maxillary central incisor and the sella-nasion plane), etc.] were measured on the cephalometric radiographs before and after the treatment. Six coronal indicators (the inclination of the left and right first maxillary molar, etc.) were measured on cone-beam CT images before and after the treatment. The proportion of skeletal and dental factors in the changes of overjet were calculated. The differences of the index changes between groups were compared. Results: After the treatment, the anterior crossbite were corrected in both groups, and classⅠor classⅡ molar relationship were attained. In bone-anchored group, the changes of Y-Is distance, Y-Ms distance and maxillary and mandibular molar relative distance were (3.23±0.70), (1.25±0.34) and (2.54±0.59) mm, respectively, significantly less than those in the tooth-borned group in which the corresponding changes were (4.96±0.97) mm (t=-5.92, P<0.001), (3.12±0.83) mm (t=-7.53, P<0.001) and (4.92±1.35) mm (t=-5.85, P<0.05), respectively. The change of overjet in the bone-anchored group was (4.45±1.25) mm, significantly less than that in the tooth-borned group (6.14±1.29) mm (t=-3.38, P<0.05). Skeletal and dental factors accounted for 80% and 20% of the overjet changes in the bone-anchored group, respectively. While in the tooth-borned group, skeletal and dental factors accounted for 62% and 38% of the overjet changes, respectively. The PP-Ms distance change in the bone-anchored group [(-1.62±0.25) mm] was significantly less than that in the tooth-borned group [(2.13±0.86) mm] (t=-15.15, P<0.001). The changes of SN-MP and U1-SN in the bone-anchored group were -0.95°±0.55° and 1.28°±1.30°, respectively, significantly less than those corresponding indices in the tooth-borned group (1.92°±0.95°, t=-9.43, P<0.001; 7.78°±1.94°, t=-10.04, P<0.001). In the bone-anchored group, the inclination changes of maxillary bilateral first molars in the left and right sides were 1.50°±0.17° and 1.54°±0.19°, significantly less than the corresponding indices in the tooth-borned group (2.26°±0.37°, t=6.47, P<0.001; 2.25°±0.35°, t=6.81, P<0.001). Conclusions: The bone-anchored RPE with maxillary protraction could reduce the adverse tooth compensation effect, including the protrusion of maxillary anterior incisors, the increase of overjet and mandibular plane angle, and the mesial movement, extrusion and buccal inclination of maxillary molars.

Treatment Retention Rates of 3-monthly Paliperidone Palmitate and Risk Factors Associated with Discontinuation: A Population-based Cohort Study

Objective@#Limited evidence exists regarding real-world 3-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP3M) treatment retention and associated factors. @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective, nationwide cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between October 2017 and December 2019. Adult patients with schizophrenia initiated on PP3M were enrolled. The primary outcomes were time to PP3M discontinuation, time to psychiatric hospitalization, and the proportions of patients receiving the next PP3M dose within 120 days among first-, second-, and third-dose completers. Key covariates included prior PP1M duration and adequate PP3M initiation. @*Results@#The PP3M treatment retention rates were 79.7%, 66.3%, and 52.5% after 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, with 86.4%, 90.6%, and 90.0% of respective first-, second-, and third-dose completers receiving the next PP3M dose. Adequate PP3M initiation and prior PP1M treatment duration ＞ 180 days were associated with favorable PP3M treatment retention. In multivariate analyses, PP1M durations of 180−360 days (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.76) or ＜ 180 days (aRR, 2.79) were associated with PP3M discontinuation at the second dose. Inadequate PP3M initiation was associated with discontinuation at the third dose (aRR, 2.18). Patients fully adherent to PP3M treatment in the first year had a higher probability of being free from psychiatric hospitalization (86.7% at 2 years), compared with those partially adherent or non-adherent to PP3M in the first year. @*Conclusion@#Prior PP1M duration and adequate PP3M initiation are major factors affecting PP3M treatment retention. Higher PP3M treatment retention is associated with a lower risk of psychiatric hospitalization.

Clinical effects of oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking on oral feeding in preterm infants with dysphagia

Abstract Objective: To explore the effectiveness of oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking in treating premature infants with dysphagia. Methods: Sixty preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the present study's hospital were selected and randomly divided into the control and intervention groups. The control group was given non-nutritive sucking intervention alone, while the intervention group was given oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking. The oral motor ability, milk sucking amount and sucking rate, feeding efficiency and outcomes, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were measured and compared. Results: Compared to first-day interventions, preterm infant oral feeding readiness assessment scale-Chinese version (PIOFRAS-CV) scores of the two groups significantly increased after 14 days of intervention, and this score was higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. Similarly, after 14 days of intervention, the intervention group's milk sucking rate and amount were significantly higher than the control group. Also, after the intervention, the intervention group's total oral feeding weeks were considerably lower, while the feeding efficiency and body weight were significantly higher than the control group. Moreover, the overall adverse reaction rate in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group. Conclusions: Oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking can significantly improve the oral motor ability of premature newborns, promote the process of oral feeding, improve the outcome of oral feeding, and reduce the occurrence of adverse effects. The combined intervention seems to have a beneficial effect on oral feeding proficiency in preterm infants.

Application of bone suppression imaging in the diagnosis of occupational pneumoconiosis / 中国职业医学

@#Objective （ ） To explore the application value of bone suppression imaging BSI in the diagnosis of occupational （ pneumoconiosis） Methods - pneumoconiosis hereinafter referred to as " " . A total of 330 chest films of high kV digital （ ） radiograph DR of patients with suspected pneumoconiosis were selected by convenient sampling method. BSI is applied to the ， ， ， ， chest films and the differences of small opacity shape small opacity aggregation the number of large opacity lung areas small （ ）， opacity profusion and diagnostic stage of pneumoconiosis were analyzed by simple DR reading DR group simple BSI reading （ ） （ ） Results BSI group and DR and BSI combined reading combined group . There was no significant difference in the distribution of small shadows and the detection rate of small shadows aggregation and large shadows in pneumoconiosis among （ P ） ， the three film reading methods all >0.05 . For the concentration distribution of each lung area there was statistically （P< ）， significant difference between the DR group and the BSI group 0.05 but there was no statistically significant difference ， （ P ） between the DR group and the combined group and between the BSI group and the combined group all >0.05 . The results of ， consistency analysis showed that the DR group and the BSI group and the DR group and the combined group had high （ ， P< consistency in the judgment of small shadow intensity in the lung region both weighted Kappa coefficient were 0.75 all ） 0.01 . There was a high consistency between BSI group and DR group and combined group and DR group in the diagnosis of （ ， ， P< ） ， pneumoconiosis stage weighted Kappa coefficient were 0.77 0.79 all 0.01 . Compared with the DR group the diagnostic ， rate of pneumoconiosis stage Ⅰwas significantly reduced and the diagnostic rate of pneumoconiosis stage Ⅱ was significantly （ P< ） ， increased in the BSI group and the combined group all 0.01 . However there was no significant difference in the diagnosticrate of pneumoconiosis stage Ⅲ >0.05 . Both the BSI reading and DR and BSI combined reading can improve ， the display of pneumoconiosis lesions to varying degrees and therefore can improve the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis. In ， addition the identification and diagnosis of pneumoconiosis lesions in the BSI reading is comparable to that in the combined ， group which has a good application value in the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.

Novel Pathogenic Mutation of PNPLA1 Identified in Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis: A Case Report / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is characterized by being born as collodion babies, hyperkeratosis, and skin scaling. We described a collodion baby at birth with mild ectropion, eclabium, and syndactyly. Whole exome sequencing showed a compound heterozygous variant c.[56C>A], p.(Ser19X) and c.[100G>A], p.(Ala34Thr) in the PNPLA1 gene [NM_001145717; exon 1]. The protein encoded by PNPLA1 acts as a unique transacylase that specifically transfers linoleic acid from triglyceride to ω-hydroxy fatty acid in ceramide, thus giving rise to ω-O-acylceramide, a particular class of sphingolipids that is essential for skin barrier function. The variant was located in the patatin core domain of PNPLA1 and resulted in a truncated protein which could disrupt the function of the protein. This case report highlights a novel compound heterozygous mutation in PNPLA1 identified in a Chinese child.

Implications of lysyl oxidase-like protein 3 expression in the periodontium of diabetic rats

Abstract Objectives Diabetes has been strongly associated with periodontal diseases. The periodontal ligament (PDL) has an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are closely associated with various diseases caused by abnormal ECM functions, however, the role of LOXs in periodontal diseases induced by diabetes remains unclear. Methodology In this study, 8-week-old Zucker diabetic fatty rats were used to establish a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. After 9 and 16 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining were performed. Results After 9 weeks, loose collagen fibers were found in the interradicular area of the diabetic group, in opposition to the control group. There were no significant differences in LOX expression between the diabetic and control groups (p>0.05). However, after 16 weeks, the diabetic group presented a disordered arrangement of the PDL, showing decreased collagen content and significantly increased lysyl oxidase-like protein 3 (LOXL3) expression when compared with the control group (p<0.05). This suggests that LOXL3 plays a significant role in periodontal histopathological changes in diabetic rats. Conclusion Our study showed elevated LOXL3 expression in the PDL of diabetic rats after 16 weeks, suggesting that LOXL3 may be involved in the occurrence and development of periodontal histopathological changes in diabetic rats. LOXL3 could be further used as an indicator for the early diagnosis of diabetic periodontitis in T2DM patients in clinical settings.

Maximum fat oxidation intensity of obese female college students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between the adiposity index and the maximum fat oxidation intensity (Fat max ) of obese female college students, and to provide a composite indicas for formulating exercise prescriptions.@*Methods@#Fifty four obese female college students without sports background in Chongqing from June 2017 to March 2018 were selected as subjects. Fat max was measured through an incremental load exercise test on a sports treadmill in all participants. Differences of fat max among pariticipants with different body fat percentage(BFP), waist to hip ratio(WHR), and skinfold thickness of different parts (abdomen, lower scapula, upper arm and humerus) were compared. Associations between different body fat percentage(BFP), waist to hip ratio(WHR), skinfold thickness of different parts (abdomen, lower scapula, upper arm triceps) and Fat max were analyzed.@*Results@#Fat max (MET, %VO 2max ) of female college students classified as obese by BFP, WHR, abdominal, upper arm triceps, and lower scapula indicators were lower than the control group. Fat max [(6.19±1.21)MET, (48.71±8.62)% VO 2max ] of female college students with abdominal obesity was significantly lower than that of the control group [(7.65±0.88) MET, (57.64±8.90)% VO 2max ], all the differences were statistically significant ( t =2.48, 2.61, P <0.05). Fat max [(6.10±1.16)MET] of female college students with obesity under the scapula was significantly lower than that of the control group [(7.18±1.25)MET] ( t =2.50, P < 0.05 ), and negative correlation was found( r=-0.27, P <0.01).@*Conclusion@#The obesity indicas are closely related to Fat max among obese female college students, and the skinfold thickness of the abdominal and back show prominent impact on the Fat max of obese female college students.

Interaction study of the antibacterial peptide urumin with the H1N1 HA protein of influenza A virus / 药学学报

Influenza A virus (H1N1) seriously affects the health of human and disrupts the development of global economic. The antimicrobial peptide urumin specifically binds to the conserved stem of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of H1N1 virus, but its binding site and the mechanism of action are not clear. In this study, we investigated the possible binding sites and key amino acids for the interaction of urumin with HA protein by molecular docking and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments, suggesting that HA residues His32 (HA1), Asp19 (HA2), and Trp21 (HA2) are the key residues for the interaction of HA with urumin. Urumin's Arg4, Asn9, and Cys16 were associated with HA protein residues Asp19 (HA2), Trp21 (HA2), His32 (HA1), and Asn53 (HA2) form hydrogen bonding interactions, and Trp12 forms an aromatic π-stacking interaction with His32 (HA1) of HA, these interactions maintain the binding of urumin to HA protein. Wild-type HA and its alanine mutant [alanine substitutions His32 (HA1), Asp19 (HA2), and Trp21 (HA2)] were expressed in 293T cells. ELISA experiments showed that the affinity ability of urumin with HA wild-type was significantly higher than that of HA alanine mutant, suggesting that His32 (HA1), Asp19 (HA2), and Trp21 (HA2) may be the key residues for HA to interact with urumin. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for further modification and application of urumin.

Effects of temperature, pH, and H2O2 on the growth and biofilm formation of attenuated Salmonella VNP20009 / 药学学报

Attenuated Salmonella VNP20009 specifically colonizes and proliferates within tumor tissues and inhibits tumor growth. It has been used as drug delivery vehicle or in combination with other therapies (such as chemotherapy), which shows a good application potential in tumor therapy. In this paper, study was conducted to determine the physiological changes of growth curve and formation of bacterial biofilm of VNP20009 under various environmental stresses, such as temperature, pH, and H2O2. The results showed that VNP20009 could grow normally under the conditions of 42 ℃, pH 6.5, and 1 mmol·L-1 H2O2. Furthermore, the weak acid environment was beneficial to the biofilm formation of VNP20009. This study provides a basis for in-depth study of the survival mechanism and application of attenuated Salmonella.

Longitudinal analysis of myopia and refractive errors screening results in adolescents in a community in Shanghai / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the longitudinal changes of refractive errors in adolescent myopia screening in the suburb of Shanghai, and to provide reference for targeted measures of myopia prevention and intervention.@*Methods@#By using the cluster sampling method, 1 346 students were selected from two primary schools in a town in the suburb of Shanghai. Physical development indicators and refractive examination parameters of non ciliary muscle paralysis, and uncorrected visual acuity in 2017 and 2020 were collected from the Shanghai adolescent refractive development file. Longitudinal change of spherical equivalent (SE) refractive were assessed. A linear regression model was used to examine the relationship between the rate of SE change with characteristics of the students.@*Results@#The average annual incidence of myopia was 16.36%, and the SE degrees of the left and right eyes of myopia students decreased by 225 degrees for three years. Girls (right eye Z=-4.33; left eye Z=-3.75, P<0.01), newly-onset myopia and persistent myopia (right eye Z=634.45; left eye Z=638.85, P<0.01) was a key for the rapid progress of refractive power.@*Conclusion@#The proportion of students with severe low vision is relatively high, and the apparent shifts toward more hyperopia in myopia students call for effective prevention and control programs based on changes in refractive to slow the progression of adolescent myopia.

Nutritional status and influencing factors in the elderly at home / 预防医学

Objective@#To learn the results of MNA ( mini nutritional assessment ） nutrition screening and influencing factors in the elderly living at home, so as to provide basis for improving the nutritional status of the elderly living at home. @*Methods@#The elderly people at home were recruited from Yinzhou District, Yiwu City and Changshan County in Zhejiang Province by the multi-stage random sampling method. Their demographic information, living habits and nutritional status were collected by the MNA scale and the questionnaire for nutrition and health status surveillance. The multivariate linear regression model was used to analyze influencing factors for the nutritional status.@*Results@#Of 374 study subjects, 186 ( 49.73% ) were males and 188 ( 50.27% ) were females. The age was ( 69.63±6.68 ) years ( range, 60-90 years ). The average score of MNA scale was 25.26±2.81. The prevalence of malnutrition risk in the elderly living at home was 20.59%. Age ( β'=-0.140), marital status ( β'=0.110 ), annual income ( β'=0.155 ), active physical exercise ( β'= 0.104 ), eating health products/nutritional supplements ( β'= 0.110 ) and satiety ( full diet β'=0.196 ) were influencing factors for MNA scores ( P<0.05 ）.@*Conclusion@#The prevalence of malnutrition risk among the elderly living at home is 20.59%. The prevalence increases with age. Having a spouse, doing active physical exercise, eating health products/nutritional supplements, having healthy eating habits are conducive to maintaining the nutritional health of the elderly.

Effects of electroacupuncture pretreatment on cardiac function and immune inflammatory response in mice with acute myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on the cardiac ejection fraction (EF), the number of macrophages in spleen and heart, and the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in myocardium in mice with acute myocardial ischemia, and to explore the possible mechanism of EA pretreatment on promoting myocardial protection.@*METHODS@#A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EA pretreatment group, 10 rats in each group. The acute myocardial ischemia model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery in the model group and EA pretreatment group, while threading but no ligating at left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery was applied in the control group. In the EA pretreatment group, mice were intervented with EA at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6), disperse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz, intensity of 2 mA; each EA treatment last for 20 min, once a day, and 3-day treatment was given before model establishment. The EF value was evaluated by ultrasonic cardiogram; the number of macrophages in spleen and heart was measured by flow cytometry; the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in myocardium was measured by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the EF value was decreased in the model group (<0.001), the number of macrophages in the heart and spleen was increased (<0.001), and the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the myocardium was increased (<0.001, <0.01). Compared with the model group, the EF value was increased in the EA pretreatment group (<0.01), the number of macrophages in the heart and spleen was decreased (<0.01), and the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the myocardium was decreased (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA pretreatment could reduce the number of macrophages in spleen and heart, down-regulate the expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in myocardial tissue in mice with acute myocardial ischemia, which could relieve the local inflammatory response and achieve the myocardial protective effect.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 positively modulates orthodontic tooth movement speed and alveolar bone mass / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To elucidate the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 on orthodontic tooth movement, aiming at providing evidence for improving orthodontic bone modeling and remodeling.@*Methods@#Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) models were established in 8-week-old Wistar rats, which were divided into 2 groups: the control group (tooth movement) and the test group (tooth movement with local injection of STAT3 inhibitor stattic). Rats were sacrificed on day 7 and 14. Micro-CT scanning was conducted to measure bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and bone mineral density (BMD), and the amount of tooth movement of the specimens. The mouse preosteoblastic cell line MC3T3-e1 and mononuclear macrophagic leukemia cell line RAW264.7 were cocultured in Transwell® culture plates and divided into the control group (blank) and the test group (STAT3 inhibitor stattic was added). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were carried out to reveal osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation, respectively. qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate mRNA expression levels of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the MC3T3-e1 cells.@*Results @#Compared with the control group, in the test group, the alveolar bone at the OTM site showed a significant decrease in the BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and BMD indexes and a significant increase in Tb.Sp on day 14, while there was no significant difference in the above indexes between the two groups on day 7. The amount of tooth movement was significantly smaller in the test group on day 7 but showed no difference on day 14. ALP staining and TRAP staining revealed weakened osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation in the test group. qRT-PCR demonstrated the inhibitor inhibited the mRNA expression of RANKL and OPG and increased the mRNA ratio of RANKL/OPG in osteogenic precursor cells.@*Conclusion@#Suppression of STAT3 activation leads to inhibition of both osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation, resulting in lowered tooth movement and catabolic effects on alveolar bone. STAT3 may play an important role in orthodontic bone modeling and bone remodeling.

Combined Assessment of Serum Alpha-Synuclein and Rab35 is a Better Biomarker for Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is essential to develop a reliable predictive serum biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD). The accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and up-regulated expression of Rab35 participate in the etiology of PD. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the combined assessment of serum αSyn and Rab35 is a useful predictive biomarker for PD. METHODS: Serum levels of αSyn or Rab35 were determined in serum samples from 59 sporadic PD patients, 19 progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients, 20 multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients, and 60 normal controls (NC). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of αSyn or/and Rab35 in discriminating PD patients from NC or atypical parkinsonian patients. RESULTS: The levels of αSyn and Rab35 were increased in PD patients. The serum level of Rab35 was positively correlated with that of αSyn in PD patients. Compared to analyzing αSyn or Rab35 alone, the combined analysis of αSyn and Rab35 produced a larger area under the ROC curve and performed better in discriminating PD patients from NC, MSA patients, or PSP patients. When age was dichotomized at 55, 60, 65, or 70 years, the combined assessment of αSyn and Rab35 for classifying PD was better in the group below the cutoff age than in the group above the cutoff age. CONCLUSIONS: Combined assessment of serum αSyn and Rab35 is a better biomarker for discriminating PD patients from NC or atypical parkinsonian patients, and is a useful predictive biomarker for younger sporadic PD patients.

Risk during orthodontic treatment of the impacted teeth / 中华口腔医学杂志

The treatment of the impacted teeth is often challenging. During orthodontic treatment of the impacted teeth, unexpected tooth movement may occur for a variety of reasons including inadequate anchorage, inappropriate force vectors, ankylosis of the impacted tooth, traumatic external root resorption in adjacent teeth, and/or bony fenestration. Although cone-beam CT (CBCT) can clearly identify the location of impacted teeth, clinicians should avoid other difficulties before and during the traction of impacted teeth. This article discussed the risk factors during treatment of impacted teeth and presented some reasons of unsuccessful cases.

Effects of curcumin on growth of human cervical cancer xenograft in nude mice and underlying mechanism

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of curcumin (Cur) on growth of human cervical cancer xenograft in nude mice and underlying mechanism. The nude mice modeled with human cervical cancer HeLa cell xenograft were treated with normal saline (control), 3 mg/kg Cisplatin, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg Cur, respectively. The animal body weight and growth of tumor were measured. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, p53, p21, HIF-1α, VEGF and MIF protein in tumor tissue were determined. Results showed that, after treatment for 20 days, the tumor mass and tumor volume in 100 and 200 mg/kg Cur group were significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05). The expressions of Bax, p53 and p21 protein in tumor tissue in 200 mg/kg Cur group were significantly higher than control group (P < 0.05), and the expressions of Bcl-2, HIF-1α, VEGF and MIF protein in tumor tissue in 200 mg/kg Cur group were significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05). Cur can inhibit the growth of HeLa cell xenograft in nude mice. The possible mechanism may be related to its up-regulation of Bax, p53 and p21 protein expression in tumor tissue, and down-regulation of Bcl-2, HIF-1α, VEGF and MIF protein expression.

Correlation between the level of presenilin-associated rhomboid-like protein and the sperm motility, survival rate and deformity rate of sperm in workers exposed to aluminum in Guangxi / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between the level of presenilin-associated rhomboidlike protein (PARL) and the sperm motility,survival rate and deformity rate of sperm in workers exposed to aluminum.Methods A total of 162 male workers exposed to aluminum in a large aluminum enterprise in Guangxi were selected as the exposure group,and the 162 staff members of the service company were selected as the control group by matching the age and length of service.The concentration of aluminum in the working environment and the aluminum content in the blood and urine were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the level of PARL protein in sperm and sperm function was evaluated.Results The average concentrations of aluminum in the batching,electrolysis and casting of aluminum exposure group were (6.72± 1.45),(7.23± 1.50) and (7.35± 1.72)mg/m3,which were significantly higher than those of the control group (F=8.314,P＜0.001).The content of aluminum in blood and urine of exposed group were significantly higher than those of control group (P＜0.05),while the levels of PARL of exposed group were significantly lower than those of control group (P＜0.05).Moreover,the sperm survival rate and sperm motility of exposed group were significantly lower than those of the control group,and the sperm deformity rates of exposed group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation of sperm motility,sperm survival rate and protein level of PARL (rsprm motility=0.713,P=0.012;rsperm survival rate =0.628,P=0.008);while the sperm deformity rate and protein level of PARL showed a significant negative correlation (rsperm deformity rate =0.953,P =0.002).Conclusion The sperm function was significantly impaired in aluminum exposed workers,and the changes of sperm motility,survival rate and malformation rate were closely related to the protein level of PARL.

Study on Quality Standards and Vitro Dissolution of Gualou Guizhi Dropping Pills / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish the quality standards of Gualou Guizhi Dropping Pills; To investigate the vitro dissolution. Methods HPLC was used to determine the contents of paeoniflorin, albiflorin, cinnamic acid, 6-gingerol, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritigenin in the dropping pills. The vitro dissolution rate of dropping pills was determined by rotating basket method. Results The calibration curves of paeoniflorin and albiflorin were in a good linearity in the range of 0.690–6.900 μg, 0.300–2.996 μg, respectively, and the average recoveries were 101.12% and 98.52%, respectively, with RSD of 2.24%, 1.37%, respectively. Cinnamic acid was linear in the range of 0.023–0.348 μg and the average recovery was 98.21% with RSD of 2.00%. 6-Gingerol was linear in the range of 0.025–0.382 μg, and the average recovery was 99.19% with RSD of 2.18%. The calibration curves of liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritigenin were in a good linearity in the ranges of 0.120–2.498 μg, 0.150–2.253 μg, and 0.010–0.147 μg, respectively, and the average recoveries were 99.80%, 100.38%, and 100.62%, respectively with RSD of 2.10%, 1.91%, 1.66%, respectively. The accumulated dissolution rates of seven kinds of elements in the dropping pills all reached more than 98% in 15 min. Conclusion The method is simple and accurate, with repeatability, which can be applied to the quality control of Gualou Guizhi Dropping Pills. The vitro dissolution rates meet relevant standards.