Enterococcus faecalis Extracellular Vesicles Promote Apical Periodontitis.

Enterococcus faecalis is an important contributor to the persistence of chronic apical periodontitis. However, the mechanism by which E. faecalis infection in the root canals and dentinal tubules affects periapical tissue remains unclear. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as natural carriers of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) and have recently attracted considerable attention. In this study, we investigated the role of EVs derived from E. faecalis in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis. We observed that E. faecalis EVs can induce inflammatory bone destruction in the periapical areas of mice. Double-labeling immunofluorescence indicated that M1 macrophage infiltration was increased by E. faecalis EVs in apical lesions. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrated the internalization of E. faecalis EVs into macrophages. Macrophages tended to polarize toward the M1 profile after treatment with E. faecalis EVs. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) can recognize MAMPs of bacterial EVs and, in turn, trigger inflammatory responses. Thus, we performed further mechanistic exploration, which showed that E. faecalis EVs considerably increased the expression of NOD2, a cytoplasmic PRR, and that inhibition of NOD2 markedly reduced macrophage M1 polarization induced by E. faecalis EVs. RIPK2 ubiquitination is a major downstream of NOD2. We also observed increased RIPK2 ubiquitination in macrophages treated with E. faecalis EVs, and E. faecalis EV-induced macrophage M1 polarization was notably alleviated by the RIPK2 ubiquitination inhibitor. Our study revealed the potential for EVs to be considered a virulence factor of E. faecalis and found that E. faecalis EVs can promote macrophage M1 polarization via NOD2/RIPK2 signaling. To our knowledge, this is the first report to investigate apical periodontitis development from the perspective of bacterial vesicles and demonstrate the role and mechanism of E. faecalis EVs in macrophage polarization. This study expands our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of E. faecalis and provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis.

Ameliorating effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) extract tablet on exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue in rats by suppressing mitophagy in skeletal muscle.

OBJECTIVE: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) is widely used as a leafy vegetable and spice in China and North Africa. Recent studies have reported that fenugreek can reduce fatigue; however, its antifatigue mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential antifatigue effects of fenugreek extract (FE) on mitophagy and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the potential effects of FE tablet on an exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue (EEF) rat model. Oxidative stress indicators and fatigue biomarkers in the serum and skeletal muscle were detected. Mitophagy and mitochondrial morphology were observed using transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins were detected using western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, FE enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase as well as total antioxidant capacity; however, it decreased the level of malondialdehyde in the serum and skeletal muscle after a 7-day treatment. Moreover, certain indicators of mitochondrial function, such as reactive oxygen species levels, ATP levels, cellular and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, and ATPase activity, were significantly improved in the FE group compared with the model group. Finally, we found that mitophagy was induced by exhaustive exercise and inhibited by FE. Regarding mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins, the expression levels of LC3B, FUNDC1, PGAM5, PARKIN, and PINK1 in the skeletal muscle tissue were increased in the EEF group compared with the control group. After administration of FE and a positive control drug, a significant reversal in the expression of the above-mentioned proteins was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that FE exerted antifatigue effects in the EEF rat model by regulating the mitophagy-related FUNDC1/LC3B signaling pathway rather than the PINK1/PARKIN signaling pathway.

Effects of cage size on growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antibody response in layer breeder males during rearing stage.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of cage size on growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antibody response in layer breeder males during rearing stage. 575 one-day-old Jinghong layer breeder males were randomly allocated into 3 treatments and reared in 3 cage sizes: large (160 × 160 × 62 cm; LC), medium (120 × 120 × 62 cm; MC), and small (80 × 70 × 62 cm; SC). The stocking density of birds in 3 treatments was kept identical and adjusted every 2 wk, from 45 birds/m2 during the period of 0 to 2 wk of age to 12 birds/m2 during the period of 17 to 18 wk of age. Body weight and shank length were measured every 2 wk, and then the daily weight gain and daily feed intake were calculated. Tibia length and breaking strength were determined at 8 wk of age. Blood parameters including malodiadehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and corticosterone (CORT), and antibody titers against avian influenza viruses H5N1 (Re-5 strain) and H9N2 (Re-2 strain) and Newcastle disease virus in response to vaccination were determined at 18 wk of age, respectively. Body weight, shank length, and daily weight gain of birds in LC were similar with those in MC, and were greater than those in SC at 18 wk of age (P < 0.05), respectively. No significant difference was found in average daily feed intake among the 3 treatments from 11 to 18 wk of age. Birds in LC and MC had the similar tibia length; however, birds in SC were smaller (P < 0.05). Tibia breaking strength of birds in LC was higher than those in SC (P < 0.05), respectively. Birds in LC showed lower plasma MDA, GSH-Px, SOD, and CORT contents than those in MC and SC (P < 0.05); however, birds in LC exhibited higher levels of serum antibody titers against H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza viruses as compared with MC and SC (P < 0.05). Consequently, LC and MC were superior to SC and were beneficial for birds' growth and development.

[Study on the incidence and characteristics of carotid canal dehiscence with high resolution CT].

Objective:To discuss the total incidence and characteristics of carotid canal dehiscence in Chinese adults with high resolution CT. At the same time, it provide basic data for otology clinical medical personnel to further understand the anatomical structure of ear and carry out auditory surgery.Method:Temporal bone HRCT images of 643 consecutive subjects who underwent CT scanner were analyzed retrospectively. The coronal, sagittal, and oblique sagittal plane were reconstructioned for some suspected subjects. Contrast the incidence of carotid canal dehiscence in different sex, bilateral and age groups.Result:In 643 patients, 43 cases found the carotid canal dehiscence, and the total incidence of carotid canal dehiscence was 6.7%.The incidence of carotid canal dehiscence for male and female were 5.9%(16/269)and 7.2%(27/374)(P > 0.05),and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of carotid canal dehiscence between sexes. The incidence of carotid canal dehiscence for age 40-59 was much higher than those of other age groups (P< 0.05),however, there was no significant difference between groups of age 20-39 and ≥60(P> 0.05).The location of the carotid canal dehiscence in 43 cases was located in the mesotympanum near the Eustachian tube orifice. Carotid artery tube ruptures are mostly small defects, but 11 cases with major defect.Conclusion:The toatal incidence of carotid canal dehiscence is 6.7% in Chinese adults (males: 5.9%,females: 7.2%), especially high incidence at group of age 40-59 (10.7%). Carotid canal dehiscence can be diagnosed accurately by HRCT and multiplanar reconstruction.

[Neurosyphilis and HIV co-infection with the initial symptom of sudden deafness and optic atrophy: a case report].

A 46-year-old male presented with left ear hearing loss,vertigo,tinnitus and left eye blurred vision. Pure tone audiometry showed left ear had been total deafness. Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) assay was reactive. The serum rapid plasma regain (RPR) was 1∶16. Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) 1/2 antibody immunoassay was positive，and the CD4 cell count was low at 100 cells/µl. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) TPPA was positive,with a white blood cell count of 53×10 6 /L and protein level of 1.08 g/L.The diagnosis was:①left ear sudden deafness(total deafness type);②neurosyphilis;③acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS).

Potential application of digital image-processing method and fitted logistic model to the control of oriental fruit moths (Grapholita molesta Busck).

Monitoring of oriental fruit moths (Grapholita molesta Busck) is a prerequisite for its control. This study introduced a digital image-processing method and logistic model for the control of oriental fruit moths. First, five triangular sex pheromone traps were installed separately within each area of 667 m2 in a peach orchard to monitor oriental fruit moths consecutively for 3 years. Next, full view images of oriental fruit moths were collected via a digital camera and then subjected to graying, separation and morphological analysis for automatic counting using MATLAB software. Afterwards, the results of automatic counting were used for fitting a logistic model to forecast the control threshold and key control period. There was a high consistency between automatic counting and manual counting (0.99, P < 0.05). According to the logistic model, oriental fruit moths had four occurrence peaks during a year, with a time-lag of 15-18 days between adult occurrence peak and the larval damage peak. Additionally, the key control period was from 28 June to 3 July each year, when the wormy fruit rate reached up to 5% and the trapping volume was approximately 10.2 per day per trap. Additionally, the key control period for the overwintering generation was 25 April. This study provides an automatic counting method and fitted logistic model with a great potential for application to the control of oriental fruit moths.

[Site of prelingual cochlear stimulation and its effect on electrically evoked compound action potentials and refractory using the Nucleus 24 standard].

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the site of prelingual cochlear stimulation and its effect on electrically evoked compound action potentials. Method:Recordings of auditory nerve responses were conducted in 32 prelingual subjects to demonstrate the feasibility of ECAP recordings using the nerve response telemetry(NRT) feature of the Nucleus CI24R(CA) system software. These recordings were then analyzed based on the site of cochlear stimulation defined as basal, middle and apical to determine if the amplitude, threshold and slope of the amplitude growth function and the refractory time differs depending on the region of stimulation. Result:Findings of our prelingual children showed significant differences in the ECAP recordings depending on the stimulation site. Comparing the apical with the basal region, on average higher amplitudes, lower thresholds and steeper slopes of the amplitude growth function hadbeen observed. The refractory time showed an overall dependence on cochlear region; however post-hoc tests showed no significant effect between individual regions. Conclusion:Obtaining ECAP recordings is also possible in the most apical region of the cochlea. However, differences can be observed depending on the region of the cochlea stimulated. Specifically, significant higher ECAP amplitude, lower thresholds and steeper amplitude growth function slopes have been observed in the apical region. These differences between prelingual children and adults could be explained by the location of the stimulating electrode with respect to the neural tissue in the cochlea, a higher density, or an increased neural survival rate of neural tissue in the apex.

Phototaxis of Grapholitha molesta (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae) to Different Light Sources.

The Oriental Fruit Moth Grapholita molesta (Busck) causes substantial damage to stone and pome fruit crops worldwide. Light-based traps offer a potential means for pest monitoring and management. In this study, we tested the preference of G. molesta for the following light sources: monochromatic light produced from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, and white), specific wavelengths of light produced from filters (405, 450, 480, 512, 540, 576, and 610 nm), and polychromatic light produced by different numbers (0, 12, 24, and 36) of green, blue, and violet LEDs. The arrangement of polychromatic lights was based on an orthogonal design matrix of L16 (4(3)). Based on the results of former studies, we further determined the optimal number of green and violet LEDs. The results showed that: 1) G. molesta strongly preferred the green, violet, and blue LEDs; 2) G. molesta significantly preferred light at 405 nm, followed by 540 nm, and showed no phototaxis to 480 nm; 3) for the polychromatic light configuration, violet and green were the factors that determined the preference of G. molesta, and the lamp with 12 violet LEDs captured the most moths; and 4) for the lamps with different light intensities, 36 violet LEDs or 12 green LEDs attracted the most moths, with the former performing better.

Cor triatriatum with tetralogy of Fallot and anomalous drainage of left superior vena cava: a case report and literature review.

Cor triatriatum is a rare malformation, especially in association with tetralogy of Fallot, and has only been reported a few times in the literature. Due to the complexity of this abnormality, careful intraoperative exploration and a good differential diagnosis are crucial to select the appropriate surgical procedure. Here, we report a case with this rare combination of anomalies, an abnormal membranous septum above the mitral valve, and anomalous drainage of the left superior vena cava. The patient was successfully treated and achieved excellent hemodynamic parameters.

Inhibition of prostate cancer cell growth by human secreted PDZ domain-containing protein 2, a potential autocrine prostate tumor suppressor.

A possible role of the PDZ domain-containing protein 2 (PDZD2) in prostate tumorigenesis has been suggested. Besides, PDZD2 is posttranslationally cleaved by a caspase-dependent mechanism to form a secreted PDZ domain-containing protein 2 (sPDZD2) with unknown functions in humans. In this study, we demonstrate the endogenous expression of PDZD2 and secretion of sPDZD2 in cancerous DU145, PC-3, 22Rv1, LNCaP, and immortalized RWPE-1 prostate epithelial cells. Inhibition of endogenous sPDZD2 production and secretion by DU145, PC-3, 22Rv1, and RWPE-1 cells via the caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK resulted in increased cell proliferation, which was abrogated by treatment with exogenous recombinant sPDZD2. Whereas sPDZD2-induced antiproliferation in DU145, PC-3, and 22Rv1 cells, it induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. The data suggest that endogenous sPDZD2, produced by caspase-3-mediated cleavage from PDZD2, may function as a novel autocrine growth suppressor for human prostate cancer cells. The antiproliferative effect of sPDZD2 was apparently mediated through slowing the entry of DU145, PC-3, and 22Rv1 cells into the S phase of the cell cycle. In DU145 cells, this can be attributed to stimulated p53 and p21(CIP1/WAF1) expression by sPDZD2. On the other hand, the apoptotic effect of sPDZD2 on LNCaP cells was apparently mediated via p53-independent Bad stimulation. Together our results indicate the presence of p53-dependent and p53-independent PDZD2/sPDZD2 autocrine growth suppressive signaling pathways in human prostate cancer cells and suggest a novel therapeutic approach of harnessing the latent tumor-suppressive potential of an endogenous autocrine signaling protein like sPDZD2 to inhibit prostate cancer growth.

Echocardiographic assessment of obstructive lesions in atrioventricular septal defects.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the accuracy of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in identifying risk factors in patients with an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular septal defect is a common lesion, and many decisions about it are based on echocardiography alone. The identification of associated left-sided inflow and outflow obstructive lesions is important, as they are responsible for mortality and morbidity. METHODS: Between 1983 to 1998, 549 patients with AVSD underwent repair. The TTE findings were correlated with surgery, angiocardiography, autopsy or postoperative TTE. Papillary muscle measurements were made in those with either a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) or left ventricular inflow abnormality and compared with those measurements from control subjects. Measurements of the LVOT were made in patients with an identified LVOT abnormality. RESULTS: There were 63 missed lesions, decreasing over time. Double-orifice left atrioventricular valve (DOLAVV) and nonobstructive chordae in the LVOT were more often missed. Reoperation was performed to address a missed lesion in 2 of 68 patients. Two of 55 patients died of reasons related to a missed lesion. In 67% of patients, DOLAVV was missed. Abnormal papillary muscle angles were seen with either a LVOT abnormality or DOLAVV. High insertion of the anterolateral papillary muscle was a risk factor for death or residual LVOT obstruction. Abnormal LVOT measurements were found in patients with tunnel obstruction and those with an acquired subaortic ridge. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic echocardiography provides accurate preoperative information on AVSD.

Real-time signal acquisition and analysis for clinical dental electromyography using a microcomputer-based system.

The Electromyographic (EMG) Signal Acquisition and Analysis System is an integrated hardware and software system that digitizes multichannels of amplified EMG signals and stores them in user defined disc files before analysis. The software runs on all IBM PC and its compatibles with the appropriate analogue-to-digital (A/D) conversion board. Both time and frequency domain analyses can be computed on-line. This system provides a low cost method of digitizing and analysing EMG signals on real-time for clinical dental electromyography.

Tibial lengthening apparatus with distractive force measurement system.

A tibial lengthening apparatus has been developed which incorporates a distractive force measurement system. Lengthening is carried out generally in accordance with the 2-stage Anderson method. After closed percutaneous osteoclosis (clinically performed fracture), the tibial fragments are held in place by Steinmann pins and novel Steinmann pin-clamping blocks to ensure rigid fixation and accurate alignment. The blocks provide electrical insulation between the patient and the apparatus and are able to accommodate different sizes of Steinmann pins and misalignment of the pins as a result of their insertion in the tibia by drilling. A metric distraction mechanism provides controlled lengthening and the distractive force is sensed by two transducers, each consisting of an aluminium ring to which are bonded electrical resistance strain gauges in a full bridge configuration. Electronic instrumentation is used to process the transducer signals and the resulting force readings are displayed on a digital panel meter as well as being recorded on a digital printer.

Viscoelastic behavior of tissue in leg lengthening by distraction.

The leg lengthening distraction procedure was analyzed with objectives of understanding complications which arise due to overstretching, establishing guidelines to the optimum distraction rates and the frequency of distraction, and, determining the final amount of leg lengthening. An electronic recording system was devised to provide continuous monitoring of the tractive load resulting from distraction of the leg during the elongation procedure. The mechanical behavior patterns of the involved stretched tissues domonstrate time-dependent viscoelastic effects during distraction. During a leg lenthening procedure it is desirable to establish, if possible, a regular pattern of distraction early in the process. If it is necessary in the course of treatment to reduce the distraction rate for clinical reasons, then it is preferable to keep the same number of distraction events but reduce the distraction amount. Distract at equally spaced time intervals to obtain repetitive load cycles and thereby reduce peak values of load and maintain similar stress relaxation patterns for each instantaneous load increase. The total amount of lengthening depends on the characteristics of each individual leg length discrepancy and the physical properties of each distracted tissue.