Effect of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on tannins removal in Xuan Mugua fruits.

The present study was conducted for developing a new method to reduce the tannins content of Xuan Mugua fruits. Lactic acid bacteria fermentation-like incubation was explored as an efficient method to reduce the astringency of Mugua fruits by reducing tannins content. To ensure the efficient removal of tannins, the fermentation conditions were optimized such as temperature, time, and ratio of bacteria to Mugua. Bacteria were able to reduce 78% of the tannins content in Mugua under the optimized conditions as assessed by the methylcellulose perceptible tannins assay. Meanwhile, the active components including polysaccharides, triterpenes, and antioxidants of Mugua with bacterial incubation were also explored, which showed the significant decrease compared to non-fermented Mugua. However, the trend for flavor components was different. This research provides a natural method to solve the astringency problem of these fruits and it will extend their application in food industry.

Research progress in influence of periodontal disease on dental implantation / 口腔疾病防治

@#Dental implantation is a popular way to replace natural teeth. Its prognosis is affected by a number of factors including periodontitis. A large number of studies have shown the incidence of peri-implant disease and implant failure rate in periodontal compromised patients are higher than periodontal healthy patients. Peri-implant disease is closely related to the pathogens in periodontitis. What's more, the long-term success of dental implants is affected by multiple risk factors of periodontitis such as regular oral hygiene maintenance and smoking. This paper reviews the survival rate, the pathogens and the prognosis of implants in periodontal compromised patients.

[The value of prone position lung ultrasound examination in predicting the prognosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome receiving prone ventilation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of prone position lung ultrasound examination (PLUE) in monitoring the prone position during and predicting the outcome of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) patients. METHODS: All the ARDS patients needed to receive prone position were enrolled, a three hours PLUE was performed during the prone position for the first time. For each of the 16 regions examined, ultrasound patterns were recorded and the aeration scores were calculated at the beginning of the prone position and 3 hours later. The correlation of the aeration score variation (ASV) and the oxygen fraction were evaluated. The relationship between the ASV and the outcome indexes such as oxygen fraction, free of mechanical ventilation and mortality were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were enrolled in this study. The aeration score of the lung was significantly reduced three hours after the beginning than the beginning (19.15 ± 7.98 vs 26.96 ± 6.43, P < 0.01) , with the significant increasing of the oxygen fraction. The ASV was significantly higher in the patients with oxygen fractions >300 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) in Day 7 than those with oxygen fractions <300 mmHg (9.53 ± 4.34 vs 4.86 ± 2.96, P < 0.05). The ASV was also higher in the patients free of mechanical ventilation in Day 7 than those who needed mechanical ventilation (10.17 ± 4.45 vs 5.23 ± 3.03, P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.840 and 0.824 respectively for detecting the validity of the prone position and the possibility of free of mechanical ventilation with ASV. For predicting the oxygen fraction >300 mmHg in Day 7, the cutoff value of ASV was ≥ 5.5, resulting a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 71.4%. For predicting the patients free of mechanical ventilation in Day 7, the cutoff value of ASV was 7, resulting a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 76.5%. CONCLUSION: Bedside lung ultrasound is valuable in evaluating the ASV during the prone position in ARDS patients. The three hours PLUE can predict the outcome of ARDS patients such as validity of prone position and free of ventilation in Day 7. The value of predicting the mortality needs further investigation.

[The effects of Peking Union Medical College Hospital Critical Ultrasonic Management scheme on the etiological diagnosis of dyspnea and/or hemodynamic instability in ICU patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) Critical Ultrasonic Management (PCUM) scheme on the etiological diagnosis and treatment decisions for the patients with dyspnea and/or hemodynamic instability in ICU. METHODS: Patients who suffered from dyspnea and/or hemodynamic instability in PUMCH ICU were included in this study. The time to preliminary diagnosis, time to final diagnosis, diagnostic accuracy, time to accurate treatment, time to consultation with other specialties, time to other examinations were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients were included in this study. In patients applied with PCUM scheme, time to preliminary diagnosis, final diagnosis and accurate treatment were (15 ± 6)min, (65 ± 16)min and (34 ± 14)min respectively, and the accuracy of diagnosis was 93.0%. PCUM patients had high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)(sensitivity 90.2%/specificity 93.6%), distributive shock(sensitivity 92.5%/specificity 93.6%) and pulmonary edema(sensitivity 93.4%/specificity 92.7%) etc. CONCLUSIONS: The PCUM scheme is associated with short time to preliminary diagnosis and high diagnostic accuracy and could improve the treatment for patients with dyspnea and/or hemodynamic instability.

[Inferior vena cava diameter and variability on longitudinal plane measured through ultrasonography from different sites: a comparison study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inferior vena cava internal diameter (IVCID) and inferior vena cava variability (IVCV) on longitudinal plane measured from subcostal area and right mid-axillary line through ultrasonography and to find out if the measuring site and different respiratory status were related to the IVCID and IVCV. METHODS: A total of 127 patients were enrolled successively in Critical Care Medical Department of Peking Union Medical Hospital from November to December, 2013. IVCID and IVCV of patients on mechanical ventilation or with spontaneous breathing were measured longitudinally from subcostal area and right mid-axillary line. RESULTS: (1) Totally 124 out of the 127 patients achieved measurement from right mid-axillary line, while only 83 patients achieved measurement from subcostal area. The difference was statistically significant (χ(2) = 74.42, P < 0.01) . Eighty-one patients can be measured from both sites, with 44 had spontaneous breathing and 37 on mechanical ventilation. (2)Whether in spontaneous or mechanically ventilated patients, IVCID measured from subcostal area was statistically different from right mid-axillary line measurement at both end expiration and end inspiration. (3) In mechanically ventilated patients with IVCID ≥ 2 cm measured from subcostal area at end expiration, no statistical difference was found between the IVCID from right mid-axillary line and from subcostal area[ (2.25 ± 0.32) cm vs (2.10 ± 0.12) cm, P = 0.083]. In spontaneous breathing patients with IVCID ≥ 2 cm measured from subcostal area at end expiration, there were significant differences between the IVCID from right mid-axillary line and from subcostal area at both end expiration and end inspiration. The IVCV between the two sites were also statistically different. In mechanically ventilated patients with IVCID ≤ 1.5 cm measured from subcostal area at end expiration, there were significant difference between the IVCID from right mid-axillary line and from subcostal area [ (1.58 ± 0.43) cm vs (1.09 ± 0.38) cm, P = 0.026]. In spontaneous breathing patients with IVCID ≤ 1.5 cm measured from subcostal area at end expiration, there were significant difference between the IVCID from right mid-axillary line and from subcostal area at both end expiration and end inspiration. The IVCV between the two sites were also statistically different. (4) Correlation analysis showed in mechanically ventilated patients, IVCID measured from right mid-axillary line at end expiration was correlated with the IVCID measured from subcostal area at end expiration(r = 0.565, P = 0.000). In spontaneous breathing patients, IVCID measured at end expiration from right mid-axillary line was correlated with the IVCID measured from subcostal area (r = 0.526, P = 0.000) . IVCID measured at end inspiration from right mid-axillary line was correlated with the IVCID measured from subcostal area (r = 0.454, P = 0.002). IVCV measured from right mid-axillary line was correlated with IVCV measured from subcostal area (r = 0.513, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Inferior vena cava internal diameter and variability measured longitudinally through ultrasonography from subcostal area is different with measurements from right mid-axillary line. Measurements from the two sites are not replaceable with each other. Further studies are needed before the clinical use of inferior vena cava internal diameter and variability measured from right mid-axillary line.

A simple way to intrude overerupted upper second molars with miniscrews.

Various methods of using skeletal anchorage for the intrusion of overerupted maxillary molars have been reported; however, it is difficult to intrude the overerupted upper second molars because of the low bone density in the region of the tuberosity. This article illustrates a new treatment method using partial fixed edgewise appliances and miniscrews to intrude the overerupted upper second molars. The miniscrews were applied to reinforce the anchorage of the upper first molar. The intrusive force was generated by the Ni-Ti wire. The clinical results showed a significant intrusion effect without root resorption or periodontal problems. This report demonstrates that the combination of partial conventional fixed appliances with miniscrews is a simple and effective treatment option to intrude overerupted upper second molars, especially in situations where miniscrews cannot be inserted directly next to the second molar.

[Short-term outcome of the acellular dermal matrix in dental implant surgical sites].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical short-term results of the acellular dermal matrix for guided bone regeneration. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with bone defect in anterior maxillary area (average bone width: 3 mm) were included. Ridge-splitting technique with simultaneous placement of implants and artificial bone material implantation was performed in 21 patients (non-membrane group). Forty-three patients received the same procedure but with acellular dermal matrix covering the surgical sites (membrane group). The patients were followed up for three months and the new bone formation was checked in clinic and by X-ray. RESULTS: Three months after operation, the membrane group showed good osseointegration and high bone density over the implant cover screws. In the second operation, the membranes became thinner and the new bone fully covered the implant in the membrane group. The labial bone exhibited slight absorption and labial surface of 7 implants in 7 patients was exposed in non-membrane group. The width and the height of the ridge in the second operation were greater in membrane group than in non-membrane group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The acellular dermal matrix can effectively resist the growth of soft tissue to allow bone regeneration around the implant.

[Effects of Simvastatin on osteoblast activity of human periodontal ligament cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Simvastatin on the osteoblast activity of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. METHODS: The third passage human PDL were cultured in conditional mineralization medium with different concentrations of Simvastatin. The cells were divided into A group (0 mol/L), B group (1 x 10(-9) mol/L), C group (1 x 10(-8) mol/L), D group (1 x 10(-7) mol/L) and E group (1 x 10(-6) mol/L). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteopontin (OPN) and capability of mineralization were measured. RESULTS: Differentiation osteoblast and mineralization of human PDL were improved in all treatment groups with different concentrations of Simvastatin (1 x 10(-9), 1 x 10(-8), 1 x 10(-7), 1 x 10(-6) mol/L). Compared with control group, statistically significant differences were found in 1 x 10(-8) mol/L, 1 x 10(-7) mol/L and 1 x 10(-6) mol/L groups (P<0.05). The maximum effect was observed at the concentration of 1 x 10(-7) mol/L. CONCLUSION: Optimal concentration of Simvastatin can improve the osteoblastic activity of human PDL.

Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and severe chronic periodontitis in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis (CP) exhibits inflammation and alveolar bone loss, and severe forms of periodontitis are suggested to have a genetic basis. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates bone metabolism and inflammation-related genes, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene may affect the functional activity of the VDR protein in CP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between VDR SNPs and severe CP in a Chinese population. METHODS: DNA was obtained from 107 patients with severe CP and 121 control subjects. The BsmI, TaqI, ApaI, and FokI SNPs of VDR genes were investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. The digested PCR products were electrophoresed on an 8% polyacrylamide gel and developed by the DNA silver staining method. RESULTS: The distribution of VDR TaqI genotypes and alleles between the two groups was significantly different (P = 0.019 and P = 0.039, respectively). The TT genotype and T allele seemed to increase the susceptibility of severe CP (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17 to 6.47; odds ratio, 2.28, 95% CI: 1.02 to 5.06, respectively) in Chinese populations. There was no significant difference in the genotype distribution or the allele frequencies of VDR BsmI, ApaI, or FokI between the two groups. CONCLUSION: TaqI SNP of VDR gene might be associated with severe CP in Chinese patients.

A novel RUNX2 mutation in cleidocranial dysplasia patients.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal-dominant heritable skeletal disease caused by heterozygous mutations in the RUNX2 gene. Here, the RUNX2 gene was analyzed within a CCD family from China, and a novel missense mutation (c. 475G --> C [p.G159R]) was identified. Normal and mutant RUNX2 expression vectors were then constructed and expressed transiently in NIH3T3 cells. Immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting showed that wild-type RUNX2 protein was localized exclusively in the nucleus; however, the mutant protein was found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, which demonstrated that transport of the RUNX2 mutant into the nucleus was disturbed by the G159R mutation. Therefore, we suggest that G159 is very important to promote RUNX2 nuclear localization. According to clinical analysis, the patient displays severe dysplasia of bones and relatively low-grade craniofacial abnormality, and we infer that G159 may be vital for normal skeletal development, other than control of tooth number. These findings confirm that mutations in the RUNX2 gene are associated with the pathogenesis of CCD across different ethnic backgrounds.

[Expression and purification of human amelogenin in Escherichia coli].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the expression and purification route for the gene encoding human amelongenin (AMG) mature peptide in Escherichia coli (E. coli). METHODS: Recombined plasmid pGEX-4T-1/AMG was identified by double endonuclease digestion electrophoretogram and DNA sequence analysis. The recombined plasmid was transformed to E. coli BL21. The inducing time, isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration and inducing temperature were optimized for the express system. Under the optimized condition, the target fusing protein in superatant, periplasm, plasm and inclusion body was analyzed separately. A great amount of target fusing protein was found in the dissoluble protein. AMG fusing protein was purified by the GSTrapFF affinity column. RESULTS: Double endonuclease digestion electrophoretogram and DNA sequence analysis were done to identify the recombined vector pGEX-4T-1/AMG. The results were consistent with the anticipation. The optimum inducing time was 14.5 hours. The optimum IPTG concentration was 1.0 mmol/L. The optimum inducing temperature was 20 degrees C. Under this condition, the target protein was expressed to a maximum. Plentiful target protein was expressed in plasm and inclusion body under the optimized condition. A mount of plasm protein was obtained and purified by the GSTrapFF affinity column. The purified liquid was collected and analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PACE). The protein electrophoresis map showed that AMG fusing protein was purified successfully. After twice elution, high pure fusing protein was obtained. CONCLUSION: pGEX-4T-1/AMG system is used successfully to express human AMG fusing protein.

Mutations in the RUNX2 gene in Chinese patients with cleidocranial dysplasia.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal dominant inheritable skeletal disease caused by heterozygous mutations in an osteoblast-specific transcription factor, RUNX2. Mutational analyses of RUNX2 were done on 4 unrelated Chinese patients with CCD. One nonsense and 3 missense mutations were detected, including one novel mutation, a heterozygous G to C transition mutation at nucleotide 475 in exon 2, which converts glycine to arginine at codon 159 (G159R). Two mutations, R225W and R391X, were reported in Chinese patients with CCD for the first time. Our findings show that R225 mutations interfere with nuclear accumulation of RUNX2 protein, and that a lack of nuclear RUNX2 protein accumulation is at least one of the causes of haploinsufficiency in these cases. Body stature was significantly reduced in the 3 male and 1 female cases. The cases all had malformations of the tarsometatarsal joints. In 1 case, the humeroulnar joints and humeroradial joints were abnormal, and the elbow looked like a triangle. The data suggest that an impaired runt domain contributes to the short stature of CCD patients. We postulate that RUNX2 influences joint formation by affecting the differentiation pathways of chondrocytes and osteoblasts.