Stabilized oral lichen planus does not compromise dental implants survival: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of implant failure in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and investigate the potential association between OLP and peri-implant diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for studies with no time restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed calculating pooled proportion of peri-implantitis (PI), peri-implant mucositis (PIM), and bleeding on probing (BOP) prevalence using fixed-effects model. Odds ratio and corresponding 95% CI were calculated to assess the potential risk of PI, PIM, and BOP in dental implant patients with OLP compared to healthy controls. RESULTS: Implant failure rate was 4.38% at the patient level and 4.37% at the implant level. Six patients (3.92%) from five studies were diagnosed with oral cancer after receiving implant. The prevalence of PI, PIM, and BOP at the implant level were 14.00%, 20.00%, and 40.00%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of PI and PIM between OLP patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilized OLP is not considered a significant risk factor for peri-implant diseases. It is advised against placing implants or prostheses during the acute phase of the disease. Histopathological investigation to differentiate OLP from oral lichenoid dysplasia is crucial.

Circadian rhythm response and its effect on photosynthetic characteristics of the Lhcb family genes in tea plant.

BACKGROUND: The circadian clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is responsible for predicting daily and seasonal changes in the environment, and adjusting various physiological and developmental processes to the appropriate times during plant growth and development. The circadian clock controls the expression of the Lhcb gene, which encodes the chlorophyll a/b binding protein. However, the roles of the Lhcb gene in tea plant remain unclear. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 16 CsLhcb genes were identified based on the tea plant genome, which were distributed on 8 chromosomes of the tea plant. The promoter regions of CsLhcb genes have a variety of cis-acting elements including hormonal, abiotic stress responses and light response elements. The CsLhcb family genes are involved in the light response process in tea plant. The photosynthetic parameter of tea leaves showed rhythmic changes during the two photoperiod periods (48 h). Stomata are basically open during the day and closed at night. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that most of the CsLhcb family genes were highly expressed during the day, but were less expressed at night. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that CsLhcb genes were involved in the circadian clock process of tea plant, it also provided potential references for further understanding of the function of CsLhcb gene family in tea plant.

[A novel periodontal endoscopy-aided non-incisional periodontal regeneration technique：a case series study].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of endoscopy-aided non-incisional periodontal regeneration technique (NIT) in the treatment of alveolar bone angular resorption. METHODS: Thirteen patients with severe periodontitis(13 diseased teeth) were selected. All patients had alveolar bone angular resorption on adjacent surface. The patients received NIT treatment 6 weeks after periodontal primary therapy. The visualization of subgingival environment was acquired by the periodontal endoscopy. Following the removal of the subgingival plaque, calculus and intra-bony granulation tissue, bone grafting materials were placed into the intra-bony defects with the assistance of a delicate gingival protector. No flap was elevated and no sutures were applied. Probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), as well as radiographic parameters were evaluated at baseline and 2 years after treatment. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: At 2-years follow-up, an average CAL gain of (3.65±2.10) mm (P＜0.001), PD reduction of (4.42±1.66) mm (P＜0.001), and minimal increase in GR of (0.38±0.87) mm (P=0.25) were observed. Alveolar bone was significantly improved at 2-years follow-up on radiographs (P＜0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For angular resorption site of alveolar bone, NIT treatment can obtain good periodontal regeneration results without flap inversion.

Application of tandem mass spectrometry in the screening and diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidoses.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are caused by a deficiency in the enzymes needed to degrade glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the lysosome. The storage of GAGs leads to the involvement of several systems and even to the death of the patient. In recent years, an increasing number of therapies have increased the treatment options available to patients. Early treatment is beneficial in improving the prognosis, but children with MPSs are often delayed in their diagnosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a method for early screening and diagnosis of the disease. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is an analytical method that can detect multiple substrates or enzymes simultaneously. GAGs are reliable markers of MPSs. MS/MS can be used to screen children at an early stage of the disease, to improve prognosis by treating them before symptoms appear, to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and for metabolomic analysis or to find suitable biomarkers. In the future, MS/MS could be used to further identify suitable biomarkers for MPSs for early diagnosis and to detect efficacy.

CsPAT1, a GRAS transcription factor, promotes lignin accumulation by antagonistic interacting with CsWRKY13 in tea plants.

Lignin is an important component of plant cell walls and plays crucial roles in the essential agronomic traits of tea quality and tenderness. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of lignin biosynthesis in tea plants remain unclear. CsWRKY13 acts as a negative regulator of lignin biosynthesis in tea plants. In this study, we identified a GRAS transcription factor, phytochrome A signal transduction 1 (CsPAT1), that interacts with CsWRKY13. Silencing CsPAT1 expression in tea plants and heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis demonstrated that CsPAT1 positively regulates lignin accumulation. Further investigation revealed that CsWRKY13 directly binds to the promoters of CsPAL and CsC4H and suppresses transcription of CsPAL and CsC4H. CsPAT1 indirectly affects the promoter activities of CsPAL and CsC4H by interacting with CsWRKY13, thereby facilitating lignin biosynthesis in tea plants. Compared with the expression of CsWRKY13 alone, the co-expression of CsPAT1 and CsWRKY13 in Oryza sativa significantly increased lignin biosynthesis. Conversely, compared with the expression of CsPAT1 alone, the co-expression of CsPAT1 and CsWRKY13 in O. sativa significantly reduced lignin accumulation. These results demonstrated the antagonistic regulation of the lignin biosynthesis pathway by CsPAT1 and CsWRKY13. These findings improve our understanding of lignin biosynthesis mechanisms in tea plants and provide insights into the role of the GRAS transcription factor family in lignin accumulation.

Outcome of chairside CAD/CAM ceramic restorations on endodontically treated posterior teeth: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and risk factors for chairside CAD/CAM full cusp coverage restorations on endodontically treated posterior teeth after 3 years of follow-up. METHODS: A total of 245 endodontically treated posterior teeth of 224 patients were included and restored with CAD/CAM full cusp coverage all-ceramic restorations according to a standardized protocol. Patients were recalled after treatments 1 to 3 years and underwent clinical and radiological examinations. At recall, modified FDI criteria were used to determine treatment outcomes by 2 evaluators. Success was determined when FDI scores were 1-2, and failure was indicated when FDI scores were 5. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients presented at recall, and the clinical outcomes of 201 teeth were analyzed with a recall rate of 82.0% for teeth and 81.7% for patients after 1-3 years of follow-up.185 of 201 teeth were found to have FDI scores of 1-2, and the success rate was 92%. No teeth were extracted during the follow-up period. Fourteen failed cases with an FDI score of 5 presented restoration dislocation, fracture of restoration or/and tooth. Logistic regression analysis revealed that oral parafunction (OR 2.281, 95% CI 2.2 ~ 47.5, P value 0.01) was a risk factor for success rate. CONCLUSION: Chairside CAD/CAM all-ceramic full cusp coverage restoration was (could be) a promising alternative for restoring endodontically treated posterior teeth.

MiR-184 Mediated the Expression of ZNF865 in Exosome to Promote Procession in the PD Model.

Exosomes are nanoscale small vesicles (EVs) secreted by cells that carry important bio information, including proteins, miRNAs, and more. Exosome contents are readily present in body fluids, including blood, and urine of humans and animals, and thereby act as markers of diseases. In patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), exosomes may spread alpha-synuclein and miR-184 between the cells contributing to dopaminergic neuronal loss. In this study, we detected the levels of miR-184 in urine-excreted neuronal exosomes between PD patients and age-matched healthy subjects by qRT-PCR analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were also used to determine the ultracellular structures of exosomes nanoparticles. MPP + and MPTP were used to construct the cell and animal PD model. Behavioral tests were used to detect motor performance. Furthermore, the cytological experiments were measured to examine the relationship between miR-184 and ZNF865. We found that the levels of miR-184 in urine-derived neuronal exosomes from PD patients were higher, compared to aged-matched normal people. The exosomes from PD patients were larger with greater numbers than those from the age-matched healthy subjects. The difference in miR-184 in urinary exosomes between PD patients and normal people may provide a novel perspective for early diagnosis of PD. However, no difference in CD63 level was observed in Exo-control and Exo-PD groups (exosome from control or PD groups). Moreover, ZNF865 was detected as the targeted gene of miR-184. In addition, miR-184 ASO (miR-184 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, miR-184 ASO) could rescue the damage of neuronal apoptosis and motor performance in PD mice. Our results showed the miR-184 potential to function as a diagnostic marker of PD.

Overexpressing CsPSY1 Gene of Tea Plant, Encoding a Phytoene Synthase, Improves α-Carotene and ß-Carotene Contents in Carrot.

Tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) belong to Theaceae family, in the section Thea. Tea plants are widely distributed in subtropical and tropical regions in the word. α-carotene and ß-carotene in the tea leaves belong to carotenoids, which are associated with the aroma and color of the tea. Phytoene synthase (PSY) is a rate-limiting enzyme in carotenoids biosynthesis. We identified three CsPSY genes in 'Shuchazao', named CsPSY1, CsPSY2, and CsPSY3. Structural analysis of three CsPSY genes showed that CsPSY1 had a longer intro structure. The cis-acting elements of CsPSYs promoter were mainly associated with light-responsiveness, abiotic stress-responsiveness, and hormone-responsiveness. CsPSY1 exhibited expression in all tissues of the tea plants, whereas CsPSY2 and CsPSY3 were trace expression levels in all tissues. The positive expression of CsPSY1 under hormonal and abiotic stresses suggested its role in plant development and defense responses. The amino acid sequence of CsPSY1 was highly conserved in eight tea cultivars. The recombinant vector pCAMBIA1301-CsPSY1 was constructed to stabilize the overexpression of CsPSY1 in carrot. The contents of α-carotene and ß-carotene in transgenic carrot callus were significantly increased. This study provides a foundational basis for further research on the function of CsPSYs and carotenoids accumulation in tea plants.

[Effects of Governor Vessel electroacupuncture on chloridion homeostasis in the cortex of rats with limb spasm after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of Governor Vessel on chloridion (Cl-) homeostasis and the expression of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) in the cerebral cortex of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) model rats, so as to explore its mechanism underl-ying alleviating limb spasm after stroke. METHODS: Forty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, sham-operation, model, EA and baclofen groups, with 9 rats in each group. The CIRI model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and reperfusion. EA(100 Hz) was applied to "Dazhui" (GV14), "Jizhong"(GV6) and "Houhui" for 30 min. Rats of the baclofen group received gavage of baclofen solution (0.4 mg/kg, 1 mL/100 g), once daily for 7 consecutive days. Neurological deficit score was assessed according to Zea Longa's method. The muscular tone of quadriceps femoris of the limb was evaluated by modified Ashworth scale and electrophysiological recor-ding methods, separately. TTC staining was used to detect cerebral infarction volume, and the brain water content of rats in each group was determined by wet and dry weight method. The contents of Cl- and GABA in the cerebral cortex were detected by colorimetric method, and the expression levels of NKCC1 mRNA and protein in the cerebral cortex were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the normal and sham-operation groups in all the indexes. Compared with the normal and sham-operation groups, the neurological deficit score, modified Ashworth muscle tone score, brain water content, cerebral infarct volu-me percent, Cl- content and expression levels of NKCC1 mRNA and protein were all evidently increased (P<0.01), and muscle tone of electrophyiological electromyogram (EMG) signal and GABA content were strikingly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, both EA and baclofen groups had an obvious increase in EMG signal displayed muscle tone, and GABA content (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a marked decrease in the neurological deficit score, modified Ashworth score, brain water content, cerebral infarct percent, Cl- content and expression levels of NKCC1 mRNA and protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA stimulation of acupoints of the Governor Vessel can improve the degree of limb spasm and reduce the degree of cerebral edema and infarction in rats with stroke, which may be related to its functions in protecting Cl- homeostasis, up-regulating GABA concentration, and down-regulating the expression of NKCC1 protein and mRNA in the cerebral cortex.

Constraints on the maintenance of wild Taxus cuspidata populations based on regression conservation.

To clarify the key factors constraining the maintenance of wild Taxus cuspidata populations and to develop conservation strategies and technical links for current populations, we investigated the renewal status and distribution patterns of wild T. cuspidata populations in the main distribution areas of China. We analyzed the effects of stand factors and human disturbance on population renewal and maintenance. The results showed that the overall regeneration of wild T. cuspidata populations was poor. The basal diameter and height class structure of renewed individuals showed an unhealthy state. 19% of the area was well regenerated. There were three types of regeneration, including poor regeneration with few adult trees, poor regeneration with many adult trees, and good regeneration with few adult trees. The communities in which T. cuspidata was found could be classified into Abies nephrolepis + Tilia amurensis forest, spinney forest, and Picea jezoensis var. microsperma + A. nephrolepis forest. The renewal number of A. nephrolepis + T. amurensis forest was significantly higher than that of spinney forest. Increased stand density and moderate human disturbance contributed to the regeneration of T. cuspidata. The regenerating T. cuspidata seedlings increased significantly when stand density increased from low to medium. The number of regenerating populations in moderately disturbed habitats was significantly higher than those in lightly disturbed habitats. Human disturbance and habitat were currently critical constraints to maintaining and regenerating wild T. cuspidata populations. The conservation of T. cuspidata should consider current status of population regeneration in each habitat patch to develop corresponding in situ conservation and regression conservation measures and focus on the influence of critical factors such as disturbances and habitat conditions.

Rate of Malignant Transformation Differs Based on Diagnostic Criteria for Oral Lichenoid Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 24,277 Patients.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the evidence on the malignant potential of oral lichenoid conditions (OLCs) including oral lichen planus (OLP), oral lichenoid lesions (OLL), and lichenoid mucositis dysplasia (LMD). In addition, it aims to compare the rate of malignant transformation (MT) in OLP patients diagnosed according to different diagnostic criteria, and to investigate the possible risk factors for OLP MT into OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standardized search strategy was applied across four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus). Screening, identification and reporting followed the PRISMA framework. Data on MT were calculated as a pooled proportion (PP), subgroup analyses and possible risk factors for MT were pooled as odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Among 54 studies with 24,277 patients, the PP for OLCs MT was 1.07% (95% CI [0.82, 1.32]). The estimated MT rate for OLP, OLL and LMD was 0.94%, 1.95% and 6.31%, respectively. The PP OLP MT rate using the 2003 modified WHO criteria group was lower than that using the non-2003 criteria (0.86%; 95% CI [0.51, 1.22] versus 1.01%; 95% CI [0.67, 1.35]). A higher odds ratio of MT was observed for red OLP lesions (OR = 3.52; 95% CI [2.20, 5.64]), smokers (OR = 1.79; 95% CI [1.02, 3.03]), alcohol consumers (OR = 3.27, 95% CI [1.11, 9.64]) and those infected with HCV (OR = 2.55, 95% CI [1.58, 4.13]), compared to those without these risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: OLP and OLL carry a low risk of developing OSCC. MT rates differed based on diagnostic criteria. A higher odds ratio of MT was observed among red OLP lesions, smokers, alcohol consumers, and HCV-positive patients. These findings have implications for practice and policies.

Molecular markers in tea plant (Camellia sinensis): Applications to evolution, genetic identification, and molecular breeding.

Tea plants have a long cultivation history in the world, and the beverage (tea) made from its leaves is well known in the world. Due to the characteristics of self-incompatibility, long-term natural and artificial hybridization, tea plants have a very complex genetic background, which make the classification of tea plants unclear. Molecular marker, one type of genetic markers, has the advantages of stable inheritance, large amount of information, and high reliability. The development of molecular marker has facilitated the understanding of complex tea germplasm resources. So far, molecular markers had played important roles in the study of the origin and evolution, the preservation and identification of tea germplasms, and the excellent cultivars breeding of tea plants. However, the information is scattered, making it difficult to understand the advance of molecular markers in tea plants. In this paper, we summarized the development process and types of molecular markers in tea plants. In addition, the application advance of these molecular markers in tea plants was reviewed. Perspectives of molecular markers in tea plants were also systematically provided and discussed. The elaboration of molecular markers in this paper should help us to renew understanding of its application in tea plants.

Early monitoring of parasitism by Aphidiinae parasitoids on the grain aphid Sitobion miscanthi in wheat fields using DNA barcoding.

BACKGROUND: Sitobion miscanthi is a major wheat pest at the grain-filling stage found in China. Identifying parasitoid species and understanding parasitism rates are keys to controlling the aphids via natural enemies in the wheat field. RESULTS: In the present study, a method based on DNA barcoding for early determination of the community composition of Aphidiinae parasitoids and parasitism on the aphid was developed. The proposed method detected Aphidius gifuensis as the predominant parasite, with parasitism rates of 40.1 ± 2.8% in 2019 and 65.7 ± 3.7% in 2022, and found that the rate varied significantly among different wheat varieties. COI primers efficiently amplified the Aphidiinae parasitoids COI fragments and amplified the aphid COI fragments derived from parasitized (mummified) S. miscanthi. Thus, the COI barcode is not sufficiently specific to unambiguously detect immature parasitoids inside their S. miscanthi hosts. However, it can be used to detect the DNA extracted from mummified aphids. In contrast, the 16S and LWRh primers effectively amplified and identified the parasitoids in parasitized aphids. The 16S primer was reliable even in the early stages of parasitism (24 h) and for DNA samples stored at -20 °C for 5 days. The three barcodes from COI, 16S, and LWRh genes could not clearly distinguish a few certain Aphidiinae species owing to relatively low intraspecific and interspecific diversity. CONCLUSION: The morphological features remain indispensable when identifying Aphidiinae species. Nonetheless, the COI and 16S primers could be used in combination for monitoring the parasitism rates on S. miscanthi in wheat fields. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exogenous methyl jasmonate and cytokinin antagonistically regulate lignin biosynthesis by mediating CsHCT expression in Camellia sinensis.

Tea plant, an important beverage crop, is cultivated worldwide. Lignification can improve the hardness of tea plant, which is of great significance for tea quality. Jasmonates (JAs) and cytokinin are plant hormones that control processes of plant development and secondary metabolite accumulation. Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) is primarily involved in lignin biosynthesis. The effects of exogenous application of JAs and cytokinin on lignin biosynthesis and related HCT gene expression profiles in tea plants are still unclear. In order to investigate the effects of exogenous JAs and cytokinin on lignin accumulation, anatomical structures, and CsHCT gene profiles in tea plants, we treated tea plants with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and cytokinin (6-BA). MeJA and 6-BA treatments triggered the lignification at 6 and 12 d in tea leaves. The combined treatment resulted in an increase in lignin content at 6 d, which was 1.32 times of that at 0 d for 'Mengshan 9.' The CsHCTs in clade 2 (CsHCT5, CsHCT6, CsHCT7, and CsHCT8) were mainly expressed in leaves. We found that exogenous MeJA and cytokinin might be able to antagonistically regulate tea plant lignin accumulation through the mediation of CsHCT expression. This study revealed that HCTs play potential important roles involved in lignin biosynthesis of tea plant development and hormonal stimuli.

A reflection on COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesion: a systematic review.

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review is to provide a clinical update of the current knowledge on COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions, to analyze the types and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with COVID-19, and to clarify the potential association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions. Methods: The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane Library, as well as literatures via manual searches of the reference lists of included studies. Studies published in English that mentioned oral mucosal lesions in patients with COVID-19 were included, resulting in a total of 31 studies. Results: Most of the included studies were considered to have a moderate to high risk of bias according to the Joanna Briggs Institute bias assessment tools. Based on COVID-19 severity, the characteristics and patterns of oral mucosal lesions in COVID-19 patients were described, analyzed and synthesized. Overall, ulcers without specific diagnosis had the highest prevalence in COVID-19 patients, followed by traumatic ulcers, candidiasis, petechiae and aphthous-like lesions. Homogeneity of data cannot be achieved in statical analysis, indicating randomness of outcome (ulcers without specific diagnosis, 95% CI: 28%-96%, I2 = 98.7%). Discussion: Given the limited evidence from currently available studies, the association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions remains difficult to clarify. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the possible association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions, and we hereby discuss our findings.

Effects of Crop Resistance on the Tritrophic Interactions between Wheat Lines, Schizaphis graminum (Hemitera: Aphididae), and Propylaea japonica (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Crop resistance and biological control are both considered efficient and environmentally friendly methods of sustainable pest control. In this study, we aimed at investigating the direct influence of four wheat lines with varying resistance level on the life-history traits of the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum, and the mediational effect on the functional response of a predatory ladybird, Propylaea japonica, under laboratory conditions. Results showed that the aphid fitness was the lowest for aphids that had been feeding on wheat line '98-10-19' for one year. These aphids had the longest development time, and least adult mass, minimal mean relative growth rate, and lowest reproductive fitness. In contrast, the aphids that fed on wheat line '98-10-30' were the fittest, with the shortest development time and highest levels of reproductive fitness. The predatory activities of the ladybeetle, especially the adult male significantly decreased following the consumption of aphids belonging to the '98-10-19'-acclimated population. However, there were no significant differences in predatory efficiency (net attack frequency) among the four aphid acclimated populations. Our results showed that the wheat line '98-10-19' has a relative higher resistance to S. graminum than the other three wheat lines, which could further decrease the amount of prey available for consumption. However, the ecological effect of the resistance of '98-10-19' to S. graminum posed no negative influence on the biocontrol potential of P. japonica to these aphids, as their predatory efficiency increases at the fourth instar larvae phase.

Isolation and Characterization of an LBD Transcription Factor CsLBD39 from Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) and Its Roles in Modulating Nitrate Content by Regulating Nitrate-Metabolism-Related Genes.

Nitrate nitrogen is an important nitrogen source for tea plants' growth and development. LBD transcription factors play important roles in response to the presence of nitrate in plants. The functional study of LBD transcription factors in tea plants remains limited. In this study, the LBD family gene CsLBD39 was isolated and characterized from tea plants. Sequence analysis indicated that CsLBD39 contained a highly conserved CX2CX6CX3CX domain. The phylogenetic tree assay showed that CsLBD39 belonged to class II subfamily of the LBD family. CsLBD39 was highly expressed in flowers and root; we determined that its expression could be induced by nitrate treatment. The CsLBD39 protein was located in the nucleus and has transcriptional activation activity in yeast. Compared with the wild type, overexpression of CsLBD39 gene in Arabidopsis resulted in smaller rosettes, shorter main roots, reduced lateral roots and lower plant weights. The nitrate content and the expression levels of genes related to nitrate transport and regulation were decreased in transgenic Arabidopsis hosting CsLBD39 gene. Compared with the wild type, CsLBD39 overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis had smaller cell structure of leaves, shorter diameter of stem cross section, and slender and compact cell of stem longitudinal section. Under KNO3 treatment, the contents of nitrate, anthocyanins, and chlorophyll in leaves, and the content of nitrate in roots of Arabidopsis overexpressing CsLBD39 were reduced, the expression levels of nitrate transport and regulation related genes were decreased. The results revealed that CsLBD39 may be involved in nitrate signal transduction in tea plants as a negative regulator and laid the groundwork for future studies into the mechanism of nitrate response.

[Effect of electroacupuncture of Governor Vessel on expression of GAD67 and GABA-T in cerebral cortex of rats with post-stroke limb spasticity].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of Governor Vessel (GV) on the expressions of glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) in the cerebral cortex of rats with post-stroke limb spasticity, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of limb spasticity. METHODS: Twenty four male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into control, sham operation, model, and EA groups. The cerebral ischemia model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). EA (100 Hz, 1-3 mA) was applied to "Dazhui"(GV14), "Jizhong"(GV6) and "Houhui"( anteromedial of transverse process of the sixth lumbar vertebra) for 30 min, once daily for 7 consecutive days. The neurologic deficit score (0-5 points) was evaluated according to Zea Longa's method, and the muscular tension severity (0-5 points) was assessed according to the modified Ashworth muscle tone rating scale, and the tension signals of the quadriceps ferroris of the affected limb were recorded using tonotransducer and BL-420F electrophysiological recorder. The expression levels of GAD67 and GABA-T proteins and mRNAs in the cerebral cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry, fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: After modeling, the neurological deficit score, muscle tone score, and the expression levels of GABA-T mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), tension signal value and the expression levels of GAD67 mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group relevant to the control and sham operation groups. Following the intervention, the neurological deficit score, muscle tone score, and expression levels of GABA-T mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly decreased (P<0.01), tension signal value and the expression levels of GAD67 mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the EA group in contrast to the model group. CONCLUSION: EA stimulation of Governor Vessel can ameliorate the limb spasticity symptom in MCAO rats, which may be associated with its functions in increasing the expressions of GAD67 protein and mRNA and inhibiting the expressions of GABA-T protein and mRNA, thereby playing the inhibitory role of GABA.

[Clinical observation on wrist-ankle acupuncture for shoulder-hand syndrome phaseâ after stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy between wrist-ankle acupuncture and conventional acupuncture on shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) phaseⅠafter stroke. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with SHS phaseⅠafter stroke were randomized into a wrist-ankle acupuncture group and a conventional acupuncture group, 32 cases in each group. On the basis treatment of internal medicine and conventional rehabilitation, wrist-ankle acupuncture was applied at upper 4 area, upper 5 area and upper 6 area on the affected side in the wrist-ankle acupuncture group, while acupuncture was applied at Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Shousanli (LI 10), etc. on the affected side in the conventional acupuncture group. The treatment was given 30 min each time, once a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, degree of hand swelling, shoulder-hand syndrome scale (SHSS) score, Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE) score and modified Barthel index (MBI) score were observed, and the clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the VAS scores, degree of hand swelling and SHSS scores were decreased (P<0.05), and the FMA-UE scores and MBI scores were increased (P<0.05) compared before treatment in both groups; in the wrist-ankle acupuncture group, the VAS score, degree of hand swelling and SHSS score were lower (P<0.05), and the FMA-UE score and MBI score were higher (P<0.05) than those in the conventional acupuncture group. The total effective rate was 96.9% (31/32) in the wrist-ankle acupuncture group, which was superior to 90.6% (29/32) in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Wrist-ankle acupuncture can effectively relieve pain and hand swelling, improve motor function of upper extremity and self-care ability of daily life in patients with shoulder-hand syndrome phaseⅠafter stroke, the therapeutic effect is superior to conventional acupuncture.

Simultaneous Management of Condylar Osteochondroma and Secondary Malformation With a New Intraoral Approach.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of simultaneous management of condylar osteochondroma and its secondary dentofacial deformities using an intraoral surgical approach. METHODS: Six patients with condylar osteochondroma were treated with intraoral vertical ramus osteotomies and condylar resection. The free rising branch was used for reconstructing the temporomandibular joint. The simultaneous orthognathic surgery and plastic surgery were performed sequentially to correct the secondary dentofacial deformities. The indexes of aesthetic symmetry, occlusion relationship, temporomandibular joint function, condylar height, and volume change were assessed in the subsequential follow up. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 31 months. All patients had no tumor recurrence. The ipsilateral joint function, occlusal relationship, and facial symmetry were satisfied. The ipsilateral condylar reconstruction had no obvious bone resorption and the ramus height was maintained well. Postoperative assessment showed the preoperative design was accurately fulfilled. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous condylar osteochondroma resection and temporomandibular joint reconstruction using intraoral approach avoids extraoral scars and correct facial asymmetry without compromising the long-term joint function and occlusal relationship.