Determining Whether an Individual is 18 Years or Older Based on the Third Molar Root Pulp Visibility in East China.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the age-related changes of the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility in individuals in East China, and to explore the feasibility of applying this method to determine whether an individual is 18 years or older. METHODS: A total of 1 280 oral panoramic images were collected from the 15-30 years old East China population, and the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility in all oral panoramic images was evaluated using OLZE 0-3 four-stage method, and the age distribution of the samples at each stage was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Stages 0, 1, 2 and 3 first appeared in 16.88, 19.18, 21.91 and 25.44 years for males and in 17.47, 20.91, 22.01 and 26.01 years for females. In all samples, individuals at stages 1 to 3 were over 18 years old. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to determine whether an individual in East China is 18 years or older based on the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility on oral panoramic images.

3D-3D dentition superimposition for individual identification: A study of an Eastern Chinese population.

Recently, 3D dental intraoral scanning technology has been developed rapidly and applied widely in everyday dental practice. Since 3D dental scanning could provide valuable personal information, it enabled researchers to develop novel procedures for individual identification through 3D-3D dentition superimposition. This study aimed to test the applicability of this method in an Eastern Chinese population and propose a threshold for personal identification. For this purpose, 40 volunteers were recruited, and the initial 80 (upper and lower) 3D intraoral scans (IOS) were collected. After one year, 80 IOS of these volunteers were repeatedly collected. In addition, the other 120 IOS of 60 patients were extracted from the database. The 3D models were trimmed, aligned, and superimposed via Geomagic Control X software, and then the root mean square (RMS) value of point-to-point distance between the two models was calculated. The superimposition of two IOS belonging to the same individual was considered as a match, and superimposition of two IOS belonging to different individuals was considered as a mismatch. Totally, superimpositions of 80 matches and 3120 mismatches were obtained. Intra- and inter-observer errors were assessed through the calculation of relative technical error of measurement (rTEM). Mann-Whitney U test verified possible statistically significant differences between matches and mismatches (P < 0.05). The rTEM of intra- and inter-observer repeatability analyses was lower than 4.7 %. The range of RMS value was 0.05-0.18 mm in matches and 0.72-2.28 mm in mismatches without overlapping. The percentage of accurate identification reached 100 % in blind test through an arbitrary RMS threshold of 0.45 mm. The results indicated that individual identification through the 3D-3D dentition superimposition was effective in Eastern Chinese population. Successful identification could be achieved with high probability when the RMS value of the point-to-point distance of two dentitions is <0.45 mm.

Spontaneous pneumorrhachis with pneumomediastinum, scrotal emphysema, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with pneumonia: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumorrhachis with pneumomediastinum, scrotal emphysema, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema caused by acute pneumonia are rarely observed in clinical practice. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report a case of a 12-year-old boy with spontaneous pneumorrhachis with pneumomediastinum, scrotal emphysema, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema caused by a severe cough due to mycoplasma pneumonia. This patient neither received invasive or noninvasive ventilator treatment nor surgical treatment before the onset of the disease. After treatment, the patient recovered smoothly and was discharged from the hospital. LITERATURE REVIEW: We reviewed all cases of spontaneous pneumorrhachis in children and adolescents between 1988 and 2022 in the PubMed database. Twenty-seven cases met our inclusion criteria, and the data on demographic information, triggers, comorbidities, symptoms, imaging findings, treatment, and prognosis were extracted and analyzed. CONCLUSION: Although spontaneous pneumorrhachis is a rare condition, it has been reported in children. Computed tomography scanning is the gold standard for its detection. Spontaneous pneumorrhachis is typically a benign disease. This condition usually does not require any special treatment and should be monitored as common types of air leaks, such as pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum.

Sequential expression of miR-221-3p and miR-338-3p in Schwann cells as a therapeutic strategy to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

The functional properties of endogenous Schwann cells (SCs) during nerve repair are dynamic. Optimizing the functional properties of SCs at different stages of nerve repair may have therapeutic benefit in improving the repair of damaged nerves. Previous studies showed that miR-221-3p promotes the proliferation and migration of SCs, and miR-338-3p promotes the myelination of SCs. In this study, we established rat models of sciatic nerve injury by bridging the transected sciatic nerve with a silicone tube. We injected a miR-221 lentiviral vector system together with a doxycycline-inducible Tet-On miR-338 lentiviral vector system into the cavity of nerve conduits of nerve stumps to sequentially regulate the biological function of endogenous SCs at different stages of nerve regeneration. We found that the biological function of SCs was sequentially regulated, the diameter and density of myelinated axons were increased, the expression levels of NF200 and myelin basic protein were increased, and the function of injured peripheral nerve was improved using this system. miRNA Target Prediction Database prediction, Nanopore whole transcriptome sequencing, quantitative PCR, and dual luciferase reporter gene assay results predicted and verified Cdkn1b and Nrp1 as target genes of miR-221-3p and miR-338-3p, respectively, and their regulatory effects on SCs were confirmed in vitro. In conclusion, here we established a new method to enhance nerve regeneration through sequential regulation of biological functions of endogenous SCs, which establishes a new concept and model for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. The findings from this study will provide direct guiding significance for clinical treatment of sciatic nerve injury.

Immunogenicity and safety of NVSI-06-07 as a heterologous booster after priming with BBIBP-CorV: a phase 2 trial.

The increased coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) breakthrough cases pose the need of booster vaccination. We conducted a randomised, double-blinded, controlled, phase 2 trial to assess the immunogenicity and safety of the heterologous prime-boost vaccination with an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) followed by a recombinant protein-based vaccine (NVSI-06-07), using homologous boost with BBIBP-CorV as control. Three groups of healthy adults (600 individuals per group) who had completed two-dose BBIBP-CorV vaccinations 1-3 months, 4-6 months and ≥6 months earlier, respectively, were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either NVSI-06-07 or BBIBP-CorV boost. Immunogenicity assays showed that in NVSI-06-07 groups, neutralizing antibody geometric mean titers (GMTs) against the prototype SARS-CoV-2 increased by 21.01-63.85 folds on day 28 after vaccination, whereas only 4.20-16.78 folds of increases were observed in control groups. For Omicron variant, the neutralizing antibody GMT elicited by homologous boost was 37.91 on day 14, however, a significantly higher neutralizing GMT of 292.53 was induced by heterologous booster. Similar results were obtained for other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs), including Alpha, Beta and Delta. Both heterologous and homologous boosters have a good safety profile. Local and systemic adverse reactions were absent, mild or moderate in most participants, and the overall safety was quite similar between two booster schemes. Our findings indicated that NVSI-06-07 is safe and immunogenic as a heterologous booster in BBIBP-CorV recipients and was immunogenically superior to the homologous booster against not only SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain but also VOCs, including Omicron.

Safety and immunogenicity of a hybrid-type vaccine booster in BBIBP-CorV recipients in a randomized phase 2 trial.

NVSI-06-08 is a potential broad-spectrum recombinant COVID-19 vaccine that integrates the antigens from multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains into a single immunogen. Here, we evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of NVSI-06-08 as a heterologous booster dose in BBIBP-CorV recipients in a randomized, double-blind, controlled, phase 2 trial conducted in the United Arab Emirates (NCT05069129). Three groups of healthy adults over 18 years of age (600 participants per group) who have administered two doses of BBIBP-CorV 4-6-month, 7-9-month and >9-month earlier, respectively, are randomized 1:1 to receive either a homologous booster of BBIBP-CorV or a heterologous booster of NVSI-06-08. The incidence of adverse reactions is low, and the overall safety profile is quite similar between two booster regimens. Both Neutralizing and IgG antibodies elicited by NVSI-06-08 booster are significantly higher than those by BBIBP-CorV booster against not only SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain but also multiple variants of concerns (VOCs). Especially, the neutralizing antibody GMT against Omicron variant induced by heterologous NVSI-06-08 booster reaches 367.67, which is substantially greater than that boosted by BBIBP-CorV (GMT: 45.03). In summary, NVSI-06-08 is safe and immunogenic as a booster dose following two doses of BBIBP-CorV, which is immunogenically superior to the homologous boost with another dose of BBIBP-CorV.

[Evaluation of the upper airway and maxillary and mandibular characters in adult skeletal Class â ¡ malocclusion].

PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between upper airway and mandible morphology in patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion with cone-beam CT (CBCT). METHODS: Thirty-three volunteers with individual normal occlusion and thirty-three patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion were selected to undergo CBCT. All samples were outputted to Dicom and reconstructed using Mimics 19.0 medical software． SPSS 19.0 software package was used to analyze the differences between the two groups. Correlation between the two groups was evaluated using Pearson's coefficient analysis． RESULTS: Fifteen parameters showed significant difference between individual normal occlusion and the skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion(P<0.05). There were 10 significant correlational parameters between mandible length and upper airway of the skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion group． There were 13 significant correlational parameters between the arch width of the maxilla and upper airway of the skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion group． There were 3 significant correlational parameters between the arch width of the mandible and upper airway of the skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion group． CONCLUSIONS: The upper airway morphology of skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion is correlated with maxillary and mandibular parameters．.

Computer-assisted mandibular curved osteotomy: An automatic method to design the new aesthetic gonion and osteotomy line.

BACKGROUND: Digital technology has been widely used in mandibular curved osteotomy to improve accuracy. However, the planning process still highly dependent on the experience and judgement of the surgeon. This study describes an automatic method to design the new gonion and osteotomy line based on the aesthetic standards in attractive women, and assesses its clinical outcomes. METHODS: An automatic surgical planning method for mandibular curved osteotomy was developed based on our previous research of mandibular angle aesthetics. A prospective clinical study was conducted from April 2016 to April 2018. Twenty-five female patients with prominent mandibular angle were enrolled. Pre- and postoperative skull computed tomography (CT) was performed. Three-dimensional (3D) CT data were obtained and processed by Mimics 18.0. Surgical templates were designed according to the automatic surgical planning method and 3D printed for the surgery. Preoperative measurements, surgical simulation and postoperative measurements were taken to evaluate the surgical outcomes. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the preoperative and the postoperative groups' results (p < 0.01). There was no difference between the surgical simulation and the postoperative results. All postoperative measurements were consistent with aesthetic features of mandibles. Patients were satisfied with their outcomes in terms of outline, symmetry and lower facial width. CONCLUSIONS: Our study developed an automatic method to position the new aesthetic gonion and osteotomy line for prominent mandibular angle patients. We proved that this method is safe, effective and reliable.

Motivations and Training Needs of General Practitioner Preceptors.

BACKGROUND: General practitioner (GP) preceptors play an important role in the cultivation of GPs. Many problems exist in the training of GP preceptors. This study aimed to explore the willingness and training needs of GP preceptors and compare the differences between preceptors from general practice and other specialties. METHODS: A total of 375 questionnaire forms were sent to 375 GP preceptors from 11 different provinces, and 344 completed forms were returned. The main outcome included general information, teaching motivations, and training needs of GP preceptors. RESULTS: The study showed that about 89.2% of GP preceptors were willing to be teachers. The majority of respondents strongly agreed that the motivation for becoming a GP supervisor was to learn from teaching. The most important capability they should master was clinical teaching (92.2%), followed by lecture (83.1%) and doctor-patient communication (83.1%). The top three preferred methods of GP preceptors training were case discussion (78.8%), workshop (57.6%), and classroom teaching (56.4%). The domains in which most GP preceptors wanted to acquire knowledge and skill were mental health (59.3%), rehabilitation (47.1%), pediatrics (41.0%), and obstetrics (37.5%). No significant differences were found in the willingness to train GPs (χ2 = 3.34, P > 0.05) and whether they would become or continue to become a GP supervisor after the training (χ2 = 1.106, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although most preceptors were under on-the-job training, they were glad to train GPs. To be qualified, preceptors should be trained according to the actual needs of GP preceptors.

Longterm impact on swallowing quality-of-life after partial laryngectomy / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the longterm quality-of-life related to swallowing function after different partial laryngectomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The worldwide known swallow quality-of-life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL, Hongkong, Chinese edition); was used in this research to evaluate the swallowing QOL on 96 postoperative patients who underwent different kinds of partial laryngectomy more than one year before. The patients were divided into 4 groups: supracricoid partial laryngectomy-cricohyoidopexy (SCPL-CHP), supracricoid partial laryngectomy-cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (SCPL-CHEP), horizontal supraglottic partial laryngectomy (horizontal PL), and vertical partial laryngectomy (vertical PL).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A one-way MANOVA revealed a significant multivariate (the 11 scales of SWAL-QOL) main effect for groups (P < 0.01), and significant univariate main effects were obtained for groups in 9 scales out of 11 (P < 0.01). In all the 9 scales vertical PL group acquired near full scores except the communication scale, and was significantly higher than the other 3 groups in many scales (P < 0.05). CHP group acquired the worst scores of the 4 groups, showing significant differences in most of the 9 scales (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between Horizontal PL and CHEP except in communication (P > 0.05). Patients with deglutition disorders (choke/cough) had a lower score in the social function scale.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Swallowing quality-of-life of postoperative patients was deeply influenced even when more than one year had passed after surgery. Some of them felt deeply burdened by deglutition disorder. Patients after CHP proved to have a worst quality of life than the others, while vertical PL the best. The QOL between Horizontal PL and CHEP was shown to be almost the same. The influence over QOL from longterm dysphagia was multi-dimensional, containing the degeneration of social function.</p>

Effects of phenytoin on Satb2 and Hoxa2 gene expressions in mouse embryonic craniofacial tissue.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are common congenital craniofacial birth defects in humans. Phenytoin (PHT) is a risk factor of cleft palate formation; however, the molecular mechanisms by which phenytoin exerts its teratogenic effects resulting in cleft palate remain unknown. The Satb2 gene mutation is associated with cleft palate. Satb2-deficient mice exhibit cleft palate deformity and an up-regulation of Hoxa2 in the fronto-nasal region. In this study, phenytoin was administered intraperitoneally to pregnant C57BL/6 mice on the 10th day of gestation. Real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of Satb2 and Hoxa2 in craniofacial tissues of mouse embryos were obviously different at different time points. The Satb2 gene was down-regulated and the Hoxa2 gene was up-regulated in phenytoin-treated mouse embryonic craniofacial tissue. We conclude that phenytoin may regulate the expression of these two genes in C57BL/6 mice and it may also be involved in the formation of cleft palate.

[Effects and mechanisms of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine on endometrial cancer cell.].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) on endometrial cancer cell. METHODS: In vitro experiments of 5-Aza-CdR were done using human endometrial cancer cell line HEC-1B. Evaluation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis was ascertained respectively using trypan blue exclusion and flow cytometry. RT-PCR and methylation specific PCR(MSP) was done to detect the expression of RASSF1A mRNA and methylation status of RASSF1A promoter of HEC-1B cell line. RESULTS: (1) The status of cellular growth and apoptosis of HEC-1B cell line: the growth inhibition effects of 5-Aza-CdR on HEC-1B cell line were both concentration-dependent (P < 0.01) and time-dependent (P < 0.01), as well as the apoptosis rate of HBC-1-B cell line depended on the dose of 5-Aza-CdR obviously (P < 0.01). (2) The expression of RASSF1A mRNA of HEC-1B cell line: RASSF1A mRNA was expressed in HEC-1B cell after 5-Aza-CdR treatment, but it was undetectable before the treatment. In the groups with different concentration of 5-Aza-CdR (0.05, 0.1, 1, 5, 10 nmol/ml), the expression of RASSF1A mRNA was respectively 0.074 +/- 0.004, 0.105 +/- 0.004, 0.167 +/- 0.006, 0.334 +/- 0.005, 0.484 +/- 0.007, which were remarkably different from the group without 5-Aza-CdR(the expression of RASSF1A mRNA was 0; P < 0.01). (3) The hypermethylation of RASSF1A promoter of HEC-1B cell line: the hypermethylation of RASSF1A promoter was detected in HEC-1B cell line. The status of hypermethylation was decreased after treatment with 5-Aza-CdR of 0.05, 0.1, 1, 5 nmol/ml, meanwhile, both methylation bands and demethylation bands were observed by methylation specific PCR. After the treatment with 5-Aza-CdR of 10 nmol/ml the hypermethylation was absent absolutely. CONCLUSIONS: (1) In HEC-1B cell line, 5-Aza-CdR can inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell apopotosis. (2) 5-Aza-CdR can renew the expression of RASSF1A mRNA of HEC-1B cell line and reverse the hypermethylation of RASSF1A promoter.

[The crown inclination of the teeth and its clinical value].

The crown inclination, representing an angle formed by the clinical crown axis and a line which bears 90 degrees to the occlusal plane, reflects the labiolingual or buccolingual inclination of the long axis of the crown. The crown inclination is related to the races. And it is compensated by different vertical or sagittal jaw relationships. It plays an important role in fine occlusal relationship and achieving functional, artistic and stable treatment goal. The torque design of the straight wire bracket is based on the normal crown inclination. There is much discrepancy in the torque design of the different straight wire bracket because of the different race and philosophy. This review gave a brief introduction of the influential factors, the clinical meaning of the crown inclination and the torque design of the different bracket system.

[Isolation and identification of Japanese encephalitis virus in Liaoning Province].

BACKGROUND: To study arboviruses carried by mosquitoes in Liaoning Province in 2002. METHODS: Totally 4927 mosquitoes were collected from Liaoning Province in July 2002. Virus strains were isolated by inoculating BHK-21, C6/36 and Vero cells. The newly isolated strains were identified by serological (ELISA and IFA) and molecular methods (Real-Time PCR and RT-PCR). RESULTS: Two strains were isolated from mosquitoes causing cytopathogenic effect (CPE) on cells and were fatal to suckling mice. Serological tests showed that both were positive for the antibody to JEV. The PrM and E gene were cloned and sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the new isolates belonged to genotype I, JEV. Sequence analysis showed that the homology of nucleotide sequences and amino acid (AA) sequences between the two strains was 100%. Compared with the nucleotide sequences between the two strains and the standard JEV vaccine strain SA14-14-2, the difference was up to 4.11%, and the difference of AA was 0.6%. CONCLUSION: Two strains of JEV were isolated and identified in Liaoning province, both belonged to genotype I JEV.