Enhanced default mode network connectivity with ventral striatum in subthreshold depression individuals.

Subthreshold depression (StD) is a highly prevalent condition associated with increased service utilization and social morbidity. Nevertheless, due to limitations in current diagnostic systems that set the boundary for major depressive disorder (MDD), very few brain imaging studies on the neurobiology of StD have been carried out, and its underlying neurobiological mechanism remains unclear. In recent years, accumulating evidence suggests that the disruption of the default mode network (DMN), a network involved in self-referential processing, affective cognition, and emotion regulation, is involved in major depressive disorder. Using independent component analysis, we investigated resting-state default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity (FC) changes in two cohorts of StD patients with different age ranges (young and middle-aged, n = 57) as well as matched controls (n = 79). We found significant FC increase between the DMN and ventral striatum (key region in the reward network), in both cohorts of StD patients in comparison with controls. In addition, we also found the FC between the DMN and ventral striatum was positively and significantly associated with scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), a measurement of depressive symptomatology. We speculate that this enhanced FC between the DMN and the ventral striatum may reflect a self-compensation to ameliorate the lowered reward function.

Further evidence for the association between G72/G30 genes and schizophrenia in two ethnically distinct populations.

Recently, the nested genes G72 and G30 on chromosome 13q32-q33 have been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. We genotyped six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: rs3916965, rs3916967, rs2391191, rs778294, rs779293 and rs3918342), which span approximately 82.5 kb in the region encompassing the G72/G30 genes in 1176 Han Chinese subjects (588 cases and 588 controls) and 365 Scottish subjects (183 cases and 182 controls). Significant association between an allele of marker rs778293 and schizophrenia was found in our Chinese samples (P = 0.0013), and was replicated in the Scottish samples (P = 0.022). LD analysis revealed that four SNPs between rs3916965 and rs778294 were in LD, called block I, and the two distal SNPs (rs778293 and rs3918342) constituted a block II in both the Chinese and Scottish samples. We selected one SNP from each block (rs778294 from block I and rs778293 from block II), and then analyzed the haplotypes. A significant difference was observed for the common haplotype GC in the Chinese sample (P = 0.0145), and was replicated in the Scottish sample (P = 0.003). On meta-analysis, we separately analyzed the studies in Asian and European populations because of significant heterogeneity in the homogeneity test. We found a statistically significant association between rs778293 and schizophrenia in Asian populations, but no difference was found between cases and controls in the European populations. Overall, our data give further support to the existing evidence that G72/G30 genes are involved in conferring susceptibility to schizophrenia.

Positive association of the DIO2 (deiodinase type 2) gene with mental retardation in the iodine-deficient areas of China.

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency is the commonest cause of preventable mental retardation (MR) worldwide. However, in iodine-deficient areas not everyone is affected and familial aggregation is common. This suggests that genetic factors may also contribute. Thyroid hormone (TH) plays an important role in fetal and early postnatal brain development. The pro-hormone T4 (3,3',5,5'-triiodothyronine) is converted in the brain to its active form, T3, or its inactive metabolite, reverse T3, mainly by the action of deiodinase type 2 (DIO2). METHODS: To investigate the potential genetic contribution of the DIO2 gene, we performed a case-control association study using three common SNPs in the gene (rs225014, rs225012, and rs225010) that were in strong linkage disequilibrium with each other. RESULTS: Single marker analysis showed a positive association of MR with rs225012 and rs225010. Particularly with rs255012 [corrected], CC [corrected] genotype frequency was significantly higher in MR cases than in controls (chi squared [corrected] = 9.18, p = 0.00246). When we compared the distributions of common haplotypes, we also found significant differences between mental retardation and controls in the haplotype combination of rs225012 and rs225010 (chi2 = 15.04, df 2, global p = 0.000549). This association remained significant after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.0016470). CONCLUSION: We conclude that allelic variation in the DIO2 gene may affect the amount of T3 available and in an iodine-deficient environment may partly determine overall risk of MR.

Insulin-degrading enzyme and Alzheimer disease: a genetic association study in the Han Chinese.

BACKGROUND: The gene for insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) represents a strong positional and biologic candidate for late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) susceptibility. IDE is located on chromosome 10q23.3 close to a region of linkage for LOAD. In addition, many studies have identified a possible role of IDE in the degradation of amyloid beta-protein and the intracellular amyloid precursor protein (APP) domain released by gamma-secretase processing. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of IDE with AD in the Han Chinese. METHODS: Four IDE polymorphisms (three in 5'-untranslated region and one in intron 21) were analyzed, using a population of 210 patients with LOAD and 200 control subjects well matched for age, sex, and ethnic background. RESULTS: Among the four polymorphisms studied, only the C allele of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) IDE2 showed association with AD (p = 0.005). Stratification of the data by APOE epsilon4 status indicated that the association between IDE2 and AD was confined to APOE epsilon4 carriers only. No association was found between all variants studied and AD within APOE epsilon4-negative subjects. The global haplotype frequencies showed significant differences between AD patients and control subjects. Furthermore, overrepresentation of GCTG haplotype in the AD group was found. It may be a risk haplotype for AD. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a possible synergic interaction between IDE and APOE epsilon4 in the risk to develop late-onset sporadic AD. IDE might modify the effect of the APOE epsilon4 risk factor in the Han Chinese population.

Titanium casting into phosphate bonded investment with zirconite.

OBJECTIVE: Reaction layer structure of the titanium castings surface was investigated when a new centrifuge-vacuum-pressure cast titanium machine and a zirconite inner investment was used. METHODS: The micro-hardness of titanium castings was measured using a Knoop's hardness tester. The structure of reaction layers and the distribution of elements on the surfaces of titanium castings were analysed by SEM and EDS, respectively, when zirconite was used as the inner investment for cast titanium. RESULTS: Knoop's micro-hardness at distances of 50 and 75 microm from the titanium casting surfaces made directly in phosphate investment molds had significantly harder surfaces than those made in zirconite coating molds. The thickness of the reaction layer on the surface of titanium castings was <35 microm with zirconite coating and was >50 microm without zirconite coating. The structure of reaction layer was divided into four layers from the outer surface to the inner including: sintering layer, alpha-Case, Si-rich layer, acicular crystal structure. The distribution of elements was different on each layer. SIGNIFICANCE: The thickness of the cast titanium reaction layer was reduced when the wax patterns were coated with zirconite. The surface of the titanium castings was smooth and without cracks, and the investment on the surface of titanium castings was easily removed.

Evaluation of the new TAMZ titanium alloy for dental cast application.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the potential of the new titanium alloy as dental prosthodontic materials. METHODS: Dental castings of TAMZ alloy were investigated in the casting machine specially designed for titanium. A mesh pattern was used to count the castability value. The mechanical properties were measured by means of a universal testing machine. Optical micrography was done on the exposed cross-section of TAMZ alloy casting. From the surface to the inner part the Knoop hardness in reacted layer of TAMZ alloy casting was measured. The structure and elemental analyses of the reacted layer were made by SEM and element line scanning observation. RESULTS: The castability value (Cv = 98%) and the tensile test (sigma b = 850 Mpa, sigma 0.2 = 575 Mpa, delta = 7.33%) data were collected. The castings microstructure showed main alpha phase and small beta phase. Knoop hardness in the surface reacted layer was greater than that in the inner part. From the SEM and element line scanning observation, there are three different layers in the surface reacted layer of the TAMZ alloy castings, and higher level of element of O, Al, Si and Zr were found in the reacted layer while the Si permeated deeper than others. CONCLUSION: TAMZ alloy can be accepted as a material for dental alloy in prosthodontics.

Correlation between autoregressive moving-average model parameters of electromyogram of human jaw closing muscles and maximum clenching time at intercuspal position.

During maximum clenching in the intercuspal position, surface electromyograms of left masseter and anterior temporal muscles were sampled in 16 healthy subjects with natural dentitions to establish a four-order, autoregressive (AR) moving-average (MA) model of the myoelectrical signals. The correlation coefficients and the linear regression between the model parameters and the clenching time were calculated. The model parameters had the positive or the negative correlation, and AR model parameters had the higher correlation than MA model parameters. The model parameters relate to muscular fatigue and the slope of the regressive equation relates to the endurance time of the isometric contraction.

[Effects of the orientation of occlusal plane on EMG of masticatory muscles in complete denture wearers].

The occlusal plane was designed as parallel to Camper's line (the standard dentures) and 5 degree inclined upward, downward laterally and anterior-posterior for comparing the activities of masticatory muscles. Following results were obtained: (1) the amplitude of the masseter (Mm) and the anterior temporalis (Ta) muscles with standard dentures biting in intercuspal position were the highest among those with other dentures, (2) during unilateral chewing with standard dentures, the average amplitude of the anterior digastric muscles (Da) on the balanced side was higher than that on the working side, but the amplitude values of the Mm and the Ta on the working side were significantly lower than those on the opposite side, (3) to incline the plane forward or backward may cause the activity of the Da increased in the balanced side and (4) to incline the plane right or left the amplitude of Ta and Mm between the working and the balanced side was not significant different.

Relationship between mean power frequency and potential of human masticatory muscles at rest position and clenching.

The EMG signals from left and right masseter and anterior temporal muscles of 40 healthy subjects were sampled at rest position and through gradually increased clench level to maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at intercuspal position. A visual sense feedback of masseter muscle potential value was used for the subject to control clench level. The relationship between mean power frequency (MPF) and potential of EMG was investigated by a curvilinear regression of the second order. It was found that the relationship was of the second order logarithmic curve with maximum value of MPF. With the raising of the potential levels of EMG, the MPF increased at the lower clench levels and decreased at higher clench levels. The results indicate that controlling an identical clench level is necessary for using MPF to describe the functional state of masticatory muscles in the clinical situation.

Discrimination of clenches at varied jaw positions using autoregressive model coefficients of myoelectrical activities of anterior temporal and masseter muscles.

During 10% maximum clenching at intercuspal, protruded, retruded contact and lateral positions, the surface electromyograms (EMG) of bilateral anterior temporal and masseter muscles of 20 normal subjects with intact natural dentitions were recorded. The autoregressive (AR) model of the sampled EMG was then built and the obtained coefficients of the AR model were accepted as featured parameters of the EMG. Finally Bayes' stepwise discriminant analysis was used for establishing discriminant functions of estimating low level clenches at varied jaw positions. It was found that total conformation rates of internal and external sample substitution (15 and 5 subjects) were 82.67% and 78% respectively; the discriminant effect between intercuspal and retruded contact position was not up to predicted standard. The results indicate that AR model coefficients may describe the characteristics of surface EMG of masticatory muscles and easily be used in multiple statistical analysis, from which the classification and diagnosis may be taken.

Frequency analysis of electromyographic signals in mandibular elevators at maximum clench level.

Power spectral analysis of electromyogram (ENG) was used to investigate the relationship between mean power frequency (MPF) and sustained contraction time. Surface EMG activity was recorded from masseter and anterior temporal muscles on both sides for seven healthy subjects while clenching at intercuspal position in maximum potential level of these muscles. A visual sense feedback of EMG potential was used to control clenching level. According to linear regression analysis, there was a negative correlation between MPF of EMG and sustained contraction time. The results indicate that the slope of MPF versus contraction time may be used for detecting muscular fatigue in the stomatognathic system.

A comparative study of mastication between complete denture wearers and dentate subjects.

A computer system was used for simultaneously collecting and processing mandibular movements and the myoelectric activities of the masticatory muscles of 15 dentate subjects and 11 complete denture wearers. The displacement, velocity, cycle of mandibular movements, and the muscular mean potentials were indices in observing mastication. A good complete denture should perform with physiologic characteristics, and restore masticatory function and oral health. The kinetic energy from the velocities of lateral and vertical directions can serve for the chewing and comminution of food, but lateral comminution may affect denture retention. The mean myoelectrical potentials of the mandibular elevator muscles of complete denture wearers tend to increase at the opening phase; however, the potentials decrease at the closing phase.

Power spectral analysis of occlusal sounds of natural dentition subjects.

Fifteen subjects with complete natural dentitions were selected for investigation of their occlusal sounds on the left and right sides by means of power spectral analysis. It was found that the occlusal sounds consisted of various frequency components. Their mean power frequencies (MPF) and frequencies at 10, 20, 50, 80 and 90% of cumulative power (F10, F20, F50, F80, F90) on the left and right sides were almost identical (P greater than 0.05). The correlation coefficients between MPF and F50, MPF and F50 with the others were high. The results indicate that F20, MPF or F50 and F80 may be used as indices to describe the power spectral shape, and that power spectral analysis of occlusal sounds may be used as a contribution to diagnosis of occlusal conditions.

Power spectral analysis of electromyographic signal of masticatory muscles at rest position and habitual clench.

Thirteen normal subjects were selected for this investigation. At the vertical dimension of rest position and habitual clench, their myoelectric activities of the masseter, anterior and posterior temporal, and digastric muscles on the left and right sides were simultaneously sampled and processed by computer, and the mean power frequency (MPF) and the mean amplitude (MA) of the myoelectric signal were calculated. At rest position, the temporal muscles were major muscles and the MPF differences of various masticatory muscles were not significant. At habitual clench, with the increase in MA, the MPF of various muscles increased. The results show that MPF may have application in describing a central tendency of myoelectrical signal frequency distribution and in evaluating recruitment of motor units. MPF and MA are the quantitative indices reflecting masticatory muscle function.

Masticatory efficiency determined with direct measurement of food particles masticated by subjects with natural dentitions.

The size of soya particles masticated by 10 subjects with natural teeth were directly measured by means of a graphic digitizer and a computer at a varied number of masticatory strokes. The statistical parameters were calculated by computer and a test of normality was used for estimating the frequency distribution. It was found that the frequency distribution of chewed particle size was a positive skew state; its shape was asymmetric, wide, and flat. After natural logarithm transformation the distribution tended toward normal. Increasing the number of masticatory strokes decreased the mean and median of the distribution (p less than 0.01) and did not change the coefficient of variation, skewness, and kurtosis (p greater than 0.05). The results show that the distribution of chewed particle size tends toward a normal logarithmic distribution; the distribution shapes at various numbers of strokes are the same; these parameters can be used for determining masticatory efficiency. Direct measurement of the particles is more convenient and reliable than dyeing particles or fractionating the particles in a sieve system.

Comparison of food particle distribution masticated by subjects wearing complete dentures and with natural teeth.

The sizes of soya particles masticated by 12 complete denture wearers and 10 subjects with natural dentition were directly measured by means of a graphic digitizer and computer, following a varied number of chewing strokes. It was found that the chewed particle size frequency distributions of the two groups tended to a state of normal logarithm distribution. Compared with the dentate subjects, the mean, 20th, 50th and 80th percentile of the particle sizes chewed by complete denture wearers were increased, whilst the distribution shapes were nearly identical. The results suggest that there are no qualitative differences in the manner in which the two groups break up food. Selection and breakage functions of complete denture wearers are decreased, and this could be related to the denture conditions and the change of oral state in such individuals.