[Structural Analysis of Salivary Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome in Oral Lichen Planus Patients].

Objective: To explore the differences of oral mycobiome and bacteriome between the healthy controls (H) and oral lichen planus (OLP) patients, and the co-occurrence patterns of the salivary mycobiome and bacteriome and the association with host immunity. Methods: Saliva samples were collected from clinical OLP patients (n=35) and healthy volunteers (n=18). Microbiome DNA was extracted for bacterial 16S rRNA genes sequencing and fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was performed on the data.The levels of IL-17 and IL-23, two pro-inflammatory cytokines, in the saliva were examined, and their correlation with the bacteria was analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in the overall community structure of the mycobiome and the bacteriome between OLP patients and healthy controls. The abundance of Prevotellaand Solobacterium in the saliva bacteriome was significantly increased in the OLP group (P<0.05), and the relative abundance of Candidaand Aspergillusin the saliva mycobiome was also significantly increased (P<0.05). The co-occurrence pattern of the salivary mycobiome and bacteriome showed that the aforementioned difference was not related. However, the correlation between Aspergillusand bacteria was altered in the H group and the OLP group, and co-occurrence was reduced in the latter group. The level of IL-17 in the saliva was significantly increased in the OLP group. IL-17 and clinical scores were significantly correlated with the abundance of Porphyromonas. Conclusion: The increased abundance of Prevotella, Solobacterium, Candida, and Aspergillus was associated with the pathogenesis of OLP, and the changes of the microbiome co-occurrence relationship and host immunity may be involved in the pathogenesis of OLP.

Anti-H7N9 avian influenza A virus activity of interferon in pseudostratified human airway epithelium cell cultures.

BACKGROUND: Since H7N9 influenza A virus (H7N9) was first reported in 2013, five waves of outbreaks have occurred, posing a huge threat to human health. In preparation for a potential H7N9 epidemic, it is essential to evaluate the efficacy of anti-H7N9 drugs with an appropriate model. METHODS: Well-differentiated pseudostratified human airway epithelium (HAE) cells were grown at the air-liquid interface, and the H7N9 cell tropism and cytopathic effect were detected by immunostaining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The H7N9 replication kinetics and anti-H7N9 effect of recombinant human α2b (rhIFN-α2b) and rhIFN-λ1 were compared with different cell lines. The H7N9 viral load and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression were quantified by real-time PCR assays. RESULTS: H7N9 could infect both ciliated and non-ciliated cells within the three-dimensional (3D) HAE cell culture, which reduced the number of cilia and damaged the airways. The H7N9 replication kinetics differed between traditional cells and 3D HAE cells. Interferon had antiviral activity against H7N9 and alleviated epithelial cell lesions; the antiviral activity of rhIFN-α2b was slightly better than that of rhIFN-λ1. In normal cells, rhIFN-α2b induced a greater amount of ISG expression (MX1, OAS1, IFITM3, and ISG15) compared with rhIFN-λ1, but in 3D HAE cells, this trend was reversed. CONCLUSIONS: Both rhIFN-α2b and rhIFN-λ1 had antiviral activity against H7N9, and this protection was related to the induction of ISGs. The 3D cell culture model is suitable for evaluating interferon antiviral activity because it can demonstrate realistic in vivo-like effects.

The effects of aerobic exercise on the structure and function of DMN-related brain regions: a systematic review.

Physical activity may play a role in both the prevention and slowing of brain volume loss and may be beneficial in terms of improving the functional connectivity of brain regions. But much less is known about the potential benefit of aerobic exercise for the structure and function of the default mode network (DMN) brain regions. This systematic review examines the effects of aerobic exercise on the structure and function of DMN brain regions in human adulthood. Seven electronic databases were searched for prospective controlled studies published up to April 2015. The quality of the selected studies was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias. RevMan 5.3 software was applied for data analysis. Finally, 14 studies with 631 participants were identified. Meta-analysis revealed that aerobic exercise could significantly increase right hippocampal volume (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI 0.01-0.51, p = 0.04, I2 = 7%, 4 studies), and trends of similar effects were observed in the total (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.41, p = 0.43, I2 = 0%, 5 studies), left (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.37, p = 0.33, I2 = 14%, 4 studies), left anterior (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.40, p = 0.41, I2 = 74%, 2 studies) and right anterior (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.38, p = 0.46, I2 = 76%, 4 studies) hippocampal volumes compared to the no-exercise interventions. A few studies reported that relative to no-exercise interventions, aerobic exercise could significantly decrease the atrophy of the medial temporal lobe, slow the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) volume loss, increase functional connectivity within the hippocampus and improve signal activation in the cingulate gyrus and ACC. The current review suggests that aerobic exercise may have positive effects on the right hippocampus and potentially beneficial effects on the overall and other parts of the hippocampus, the cingulate cortex and the medial temporal areas of the DMN. Moreover, aerobic exercise may increase functional connectivity or activation in the hippocampus, cingulate cortex and parahippocampal gyrus regions of the DMN. However, considering the quantity and limitations of the included studies, the conclusion could not be drawn so far. Additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with rigorous designs and longer intervention periods are needed in the future.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of two steroids: icogenin aglycone analogs.

During the process of icogenin analog research, we obtained two cytotoxic steroids: compound 4 and compound 6 casually. Their in vitro antitumor activities were tested by the standard MTT assay. The results disclosed that compound 4 (IC50 = 3.65-6.90 µM) showed potential antitumor activities against HELA, KB cell lines and compound 6 (IC50 = 2.40-9.05 µM) showed potential antitumor activities against HELA, BGC-823, KB, A549, HCT-8 cell lines.

[Relationship between Electroencephalogram and Perceived Stress in Essential Hypertension Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between electroencephalogram and perceived stress in Chinese essential hypertension (EH) patients. METHODS: Totally 60 EH patients were enrolled as the case group,and 60 gender-and age-matched healthy subjects as the control group. Graded mental arithmetic was used as a psychological stressor. The physiological values of electroencephalogram (Theta,Alpha,sensorimotor rhythm,and Beta) were recorded at baseline and in mission period and recovery period. Subjects were instructed to complete the Perceived Stress Scale. RESULTS: The electroencephalogram Theta value was significantly different between the case group and the control group (t=4.01,P=0.048). In the case group,the fluctuating Theta value was correlated with the control dimension in the Perceived Stress Scale (r=-0.26,P=0.044). Also in the case group,with the score of "sense of control" as the dependent variable and the fluctuating value of Theta after stress as the independent variables,regression analysis was performed. The opt-in standard was≤0.05 and the culling standard was≥0.01. The Results shows that the fluctuating value of Theta after stress in the case group met the requirements to enter the equation and could explain 5.2% of "sense of control" dimension. CONCLUSION: The Theta values associated with the sleeping and creativity decrease under stressful situations in EH patients following the increaed sense of pressure due to failure in controlling the pressure events.

MicroRNA-190 regulates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by targeting a voltage-gated K⁺ channel in arterial smooth muscle cells.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with sustained vasoconstriction, profound structural remodeling of vasculatures and alterations in Ca(2+) homeostasis in arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs), while the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. By regulating the expression of proteins, microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play an important role in cell fates including differentiation, apoptosis and proliferation, and may be involved in the development of PAH. Based on our previous study, hypoxia produced a significant increase of the miR-190 level in the pulmonary artery (PA), here, we used synthetic miR-190 to mimic the increase in hypoxic conditions and showed evidence for the effects of miR-190 on pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction and Ca(2+) influx in arterial SMCs. Synthetic miR-190 remarkably enhanced the vasoconstriction responses to phenylephrine (PE) and KCl. The voltage-gated K(+) channel subfamily member, Kcnq5, mRNA was shown to be a target for miR-190. Meanwhile, miR-190 antisense oligos can partially reverse the effects of miR-190 on PASMCs and PAs. Therefore, these results suggest that miR-190 appears to be a positive regulator of Ca(2+) influx, and plays an important role in hypoxic pulmonary vascular constriction.

Relationship between cardiovascular responses and coping styles among recruits under the stress.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the cardiovascular responses and coping styles among recruits in psychological stress. METHODS: Using random cluster sampling method,we chose 406 army recruits in Xinjiang from October 2013 to November 2013,and the questionnaire survey combined with laboratory test was applied. The questionnaire used in this study was the simplified coping style questionnaire. Systolic blood pressure(SPB),diastolic blood pressure(DPB),and heart rate(HR)were recorded. The relationship between cardiovascular responses and coping methods was analyzed using descriptive statistics,correlations,and regression analysis. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in changes of the indicators of cardiovascular responses(P=0.000). The positive coping styles were significantly associated with age(P=0.008)and father's education degree(P=0.010). The negative coping styles were associated with the mother's educational degree(P=0.046). The positive coping styles were associated with the SBP in recall task period(P=0.039)and with the HR in calculating task period(P=0.025). The negative coping styles were significantly associated with the SBP difference between the baseline and calculating task period(P=0.034). Stepwise regression analysis showed that age and father's education degree(P=0.008,P=0.041)had a positive effect on the positive coping styles,and the SPB difference between the baseline and calculating task period had a negative effect on the positive coping styles(P=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Age and father's education degree can affect the positive coping style of the recruits. Increased psychological stress has a negative impact on the negative coping styles of the recruits.

[Comparing hydroxyapatite coated versus non hydroxyapatite coated femoral stems in primary total hip arthroplasty: a meta analysis of randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference of clinical outcomes and radiological outcomes through meta-analysis on the total hip arthroplasty (THA) between hydroxyapatite(HA) coating and non-HA coating femoral stems. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane library and CBM for published randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing HA coating and non-HA coating femoral stems in primary THA clinical outcomes with Harris hip score and incidence postoperative thigh pain, radiological outcomes with presence of endosteal condensation and radioactive line on the prothesis, heterotopic ossification. Data analysis were performed using RevMan 5.0(the Cochrane Collaboration). RESULTS: Ten studies and 917 hips into our analysis, with 464 hips in HA groups and 453 hips in non-HA groups. The combined results of the meta-analysis indicated there was no statistical differences between the two groups on postoperative Harris hip score(WMD = 3.04, 95%CI:-4.47-10.54, P = 0.43) , there was statistical difference on incidence postoperative thigh pain (RR = 0.56, 95%CI:0.33-0.94, P = 0.03) . There were no significant differences between the two groups on presence of endosteal condensation (RR = 1.01, 95%CI:0.91-1.11, P = 0.91), presence of radioactive line (RR = 0.99, 95%CI:0.88-1.11, P = 0.83) and incidence of heterotopic ossification (RR = 0.97, 95%CI:0.77-1.21, P = 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: There are no clinical and radiological benefits in the use of HA coating femoral stems in Primary THA, there is not enough evidence prove the HA can reduce the incidence postoperative thigh pain.

[Effect of different host plants on the volatile components in Taxillus sutchuenensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of different host plants on the volatile somponents in Taxillus sutchuenensis. METHODS: Volatile oils of T. sutchuenensis from two different hosts (Magnolia denudata and Camellia oleifera) were obtained by steam distillation. The chemical constituents and relative contents of the volatile oils were analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS: There were some similarities of volatile constituents between T. sutchuenensis and the corresponding host plants while the volatile components of T. sutchuenensis isolated from different host plants were not the same. CONCLUSION: Host plants have effect on volatile constituents of T. sutchuenensis apparently.

[Effects of ERα gene overexpression on bone mineral density and calcium and phosphorus metabolism inovariectomized osteoporosis mice].

Objective: To investigate the effects of estrogen receptor α (ERα) gene overexpression on bone metabolism and calcium and phosphorus metabolism in ovariectomized osteoporosis mice, and to provide experimental basis for targeted gene therapy of osteoporosis. Methods: Thirty SPF female mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and ERα overexpression group with 10 mice in each group. After the model was established, the ERα overexpression group was transfected with recombinant adenovirus vector carrying mouse ERα gene by intraspinal injection. The model group was transfected with empty virus, and the sham operation group was not treated. The expression of ERα gene in bone tissue of mice was detected by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Bone mineral density (BMD) of mouse femur was measured after modeling. Trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular segregation (Tb.Sp), bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and biomechanical strength of femur were measured by micro-CT scanning. Serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), osteocalcin (BGP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The expressions of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in bone homogenate were detected by Immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with sham operation group, the expression level of ERα gene in bone tissue of model group was decreased significantly, the levels of BMD, BV/TV, Tb. Th, maximum load, rigidity coefficient, Ca and P were decreased, while the levels of Tb. Sp, BGP and ALP were increased significantly (P＜0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the expression level of TIMP-1 protein in the bone tissue of the model group was significantly decreased, while that of MCP-1 protein was increased, while that of the ERα overexpression group was increased while that of MCP-1 was decreased (P＜0.05).The levels of ERα gene expression, BMD, BV/TV, TB. Th, maximum load, rigidity coefficient, Ca and P in the ERα overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the model group, while Tb. Sp, BGP and ALP were significantly lower (P＜0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, mean optical density of TIMP-1 in the bone tissue of the model group was significantly decreased, while that of MCP-1 was significantly increased, and that of the ERα overexpression group was significantly increased while that of MCP-1 was significantly decreased (P＜0.05). Conclusion: ERα gene overexpression can improve osteoporosis by regulating bone mineral density, bone parameters, bone metabolism, calcium and phosphorus metabolic indicators and the expression levels of TIMP-1 and MCP-1 in tissues.