[Effect of silencing FABP3 gene on LPS-induced apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in alveolar epithelial cells].

Objective: To investigate the effect of silencing fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) gene on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in alveolar epithelial cells A549. Methods: According to the processing method, A549 cells were divided into control group(A549 cells cultured for 24 h), LPS group (10 mg/L LPS treated A549 cells for 24 h), LPS+si-con group (10 mg/L LPS was used to treat A549 cells transfected with si-con for 24 h) and LPS+si-FABP3 group (10 mg/L LPS was used to treat A549 cells transfected with si-FABP3 for 24 h). Then quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the level of FABP3, methylthiazoletrazolium was used to detect the cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis, and Western Blot was used to detect the levels of FABP3, CyclinD1, cleaved-caspase-3, GRP78, ATF4, CHOP, cleaved-caspase-12 and p-Akt and PI3Kp110α protein expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-αlevels. Results: In the LPS group, FABP3 protein level (1.00±0.09) and mRNA (2.15±0.22), apoptosis rate [(26.1±2.6)%], inflammatory factor IL-6 [(554.4±55.4) ng/L], IL-8 [(389.3±38.5) ng/L] and TNF-α [(601.3±60.0) ng/L], cleaved-caspase-3 (1.00±0.11), GRP78 (1.05±0.11), ATF4 (1.20±0.12)), CHOP (1.05±0.10), cleaved-caspase-12 (1.10±0.11), p-Akt (0.88±0.08) and PI3Kp110α (0.75±0.08) protein levels were significantly higher than the control group [(0.53±0.05), (1.00±0.10), (4.5±0.5)%, (75.4±7.5) ng/L, (25.2±2.5) ng/L, (66.5±6.7) ng/L, (0.34±0.05), (0.35±0.05), (0.43±0.05), (0.37±0.04), (0.45±0.05), (0.16±0.04), (0.35±0.05)] (all P<0.05). Cell viability [(50.1±5.4)%] and CyclinD1 protein level (0.40±0.05) in LPS group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(100.1±12.4)%, (1.25±0.12)] (both P<0.05). Cell viability [(89.1±8.5)%] and CyclinD1 protein level (1.15±0.11) in LPS+si-FABP3 group were significantly higher than those in LPS+si-con group [(53.1±5.4)%, (0.42±0.05)] (both P<0.05). Apoptosis rate [(10.5±1.1)%], IL-6[(301.3±30.0) ng/L], IL-8[(189.4±19.0) ng/L], TNF-α [(400.1±40.1) ng/L], cleaved-caspase-3 (0.45±0.05), GRP78 (0.48±0.05), ATF4 (0.60±0.06), CHOP (0.55±0.05), cleaved-caspase-12 (0.60±0.06), p-Akt (0.50±0.05) and PI3Kp110α(0.45±0.05) in LPS+si-FABP3 group were significantly lower than those in LPS+si-con group [(28.1±2.8)%, (536.3±53.6) ng/L, (400.2±40.2) ng/L, (623.1±62.3) ng/L, (0.96±0.10), (1.02±0.10), (1.15±0.12), (1.10±0.11), (1.15±0.12), (0.90±0.09), (0.72±0.07)] (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Silencing FABP3 gene can inhibit LPS-induced alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which may act by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

[Research advances on the roles of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in wound healing and prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars].

Skin is an important defense barrier of human body and one of the most vulnerable organs. Wounds are the result of damage to the integrity of skin. Chronic wounds and hypertrophic scar formation are the results of abnormal wound healing, and are also the clinical problems those need to be resolved urgently in the field of wound repair. In recent years, researchers have found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can promote wound healing, improve wound healing quality, and reduce scar formation. The therapeutic effect of MSCs may be derived from the exosomes derived from them. This paper reviews the research advances of exosomes derived from MSCs in wound healing and prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars in recent years and looks up to the prospect for the clinical application.

[Risk factors for mortality in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support].

Objective: To explore the risk factors for mortality in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Methods: Clinical data of 109 patients with severe PARDS supported by ECMO, who were hospitalized in 6 ECMO centers in China from September 2012 to February 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into survival group and death group according to the prognosis. Chi-square test and rank sum test were used to compare the variables between the two groups, including the demographic data, laboratory examination results, clinical data before and after ECMO, and other supportive treatment. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression models were used to analyze the prognostic risk factors. Results: In these 109 cases, 54 died and 55 survived. Compared with the survival group, the death group had higher incidences of acute kidney injury (AKI) (48.1% (26/54) vs. 21.8% (12/55), χ²=8.318, P=0.004) and coagulation dysfunction (22.2% (12/54) vs. 7.3% (4/55), χ²=4.862, P=0.027), and higher rate of renal replacement therapy (48.1% (26/54) vs. 21.8% (12/55), χ²=9.694, P=0.008) during ECMO support. Logistic regression analysis showed that continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and AKI were independent risk factors for death in patients with severe PARDS requiring ECMO support (HR=3.88,95%CI 1.04-14.52, HR=4.84,95%CI 1.21-19.46, both P<0.05). Conclusion: AKI and CRRT are independent risk factors for predicting mortality in patients with severe PARDS requiring ECMO support.

[Influence of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells on macrophage phenotypes and inflammatory factors in full-thickness skin wounds of mice].

Objective: To explore the influence of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) on the in vivo and in vitro regulation of macrophage phenotypes and inflammatory factors associated with wound healing of full-thickness skin wounds in mice. Methods: Fresh amniotic membrane discarded from full-term delivery by 5 healthy pregnant women in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University was used for the isolation and culture of hAMSCs by enzyme digestion method. The third passage of cells was used for identification of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. The fourth passage of cells was used for identification of hAMSCs surface markers. Ten C57BL/6 mice (all male, aged 6 to 8 weeks, the same gender and age below) were selected for extracting mouse peritoneal macrophages by intraperitoneal lavage, and M1-type macrophages were induced by Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) medium containing interferon-γ. The M1-type macrophages were divided into hAMSCs+ macrophage group and macrophage alone group. Then 1×10(4) hAMSCs/per well of fourth passage were added to macrophage in hAMSCs+ macrophage group and cultured in 2 mL DMEM medium for routine culture. In macrophage alone group, each well was only added with 2 mL DMEM medium for routine culture. On day 1 and 7 in culture, the content of interleukin-12 (IL-12), arginase 1, and IL-10 in the cell culture supernatant of the 2 groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with sample number of 6/per group. (2) Full-thickness skin wound model was reproduced in the back of 56 C57BL/6 mice, which were divided into hAMSCs group and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group using the random number table, with 28 mice in each group. Mice in hAMSCs group were subcutaneously injected with 100 µL of cell suspension containing 1×10(7) hAMSCs per mL in PBS suspension along the wound edge. While mice in PBS group were only subcutaneously injected with 100 µL PBS along the wound edge. On post injection day (PID) 1, 3, 7, and 14, 7 mice in the two groups were sacrificed respectively. Histopathological observation was performed with hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expressions of macrophage surface markers [CD68 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) double positive cells and CD68 and arginase 1 double positive] in the wounds were detected by immunofluorescent staining. The mRNA expressions of IL-10, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), and MIP-2 in the wounds were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) On day 1 in culture, the content of IL-12 and arginase 1 in the cell culture supernatant of the two groups were similar (t=0.448, 0.536, P>0.05), and the content of IL-10 in the cell culture supernatant of hAMSCs+ macrophage group was significantly lower than that in macrophage alone group (t=14.722, P<0.01). On day 7 in culture, the content of IL-12 in the cell culture supernatant of hAMSCs+ macrophage group was significantly lower than that in macrophage alone group (t=13.226, P<0.01), and the content of arginase 1 and IL-10 was significantly higher than that in macrophage alone group (t=30.172, 31.406, P<0.01). (2) On PID 1, a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration were observed in the skin wounds of both groups. On PID 3, the inflammatory cells infiltration in the skin wounds increased in both groups, and the inflammatory cells infiltration in hAMSCs group was less than that in the PBS group. On PID 7, the inflammatory cells infiltration in the wounds decreased in both groups, and the inflammatory cells infiltration in hAMSCs group was less than that in the PBS group. On PID 14, no obvious inflammatory cells infiltration was observed in the wounds in the two groups. (3) On PID 1 and 14, the percentages of CD68 and iNOS double positive cells and CD68 and arginase 1 double positive cells in the wounds were similar in the two groups (t(1 d)=0.134, 0.693, t(14 d)=1.146, 2.585, P>0.05). On PID 3 and 7, the percentages of CD68 and iNOS double positive cells in the wounds in hAMSCs group were significantly lower than those of PBS group (t=6.396, 4.787, P<0.01), while the percentages of CD68 and arginase 1 double positive cells were significantly higher than those of PBS group (t=3.928, 4.473, P<0.01). (4) On PID 1, the mRNA expressions of IL-10 in the wounds of mice in the two groups were similar (t=2.005, P>0.05). On PID 3, 7, and 14, the mRNA expressions of IL-10 in the wounds of mice in hAMSCs group were significantly higher than those of PBS group (t=7.758, 124.355, 80.823, P<0.01). On PID 1, 3, 7, and 14, the mRNA expressions of MIP-1α and MIP-2 in the wounds of mice in hAMSCs group (0.341±0.212, 0.648±0.004, 0.611±0.106, 0.763±0.049, 1.377±0.099, 1.841±0.042, 1.181±0.035, 0.553±0.028) were significantly lower than those of PBS group (3.853±0.035, 6.914±0.163, 3.648±0.113, 2.250±0.046, 11.119±0.495, 8.634±0.092, 5.722±0.021, 4.862±0.036, t=43.198, 101.904, 51.845, 58.231, 51.074, 177.501, 291.752, 251.614, P<0.01). Conclusions: hAMSCs demonstrates biological effects of promoting the transformation of M1-type macrophages into M2-type macrophages in full-thickness skin wounds of mice. They can up-regulate the expression of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic factor IL-10, and down-regulate the expression of important inflammation mediated factors MIP-1α and MIP-2.

[Clinical effects of superior gluteal artery perforator island flap in repair of sacral pressure ulcer].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of superior gluteal artery perforator island flap in repair of sacral pressure ulcer. Methods: From May 2012 to May 2017, 20 patients with sacral pressure ulcers (14 males and 6 females, aged 27 to 67 years) were admitted to our department. According to the consensus staging system of National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel in 2016, 6 cases were in 3 stages, 14 cases were in 4 stages, with the area of pressure ulcers ranging from 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 10.0 cm×8.0 cm. After debridement and vacuum sealing drainage, the superior gluteal artery perforator island flaps were used to repair the pressure wounds, with the area of flaps ranging from 6 cm×5 cm to 13 cm×8 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The survival of flaps after operation, the healing of wounds, and the follow-up of patients were observed. Results: After surgery, flaps of 20 patients survived well without reoperation. The length of hospital stay of patients was 20 to 40 days, with an average of 25 days. Eighteen patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, with an average of 12.2 months. The flaps were in good shape and elastic recovery. There were no complications such as seroma or hematoma in the donor sites. Both the patients and family members expressed satisfaction with the shape and texture of the flap and shape of hip. Conclusions: The superior gluteal artery perforator island flap is reliable in blood supply and easy to rotate. The flap can carry a little muscle to increase the anti-infective ability. Moreover, the donor site can be directly sutured with slight damage. Thus, it is one of the good methods for repairing sacral pressure ulcers.

[Interfacility transport with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric patients: a multicenter study in China].

Objective: To investigate application and safety of pediatric interfacility-transport with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in China. Methods: The data of 48 patients transported inter-hospital from February 2016 to May 2018 were collected from the following 4 centers: pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Bayi Children's Hospital Affiliated to the 7th Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Pediatric Hospital of Fudan University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital and Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The data of patients' characteristics, ECMO mode and wean rate, and mortality were reviewed, which was further compared with the data of 57 compatible inner-hospital ECMO cases with t test, Rank sum test or chi-square test. Results: All the 48 interfacility-transports were accomplished by ambulance on land, with an average transfer distance of (435±422) km. The incidence of ECMO complications was 13% (6 case), without death. There were no significant differences in lactic acid, PaO(2) or SaO(2) before and after transport (4.0 (2.0, 7.5) vs. 3.0 (1.5, 6.0) mmol/L, Z=-1.579, P>0.05; 112(47, 405) vs. 166(122, 240) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), Z=-0.104, P>0.05; 0.97±0.02 vs. 0.96±0.03, t=1.570, P>0.05). Instead, PaCO(2) and pH were significantly different ((47±8) vs. (42±5) mmHg, t=2.687, P<0.05; 7.3±0.2 vs. 7.5±0.2, t=3.379, P<0.05). The total ECMO weaned rate was 73% (35/48) and the survival rate was 67% (32/48). No significant differences in demographic characteristics, ECMO mode or duration, transport distance or duration, or complications existed between the survival group and the death group (7/25 vs. 2/14, χ(2)=0.615, P>0.05; 4/28 vs. 2/14, χ(2)=0, P>0.05; (405±404) vs. (493±465) km, t=0.525, P>0.05; (5±4) vs. (5±5) h, t=0.388, P>0.05; 166 (128, 239) vs. 187(52, 405) h, Z=-0.104, P>0.05; 3/32 vs. 3/16, χ(2)=0.734, P>0.05). The lowest lactate value in survival group before ECMO transport was significantly lower than that in the death group ((5±5) vs. (8±6) mmol/L, t=2.151, P<0.05). There were neither significant differences in age, ECMO mode or support pattern (9/39 vs. 15/42, χ(2)=0.845, P>0.05; 6/42 vs. 7/50, χ(2)=0.001, P>0.05; 29/19 vs. 38/19, χ(2)=0.441, P>0.05), nor in ECMO weaned rate, survival rate or complications between interfacility-transport group and inner-hospital group (35/48 vs. 37/57, χ(2)=0.775, P>0.05; 32/48 vs. 35/57, χ(2)=0.313, P>0.05; 20/48 vs. 22/57, χ(2)=0.102, P>0.05). Conclusion: With appropriate transport equipment and mature teams who handle problems timely during the transport, critically ill children could be safely transported to the destination with ECMO.

CalliSpheres® drug-eluting beads (DEB) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is equally efficient and safe in liver cancer patients with different times of previous conventional TACE treatments: a result from CTILC study.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in liver cancer patients with different times of previous conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) treatments. METHODS: 367 liver cancer patients about to receive DEB-TACE treatment were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. All patients were divided into no previous cTACE group (NPC group), 1-2 times previous cTACE group (PC group) and triple or above previous cTACE group (TPC group) according to the times of previous cTACE treatments. RESULTS: There was no difference in complete response (CR) (P = 0.671) and objective response rate (ORR) (P = 0.062) among three groups. Additionally, no difference in overall survival (OS) among groups (P = 0.899) was found. As to liver function, most liver function indexes were deteriorative at 1 week after DEB-TACE operation, but returned to baseline at 1-3 months after DEB-TACE operation in all three groups, while percentage of abnormal total bile acid (TBA) patients was higher in TPC group than NPC and PC groups at 1-3 month post-DEB-TACE (P = 0.018). As for safety profiles, the incidence of pain during DEB-TACE operation was lower in TPC group compared to NPC and PC groups (P = 0.005), while no difference of other adverse events was found during and 1 month post-DEB-TACE treatment among three groups. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE treatment was equally efficient and tolerated in liver cancer patients with different times of previous cTACE treatments.

Panel sequencing for clinically oriented variant screening and copy number detection in 142 untreated multiple myeloma patients.

We employed a customized Multiple Myeloma (MM)-specific Mutation Panel (M(3)P) to screen a homogenous cohort of 142 untreated MM patients for relevant mutations in a selection of disease-specific genes. M(3)Pv2.0 includes 77 genes selected for being either actionable targets, potentially related to drug-response or part of known key pathways in MM biology. We identified mutations in potentially actionable genes in 49% of patients and provided prognostic evidence of STAT3 mutations. This panel may serve as a practical alternative to more comprehensive sequencing approaches, providing genomic information in a timely and cost-effective manner, thus allowing clinically oriented variant screening in MM.

Correlations between an autoregressive model coefficient of the electromyogram of human jaw-closing muscles and maximum clenching time at the intercuspal position.

During maximum clenching in the intercuspal position, surface electromyograms of both masseters and both anterior temporales in seven healthy subjects with intact natural dentitions were sampled to generate a four-order, autoregressive model of the myoelectrical signal. The correlation coefficients and the linear regression between the model coefficients and the clenching time were calculated. The first-order autoregressive coefficient had the greatest negative correlation on average. In this model the first-order coefficient relates to muscular fatigue and the slope of the regressive equation relates to the length of time the isometric contraction can be maintained.

A microcomputer system for collecting and processing physiological information about the masticatory system.

A software system has been written for IBM PC, XT, AT and compatible computers to be used for data collection, analysis and display. The system supports the sampling and processing of data for jaw movement tracks, myoelectrical activities of masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and occlusal sounds and bite force, etc. The package includes the following functions: calculating displacement, velocity, curvature, and curvature center of jaw movement trace, analyzing myoelectrical signals in amplitude integration, root mean square and power spectrum, processing TMJ sounds and occlusal sounds and bite force, analysing jaw movement traces and myoelectrical activities during mastication simultaneously, determining the maxillomandibular relations, etc. The program also provides versatile formatting capability for video, printing and plotting of data, and graph creation. The most of the above programs have flexibility and adaptability to other physiological signal processes.

Proportionality of mean voltage of masseter muscle to maximum bite force applied for diagnosing temporomandibular joint disturbance syndrome.

Maximum bite force in the region of the right first maxillary molar and the corresponding mean voltage of the right masseter muscle of 29 patients suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction and 27 healthy controls were measured. In contrast with the controls, the maximum bite force of the patients was smaller (p less than 0.01), the mean voltage was nearly equal (p greater than 0.05), and the proportionality of the mean voltage to the maximum bite force of the patients was greater (p less than 0.01). These results tend to indicate that the masticatory muscles of patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction are in a state of hyperactivity and tension. The proportionality method suggested in this article is more convenient and easier to apply than previously proposed methods that measure the slope of voltage/tension curves. It may, therefore, have clinical value in the diagnosis of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

Activation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase, but not NF-kappaB, by the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1 through a TNF receptor-associated factor 2- and germinal center kinase related-dependent pathway.

A key step by which tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signals the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK, also called c-Jun N-terminal kinase or JNK) is the recruitment to the TNF receptor of TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2). However, the subsequent steps in TRAF2-induced SAPK and NF-kappaB activation remain unresolved. Here we report the identification of a TNF-responsive serine/threonine protein kinase termed GCK related (GCKR) that likely signals via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) to activate the SAPK pathway. TNF, TRAF2, and ultraviolet (UV) light, which in part uses the TNF receptor signaling pathway, all increased GCKR activity. A TRAF2 mutant, which inhibits both TRAF2-induced NF-kappaB and SAPK activation, blocked TNF-induced GCKR activation. Finally, interference with GCKR expression impeded TRAF2- and TNF-induced SAPK activation but not that of NF-kappaB. This suggests a divergence in the TNF signaling pathway that leads to SAPK and NF-kappaB activation, which is located downstream of TRAF2 but upstream of GCKR.

Influence of an occlusal splint on integrated electromyography of the masseter muscles.

In order to examine the effect of an occlusal splint on the integrated electromyography (EMG) of the masticatory muscles, EMG of bilateral masseter muscles of 23 patients with temporomandibular joint disturbance syndrome (TMJDS), with and without an occlusal splint, was measured and integrated on line during maximum clenching. It was found that the integrated myoelectrical value of the masseter muscle on the involved and non-involved side was reduced with the occlusal splint. The absolute difference between integrated myoelectrical values in the left and right masseter muscles was reduced with an occlusal splint, but the relative difference remained virtually unchanged. These results indicate that the occlusal splint can decrease masseter muscle activity and thus exert a therapeutic effect.

Relationship between autoregressive model coefficients of EMG and its potentials of jaw closing muscles at rest position and clenching.

At rest position and varied clenching levels at intercuspal position, autoregressive (AR) models of myoelectrical activities of both masseter and anterior temporal muscles of 11 healthy subjects with intact natural dentitions were established. The relationship between the AR model coefficients of surface EMGs and their potentials was analyzed by multiple linear regression. It was found that the fourth order coefficient of AR had the greatest effect on the EMG potential levels and their relationship was positive in all recorded muscles. The results indicate the AR coefficients may become a characteristic parameter to describe myoelectrical activity of jaw closing muscles.

Observation of proportionality of myoelectrical activity of anterior temporalis to masseter muscle during clenching at varied jaw positions.

Twelve healthy subjects with an intact permanent dentition and normal occlusion were selected for sampling of myoelectrical activity of their left and right anterior temporal and masseter muscles during habitual clenching level in varied positions. The proportionality of normalized myoelectrical potentials of anterior temporal muscle to masseter muscle at ICP and RCP was greater than one, while the proportionality at PP was less than one. In the lateral position, the proportionality on the working side was approximately equal to that at RCP, while the proportionality on the non-working side was similar to that at PP. These results suggest that temporal muscle contraction can bring the mandible upward and backward whilst the masseter muscle can elevate the mandible upward and forward.

Postural and maximum activity in elevators during mandible pre- and post-occlusal splint treatment of temporomandibular joint disturbance syndrome.

Electromyograms (EMGs) of the temporal and masseter muscles in sixty patients with temporomandibular joint disturbance syndrome (TMJDS) and thirty controls were recorded and integrated on-line in the postural position and during maximum clenching, before and after occlusal splint therapy. Contrasting with the controls, the myoelectrical activity of the patients was higher in the postural position and lower during maximum clenching, whilst the former in percentage terms increased when compared to the latter. After treatment, the EMG indexes in some patients returned partially, and in others completely, to a normal level. Tenderness in the mandibular elevators, deviated opening and organic change in the TMJ increased the postural myoelectrical activity, in percentage terms, against that of maximum clenching. The myoelectrical activity of the mandibular elevators in the postural position and during maximum clenching was smaller in patients with the occlusal splint than in those without. The results show that the mandibular elevators in the patients with TMJDS were hyperactive and tense, and that the occlusal splint was useful for treating such dysfunction.

PYK2 links G(q)alpha and G(13)alpha signaling to NF-kappa B activation.

Signaling via a variety of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) leads to activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B. Evidence exists for a signaling pathway initiated by the B2 type bradykinin receptor via G(q) activation, which leads to the sequential stimulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), the serine/threonine kinase Akt, I kappa B kinases, and finally nuclear factor NF-kappa B-dependent transcription. GPCR-mediated G(q)alpha or G(13)alpha activation also potently stimulates the tyrosine kinase PYK2. In this study we tested whether G(q)alpha- and/or G(13)alpha-induced PYK2 activation contributes to GPCR-mediated NF-kappa B activation. Among the GTPase-deficient forms of G alpha tested, G(13)alpha and G(q)alpha most potently stimulated an NF-kappa B-dependent reporter gene. PYK2 activated the same reporter gene and synergized with either G(q)alpha Q209L (QL) or G(13)alpha Q226L (QL). Placing PYK2 upstream of both PI3K and Akt activation, PYK2 activated Akt through a PI3K-dependent pathway, and either a dominant negative form of Akt or the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 blocked PYK2-stimulated NF-kappa B-dependent transcription. Placing PYK2 downstream of G-protein activation, a kinase-dead form of PYK2, PYK2 (KD), blocked NF-kappa B-dependent transcription triggered by signaling through the muscarinic receptor type 1 and either G(q)alpha QL or G(13)alpha QL. PYK2 (KD) also blocked Akt activation by the same stimuli. These results indicate that PYK2 can link G-protein activation through PI3K, Akt, and I kappa B kinase to NF-kappa B activation.

Elementary identification of a gnathosonic classification using an autoregressive model.

This was an investigation to determine the feasibility of an autoregressive (AR) model for establishing characteristic parameters from recorded occlusal sounds and develop their classification. Thirty four normal subjects with intact natural dentitions were selected for the study. The subjects' occlusal sounds from both sides of their faces respectively were sampled, and the gnathosonic classification (Class A, B and C) was established by observing the original recorded wave pattern and measuring the duration. Then, a 20 order AR model was calculated with the collected data, and the AR model coefficients were found to be similar to the indices of Bayes' discriminatory analysis. The total conformation rates of the modelled left and right occlusal sounds to the classification, estimated by Bayes' discriminant functions were 97.06% and 88.24% respectively. AR coefficients representing the characteristics of human occlusal sounds can be helpful in their classification and allow computer diagnosis of occlusal disorders.

Extracting direction and curvature features of jaw movement traces with chain code.

Frontal chewing patterns have been classified in a manual and visual way on recorded movement tracks. The main aim of this study was to use a chain code method to extract the direction and curvature features of the tracks in the frontal plane. The test results indicate that the chain code can stand for the direction and curvature. The chewing movement tracks in the frontal plane can be clustered into chain code values. The method therefore appears to be useful in the classification of chewing movements.

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.