Sensitivity and specificity of the ICDAS II system and bitewing radiographs for detecting occlusal caries using the Spectra™ caries detection system as the reference test in children.

BACKGROUND: Most studies assessing the sensitivity and specificity of caries detection methods have been performed in vitro using the histological method as the gold standard showing inconsistent values. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity in detecting occlusal caries using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) with the radiographic method (RM), while using the Spectra™ Caries Detection System (SCDS) as the reference test. METHODS: One hundred sixty children, ages 7-12 years, participated in the study. Five zones in the occlusal surfaces of 859 primary and 632 first permanent molars were examined visually using ICDAS-II, the RM using bitewing radiographs and SCDS. The descriptive statistics of sensitivity and specificity were calculated and compared. RESULTS: For all molars combined and for primary molars only, the sensitivity of ICDAS II was higher for detecting total caries (p < 0.001), caries in enamel (p < 0.001), and caries in dentin (p = 0.016), but it was not different for detecting caries in the dentin of permanent first molars (p = 0.214), and primary second molars (p = 0.761). The specificity of RM was higher for detecting total caries, caries in enamel for all molars combined and for permanent first molars (p < 0.001). For caries in dentin, the specificity of ICDAS II was higher for all molars combined and for primary molars only (p < 0.001). For total caries in primary molars only, and caries in dentin of permanent first molars only, the specificity was not different (p = 0.156 and p = 0.181 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of ICDAS II and RM changes depending on whether the carious lesion compromises the enamel or dentin, and if the caries detection is performed in the primary molars or permanent first molars.

Ethanol yield improvement in Saccharomyces cerevisiae GPD2 Delta FPS1 Delta ADH2 Delta DLD3 Delta mutant and molecular mechanism exploration based on the metabolic flux and transcriptomics approaches.

BACKGROUND: Saccharomyces cerevisiae generally consumes glucose to produce ethanol accompanied by the main by-products of glycerol, acetic acid, and lactic acid. The minimization of the formation of by-products in S. cerevisiae was an effective way to improve the economic viability of the bioethanol industry. In this study, S. cerevisiae GPD2, FPS1, ADH2, and DLD3 genes were knocked out by the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) approach. The mechanism of gene deletion affecting ethanol metabolism was further elucidated based on metabolic flux and transcriptomics approaches. RESULTS: The engineered S. cerevisiae with gene deletion of GPD2, FPS1, ADH2, and DLD3 was constructed by the CRISPR-Cas9 approach. The ethanol content of engineered S. cerevisiae GPD2 Delta FPS1 Delta ADH2 Delta DLD3 Delta increased by 18.58% with the decrease of glycerol, acetic acid, and lactic acid contents by 22.32, 8.87, and 16.82%, respectively. The metabolic flux analysis indicated that the carbon flux rethanol in engineered strain increased from 60.969 to 63.379. The sequencing-based RNA-Seq transcriptomics represented 472 differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified in engineered S. cerevisiae, in which 195 and 277 genes were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. The enriched pathways of up-regulated genes were mainly involved in the energy metabolism of carbohydrates, while the down-regulated genes were mainly enriched in acid metabolic pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The yield of ethanol in engineered S. cerevisiae increased with the decrease of the by-products including glycerol, acetic acid, and lactic acid. The deletion of genes GPD2, FPS1, ADH2, and DLD3 resulted in the redirection of carbon flux.

Generational perspectives of orthodontists in the U.S. and Canada: A survey study.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to identify differences between generations of orthodontists in the United States and to evaluate the perspective of each generation on widely debated topics in orthodontics. METHODS: A 22-item Institutional Review Board-approved survey was randomly distributed to orthodontists in the United States and Canada. Participants were asked questions about the use of technology, the future of clear aligner therapy, orthodontic education, student debt, marketing, and corporate orthodontics, among other topics. RESULTS: Significant increase in female orthodontists over generations and a decrease in orthodontic educators were found (P <0.001). Among generations, differences were found regarding the amount of student debt, use of specific diagnostic tools, marketing preferences, and their opinion on the future of clear aligner therapy. Most of the silent generation did not have student debt, whereas millennials reported paying off their debt in 1 year to >20 years and being most heavily burdened by student debt. Younger generations appeared more likely to use cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral imaging, whereas older generations preferred traditional diagnostic tools such as hand-wrist radiographs and alginate impressions. Most of the silent generation indicated not marketing their practices, whereas millennials rely heavily on social media and e-mails for marketing. CONCLUSIONS: Clear distinctions exist between different generations of orthodontists. Issues such as increasing student debt load and a decrease in orthodontic educators over generations should be addressed to preserve the future of the orthodontic specialty.

Analysis of the risk factors of linezolid-related haematological toxicity in Chinese patients.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES: Haematological toxicity including thrombocytopenia, anaemia and leucopenia is the main adverse events of linezolid (LZD) therapy. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for LZD-induced haematological toxicity and define the threshold of plasma trough concentration to minimize the haematological toxicity. METHODS: 145 patients who received LZD for more than 10 days were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence of LZD-induced haematological toxicity. Meanwhile, the risk factors of haematological toxicity were confirmed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: 9 (6.2%) patients developed leucopenia, while 52 (35.9%) and 26 (17.9%) patients developed thrombocytopenia and anaemia, respectively. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR, 2.744; 95% CI, 1.117-6.734; p = 0.028) and baseline platelet count <200 × 109 /L (OR, 6.817; 95% CI, 2.870-16.193; p < 0.0001) were found to be significant risk factors for LZD-related thrombocytopenia. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) >80 U/L (OR, 4.844; 95% CI, 1.207-19.451; p = 0.026) and eGFR <90 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR, 7.132; 95% CI, 2.088-24.357; p = 0.002) were the risk factors for LZD-related anaemia. However, no significant risk factors were identified for LZD-related leucopenia. Moreover, LZD plasma trough concentration >8 mg/L [OR, 3.047; 95% CI, 1.233-7.539; p = 0.016] could be a predictor for the development of thrombocytopenia and anaemia. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Hepatic and/or renal dysfunction are the risk factors for LZD-related haematological toxicity, while the target plasma trough concentration within 8 mg/L via dose reduction could minimize the haematological toxicity induced by LZD.

Cryptic species in White Cloud Mountain minnow, Tanichthys albonubes: Taxonomic and conservation implications.

Cryptic species describe two or more species that had mistakenly been considered to be a single species, a phenomenon that has been found throughout the tree of life. Recognizing cryptic species is key to estimating the real biodiversity of the world and understanding evolutionary processes. Molecular methods present an unprecedented opportunity for biologists to question whether morphologically similar populations are actually cryptic species. The minnow Tanichthys albonubes is a critically endangered freshwater fish and was classified as a second-class state-protected animal in China. Previous studies have revealed highly divergent lineages with similar morphological characters in this species. Herein, we tested for cryptic species across the ranges of all known wild populations of this minnow. Using multilocus molecular (one mitochondrial gene, two nuclear genes and 13 microsatellite loci) and morphological data for 230 individuals from eight populations, we found deep genetic divergence among these populations with subtle morphological disparity. Morphological examination found variance among these populations in the number of branched anal-fin rays. Based on genetic data, we inferred eight monophyletic groups that were well supported by haplotype network and population clustering analyses. Species delimitation methods suggested eight putative species in the T. albonubes complex. Molecular dating suggested that these cryptic species diverged in the period from the Pliocene to the Pleistocene. Based on these findings, we propose the existence of seven cryptic species in the T. albonubes complex. Our results highlight the need for a taxonomic revision of Tanichthys. What is more, the conservation status of and conservation strategies for the T. albonubes complex should be reassessed as soon as possible.

Association of trimester-specific gestational weight gain with birth weight and fetal growth in a large community-based population.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that the association of gestational weight gain (GWG) with fetal birthweight and offspring developmental growth was unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the respective effect of 1 kg of GWG during three trimesters on birthweight and offspring growth from birth to 3 years of age. METHODS: We extracted the decoded information from the Maternal and Child Health Information Management System of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Zhejiang, China from October 2001 to March 2015, and used multiple linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: This study included 20,232 women with a full-term singleton birth and 15,557 newborns who took regular health check-ups. Compared to that in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, 1 kg GWG increasing in the 1st trimester had the strongest positive association with higher birthweight, body weight, and height from 1 to 36 months. Their associations with BMI after birth were similar among the three trimesters. In addition, some positive dose-response effects found between quartiles of GWG in the 1st trimester and offspring body weight, as well as BMI. The 1 kg GWG in 1st trimester played the strongest role in contributing to birth weight and benefiting to body growth among children aged up to 3 years. CONCLUSION: The 1 kg GWG in 1st trimester contributed more to birth weight and body development from birth to 3 years compared to the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The possible beneficial effects of GWG in the 1st trimester on birthweight and offspring development in under/normal weight mothers are found.

Disruption of the mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) plays a central role in palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance.

The mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) is a specialized subdomain of ER that physically connects with mitochondria. Although disruption of inter-organellar crosstalk via the MAM impairs cellular homeostasis, its pathological significance in insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus remains unclear. Here, we reveal the importance of reduced MAM formation in the induction of fatty acid-evoked insulin resistance in hepatocytes. Palmitic acid (PA) repressed insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in HepG2 cells within 12h. Treatment with an inhibitor of the ER stress response failed to restore PA-mediated suppression of Akt activation. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production did not increase in PA-treated cells. Even short-term exposure (3h) to PA reduced the calcium flux from ER to mitochondria, followed by a significant decrease in MAM contact area, suggesting that PA suppressed the functional interaction between ER and mitochondria. Forced expression of mitofusin-2, a critical component of the MAM, partially restored MAM contact area and ameliorated the PA-elicited suppression of insulin sensitivity with Ser473 phosphorylation of Akt selectively improved. These results suggest that loss of proximity between ER and mitochondria, but not perturbation of homeostasis in the two organelles individually, plays crucial roles in PA-evoked Akt inactivation in hepatic insulin resistance.

The relationship of dietary diversity score with depression and anxiety among prenatal and post-partum women.

AIM: The objective of the study is to explore the relationship between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and anxiety and depression of perinatal women. METHODS: The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the dietary recall questionnaire were used to measure the status of depression, anxiety and dietary diversity at T1 (first trimester), T2 (second trimester), T3 (third trimester) and T4 (post-partum). The association of dietary diversity and food groups with depression and anxiety status were estimated by linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression and anxiety status were the highest at T1, which were 35.58% and 22.57%, respectively. Cross-sectional and longitudinal association of DDS with SDS and SAS was estimated by ordinary or multilevel linear or logistic model. In the cross-sectional analysis, high dietary status (>6) was negatively associated with depression status [T1: OR (95% CI) = 0.56 (0.46, 0.69); T2: 0.55 (0.36, 0.84); T3: 0.45 (0.31, 0.65); T4: 0.58 (0.34, 0.99)] and anxiety status [T1: OR (95% CI) = 0.70 (0.56, 0.88); T2: 0.42 (0.27, 0.65)]. In the longitudinal analysis, it was demonstrated that the DDS level was negatively associated with SDS [ß(se) = -0.99 (0.09), P = <0.0001] and SAS scores [ß(se) = -0.37 (0.08), P = <0.0001] throughout pregnancy. There was a negative relationship between some food groups and SDS or SAS scores at different periods. CONCLUSION: A negative relationship between DDS and depression as well as anxiety was found among prenatal and post-partum women.

Perceptions of chin asymmetries among dental professionals and laypersons.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have looked at a variety of dental and facial asymmetries and compared their detection by dental professionals with those of laypersons. However, few studies have analyzed the diagnosis and perception of chin asymmetries. In this study, we assessed whether dental professionals can recognize and diagnose facial asymmetries of the chin better than laypeople. METHODS: Chin asymmetries were analyzed through a series of edited frontal photographs of 2 subjects (male and female). The transverse position of the chin was digitally altered from 0° (no alteration) to 6° (most severe alteration). Participant responses were collected from laypersons (n = 64), nonorthodontist dentists (n = 58), and orthodontists (n = 145). Participants graded the photographs according to esthetic appeal using a visual analog scale. Statistical analysis produced diagnostic threshold levels for identifying chin asymmetries. RESULTS: Nonorthodontist dentists and orthodontists were better able to diagnose transverse chin asymmetry in the female subject at a lower threshold level of 2° of deviation, compared with laypersons at a 3° deviation. Orthodontists could diagnose transverse chin asymmetry in the male subject at a lower threshold level of 1° of deviation, compared with laypersons and nonorthodontist dentists at a 2° deviation. All 3 groups of raters graded very small or no chin asymmetries (1° and 0°) as more attractive, whereas high degrees of chin asymmetries (5° and 6°) were graded as most unattractive by all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Transverse asymmetries of the chin influence the perception of facial attractiveness by laypersons, nonorthodontist dentists, and orthodontists. Subjects with small asymmetries are graded as most attractive, and subjects with large asymmetries are graded as least attractive. Orthodontists were the harshest graders, followed by the nonorthodontist dentists, whereas laypersons were the most lenient. The accuracy of diagnosing chin asymmetries varied among laypersons, nonorthodontist dentists, and orthodontists. Laypersons were the least accurate in diagnosing transverse chin asymmetries in a female subject, and they were just as accurate as nonorthodontist dentists when diagnosing this asymmetry in a male subject. Nonorthodontist dentists were just as accurate as orthodontists when diagnosing transverse chin asymmetries in a female subject, and orthodontists were the most accurate in diagnosing transverse chin asymmetries in a male subject.

Prevalence and relevant factors of anxiety and depression among pregnant women in a cohort study from south-east China.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence rate of prenatal anxiety and depression among pregnant women in a prospective cohort study and to explore the relevant factors of anxiety and depression during each trimester. METHODS: Pregnant women were recruited into the Zhoushan Pregnant Women Cohort at Zhoushan Maternal and Child Care Hospital from September 2011 to March 2015. A self-made questionnaire was used to collect information about social demography, reproductive history, physical activity, and life behaviour at the first, second and third trimester, respectively. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess anxiety and depression status at each trimester, respectively. Prevalence rates of prenatal anxiety and depression at each trimester were described. RESULTS: The prevalence of anxiety status was 22.7%, 17.4% and 20.8% in the first, second and third trimester, respectively. The corresponding prevalence rate of depression status was 35.7%, 24.0% and 26.1%, respectively. Furthermore, women with a lower education level (junior high school or below) and a more physical occupation had higher prevalence of anxiety and depression status. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of prenatal anxiety and depression status was very common during pregnancy among pregnant women. Lower educational level and more physical occupations were associated with higher prevalence of anxiety and depression status.

Sleep was associated with depression and anxiety status during pregnancy: a prospective longitudinal study.

The purpose of this study was to reveal the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of sleep with depression and anxiety among Chinese pregnant women. Pregnant women were recruited in Zhoushan Pregnant Women Cohort at Zhoushan Maternal and Child Care Hospital from 2011 to 2015. Self-rating depression scales (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scales (SAS) were used for evaluating depression and anxiety status at each trimester; corresponding sleep quality and duration were reported by pregnant women. Ordinary or multilevel linear and logistic regression model were used to estimate the cross-sectional or longitudinal association of sleep with depression and anxiety. The prevalence rates were 35.64, 24.23, and 26.24% for depression and 22.57, 17.41, and 21.04% for anxiety at 1st (T1), 2nd (T2), and 3rd trimester (T3), respectively. Controlling for potential confounders, it revealed significant cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of sleep with depression and anxiety status. In cross-sectional analysis, women who slept less than 8 h/day had higher risk of depression (T1: OR (95%CI) = 1.75 (1.39, 2.20); T2: 1.52 (1.26, 2.05); T3: 1.60 (1.18, 2.05)) and anxiety (T1: 2.00 (1.57, 2.55); T2: 1.86 (1.37, 2.54); T3: 1.33 (0.99, 1.79)). In the longitudinal analysis, multilevel model revealed that women with subjective "fair" or "bad" sleep quality had elevated risk of depression (OR ranging from 1.54 to 3.71) and anxiety (2.38 to 7.53) during pregnancy. Prenatal depression and anxiety status were prevalent in pregnant women. Sleep quality was associated with depression and anxiety status in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, implying that improving sleep quality should benefit for mental health of pregnant women.

Serum thyroid hormone levels among Chinese pregnant women.

AIM: The aim of this study is to examine gestational serum thyroid hormone levels and influencing factors among Chinese pregnant women with high dietary iodine intake. METHODS: The study was conducted from 2011 and 2013 in Zhoushan Women & Children's Hospital, Zhejiang, China. A total of 1991 pregnant women were enrolled and their serum levels of free thyroid hormones (FT4, FT3, and TSH) were detected by chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: Gestational serum FT4 and FT3 decreased with gestational week while TSH increased. Furthermore, the prevalence rate of subclinical hypothyroid increased with gestational stages, especially in the third trimester. Women aged more than 30 years had lower FT4 and FT3 in the first trimester and lower FT4 in the second trimester. No significant difference was found in the association of gestational serum thyroid hormones with maternal height and the gender of fetuses. CONCLUSION: Gestational serum thyroid hormones significantly changed with gestational week and were associated with the age of women. Specific normal range of thyroid hormones might be modified so as to better evaluate the thyroid hormone levels of pregnant women during pregnancy.

Fisher Discrimination of Metabolic Changes in Rats Treated with Aspirin and Ibuprofen.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin and ibuprofen are the most frequently prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the world. However, both are associated with a variety of toxicities. We applied serum metabonomics and Fisher discrimination for the early diagnosis of its toxic reaction in order to help diagnose these toxicities. METHODS: A total of 45 rats were randomly divided into Control group, Aspirin group, and Ibuprofen groups. The experiment groups were given intragastric aspirin (15 mg/kg) or ibuprofen (15 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. Liver function tests were performed and blood metabonomics were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The most important compounds altered were trihydroxybutyric acid and l-alanine in the aspirin group, and acetoacetic acid, l-alanine, and trihydroxybutyric acid in the ibuprofen group. With respect to metabolic profiles, all 3 groups were completely distinct from one another. Fisher discrimination showed that 91.1% of the original grouped cases were correctly classified by the third week. However, only 55.6% of liver function tests were able to classify grouped cases correctly. CONCLUSION: Trihydroxybutyric acid, l-alanine, and acetoacetic acid were the most significant indicators of altered serum metabolites following intragastric administration of aspirin and ibuprofen in rates. These metabolomic data may be used for classification of aspirin and ibuprofen toxicity.

Outdoor temperature and temperature maintenance associated with blood pressure in 438,811 Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVES: The association of temperature maintenance with blood pressure (BP) has not been studied and the association of temperature with season-related BP was not being well understood. The present study aims to be further aware of season-related BP variation in Chinese adults. METHODS: We used decoded data from adults who visited the hospital for health examination from January 2008 to November 2013. Multivariate regression models were used to analyses the association between outdoor temperature and BP. RESULTS: The analysis included 438,811 adults. Larger change of BP accompanied with unit change of average outdoor temperature among outpatient than inpatient patients. The association of temperature with BP was stronger in normotensives than that in hypertensives. Compared with temperature variation, the impact of temperature maintenance on BP was smaller. These associations were stronger in men, older individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature was strongly inversely associated with BP in Chinese adults. Temperature maintenance was mildly associated with BP compared to temperature variance. Seasonal temperature variation should be considered when screening for hypertension.

Periodontal disease, tooth loss and dementia: Is there a link? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that dementia is caused by neuronal damage due to chronic inflammation from peripheral sources such as the oral cavity in periodontal disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our review was to assess the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment associated with chronic periodontitis and multiple tooth loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extensive search of electronic databases of articles on the relation between periodontitis, tooth loss and dementia published on or before April 2016 was conducted. Experimental and human studies that provided a description consistent with multiple tooth loss, chronic periodontal disease and cognitive impairment obtained by validated methods were selected. The data extracted from the articles included study design, country of origin, sample size, methods used to assess periodontitis and cognition, average age at the baseline and number of years of follow-up. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of human studies. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 756 articles which were independently screened, and 16 articles were included in the review. Four human studies reported an association of subsequent dementia with multiple tooth loss. One human study reported that chronic periodontal disease was associated with dementia. Eight experimental studies demonstrated an association between cognitive impairment and tooth loss. CONCLUSION: The literature on chronic periodontitis and multiple tooth loss as risk factors to dementia remains inconclusive. More randomised clinical trials on the association between periodontitis and dementia with uniform criteria for evaluation and diagnosis of periodontitis are warranted.

In Vitro Wear Resistance of Nano-Hybrid Composite Denture Teeth.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the wear resistance of nano-hybrid composite denture teeth as compared to two commonly used denture teeth: interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) and double crosslinking polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 18 styli and 18 disk specimens were prepared from the three denture tooth materials: nano-hybrid composite, IPN, and double crosslinking PMMA. The specimens were mounted in a two-body wear testing machine to simulate chewing in the complete denture. The amount of wear from the styli specimens were measured before and after using a digital micrometer, and the depth of the wear track from the disk specimens was measured using a noncontact 3D optical profilometer. The total wear from each denture tooth group was compared using one-way ANOVA with a 0.05 significance level. A Tukey post hoc test was used to determine differences between the three groups. RESULTS: The mean total wear in the nano-hybrid composite teeth group was 1.16 mm, SD = 0.5 mm, statistically significantly higher (p ≤ 0.0001) than the IPN (mean = 0.13 mm, SD = 0.05) and double crosslinking PMMA tooth groups (mean = 0.31 mm, SD = 0.19). There was no statistically significant difference between IPN denture teeth and double crosslinking PMMA denture teeth in the amount of wear. CONCLUSIONS: Nano-hybrid composite denture teeth exhibited statistically significantly more wear than the IPN and double crosslinking PMMA denture teeth.

RASAL3, a novel hematopoietic RasGAP protein, regulates the number and functions of NKT cells.

Ras GTPase-activating proteins negatively regulate the Ras/Erk signaling pathway, thereby playing crucial roles in the proliferation, function, and development of various types of cells. In this study, we identified a novel Ras GTPase-activating proteins protein, RASAL3, which is predominantly expressed in cells of hematopoietic lineages, including NKT, B, and T cells. We established systemic RASAL3-deficient mice, and the mice exhibited a severe decrease in NKT cells in the liver at 8 weeks of age. The treatment of RASAL3-deficient mice with α-GalCer, a specific agonist for NKT cells, induced liver damage, but the level was less severe than that in RASAL3-competent mice, and the attenuated liver damage was accompanied by a reduced production of interleukin-4 and interferon-γ from NKT cells. RASAL3-deficient NKT cells treated with α-GalCer in vitro presented augmented Erk phosphorylation, suggesting that there is dysregulated Ras signaling in the NKT cells of RASAL3-deficient mice. Taken together, these results suggest that RASAL3 plays an important role in the expansion and functions of NKT cells in the liver by negatively regulating Ras/Erk signaling, and might be a therapeutic target for NKT-associated diseases.

Head Start Oral Health Assessment.

PURPOSE: A Head Start program located in Paterson, New Jersey considered establishing a school-based dental clinic to address unmet oral health needs such as access to care and the need for restorative treatment. The purpose of this study was to establish the oral health status of Head Start children, their treatment needs, and parents' interest and willingness to utilize a school-based dental clinic. DESCRIPTION: School-based dental care has been used to address access to care issues, particularly among children who live in underserved areas. A 21 item survey was used to correlate the results of an oral exam performed on the Head Start children and the parents' preferences, beliefs and access patterns. Fisher's exact test and Chi squared test were used to study the association among variable with significance levels set at 0.05. Assessment The oral exam revealed a high caries rate amongst all of the children. Parental responses indicated strong support for the establishment of a school-based clinic and identified the need for further parental education. Having a regular source of care was found to be unrelated to treatment needs. CONCLUSION: Further education of the parents regarding the child's oral health is critical to the success and viability of this school-based clinic.

Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis and its relationship to overall tooth size.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Agenesis of the maxillary lateral incisor has been linked to differences in the size of the remaining teeth. Thus, the mesiodistal space required for definitive esthetic restoration in patients with missing maxillary lateral incisors may be reduced. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a tooth size discrepancy exists in orthodontic patients with agenesis of one or both maxillary lateral incisors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty sets of dental casts from orthodontic patients (19 men and 21 women; mean 15.9 years of age; all of European origin) were collected. All casts had agenesis of one or both maxillary lateral incisors. Teeth were measured with a digital caliper at their greatest mesiodistal width and then compared with those of a control group matched for ethnicity, age, and sex. Four-factor ANOVA with repeated measures of 2 factors was used for statistical analysis (α=.05). RESULTS: Orthodontic patients with agenesis of one or both maxillary lateral incisors exhibited smaller than normal tooth size compared with the control group. The maxillary arch had a larger tooth size difference between the control and test groups than the mandibular arch (there was a significant Jaw × Group interaction [F=4.78, P=.032]). CONCLUSIONS: Agenesis of one or both maxillary lateral incisors is significantly associated with tooth size discrepancy, which may affect the space remaining for restoration of the remaining teeth.

Epigenetically coordinated GATA2 binding is necessary for endothelium-specific endomucin expression.

GATA2 is well recognized as a key transcription factor and regulator of cell-type specificity and differentiation. Here, we carried out comparative chromatin immunoprecipitation with comprehensive sequencing (ChIP-seq) to determine genome-wide occupancy of GATA2 in endothelial cells and erythroids, and compared the occupancy to the respective gene expression profile in each cell type. Although GATA2 was commonly expressed in both cell types, different GATA2 bindings and distinct cell-specific gene expressions were observed. By using the ChIP-seq with epigenetic histone modifications and chromatin conformation capture assays; we elucidated the mechanistic regulation of endothelial-specific GATA2-mediated endomucin gene expression, that was regulated by the endothelial-specific chromatin loop with a GATA2-associated distal enhancer and core promoter. Knockdown of endomucin markedly attenuated endothelial cell growth, migration and tube formation. Moreover, abrogation of GATA2 in endothelium demonstrated not only a reduction of endothelial-specific markers, but also induction of mesenchymal transition promoting gene expression. Our findings provide new insights into the correlation of endothelial-expressed GATA2 binding, epigenetic modification, and the determination of endothelial cell specificity.