Unique features of conventional and nonconventional introns in Euglena gracilis.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear introns in Euglenida have been understudied. This study aimed to investigate nuclear introns in Euglenida by identifying a large number of introns in Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis), including cis-spliced conventional and nonconventional introns, as well as trans-spliced outrons. We also examined the sequence characteristics of these introns. RESULTS: A total of 28,337 introns and 11,921 outrons were identified. Conventional and nonconventional introns have distinct splice site features; the former harbour canonical GT/C-AG splice sites, whereas the latter are capable of forming structured motifs with their terminal sequences. We observed that short introns had a preference for canonical GT-AG introns. Notably, conventional introns and outrons in E. gracilis exhibited a distinct cytidine-rich polypyrimidine tract, in contrast to the thymidine-rich tracts observed in other organisms. Furthermore, the SL-RNAs in E. gracilis, as well as in other trans-splicing species, can form a recently discovered motif called the extended U6/5' ss duplex with the respective U6s. We also describe a novel type of alternative splicing pattern in E. gracilis. The tandem repeat sequences of introns in this protist were determined, and their contents were comparable to those in humans. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the unique features of E. gracilis introns and provide insights into the splicing mechanism of these introns, as well as the genomics and evolution of Euglenida.

Use of 3D printing models for donor tooth extraction in autotransplantation cases.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether the 3D printing model has auxiliary functions in toto extraction of donor tooth in autotransplantation cases. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty patients who would have operation of ATT were divided into two groups. In group 1, determination of the tooth extraction in toto was predicted only according to the clinical and imaging examination. In group 2, the prediction was performed according to the clinical and imaging examination as well as the 3D model of donor tooth pre-extraction. A prespctive clinical study was designed on intra-group comparison between the predicted and actual donor teeth situation when extraction in cases of ATT. The consistent rate for the predicted results and the actual results were compared with the two groups. RESULTS: A remarkable difference was observed between the predicted results and the actual results of tooth positions and root numbers in group without model (p < 0,05). The consistency rate of the model group (94.62%) was significantly higher than that of non 3D model group (86.15%) (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: The 3D printing model for the donor tooth is helpful for dentists to predict the accuracy of toto extraction of donor teeth in autotransplantation cases.

The effect of methamphetamine abuse on dental caries and periodontal diseases in an Eastern China city.

BACKGROUND: Dental diseases are among the most frequently reported health problems in drug abusers. However, few studies have been conducted on oral health of methamphetamine (meth) abusers in China. The aim of the present study was to investigate the caries and periodontal health profile of former meth abusers in Eastern China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 162 former meth abusers in the male Zhoushan Compulsory Detoxification Center. A standardized questionnaire, which collected information about age, drug-use duration / pattern, oral hygiene habit and systemic diseases, was administered. Then, a dental examination was performed to investigate the severity of dental caries and periodontal diseases. In evaluating dental caries, the prevalence of dental caries, the scores of decayed teeth (DT), missing teeth (MT), filled teeth (FT), and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) were recorded. In evaluating periodontal diseases, community periodontal index (CPI), and the prevalence of gingival bleeding, dental calculus, periodontal pocket and loose teeth, were recorded. Additionally, the non-parametric test was adopted to analyze the potential risk factors via SPSS. RESULTS: All the participants abused meth by inhalation. The mean scores of DT, MT, FT and DMFT in the former meth users were 2.72 ± 2.78, 3.07 ± 3.94, 0.33 ± 1.03 and 6.13 ± 5.20 respectively. The prevalence of gingival bleeding, dental calculus, periodontal pocket and loose teeth was 97.53%, 95.68%, 51.23% and 9.26% respectively. The DT, DMFT and CPI scores in those who had abused meth for longer than 4 years were significantly higher than those who abused for less than 4 years (P = 0.039, 0.045, P < 0.001, respectively). The DT score in those who brushed their teeth more than twice a day were significantly lower than those who brushed less (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The status of caries and periodontal diseases among former male meth users in Eastern China was poor. Prolonged drug abuse and lower frequency of tooth brushing may be the risk factors of their poor status of caries and periodontal diseases.

[Tenotomy fixed on distal trochlea under arthroscopy for long head of biceps tendon and rotator cuff tear].

OBJECTIVE: To explore operative technique and clinical efficacy of tenotomy fixed on distal trochlea under arthroscopy for long head of biceps tendon and rotator cuff tear. METHODS: From June 2015 to November 2016, 23 patients with long head of biceps tendon and rotator cuff tear were treated with tenotomy fixed on distal trochlea under arthroscopy and rotator cuff repair. Among them, including 9 males and 14 females aged from 44 to 71 years old with an average of(56.38±5.74) years old, 3 patients on left shoulder injury, and the other 20 patients on right shoulder injury. Constant-Murley shoulder score, VAS score and improvement of shoulder ROM were assessed before operation, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 12 to 18 months with an average of (15.37±4.82) months. Ipsilateral shoulder had no obvious pain, and ROM and muscle power almost returned to the level of patients' uninjured shoulder. Postoperative Constant-Murley score at 3 months was 67.47±12.19, 74.82±13.26 at 6 months after operation and 93.47±10.19 at 12 months after operation, which were better than that of 39.62±12.39 before operation. According to Constant-Murley score, 18 patients got excellent results, 4 good and 1 poor. There was statistical significance in VAS score before operation 6.85±2.14 and 0.36±0.54 at 12 months after operation. Anteflexion of shoulder joint and abduction at 12 months after operation were (163.55±15.24)°, (164.37±14.46)°, and improved more than before operation (75.52±6.31)°, (84.36±13.36)°. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical effects of tenotomy fixed on distal trochlea under arthroscopy for long head of biceps tendon and rotator cuff tear were satisfied, solving pains of shoulder joint, recovering shoulder joint functions without damaging appearance and muscle strength of musculus biceps brachii.

Thorough documentation of the accidental aspiration and ingestion of foreign objects during dental procedure is necessary: review and analysis of 617 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To review the cases of accidental aspiration and ingestion of foreign objects during dental procedure, and to emphasize the importance of thorough documentation of the accidents. METHODS: A comprehensive search on (dental procedure/treatment/practice), (aspiration/inhalation), and (ingestion/swallow) was performed for all years before 1st October 2014 available. The statistic analysis was made on the variables including journals and reported year, patients' age, gender, general conditions, dental procedure and location for procedure, foreign objects, site of involvement, possible causes, anesthesia during procedure and treatment, symptoms, treatment time and treatment modality, follow-up, and so on. RESULTS: A total of 617 cases reported by 45 articles from 37 kinds of journals were included and analyzed. Most reports made detailed record. While some important variables were recorded incompletely, including patient's general conditions, location for procedure, clinical experience of the involving dentists, tooth position of procedure, possible causes, and anesthesia during procedure and treatment for the accident. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration and ingestion of foreign objects are rare and risky complication during dental procedure. Each accident should have thorough documentation so as to provide enough information for the treatment and prevention.

Fourier transform profilometry based on a projecting-imaging model.

In order to obtain the correct height reconstruction of a measured object, a projection lens and a camera lens must be placed at equal heights above the reference plane in the traditional Fourier transform profilometry (FTP) method. We propose an improved phase-height mapping formula based on an improved description of the reference fringe and the deformed fringe in FTP when the projection lens and the camera lens are not placed at equal height. With our method, it is easier to obtain the full-field fringe by moving either the projector or the imaging device. In some cases, where the required parallel condition cannot be met, the proposed method offers a flexible way to calculate the height distribution.