[Evaluation of the reproducibility of non-verbal facial expressions in normal persons using dynamic stereophotogrammetric system].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproducibility of non-verbal facial expressions (smile lips closed, smile lips open, lip purse, cheek puff) in normal persons using dynamic three-dimensional (3D) imaging and provide reference data for future research. METHODS: In this study, 15 adults (7 males and 8 females) without facial asymmetry and facial nerve dysfunction were recruited. Each participant was seated upright in front of the 3D imaging system in natural head position. The whole face could be captured in all six cameras. The dynamic 3D system captured 60 3D images per second. Four facial expressions were included: smile lips closed, smile lips open, lip purse, and cheek puff. Before starting, we instructed the subjects to make facial expressions to develop muscle memory. During recording, each facial expression took about 3 to 4 seconds. At least 1 week later, the procedure was repeated. The rest position (T0) was considered as the base frame. The first quartile of expressions (T1), just after reaching the maximum state of expressions (T2), just before the end of maximum state of expressions (T3), the third quartile of expressions (T4), and the end of motion (T5) were selected as key frames. Using the stable part of face such as forehead, each key frame (T1-T5) of the different expressions was aligned on the corresponding frame at rest (T0). The root mean square (RMS) between each key frame and its corresponding frame at rest were calculated. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied to assess statistical differences between the corresponding frames of the different facial expressions. RESULTS: Facial expressions like smile lips closed, smile lips open, and cheek puff were reproducible. Lip purse was not reproducible. The statistically significant differences were found on the T2 frame of the repeated lip purse movement. CONCLUSION: The dynamic 3D imaging can be used to evaluate the reproducibility of facial expressions. Compared with the qualitative analysis and two-dimensions analysis, dynamic 3D images can be able to more truly represent the facial expressions which make the research more reliable.

Upregulation of miR-132 attenuates osteoblast differentiation of UC-MSCs.

OBJECTIVE: Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in upregulating expression of osteoblast (OB) specific transcriptional factor Osterix and promoting OB differentiation. It was shown that the elevation of the miR-132 level was associated with sclerotizing inhibition. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the complementary binding site between miR-132 and 3'-UTR of ß-catenin. This study investigated the influence of miR-214 in regulating ß-catenin expression and differentiation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) into OB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UC-MSCs were induced to differentiate to OB. The expressions of miR-132, ß-catenin, Osterix, and ALP, together with ALP activity were detected on day 0, 5, 10, and 15. The regulatory relationship between miR-132 and ß-catenin was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. UC-MSCs were divided into five groups, including agomir-control, miR-132 agomir, pGPH1-NC, pGPH1-ß-catenin, and miR-132 agomir + pGPH1-ß-catenin groups. ß-catenin, Osterix, and ALP expressions, together with ALP activity were tested after induction for 15 days. RESULTS: MiR-132 was downregulated, while ß-catenin Osterix and ALP expressions, together with ALP activity were enhanced in the process of UC-MSCs differentiating into OBs. MiR-132 agomir and/or pGPH1-ß-catenin transfection significantly reduced ß-catenin expression, downregulated Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway activity, declined Osterix level, weakened ALP expression and activity, and attenuated OB differentiation of UC-MSCs. CONCLUSIONS: The level of ß-catenin was enhanced, while the miR-132 level was decreased in the process of UC-MSCs differentiating into OBs. Upregulation of miR-132 inhibited the differentiation of UC-MSCs through suppressing ß-catenin expression, attenuating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway activity, and downregulating Osterix level.

House dust mite asthma in China: a review.

House dust mites are ubiquitous but no publications on disease associated with them are readily available from China. A review of published research in China is presented. A mean of 1,328 mites/g of dust was detected in homes: D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus (D. pt.) predominated. Mixed house dust mite solution elicited a positive skin test in 78% of asthmatics but D. pt. and D. farinae antigens in only 40%. Desensitization of house dust-sensitive asthmatics has been successful in 71% with IgG blocking antibodies being predictive of a successful outcome.