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.

[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.