Evolutionary trends in human mandibles and dentition from Neolithic to current Chinese.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically compare Neolithic mandibles and dentition with modern Chinese, and thereby discern human evolutionary trends. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neolithic remains of 45 adults unearthed at the Zhangqiu Jiaojia site, were compared with clinical records of 48 patients at Shandong University. All samples were scanned by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) using identical parameters. Digital imaging and communications in medicine images were collected, three-dimensional models reconstructed, and morphology measurements obtained using Mimics software. RESULTS: Neolithic mandibles were significantly larger in their vertical and sagittal dimensions (P < .05), but similar in horizontal width to modern humans. Their condyles had fewer bird beak and crooked finger shaped morphologies than modern mandibles (P < .05). Neolithic third molars were more often erupted than in modern mandibles, and their Position A, class I and II, and vertical impactions were more common (P < .05). Neolithic teeth were generally smaller in crown lengths and in cross-sectional areas, than their modern counterparts (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Neolithic mandibles were larger than modern humans, who have refined diets and mandibular atrophy. They had fewer abnormally shaped condylar morphologies, and much fewer third molar impactions than in modern humans. However, modern dentition particularly their crowns are larger, likely through genetic influx from migrations.

Mutation Analysis of Gap Junction Protein Beta 1 and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease in Chinese Patients.

BACKGROUND: Among patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), the X-linked variant (CMTX) caused by gap junction protein beta 1 (GJB1) gene mutation is the second most frequent type, accounting for approximately 90% of all CMTX. More than 400 mutations have been identified in the GJB1 gene that encodes connexin 32 (CX32). CX32 is thought to form gap junctions that promote the diffusion pathway between cells. GJB1 mutations interfere with the formation of the functional channel and impair the maintenance of peripheral myelin, and novel mutations are continually discovered. METHODS: We included 79 unrelated patients clinically diagnosed with CMT at the Department of Neurology of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from December 20, 2012, to December 31, 2015. Clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and molecular and bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify patients with CMTX1. RESULTS: Nine GJB1 mutations (c.283G>A, c.77C>T, c.643C>T, c.515C>T, c.191G>A, c.610C>T, c.490C>T, c.491G>A, and c.44G>A) were discovered in nine patients. Median motor nerve conduction velocities of all nine patients were < 38 m/s, resembling CMT Type 1. Three novel mutations, c.643C>T, c.191G>A, and c.610C>T, were revealed and bioinformatics analyses indicated high pathogenicity. CONCLUSIONS: The three novel missense mutations within the GJB1 gene broaden the mutational diversity of CMT1X. Molecular analysis of family members and bioinformatics analyses of the afflicted patients confirmed the pathogenicity of these mutations.

[The study on fabrication of dental restoration using PMMA-ZrO2 composites via CAD/CAM].

OBJECTIVE: To obtain dental restorations by machining PMMA-ZrO2 organic-inorganic composites with the dental CAD/CAM system. METHODS: Partially sintered Zirconia compacts (PSZC) were prepared via isostatic pressing and partially sintering, with Zirconia nanopowder as raw materials. PMMA-Zirconia organic-inorganic composites were prepared by vacuum infiltrating the prepolymerized MMA into the PSZC, followed by in-situ polymerization. The mechanical properties and machinability of composites were studied. The composites were machined on the dental CAD/CAM system to obtain dental restoration. RESULTS: At 71.44% TD of PSZC, the composite had a 3-point bending strength of (202.56 +/- 3.09) MPa, fracture toughness of (4.30 +/- 0.16) MPa.m(1/2), elasticity modulus of (58.71 +/- 1.98) GPa, and Vickers hardness of (3.82 +/- 0.34) GPa, respectively. A premolar crown was fabricated by CAD/CAM system in 16 mins, and was verisimilitude, without any cracks. CONCLUSIONS: The composite at 71.44% TD of PSZC has good mechanical properties and dental restorations can be manufactured by PMMA-Zirconia composites via dental CAD/CAM system.