A comparative study on auditory and hyoid bones of Jurassic euharamiyidans and contrasting evidence for mammalian middle ear evolution.

The holotypes of euharamiyidan Arboroharamiya allinhopsoni and Arboroharamiya jenkinsi preserve the auditory and hyoid bones, respectively. With additional structures revealed by micro-computerized tomography (CT) and X-ray micro-computed laminography (CL), we provide a detailed description of these minuscule bones. The stapes in the two species of Arboroharamiya are similar in having a strong process for insertion of the stapedius muscle. The incus is similar in having an almond-shaped body and a slim short process, in addition to a robust stapedial process with a short lenticular process preserved in A. allinhopsoni. The plate-like ectotympanic in the two species of Arboroharamiya is similar and comparable to that of Qishou jizantang. The surangular in the two species has a fan-shaped body and a needle-shaped anterior process. The malleus, ectotympanic, and surangular are fully detached from the dentary and should have functioned exclusively for hearing. All the auditory bones of Arboroharamiya display unique features unknown in other mammaliaforms. Moreover, hyoid elements are found in the two species of Arboroharamiya and co-exist with the five auditory bones in the holotype of A. allinhopsoni. The element interpreted as the stylohyal is similar to the bone identified as the ectotympanic in Vilevolodon. We reconstruct the auditory apparatus of Arboroharamiya and compare it with that of Vilevolodon as well as those in extant mammals and basal mammaliaforms. The comparison shows diverse morphological patterns of the auditory region in mammaliaforms. In particular, those of Vilevolodon and Arboroharamiya differ significantly: the former has a mandibular middle ear, whereas the latter possesses a definitive mammalian middle ear. It is puzzling that the two sympatric and dentally similar taxa have such different auditory apparatuses. In light of the available evidence, we argue that the mandibular middle ear reconstructed in Vilevolodon encounters many problems, and the so-called ectotympanic in Vilevolodon may be interpreted as a stylohyal; thus, the dilemma can be resolved.

Effects on Ni and Cd speciation in sewage sludge during composting and co-composting with steel slag.

Sewage sludge and industrial steel slag (SS) pose threats of serious pollution to the environment. The experiments aimed to improve the stabilizing effects of heavy metal Ni and Cd morphology in composting sludge. The total Ni and Cd species distribution and chemical forms in the compost sewage sludge were investigated with the use of compost and co-compost with SS, including degradation. The carbon/nitrogen ratio of piles was regulated with the use of sawdust prior to batch aerobic composting experiments. Results indicated that the co-composting with SS and organic matter humification can contribute to the formation of Fe and Mn hydroxides and that the humus colloid significantly changed Ni and Cd species distribution. The decreased content of Ni and Cd in an unstable state inhibited their biological activity. Conclusions were drawn that an SS amount equal to 7% of the dry sludge mass was optimal value to guarantee the lowest amount of Cd in an unstable state, whereas the amount was 14% for Ni.

Hydroxyl-containing triazine-based conjugated microporous polymers for solid phase extraction of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the environment and food samples.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a category of broadly used antibiotics. Development of an effective and sensitive approach for determination of trace FQs in environmental and food samples is still challenging. Herein, the hydroxyl-containing triazine-based conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs-OH) was constructed and served as SPE absorbent for the efficient enrichment of FQs. Based on DFT simulations, the excellent enrichment capacity between CMPs-OH and FQs was contributed by hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. In combination with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the proposed approach exhibited a wide linear range (0.2-400 ng L-1), low detection limits (0.05-0.15 ng L-1), and good intraday and interday precisions under optimal conditions. In addition, the established method was effectively utilized for the determination of FQs in fourteen samples with recoveries between 82.6 % and 109.2 %. This work provided a feasible sample pretreatment method for monitoring FQs in environmental and food matrices.

Xanthine microsensor based on polypyrrole molecularly imprinted film modified carbon fiber microelectrodes.

A molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) microsensor was presented as a carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) coating for specifically recognizing xanthine (Xan). The polymeric film was obtained based on the imprinted procedure of electropolymerization of pyrrole in the presence of the template molecule Xan by cyclic voltammetry, and template was removed by magnetic stirring. Under the optimum conditions, a satisfactory molecularly binding selectivity of Xan was obtained from the MIPs microsensor with an imprinting factor (IF) of 6.63 and a linear response to concentration in certain ranges. The ranges are from 4.0 × 10⁻6 to 6.0 × 10⁻5 M and from 8.0 × 10⁻5 to 2.0 × 10⁻³ M with a detection limit of 2.5 × 10⁻7 M. Meanwhile, good stability (relative standard deviation [RSD] = 3.2%, n = 10) and reproducibility (RSD = 2.0%, n = 10) were observed, and recoveries ranging from 96.9 to 102.5% were calculated when applied to Xan determination in real blood serum samples.

Room-temperature synthesis of nitrogen-rich conjugated microporous polymers for solid-phase extraction of trace synthetic musks.

This study synthesized a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) at room temperature, which has high surface area, large conjugate system, and nitrogen-rich features. The material was explored as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) column, and it showed a higher extraction efficiency for nitro-musks compared to most commercial columns. Under optimal SPE conditions, a sensitive and efficient method for determining five nitro-musks was established based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method showed excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.996), low limits of detection (0.13-0.57 ng·L-1), good repeatability (1.1-4.0 %, n = 6) and was applied to the detection of trace nitro-musks in water and milk samples. The mechanism was further discussed combined with a simulation calculation. The advantages of the proposed method were mainly reflected in the extraction efficiency and sensitivity, which also indicated the potential of CMPs as a sample pretreatment material.

Antidepressants for the treatment of narcolepsy: A prospective study of 148 patients in northern China.

Narcolepsy is a life-long neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy. At present, Sodium oxybate, modafinil, methylphenidate and other stimulants are recommended first-line therapies for narcolepsy but are difficult to obtain in China. One hundred forty-eight patients with narcolepsy were treated with antidepressants and administered the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) before and after treatment from August 2012 to August 2017. The subjects were followed for 1-6 years after treatment. Improvement in sleepiness, cataplexy, cataplexy-like episodes, and antidepressant side effects were assessed. There were significant differences in the mean sleep latency (MSL) and sleep onset rapid eye movement periods (SOREMPs) in MWT and ESS scores, cataplexy and cataplexy-like episodes before and after treatment (p < 0.01). Venlafaxine demonstrated significantly greater improvements in MSL in the MWT (p < 0.01). Early awakenings and dry mouth were the most common adverse effects.

[Study on root canal variation of maxillary premolar and its relationship to maxillary sinus by cone-beam CT].

PURPOSE: To investigate the anatomic morphology of root and root canal system of maxillary premolars by using cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT), in order to provide imaging basis for clinical treatment. METHODS: CB CT images of 720 patients (aged from 18 to 67 years) were included. They were divided into 5 groups according to their ages：18-28，29-38，39-48，49-58 and＞58 years old . The number of roots and root canals, root canal configuration, the distance between two orifices,root canal curvature,distance from apex to maxillary sinus,symmetry of the bilateral teeth and its relationship to age changes were analyzed statistically using SPSS21.0 software package. RESULTS: Double root canal of the first maxillary premolar accounted the most (89.72%), and type IV was the frequent type (57.78%) . The incidence of single root canal in the second maxillary premolar (53.06%) was slightly higher than double root canal (46.94%). Root canal type was mainly type I (53.06%). There was symmetrical distribution in the bilateral root and root canals of maxillary premolars. The detection rate of the single root canal was changed with age, and the distance between the two orifice was closely related to the root morphology. The detection rate of root curvature in maxillary first and second premolar was 32.53% and 21.50% in buccolingual direction. There was a certain proportion of S-type complex root canal.16.69% of the maxillary second premolar and maxillary sinus were closely related (d≤0.05 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical structure of root and root canal is complicated .The prevalence of the bilateral teeth presents symmetry and age-related changes.The curvature of root canal is complex, and the roots are closely related to maxillary sinus.

Synthesis and conformational analysis of linear homo- and heterooligomers from novel 2-C-branched sugar amino acids (SAAs).

Sugar amino acids (SAAs), as biologically interesting structures bearing both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups represent an important class of multifunctional building blocks. In this study, we develop an easy access to novel SAAs in only three steps starting from nitro compounds in high yields in analytically pure form, easily available by ceric (IV) mediated radical additions. Such novel SAAs have been applied in the assembly of total nine carbopeptoids with the form of linear homo- and heterooligomers for the structural investigations employing circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, which suggest that the carbopeptoids emerge a well-extended, left (or right)-handed conformation similar to polyproline II (PPII) helices. NMR studies also clearly demonstrated the presence of ordered secondary structural elements. 2D-ROESY spectra were acquired to identify i+1 NH ↔ i C 1 H, i C 2 H correlations which support the conformational analysis of tetramers by CD spectroscopy. These findings provide interesting information of SAAs and their oligomers as potential scaffolds for discovering new drugs and materials.

[Puerperal practice pattern in a rural area of north China].

OBJECTIVE: To describe women's behavioral patterns in the period of "doing the month" (confinement in childbirth) and to determine the degree of differences between "doing the month" practices and daily behaviors. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted with a random sample of 1,813 women who were interviewed using a questionnaire undertaken in May of 2004. RESULTS: The results showed that the majority of women adhered to the traditional customs. While "doing the month", more than 90% of women did not eat cold, hard, or sour food; more than 90% of the women did not wash their hair or body at all, and more than 70% of women did not brush their teeth or wash their feet. As compared to what women normally do, most women drastically changed their practices in eating, sanitation, dress, activity, doing chores, and so on, during their "doing the month". Further analysis indicated that women's age had no effect on the change of practice patterns and that women's education had an inconsequential effect. CONCLUSION: The traditional "doing the month" practices are still very popular in the rural areas of China. Birth belief, illness concept and traditional village culture are the main factors for the pattern of "doing the month".

Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Derived from Polyoxotungstate/Polypyrrole/Graphene.

Efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water by electrocatalysis using cost-effective materials is critical to realize the clean hydrogen production. Herein, with controlling the structure and composition of polyoxotungstate/conductive polypyrrole/graphene (PCG) precursor precisely and followed by a temperature-programmed reaction, we developed a highly active and stable catalyst: NC@Wx C/NRGO (NC: nitrogen-doped porous carbon, NRGO: nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide). The composite presents splendid performance towards HER in acidic media, with a small onset overpotential of 24 mV versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode), a low Tafel slope of 58.4 mV dec-1 , a low overpotential of 100 mV at 10 mA cm-2 , and remarkable long-term cycle stability. This is one of the highest HER catalysts among the tungsten carbide-based materials ever reported.

[The relationship between salivary protein's change and dental caries].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between salivary protein's change and dental caries in patients after oral administration of glucocorticoid. METHODS: Sixty patients were divided equally into the experimental group and the control group. The mixed saliva samples of the experimental group before (T1) and after (T2) taking GC orally, as well as the baseline(C1) and after 12 months(C2) of the control group were collected. IgA, LDH, LZM were examined in both groups. The decayed-missing-filled surface (DMFS), decayed-missing-filled tooth(DMFT), caries severity index(CSI) in both groups were recorded. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS17.0 software package. RESULTS: After taking GC orally, the concentration of IgA and LZM were significantly lower than the control group(P<0.01), while the concentration of LDH was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.01). Before and after taking GC orally, the salivary protein's change was significantly correlated with DMFT,DMFS and CSI. CONCLUSIONS: After taking glucocorticoid orally , the concentration of LZM, IgA, LDH in saliva changes. LZM, IgA, LDH take part in the occurrence and development of dental caries as the important part of oral immunization.

[The methodological study of improving the detected rate of mandibular central incisor with two canals].

PURPOSE: To investigate the detected rate and modality of multiple canals in mandibular central incisor by 5 different methods and to compare the results and differences among the methods, in order to provide give theoretical evidence of choosing right method and treatment in clinic. METHODS: 176 mandibular central incisors were examined by 5 different methods,including radiograph at a horizontal angle of 0, macrography 15#K- file, dental operative microscope, spiral CT scanning, and dental cross section. All statistical analysis was performed using SAS6.12 software package. Data of detected rate of these 5 methods were compared using McNemar exact probability test. RESULTS: The result of dental cross section was the key standard, the rate in 176 mandibular central incisor was 9.66% with two canals, of which 4.55% were type II, 5.11% were type v. The detected rate of two-canal teeth was 0.00% by radiograph at a horizontal angle of 0, 2.84% by macroscopy15# K- file, 4.76% by dental operative microscope, and 9.09% by spiral CT scanning,respectively. The results from 5 methods were compared with each other by McNemar test to find out the difference. Validity of these 5 methods according to γ was dental cross section > spiral CT scanning > dental operative microscope > macroscopy 15#K- file > radiograph at a horizontal angle of 0. CONCLUSIONS: Some mandibular central incisors have two canals, the clinicians should pay more attention to avoid missing canals. When radiograph at a horizontal angle of 0 and macroscopy 15#K- file can't effectively find two canals, we suggest using the other methods such as radiograph with an excursion angle, dental operative microscope and spiral CT scanning to make clear diagnosis.

[Ultramicrostructural study of pathological changes of capillary vessels in pulp tissues of diabetes mellitus patients].

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus and pulposis and the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus pulposis, via comparing the pulp tissue conditions and ultramicrostructures of capillary vessels in pulp tissues of diabetes mellitus patients and normal control. METHODS: Pulp tissues were obtained from clinically extracted human third molars with impaction (control group, 30 cases) and intact third molars with impaction (non-insulin dependent diabetes patients) whilst without pulposis symptom (diabetic group, 30 cases). The pathological changes of two groups' pulp tissues were evaluated under light microscope and electron microscopy. The thickness of pulp capillary basement membrane and their anionic sites were quantitatively analyzed by electron microscopy and special staining. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS6.12 software package. RESULTS: The tricked blood capillary wall was observed in diabetic pulp under light microscope. The thickened blood capillary wall and constrictive lumen were observed in diabetic pulp under electron microscope, accompanied with vascular endothelial cell swelling and structural destruction and thickened basement membrane (P<0.01). The decrease of anionic sites of capillary basement membrane was observed in diabetic pulp under specially stained electron microscope (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory reaction existed in the pulp of intact teeth of DM patients without symptoms. The changes observed in diabetic vessels may occur in the dental pulp. Diabetes mellitus is closely related to pulposis.

[Detection and clinical significance of MCP-1 in gingival crevicular fluid from patients with chronic periodontitis].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the gingival crevicular fluid from patients with chronic periodontitis and its correlation with clinic periodontal parameters as well as alkaline phosphates secretions. METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected with standardized filter strips from healthy control sites as well as periodontitis sites from chronic periodontitis patients before and after initial therapy, and the levels of MCP-1 and alkaline phosphatase were detected by ELISA. The data was analyzed with SPSS 11.0 software package. RESULTS: Concentration of MCP-1 in GCF was significantly higher in chronic periodontitis patients, and decreased significantly after initial therapy, the variation of MCP-1 correlated positively with clinical parameters like plaque index(PLI), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), clinic attachment lost (CAL) as well as alkaline phosphatase secretion. CONCLUSIONS: As an inflammatory chemotatic factor, MCP-1 in GCF may play an important role in occurrence and development of chronic periodontitis, and could be considered as a potential target for prevention and treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Flavan-3-ols from the rhizomes of Drynaria fortunei.

One monomer flavan-3-ol, 4α-carboxymethyl-(+)-catechin methyl ester, two monomer flavan-3-ol glycosides, (+)-afzelechin-3-O-ß-allopyranoside, (+)-afzelechin-6-C-ß-glucopyranoside, two dimer flavan-3-ols, (-)-epiafzelechin-(4ß→8)-4ß-carboxymethyl-(-)-epicatechin methyl ester, and -(-)-epiafzelechin-(4ß→8)-4α-carboxymethyl-(-)epiafzelechin ethyl ester, and one trimer flavan-3-ol, (-)-epiafzelechin-(4ß→8)-(-)-epiafzelechin-(4ß→8)-4ß-carboxymethyl-(-)-epiafzelechin methyl ester, together with thirteen known flavan-3-ols were isolated from the rhizomes of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J.Sm (Polypodiaceae). The structures were established by analysis of their HRESIMS, 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic, and CD data. In order to obtain improved resolution, the high-resolution NMR spectra of the dimers and trimer were measured at -40 °C.

[Effect of topical fluoride application on young permanent teeth enamel demineralized by juice drinks].

PURPOSE: To observe the capability of enamel surface resisting juice drinks erosion and the remineralization process of etched enamel after topical fluoride application on young permanent teeth enamel. METHODS: The change of surface microhardness(SMH) of young permanent teeth enamel fluoride which was immersed in orange juice in advance and then applied on its etched part was evaluated.The change of SMH of young permanent teeth enamel treated by 0.1%NaF solution and fluoride toothpaste in advance and then immersed by juice drinks was observed. The change of enamel SMH was measured by a Leitzs microhardness tester. The morphological change of enamel surface was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The change of calcium and phosphate contents in juice drinks before and after enamel immersion was analyzed by Roche biochemical analyzer. One-way ANOVA was performed using SPSS 15.0 software package. RESULTS: Juice drinks led to the dissolution of calcium and phosphate in young permanent teeth enamel while the SMH of enamel decreased. The SMH of young permanent teeth enamels immersed in orange juice and then topical application of fluoride increased significantly (Plt;0.05). But for those young permanent teeth enamels treated with fluoride or fluorin enhanced toothpaste, the dissolution of calcium and phosphate and the SMH decreased significantly after juice drinks immersion(P<0.05). The variable degree of etching and remineralization of the enamel either treated by juice drinks or by fluoride in each experimental group was found by SEM. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel demineralization can be caused by juices drinks. Topical fluoride treatment on enamel can not only enhance enamel's resistance to the acid etch caused by soft drinks but also promote the remineralization of enamel immersed by beverages. Supported by Excellent Middle-Aged Science Foundation of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine(Grant No.040407).

[An experimental study on young permanent teeth enamel demineralization by different kinds of soft drinks].

PURPOSE: To compare the young permanent teeth enamel demineralization after immersion in different kinds of soft drinks; to compare the degree of enamel demineralization caused by the different immersion time and frequency of beverages. METHODS: The change of young permanent teeth enamel surface microhardness was measured by a leitzs microhardness tester. The change of calcium and phosphate in the different drinks after immersion of the enamel was analyzed by Roche Biochemical analyzer. Two-way ANOVA in SPSS 15.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The dissolution of calcium and phosphate in young permanent teeth enamel was caused by all kinds of soft drinks the surface microhardness of enamel was decreased by these drinks. There were great significant differences in the demineralization abilities among different beverages (P<0.05).The enamel demineralization was increased when prolonging the immersion time and frequency. CONCLUSIONS: The enamel demineralization can be caused by orange juice and carbonic acid drinks. The enamel remineralization can be increased by tea drink, which is an ideal healthy beverage. Supported by Excellent Middle-aged Science Foundation of School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Grant No.040407).

[Preparation and characterization of a polyvinylpyrrolidone water-based magnetic fluid].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare a stable water-based magnetic fluid. METHODS: A water-based magnetic fluid was prepared by addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the coating agent for the magnetic particles. After preparation of Fe3O4 by co-precipitation method, PVP was added for its coating, followed by ultrasonic agitation and purification. RESULTS: The magnetic nanoparticles of homogeneously small size and water-based magnetic fluid were obtained, which had good dispersion in water with strong magnetism. CONCLUSION: PVP can be used as a surfactant to stabilize the magnetic fluid.

[Effect of Carisolv on root canal cleanness in chemomechanical preparation].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Carisolv as chemical reagent on root canal cleanness in chemomechanical preparation. METHODS: Sixty extracted teeth which were dyed with methylene blue were randomly divided into 3 groups, different chemical reagents were applied in different groups. The optical density of methylene blue in irrigating solution were measured with UV-VIS spectrophotomer after preparation with each file, the root canal cleanness was evaluated under SEM. Two-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis H test in SPSS 11.5 software package were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the optical density between the root canals treated with Carisolv and those with 2% tosylchloramide sodium plus 3% hydrogen peroxide (P<0.05), no significant difference was found in optical density between the root canals treated with Carisolv and those with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (P>0.05). The results of SEM were consistent with those of the optical density of methylene blue. CONCLUSIONS: As a chemical reagent, the cleaning ability of Carisolv was as effective as 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Carisolv can remove the smear layer and debris, without causing excessive demineralization. Supported by Key Research Project of Science and Technology Committee of Liaoning Province(Grant No.00225001).