Successful Extension of Vascularized Composite Allograft Perfusion Cold Storage to 24 h in a Rat Hindlimb Transplant Model.

Background: Vascularized composite allograft transplantation is a treatment option for complex tissue injuries; however, ischemia reperfusion injury and high acute rejection rates remain a challenge. Hypothermic machine perfusion using acellular storage perfusate is a potential solution. This study evaluated the University of Wisconsin Kidney Preservation Solution-1 (KPS-1) compared with normal saline (NS) for preservation of donor rat hindlimbs subjected to 24 h of ex vivo perfusion cold storage. Methods: Hindlimbs were subjected to 24-h perfusion cold storage with heparinized KPS-1 (n = 6) or heparinized NS (n = 6). Flow, resistance, and pH were measured continuously. At the end of the 24-h period, tissue was collected for histological analysis of edema and apoptosis. Results: KPS-1 perfused limbs showed significantly less edema than the NS group, as evidenced by lower limb weight gain (P < 0.001) and less interfascicular space (P < 0.001). KPS-perfused muscle had significantly less cell death than NS-perfused muscle based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (P < 0.001) and cleaved caspase-3 staining (P = 0.045). During hypothermic machine perfusion, a significant decrease in pH over time was detected in both groups, with a significantly greater decline in pH in the KPS-1 group than in the NS group. There were no significant differences overall and over time in flow rate or vascular resistance between the KPS and NS groups. Conclusions: Perfusion with KPS-1 can successfully extend vascularized composite allograft perfusion cold storage for 24 h in a rat hindlimb model without significant edema or cell death.

Hemostasis Using Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of present study was to comprehensívely explore the efficacy and safety of prothrombín complex concentrate (PCC) to treat massíve bleedíng in patíents undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: PubMed®, Embase, and Cochrane Líbrary databases were searched for studíes ínvestigating PCC administratíon duríng cardiac surgery published before September 10, 2022. Mean dífference (MD) wíth 95% confidence interval (CI) was applíed to analyze continuous data, and dichotomous data were analyzed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with other non-PCC treatment regimens, PCC was not assocíated with elevated mortality (RR=1.18, 95% CI=0.86-1.60, P=0.30, I2=0%), shorter hospital stay (MD=-2.17 days; 95% CI=-5.62-1.28, P=0.22, I2=91%), reduced total thoracic drainage (MD=-67.94 ml, 95% CI=-239.52-103.65, P=0.44, I2=91%), thromboembolíc events (RR=1.10, 95% CI=0.74-1.65, P=0.63, I2=39%), increase ín atríal fibríllatíon events (RR=0.73, 95% CI=0.52-1.05, P=0.24, I2=29%), and myocardial infarction (RR=1.10, 95% CI=0.80-1.51, P=0.57, I2=81%). However, PCC use was associated with reduced intensive care unit length of stay (MD=-0.81 days, 95% CI=-1.48- -0.13, P=0.02, I2=0%), bleeding (MD=-248.67 ml, 95% CI=-465.36- -31.97, P=0.02, I2=84%), and intra-aortic balloon pump/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (RR=0.65, 95% CI=0.42-0.996, P=0.05, I2=0%) when compared with non-PCC treatment regimens. CONCLUSION: The use of PCC in cardiac surgery did not correlate with mortality, length of hospítal stay, thoracic drainage, atríal fibríllatíon, myocardíal ínfarction, and thromboembolíc events. However, PCC sígnificantly improved postoperatíve intensíve care unít length of stay, bleedíng, and intra-aortic balloon pump/ extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes ín patients undergoing cardíac surgery.

Centennial loss of lake wetlands in the Yangtze Plain, China: Impacts of land use changes accompanied by hydrological connectivity loss.

Humans have played a fundamental role in altering lake wetland ecosystems, necessitating the use of diverse data types to accurately quantify long-term changes, identify potential drivers, and establish a baseline status. We complied high-resolution historical topographic maps and Landsat imagery to assess the dynamics of the lake wetlands in the Yangtze Plain over the past century, with special attention to land use and hydrological connectivity changes. Results showed an overall loss of 45.6 % (∼11,859.5 km2) of the lake wetlands over the past century. The number of lakes larger than 10 km2 decreased from 149 to 100 due to lake dispersion, vanishing, and shrinkage. The extent of lake wetland loss was 3.8 times larger during the 1930s-1970s than that in the 1970s-1990s. Thereafter, the lake wetland area remained relatively stable, and a net increase was observed during the 2010s-2020s in the Yangtze Plain. The significant loss of lake wetland was predominately driven by agricultural activities and urban land expansion, accounting for 81.1 % and 4.9 % of the total losses, respectively. In addition, the changes in longitudinal and lateral hydrological connectivity further exacerbated the lake wetland changes across the Yangtze Plain through isolation between lakes and the Yangtze River and within the lakes. A total of 130 lakes have been isolated from the Yangtze River due to the construction of sluices and dykes throughout the Yangtze Plain, resulting in the decrease in the proportion of floodplain marsh from 28.3 % in the 1930s to 8.0 % in the 2020s. Furthermore, over 260 sub-lakes larger than 1 km2 (with a total area of 1276.4 km2) are experiencing a loss of connectivity with their parent lakes currently. This study could provide an improved historical baseline of lake wetland changes to guide the conservation planning to wetland protection and prioritization area in the Yangtze Plain.

Hemostasis Using Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of present study was to comprehensively explore the efficacy and safety of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) to treat massive bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: PubMed®, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies investigating PCC administration during cardiac surgery published before September 10, 2022. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to analyze continuous data, and dichotomous data were analyzed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. Results: Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with other non-PCC treatment regimens, PCC was not associated with elevated mortality (RR=1.18, 95% CI=0.86-1.60, P=0.30, I2=0%), shorter hospital stay (MD=-2.17 days; 95% CI=-5.62-1.28, P=0.22, I2=91%), reduced total thoracic drainage (MD=-67.94 ml, 95% CI=-239.52-103.65, P=0.44, I2=91%), thromboembolic events (RR=1.10, 95% CI=0.74-1.65, P=0.63, I2=39%), increase in atrial fibrillation events (RR=0.73, 95% CI=0.52-1.05, P=0.24, I2=29%), and myocardial infarction (RR=1.10, 95% CI=0.80-1.51, P=0.57, I2=81%). However, PCC use was associated with reduced intensive care unit length of stay (MD=-0.81 days, 95% CI=-1.48- -0.13, P=0.02, I2=0%), bleeding (MD=-248.67 ml, 95% CI=-465.36- -31.97, P=0.02, I2=84%), and intra-aortic balloon pump/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (RR=0.65, 95% CI=0.42-0.996, P=0.05, I2=0%) when compared with non-PCC treatment regimens. Conclusion: The use of PCC in cardiac surgery did not correlate with mortality, length of hospital stay, thoracic drainage, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and thromboembolic events. However, PCC significantly improved postoperative intensive care unit length of stay, bleeding, and intra-aortic balloon pump/ extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Kindlin-2 in myoepithelium controls luminal progenitor commitment to alveoli in mouse mammary gland.

Myoepithelium plays an important role in mammary gland development, but less is known about the molecular mechanism underlying how myoepithelium controls acinus differentiation during gestation. Herein, we found that loss of Kindlin-2 in myoepithelial cells impaired mammary morphogenesis, alveologenesis, and lactation. Using five genetically modified mouse lines combined with single-cell RNA sequencing, we found a Kindlin-2-Stat3-Dll1 signaling cascade in myoepithelial cells that inactivates Notch signaling in luminal cells and consequently drives luminal progenitor commitment to alveolar cells identity. Single-cell profiling revealed that Kindlin-2 loss significantly reduces the proportion of matured alveolar cells. Mechanistically, Kindlin-2 depletion in myoepithelial cells promotes Stat3 activation and upregulates Dll1, which activates the Notch pathway in luminal cells and inhibits luminal progenitor differentiation and maturation during gestation. Inhibition of Notch1 with tangeretin allowed luminal progenitors to regain commitment ability in the pregnant mice with Kindlin-2 depletion in myoepithelium. Taken together, we demonstrated that Kindlin-2 is essential to myoepithelium-controlled luminal progenitors to alveoli transition during gestation.

Application of Sphenoid Sinus Morphological Characteristics in Sex Estimation Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images / Aplicación de las Características Morfológicas del Seno Esfenoidal en la Estimación del Sexo Basada en Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética

SUMMARY: Sex determination of unknown persons plays an important role in forensic science. As most bones used for sex determination are recovered in incomplete state, it is often necessary to use bones that are recovered intact e.g., the sphenoid sinus. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of sphenoid sinuses dimensions for sex determination using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images in Chinese adults. MRI images of 79 sphenoid sinuses (from 44 men and 35 women) were retrospectively selected. The height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter were measured in the midsagittal view of the sphenoid sinuses. All data were subjected to descriptive and discriminative functional analysis with unpaired t-test and canonical discriminant. Comparison between male and female groups showed significant statistical differences regarding the height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter of sphenoid sinuses. The predictive accuracy rate of the sphenoid sinus to identify sex was 63.6 % in males and 62.9 % in females with an overall accuracy of 63.3 %. This study proposed the importance of sexual dimorphism of sphenoid sinus dimensions, especially if other methods are not available. It suggested using MRI in forensics science thus obviating the complete dependence on the usage of conventional computed tomography (CT) and facilitating the study of forensic anatomy at the level of soft tissue.

La determinación del sexo de personas desconocidas juega un papel importante en la ciencia forense. Como la mayoría de los huesos utilizados para la determinación del sexo se recuperan en un estado incompleto, a menudo es necesario utilizar huesos recuperados intactos, por ejemplo, el seno esfenoidal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el valor diagnóstico de las dimensiones de los senos esfenoidales para la determinación del sexo utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética en individuos adultos chinos. Se seleccionaron retrospectivamente imágenes de resonancia magnética de 79 senos esfenoidales (de 44 hombres y 35 mujeres). La altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales, se midieron en vista mediana sagital. Todos los datos se sometieron a análisis funcional descriptivo y discriminativo con prueba t no pareada y discriminante canónico. La comparación entre los grupos de hombres y mujeres mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas en cuanto a la altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales. La tasa de precisión predictiva del seno esfenoidal para identificar el sexo fue del 63,6 % en hombres y del 62,9 % en mujeres, con una precisión general del 63,3 %. Este estudio propuso la importancia del dimorfismo sexual de las dimensiones del seno esfenoidal, especialmente si no se dispone de otros métodos. Se sugiere utilizar la resonancia magnética en la ciencia forense, obviando así la dependencia total del uso de la tomografía computarizada convencional y facilitando con esto el estudio de la anatomía forense a nivel de los tejidos blandos.

The hatching of cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) in response to different inorganic ions

Cereal cyst nematode is a major pest of small grain cereals, which causes huge yield losses to crops in China and other parts of the world. In this study, the effects of five inorganic ion concentrations on egg hatching of Heterodera avenae were studied. Results revealed that ZnCl2 and FeCl3 promoted hatching of induced and natural diapausing eggs. The cumulative hatching rates of eggs were 49 % and 13 % at 30 mM ZnCl2 and 10 mM FeCl3, respectively, which were higher than those of other treatments. The hatching ability promoted by ZnCl2 is greater than by FeCl3. Diapause induced eggs in ZnCl2 continued to hatch after 10 days; however, those in FeCl3 mainly hatched in the first two weeks. ZnCl2 had obvious stimulating effects on the hatching of natural diapause and non­diapause free eggs at 15 and 30 mM concentrations. FeCl3 promoted the hatching of natural diapause eggs; howevr, it inhibited hatching of non­diapause free eggs. Conversely, different concentrations of inorganic ions did not have any stimulatory effect on white female eggs. In the nematode life cycle, hatching is the critical stage because juveniles may be infected. The results of this study provide useful information the use of new fertilizers (including promoted hatching inorganic ions) applied before planting for controlling nematode diseases caused by H. avenae.(AU)

The hatching of cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) in response to different inorganic ions

ABSTRACT Cereal cyst nematode is a major pest of small grain cereals, which causes huge yield losses to crops in China and other parts of the world. In this study, the effects of five inorganic ion concentrations on egg hatching of Heterodera avenae were studied. Results revealed that ZnCl2 and FeCl3 promoted hatching of induced and natural diapausing eggs. The cumulative hatching rates of eggs were 49 % and 13 % at 30 mM ZnCl2 and 10 mM FeCl3, respectively, which were higher than those of other treatments. The hatching ability promoted by ZnCl2 is greater than by FeCl3. Diapause induced eggs in ZnCl2 continued to hatch after 10 days; however, those in FeCl3 mainly hatched in the first two weeks. ZnCl2 had obvious stimulating effects on the hatching of natural diapause and nondiapause free eggs at 15 and 30 mM concentrations. FeCl3 promoted the hatching of natural diapause eggs; howevr, it inhibited hatching of nondiapause free eggs. Conversely, different concentrations of inorganic ions did not have any stimulatory effect on white female eggs. In the nematode life cycle, hatching is the critical stage because juveniles may be infected. The results of this study provide useful information the use of new fertilizers (including promoted hatching inorganic ions) applied before planting for controlling nematode diseases caused by H. avenae.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, but the contribution of gut microbes to the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still poorly understood. METHODS: We carried out 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short-chain fatty acid analyses in stool samples from a cohort of 73 healthy controls, 67 patients with COPD of GOLD stages I and II severity, and 32 patients with COPD of GOLD stages III and IV severity. Fecal microbiota from the three groups were then inoculated into recipient mice for a total of 14 times in 28 days to induce pulmonary changes. Furthermore, fecal microbiota from the three groups were inoculated into mice exposed to smoke from biomass fuel to induce COPD-like changes. RESULTS: We observed that the gut microbiome of COPD patients varied from that of healthy controls and was characterized by a distinct overall microbial diversity and composition, a Prevotella-dominated gut enterotype and lower levels of short-chain fatty acids. After 28 days of fecal transplantation from COPD patients, recipient mice exhibited elevated lung inflammation. Moreover, when mice were under both fecal transplantation and biomass fuel smoke exposure for a total of 20 weeks, accelerated declines in lung function, severe emphysematous changes, airway remodeling and mucus hypersecretion were observed. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that altered gut microbiota in COPD patients is associated with disease progression in mice model.

Morphological changes in the midface of Beagle dogs treated by trans-sutural distraction / Cambios morfológicos en la cara media de perros Beagle tratados por distracción trans-sutural

Trans-sutural distraction is a biological process that induces the formation of new bone and changes the position of bone by pulling on growing suture under the action of external forces. Currently, therapy to midfacial hypoplasia treated by trans-sutural distraction has been applied. In this study, Beagle dogs were selected as experimental animals, and a traction device designed by ourselves was applied to Beagle dogs to simulate the treatment process of trans-sutural distraction in human face, so as to provide a basis for the subsequent research on the related mechanism of trans-sutural distraction. The objective is that the animal model can provide the basis for the follow-up study of transsutural distraction. 45 month beagle dogs were randomly divided into two groups 3 in experiment group and 3 in control group. Implant nails were implanted as the bone marker in the bilateral zygomatic temporal suture, zygomandibular maxillary suture and palatine transverse suture in experimental group. The traction of the maxilla was carried out by the external cranial traction frame with canine fossa as bearing point, 800g force each side, elastic traction for 15 days. The control group only implanted the implant nail as the bone marker on both sides of the bone suture. The distance between two implant nails was measured by vernier calipers and X-ray examination, compared with preoperative and postoperative changes. X-ray and cephalometric measurements were used to measure change in the cranial basal angle. HE staining was used to observe the width of the bone seams, the morphology and structure of the cells and the tissue of the new bone under the phase contrast microscope. Then descriptive statistical analysis and t-test between two independent samples are carried out for the measurement data. The experimental group had a good retention of the beagle traction frame. In the experimental group, the maxillaries of dogs were protrudent in the process of traction gradually and the occlusal relationship changed to type II malocclusion. When the traction is 15 days, the coverage distance is about 8~9 mm. Before and after the traction, the distance between landmark points indicated that the spacing between the transverse palatine suture was the largest (experimental group: 5.52±0.19 mm control group 1.31±0.06 mm P<0.05), and zygomaticotemporal suture was the second (experimental group: 3.12±0.15 mm, control group 0.73±0.04 mm, P<0.05), and zygomaticomaxillary suture was less (experimental group: 2.60±0.34 mm, control group 0.53±0.05 mm, P<0.05). The cranial basal angle was no change before and after operation (controlgroup: 32.3±1.3°, experimental group: 33.2±1.1° P>0.05. Histology showed that the collagenous fibers in the suture of the control group were denser and the osteoblasts were visible on the edge of the suture, showing osteogenic activity. The experimental group significantly widened suture (experimental group: 1209.388±42.714 µm, control group 248.276±22.864 µm, P<0.05), the number of fibroblasts increased significantly with loose collagen fiber. The direction of cell and fiber arrangement were parallel to the traction force. There were many small blood vessels and marrow cavities, and the bone trabecula around the bone suture was thin (experimental group: 23.684±3.774 mm, control group: 86.810±9.219 mm, P < 0.05), showing active osteogenic activity. The growing beagle dog can be used to establish a suture traction animal model for experimental study. In the experiment, Kirschner wire was used to penetrate the bottom plane of the piriform hole of the maxilla (about the position of the canine fossa at the back) and the traction direction was basically the same as the growth direction, and the maxilla was basically parallel and moved forward.

La distracción trans-sutural es un proceso biológico que induce la formación de hueso nuevo y cambia la posición del éste al tirar de la sutura en crecimiento bajo la acción de fuerzas externas. Actualmente, se ha aplicado la terapia para la hipoplasia de la cara media tratada por distracción trans-sutural. En este estudio, fueron seleccionados perros Beagle como animales experimentales, y un dispositivo de tracción fue instalado a los perros para simular el proceso de tratamiento de la distracción trans-sutural en el rostro humano. El objetivo fue proporcionar una base para la investigación posterior sobre mecanismos relacionados con la distracción trans-sutural. El modelo animal puede proporcionar la base para este tipo de estudio de seguimiento de la distracción trans-sutural. Perros Beagle de 45 meses de edad se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos: 3 en el grupo experimental y 3 en el grupo control. Los clavos de implante se usaron como marcadores óseos en la sutura temporal cigomática bilateral, la sutura maxilar cigomandibular y en la sutura transversal palatina en el grupo experimental. La tracción del maxilar se realizó mediante el marco de tracción craneal externo con fosa canina como punto de apoyo, 800 g de fuerza a cada lado, tracción elástica durante 15 días. En el grupo control solo se implantó el clavo del implante como marcador óseo en ambos lados de la sutura. La distancia entre dos clavos de implante se midió mediante calibradores de vernier y examen de rayos X, en comparación con los cambios preoperatorios y postoperatorios. Se utilizaron mediciones cefalométricas y de rayos X para medir el cambio en el ángulo basal craneal. La tinción con HE se usó para observar el ancho de las suturas óseas, la morfología y la estructura de las células y el tejido del hueso nuevo bajo el microscopio de contraste de fase. Luego se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo y una prueba t entre dos muestras independientes para los datos de medición. El grupo experimental tuvo una buena retención del cuadro de tracción del Beagle. En el grupo experimental, los maxilares de los perros sobresalieron gradualmente en el proceso de tracción y la relación oclusal cambió a maloclusión tipo II. Cuando la tracción era de 15 días, la distancia de cobertura fue de aproximadamente 8 ~ 9 mm. Antes y después de la tracción, la distancia entre los puntos de referencia indicaba que el espacio entre la sutura palatina transversal era más grande (grupo experimental: 5,52 ± 0,19 mm, grupo de control 1,31 ± 0,06 mm, P <0,05), y la sutura cigomáticotemporal fue la segunda. (Grupo experimental: 3,12 ± 0,15 mm, grupo control 0,73 ± 0,04 mm, P <0,05), y la sutura cigomaticomaxilar fue menor (grupo experimental, 2,60 ± 0,34 mm, grupo control 0,53 ± 0,05 mm, P <0,05). El ángulo basal craneal no cambió antes ni después de la operación (grupo control 32,3 ± 1,3, grupo experimental, 33,2 ± 1,1 ° , P> 0,05). La histología mostró que las fibras colágenas en la sutura del grupo control eran más densas y los osteoblastos se observaron en el margen de la sutura, mostrando actividad osteogénica. En el grupo experimental se amplió significativamente la sutura (1209,388 ± 42,714 µm, grupo control 248,276 ± 22,864 µm, P <0,05), el número de fibroblastos aumentó significativamente con fibras colágenas dispersas. La dirección de la disposición de la celda y las fibras era paralela a la fuerza de tracción. Se observó gran cantidad de vasos sanguíneos pequeños, cavidades medulares, y trabéculas óseas alrededor de la sutura ósea (grupo experimental: 23,684 ± 3,774 mm, grupo control: 86,810 ± 9,219 mm, P <0,05), que mostró actividad osteogénica activa. El perro Beagle en crecimiento se puede utilizar para estudios experimentales y así establecer un modelo animal de tracción de sutura. En el proceso, se usó alambre de Kirschner para penetrar en el plano inferior del foramen piriforme del maxilar (aproximadamente en la posición de la fosa canina en la parte posterior) y la dirección de tracción fue básicamente la misma que en el crecimiento.

Research on correction method of palatal rugae morphology in forensic digital identification system / Investigación sobre el método de corrección de la morfología de las rugas palatinas en sistema digital de identificación forense

SUMMARY: Palatal rugae is an irregular soft tissue, which is located in the front third of the hard palate, and is asymmetrically distributed from the middle suture to the sides. The difference, stability and extensive characteristics of palatal rugae morphology have gradually make it a characteristic indicator of forensic identification. However, a mature digital palatal rugae identification system has not yet been established at present. Feature extraction is the premise of palatal rugae image recognition. In order to obtain palatal rugae feature information in all directions and improve the reliability of forensic identification, it is necessary to collect palatal rugae images from a plurality of different angles. When the collected images are sent to the recognition system, the diversity of angles will often cause problems such as error recognition. If the tilted images are not rotated properly, it will make the forensic identification face many difficulties. To solve the problem of image skew caused by the diversity of acquisition angle, an algorithm based on orientation vector to correct the tilted palatal rugae images was proposed in this paper. Firstly, the criteria for standard palatal rugae image and the selection rules for feature points were set; Secondly, characterizing feature points according to the rules, and fitting two lines and find their direction vector; Finally, to obtain the corrected images, the tilted images were rotated by the angle determined by the two direction vectors. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can correct the tilted palatal rugae images collected from different angles and has strong robustness.

RESUMEN: Las rugas palatinas son tejidos blandos irregulares, que se ubican en el tercio frontal del paladar duro y se distribuyen asimétricamente desde la sutura mediana hacia los lados. La diferencia, la estabilidad y las características extensivas de la morfología de las rugas palatinas la han convertido gradualmente en un indicador característico de la identificación forense. Sin embargo, un sistema de identificación de rugas palatinas digitales maduras todavía no se ha establecido en la actualidad. La extracción de características es la premisa del reconocimiento de imágenes de las rugas palatinas. Para obtener información sobre las características de las rugas palatinas en todas las direcciones, y mejorar la confiabilidad de la identificación forense, es necesario recopilar imágenes de las rugas palatinas desde una pluralidad de ángulos diferentes. Cuando las imágenes recogidas se envían al sistema de reconocimiento, la diversidad de ángulos a menudo causará problemas como el reconocimiento de errores. Si las imágenes inclinadas no se giran correctamente, la identificación forense se enfrentará a muchas dificultades. Para resolver el problema del sesgo de la imagen causado por la diversidad del ángulo de adquisición, en este documento se propuso un algoritmo basado en el vector de orientación para corregir las imágenes de las arrugas palatinas inclinadas. En primer lugar, se establecieron los criterios para la imagen de las rugas palatinas estándar, y las reglas de selección para los puntos de características. En segundo lugar, se determinaron puntos de características según las reglas, y se ajustaron dos líneas y encontrar la dirección del vector. Finalmente, para obtener las imágenes corregidas, las imágenes inclinadas se giraron según el ángulo determinado por la dirección de dos vectores. Los resultados de la simulación muestran que el algoritmo propuesto puede corregir las imágenes de rugas palatinas inclinadas recopiladas desde diferentes ángulos y tiene una gran robustez.

Effect of FPZ, a total flavonoids ointment topical application from Pouzolzia zeylanica var. microphylla, on mice skin infections

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to investigate the effect of FPZ, a total flavonoids ointment topical application from Pouzolzia zeylanica var. microphylla (Wedd.) Masam, Urticaceae, on skin infections in mice. FPZ ointment anti-infective effect was investigated on Staphylococcus aureus-induced skin abscess and skin ulcers in mice by evaluating the variation in abscess volume, histopathology of skin tissue and healing rate. Secondary, it is topical anti-inflammatory activities on carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in mice was estimated. Besides, FPZ ointment fingerprint was performed by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and FPZ ointment chemical constituents were isolated and identified by repeated column chromatograph and spectroscopic methods. The results revealed that FPZ ointment topical application at the concentration of 2.5-10% could attenuate skin abscess and ulcers and accelerate wound healing, as compared with control group treated with vehicle (p < 0.05). The histological analysis indicated that FPZ ointment acted via inflammation inhibition, granulation promotion and epidermis formation. Moreover, FPZ ointment effectively inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema in a dose-dependent manner, especially 10% FPZ which showed superior activities in comparison with dexamethasone used as reference drug. FPZ ointment topical application showed a significant anti-infective effect against pyogenic bacterial skin infection in mice.

Study on the morphology of micro-implant-bone interface cells and bone histomorphology under different implantation / Estudio sobre la morfología de las células de la interfaz microscópica implante-hueso y la histomorfología ósea bajo diferentes implantaciones

SUMMARY: Micro-implant stability has always been the focus of orthodontic clinical research.In the experiment, the morphological changes of bone tissue around the micro-implants in self-tapping and assisting implantation were investigated to explore the effect of different implantation on the osseointegration of micro-implants in order to provide some theoretical basis for clinical practice. Six adult male Beagle dogs were selected,three implants were implanted into the left and right maxillary bone of Beagle dogs at the 0th, 4th and 6th week, respectively. One side to self-tapping implantation, the opposite side to assisting implantation. At the 8th week of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the micro-implant-bone tissue specimens with the healing time of 8w, 4w and 2w were obtained.The specimens were stained with Toluidine Blue (TB) and photographed under 100X, 200X microscope. Morphology of microimplant- bone interface cells was observed under light microscope. In self-tapping group, there were some fibrous tissues surrounding the micro-implants at the 2th week, the formation of osteoblasts and osteoid was observed at the 4th week, the wavy and lamellar bone tissues were seen at the 8th week.In assisting group,more collagen fibers were deposited around the micro-implant at the 2th week, there were a large number of osteoid-like cells, and the collagen was gradually replaced by the bone tissue at the 4th week, the osteoblasts were active and the osteoblasts were linear arrange and form a laminate bone at the 8th week.Whether implanted self-tapping or assisted implantation, micro-implant-bone interface reconstruction can occur. If the clinical need for early loading force, micro-implant try to choose selftapping implantation. By appropriately prolonging the healing time, the initial stability of the micro-implant under assistive implantation can be improved.

RESUMEN: La estabilidad del microimplante siempre ha sido el foco de la investigación clínica en ortodoncia. En este trabajo se investigaron los cambios morfológicos del tejido óseo alrededor de los microimplantes autorroscantes y se ayudó a la implantación para explorar el efecto de diferentes implantes en la osteointegración de microimplantes con el fin de proporcionar alguna base teórica para la práctica clínica. Se seleccionaron seis perros Beagle machos adultos, y se colocaron tres implantes en los huesos maxilares izquierdo y derecho en la 0ª, 4ª y 6ª semana, respectivamente. De un lado se colocó el implante autorroscante, y del otro lado el implante asistido. En la octava semana, se sacrificaron los animales y se obtuvieron las muestras de microimplante-hueso con el tiempo de cicatrización de 8, 4 y 2 semanas. Las muestras fueron teñidas con azul de toluidina (TB) y fotografiadas bajo aumento de 100X, y microscopio de 200X. La morfología de las células de la interfaz microimplante-hueso se observó bajo microscopio óptico. En el grupo autorroscante, había tejido fibroso que rodeaba los microimplantes a la 2ª semana, se observó la formación de osteoblastos y osteoide a la 4ª semana y de tejido óseo ondulado y lamelar a la 8ª semana. En el grupo asistido, se depositaron más fibras de colágeno alrededor del microimplante en la 2ª semana, hubo un gran número de células similares a osteoide, y el colágeno fue reemplazado gradualmente por el tejido óseo en la 4ª semana; los osteoblastos estaban activos y se ubicaron linealmente formando un hueso laminado en la 8ª semana. Ya sea que el implante sea con autoasistencia o con implantación asistida, puede ocurrir la reconstrucción de la interfaz microimplante-hueso. Si existe la necesidad clínica de una fuerza de carga temprana, el microimplante de elección sería la implantación autorroscante. Al prolongar apropiadamente el tiempo de curación, se puede mejorar la estabilidad inicial del microimplante bajo implantación asistida.

Morphology and volume of maxillary canine pulp cavity for individual age estimation in forensic dentistry / Morfología y volumen de la cavidad de pulpa del canino maxilar para la estimación de la edad individual en odontología forense

Age estimation plays a very important role in individual recognition in forensic dentistry. Morphological data of 3D pulp cavity of maxillary canines were acquired by oral and craniofacial CT scans. In accordance with inclusion criteria, CT data of 103 patients (51 males and 52 females) were collected at the Department of Radiology, Stomatological Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, China from September 2015 to August 2016. Mimics 17.0 software was used to measure pulp volume of maxillary canines and tooth volume, and to calculate the ratio of pulp volume/tooth volume. SPSS 16.0 software was utilized to analyze and establish database. Linear regression analysis was applied to process data and to establish a linear regression equation for individual age: Y=69.137-621.200 (pulp volume/tooth volume), R=0.544. Subjects were grouped according to gender, deriving the inferred function of male age: Y=64.333-468.811 (pulp volume/tooth volume), R=0.435; the inferred function of female age: Y=76.445-843.186 (pulp volume/tooth volume), R=0.691. The ratio of pulp volume to tooth volume can be used to infer individual age, and can provide a new method and pathway for individual recognition in forensic dentistry.

La estimación de la edad juega un papel importante en el reconocimiento individual en la odontología forense. Los datos morfológicos de la cavidad pulpar tridimensional de los caninos maxilares fueron adquiridos por tomografía computarizada oral y craneofacial. De acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión, se recolectaron datos de 103 pacientes (51 hombres y 52 mujeres) en el Departamento de Radiología del Hospital de Estomatología de la Universidad de Medicina de Shanxi, desde septiembre de 2015 hasta agosto de 2016. Se utilizó el software Mimics 17.0 para medir el volumen de pulpa de los caninos maxilares y el volumen del diente, además, se calculó la relación entre el volumen de la pulpa y el volumen del diente. Se utilizó el software SPSS 16.0 para analizar y establecer las bases de datos. El análisis de regresión lineal se aplicó a los datos del proceso y para establecer la edad individual se aplicó una ecuación de regresión lineal: Y = 69.137-621.200 (volumen de la pulpa / volumen del diente), R = 0.544. Los sujetos se agruparon según el sexo, derivando la función inferida de la edad masculina: Y = 64.333-468.811 (volumen de la pulpa / volumen del diente), R = 0.435; La función inferida de la edad de la mujer: Y = 76.445-843.186 (volumen de la pulpa / volumen del diente), R = 0.691. La relación entre el volumen de la pulpa y el volumen del diente puede usarse para inferir la edad individual y puede proporcionar un nuevo método y forma para el reconocimiento individual en la odontología forense.

Analysis of palatal rugae morphology before and after orthodontic treatment by a digital image recognition system / Análisis de la morfología de las rugas palatinas antes y después de tratamiento ortodóncico por un sistema de reconocimiento por imágenes digitales

To analyze the accuracy rate of a digital image recognition system in matching the palatal rugae Morphology after orthodontic treatment, before orthodontic treatment and to provide theoretical evidence for individual identification in the field of forensic dentistry. High-resolution digital images of the palatal rugae were taken under particular conditions from each patient before and after orthodontic treatment. Features of each digital image were extracted using a digital image recognition system and included in the palatal rugae database. Using an MATLAB software system, information matching of the palatal rugae was performed. From the matching results, the accuracy rate of individual identification of orthodontic patients was 100 %, with a Euclidean distance of 0. The accuracy rate in matching palatal rugae patterns before and after orthodontic treatment was 95.67 %. The results were statistically significant with P < 0.05. Palatal rugae pattern is highly individual-specific. After orthodontic treatment, palatal rugae are morphologically diverse, but these changes do not greatly influence the individual identification in the field of forensic dentistry, which provides a new method of and pathway to forensic identification.

El objetivo de este trabajo consistitó en analizar la tasa de exactitud de un sistema de reconocimiento de imágenes digitales en la adaptación de la morfología de la rugosidad palatina después del tratamiento ortodóncico, antes del tratamiento ortodóncico y proporcionar evidencia teórica para la identificación individual en el campo de la odontología forense. Las imágenes digitales de alta resolución de las rugas palatinas fueron tomadas bajo condiciones particulares de cada paciente antes y después del tratamiento ortodóncico. Las características de cada imagen digital se extrajeron utilizando un sistema de reconocimiento de imagen digital y se incluyeron en la base de datos de rugas palatinas. Utilizando el software MATLAB, se realizó la comparación de información de las rugas palatinas. A partir de los resultados coincidentes, la tasa de exactitud de la identificación individual de los pacientes ortodóncicos fue del 100 %, con una distancia euclídea de 0. La tasa de precisión en los patrones de rugas palatinas coincidentes antes y después del tratamiento ortodóncico fue del 95,67 %. Los resultados fueron estadísticamente significativos con P < 0,05. El patrón palatino de las rugas es altamente individual-específico. Después del tratamiento ortodóncico, las rugas palatinas son morfológicamente diversas, pero estos cambios no influyen mucho en la identificación individual en el campo de la odontología forense, lo que proporciona un nuevo método y vía para la identificación forense.

Altered mRNA Splicing, Chondrocyte Gene Expression and Abnormal Skeletal Development due to SF3B4 Mutations in Rodriguez Acrofacial Dysostosis.

The acrofacial dysostoses (AFD) are a genetically heterogeneous group of inherited disorders with craniofacial and limb abnormalities. Rodriguez syndrome is a severe, usually perinatal lethal AFD, characterized by severe retrognathia, oligodactyly and lower limb abnormalities. Rodriguez syndrome has been proposed to be a severe form of Nager syndrome, a non-lethal AFD that results from mutations in SF3B4, a component of the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (U2 snRNP). Furthermore, a case with a phenotype intermediate between Rodriguez and Nager syndromes has been shown to have an SF3B4 mutation. We identified heterozygosity for SF3B4 mutations in Rodriguez syndrome, confirming that the phenotype is a dominant disorder that is allelic with Nager syndrome. The mutations led to reduced SF3B4 synthesis and defects in mRNA splicing, primarily exon skipping. The mutations also led to reduced expression in growth plate chondrocytes of target genes, including the DLX5, DLX6, SOX9, and SOX6 transcription factor genes, which are known to be important for skeletal development. These data provide mechanistic insight toward understanding how SF3B4 mutations lead to the skeletal abnormalities observed in the acrofacial dysostoses.

CUL4B, NEDD4, and UGT1As involve in the TGF-ß signalling in hepatocellular carcinoma.

UNLABELLED:  Introduction and Aim. TGF-ß signalling is involved in pathogenesis and progress of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This bioinformatics study consequently aims to determine the underlying molecular mechanism of TGF- ß activation in HCC cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dataset GSE10393 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, including 2 Huh-7 (HCC cell line) samples treated by TGF- ß (100 pmol/L, 48 h) and 2 untreated samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using Limma package (false discovery rate < 0.05 and |log2 fold change| > 1.5), and then enrichment analyses of function, pathway, and disease were performed. In addition, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on the PPI data from multiple databases including INACT, MINT, BioGRID, UniProt, BIND, BindingDB, and SPIKE databases. Transcription factor (TF)-DEG pairs (Bonferroni adjusted p-value < 0.01) from ChEA database and DEG-DEG pairs were used to construct TF-DEG regulatory network. Furthermore, TF-pathway-DEG complex network was constructed by integrating DEG-DEG pairs, TF-DEG pairs, and DEG-pathway pairs. RESULTS: Totally, 209 DEGs and 30 TFs were identified. The DEGs were significantly enriched in adhesion-related functions. PPI network indicted hub genes such as CUL4B and NEDD4. According to the TF-DEG regulatory network, the two hub genes were targeted by SMAD2, SMAD3, and HNF4A. Besides, the 11 pathways in TF-pathway-DEG network were mainly enriched by UGT1A family and CYP3A7, which were predicted to be regulated by SMAD2, SMAD3, SOX2, TP63, and HNF4A. CONCLUSIONS: TGF- ß might influence biological processes of HCC cells via SMAD2/SMAD3-NEDD4, HNF4A-CUL4B/NEDD4, SOX2/TP63/HNF4A-CYP3A7, and SMAD2/SMAD3/SOX2/TP63/HNF4A-UGT1As regulatory pathways.

EFFECT OF SECOND TOE-TO-HAND TRANSFER ON THE PLANTAR PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION OF THE DONOR FOOT.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of second toe-to-hand transfer on the plantar pressure distribution of the donor foot. METHODS: Twelve normal fresh-frozen cadaveric foot specimens were subjected to an axial load of 600 N. An F-Scan plantar pressure analysis system was used to measure the forefoot plantar pressure. The testing was performed under the conditions of intact second toe, second toe removal with the second metatarsal head reserved, and second toe removal in combination with the distal one-third of the second metatarsal, respectively. RESULTS: The peak pressure of the second metatarsal head was greater than other four forefoot plantar regions. There was no statistically significant change in the forefoot plantar pressure distribution after the second toe was removed (p > 0.05). When the second toe and the distal one-third of the second metatarsal were removed, the forefoot plantar pressure distribution changed significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An intact second metatarsal is essential for the normal distribution of plantar pressure. Removal of the second toe with the second metatarsal head reserved had little influence on the plantar pressure distribution of the donor foot. Removal of the second toe and distal one-third of the second metatarsal resulted in abnormal plantar pressure distribution. Level of Evidence II, Experimental Study.

EFFECT OF SECOND TOE-TO-HAND TRANSFER ON THE PLANTAR PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION OF THE DONOR FOOT

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effect of second toe-to-hand transfer on the plantar pressure distribution of the donor foot. Methods: Twelve normal fresh-frozen cadaveric foot specimens were subjected to an axial load of 600 N. An F-Scan plantar pressure analysis system was used to measure the forefoot plantar pressure. The testing was performed under the conditions of intact second toe, second toe removal with the second metatarsal head reserved, and second toe removal in combination with the distal one-third of the second metatarsal, respectively. Results: The peak pressure of the second metatarsal head was greater than other four forefoot plantar regions. There was no statistically significant change in the forefoot plantar pressure distribution after the second toe was removed (p > 0.05). When the second toe and the distal one-third of the second metatarsal were removed, the forefoot plantar pressure distribution changed significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusions: An intact second metatarsal is essential for the normal distribution of plantar pressure. Removal of the second toe with the second metatarsal head reserved had little influence on the plantar pressure distribution of the donor foot. Removal of the second toe and distal one-third of the second metatarsal resulted in abnormal plantar pressure distribution. Level of Evidence II, Experimental Study.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for screening of bacterial integrons.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence and prevalence of integrons in clinical microorganisms and their role played in antimicrobial resistance have been well studied recently. As screening and detection of integrons are concerned, current diagnostic methodologies are restricted by significant drawbacks and novel methods are required for integrons detection. RESULTS: In this study, three loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays targeting on class 1, 2 and 3 integrons were implemented and evaluated. Optimization of these detection assays were performed, including studing on the reaction temperature, volume, time, sensitivity and specificity (both primers and targets). Application of the established LAMP assays were further verified on a total of 1082 isolates (previously identified to be 397 integron-positive and 685 integron-negative strains). According to the results, the indispensability of each primer had been confirmed and the optimal reaction temperature, volume and time were found to be 65°C, 45 min and 25 µL, respectively. As application was concerned, 361, 28 and 8 isolates carrying intI1, intI2 and intI3 yielded positive amplicons, respectively. Other 685 integron-negative bacteria were negative for the integron-screening LAMP assays, totaling the detection rate and specificity to be 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The intI1-, intI2- and intI3-LAMP assays established in this study were demonstrated to be the valid and rapid detection methodologies for the screening of bacterial integrons.