A pilot screening study for low bone mass in Singaporean women using years since menopause and BMI.

OBJECTIVE: Current risk assessment tools for osteoporosis have inconsistent performance across different cohorts, making them difficult for clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate a simple screening index comprising years since menopause (YSM) and body mass index (BMI) that identifies postmenopausal Singaporean women with a greater likelihood of low bone mass. METHODS: The study used data from 188 treatment-naïve postmenopausal women. The associations between low bone mass and different demographic variables, including age, YSM and BMI, were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Diagnostic performance of the calculated screening index was compared to the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®). RESULTS: YSM and BMI were significantly associated with low bone mass. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.803 for the screening index, 0.759 for the OSTA, 0.683 for the FRAX® (major osteoporotic fracture probability [MOFP]) and 0.647 for the FRAX® (hip fracture probability [HFP]). Non-parametric Spearman's correlation between the screening index and the other models was 0.857 with the OSTA score, 0.694 with the FRAX® (HFP) and 0.565 with the FRAX® (MOFP) (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic performance of the screening index comprising YSM and BMI was equivalent to the OSTA and the FRAX®. A risk chart was developed for clinicians to identify and recommend subjects for a further dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Validation of this model in larger and more diverse cohorts is required.

MiR-1266 suppresses the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer via targeting PRMT5.

The article "MiR-1266 suppresses the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer via targeting PRMT5, by C.-M. Sun, G.-M. Zhang, H.-N. Qian, S.-J. Cheng, M. Wang, M. Liu, D. Li, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (15): 6436-6444-PMID: 31378882" has been withdrawn from the authors due to some inaccuracies (some data cannot be repeated by our further research). The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18525.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0017247 acts as an oncogene in bladder cancer by inducing Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

The article "Circular RNA hsa_circ_0017247 acts as an oncogene in bladder cancer by inducing Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, by C.-T. Han, Q.-Y. Bao, S.-J. Cheng, M. Liu, H.-N. Qian, D. Li, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (3): 1081-1087-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202002_20158-PMID: 32096177" has been withdrawn from the authors since they decided to perform further experiments. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/20158.

Blockade of fatty acid signalling inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage recruitment and progression of apical periodontitis.

AIM: To examine the role of palmitic acid in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated chemotaxis of macrophages and the potential contribution of saturated fatty acid in signalling during the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: J774, a mouse macrophage cell line, was used in the experiments. After treatment with LPS, proteolytic maturation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) were examined by Western analysis. Levels of palmitic acid were measured by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Knockdown of SREBP-1c and FASN was accomplished by small interfering RNA technology. Secretion of CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and cellular chemotaxis were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and transwell migration assay, respectively. Sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO) treatment was used to inhibit fatty acid signalling in vitro and also in a rat model of apical periodontitis. All data were first subjected to Levene's test. In vitro data were then analysed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test. Data from animal experiments were analysed by independent t-tests. The significant level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: LPS stimulated proteolytic maturation of SREBP-1c and FASN expression in macrophages and significantly enhanced palmitic acid synthesis (P < 0.05). Knockdown of SREBP-1c attenuated LPS-enhanced FASN expression. Knockdown of FASN significantly suppressed LPS-enhanced palmitic acid synthesis (P < 0.05). LPS and exogenous palmitic acid significantly enhanced CCL2 secretion and macrophage chemotaxis (all P < 0.05). Inhibition of FASN expression significantly alleviated LPS-augmented CCL2 secretion (P < 0.05). SSO significantly suppressed CCL2 secretion and macrophage chemotaxis augmented by LPS and palmitic acid (all P < 0.05). In a rat model of induced apical periodontitis, SSO treatment significantly attenuated progression of apical periodontitis and macrophage recruitment (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LPS/SREBP-1c/FASN/palmitic acid signalling contributed to tissue destruction caused by bacterial infection. Modulation of lipid metabolism and signalling may be helpful for the management of apical periodontitis.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0017247 acts as an oncogene in bladder cancer by inducing Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the most common genitourinary malignancy in the world. Recent studies have revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are dysregulated in malignant tumors and participate in carcinogenesis. The purpose of our work is to uncover how hsa_circ_0017247 functions in BLCA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this research, Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to monitor hsa_circ_0017247 expression in BLCA samples. Besides, proliferation assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry assay were performed in BLCA cells after hsa_circ_0017247 was knocked down. Meanwhile, the Western blot assay was conducted to explore the target signaling pathway of hsa_circ_0017247. Furthermore, tumor formation and metastasis assays were also conducted in vivo. RESULTS: Compared with the adjacent tissues, a significant upregulation in hsa_circ_0017247 expression was observed in BLCA samples. Functional assays showed that the inhibition of cell proliferation was induced via downregulating hsa_circ_0017247 in BLCA in vitro, while the promotion of cell proliferation was induced via downregulating hsa_circ_0017247 in BLCA in vitro. Moreover, the results of further experiments revealed that the targeted proteins in the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway were downregulated via knockdown of hsa_circ_0017247 in BLCA. In addition, tumor formation and metastasis of BLCA were inhibited via knockdown of hsa_circ_0017247 in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS: We discovered a vital regulatory mechanism of hsa_circ_0017247 in BLCA which might serve as a new therapeutic intervention for BLCA patients.

MiR-1266 suppresses the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer via targeting PRMT5.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the correlation between microRNA-1266 (miR-1266) and prostate cancer (PCa) progression, and to investigate the possible underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression level of miR-1266 and protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) in PCa tissues and cell lines was first detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). After up-regulating or down-regulating miR-1266 expression in cells, cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were detected. Possible target genes of miR-1266 were predicted and validated by bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Finally, abnormal expression of PRMT5 was ascertained after transfection. RESULTS: MiR-1266 was lowly expressed in PCa tissues and cell lines, whereas PRMT5 exhibited the opposite results. Up-regulated expression of miR-1266 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of PC-3 cells. However, the growth and migration of DU145 cells with low miR-1266 expression were significantly accelerated. Meanwhile, the number of invading cells was significantly increased. PRMT5 was verified as a potential target gene of miR-1266. Furthermore, results found that miR-1266 was negatively correlated with PRMT5. In addition, the expression of PRMT5 was remarkably decreased after miR-1266 overexpression, which could be restored after knockdown of miR-1266. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-1266 inhibits the growth and metastasis of PCa by targeting PRMT5. We may provide a potential and prospective therapeutic target for PCa.

TGF-ß induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in an advanced cervical tumor model by 3D printing.

An advanced in vitro cervical tumor model was established by 3D printing to study the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a very important stage of dissemination of carcinoma leading to metastatic tumors. A HeLa/hydrogel grid construct composed of gelatin, alginate, Matrigel and HeLa cells was fabricated by forced extrusion in a layer-by-layer fashion. HeLa cells rapidly proliferated, formed spheroids and presented tumorigenic characteristic in the 3D-printed structure. With the supplement of TGF-ß, aggregated HeLa cells started to disintegrate, and some of them changed into fibroblast-like spindle morphology, which indicated that EMT was induced. The down-regulation of epithelial marker E-cadherin, and up-regulation of mesenchymal markers such as snail, vimentin and N-cadherin were all observed in the 3D-printed model, and performed differently in 3D and 2D models. The TGF-ß induced EMT was inhibited by the treatment of disulfiram and EMT pathway inhibitor C19 in a dose dependent manner, showing great potential for future studies of a therapeutic program towards cervical tumor metastasis.

Effect of vascular bradykinin on pancreatic microcirculation and hemorheology in rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of vascular bradykinin on pancreatic microcirculation and hemorheology in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, an SAP group and a vascular bradykinin treatment group. The SAP model was induced by the retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate in the pancreaticobiliary duct. The vascular bradykinin treatment group underwent gastrostomy, with a fine plastic tube placed in the stomach that led out of body through the abdominal wall.Vascular bradykinin was fully dissolved and administered at a dose of 20 U/kg once every 8 h. The pancreatic microcirculatory blood flow volume and velocity, microvascular permeability, hemorheology were evaluated respectively by double-channel laser Doppler flowmetry, the Evans blue leakage test, a blood rheology test instrument. RESULTS: The pancreatic microcirculatory blood flow volume and velocity in the vascular bradykinin treatment group increased gradually after 48 h compared with the SAP group, and the changes were significantly different (p < 0.05). The pancreatic microvascular permeability of the vascular bradykinin treatment group was significantly reduced after 48 h compared with the SAP group (p < 0.05). The low shear rate blood viscosity, hematocrit and erythrocyte aggregation index of the vascular bradykinin treatment group were significantly decreased after 48 h compared with the SAP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vascular bradykinin can improve pancreatic microcirculation and hemorheology in rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

Probable Blastomyces dermatitidis infection in a young rat.

A 21-week-old male untreated control SHR/NCrlNarl rat was found dead during an experiment. Grossly, pulmonary lesions were characterized by multifocal to coalescing firm gray-white nodules randomly scattered on the surface. Microscopically, bronchopneumonia was found with pyogranulomas containing neutrophils, macrophages, and numerous thick-walled yeast cells. Yeast cells, 5 to 25 µm in diameter, with no branching of hyphae were observed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Diff-Quik, and periodic acid-Schiff. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using panfungal and nested PCR primers were used for detection of Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA in the lung tissue. After sequencing and matching with DNA sequences in the GenBank, the sample showed a similarity of 94.6% and 97% to Ajellomyces dermatitidis (B. dermatitidis), respectively. On the basis of these results, probable pulmonary blastomycosis was diagnosed. The origin of the infection in the colony rat is undetermined.

Significant reduction of homocysteine level with multiple B vitamins in atrophic glossitis patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether supplementations of different vitamins and iron could reduce the serum homocysteine levels in 91 atrophic glossitis (AG) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Atrophic glossitis (AG) patients with concomitant deficiencies of vitamin B12 only (n = 39, group I), folic acid only (n = 10, group II), iron only (n = 9, group III), or vitamin B12 plus iron (n = 19, group IV) were treated with vitamin BC capsules plus deficient hematinics. AG patients without definite hematinic deficiencies (n = 14, group V) were treated with vitamin BC capsules only. The blood homocysteine and hematinic levels at baseline and after treatment till all oral symptoms had disappeared were measured and compared by paired t-test. RESULTS: Supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus corresponding deficient hematinics for groups I, II, III, IV patients and with vitamin BC capsules only for group V patients could reduce the high serum homocysteine levels to significantly lower levels after a mean treatment period of 8.3-11.6 months (all P-values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus corresponding deficient hematinics or with vitamin BC capsules only can reduce the high serum homocysteine levels to significantly lower levels in AG patients.

Arecoline-stimulated placenta growth factor production in gingival epithelial cells: modulation by curcumin.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is associated with the progression and prognosis of oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used ELISA, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting to study the arecoline-stimulated (PlGF) protein or mRNA expression in human gingival epithelial S-G cells. RESULTS: Arecoline, a major areca nut alkaloid and an oral carcinogen, could stimulate PlGF protein synthesis in S-G cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The levels of PlGF protein secretion increased about 3.1- and 3.8-fold after 24-h exposure to 0.4 and 0.8 mM arecoline, respectively. Pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and ERK inhibitor PD98059, but not NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082, JNK inhibitor SP600125, p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, and PI3-K inhibitor LY294002, significantly reduced arecoline-induced PlGF protein synthesis. ELISA analyses demonstrated that NAC and PD98059 reduced about 43% and 38% of the arecoline-induced PlGF protein secretion, respectively. However, combined treatment with NAC and PD98059 did not show additive effect. Moreover, 10 µM curcumin and 4 mM NAC significantly inhibited arecoline-induced ERK activation. Furthermore, 10 µM curcumin completely blocked arecoline-induced PlGF mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Arecoline-induced PlGF synthesis is probably mediated by reactive oxygen species/ERK pathways, and curcumin may be an useful agent in controlling oral carcinogenesis.

Unusual acute complications of carotid cavernous fistula: therapeutic options.

We aimed to demonstrate the complications of carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) and their correlation with venous hypertension. From August 2000 to April 2008 we performed more than 2400 catheter angiographic procedures. Among those, six unusual cases presented acute complications of CCF. The presented complications of CCF from our cases showed a possible correlation with venous hypertension. With the experiences from our cases, venous hypertension may complicate CCF with a poor prognosis. The condition should be carefully evaluated and if present prompt treatment is necessary.

Post-tooth extraction sepsis without locoregional infection--a population-based study in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of post-tooth extraction sepsis in patients without locoregional infection. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We assessed all claim records of the Taiwanese National Health Insurance program in 2005. Admissions for patients aged > or =16 years containing a discharge diagnosis of sepsis, and who received tooth extraction within 14 days before the admission were identified. Patient charts were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of sepsis and rule out other infection sources. The relationship between postextraction sepsis (PES) and clinical parameters was analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-three of the 2 223 971 extraction cases met the criteria of PES, an incidence of 1.48 per 100 000, and seven patients (21.2%) died of the disease. Aging significantly increased the risk of PES (P < 0.001). Pre-existing comorbidities were found in 20 of the 33 cases, with diabetes mellitus and hematologic diseases the most common. The method, number, and position of extraction had no influence on PES incidence. Blood cultures were positive in 25 patients (75.8%) and isolates included species of the Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Klebsiella, Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Enterococcus genera. CONCLUSION: Tooth extraction is associated with a low but significant risk of postoperative sepsis, especially in the elderly and patients with underlying diseases.

Ultrastructural changes of posterior lingual glands after hypoglossal denervation in hamsters.

Posterior lingual glands consist of two sets of minor salivary glands that serve important functions in oral physiology. To investigate the hypothesis that the hypoglossal nerve provides sympathetic innervation to the posterior lingual glands, we examined ultrastructural changes in the glands following hypoglossal denervation. In the posterior deep lingual glands (of von Ebner), the serous acinar cells showed a decrease in the number of secretory granules and an increase in lipofuscin accumulation. The ratios of cells containing lipofuscin granules were 11.39, 36.49 and 50.46%, respectively, of the control, 3- and 7-day post-axotomy glands (P < 0.001). Intraepithelial phagocytotic activity was increased. The mucous acinar cells in the posterior superficial lingual glands (of Weber) also showed degenerative changes after hypoglossal denervation. One week after nerve transection, marked cytoplasmic vacuolation and fragmentation of organelles were frequently observed. Degenerative changes were also found in unmyelinated axons associated with the glands. We provide the first evidence of the structural and functional connections between the sympathetic component of the hypoglossal nerve and posterior lingual glands.

Chewing ameliorates stress-induced suppression of hippocampal long-term potentiation.

Research has established that severe stress adversely affects hippocampal memory, and chewing has been suggested to restore impaired cognitive functions in the hippocampus. To address how chewing involves stress-attenuated hippocampal memory process, we measured the long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal slices of adult male rats that had experienced restraint stress, including some rats that were allowed to chew a wooden stick during the stress period and other rats that were not. The three experimental conditions were: 1) restraint stress without chewing (ST), 2) restraint stress with chewing (SC), and 3) no treatment (CT). We prepared hippocampal slices and collected trunk blood from all experimental animals. For rats in the two stressed groups, we collected tissue and blood at one of three post-stress time points: immediately after, 24 h after, or 48 h after exposure to the stressor. We found that the magnitude of LTP in both group ST and SC was significantly attenuated immediately after stress exposure. However, within 24 h after the end of the stress period, LTP had returned to the control level in group SC whereas it remained low in group ST. At the same post-stress time point, we found that facilitation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by bath-applied glycine had less effect on the magnitude of LTP in group SC than on group ST, suggesting that most NMDA receptors had already become functionally restored in group SC by that time. Plasma concentration of adrenocorticotropic hormone was significantly elevated only in group ST immediately after exposure to the stressor, reflecting the involvement of chewing in decreasing subsequent corticosterone secretion. Thus, the present study demonstrates that chewing ameliorates the stress-induced impairment of NMDA receptor-mediated LTP, suggesting chewing as a good strategy to cope with severe stress by suppressing excessive endocrine responses.

Excitonic energy shell structure of self-assembled InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots.

Performing optical spectroscopy of highly homogeneous quantum dot arrays in ultrahigh magnetic fields, an unprecedently well resolved Fock-Darwin spectrum is observed. The existence of up to four degenerate electronic shells is demonstrated where the magnetic field lifts the initial degeneracies, which reappear when levels with different angular momenta come into resonance. The resulting level shifting and crossing pattern also show evidence of many-body effects such as the mixing of configurations and exciton condensation at the resonances.

The relationship between radiologic interpretation and root tip fracture during tooth extraction performed by junior clinicians.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between root tip fracture and radiologic interpretation of root morphology on periapical radiographs during third molar extraction performed by junior clinicians. METHODS: Before tooth extraction, periapical radiographs of 107 patients with 116 third molars were evaluated by junior clinicians, all with less than 5 years of clinical experience. Radiologic interpretations of root morphology-including number, curvature, fusion, and accessory root-were recorded before each extraction. The clinicians were also asked to estimate the possibility of root fracture on a Visual Analogue Scale before the procedure. The exact morphology of the extracted teeth was recorded after the extraction for the purpose of comparison. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 116 teeth extracted were not correctly interpreted in at least 1 of the morphologic categories surveyed. The average expected fracture rate of nonfractured teeth was 23.1%, whereas the average expected fracture rate of fractured teeth was a significantly higher 50.3%. Misinterpretation of root morphology on radiographs decreased with increased clinical experience. Senior residents had the lowest misinterpretation and fracture rate. Logistic regression analysis showed that fracture is most closely related to the estimated fracture rate (4.95) and is also significantly related to underestimation of root curvature (0.95; 24.56 with 2 df of chi-square, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Misinterpretation of root morphology on radiographs occurred in 25% of the teeth. Root curvature was the most misinterpreted item studied. Fracture was most closely related to the estimated fracture rate. Junior clinicians in this study expected that only 50% of the fractured teeth would fracture, reflecting a general underestimation of root tip fracture. Further study should be performed to evaluate how to increase the accuracy of root curvature interpretation.

Salicylate uniquely induces a 27-kDa protein in tubercle bacillus.

Salicylate was found to uniquely induce a 27-kDa protein in Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms but not in Mycobacterium smegmatis or Escherichia coli. The structural analogue antitubercular para-amino-salicylate also induced the 27-kDa protein but to a somewhat lower level than salicylate. Other structural analogues such as benzoic acid and acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin) did not induce the 27-kDa protein. Western blot analysis indicated that the 27-kDa protein was localized mainly in the cytoplasm. The 27-kDa protein was not expressed at different growth phases in the absence of salicylate. The 27-kDa protein was identified as a putative benzoquinone methyltransferase (Rv0560c), which has several homologues in the M. tuberculosis genome. The cloned 27-kDa gene was found to express constitutively in E. coli, M. smegmatis and BCG with or without salicylate.