Integrating plasma exosomal miRNAs, ultrasound radiomics and tPSA for the diagnosis and prediction of early prostate cancer: a multi-center study.

INTRODUCTION: This multi-center study aims to explore the roles of plasma exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), ultrasound (US) radiomics, and total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) levels in early prostate cancer detection. METHODS: We analyzed the publicly available dataset GSE112264 to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs associated with prostate cancer. Then, PyRadiomics was used to extract image features, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to screen the data. Subsequently, according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, the internal dataset (n = 199) was used to construct a diagnostic model, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and DeLong test were used to evaluate its diagnostic performance. Finally, we used an external dataset (n = 158) for further validation. RESULTS: The number of features extracted by PyRadiomics was 851, and the number of features screened by LASSO was 23. We combined the hsa-miR-320c, hsa-miR-944, radiomics, and tPSA features to construct a joint model. The area under the ROC curve of the combined model was 0.935. In the internal validation, the area under the curve (AUC) of the training set was 0.943, and the AUC of the test set was 0.946. The AUC of the external data set was 0.910. The calibration curve and decision curve were consistent with the performance of the combined model. There was a significant difference in the prediction ability between the combined prediction model and the single index prediction model, indicating the high credibility and accuracy of the combined model in predicting PCa. CONCLUSIONS: The combined prediction model, consisting of plasma exosomal miRNAs (hsa-miR-320c and hsa-miR-944), US radiomics, and clinical tPSA, can be utilized for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Time - sensitive effects of Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion on estrogen level in female perimenopausal model rats / Efectos sensibles al tiempo de la moxibustión con hilo medicado de Zhuang sobre el nivel de estrógeno en ratas modelo perimenopáusicas hembras

The present study was conducted to ascertain the estrogenic effect of Zhuang Medicated Thread Moxibustion (ZMTM) and explore its time - sensitive impact on estradiol (E2) in female perimenopausal rats. 40 female rats were randomized into four gr oups: the control, model, ZMTM, and acupuncture groups. The perimenopausal syndrome was induced in the last three groups with a daily subcutaneous dose of 80 mg/kg of 4 - vinylcyclohexene diepoxide for 15 days. Afterward, rats in the model and control group s were fed routinely, while rats in the ZMTM and acupuncture groups were treated with six ZMTM and acupuncture courses, respectively. Results of the study suggested that following the six courses of treatment, the E2 level in the model group was significan tly the lowest, while the regular group was the highest (P < 0.05). There was also a gradual increase in the E2 level of the ZMTM group compared to the model and acupuncture groups, e.g. after the 5th and 6th courses of treatment, their E2 level was signif icantly higher than the model and acupuncture groups. The ZMTM group was better than the model and acupuncture groups. In summary, ZMTM can improve perimenopausal induced rats' estrogen level.

El presen te estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar el efecto estrogénico de la moxibustión con hilo medicado Zhuang (ZMTM) y explorar su impacto sensible al tiempo en el estradiol (E2) en ratas hembras perimenopáusicas. Se dividió al azar una muestra de 40 ratas h embras en cuatro grupos: control, modelo, ZMTM y acupuntura. El síndrome perimenopáusico se indujo en los últimos tres grupos con una dosis subcutánea diaria de 80 mg/kg de diepóxido de 4 - vinilciclohexeno durante 15 días. Después, las ratas en los grupos m odelo y control fueron alimentadas rutinariamente, mientras que las ratas en los grupos ZMTM y acupuntura recibieron seis cursos de ZMTM y acupuntura, respectivamente. Los resultados del estudio sugieren que después de los seis cursos de tratamiento, el ni vel de E2 en el grupo modelo fue significativamente más bajo, mientras que el grupo regular fue más alto ( p < 0,05). También hubo un aumento gradual en el nivel de E2 del grupo ZMTM en comparación con los grupos modelo y acupuntura, por ejemplo, desp ués del quinto y sexto cursos de tratamiento, su nivel de E2 fue significativamente más alto que los grupos modelo y acupuntura. El grupo ZMTM fue mejor que los grupos modelo y acupuntura. En resumen, el ZMTM puede mejorar el nivel de estrógeno de las rata s inducidas por la perimenopausia.

A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Bed-Sharing Experience in Infancy on Sleep Outcomes at 2 Years Old.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of bed-sharing experiences in infancy on sleep patterns and sleep problems at 2 years of age. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1564 children from an ongoing Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort were included. Bed-sharing experiences were collected when children were 2, 6, and 24 months old via caregiver-completed questionnaires (whether caregivers shared a bed with children during the night), and children's bed-sharing experiences were classified as follows: no bed-sharing, early-only bed-sharing, late-onset bed-sharing, and persistent bed-sharing. Sleep outcomes at month 24 were assessed using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. Sleep patterns and problems were compared among the 4 types of bed-sharing experiences. RESULTS: Of the 1564 infants, 10.10% had no bed-sharing, 18.35% had early-only, 27.94% had late-onset, and 43.61% had persistent bed-sharing. Compared with children with no bed-sharing, children with late-onset and persistent bed-sharing had shorter nighttime sleep durations and longer daytime sleep durations (P < .05) and were more likely to snore (aOR 1.87 [95% CI 1.25-2.79]; aOR 1.68 [95% CI 1.14-2.47]) and have sleep onset difficulty (aOR 2.06 [95% CI 1.37-3.09]; aOR 2.07 [95% CI 1.41-3.05]). However, caregivers of infants in the late-onset and persistent bed-sharing groups perceived less problematic sleep (aOR 0.38 [95% CI 0.26-0.56] and aOR 0.40 [95% CI 0.28-0.58]). CONCLUSIONS: Bed-sharing is a common experience among Chinese children. Although bed-sharing may reduce caregivers' perception of children's problematic sleep, late-onset or persistent bed-sharing in infancy is associated with sleep problems at 2 years of age.

Sex-, Age-, and Race-Related Normal Values of Right Ventricular Diastolic Function Parameters: Data from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the assessment of right ventricular (RV) diastolic function is feasible, it has garnered far less momentum for use compared with its left ventricular counterpart. The scarcity of data defining normative RV diastolic function and the fact that implications of RV diastolic dysfunction in different disease states on outcomes are less well known both hinder integration into routine clinical assessment. The aim of this study was to establish normal values of RV diastolic parameters stratified by sex, age, and race using data from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study. METHODS: A subset of 888 normal subjects from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography database were analyzed, including measurements of tricuspid valve (TV) inflow E- and A-wave velocities, E-wave deceleration time, and TV annular tissue Doppler e' and a' velocities. Additionally, right atrial (RA) maximal volume and RA peak reservoir strain were measured. Patients were grouped by age (<40, 41-65, and >65 years) and stratified by sex and race. Differences were analyzed using unpaired t tests. RESULTS: Compared with men, women had significantly higher TV e' and E-wave and A-wave velocities, though differences were modest. Increasing age was associated with stepwise lower TV E wave, e' velocity, and TV E/A ratio and higher a' velocity and E/e' ratio. RA peak reservoir strain was also lower, and RA end-systolic volume trended toward being smaller for older age groups. Asian subjects demonstrated significantly higher a' velocities, lower E wave, the smallest RA end-systolic volumes, and the lowest RA peak strain values compared with white subjects of both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normal values for parameters used in the assessment of RV diastolic function stratified by race, sex, and age. The results demonstrate significant differences in RV diastolic parameters between age groups, which manifest in both individual parameters and composite ratios of TV inflow and annular velocities. Although limited sex- and race-related differences were also noted, age appears to have the most significant impact on RV diastolic parameters. These findings may aid in refining current normative values.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA HOTAIR reverses cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells through inhibiting miR-138-5p-regulated EZH2 and SIRT1.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin resistance (DDP-resistance) remains one of the major causes of poor prognosis in females with ovarian cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to participate in the regulation of cellular processes, including chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to explore the role of HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3/DDP and A2780/DDP) were established. Real-time PCR, western blot, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and flow cytometry were then used to evaluate the effect of HOTAIR/miR-138-5p axis on chemoresistance of DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells to DDP. RESULTS: We found that HOTAIR was upregulated in DDP-resistant cells, while miR-138-5p was downregulated. Knockdown of HOTAIR increased the expression of miR-138-5p in DDP-resistant cells and miR-138-5p is directly bound to HOTAIR. Upregulation of miR-138-5p induced by HOTAIR siRNA or by its mimics enhanced the chemosensitivity of DDP-resistant cells and decreased the expression of EZH2 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit) and SIRT1 (sirtuin 1). Furthermore, the HOTAIR silencing-induced chemosensitivity of DDP-resistant cells was weakened by miR-138-5p inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that HOTAIR acts as a sponge of miR-138-5p to prevent its binding to EZH2 and SIRT1, thereby promoting DDP-resistance of ovarian cancer cells. Our work will shed light on the development of therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer treatment.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA HOTAIR reverses cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells through inhibiting miR-138-5p-regulated EZH2 and SIRT1

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin resistance (DDP-resistance) remains one of the major causes of poor prognosis in females with ovarian cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to participate in the regulation of cellular processes, including chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to explore the role of HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3/DDP and A2780/DDP) were established. Real-time PCR, western blot, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and flow cytometry were then used to evaluate the effect of HOTAIR/miR-138-5p axis on chemoresistance of DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells to DDP. RESULTS: We found that HOTAIR was upregulated in DDP-resistant cells, while miR-138-5p was downregulated. Knockdown of HOTAIR increased the expression of miR-138-5p in DDP-resistant cells and miR-138-5p is directly bound to HOTAIR. Upregulation of miR-138-5p induced by HOTAIR siRNA or by its mimics enhanced the chemosensitivity of DDP-resistant cells and decreased the expression of EZH2 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit) and SIRT1 (sirtuin 1). Furthermore, the HOTAIR silencing-induced chemosensitivity of DDP-resistant cells was weakened by miR-138-5p inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that HOTAIR acts as a sponge of miR-138-5p to prevent its binding to EZH2 and SIRT1, thereby promoting DDP-resistance of ovarian cancer cells. Our work will shed light on the development of therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer treatment.

Host-Microbial Interactions in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Periodontitis.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a potentially fatal complex autoimmune disease, that is characterized by widespread inflammation manifesting tissue damage and comorbidities across the human body including heart, blood vessels, joints, skin, liver, kidneys, and periodontal tissues. The etiology of SLE is partially attributed to a deregulated inflammatory response to microbial dysbiosis and environmental changes. In the mouth, periodontal environment provides an optimal niche for local and systemic inflammation. Our aim was to evaluate the reciprocal impact of periodontal subgingival microbiome on SLE systemic inflammation. Methods: Ninety-one female subjects were recruited, including healthy (n = 31), SLE-inactive (n = 29), and SLE-active (n = 31). Patients were screened for probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and classified according to CDC/AAP criteria with or without periodontal dysbiosis. Serum inflammatory cytokines were measured by human cytokine panel and a targeted pathogenic subgingival biofilm panel was examined by DNA-DNA checkerboard from subgingival plaque samples. Results: The results showed significant upregulation of serum proinflammatory cytokines in individuals with SLE when compared to controls. Stratification of subject's into SLE-inactive (I) and SLE-active (A) phenotypes or periodontitis and non-periodontitis groups provided new insights into SLE pathophysiology. Ten proinflammatory cytokines were upregulated in serum of SLE-I only and one in SLE-A only. Four molecules overlapped in SLE-A and SLE-I. Anti-inflammatory cytokines included IL-4 IL-10, which were upregulated in SLE-I sera (but not SLE-A), controlling clinical phenotypes. Out of 24 significant differential oral microbial abundances found in SLE, 14 unique subgingival bacteria profiles were found to be elevated in SLE. The most severe oral pathogens (Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia) showed increase abundances on SLE-A periodontal sites when compared to SLE-I and healthy controls. Inflammation as measured by cytokine-microbial correlations showed that periodontal pathogens dominating the environment increased proinflammatory cytokines systemically. Conclusions: Altogether, low-grade systemic inflammation that influenced SLE disease activity and severity was correlated to dysbiotic changes of the oral microbiota present in periodontal diseases.

A meta-analysis of the association between gout, serum uric acid level, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Previous epidemiological investigations have evaluated the association between gout, serum uric acid levels, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but with inconsistent results. We conducted this meta-analysis aiming at providing clear evidence about whether OSAS patients have higher serum uric acid levels and more susceptible to gout. Relevant studies were identified via electronic databases from inception to December 17, 2018. Study selection was conducted according to predesigned eligibility criteria, and two authors independently extracted data from included studies. The hazard ratio (HR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived using random-effects models. We conducted meta-, heterogeneity, publication bias, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses. Eighteen studies, involving a total of 157,607 individuals (32,395 with OSAS, 125,212 without OSAS) and 12,262 gout cases, were included. Results show that serum uric acid levels are elevated in patients with OSAS (WMD = 52.25, 95% CI 36.16-64.33); OSAS did not reach statistical significance as a predictor of gout (but there was a trend, HR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.91-1.70) and that the association between OSAS and serum uric acid was quite robust. OSAS may be a potential risk factor for hyperuricemia and the development of gout and thus, effective OSAS therapy may present as a valuable preventive measure against gout. Still, it is vital to undertake clinical studies with better designing to corroborate these associations and shed new light on it.

Recomendações para Avaliação por Imagens das Próteses Valvares Cardíacas / Recommendations for the Imaging Assessment of Prosthetic Heart Valves

Disfunção de prótese valvar cardíaca (PVC) é rara, porém é uma potencial ameaça à vida. Estabelecer o exato mecanismo da disfunção da PVC é desafiador, no entanto é essencial para determinar a estratégia terapêutica apropriada. Na prática clinica, uma abordagem abrangente que integra vários parâmetros de morfologia e função avaliados pelo eco transtorácico 2D/3D e transesofágico são fundamentais para detectar e quantificar a disfunção da PVC. A cinefluoroscopia, a tomografia computadorizada com multidectetores, a ressonância magnética cardíaca, e em menor escala, a imagem nuclear, são ferramentas complementares para o diagnóstico e abordagem das complicações das PVC. Este documento apresenta recomendações para o uso de imagem em multimodalidade para avaliação das PVCs

Efficacy of two mouthwashes with cetylpyridinium chloride: a controlled randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects of two mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), in comparison to negative control mouthwash. One hundred and twenty subjects were randomly assigned to study groups: test (0.075% CPC and 0.28% zinc lactate), positive control (0.07% CPC) and negative control mouthwash without CPC. All volunteers were examined by a calibrated examiner for the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (Turesky modification) and Löe-Silness Gingival Index (GI). Gingival severity was also measured by the percentage of sites with positive gingival bleeding. During six weeks, oral hygiene consisted of brushing twice daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rising with their assigned mouthwash. Plaque and gingival parameters were assessed at baseline, after four and six weeks of product use. Statistical analyses were performed separately for plaque and gingival indices, by ANOVA, paired t-test and ANCOVA (α < 0.05). After 4 and 6 weeks, all mouthwashes groups presented statistically significant reductions in plaque and gingival parameters as compared to baseline. In comparison to the positive control, the test group presented additional reductions in dental plaque of 19.8% and 16.8%, after 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. For GI, the additional reductions in the test group were 9.7% and 14.3%, at 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. The test group showed additional reduction of 35.3% and 54.5% in the gingival severity, at week 4 and 6, respectively. It is concluded that the mouthwash containing CPC and zinc lactate presents significant anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects as compared to positive and negative control mouthwashes.

Effectiveness of a pre-procedural mouthwash in reducing bacteria in dental aerosols: randomized clinical trial

The aim of this randomized, single blinded clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of a pre-procedural mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), zinc lactate (Zn) and sodium fluoride (F) in the reduction of viable bacteria in oral aerosol after a dental prophylaxis with ultrasonic scaler. Sixty systemically healthy volunteers receiving dental prophylaxis were randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups (15 per group): (i) rinsing with 0.075% CPC, 0.28% Zn and 0.05% F (CPC+Zn+F), (ii) water or (iii) 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and (iv) no rinsing. Viable bacteria were collected from different locations in the dental office on enriched TSA plates and anaerobically incubated for 72 hours. The colonies were counted and species were then identified by Checkerboard DNA-DNA Hybridization. The total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) detected in the aerosols from volunteers who rinsed with CPC+Zn+F or CHX was statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower than of those subjects who did not rinse or who rinsed with water. When all locations were considered together, the aerosols from the CPC+Zn+F and CHX groups showed, respectively, 70% and 77% fewer CFUs than those from the No Rinsing group and 61% and 70% than those from the Water group. The mean proportions of bacterial species from the orange complex were statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower in aerosols from the CPC+Zn+F and CHX groups compared with the others two groups. In conclusion, the mouthwash containing CPC+Zn+F, is effective in reducing viable bacteria in oral aerosol after a dental prophylaxis with ultrasonic scaler.

Effectiveness of a pre-procedural mouthwash in reducing bacteria in dental aerosols: randomized clinical trial

Abstract The aim of this randomized, single blinded clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of a pre-procedural mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), zinc lactate (Zn) and sodium fluoride (F) in the reduction of viable bacteria in oral aerosol after a dental prophylaxis with ultrasonic scaler. Sixty systemically healthy volunteers receiving dental prophylaxis were randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups (15 per group): (i) rinsing with 0.075% CPC, 0.28% Zn and 0.05% F (CPC+Zn+F), (ii) water or (iii) 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and (iv) no rinsing. Viable bacteria were collected from different locations in the dental office on enriched TSA plates and anaerobically incubated for 72 hours. The colonies were counted and species were then identified by Checkerboard DNA–DNA Hybridization. The total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) detected in the aerosols from volunteers who rinsed with CPC+Zn+F or CHX was statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower than of those subjects who did not rinse or who rinsed with water. When all locations were considered together, the aerosols from the CPC+Zn+F and CHX groups showed, respectively, 70% and 77% fewer CFUs than those from the No Rinsing group and 61% and 70% than those from the Water group. The mean proportions of bacterial species from the orange complex were statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower in aerosols from the CPC+Zn+F and CHX groups compared with the others two groups. In conclusion, the mouthwash containing CPC+Zn+F, is effective in reducing viable bacteria in oral aerosol after a dental prophylaxis with ultrasonic scaler.

Efficacy of two mouthwashes with cetylpyridinium chloride: a controlled randomized clinical trial

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects of two mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), in comparison to negative control mouthwash. One hundred and twenty subjects were randomly assigned to study groups: test (0.075% CPC and 0.28% zinc lactate), positive control (0.07% CPC) and negative control mouthwash without CPC. All volunteers were examined by a calibrated examiner for the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (Turesky modification) and Löe-Silness Gingival Index (GI). Gingival severity was also measured by the percentage of sites with positive gingival bleeding. During six weeks, oral hygiene consisted of brushing twice daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rising with their assigned mouthwash. Plaque and gingival parameters were assessed at baseline, after four and six weeks of product use. Statistical analyses were performed separately for plaque and gingival indices, by ANOVA, paired t-test and ANCOVA (α < 0.05). After 4 and 6 weeks, all mouthwashes groups presented statistically significant reductions in plaque and gingival parameters as compared to baseline. In comparison to the positive control, the test group presented additional reductions in dental plaque of 19.8% and 16.8%, after 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. For GI, the additional reductions in the test group were 9.7% and 14.3%, at 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. The test group showed additional reduction of 35.3% and 54.5% in the gingival severity, at week 4 and 6, respectively. It is concluded that the mouthwash containing CPC and zinc lactate presents significant anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects as compared to positive and negative control mouthwashes.

Efficacy of two soft-bristle toothbrushes in plaque removal: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy in supragingival plaque removal of two soft-bristle toothbrushes. Seventy volunteers were allocated randomly to the Colgate Slim Soft or Curaprox CS5460 toothbrush grourps. At baseline appointment, volunteers underwent plaque examination using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index. Under supervision, they then brushed their teeth for 1minute with their assigned toothbrushes and the plaque examination was repeated. Volunteers performed daily oral hygiene with their assigned toothbrush and a regular dentifrice provided by the researchers for 7 days. The baseline experimental procedures were then repeated. Separate analyses of variance were performed for the whole-mouth, interproximal, and gumline plaque scores (p < 0.05). No difference in baseline pre-brushing scores was found between groups. After a single toothbrushing, the mean plaque score was significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.05), with greater reduction of whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores observed in the SlimSoft group compared with the Curaprox group (p < 0.05). After 7 days, the SlimSoft group showed greater reduction of the whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores compared with the Curaprox group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the SlimSoft toothbrush presented greater efficacy in supragingival plaque removal than did the Curaprox CS5460 toothbrush, as reflected by whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores.

Establishment of a HEK293T cell line able to site-specifically integrate and stably express GDNF by rAAV-2 vector

Background: Using recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV-2), we attempted to establish a HEK293T cell line that is able to site-specifically integrate and stably express glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Results:Recombinant vector with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and GDNF (pTR-P5-EGFP-IRES-GDNF), as well as that carrying Rep genes and SV40 promoters (pSVAV2) were constructed and packed. HEK293T cells were co-infected with rAAV-2/EGFP-GDNF and rAAV-2/SVAV2 virus separately at 1 x 10(4),1 x 10(5),and 1x10(6) of multiplicity of infection (MOI). The efficiency of transduction was detected using flow cytometry. Additionally, the infected HEK293T cells were separately validated by touchdown polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western-blot. After 72 h of transduction, the rate of EGFP positive cell was 22%, 45% and 49% at the MOIs of 1 x 10(4),1 x 10(5) and 1 x 10(6), respectively. On the 3rd, 6th and 9th day of cell passage, there was no significant difference in the cell viability and proliferation rate between transduction and control groups. Importantly, touchdown PCR showed that there was a specific PCR amplified product band in the lane of infected cells. Furthermore, GDNF expression was detected in the infected cells after 15 and 180 d of cultivation. Conclusions: A HEK293T cell line able to site-specifically integrate and stably express GDNF was established.

Recommendations for the imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves: a report from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging endorsed by the Chinese Society of Echocardiography, the Inter-American Society of Echocardiography, and the Brazilian Department of Cardiovascular Imaging.

Prosthetic heart valve (PHV) dysfunction is rare but potentially life-threatening. Although often challenging, establishing the exact cause of PHV dysfunction is essential to determine the appropriate treatment strategy. In clinical practice, a comprehensive approach that integrates several parameters of valve morphology and function assessed with 2D/3D transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography is a key to appropriately detect and quantitate PHV dysfunction. Cinefluoroscopy, multidetector computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and to a lesser extent, nuclear imaging are complementary tools for the diagnosis and management of PHV complications. The present document provides recommendations for the use of multimodality imaging in the assessment of PHVs.

Efficacy of two soft-bristle toothbrushes in plaque removal: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy in supragingival plaque removal of two soft-bristle toothbrushes. Seventy volunteers were allocated randomly to the Colgate Slim Soft or Curaprox CS5460 toothbrush grourps. At baseline appointment, volunteers underwent plaque examination using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index. Under supervision, they then brushed their teeth for 1minute with their assigned toothbrushes and the plaque examination was repeated. Volunteers performed daily oral hygiene with their assigned toothbrush and a regular dentifrice provided by the researchers for 7 days. The baseline experimental procedures were then repeated. Separate analyses of variance were performed for the whole-mouth, interproximal, and gumline plaque scores (p < 0.05). No difference in baseline pre-brushing scores was found between groups. After a single toothbrushing, the mean plaque score was significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.05), with greater reduction of whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores observed in the SlimSoft group compared with the Curaprox group (p < 0.05). After 7 days, the SlimSoft group showed greater reduction of the whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores compared with the Curaprox group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the SlimSoft toothbrush presented greater efficacy in supragingival plaque removal than did the Curaprox CS5460 toothbrush, as reflected by whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores.

Rapid diversification of five Oryza AA genomes associated with rice adaptation.

Comparative genomic analyses among closely related species can greatly enhance our understanding of plant gene and genome evolution. We report de novo-assembled AA-genome sequences for Oryza nivara, Oryza glaberrima, Oryza barthii, Oryza glumaepatula, and Oryza meridionalis. Our analyses reveal massive levels of genomic structural variation, including segmental duplication and rapid gene family turnover, with particularly high instability in defense-related genes. We show, on a genomic scale, how lineage-specific expansion or contraction of gene families has led to their morphological and reproductive diversification, thus enlightening the evolutionary process of speciation and adaptation. Despite strong purifying selective pressures on most Oryza genes, we documented a large number of positively selected genes, especially those genes involved in flower development, reproduction, and resistance-related processes. These diversifying genes are expected to have played key roles in adaptations to their ecological niches in Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. Extensive variation in noncoding RNA gene numbers, function enrichment, and rates of sequence divergence might also help account for the different genetic adaptations of these rice species. Collectively, these resources provide new opportunities for evolutionary genomics, numerous insights into recent speciation, a valuable database of functional variation for crop improvement, and tools for efficient conservation of wild rice germplasm.

Drug target mining and analysis of the Chinese tree shrew for pharmacological testing.

The discovery of new drugs requires the development of improved animal models for drug testing. The Chinese tree shrew is considered to be a realistic candidate model. To assess the potential of the Chinese tree shrew for pharmacological testing, we performed drug target prediction and analysis on genomic and transcriptomic scales. Using our pipeline, 3,482 proteins were predicted to be drug targets. Of these predicted targets, 446 and 1,049 proteins with the highest rank and total scores, respectively, included homologs of targets for cancer chemotherapy, depression, age-related decline and cardiovascular disease. Based on comparative analyses, more than half of drug target proteins identified from the tree shrew genome were shown to be higher similarity to human targets than in the mouse. Target validation also demonstrated that the constitutive expression of the proteinase-activated receptors of tree shrew platelets is similar to that of human platelets but differs from that of mouse platelets. We developed an effective pipeline and search strategy for drug target prediction and the evaluation of model-based target identification for drug testing. This work provides useful information for future studies of the Chinese tree shrew as a source of novel targets for drug discovery research.

Early immunotherapy using autologous adult stem cells reversed the effect of anti-pancreatic islets in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow stem cell treatment has been proven a promising therapeutic strategy and showed significant results given the strong immune modulating properties. We have investigated the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation through liver puncture in two patients with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The procedure was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. In 2011, in three young patients, type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnosis was confirmed, with the presence of positive antibodies and ketoacidosis. Two patients was treated with autologous bone marrow stem cell stimulated with filgrastim and transplantation, through liver puncture, as immune modulators. One patients was treated with conventional treatment and participate in this experiment as a control group. The families of the patients signed the informed consent. No specific statistical analysis was performed. The patients had less than 8 years old, diagnosis of type 1 diabetes for less than 60 days, body mass index less than 22 kg/m2, normal complete blood count, coagulation and renal function, no lesions in target organs, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level less than 13.70%, c-peptide level less than 0.67 ng/ml, positive results of Islets Cells Antibody (ICA), Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) and insulin antibody. RESULTS: In two patients treated, the follow up at 12 months showed negative value in ICA, GAD and anti insulin antibody levels, with an increased levels of c peptide and decreased levels of blood glucose and HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with autologous bone marrow stem cells is easy and effective as it reversed the production and effect of anti pancreatic islet antibody and significantly resulted in an increased c-peptide concentration.