Analysis of Environmental Exposures for Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Orofacial cleft is among the most common developmental malformations in humans. This study aimed to identify the relationship between environmental factors and nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) in Northwest China. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Gansu Province, China over two years (Jan. 1, 2017-Jan. 1, 2019). Overall, 600 NSCL/P cases and 660 normal control cases were finally enrolled in the current study. Data were collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with both parents of each case. Results: Univariate (χ2) analysis revealed 22 factors as being significantly associated with NSCL/P. Multivariate (stepwise logistic regression) analysis identified that 14 factors had statistically significant association with NSCL/P. Male gender (OR=0.789), paternal age at childbirth of 25-29 yr (OR=0.690), and folic acid supplement (OR=0.197) were found to be protective factors against NSCL/P. On the other hand, blood A-type, multiple births, positive family history of NSCLP (OR=6.660), parental consanguinity (OR=6.107), positive abortion history, high or low maternal childbearing age, and maternal passive smoking (OR=4.349), malnutrition (OR=4.431), infections, and drug use (OR=2.188) during early gestation were significant risk factors for NSCL/P. Conclusion: Parental age at childbirth of 25-29 yr, and folic acid supplement can reduce the risk of NSCL/P. By contrast, maternal passive smoking, infections, and drug use during early gestation period, and multiple births, parental consanguinity, positive family history, and maternal abortion history can increase the risk of NSCL/P. Identification of risk factors is essential in minimizing the incidence of NSCL/P in a particular population.

Tissue mechanics modulate PCNP expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas with different differentiation.

Background: PEST-containing nuclear protein (PCNP), a novel zinc finger protein, participates in cell cycle regulation. Previous studies have confirmed that PCNP plays a role in mediating cellular development and invasion in a variety of cancer types. However, the relationship between PCNP expression and the occurrence and development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) requires further exploration. In this study, we used biological atomic force microscopy to examine the histomorphological and mechanical properties of OSCC to explore the relationship between PCNP expression and differentiation of OSCC. Methods: Seventy-seven OSCC samples with varying degrees of differentiation were selected for hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and cellular mechanical measurement. The expression of PCNP and the mechanical properties such as stiffness and roughness of the tissue interface in OSCC samples were investigated. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was utilized to assess the relationship of PCNP expression with patient survival. Results: The level of PCNP was significantly higher in well-differentiated OSCC than in moderately and poorly differentiated OSCC (P < 0.001). High expression of PCNP was specifically associated with higher tumor differentiation, lack of lymph node metastasis, and lower tumor node metastasis stage (all P < 0.05). Patients with high PCNP expression had a higher survival rate than those with low PCNP expression. The average variation of stiffness within a single tissue ranged from 347 kPa to 539 kPa. The mean surface roughness of highly, moderately, and poorly differentiated OSCC and paraneoplastic tissues were 795.53 ± 47.2 nm, 598.37 ± 45.76 nm, 410.16 ± 38.44 nm, and 1010.94 ± 119.07 nm, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient demonstrated a positive correlation between PCNP expression and tissue stiffness of OSCC (R = 0.86, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The expression of PCNP was positively correlated with patient survival, tumor differentiation, and mechanical properties of tissue interfaces. PCNP is a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis and staging of OSCC. Furthermore, determination of the mechanical properties of the tissue interface could provide further useful information required for the detection and differentiation of OSCC.

[Curcumin targeting miR-155-5p/TP53INP1 axis induced oxidative stress to regulate salivary gland tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis].

PURPOSE: To investigate the mechanism of curcumin targeting miR-155-5p/TP53INP1 axis to induce oxidative stress to regulate salivary gland tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS: A253 cells were cultured by adding curcumin and transfected with miR-155-5p mimic and/or pcDNA3.1-TP53INP1. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, cell migration ability was detected by scratch test. The targeting relationship between miR-155-5p and TP53INP1 was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. miR-155-5p, TP53INP1 mRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was performed to detect expression of TP53INP1, Caspase8, Caspase3, Bcl-2, Bax protein; and ELISA was used to determine SOD, Gpx, and MDA content. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that TP53INP1 was a downstream target regulatory molecule of miR-155-5p. Compared with DMSO group, cell apoptosis, Caspase8, Caspase3, Bax protein expression and TP53INP1 expression were significantly increased in curcumin group, while Bcl-2 protein expression, miR-155-5p mRNA and number of cell migration were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Compared with curcumin + miR-155-5p mimic group, cell apoptosis, Caspase8, Caspase3, Bax protein expression was significantly increased in curcumin + pcDNA3.1-TP53INP1 group and curcumin + miR-155-5p mimic + pcDNA3.1-TP53INP1 group; Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly increased(P<0.05), SOD, GSH-PX activities and number of cell migration were significantly decreased and MDA content was significantly increased in curcumin+pcDNA3.1-TP53INP1 group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin inhibited A253 cell proliferation and promoted A253 cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be related to targeting miR-155-5p/TP53INP1 axis to induce oxidative stress regulation.

An excellent antibacterial and high self-adhesive hydrogel can promote wound fully healing driven by its shrinkage under NIR.

The lacks of antibacterial properties, low adhesion and delayed wound healing of the hydrogel wound dressings limit their applications in wound treatment. To resolve these, a novel hydrogel composed of polydopamine (PDA), Ag and graphene oxide (GO) is fabricated for wound dressing via the chemical crosslinking of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide (BIS). The prepared hydrogel containing PDA@Ag5GO1 (Ag5GO1 denotes the mass ratio between Ag and GO is 5:1) exhibits effective antibacterial properties and high inhibition rate against E. coli and S. aureus. It shows high adhesion ability to various substrate materials, implying a simpler method to the wound obtained by self-fixing rather than suturing. More important, it can produce strong contractility under the irradiation of near-infrared light (NIR), exerting a centripetal force that helps accelerate wound healing. Thus, the hydrogel containing a high concentration PDA@Ag5GO1 irradiated by NIR can completely repair the wound defect (1.0 × 1.0 cm2) within 15 days, the wound healing rate can reach 100%, which was far higher than other groups. Taken together, the new hydrogel with excellent antibacterial, high adhesion and strong contractility will subvert the traditional treatment methods on wound defect, extending its new application range in wound dressing.

Three-dimensional assessment of accuracy for open reduction and internal fixation of the subcondylar fracture and its implications on the TMJ function.

This study used three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assist the accuracy of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for the unilateral subcondylar fracture and the long-term temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function impairment. Bilateral TMJs were analyzed postoperatively on CBCT images, involving the following three-dimensional (3D) parameters: condylar position and inclination; circumferential joint space, ramus, and mandible length; and the volumetric joint space. The inclusion criteria for adult patients included having a displaced fracture >5°, a shortening in ramus length >2 mm, and mouth opening limitation. The non-fracture side was used as the comparison group. The Helkimo index was employed for the clinical assessment of the outcomes, while the paired student t-test and Pearson coefficient test were used to compare both sides. The study included 60 joints in 30 consecutive patients. The condylar inclination to the horizontal plane on the fracture and non-fracture sides was 9.29 ± 3.9°, 12.46 ± 4.2°, (p < 0.001) and was positively related to the subjective (Helkimo Hi) and objective (Helkimo Di) clinical outcomes. In contrast, the condylar position to the midsagittal plane in the fracture and non-fracture sides was 51.95 ± 3.5 mm, 50.17 ± 3.6 mm (P = 0.038), and was positively related to the objective outcomes. Additionally, the objective outcome was negatively related to the change of the posterior joint space. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional assessments seem to demonstrate that the ORIF is an accurate approach for obtaining a three-dimensional reduction to the displaced subcondylar fracture.

Multiple schwannomas with pseudoglandular element synchronously occurring under the tongue: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Schwannoma is a rare benign, encapsulated tumor of the nerve sheath under the tongue, mostly occurring as solitary tumors with classical histological pattern and several common morphological variants. To our knowledge, multiple schwannomas with pseudoglandular element synchronously occurring under the tongue are rare; we report herein the first such case. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old man had first noticed an isolated asymptomatic mass under the tongue, and as the mass grew, the tongue was elevated. Physical examination showed multiple oval neoplasms, and the overlying mucosa was normal. Computed tomography showed three low-density oval neoplasms under the tongue, which were cystic-solid with unclear boundary. The patient has no cutaneous tumors, VIII nerve tumors, or lens opacities and no history of neurofibromatosis 2 or confirmed schwannomatosis in any first-degree relative. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of vestibular schwannoma. The preoperative diagnosis was mucoepidermoid carcinoma. During hospitalization, all neoplasms were completely excised by surgeons through an intraoral approach under general anesthesia. The diagnosis of the multiple schwannomas with pseudoglandular element was made by histopathology after surgery. At the 15-mo follow-up visit, the patient had no sign of recurrence or development of other peripheral nerve tumors. CONCLUSION: Although rare, multiple schwannomas with pseudoglandular element do exist in patients presenting with masses under the tongue. Oral surgeons should be aware of the existence of multiple schwannomas with pseudoglandular element when considering masses under the tongue due to the different prognosis between multiple schwannomas with pseudoglandular element and mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Monokine induced by gamma interferon for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis: A diagnostic meta-analysis.

BACKGROUNDS: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is an oldest-known and most formidable disease. The standard microbiology culture is time-wasting. Monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG) has been reported as a new biomarker to auxiliarily detect PTB. In our study, we used meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic value of MIG for PTB. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for relative records up to April 2, 2020. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, area under the curve, and summary receiver operating characteristic curve were estimated. RESULTS: Eight studies including 1487 participants were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of MIG for detecting PTB were 84%, 84%, 5.19, and 0.19, respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio and area under the curve were 27.88 and 0.90, respectively, indicating a good diagnostic ability of MIG. Meta-regression analysis showed that human immunodeficiency virus status might be a source of heterogeneity (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that MIG had a good diagnostic value for PTB.

Co-expression of key gene modules and pathways of human breast cancer cell lines.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Gene expression profiling analysis for human BCs has been studied previously. However, co-expression analysis for BC cell lines is still devoid to date. The aim of the study was to identify key pathways and hub genes that may serve as a biomarker for BC and uncover potential molecular mechanism using weighted correlation network analysis. We analyzed microarray data of BC cell lines (GSE 48213) listed in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Gene co-expression networks were used to construct and explore the biological function in hub modules using the weighted correlation network analysis algorithm method. Meanwhile, Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using Cytoscape plug-in ClueGo. The network of the key module was also constructed using Cytoscape. A total of 5000 genes were selected, 28 modules of co-expressed genes were identified from the gene co-expression network, one of which was found to be significantly associated with a subtype of BC lines. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the brown module was mainly involved in the pathway of the autophagy, spliceosome, and mitophagy, the black module was mainly enriched in the pathway of colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer, and genes in midnightblue module played critical roles in ribosome and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes pathway. Three hub genes CBR3, SF3B6, and RHPN1 may play an important role in the development and malignancy of the disease. The findings of the present study could improve our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of breast cancer.

Systematic analysis of survival-associated alternative splicing signatures uncovers prognostic predictors for head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that alternative splicing (AS) plays a key role in carcinogenesis and prognosis of cancer. However, systematic profiles of AS signatures in head and neck cancer (HNC) have not yet been reported. METHODS: In this study, AS data, RNA-Seq data, and corresponding clinicopathological information of 489 HNC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to screen for survival-associated AS events. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis was also performed. The prognostic models and splicing networks were constructed using integrated bioinformatics analysis tools. RESULTS: Among the 42,849 alternating splicing events identified in 10,121 genes, 5,165 survival-associated AS events in 2,419 genes were observed in univariate Cox regression analysis. Among the seven types, alternate terminator events were the most powerful prognostic factors. Multivariate Cox analysis was then used to screen for the AS genes with prognostic value. Four candidate genes (TPM1, CLASRP, PRRC1, and DNASE1L1) were found to be independent prognostic factors for HNC patients. A prognostic prediction model was built based on the four genes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic risk score curve for predicting the survival status of HNC patients was 0.704. In addition, splicing interaction network indicated that the splicing factors have significant functions in HNC. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive analysis of AS events in HNC was performed. A powerful prognostic predictor for HNC patients was established based on AS events could.

Angiogenic gene-modified myoblasts promote vascularization during repair of skeletal muscle defects.

Vascularization is thought to be a principle obstacle in the reconstruction of skeletal muscle defects. Long-term survival of reconstructed skeletal muscle is dependent on good vascularization. In this study, we upregulated angiogenic gene expression in myoblasts in an attempt to promote vascularization during repair of skeletal muscle defects. Skeletal myoblasts were isolated and expanded from newborn male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The cells were transfected with human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF-165) or human stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), using Lipofectamine™ 2000 transfection reagent, prior to seeding onto calf collagen scaffolds. Gene and protein overexpression was verified by ELISA, RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cell-seeded scaffolds were transplanted into back muscle defects in female SD rats. At weeks 2, 4 and 8 after transplantation, Y chromosome detection was used to observe the survival of growth factor-producing cells within the scaffolds in vivo. Capillary density was investigated using microvessel density detection, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical staining. We found that vascularization was enhanced by transfected myoblasts compared with non-transfected myoblasts. In addition, VEGF-165 and SDF-1 had a synergistic effect on vascularization during repair of skeletal muscle defects in vivo. In conclusion, we have combined myoblast-seeded collagen sponge with gene therapy, resulting in a promising approach for the construction of well-vascularized skeletal muscle.

[A experimental study on transfecting human stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha and human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 genes into myoblasts in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the human stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha (hSDF-1alpha) and human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (hVEGF165) mRNA expressions of the transfected cells after hSDF-1alpha gene and hVEGF165 gene were transfected into rat myoblasts in vitro so as to lay a foundation for further study on the synergistic effects of 2 genes on tissue engineered skeletal muscle vascularization. METHODS: The myoblasts of 1-day-old Sprague Dawley rats were cultured and purified by trypsin digestion assay in vitro and were identified by immunohistochemistry staining of Desmin. Approximately 70%-80% of confluent myoblasts were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-hSDF-1alpha and EGFP-hVEGF165 genes in vitro (transfected group) and were not transfected (control group). The expressions of hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 mRNA and protein in the transfected cells were detected by RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot respectively. RESULTS: The cultured cells were identified as myoblasts by immunohistochemistry staining of Desmin. The expression of green fluorescent protein was observed in transfected cells, indicating that hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 genes were transfected into myoblasts successfully. The mRNA and protein expressions of the 2 genes were positive in the transfected group by RT-PCR and Western bolt assay at 2, 4, 6, and 8 days after transfection, and were negative in the control group. The expressions of hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 showed a stable low level in the control group, but the expressions of the proteins increased at 2 days and then showed gradual downtrend with time in the transfected group by ELISA assay. There were significant differences in the expressions of hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 proteins between different time points in the transfected group, and between 2 groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 genes are successfully transfected into myoblasts in vitro, and mRNA and proteins of hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 can be expressed in the transfected myoblasts, which may provide the experimental evidence for the expressions of hSDF-1alpha and hVEGF165 mRNA and proteins in vivo successfully.

[Cysticercosis: a case report].

Cysticercosis is a kind of diseases caused by pork tapeworm parasite on the human tissue. It is more common in brain, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and eyes. One case of lingual cysticercosis was reported here and the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of lingual cysticercosis were discussed.

Expression of Twist in different subtype of ameloblastomas.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the pattern of Twist expression in a series of ameloblastomas, and to study the possible role of Twist in the bone destruction and local invasiveness of ameloblastoma variants. STUDY DESIGN: Immunohistochemical study was performed for Twist protein in 53 ameloblastomas (32 solid/multicystic [SA] and 21 unicystic [UA]). RESULTS: The salient finding was that expression of Twist was related to the histological subtype of tumors, as there was a higher expression in SA (14/32, 43.75%) as compared to UA (4/21, 19.05%) (P < .05). Both nuclei and cytoplasm positivities were detected in positive cases, whereas cytoplasmic staining was diffused and predominant. Cases rich in stromal cells showed a higher percentage of positive cells than those with less stroma. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Twist expression might be associated with invasion in ameloblastoma variants, and stromal cells might play a regulatory role during tumor development.

Cutaneous metastasis from a parotid myoepithelial carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare salivary gland tumour, and its distant cutaneous metastasis has not been reported to date. Here, we report a case of myoepithelial carcinoma of the left parotid gland, which had metastasised to the skin of the right thorax after parotidectomy and radiotherapy. Diagnosis of the primary and metastatic tumour was based on the clinical findings and was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. A literature review of the clinical features of the skin metastases of parotid malignancies and their related pathological mechanisms is included in this case study. It was noted that myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland has the potential to develop distant skin metastasis, which may be indicative of widespread dissemination and poor prognosis. Attention should be paid to initial treatment of the primary tumour and to emerging cutaneous masses whose location is distant from the primary tumour during follow up.

[Effect of mechanical stimulation on the invasion in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma].

This study was aimed to assess the effects of cyclic biaxial mechanical stimulation on the invasion capacity in vitro and on the expression of MMP-9 in the salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) high metastatic cell lines ACC-M, and in the SACC low metastatic cell lines ACC-2. We observed the functions of mechanical stimulation in the invasion of cell in vitro and investigated the mechanism involved in the invasion of SACC. Mechanical stimuli were applied to the cells for periods of 1, 3 and 6 hours daily, lasting 2 days. The mechanical stimuli applied to the cells were 4000 micro strain and 1000 micro strain, at a frequency of three hertz. Unstrained cells were used as control. The expressions of MMP-9 on ACC-M and ACC-2 were studied with laser scanning confocal microscope and image analysis software. In vitro invasion capacity of ACC-2 and ACC-M cells was determined by Transwell. The results showed the expression of MMP-9 on the cell of ACC-M was obvious by higher than that on ACC-2. MMP-9 was closely related with the invasion and metastasis of SACC. The mechanical stimulation changed the expression of MMP-9 and the invasion capacity in different duration of mechanical stimulations. Mechanical stimulation can adjust the invasion capacity and expression of MMP-9. It can promote metastasis of the cancer. Moreover, some protein other than MMP-9 may play an important role in the metastasis of the cancer.

[Reconstruction of oral muco-defects with buccal fat pad flap].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of the buccal fat pad flap in reconstruction of defects of the oral mucosa. METHODS: From May 1998 to July 2004, 42 patients with oral muco-defects were treated with buccal fat pad flap. Of them, there were 26 males and 16 females, aging 25-76 years. The defect was caused by buccal squamous carcinoma in 7 cases, by buccal leukoplakia in 5 cases, by squamous carcinoma of soft palate in 7 cases, by adenoid cystic carcinoma of palate in 8 cases, by carcinoma of maxillary sinus in 6 cases, by maxillo-alveolar angioma in 5 cases and by keratocyst of maxilla in 4 cases. The locations were buccal mucosa, maxillary sinus and soft palate. The size of defect ranged from 3.0 cm x 3.0 cm to 6.5 cm x 4.0 cm. RESULTS: Forty-one cases achieved healing by first intention, except one case because of large defect. Edema faded and epithelization occurred after 4 weeks of operation. Complete epithelization was observed after 6 weeks of operation. Thirty-five cases were followed up 3 months to 5 years. There were no obvious differences in layers, color, elasticity, and texture between repaired region and adjacent mucosa. CONCLUSION: The buccal fat pad flap is useful in reconstructing the muco-defects (less than 6.5 cm in diameter) of the posterior maxilla and buccal region without considerable complication. The multiplex blood supply, facility in accessing and minimal donor site morbidity make it a reliable soft tissue graft. The main shortcoming is its limited size.