3.0 T unenhanced Dixon water-fat separation whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography: compressed-sensing sensitivity encoding imaging versus conventional 2D sensitivity encoding imaging.

This study was aimed to investigate 3.0 T unenhanced Dixon water-fat whole-heart CMRA (coronary magnetic resonance angiography) using compressed-sensing sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) and conventional sensitivity encoding (SENSE) in vitro and in vivo. The key parameters of CS-SENSE and conventional 1D/2D SENSE were compared in vitro phantom study. In vivo study, fifty patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) completed unenhanced Dixon water-fat whole-heart CMRA at 3.0 T using both CS-SENSE and conventional 2D SENSE methods. We compared mean acquisition time, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the diagnostic accuracy between two techniques. In vitro study, CS-SENSE achieved better effectiveness between higher SNR/CNR and shorter scan times using the appropriate acceleration factor compared with conventional 2D SENSE. In vivo study, CS-SENSE CMRA had better performance than 2D SENSE in terms of the mean acquisition time, SNR and CNR (7.4 ± 3.2 min vs. 8.3 ± 3.4 min, P = 0.001; SNR: 115.5 ± 35.4 vs. 103.3 ± 32.2; CNR: 101.1 ± 33.2 vs. 90.6 ± 30.1, P < 0.001 for both). The diagnostic accuracy between CS-SENSE and 2D SENSE had no significant difference on a patient-based analysis (sensitivity: 97.3% vs. 91.9%; specificity: 76.9% vs. 61.5%; accuracy: 92.0% vs. 84.0%; P > 0.05 for each). Unenhanced CS-SENSE Dixon water-fat separation whole-heart CMRA at 3.0 T can improve the SNR and CNR, shorten the acquisition time while providing equally satisfactory image quality and diagnostic accuracy compared with 2D SENSE CMRA.

[Application regularity and solution strategies of mineral medicine Cinnabaris in pediatric preparations].

Mineral medicine is a characteristic element of advantage of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which embodies unique scientific connotation. Cinnabaris is a characteristic drug in Chinese medicinal preparations, especially in Chinese medicinal pediatric preparations. Because of the adverse reactions caused by mercury contained, the safety and application of Cinnabaris have attracted much attention. To explore the application regularity and the value of the pediatric preparations containing Cinnabaris, this study statistically analyzed 32 Cinnabaris-contained pediatric preparations in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and 105 pediatric preparations containing Cinnabaris in the Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions(Vol. Ⅰ and Ⅱ). The statistical results indicated that the pediatric preparations and formulae containing Cinnabaris had great advantages in the treatment of pediatric convulsions, but there were still problems in dosage form, dosage, and quality control. In this study, ICP-MS and LC-AFS were further used to determine the content of total mercury and soluble mercury in 15 commercially available pediatric preparations containing Cinnabaris. It was found that the total mercury content was far higher than soluble mercury content in the sample preparations, and there was no obvious correlation between them. According to the results, the research and application strategies of Cinnabaris were put forward in order to provide references for the rational application of Cinnabaris in pediatric preparations.

Unenhanced Whole-Heart Coronary MRA: Prospective Intraindividual Comparison of 1.5-T SSFP and 3-T Dixon Water-Fat Separation GRE Methods Using Coronary Angiography as Reference.

BACKGROUND. Coronary MRA is commonly performed at 1.5 T using SSFP acquisitions. Coronary MRA performed at 3 T using SSFP is limited due to impaired fat suppression and has been typically investigated using contrast-enhanced techniques. A Dixon fat-water separation gradient-recalled echo (GRE) method may enable high-quality unenhanced 3-T coronary MRA. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare 1.5-T SSFP and 3-T Dixon water-fat separation GRE methods for unenhanced whole-heart coronary MRA in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS. This prospective study included 44 patients (27 men and 17 women; mean age, 59 ± 8 [SD] years) with an intermediate to high risk of CAD who underwent both 1.5-T SSFP and 3-T Dixon GRE coronary MRA examinations before undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). Two radiologists independently assessed coronary arteries in terms of subjective image quality (on a scale of 1-5, with 5 denoting the highest image quality), number of visible segments, apparent contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR; vs myocardium), and presence of significant stenoses. Methods were compared using the mean of the readers' values for apparent CNR and using consensus interpretations for other measures. CAG served as the reference standard for detecting the presence of stenoses. RESULTS. Expressed as a kappa coefficient, interobserver agreement was 0.85 for image quality, 0.85 for segment visibility, and 0.83 for stenosis, and expressed as an intraclass correlation coefficient, interobserver agreement was 0.92 for apparent CNR. The mean overall image quality score was 4.0 ± 1.1 for 3-T Dixon GRE versus 3.0 ± 1.2 for 1.5-T SSFP. The percentage of visible segments for 3-T Dixon GRE versus 1.5-T SSFP was 96.7% versus 88.9% for all segments, 96.9% versus 90.1% for distal segments, and 93.1% versus 77.2% for branch segments. The mean overall apparent CNR was 93.2 ± 29.2 for 3-T Dixon GRE versus 80.8 ± 27.9 for 1.5-T SSFP. The 3-T Dixon GRE method, compared with the 1.5-T SSFP method, showed higher sensitivity and specificity in per-vessel analysis (87.9% vs 77.3% and 83.3% vs 60.6%, respectively), per-segment analysis (84.6% vs 74.8% and 90.9% vs 79.6%, respectively), and per-segment analysis of distal and branch segments (89.7% vs 75.9% and 89.7% vs 73.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION. For unenhanced coronary MRA, 3-T unenhanced Dixon GRE had better image quality and diagnostic performance than 1.5-T SSFP, particularly for distal and branch segments. CLINICAL IMPACT. The 3-T Dixon GRE technique may be preferred to the current clinical standard of the 1.5-T SSFP technique for unenhanced coronary MRA.

[Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Straw Returning Methods on N2O Emissions in Wheat-Maize Rotational Soils].

In order to explore the impacts of nitrogen fertilizer and straw returning methods on N2O emissions, a two-factor split-zone design was adopted for experimentation under the winter wheat-summer maize rotation model in the Guanzhong area of Shanxi, China. The main areas of interest were conventional nitrogen (G) and reduced nitrogen (70% G); the sub-areas were straw no return (N), straw return (S), and straw return + biochar (SB); we analyzed their impacts on N2O emissions and crop yield, and the relationships with related impact factors. The results showed that the N2O emissions peaks appeared in the wheat season and maize season treatments within 5-16 days after fertilization, and also appeared after rainfall. The N2O flux was significantly and positively correlated with soil temperature and NH4+-N content. Regardless of the wheat season, maize season, or annual total N2O emissions, the 70% GSB treatment was the lowest and the GS treatment was the highest. At the same level of nitrogen application, S treatment increased N2O emissions, SB treatment could reduce N2O emissions, both S and SB treatments could significantly increase crop yields, and SB production increased more; 70%G-level annual N2O emissions, when compared with the G level, had been reduced by 40% to 48%, while the yield has not decreased significantly. Through comprehensive consideration, a reduction of nitrogen by 30% was achieved through the combination of straw + biochar on the basis of conventional nitrogen application, while ensuring high crop yields and the best N2O emissions reduction.

High ACTN1 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis, and ACTN1 Silencing Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy of the oral cavity. As the survival rate of OSCC patients is low, it is crucial to explore new markers and therapeutic targets for early diagnosis of the disease. A high level of actinin alpha 1 (ACTN1) in patients could serve as an independent prognostic factor of acute myeloid leukemia. However, the role of ACTN1 in OSCC remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of ACTN1 in OSCC. METHODS: ACTN1 protein levels in tissues were determined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The correlation of ACTN1 expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The effect of ACTN1 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the cell cycle was evaluated using Western blotting, Cell Counting Kit­8 (CCK8) assays, flow cytometry analysis, transwell assays, wound-healing assays, and nude mouse models of subcutaneous xenograft and pulmonary metastasis. RESULTS: Based on the total score of ACTN1 IHC staining analysis, ACTN1 expression was found to be low in 10 normal mucosal tissues, 48 normal mucosal tissues adjacent to OSCC, and 19 OSCC tissues, but high in 29 OSCC tissues. ACTN1 protein levels were significantly associated with the clinical stage and node metastasis, and a high ACTN1 protein level indicated poor prognosis. Moreover, ACTN1 expression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis of OSCC. Using in vitro assays, we found that ACTN1 knockdown could induce cell cycle arrest, promote apoptosis, and inhibit EMT and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in the OSCC cell lines, SCC-15 and HSC-3. Moreover, ACTN1 knockdown inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSION: ACTN1 levels were significantly associated with the clinical stage and node metastasis, and a high ACTN1 protein level indicated poor prognosis. Moreover, ACTN1 knockdown could suppress cell proliferation and metastasis of OSCC. Our results suggested that ACTN1 may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of OSCC.

Comprehensive evaluation of wild Cordyceps cicadae from different geographical origins by TOPSIS method based on the macroscopic infrared spectroscopy (IR) fingerprint.

Cordyceps cicadae is an entomogenous fungus that has been used as a valuable traditional Chinese herbal tonic, however, it can be difficult to discern the false from the genuine. In this study, the macroscopic IR fingerprint methods containing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and second derivative infrared spectroscopy (SD-IR) were used to elucidate wild C. cicadae. The TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method was used to comprehensively evaluate C. cicadae from different geographical origins based on the macroscopic infrared spectroscopy (IR) fingerprint. The FT-IR spectra of C. cicadae exhibited the major characteristics of the absorptive peaks of carbohydrates, lipids and nucleosides at the position of 3291, 2925, 2845, 1651, 1547, 1455, 1080 and 950 cm-1. The high resolution of SD-IR further amplified the difference and revealed the potentially characteristic IR absorption spectrum. TOPSIS evaluation showed that C. cicadae from Anhui possess the strongest intensity of absorption bands among all the samples. Notably, FT-IR combined with SD-IR can effectively reveal the overall chemical components without damaging medicinal materials, and TOPSIS methods can provide a novel scientific evidence for comprehensively assessing different origins of wild C. cicadae.

Isaria cicadae conidia possess antiproliferative and inducing apoptosis properties in gynaecological carcinoma cells.

Isaria cicadae is an entomogenous fungus that has been used as a traditional Chinese medicinal materials to treat different diseases, including cancer. However, Isaria cicadae conidia for inhibitory activity against breast cancer cells growth are still not systematically studied. The present aim was to elucidate the phytochemical composition of Isaria cicadae conidia and to explore relevant anti-cancer potential in gynaecological carcinoma MCF-7 and Hela cells. Isaria cicadae conidia were identified by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS: high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray/quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry technology. Eight main compounds were identified which are nucleosides, cordycepic acid, cordycepin, beauvericin and myriocin by MS fragmentation ions. The nuclear morphology indicated the typical characteristics of apoptosis by Hoechst staining. Annexin V/PI staining revealed that the number of apoptotic cells was increased by Isaria cicadae conidia treatment. Furthermore, Isaria cicadae conidia also induced the caspase-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. The findings suggest that the full-scale active ingredients highlight the significance of Isaria cicadae conidia as potential anti-cancer agent in China.

Treatment of a mandibular functional shift in an adolescent boy with temporomandibular disorder and crossbites.

A mandibular functional shift usually poses a challenge for orthodontists, especially when it is accompanied by a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Accurate diagnosis and complete elimination of the etiologic factors are the keys to an esthetic and stable outcome. This article describes the treatment of a teenager with a mandibular functional shift, TMD symptoms, and facial asymmetry resulting from an asymmetric maxillary arch form and multiple crossbites as occlusal interferences. The treatment alternatives and effective orthodontic techniques are described. To optimize the treatment results and prevent the recurrence of the TMD after treatment, the displaced mandible was repositioned by full-time wearing of a splint for 10 months. Adhesive bite-blocks were used to maintain the newly acquired mandibular position during fixed appliance treatment. A series of nickel-titanium and stainless steel rectangular archwires was placed in the maxillary arch to reshape it for 8 months after alignment. Finally, the displaced mandible was steadily seated into its physiologic position with fine occlusion. The TMD symptoms disappeared and never relapsed after treatment. At 2 years 3 months of retention, there was good stability. The combined splint and fixed appliance approach resolved an intractable clinical problem and avoided using additional appliances. An esthetic, functional, and stable outcome was achieved that satisfied both the patient and his parents.

Mechanical loading induced expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2, alkaline phosphatase activity, and collagen synthesis in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and collagen type I are known to play a critical role in the process of bone remodeling. However, the relationship between mechanical strain and the expression of BMP-2, ALP, and COL-I in osteoblasts was still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different magnitudes of mechanical strain on osteoblast morphology and on the expression of BMP-2, ALP, and COL-I. METHODS: Osteoblast-like cells were flexed at four deformation rates (0, 6%, 12%, and 18% elongation). The expression of BMP-2 mRNA, ALP, and COL-I in osteoblast-like cells were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS 13.0 statistical software. RESULTS: The cells changed to fusiform and grew in the direction of the applied strain after the mechanical strain was loaded. Expression level of the BMP-2, ALP, and COL-I increased magnitude-dependently with mechanical loading in the experimental groups, and the 12% elongation group had the highest expression (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mechanical strain can induce morphological change and a magnitude-dependent increase in the expression of BMP-2, ALP, and COL-I mRNA in osteoblast-like cells, which might influence bone remodeling in orthodontic treatment.

4-Butyl-anilinium perchlorate.

In the crystal structure of the title salt, C(10)H(16)N(+)·ClO(4) (-), the 4-butyl-anilinium cation is mirror symmetric, the butyl C atoms and anilinium N atom and 1,4-position C atoms of the benzene ring being located on the mirror plane; the perchlorate anion is also mirror symmetric, with two O atoms and one Cl atom lying on the mirror plane. Trifurcated N-H⋯O hydrogen bonding is observed between the cation and anion in the crystal structure.

5-(1H-Tetra-zol-5-yl)-1H-indole monohydrate.

In the title compound, C(9)H(7)N(5)·H(2)O, the inter-planar angles between the benzene and tetra-zole rings and between the benzene and imidazole rings are 8.71 (3) and 1.32 (2)°, respectively. In the crystal, strong N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds link the organic 5-(1H-tetra-zol-5-yl)-1H-indole mol-ecules into chains extended along the b axis. The chains are further inter-connected into layers parallel to (100) via strong O-H⋯N and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the layers are inter-connected via strong O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds. Moreover, cohesion between the layers is provided by the π-π inter-actions between the imidazole, tetra-zole and benzene rings with centroid-centroid distances of 3.766 (2), 3.832 (2) and 3.733 (2) Å.

Isonicotinonitrile-4-methyl-benzoic acid (1/1).

The title structure, C(6)H(4)N(2)·C(8)H(8)O(2), is built up from an assembly of isonicotinonitrile and 4-methyl-benzoic acid mol-ecules and may be regarded as a co-crystal. The two planar mol-ecules [r.m.s. deviations of 0.002 (6) and 0.0028 (11) Å, respectively] are linked by O-H⋯N and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. They are nearly coplanar and only twisted from each other by a dihedral angle of 2.48 (6)°. In the crystal, the components are inter-connected by slipped π-π stacking [centroid-centroid distance = 3.6797 (11), slippage = 1.304 Å] and inter-molecular C-H⋯N inter-actions.

Rapid tooth movement through distraction osteogenesis of the periodontal ligament in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Animal models are needed for the study of rapid tooth movement into the extraction socket through distraction osteogenesis of the periodontal ligament. METHODS: Modified distraction devices were placed on eight dogs between the first and third mandibular premolars on the left sides; similar placement of traditional straight wise appliances on the right sides served as the control. The experimental distractors were activated (0.25 mm/d) twice a day and the control devices were activated (100 g) for two weeks with consolidation periods at weeks two, three, six, and ten. Two dogs were sacrificed at each consolidation time point; rates and patterns of tooth movement, loss of anchorage, and periapical films were evaluated, and the affected premolars and surrounding periodontal tissues were decalcified and examined histologically. General observations, X-ray periapical filming and histology examination were performed. RESULTS: Distal movement ((3.66+/-0.14) mm) measured two weeks after modified distraction exceeded that achieved using the traditional device ((1.15+/-0.21) mm; P<0.05). Loss of anchorage was minimally averaged (0.34+/-0.06) mm and (0.32+/-0.07) mm in the experimental and control sides, respectively. By radiography, apical and lateral surface root resorptions on both sides were minimal. Alveolar bone lesions were never evident. Fibroblasts were enriched in periodontal ligaments and bone spicules formed actively along directions of distraction. CONCLUSIONS: The canine model is suitable for the study of rapid tooth movement through distraction osteogenesis of the periodontal ligament. The technique accelerates tooth movement, periodontal remodeling, alveolar bone absorption, and may induce fibroblast formation, as compared to the traditional orthodontic method, without adversely affecting root absorption, bone loss, tooth mobility and anchorage loss.

Influences of bracket bonding on mutans streptococcus in plaque detected by real time fluorescence-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND: Enamel demineralization occurs frequently during orthodontic treatment. In this study, we evaluated the changes of the density of mutans streptococcus (MS) in plaque after bracket bonding and using fluoride adhesive on maxillary incisors by real time fluorescence-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-FQ PCR). METHODS: The study was designed as a self-paired test. Brackets were bonded with fluoride adhesive on the left side, while non-fluoride adhesive on the right side for each patient. Plaque samples were taken from the surfaces around the brackets of four maxillary incisors before brackets bonding and after the bonding 4 weeks later. The amount of MS was measured by RT-FQ PCR. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using the SPSS 11.5 version and the alpha level was set at 0.05 (2-tailed). RESULTS: The amount of MS in plaque increased significantly after bracket bonding (P < 0.01), whereas no significant differences were observed among four maxillary incisors both before and after brackets bonding (P > 0.05), and among the incisors using and not using fluoride adhesive (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The increase of the density of MS in plaque after bracket bonding is one of the etiological factors for enamel demineralization in orthodontic patients. The result of this study did not support what we observed clinically that the incidence of enamel demineralization for lateral incisors was higher than that for central incisors. Using fluoride adhesive for bonding did not affect the amount of MS in plaque in our study. Further study is needed.