The role of USP7-YY1 interaction in promoting colorectal cancer growth and metastasis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health issue with high incidence and mortality. Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a powerful transcription factor that acts dual roles in gene activation and repression. High expression level of YY1 has been reported in CRC, indicating the existence of stable factors of YY1 in CRC cells. We aimed to identify the key molecules and underlying mechanisms responsible for stabilizing YY1 expression in CRC. Mass spectrometry analysis was utilized to identify USP7 as a potential molecule that interacted with YY1. Mechanically, USP7 stabilizes YY1 expression at the protein level by interfering its K63 linkage ubiquitination. YY1 exerts its oncogenic function through transcriptionally activating TRIAP1 but suppressing LC3B. In addition, at the pathological level, there is a positive correlation between the expression of YY1 and the budding of CRC. This study has revealed the intricate interplay between YY1 and USP7 in CRC, suggesting that they could serve as novel therapeutic targets or predictive biomarkers for CRC patients.

[Effect of Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser Combined With Desensitizing Toothpaste on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion Against Acid Challenge].

Objective To assess the effects of different application sequences of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Nd∶YAG)laser and the desensitizing toothpaste containing stannous fluoride on dentinal tubule occlusion.Methods Twelve intact third molars freshly extracted from human were selected and prepared into dentin slices with a thickness of 0.8 mm.Each dentin slice was subdivided into four small slices,three of which were etched with 6% citric acid and randomly assigned to the following three groups(n=12):(1)control group:no treatment;(2)Nd∶YAG+toothbrushing(TB)group:first irradiated with Nd∶YAG laser and then brushed with desensitizing toothpaste;(3)TB+Nd∶YAG group:first brushed with desensitizing toothpaste and then irradiated with Nd∶YAG laser.The Nd∶YAG laser irradiation were carried out at 1 W,15 pulses/s,and the pulse width of 150 µs for 10 s(for a total of 6 cycles).After the above treatment,the 12 dentin slices from the Nd∶YAG+TB and TB+Nd∶YAG groups were randomly assigned to four subgroups(n=3)and subjected to acid etching in the Coca-Cola solution for 0,5,10,and 15 min.A scanning electron microscope was used to observe and photograph the dentin slices in each group,and eight single-blinded examiners scored the slices according to uniform criteria.The analysis of variance was carried out to compared the scores between groups.Results Before acid etching,the dentin tubule occlusion scores of the Nd∶YAG+TB and TB+Nd∶YAG groups were(4.83±0.09) scores and(3.85±0.66) scores,respectively,which had no significant difference between each other(P=0.0590)and were higher than that[(0.10±0.07)scores]of the control group(both P<0.0001).The dentin tubule occlusion scores of the Nd∶YAG+TB group after acid etching for 5,10,and 15 min were(4.33±0.60)scores,(4.27±0.24)scores,and(3.63±0.07)scores,respectively,which were not significantly different from those[(4.04±0.10)scores,(3.76±0.59)scores,and(3.17±0.29)scores,respectively]of the TB+Nd∶YAG group(all P>0.05).In the Nd∶YAG+TB subgroup,the dentin tubule occlusion score after acid etching for 15 min was significantly lower than that before acid etching(P=0.0011).In the TB+Nd∶YAG group,there was no statistically significant difference in the score between before and after acid etching(P>0.05).Conclusions Nd∶YAG laser irradiation with appropriate parameters combined with the use of desensitizing toothpaste could produce an excellent occluding effect on dentinal tubules regardless of the sequence.However,brushing with desensitizing toothpaste followed by Nd∶YAG laser irradiation produced more consistent dentin sealing after acid etching.

[A Sampling Survey of the Oral Health Status and Awareness among Primary School Students in Lhasa].

Objective To investigate the oral health status and awareness of urban children in Lhasa,aiming to provide a data basis for the prevention and treatment of children's caries and the promotion of oral health education. Methods A total of 504 Tibetan students were selected by cluster sampling from 2 primary schools in Chengguan District of Lhasa.All the participants were required to take oral health examination and complete a questionnaire about oral health awareness and behavior. Results The caries prevalence rate and mean decayed-missing-filled tooth(DMFT)of permanent teeth were 75.00% and 2.18±1.91,respectively.The rates of pit and fissure sealant and filling of permanent teeth were 3.77% and 6.81%,respectively.The caries prevalence rate of first permanent molars was 47.62%.The mean DMFT of permanent teeth and caries prevalence rate of first permanent molar were significantly higher in female group(P=0.001 and P=0.007,respectively).The prevalence rate of dental fluorosis was 61.51%,and the detection rate of dental calculus was 71.83%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that prevalence of caries was influenced by many independent factors including gender,oral health awareness,intention of dental intervention,and dental experience. Conclusion High caries prevalence rate,low filling rate,and poor oral hygiene and health awareness were found among the primary school students in Lhasa,which require continuous dentistry investment and oral health education for the local students and their parents.

Protopanaxadiol inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting STAT3 pathway.

Diol-type ginsenosides, such as protopanaxadiol (PPD), exhibit antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antitumor effects. However, the antitumor effect of these ginsenosides and the mechanism of PPD remain unclear. In this work, the antitumor effects of several derivatives, including PPD, Rg5, Rg3, Rh2, and Rh3, were evaluated in five different cancer cell lines. PPD demonstrated the best inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of the five cancer cell lines, especially the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. Therefore, the mechanism of action of PPD in HCC cells was elucidated. PPD inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay showed that PPD can alter the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers, increase E-cadherin expression, and decrease vimentin expression. Docking and biacore experiments revealed that STAT3 is the target protein of PPD, which formed hydrogen bonds with Gly583/Leu608/Tyr674 at the SH2 domain of STAT3. PPD inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and its translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus, thereby inhibiting the expression of Twist1. PPD also inhibited tumor volume and tumor lung metastasis in PLC/PRF/5 xenograft model. In conclusion, PPD can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells through the STAT3/Twist1 pathway.

[Surgical treatment with cable dragged reduction and cantilever beam internal fixation by posterior approach for odontoid fracture associated with atlantoaxial dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effects of surgical treatment with cable dragged reduction and cantilever beam internal fixation by posterior approach for odontoid fracture associated with atlantoaxial dislocation. METHODS: The clinical data of 12 patients with odontoid fracture associated with atlantoaxial dislocation from January 2008 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 21 to 53 years with an average of 37.2 years. Eleven cases were fresh fracture and 1 case was old fracture, all patients complicated with atlantoaxial anterior dislocation. According to Anderson-D' Alonzo typing method modified by Grauer, 3 cases were type IIA, 5 cases were type IIB, 3 cases were type IIC, and 1 case was type IIIA. All patients underwent surgical treatment with cable dragged reduction and cantilever beam internal fixation by posterior approach. JOA score and ADI method were respectively used to evaluate the nerve function and reductive condition of atlantoaxial dislocation. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 6 months to 2 years with an average of 1 year and 3 months. At 1 week, 6 months after operation, and final follow up, JOA scores were 13.2±1.3, 13.5±1.4, 14.3±1.5, respectively, and these data were obviously better than that of preoperative 8.3±1.4(P<0.05). Postoperative X rays and CT showed satisfactory reduction of atlantoaxial dislocation. At 1 week, 6 months after operation, and final follow up, ADI were (2.2±0.4), (2.4±0.6), (2.3±0.5) mm, respectively, and these data were obviously better than that of preoperative.(5.8±1.2) mm(P<0.05). All screws and cables had good location without looseness and breakage, and bone graft got fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment with cable dragged reduction and cantilever beam internal fixation by posterior approach for odontoid fracture associated with atlantoaxial dislocation is a good method, with advantage of firm fixation and high safety. It could obtain good clinical effects.

[Expression of cyclooxygenase 2 mRNA in apical periodontitis].

OBJECTIVE: To quantify COX-2 mRNA in lesions of chronic apical periodontitis and relate the findings to the histological findings. METHODS: A total of 13 periapical lesions including 10 periapical granulomas and 3 periapical cysts were obtained. Normal periodontal ligament tissues from extracted third molars were used as control tissues. The expression of COX-2 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. The relationships between the expression of COX-2 mRNA and histological findings (including the type of histology, the degree of inflammatory infiltrates), the size of radiolucent of the lesions and the clinical findings of the involved tissues were analyzed. The expression of COX-2 at cell level was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A significant higher level of COX-2 mRNA was found in periapical granulomas and in periapical cysts , but no significant difference was detected between those two groups. COX-2 mRNA in the group with moderate inflammation cell infiltration was higher than that of light and heavy inflammation cell infiltration (0.76+/-0.11 vs 0.11+/-0.01, 0.76+/-0.11 vs 0.23+/-0.06, P<0.05). The elevated COX-2 mRNA levels were detected in lesions with clinical symptoms. COX-2 -positive cells were detected in the epithelial cells and inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: COX-2 might play more important roles in the pathogenesis and development of periapical lesions.