Effects of the mTOR Pathway on the Balance of Th2/Treg Cells in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome.

Introduction: Immune dysfunction contributes to the progression of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), but the details of the pathogenesis of progression remain unknown. This study of children with INS investigated the relationship of activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K) with the levels of T helper 2/regulatory T (Th2/Treg) cells. Materials and Methods: Twenty children with active INS (before steroid treatment), 20 children with remitting INS (INS-R, after steroid treatment), and 20 healthy control children (Ctrl) were enrolled. The levels of Th2/Treg cells in their peripheral circulatory systems were measured using flow cytometry, and the concentration of interleukin (IL)-4 was determined using a cytometric bead array (CBA). The levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, p70S6K, and transcription factors associated with Th2/Treg cells were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The INS group had a greater proportion of circulating Th2 cells; level of IL-4 protein; and levels of GATA, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and p70S6K mRNAs than the Ctrl group (all P < 0.05), but a lower proportion of circulating Tregs and expression of Foxp3 (both P < 0.05). Patients in the INS-R group had normalization of these markers (all P < 0.05). Patients in the INS group had negative correlation in the percentage of Treg cells with Th2 cells and with IL-4 level and a negative correlation in the levels of GATA3 and Foxp3 mRNAs. Conclusions: Patients with active INS had an imbalance of Th2/Treg cells, which might result from the aberrant signaling of the mTOR pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K).

α-Stereoselective 3-Deoxy-d-manno-oct-2-ulosonoic Acid (Kdo) O-Glycosylation with a p-Toluenethioglycoside Donor by the (p-Tol)2SO/Tf2O Preactivation Strategy.

A convenient and efficient approach was developed to synthesize α-Kdo O-glycosides based on the Tf2O/(p-Tol)2SO preactivation strategy using peracetylated Kdo thioglycoside as a donor. Under the optimized reaction conditions, several O-glycoside products, including α-(2 → 1)-, α-(2 → 2)-, α-(2 → 3)-, and α-(2 → 6)-Kdo products, were stereoselectively synthesized in high yields. Remarkably, a series of aromatic α-Kdo O-glycosides were first and successfully constructed in high yields. An SN2-like mechanism was revealed by DFT calculations and experimental results.

Association between HLA alleles and sub-phenotype of childhood steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have addressed the effects of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles on different clinical sub-phenotypes in childhood steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS), including SSNS without recurrence (SSNSWR) and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome/frequently relapse nephrotic syndrome (SDNS/FRNS). In this study, we investigated the relationship between HLA system and children with SSNSWR and SDNS/FRNS and clarified the value of HLA allele detection for precise typing of childhood SSNS. METHODS: A total of 241 Chinese Han individuals with SSNS were genotyped using GenCap-WES Capture Kit, and four-digit resolution HLA alleles were imputed from available Genome Wide Association data. The distribution and carrying frequency of HLA alleles in SSNSWR and SDNS/FRNS were investigated. Additionally, logistic regression and mediating effects were used to examine the relationship between risk factors for disease process and HLA system. RESULTS: Compared with SSNSWR, significantly decreased serum levels of complement 3 (C3) and complement 4 (C4) at onset were detected in SDNS/FRNS (C3, P < 0.001; C4, P = 0.018). The average time to remission after sufficient initial steroid treatment in SDNS/FRNS was significantly longer than that in SSNSWR (P = 0.0001). Low level of C4 was further identified as an independent risk factor for SDNS/FRNS (P = 0.008, odds ratio = 0.174, 95% confidence interval 0.048-0.630). The HLA-A*11:01 allele was independently associated with SSNSWR and SDNS/FRNS (P = 0.0012 and P = 0.0006, respectively). No significant HLA alleles were detected between SSNSWR and SDNS/FRNS. In addition, a mediating effect among HLA-I alleles (HLA-B*15:11, HLA-B*44:03 and HLA-C*07:06), C4 level and SDNS/FRNS was identified. CONCLUSIONS: HLA-I alleles provide novel genetic markers for SSNSWR and SDNS/FRNS. HLA-I antigens may be involved in steroid dependent or frequent relapse in children with SSNS as mediators of immunoregulation.

Responsible genes in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux: findings from the Chinese Children Genetic Kidney Disease Database.

BACKGROUND: Primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in childhood. The present study identified the possible genetic contributions to primary VUR in children. METHODS: Patients with primary VUR were enrolled and analysed based on a national multi-center registration network (Chinese Children Genetic Kidney Disease Database, CCGKDD) that covered 23 different provinces/regions in China from 2014 to 2019. Genetic causes were sought using whole-exome sequencing (WES) or targeted-exome sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 379 unrelated patients (male: female 219:160) with primary VUR were recruited. Sixty-four (16.9%) children had extrarenal manifestations, and 165 (43.5%) patients showed the coexistence of other CAKUT phenotypes. Eighty-eight patient (23.2%) exhibited impaired renal function at their last visit, and 18 of them (20.5%) developed ESRD at the median age of 7.0 (IQR 0.9-11.4) years. A monogenic cause was identified in 28 patients (7.39%). These genes included PAX2 (n = 4), TNXB (n = 3), GATA3 (n = 3), SLIT2 (n = 3), ROBO2 (n = 2), TBX18 (n = 2), and the other 11 genes (one gene for each patient). There was a significant difference in the rate of gene mutations between patients with or without extrarenal complications (14.1% vs. 6%, P = 0.035). The frequency of genetic abnormality was not statistically significant based on the coexistence of another CAKUT (9.6% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.139, Chi-square test) and the grade of reflux (9.4% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.429). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the presence of genetic mutations did affect renal survival (Log-rank test, P = 0.01). PAX2 mutation carriers (HR 5.1, 95% CI 1.3-20.0; P = 0.02) and TNXB mutation carriers (HR 20.3, 95% CI 2.4-168.7; P = 0.01) were associated with increased risk of progression to ESRD. CONCLUSIONS: PAX2, TNXB, GATA3 and SLIT2 were the main underlying monogenic causes and accounted for up to 46.4% of monogenic VUR. Extrarenal complications and renal function were significantly related to the findings of genetic factors in children with primary VUR. Like other types of CAKUT, several genes may be responsible for isolated VUR.

Function of miR-24 and miR-27 in Pediatric Patients With Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome.

Purpose: We investigated the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) by measuring the effects two specific miRNAs on Th2 cells in children with this disease. Methods: After informed consent, we enrolled 20 children with active INS before steroid initiation, 20 children with INS in remission after steroid therapy, and 20 age-matched healthy controls. Flow cytometry was used to measure the levels of Th2 cells and a cytometric bead array was used to measure the levels of IgE, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-13. RT-PCR was used to measure the levels of miR-24 and miR-27 in CD4+TCD25- cells. PBMCs were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and transfected with different mimic or inhibitor miRNAs. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of different RNAs, and flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of Th2 cells. Results: Relative to healthy controls, children with active INS had higher percentages of Th2 cells (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in controls and children in remission. The plasma levels of IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 were significantly increased in children with active INS (P < 0.05). There were lower levels of miR-24 and miR-27 in children with active non-atopic INS (P < 0.05). Transfection experiments indicated that upregulation of each miRNA decreased the percentage of Th2 cells and the level of IL-4 (P < 0.05), and down-regulation of each miRNA had the opposite effects (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Children with active INS, with or without atopy, had higher levels of IgE, possibly related to their higher levels of IL-13 and IL-4 due to a drift toward Th2 cells. miR-24 and miR-27 suppressed the expression of Th2 cells and have a critical function regulating Th2 cell expression in INS.

Clinical Analysis of Primary Nephrotic Syndrome Complicated by Plastic Bronchitis in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) complicated by plastic bronchitis (PB) in children to provide guidance for treatment. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the clinical data of 25 children hospitalized with NS complicated by PB in our Hospital between 10/2016 and 03/2019, and summarized the clinical manifestations, imaging and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) examinations, treatment course and outcome of them. RESULTS: 1). The 25 children, with a nephrotic syndrome (NS) course of one to 36 months, were all diagnosed with PB after FOB, among which 8 cases (32%) had respiratory failure and required ventilatory support. All of them started with respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough, and then suffered from dyspnea and progressive aggravation after 1-3 day(s) of onset, with rapid occurrence of bidirectional dyspnea and even respiratory failure in severe cases. 2). Laboratory test for pathogens: influenza A virus H1N1 (11 cases), influenza B virus (9 cases), adenovirus (3 cases) and mycoplasma pneumoniae (2 cases). There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between children with common NS complicated by influenza virus (IV) infection (not accompanied by dyspnea) and those with kidney disease who developed PB in the white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and humoral immunity (IgG level), yet the total IgG level was found significantly higher and the blood albumin level lower in the latter (P<0.05). 3). The 25 children were all examined with the FOB and treated with lavage, 15 of which had typical bronchial tree-like casts and 10 broken and stringy casts. Based on histopathological classification, all children were of Type I. 4). Twenty children (80%) with influenza were administered the antiviral drug Oseltamivir, 20 (80%) were treated with antibiotics, oral hormones were replaced with the same dosage of intravenous Methylprednisolone for 5 cases (20%), and 20 (80%) were intravenously administered gamma globulins (400-500 mg/kg x 3 days). These children showed a remarkable improvement after treatment and there were no deaths. CONCLUSION: NS children are at high risk of influenza virus infection. Children with a severe case of NS are more susceptible to PB. If symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and progressive bidirectional dyspnea occur, FOB examination and lavage treatment should be performed as early as possible. Hyper-IgE-emia and hypoproteinemia may be the high risk factors for PNS complicated by PB in children. ZIEL: Ziel der Studie war es, durch Zusammenfassung der klinischen Merkmale des primären nephrotischen Syndroms (PNS) mit komplizierender plastischer Bronchitis (PB) im Kindesalter eine Orientierungshilfe für die Therapie der Erkrankung zu geben. METHODIK: Wir führten eine retrospektive Prüfung der klinischen Daten von 25 Kindern durch, die zwischen Oktober 2016 und März 2019 in unser Krankhaus aufgenommen wurden, und erstellten eine Zusammenfassung der klinischen Symptome, Untersuchungen mit bildgebenden Verfahren und fiberoptischer Bronchoskopie (FOB), des Therapieverlaufs und des Outcomes der Patienten. ERGEBNISSE: 1). Bei den 25 Kindern bestand ein nephrotisches Syndrom (NS) über einen Zeitraum von einem bis 36 Monaten. Bei allen Patienten wurde die Diagnose PB nach FOB gestellt, wobei in 8 Fällen (32%) eine beatmungspflichtige respiratorische Insuffizienz vorlag. Alle Patienten zeigten anfänglich Symptome einer Atemwegserkrankung wie Fieber und Husten, gefolgt von Atemnot und progredienter Verschlechterung 1 bis 3 Tage nach Erkrankungsbeginn. Dabei kam es rasch zum Auftreten bidirektionaler Atemnot, in schweren Fällen bis hin zur respiratorischen Insuffizienz. 2). Laboruntersuchung auf Erreger: Influenza-A-Virus H1N1 (11 Fälle), Influenza-B-Virus (9 Fälle), Adenovirus (3 Fälle) und Mycoplasma pneumoniae (2 Fälle). Es fand sich kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied (P>0,05) zwischen Kindern, die ein "gewöhnliches" NS mit komplizierender Influenza-Virus (IV)-Infektion (ohne begleitende Atemnot) aufwiesen, und Kindern mit Nierenerkrankung, die eine PB entwickelten, hinsichtlich der Leukozyten- und Lymphozytenwerte sowie der Entzündungsmarker C-reaktives Protein (CRP), Procalcitonin (PCT) und humorale Immunität (IgG-Wert). Allerdings wurde bei der letzteren Patientengruppe ein signifikant höherer Gesamt-IgG-Wert und ein signifikant niedriger Albumin-Spiegel im Blut nachgewiesen (P<0.05). 3). Bei allen 25 Kindern erfolgte eine FOB und Therapie mit Lavage, bei 15 Kinder fanden sich typische verzweigte Ausgüsse der Bronchialäste und bei 10 Patienten desintegrierte und zähe Ausgüsse. Gemäß der histopathologischen Klassifikation waren alle Kinder vom Typ I. 4). Zwanzig Kinder (80%) mit Influenza erhielten das Virostatikum Oseltamivir, 20 Kinder (80%) eine Antibiotikatherapie, in 5 Fällen (20%) wurden oral gegebene Hormone durch intravenös in derselben Dosis verabreichtes Methylprednisolon ersetzt und 20 Kinder (80%) erhielten intravenös verabreichte Gammaglobuline (400-500 mg/kg Körpergewicht x 3 Tage). Diese Kinder zeigten eine bemerkenswerte Verbesserung nach der Therapie und es traten keine Todesfälle auf. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNG: Bei Kindern mit NS besteht ein hohes Risiko für eine Influenza-Virus-Infektion. Kinder mit schwerem NS sind anfälliger für PB. Bei Auftreten von Symptomen wie Atemnot, Giemen und Brummern sowie progredienter bidirektionaler Dyspnoe sollte baldmöglichst eine FOB-Untersuchung und eine therapeutische Lavage durchgeführt werden. Erhöhte IgE-Werte im Blut und Hypoproteinämie stellen möglicherweise Risikofaktoren für PNS mit komplizierender PB im Kindesalter dar.

Assembly of Water-soluble AIE-active Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles for Ratiometric Detection of Hypochlorite in Living Cells.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) plays a crucial role in many physiological processes and is widely used as bleach, deodorant and fungicide. In this work, we designed an amphiphilic hydrazone fluorescent molecule THG-1 containing hydrophilic sugar units and hydrophobic tetraphenylethylene unit for ratiometric detection of HOCl with high sensitivity and excellent selectivity based on HOCl-triggered hydrolyzation reaction and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect. The detection mechanism was verified by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry experiments and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests. Contrast experiments revealed that the numbers of lactose unit and hydrazone linker were essential for assembly of THG-1 and detection of HOCl. In addition, THG-1 was successfully used for imaging of exogenous and endogenous HOCl in living cells.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in the peritoneal macrophages of rats treated with glucocorticoids.

It is well known that toxoplasmosis can be life threatening to immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS and organ transplantation patients. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used in the clinic for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation resulting in acute toxoplasmosis in these patients. However, the interaction and mechanism between the development of acute toxoplasmosis and GC therapy are still unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the infection of Toxoplasma gondii in the peritoneal macrophages of rats treated with glucocorticoids. Our results showed that the growth rate of T. gondii RH strain was significantly increased in the peritoneal macrophages of rats treated with glucocorticoids in vivo. For instance, 242 (±16) tachyzoites were found in 100 macrophages from the rats treated with methylprednisolone (MP), while only 16 (±4) tachyzoites were counted in the macrophages from the non-treated control rats 24 h after infection (P < 0.01). We also demonstrated that a significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production was detected in the macrophages collected from the rats post-treated with GCs with 12.90 µM (±0.99 µM) of nitrite production from the rats treated with MP, while 30.85 µM (±1.62 µM) was found in the non-treated control rats 36 h after incubation (P < 0.01). Furthermore, glucocorticoids could significantly inhibit the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and its protein in the rat peritoneal macrophages. Our results strongly indicate that the decrease of NO in the rat peritoneal macrophages is closely linked to the cause of acute toxoplasmosis in the host. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the number of cysts produced by the naturally cyst forming, T. gondii Prugniaud strain with an average of 2,795 (±422) cysts of the parasite being detected in the brains of the rats treated with dexamethasone, while only 1,356 (±490) cysts were found in the non-treated control animals (P < 0.01). As rats and humans are both naturally resistant to T. gondii infection, these novel data could lead to a better understanding of the development of acute toxoplasmosis during glucocorticoid therapy in humans.

ANXA2 regulates the behavior of SGC-7901 cells.

ANXA2, a member of the annexin family, is overexpressed and plays important roles in tumor development. However, the significance of ANXA2 expression in gastric carcinoma has not been clarified.To elucidate its roles in growth of gastric cancer, ANXA2 expression in SGC-7901 cells was inhibited with a designated siRNA, then cell proliferation, cell cycling, apoptosis and motility were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342 staining and wound healing assay, respectively. To further assess the behavior of ANXA2 deleted SGC- 7901 cells, changes of microstructures were observed under fluorescence microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy and electron microscopy. We found that inhibition of ANXA2 expression caused cell proliferation to decrease significantly with G1 arrest, motility to be reduced with changes in pseudopodia/filopodia structure and F-actin and ß-tubulin expression, and apoptosis to be enhanced albeit without significance. At the same time, ANXA2 deletion resulted in fewer pseudopodia/filopodia, non-stained areas were increased, contact inhibition among cells reappeared, and expression of F-actin and ß-tubulin was decreased, with induction of polymerized disassembled forms. Taken together, these data suggest that ANXA2 overexpression is important to maintain the malignancy of cancer cells, and this member of the annexin family has potential to be considered as a target for the gene therapy of gastric carcinoma.

[Analysis of vertical root fracture with two different techniques of root canal preparation].

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of vertical root fracture (VRF) after root canal treatment with two different technique of root canal shaping and provide clinical reference. METHODS: 1702 teeth treated with root canal treatment during recent 2 years. All teeth were divided into two groups according to different techniques of root canal shaping: 643 teeth were prepared with NiTi rotary preparation technique (NRPT) and 1059 teeth were prepared with stainless steel hand K-files preparation technique(SSPT). The clinical symptoms and signs, radiological findings were estimated. The data was analyzed by SPSS 11.5 software package. RESULTS: There were 32 teeth with vertical root fracture, the VRF rate was 1.88%. The VRF rate in NRPT group was significantly higher than in SSPT group (P<0.01). The VRF rate with retreatment history in NRPT group was significantly higher than in SSPT group (P<0.01), but The VRF rate with post and core restoration in both NRPT and SSPT groups was not significantly different(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NiTi rotary preparation technique (NRPT) was closely related with vertical root fracture (VRF). And the VRF risk would be even higher if the tooth underwent root canal retreatment case or a post-core was placed in the root canal.

Differences in iNOS and arginase expression and activity in the macrophages of rats are responsible for the resistance against T. gondii infection.

Toxoplasma gondii infects humans and warm blooded animals causing devastating disease worldwide. It has long been a mystery as to why the peritoneal macrophages of rats are naturally resistant to T. gondii infection while those of mice are not. Here, we report that high expression levels and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and low levels of arginase-1 (Arg 1) activity in the peritoneal macrophages of rats are responsible for their resistance against T. gondii infection, due to high nitric oxide and low polyamines within these cells. The opposite situation was observed in the peritoneal macrophages of mice. This discovery of the opposing functions of iNOS and Arg 1 in rodent peritoneal macrophages may lead to a better understanding of the resistance mechanisms of mammals, particularly humans and livestock, against T. gondii and other intracellular pathogens.

Tooth anatomy risk factors influencing root canal working length accessibility.

The aim of this study was to analyze the specific influence of root canal anatomy on the accessibility of working length during root canal therapy. Four hundred seventy-six root canal therapy cases (amounting to a total of 1 005 root canals) were examined. The anatomy risk factors assessed in each case included: tooth type (tooth location), root canal curvature, and root canal calcification, as well as endodontic retreatment. The investigation examined the correlation between each of these anatomic factors and the working length, with statistical analysis consisting of Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. In an independent factor analysis, tooth type (tooth location), root canal curvature, canal calcification, and endodontic retreatment were determined to be the primary risk factors. In a multiple-factor regression model, root curvature and canal calcification were found to most significantly influence root canal working length accessibility (P<0.05). Root canal anatomy increases the difficulty of root canal preparation. Appropriate consideration of tooth anatomy will assist in accurate determination of preparation difficulty before instrumentation. This study alerts clinical therapists to anatomical factors influencing the working length accessibility, and allows for a direct estimate of success rate given in situ measurements of tooth factors during the root canal treatment procedure.

[The clinical analysis on the effects of different difficulty in root canal preparation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of root canal preparation treated by endodontists of different levels in different difficulty associated with the root canal anatomy factors. METHODS: Totally 422 teeth with 901 root canals were randomly selected from the Conservative Dentistry Department, West China Stomatology Hospital, and these teeth were respectively treated by junior specialist postgraduates, senior specialist postgraduates and endodontic specialists. Grading criteria of root canal risk factor and root canal therapy difficulty assessment were found based on 6 items: Tooth type, working length, root curvature, calcification, number of canals, and the previous endodontic treatment. The effects of root canal preparation with different difficulty in different groups were analyzed with RxC Chi-square test. RESULTS: Success rates of root canal preparation in junior group and senior group during three difficulty groups were statistically different (P < 0.05), and the root canal therapy difficulty group I > group II > group III. The operator factors in root canal therapy difficulty group I and group II were not significantly different P > 0.05). But in root canal therapy difficulty group III, the endodontic specialist group have highest success rate in root canal preparation. CONCLUSION: The cases of root canal treatment should be treated by endodontist of corresponding level according to the difficulty. In difficult cases, endodontic specialist can provide better root canal preparation result.

Toxoplasma gondii: the effects of infection at different stages of pregnancy on the offspring of mice.

Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause fetal damage in humans and domestic animals. This study was focused on the effects of Toxoplasma gondii (Prugniaud strain) infection at different stages of pregnancy on the offspring of mice. Results showed that newborn mice from all infected groups were significantly lower in weight than those from the control group but significant difference was not found among these groups at day 60 after birth. The survival rate of the offspring from the group of mice infected at the earlier stage of pregnancy was significantly lower than those of infected and control groups. The positive offspring (with cysts found in their brain tissues) born from the mice infected at the earlier and intermediate stages of pregnancy showed a shorter latency and greater number of errors in the step-through passive avoidance test than those born from the mice infected at the late stage of pregnancy, the control group and the negative offspring from the infected groups. The number of cysts in the brain tissue was significantly higher in the offspring born from the groups of mice infected at the earlier and intermediate stages of pregnancy than those from the group of mice infected at the late stage of pregnancy. In addition, our results indicated that a high congenital transmission rate (90%) occurred in this NIH mouse model. In conclusion, the earlier and intermediate maternal infection of T. gondii can result in severe congenital toxoplasmosis, exhibiting conditions such as stillbirth or non-viability, and learning or memory capability damage in this mouse model. These results not only provide useful data for better understanding the effects of T. gondii infection on the offspring of mice infected at different stages of pregnancy but also for better consideration of the effect of this infection on other mammalian hosts including humans.

[Textural research on "Xuelihua" in "Bencao Gangmu Shiyi" (A Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica)].

To investigate the historical origins of folk herbal medicine 'Xuelihua', the origin of 'Xuelihua' was confirmed by textural, botanical characteristics research, investigation of therapeutic effects and field survey. The 'Xuelihua' which was originally recorded in 'Bencao Gangmu Shiyi' (A Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica) should be 'Riben Shegencao' (Ophirrhiza japonica) of Rubiaceae family.

[Textural research on Zibei Xiqi in Bencao Gangmu Shiyi (a supplement to compendium of materia medica)].

OBJECTIVE: To research the origin of Zibei Xiqi which included in Volume 3 of < Bencao Gangmu Shiyi > (A supplement to the compendium of materia medica). METHOD: The origin of Zibei Xiqi was confirmed with textural, botanical characteristics research and drug name, therapeutic effects and so on. RESULT: The origin of Zibei Xiqi was confirmed. CONCLUSION: The Zibei Xiqi which is recorded in < Bencao Gangmu Shiyi > should be the immature herbs of Shuang Hudie [Tripterospermum chinense, Gentianaceae], and suggest to correct the original records of the drug name.

[Shaping ability of multi-taper nickel-titanium files in simulated resin curved root canal].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the shaping ability of ISO standard stainless steel K files and multi-taper ProTaper nickel-titanium files in simulated resin curved root canals. METHODS Thirty simulated resin root canals were randomly divided into three groups and prepared by stainless steel K files, hand ProTaper, rotary ProTaper, respectively. The amount of material removed from inner and outer wall and canal width after canal preparation was measured, while the canal curvature before and after canal preparation and canals aberrations were recorded. RESULTS: The stainless steel K files removed more material than hand ProTaper and rotary ProTaper at the outer side of apex and inner side of curvature (P < 0.05). The mean degree of straightening in stainless steel K files group was significantly bigger than in ProTaper group (P < 0.05). The canals prepared by ProTaper had no evident aberration. CONCLUSION: The shaping ability of ProTaper is better than stainless steel K files.

[Association of root canal therapy difficulty with canal anatomic factors in mandibular permanent incisors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of root canal therapy difficulty with canal anatomic factors in Chinese mandibular permanent incisors. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety nine Chinese permanent incisors were included in this study. The following anatomic items of the root canal were observed: Root canal length, number of root canal, morphology, curvature, and calcification of pulp chamber and root canal. Based on the root canal therapy evaluation criteria, the root canal therapy difficult scores were assessed. The association of root canal therapy difficulty with canal anatomic factors was analyzed with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The root canal therapy difficulty grade I, grade II and grade Ill in Chinese mandibular permanent incisors were 29.4%, 20.1% and 50.5%, respectively. The root canal therapy difficulty was significantly associated with the root canal length, number, calcification, and curvature (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The root canal therapy difficulty in Chinese mandibular permanent incisor is significantly with root canal anatomy.