Mechanosynthesis of Pyrrole-2-carboxylic Acids via Copper-Catalyzed Spiroannulation/Ring-Opening Aromatization of 4-Arylidene Isoxazol-5-ones with Enamino Esters.

An efficient and practical tandem reaction of 4-arylidene isoxazol-5-ones with enamino esters catalyzed by an inexpensive copper salt has been established in a ball mill. This innovative approach yields a diverse array of structurally novel pyrrole-2-carboxylic acids, showing excellent tolerance toward different functional groups. By integrating spiroannulation and ring-opening aromatization processes, this protocol introduces a facile and cost-effective strategy for synthesizing highly functionalized pyrrole derivatives.

Value of Visceral Fat Area and Resting Energy Expenditure in Assessment of Metabolic Characteristics in Obese and Lean Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence and incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have become a global medical concern. Compared with obesity, metabolic abnormalities may be more critical. Currently, there is lack of relevant data for nutritional status and energy metabolic characteristics in patients with obese and lean NAFLD. METHODS: All the enrolled NAFLD patients were divided into 2 groups: the obese group (205 patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2) and the lean group (73 patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2). Using a body composition analyzer, we analyzed their nutritional status including skeletal muscle, body fat, protein content, and visceral fat area (VFA). Energy metabolic characteristics including resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory quotient, and oxidation rate of 3 major nutrients (carbohydrate, CHO%, fat, FAT%, and protein, PRO%) were analyzed by metabolic cart. RESULTS: The lean NAFLD patients' LDL-c and UA even increased significantly than the obese patients (P = .001 and .006, respectively). Compared with the control group, VFA and REE were significantly higher in the lean NAFLD group (P = .008, P < .001 respectively). CHO%, FAT%, and PRO% in the lean NAFLD group were 29.31 ± 7.07%, 55.59 ± 12.09%, and 15.10 ± 4.07%, respectively, and there was no significant difference compared to the control. However, compared to the obese NAFLD group, their CHO% increased, whereas FAT% decreased (both P < .001). CONCLUSION: NAFLD patients suffer from nutritional imbalances and energy metabolic abnormalities, regardless of whether they are associated with obesity. LDL, UA, VFA, and REE can be used as good evaluation indicators.

Water-Soluble C60 Protects Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, fibrotic interstitial pneumonia. And, oxidation/antioxidant imbalance plays an important role in the progress of IPF. Fullerene is considered to be a novel "structural" antioxidant. This study aimed to explore if water-soluble C60 (C60(OH)22) can exhibit antifibrotic activity in its antioxidant role. METHODS: Healthy C57BL/6J mice were randomly grouped and induced pulmonary fibrosis by intratracheal injection of bleomycin. RESULTS: The survival rate of mice was observed and found that 10mg/kg was the optimal dose of water-soluble C60 for pulmonary fibrosis. We observed that water-soluble C60 can alleviate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis by observing the chest computed tomography, pulmonary pathology, and content of collagen, alpha smooth muscle actin and fibronectin in lung. Compared with bleomycin group, ROS, the content of TNF-α in BALF, and the number of fibroblasts was significantly decreased and the number of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells was increased after treatment with C60. CONCLUSION: Therefore, thanks to its powerful antioxidant action, water-soluble C60 can reduce the severity of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice.

Effect of edentulous arch restored with implant supported telescopic overdenture / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To study the effect of the edentulous arch with implant supported telescopic overdenture. @*Methods@#Fifteen patients with edentulous jaws underwent telescopic overdenture restoration. A total of 26 prostheses were fabricated (11 in the upper jaws, 15 in the lower jaws) with 104 placed implants. The secondary crown was fabricated by wax-lost cast method. Clinical examination and radiographs were conducted. Changes in the marginal bone level around the implants were evaluated by radiograph. The satisfaction level of complete denture and implant-supported overdenture were compared. The mean follow-up time was 32 months (range 6-60 months).@*Results@#Twenty-six prostheses showed better stability, maintenance and occlusion. There were statistical differences between complete denture and implant-supported overdenture in comfort level and chewing function. 1 mm bone lost was found in two patients after 4 years. No implant was lost during the loading time. @*Conclusion @#The preliminary clinical results of this research showed that implant supported telescopic overdentures were reliable for edentulous patients.

Attributable causes of esophageal cancer incidence and mortality in China.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the contribution of tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, low vegetable intake and low fruit intake to esophageal cancer mortality and incidence in China. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We calculated the proportion of esophageal cancer attributable to four known modifiable risk factors [population attributable fraction (PAF)]. Exposure data was taken from meta-analyses and large-scale national surveys of representative samples of the Chinese population. Data on relative risks were also from meta-analyses and large-scale prospective studies. Esophageal cancer mortality and incidence came from the 3(rd) national death cause survey and population-based cancer registries in China. We estimated that 87,065 esophageal cancer deaths (men 67,686; women: 19,379) and 108,206 cases (men: 83,968, women: 24,238) were attributable to tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, low vegetable intake and low fruit intake in China in 2005. About 17.9% of esophageal cancer deaths among men and 1.9% among women were attributable to tobacco smoking. About 15.2% of esophageal cancer deaths in men and 1.3% in women were caused by alcohol drinking. Low vegetable intake was responsible for 4.3% esophageal cancer deaths in men and 4.1% in women. The fraction of esophageal cancer deaths attributable to low fruit intake was 27.1% in men and 28.0% in women. Overall, 46% of esophageal cancers (51% in men and 33% in women) were attributable to these four modifiable risk factors. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, low vegetable intake and low fruit intake were responsible for 46% of esophageal cancer mortality and incidence in China in 2005. These findings provide useful data for developing guidelines for esophageal cancer prevention and control in China.

[The application of guided bone regeneration technique in the restoration of maxillary lateral incisor with bone defect].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and the satisfaction on aesthetic effectiveness of application of guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique in maxillary lateral incisor implant site. METHODS: Ninety patients were selected who only lost maxillary lateral incisor and placed with 101 implants(the implant systems were 3i, Osstem, ITI, Ankylos, BLB). The final restorations were porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Clinical and X-ray examinations were conducted and esthetic results were observed at 3, 6,12 months after dental implant prosthetics. RESULTS: The follow-up time was 12 months, all patients achieved successful implantation and good osseointegration around the implant. The esthetic results were perfect .Among the 90 cases, 90.7%, 92.8% and 95.5% of the patients were satisfied with the final outcomes 3,6,12 months after prosthetics. CONCLUSIONS: Good clinical effectiveness and satisfaction on aesthetic effectiveness can be obtained with GBR technique applied in maxillary lateral incisor implant site. Appropriate use of GBR technique is the solution of bone defect of maxillary lateral incisor implant site.

Attributable causes of lung cancer incidence and mortality in China.

The aims of our study were to estimate the contribution of known lung cancer risk factors, and provide evidence to support the National Cancer Prevention and Control Program in China. We calculated the proportion of lung cancer attributable to specific risk factors. Data on exposure prevalence were from meta-analyses and large-scale national surveys of representative samples of the Chinese population. Data on relative risks were from meta-analyses and large-scale prospective studies. Lung cancer mortality and incidence were taken from the Third National Death Survey and from cancer registries in China. We estimated that in China 285 304 lung cancer deaths and 327 465 cases were attributable to smoking, involuntary smoking (women only), occupational exposure, indoor radon, and low fruit intake in 2005. The proportion of lung cancer deaths attributable to smoking, involuntary smoking among non-smoking women, occupational exposure, indoor radon and low fruit intake was 56.9%, 11.1%, 9.5%, 0.2% and 12.4%, respectively. About 41% of lung cancer mortality and incidence in women was caused by risk factors in our study. However, over half of lung cancer deaths and cases among women were not attributable to known risk factors. It is necessary to conduct large-scale studies to identify additional risk factors of lung cancer in non-smoking women.

[Clinical study of osteotome sinus floor elevation without grafting and with simultaneous implants placement].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical results of osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) without grafting combined with simultaneous implant placement. METHODS: A total of 65 patients underwent maxillary sinus floor elevation from alveolus without any bone grafting from January 2000 to December 2008 and 96 implants were placed in the maxillary posterior edentulous region simultaneously. Clinical and radiography examinations were performed. The residual bone height ranged from 5 to 8 mm and the mean bone height was (6.78 ± 1.04) mm. The mean following period was 33.4 months. Statistical analysis was performed by chi square test. RESULTS: Ninety-five of 96 implants were clinically stable and functioned without any pain and other complaints. One implant was extracted 15 days after operation because of mobility and the other implants obtained osseointegration. The mean implant protrusion length was 2.6 mm, ranging from 1 to 5 mm. Different degree of new bone formation was observed in 51 (54%) of implants. New maxillary sinus floor outline was observed in 33 (35%) of implants and there was no obvious new bone in 11 (12%) of implants. There was no significant deference between the implant protrusion length and sinus floor remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: Under strict indications, the clinical results of OSFE without bone grafting combined with simultaneous implant placement were predictable in short term. The new sinus floor formation was not related to the implant protrusion length.

Attributable causes of cancer in china: fruit and vegetable.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an evidence-based and consistent assessment of the burden of cancer attributable to inadequate fruit and vegetable intake in China in 2005. METHODS: The proportions of cancers attributable to low consumption of vegetable and fruit were calculated separately to estimate the burden of related cancers for the year 2005 in China. Data on the prevalence of exposure were derived from a Chinese nutrition and health survey. Data on relative risks were mainly derived from meta-analysis. Attributable fractions were calculated based on the counterfactual scenario which was a shift in the exposure distribution. RESULTS: The total cancer burden attributable to inadequate consumption of fruit was up to 233,000 deaths (13.0% of all cancers) and 300,000 cases (11.6% of all cancers) in 2005. Increasing consumption of vegetable to the highest quintile could avoid total cancer deaths and cases by 3.6% (64,000 persons) and 3.4% (88,000 persons). The contributions to cancer burden were higher in rural areas than in urban areas. They have greater influence on men than on women. The largest proportions of cancer burden attributable to low fruit and vegetable intake were for oral and pharyngeal cancers. CONCLUSION: This study showed that inadequate intake of fruit and vegetable makes a significant contribution to the cancer burden. Increasing consumption of fruit and vegetable could prevent many cancer deaths and save many lives. Promoting the consumption of fruit and vegetable is an important component in diet-based strategies for preventing cancer.

Analysis on the imaging features of AIDS with pulmonary fungal infection.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary fungal infection is one type of the common opportunistic infections in AIDS patients. The disease is hard to diagnose because of its complicated imaging features. The objective of this study was to investigate the imaging performance characteristics of pulmonary fungal infection in AIDS patients. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with AIDS complicated with pulmonary fungal infection and 56 patients of non-AIDS with pulmonary fungal infection were examined by CT scans and high-resolution CT scans. The contrast enhanced scans were performed in patients with the mass or suspected enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The most common fungal infection in the two groups of patients was Candida albicans. The infection rates were 54.8% (28 cases) in the group (AIDS patients with pulmonary fungal infection) and 58.3% (32 cases) in another group (non-AIDS patients with pulmonary fungal infection). In the two groups, the difference in diffuse distribution and the difference in incidence of affected upper and lower lobes in the bilateral lung fields were statistically significant. The differences in patchy or large consolidation shadow, cavitas, enlarged lymph nodes in mediastinum and pleural effusion were also significant when comparing the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The lesion in most of AIDS patients with pulmonary fungal infection tends to exhibit diffuse distribution, patchy or large consolidation shadow covering a more extensive region. The differences between AIDS with pulmonary fungal infection and non-AIDS with pulmonary fungal infection are statistically significant in lesion location and complicated imaging features. The most common fungal infection in AIDS patients is Candida albicans.

[Effect of selenium and zinc on the proliferation of human esophageal cancer Eca109 cell line in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of selenium and zinc alone or in combination on the growth and proliferation of human esophageal cancer Eca109 cell line in vitro. METHODS: Different doses of sodium selenite and zinc sulfate were added into the culture medium of Eca109 cells and normal liver epithelial HL7702 cells (control), and the changes in the cell growth were assessed by means of cell growth curve, (3)H-thymidine incorporation assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS: High-concentration selenium (0.3 micro g/ml) and zinc (3.5 microg/ml) alone both obviously inhibited Eca109 cell proliferation, and the inhibitory effect was enhanced by a combined treatment. At high concentrations, both selenium and zinc promoted HL7702 cell proliferation, but when combined, they produced inhibitory effect on the cell growth. Selenium and zinc at the physiological concentrations ( 0.1 microg/ml and 1.0 microg/ml, respectively) produced similar effects on Eca109 cells and the control cells. Selenium at 0.3 microg/ml caused Eca109 cell growth arrest in S phase, but this effect was not statistically significant; 3.5 microg/ml zinc significantly increased the number of Eca109 cells in G(1) phase. When combined, 0.3 microg/ml selenium and 3.5 microg/ml zinc caused significant G(1) arrest and promoted apoptosis of the cancer cells, an effect stronger than that of either of the agents used alone. CONCLUSION: High-concentration selenium and zinc show a synergetic effect in inducing growth inhibition of human esophageal cancer Eca109 cell line possibly by causing cell cycle arrest and promoting cell apoptosis, and their combined use can be toxic to normal human liver epithelial cells.

[Effect of two different desensitizers on bond strength of dentin bonding agents].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the bond strength of total-etch or self-etch dentin bonding agents after using two different dentin desensitizers on exposed dentin and investigate the bond interface by scanning electron microscope (SEM). METHODS: Thirty intact and non-carious human third molars were used. The occlusal enamel was removed with the use of a slow-speed saw under water cooling. These teeth were divided into three groups using a table of random numbers with 10 teeth each. These three groups were treated with water (Group C), UltraEZ (Group U) and MI Paste (Group M) respectively. Then 10 teeth from each group were divided into A subgroup (n = 5) bonded with Single Bond 2 adhesive system and B subgroup (n = 5) bonded with Xeno III adhesive system according to manufacturers' instructions. A block of composite resin was build up to 4-5 mm. All the teeth were sectioned occluso-gingivally to obtain bar-shaped specimens with bonded surface area about 0.9 mm x 0.9 mm. The tension of the sample was tested by a microtensile tester at 1 mm/min. The mean values of bond strength were compared using one-way ANOVA. Three samples were chosen randomly from each of six groups for SEM investigation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between Group U and Group C both in A and B subgroups. While there were significant differences between Group M and Group C in two bonding-agent subgroups. For SEM, the hybrid layer was thin and dense in six groups. Both total-etch and self-etch bonding systems could get fair resin tag infiltration in Group C and Group U. In Group M, the resin tags were relatively shorter and fewer than the anterior mentioned two groups. CONCLUSIONS: UltraEZ had no effect on bond strength of both kinds of dentin bonding agents, while MI paste could diminish bond strength.

Effects of a regional Chinese diet and its vitamin supplementation on proliferation of human esophageal cancer cell lines.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of a local diet popular in Yanting region (YT diet) on the proliferation of two human cell lines (Eca-109 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma line and HL7702 normal liver epithelial cell line) in rats by a sero-physiological approach. METHODS: Male SD rats were divided into six groups and fed respectively with a conventional diet and the YT diet (one of the five experimental diets) supplemented with two vitamin mixtures (Mix. 1: vitamins A, E, and folic acid; Mix.2: mix.1 plus riboflavin and vitamin C) at two different doses. On the 30th day, sera were collected from the rats and added into a medium for cell culture, with 10% FBS used as a serum control. The effects were assessed by MTT assay, DNA synthesis and flow cytometry assays. RESULTS: Compared with the control, the sera from rats fed with the YT diet significantly promoted the proliferation of Eca-109 cells, which was, however, reversed by the supplementation with two vitamin mixtures at high doses. Surprisingly, the same treatment produced contrary effects on HL7702 cells as compared with Eca-109 cells. CONCLUSION: The sera from rats fed with the YT diet could promote the proliferation of human esophageal cancer cell line Eca-109, whereas the sera from those fed with the YT diet supplemented with vitamin mixtures might have inhibitory effects on the proliferation of Eca-109 cells.