[Pilot evaluation of masticatory efficiency and patients' satisfaction in long-centric occlusal pattern complete denture wearers].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the masticatory efficiency and patient' satisfaction in long-centric occlusal pattern complete denture wearers. METHODS: The anatomic occlusal pattern and long-centric occlusal pattern complete dentures were made for each of 10 edentulous patients with severe alveolar rigde absorption simultaneously using the technique of interchangeable artificial teeth. The order of delivery of different occlusal pattern complete denture was determined according to randomized principle. For each kind of occlusal pattern complete denture, the masticatory efficiency was measured with spectrophotometer after the dentures were worn 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks. A psychometric questionnaire was completed by the patients after wearing the dentures for more than three months and analyzing the patients' rating of the denture satisfaction. RESULTS: No significant differences in masticatory efficiency was found between the long-centric occlusal pattern complete denture wearers and the anatomic occlusal complete denture wearers. The patients' grade of denture satisfaction in long-centric occlusal pattern complete dentures wearers was significantly better than that in anatomic occlusal denture wearers (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Complete denture with long-centric occlusion can be used to improve the clinical effect of edentulous patients with severe absorption of residual alveolar rigde.

Exosomes from artesunate-treated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transferring SNHG7 to promote osteogenesis via TAF15-RUNX2 pathway.

Aim: Effect of artesunate (ART)-treated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exos) on osteogenesis and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. Materials & methods: Proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcified nodule formation of osteoblasts were determined. A mouse model of osteoporosis was established by ovariectomy. Results: SNHG7 was upregulated in BMSC-Exos by twofold, which was further enhanced in ART-BMSC-Exos by about twofold. ART intensified BMSC-Exos-induced proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity by about fourfold, calcified nodule formation by about threefold and upregulation of osteogenesis related molecules RUNX2 (by 50%), BMP2 (by 30%) and ATF4 (by 40%) via delivering SNHG7. Mechanistically, SNHG7 recruited TAF15 to facilitate RUNX2 stability. Conclusion: ART-BMSC-Exos facilitated osteogenesis via delivering SNHG7 by modulating TAF15/RUNX2 axis.

Osteoporosis is the most common and complex skeletal disorder worldwide. Exosomes derived from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-Exos) have been recognized as an ideal seed source for bone tissue regeneration. We aimed to explore the effect of artesunate (ART)-BMSC-Exos on osteogenesis and its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that ART-BMSC derived exosomal SNHG7 facilitated osteoblast activity and attenuated osteogenesis in mice by modulating TAF15/RUNX2 pathway. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of ART-BMSCs-Exos for osteoporosis and suggest ART-BMSC-Exos as a novel therapeutic option for osteoporosis.

[Influence of experimental palatal plate on mandibular position during continuous [n] phonation in complete denture wearers].

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the influence of an experimental palatal plate on the mandibular position during continuous [n] phonation and at the physiological rest position in complete denture wearers. METHODS: Ten complete denture wears volunteers were investigated. Two kinds of experimental palatal plate with a thickness of 3 mm and 5 mm (from the denture basal surface to denture polished surface) were fabricated and used for each subject. The mandibular position was recorded by a K7 mandibular kinesiograph during continuous [n] phonation and at the physiological rest position under three conditions: wearing a palatal plate with different thickness of 3 mm, 5 mm and without a plate(control). The interocclusal distance both in vertical and anteroposterior direction during continuous phonation and physiological rest position under all three conditions were measured and compared. RESULTS: Under the control condition without wearing of a plate, the mean values of interocclusal distance (IOD) during continuous [n] phonation were (1.69±1.26) mm vertically and (1.74±1.18) mm anteroposteriorly. After insertion of the experimental plates, there was an increase in the IOD during continuous [n] phonation, but this difference from the normal condition was not statistically significant. The mean IOD at the physiological rest position in these 2 directions were (2.91±2.28) mm and (2.56±1.88) mm, respectively. After insertion of the experimental plates, there was a decrease in the IOD, with the 3 mm plate, (2.52±1.88) mm vertically and (2.46±1.64) mm anteroposteriorly; with 5 mm plate, (2.45±1.70) mm vertically and (2.22±1.31) mm anteroposteriorly. No significant differences were found between the control and 2 experimental conditions. CONCLUSION: The mandibular position during continuous [n] phonation was not influenced by the experimental palatal plates and physiological rest position was also not affected by experimental palatal plates.

[Mesoporous silica nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering].

As a new potential bone graft material, tissue engineered bone effectively compensates for the defects of today's bone repair materials. Meanwhile, mesoporous silica nanomaterials(MSNs) have been widely recognized due to their large specific surface area, good biocompatibility, and capability of further processing and modification. They have promising application prospects in bone tissue engineering. For the basic scientific research results that have been carried out in the early stage, the basic characteristics of mesoporous silica nano biomaterials and their application advantages, research status and development prospects in bone tissue engineering are reviewed. As for the research status, there are two aspects--as a carrier or as a component of engineering scaffolds. For the first aspect, different kinds of loaded drugs and different loading methods are reviewed. For the second, microstructure and mechanical properties of various complex scaffolds containing MSNs and the molecular and cellular behavior of seeded cells on these scaffolds are reviewed. The research of MSNs in bone cements and metal ions doped MSNs in bone tissue engineering are also included. The future development of MSNs in bone tissue engineering is also discussed.

Effects of triclosan on performance, microbial community and antibiotic resistance genes during partial denitrification in a sequencing moving bed biofilm reactor.

Effects of triclosan (TCS) on performance, microbial community and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during partial denitrification (PD) were investigated in a sequencing moving bed biofilm reactor (SMBBR). TCS inhibited nitrite accumulation; inhibition effect was more obvious as TCS concentration increased from 1 to 5 mg/L, but it could recover. Extracellular polymeric substances contents increased with 1 mg/L TCS addition and decreased a lot at 5 mg/L TCS. Community structure in biofilm was different from that in floccular sludge, but it was similar at 5 mg/L TCS. Illumina sequencing showed that Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Shewanella and Thauera became dominant genera. Abundance of nirS was stable and higher than that of narG and nosZ. High-throughput qPCR showed that mexF, acrA-02, fabK, etc. were screened at 5 mg/L TCS. IntI1 and tnpA-04 were abundant mobile genetic elements. The study furthers understanding of effects of TCS on PD, bacterial communities and ARGs in SMBBR.

Norepinephrine Induces PTSD-Like Memory Impairments via Regulation of the ß-Adrenoceptor-cAMP/PKA and CaMK II/PKC Systems in the Basolateral Amygdala.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) can modulate the memory enhancement process during stressful events, and this modulation requires arousal-induced norepinephrine (NE) activation in the basolateral amygdale (BLA). Our previous study found that an intrahippocampal infusion of propranolol dose-dependently induced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like memory impairments. To explore the role of the noradrenergic system of the BLA in PTSD-like memory impairment, we injected various doses of NE into the BLA. We found that only a specific quantity of NE (0.3 µg) could induce PTSD-like memory impairments, accompanied by a reduction in phosphorylation of GluR1 at Ser845 and Ser831. Moreover, this phenomenon could be blocked by a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor or calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) inhibitor. These findings demonstrate that NE could induce PTSD-like memory impairments via regulation of the ß-adrenoceptor receptor (ß-AR)-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)/PKA and CaMK II/PKC signaling pathways.

Clinical presentation and treatment of distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: report on 5 cases.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms of the PICA are uncommon. Most of them arise at the PICA origin from the VA, whereas distal PICA aneurysms are exceptional. A retrospective analysis of 457 patients with SAH treated in our hospital found 5 patients with 6 distal PICA aneurysms (approximately 1% of SAHs). CASE DESCRIPTION: All patients were female, with a mean age of 54 years. A 4-vessel cerebral angiogram performed immediately after admission showed an aneurysm located on the distal PICA. One patient was treated by an endovascular approach, and 3 patients were treated by surgical approach. The last patient had 2 distal high-flow aneurysms located on the distal PICA, which was the main arterial feeder of an AVM. The patient refused surgery or endovascular therapy. All 4 treated patients had good outcome at 3-month clinical follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Distal PICA aneurysms are exceptionally rare and may be treated successfully with surgical or endovascular techniques. The therapeutic strategy, either surgical or endovascular, should be selected according to the condition of the patient, the arterial and aneurysmal morphology, and the preference of the medical team.

Propranolol can induce PTSD-like memory impairments in rats.

Introduction: One hallmark symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an inability to restrict fear responses to the appropriate predictor. An infusion of glucocorticoids (GCs) after a high-intensity shock has been shown to induce PTSD-like memory impairments. In addition to GCs, noradrenergic signalling is also recognized as a key biomarker underlying PTSD symptomatology. Methods: To explore the role of the noradrenergic system in PTSD-like memory impairments, in this study, various doses of the ß-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol were systemically or bilaterally injected into the dorsal hippocampus immediately after unpaired cue-shock contextual fear conditioning, and then the rats were tested 24 h later. Results: Interestingly, we found that only low-dose propranolol could induce PTSD-like memory impairments, as rats showed reduced freezing to the correct predictor and generalized fear responses to the safe cues, accompanied by increased NE levels in the hippocampus and altered neural activity within the frontal-subcortical circuit. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the noradrenergic system is involved in regulating the consolidation of contextual fear memory and that propranolol can dose-dependently induce PTSD-like memory impairments.

Performance of magnetic graphene oxide/diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid nanocomposite for the tetracycline and ciprofloxacin adsorption in single and binary systems.

Adsorption of tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) in single and binary systems by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-functionalized magnetic graphene oxide (DDMGO) was explored. DDMGO were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and zeta potential measurements. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data of single antibiotic were well fitted by pseudo-second-order and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. Negative ΔGo values hinted the spontaneous nature of TC and CIP sorption. Moreover, the ΔHo was positive for TC removal and negative for CIP removal, indicating that TC adsorption was endothermic and CIP adsorption was exothermic. Various experimental conditions (pH, ionic strength and foreign ions) presented an important influence on TC and CIP removal. In binary systems, TC sorption onto DDMGO exhibited stronger inhibition effect by the coexisting competitive antibiotics than that for CIP. The reusability experiment revealed that the DDMGO had an excellent regeneration performance in single and binary systems. TC and CIP removal mechanism on DDMGO was mainly dependent on π-π interaction, hydrogen bonds and amidation reaction. Besides, TC and CIP uptake could also be explained by cation-π and electrostatic interaction, respectively. These findings showed that DDMGO was an efficient and reusable adsorbent for antibiotics elimination.

Biomarkers responses of the earthworm Eisenia fetida to acetochlor exposure in OECD soil.

To examine the potential of a suite of biomarkers as early warning indicators of environmental pollution, sperm count, neutral red retention time (NRRT) and DNA damage were measured in earthworm Eisenia fetida exposed to increasing concentrations of acetochlor in OECD soil. The neutral red retention time of earthworms coelomocytes was sensitive to acetochlor pollution, and decreased significantly when the concentration was more than 10mgkg(-1) after 30 and 60 days of exposure (P<0.05). The reduced neutral red retention time correlated with the soil acetochlor residual. Sperm count decreased significantly at the concentrations of 40 and 80mgkg(-1) after 15 days of exposure (P<0.05). The DNA damage of earthworms coelomocytes increased significantly after 30 days of exposure at the highest concentration (80mgkg(-1); P<0.05). Earthworms were under physiological stress at field dose of acetochlor (10mgkg(-1)). Higher concentrations of acetochlor caused sperm count decrease and DNA damage of earthworms. Such a suite of biomarkers could serve as indicators of the health of the soil environment and to evaluate the toxicity of acetochlor on earthworms or as a means of monitoring soil acetochlor pollution.

Effect of herbicide acetochlor on cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and GST of earthworms Eisenia fetida.

To assess the sublethal toxicity of the herbicide acetochlor to earthworms and to find out biomarkers possible inducted under acetochlor exposure, Eisenia fetida was exposed to artificial soils supplemented with different concentrations of acetochlor(5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg soil). Effects of the acetochlor on cytochrome P450 monooxygenases p-nitroanisole O-demethylase (ODM), aldrin epoxidase (AE) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) activities were determined. The results revealed cytochrome P450 monooxygenases were elevated with increasing concentrations of acetochlor, and the AE activity increased significantly compared with control at the concentration of 80 mg/kg (P < 0.05). However, ODM activity from E. fetida was not induced significantly by acetochlor at all treatments (P > 0.05). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacryamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that one protein band was visualized and no evident differences were found in protein profiles between treatments and control. The GST activity increased significantly with longer duration(P < 0.05) and increasing concentrations of acetochlor exposure (P < 0.05). This study showed that the monooxygenases and GSTs activities in E. fetida could be induced by acetochlor, and thus, the AE and GST could be used in sublethal assays for soil contamination surveys and GST could be used as biomarkers ofacetochlor exposure in E. fetida.

[Analysis of minocycline hydrochloride combined with Vitapex in treating senile chronic periodontal-endodontic combined lesions].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of minocycline hydrochloride combined with Vitapex in treating senile chronic periodontal-endodontic combined lesions. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with senile chronic periodontitis and endodontic lesions patients treated in our hospital between Jun.2012 to Jun.2014 were selected. They were divided into experimental group (n=60) and control group (n=60). Patients in the control group were given conventional root canal therapy, while patients in the experimental group were given Vitapex and minocycline hydrochloride. The clinical effect between two groups was compared. SPSS18.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Compared with pre-treatment, the levels of IL-17, TNF-α and CRP in serum were decreased in two groups, but the levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05). Compared with pre-treatment, PD, GI, BI, PLI were decreased in two groups, but the levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05). The effective rate of experimental group was 83.33% and the control group was 68.33%, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For chronic periodontitis and endodontic lesions, besides conventional root canal therapy, Vitapex combined with minocycline hydrochloride can significantly improve the clinical effect.

[Factors influencing the activity of fibrinolytic enzymes from earthworm, Eeisenia foetida].

OBJECTIVE: To study the factors influencing the activity of fibrinolytic enzymes from earthworm and to obtain the better way to extract fibrinolytic enzymes as well as keep its optimum activity. METHOD: 75% alcohol, 0.9% NaCl and 10% saccharose was used to extract the crude fibrinolytic enzymes from earthworm, the method of urokinase gelose-fibrin plate was used to measure the activity of fibrinolytic enzymes from earthworm. and the method of 3,3'-diaminobezidine tetrahydrochloride colorimetry to was used measure the content of selenium. The method use ts of measuring the content of arsenic was silver diethyldithiocarbamate colorimetry. RESULT: The fibrinolytin of earthworms reared with cattle soils had higher activity than that reared with garbage. The arsenic in the earthworm's body could improve the activity of earthworm's fibrinolytin. However, the selenium had litter influence on it. Among the three methods of extraction, the 75% alcohol one was the most efficient, the 0.9% NaCl was next, and the 10% saccharose was the lowest. The influence of dialysis on the activity of fibrinolytin was less than that of ultrafiltration, when the earthworm's fibrinolytin enzyme was further sublimated. CONCLUSION: The activity of the earthworm's fibrinolytin will be increased earthworm is reared with the fitting baits and when appropriate methods, of extraction and purification are used.

[Change of polished surface contours on mandibular complete denture base in different residual ridge resorption situation: a pilot study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the profile of mandibular denture polished surface in edentulous patients with different residual ridge resorption (RRR) using neutral zone record. METHODS: Twenty randomly selected edentulous patients with different category of RRR were investigated, which were divided into three groups according to ridge resorption grade and the relationships between upper and lower jaws: group 1: Class I edentulous patients (n = 6), group 2: Class II edentulous patients (n = 7), group 3: Class III edentulous patients and crossbite jaw relationship (n = 7). All subjects were asked to perform sufficient functional movement with silicon registration material in their mouth to record the shape, which were interpreted as the ideal shape of denture polished surface. Three-dimensional laser scanner was used to record the data of the outline of the maxillary and mandibular ridge and the silicon record of the polished surface. Digital model reconstruction was then conducted on the workstation. Sagittal surface of the model in the cut-in point on first molar and first premolar was made and data of the outline of these surfaces was collected. RESULTS: Both the buccal and the lingual polished surfaces were concave, straight or slight protuberant and inclined respectively in group 1, 2 and 3. The average angles between the horizontal and the lingual polished surface were (80.40 +/- 3.51) degrees, (90.38 +/- 2.71) degrees and (96.59 +/- 5.00) degrees respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The polished surfaces were changed with different progress of RRR in edentulous patients. It was suggested that the degree of residual ridge resorption and the relationship between upper and lower jaws should be considered when clinicians design the polished surface of denture.

[Clinical evaluation of the effect of gold alloy and Ni-Cr alloy porcelain fused metal crown restorations].

PURPOSE: To observe the clinical effect of gold alloy porcelain fused metal (PFM) crown restoration and Ni-Cr alloy PFM crown restoration. METHODS: A total of 168 teeth from 48 patients were restored with gold alloy PFM crown. The other 48 patients, with a total of 179 teeth were restored with Ni-Cr alloy PFM crown. They were examined in integrality, retention, shade, cervical margin, and gingival health immediately, 6 months, one year, two years ,and three years after restoration. The date was analyzed by rank sum test using SPSS12.0 software package. RESULTS: The clinical effect of Ni-Cr alloy PFM crown was as good as gold alloy PFM crown when checked up after cementation at once. However, when they were examined 6 months, one year, two years ,and three years after restoration, the clinical effect of gold alloy PFM crown group was significantly better than that of Ni-Cr alloy PFM crown, P<0.05. CONCLUSION: The gold alloy PFM crown has better properties than Ni-Cr alloy PFM crown as a kind of long-term restoration, especially on the aspect of shade.

Pathway sensitivity analysis for detecting pro-proliferation activities of oncogenes and tumor suppressors of epidermal growth factor receptor-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway at altered protein levels.

BACKGROUND: Mathematic models and sensitivity analyses of biologic pathways have been used for exploring the dynamics and for detecting the key components of signaling pathways. METHODS: The authors previously developed a mathematic model of the epidermal growth factor receptor-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (EGFR-ERK) pathway using ordinary differential equations from existing EGFR-ERK pathway models. By using prolonged ERK activation as an indicator that may lead to cell proliferation under certain circumstances, in the current study, a pathway sensitivity analysis was performed to test its capability of detecting pro-proliferative activities through altered protein levels to examine the effects on ERK activation. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that 12 of 20 oncoproteins and 4 of 5 tumor suppressors were detected, consistent with reported experimental works. Because pathway dynamics depend on many factors, some of which were not included in the current models, failure to detect all known oncogenes and tumor suppressors can be because of the failure to include relevant crosstalk to other pathway components. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the current results indicated that pathway sensitivity analysis is a useful approach for detecting and distinguishing pro-proliferation activities of oncoproteins and suppressed proliferative activities of tumor suppressors at altered protein levels at least in the EGFR-ERK model.