Method to extract multiple states in F1-ATPase rotation experiments from jump distributions.

A method is proposed for analyzing fast (10 µs) single-molecule rotation trajectories in F1 adenosinetriphosphatase ([Formula: see text]-ATPase). This method is based on the distribution of jumps in the rotation angle that occur in the transitions during the steps between subsequent catalytic dwells. The method is complementary to the "stalling" technique devised by H. Noji et al. [Biophys. Rev. 9, 103-118, 2017], and can reveal multiple states not directly detectable as steps. A bimodal distribution of jumps is observed at certain angles, due to the system being in either of 2 states at the same rotation angle. In this method, a multistate theory is used that takes into account a viscoelastic fluctuation of the imaging probe. Using an established sequence of 3 specific states, a theoretical profile of angular jumps is predicted, without adjustable parameters, that agrees with experiment for most of the angular range. Agreement can be achieved at all angles by assuming a fourth state with an ∼10 µs lifetime and a dwell angle about 40° after the adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) binding dwell. The latter result suggests that the ATP binding in one ß subunit and the adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) release from another ß subunit occur via a transient whose lifetime is ∼10 µs and is about 6 orders of magnitude smaller than the lifetime for ADP release from a singly occupied [Formula: see text]-ATPase. An internal consistency test is given by comparing 2 independent ways of obtaining the relaxation time of the probe. They agree and are ∼15 µs.

[Effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis infection on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein-E knockout mice].

OBJECTIVE: Studies have indicated that periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infection may contributed to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inflammation, oxidative stress and the mechanism on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice with P. gingivalis infection. METHODS: Eight-week-old male ApoE-/- mice (C57BL/6) were maintained under specific pathogen-free conditions and fed regular chow and sterile water after 1 weeks of housing. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: (a) ApoE-/- + PBS (n=8); (b) ApoE-/- + P.gingivalis strain FDC381 (n=8). Both of the groups received intravenous injections 3 times per week for 4 weeks since 8 weeks of age. The sham control group received injections with phosphate buffered saline only, while the P. gingivalis-challenged group with P.gingivalis strain FDC381at the same time. After 4 weeks, oxidative stress mediators and inflammation cytokines were analyzed by oil red O in heart, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serum, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot in aorta. RESULTS: In our study, we found accelerated development of atherosclerosis and plaque formation in aorta with oil red O staining, increased oxidative stress markers [8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), NADPH oxidase (NOX)-2 and NOX-4], as well as increased inflammation cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] in the serum and aorta of the P. gingivalis-infected ApoE-/- mice. Compared with the control group, there was a significant increase protein level of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in aorta after P. gingivalis infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that chronic intravenous infection of P. gingivalis in ApoE-/- mice could accelerate the development of atherosclerosis by disturbing the lipid profile and inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The NF-κB signaling pathway might play a potential role in the P. gingivalis-accelerated atherogenesis.

[Correlation between cigarette smoking and periodontal status: A survey on the population of a community above 35-year-old in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To survey the cigarette smoking status and periodontal status, and to study the correlation between cigarette smoking and periodontal status. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed (including self-assessed periodontal status, such as bleeding while brushing teeth, oral odor, tooth loosening, gum swelling, etc.) and clinical periodontal examinations performed for parameters including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), attachment loss (AL), plaque index (PLI) and amount of teeth loss, which was recorded in the population above 35 years of a community in Beijing. A total of 974 subjects were recruited in the study. The population was divided into current smokers and non-smokers, and the differences of self-assessed periodontal status and periodontal parameters between the groups analyzed. RESULTS: The smokers had significantly less bleeding during toothbrushing, and in the meantime, had significantly more self-reported tooth loosening compared with the non-smokers. The smokers brushed their teeth less than the non-smokers (P<0.05). The self-reported gum swelling and oral odor had no significant difference between the smokers and non-smokers. The smokers had 0.565 times and 1.572 times the risk of bleeding during toothbrushing, self-reported tooth loosening and from Logistic regression analyses, respectively (P<0.05). The mean PD, AL, PLI and the amount of tooth loss of the smokers were significant higher than the non-smokers (P<0.05). However, the mean BI of the smokers was slightly less than the non-smokers' (1.93±0.540 vs. 1.94±0.512, P=0.707). The smokers had 2.129 times, 1.698 times and 1.933 times the risk of the mean PD>3 mm, the mean AL>3 mm, and the amount of tooth loss above 8, respectively compared with the non-smokers (P<0.05) from Logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSION: The self-assessed periodontal status is different between smokers and non-smokers in the population of a community in Beijing. Smokers have less bleeding during toothbrushing but no significant difference with BI. Smokers also have more self-reported tooth loosening. Compared with non-smokers, smokers have more severe periodontal destruction.

[Tooth loss and multivariable analysis after 5-year non-surgical periodontal treatment on molars with furcation involvement].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tooth loss status of mandibular molars with furcation involvements after 5-year non-surgical periodontal treatment, and to analyze the factors that affected the tooth loss. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 79 patients with chronic periodontitis, who had received non-surgical periodontal treatment and 5 years of periodontal maintenance treatment in Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from 1988 to 2012. Their clinical indexes, including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), furcation index (FI) and tooth mobility were both evaluated before treatment and at the last time of the maintenance treatment. Bone resorption at furcation area was measured at the first visit by periapical radiographs taken by professional doctors of medical imaging. The status of tooth loss after 5-year non-surgical periodontal treatment on mandibular molars with furcation involvement, and the factors that affected the tooth loss were analyzed. RESULTS: (1) Non-surgical treatment was significantly effective on the changes of PD in the patients of chronic periodontitis with furcation involvement, while the presence of furcation involvement could affect the improvement of PD here. (2) PD at the furcation area, tooth mobility, vertical bone resorption, and bone resorption area were all significant risk factors of mandibular molar missing (P<0.001), and the same with FI=3 and FI=4 (P=0.017, P=0.007), while age (P=0.703), gender (P=0.243) and smoking history (P=0.895) were not related to the tooth loss in this study. (3) The risk of tooth loss in mandibular molars with FI≥3 were significantly higher than those with FI≤2, and the survival rate of the former was less than 50%. CONCLUSION: The loss of mandibular molars with furcation involvement was related to the furcation involvement, meanwhile the degree of furcation involvement and bone resorption can significantly increase the risk of tooth loss.

[Association between chronic periodontitis and carotid intima-media thickness of middle-aged and older adults in Shijingshan community of Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between periodontal disease and subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older adults in Shijingshan community of Beijing. METHODS: In 2005-2010, a total of 830 middle-aged and older adults were recruited from Shijingshan community of Beijing, who were divided into two groups by severity of periodontitis. A questionnaire, periodontal examination, blood biochemical examination, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), including common carotid artery (CCA-IMT), internal carotid artery (ICA-IMT) and carotid bifurcation (CB-IMT), were measured of each subject. The associations of periodontitis with CIMT was evaluated by multivariable Logistic regression analysis and analysis of covariance, adjusted for age, gender, education level, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, drinking, and diabetes. And then anther definition of periodontitis (mild periodontitis: percentage of AL≥3 mm <10%; moderate periodontitis: percentage of AL≥3 mm 10%-30%; severe periodontitis: percentage of AL≥3 mm ≥30%) was used to investigate the hypotheses that different classification of periodontitis would affect results. RESULTS: The subjects with moderate-severe periodontitis were characterized by significantly higher levels of CCA-IMT, ICA-IMT, CB-IMT and mean CIMT than the mild group. In the univariate analysis, moderate-severe periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of ICA-IMT>0.9 mm (adjusted OR=1.230, 95% CI: 1.058-1.452, P=0.031). Furthermore, moderate periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of CB-IMT>0.9 mm (adjusted OR: 1.297, 95%CI: 1.117-1.753, P=0.011) and severe periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of CB-IMT>0.9 mm (adjusted OR=1.771, 95%CI: 1.176-3.503, P=0.042) according to another classification of periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Our data provided evidence that periodontitis was associated with CIMT among middle-aged and older adults in Shijingshan community of Beijing and different periodontitis classification would affect the results.

[Comparative study of proliferative and periodontal differentiation propensity of induced pluripotent stem cells at different passages].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the proliferative and periodontal specific differentiation abilities of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at different passages, and to investigate whether long term culturing would have a negative influence on their proliferation and specific differentiation capacity, thus providing a theoretical basis for further in-depth research on periodontal regeneration and the possible clinical applications of iPSCs. METHODS: IPSCs derived from human gingival fibroblasts at passages 5, 10, 15 and 20 were recovered and cultured in vitro. Their morphology and proliferation rates were observed respectively. We further induced the iPSCs at different passages toward periodontal tissue under the treatment of growth/differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) for 14 days through the EB routine, then compared the periodontal differentiation propensities between the different passages of iPSCs by detecting their calcified nodules formation by Alizarin red staining and assaying their relative periodontal tissue related marker expressions by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining, including bone related markers: osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP); periodontal ligament related markers: periostin, vimentin; and cementum related markers: cementum attachment protein (CAP), cementum protein 1 (CEMP1). The untreated spontaneous differentiation groups were set as negative controls respectively. RESULTS: iPSCs at different passages all showed a high proliferative capacity when cultured in vitro and turned into a spindle-like shape similar to fibroblasts upon periodontal specific differentiation. All iPSCs formed typical calcified nodules upon GDF-5 induction by Alizarin red staining in comparison to their untreated controls. The relative calcium deposition at all passages had been significantly upgraded under the treatment of GDF-5 (P5: t=2.125, P=0.003; P10: t=2.246, P=0.021; P15: t=3.754, P=0.004; P20: t=3.933, P=0.002), but no significant difference in their calcium deposition were detected within passages 5, 10, 15 and 20 (periodontal differentiation: F=2.365, P=0.109; spontaneously differentiation: F=2.901, P=0.067). Periodontal tissue related marker expressions of iPSCs at all passages had also been significantly upgraded under the treatment of GDF-5 (P<0.05), but still, no significant difference in their expression levels of periodontal tissue related proteins were detected within passages (BSP: F=0.926 7, P=0.450; vimentin: F=0.917 1, P=0.455; CEMP1: F=2.129, P=0.1367). CONCLUSION: Our results preliminarily confirmed that long term culturing won't influence the proliferation capacity and periodontal specific differentiation propensity of iPSCs, as they can still proliferate and differentiate toward periodontal cells with high efficiency upon growth factor induction after continuous passaging. Therefore, iPSCs could be recognized as a promising cell source for future possible application in periodontal tissue regeneration.

Association of cognitive function with tooth loss and mitochondrial variation in adult subjects: a community-based study in Beijing, China.

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive impairment is a common neurological problem in elderly people. In this study, we investigated whether tooth loss, periodontal parameters, and gene variations in the mitochondrial DNA displacement loop region are potential influencing factors on cognitive function. DESIGN: We employed a linear regression model to estimate cross-sectional association between number of teeth lost, periodontal parameters and Mini-mental State Examination score, adjusting for demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, general health status, smoking, drinking, and life habits. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 905 Han Chinese people, ≥50 years of age, with complete data, were enrolled. Blood samples of 567 of the subjects were analyzed for correlation between mitochondrial DNA variants and Mini-mental State Examination score. RESULTS: The number of teeth lost (ß = -0.042, 95% CI: -0.061, -0.024, P < 0.001), two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) points: A189G (ß = -1.540, 95% CI: -2.818, -0.263, P = 0.018) and A16164G (ß = -1.053, 95% CI: -2.054, -0.052, P = 0.039) in the mitochondrial DNA displacement loop region, and haplogroup Y (ß = -2.152, 95% CI: -4.062, -0.242, P = 0.027) were found to be negatively associated with Mini-mental State Examination scores in the fully adjusted model. No correlation was found between periodontal parameters and Mini-mental State Examination scores. CONCLUSION: Number of teeth lost, mitochondrial SNPs, and haplogroup Y were correlated with cognitive function in this study population.

Genetic and correlation analysis of oleoresin chemical components in slash pine.

This is the first comprehensive study of the genetic analysis of the majority of oleoresin components of slash pine (Pinus elliottii). Pine oleoresin, the resin secreted from the pine tree, is a raw material widely used in industrial products. The objective of this study was to explore the genetic variation and correlation between the major oleoresin components of 50 open pollinated families of slash pine. The individual narrow-sense heritability of the 23 oleoresin components and genetic correlations between them were estimated using the residual maximum likelihood in the flexible mixed modeling program, ASReml-R. A high heritability of 0.424 was observed for ß-pinene. Moderate levels of heritability were estimated for ß-phellandrene, methyl abietate, estragole, 15-hydroxy-dehydroabietic acid, and isopimaric acid methyl ester at 0.303, 0.294, 0.27, 0.258, and 0.2, respectively. The heritabilities for pimaric acid methyl ester, abieta-8, 13-diene-18-oic acid methyl ester, sandaracopimaric acid, methyl ester, and camphene were relatively low and ranged from 0.11 to 0.17. Many negative genetic correlations were observed as unfavorable while the corresponding phenotypic correlations presented no significant relationships or positive phenotypic correlations. However, the heritabilities and genetic correlations showed that single or multiple component selections and improvement, directly or indirectly, were effective. We postulate that genetic parameters estimated in this study will work as a reference in breeding programs of oleoresin components, especially in slash pine.

[Evaluation of dental plaque by quantitative digital image analysis system].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the plaque staining image by using image analysis software, to verify the maneuverability, practicability and repeatability of this technique, and to evaluate the influence of different plaque stains. METHODS: In the study, 30 volunteers were enrolled from the new dental students of Peking University Health Science Center in accordance with the inclusion criteria. The digital images of the anterior teeth were acquired after plaque stained according to filming standardization.The image analysis was performed using Image Pro Plus 7.0, and the Quigley-Hein plaque indexes of the anterior teeth were evaluated. RESULTS: The plaque stain area percentage and the corresponding dental plaque index were highly correlated,and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.776 (P<0.01). Intraclass correlation coefficients of the tooth area and plaque area which two researchers used the software to calculate were 0.956 and 0.930 (P<0.01).The Bland-Altman analysis chart showed only a few spots outside the 95% consistency boundaries. The different plaque stains image analysis results showed that the difference of the tooth area measurements was not significant, while the difference of the plaque area measurements significant (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: This method is easy in operation and control,highly related to the calculated percentage of plaque area and traditional plaque index, and has good reproducibility.The different plaque staining method has little effect on image segmentation results.The sensitive plaque stain for image analysis is suggested.

Mitochondrial polymorphisms and dysfunction related to aggressive periodontitis: a pilot study.

AIM: To investigate whether aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is associated with specific mtDNA polymorphisms or point mutations and furthermore whether mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in gingival fibroblasts of AgP patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mitochondrial DNA coding regions were amplified and sequenced in 22 overlapped fragments in 34 patients with AgP and 28 healthy controls for initial screening. We selected eleven SNPs for detailed investigation in the rest 30 AgP patients and 26 healthy controls, because all other variants occurred at relatively low frequencies or had no difference between two groups. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between mtDNA variants and AgP. Gingival fibroblasts were cultured from four patients with AgP and four healthy controls, and then mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species production and cell proliferation were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant association was observed between aggressive periodontitis and eight mitochondrial polymorphisms: '8701A-9540T-10400C-10873T-14783T-15043G-15301G' (OR = 3.471 (1.610-7.483), P = 0.001) and 10398A (OR = 3.238 (1.481-7.078), P = 0.003). Compared with the controls, patients with aggressive periodontitis had a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in reactive oxygen species production. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we propose that mitochondrial dysfunction and '8701A-9540T-10400C-10873T-14783T-15043G-15301G, 10398A' are associated with and may increase the susceptibility to AgP in the Han Chinese population.

Comparative study of photodynamic therapy with 5%, 10% and 20% aminolevulinic acid in the treatment of generalized recalcitrant facial verruca plana: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Generalised recalcitrant facial verruca plana responds poorly to current therapeutic options, including cryotherapy, topical drugs and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser. Case reports and uncontrolled studies suggested that topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective choice of treatment free from potential complications associated with invasive therapies. AIMS: To investigate the efficacy and safety of PDT with different concentrations of photosensitiser in the treatment of verruca plana. MATERIALS & METHODS: The two sides of a subject's face were separately randomized to receive aminolevulinic acid (ALA) of 5%, 10% or 20% concentration. All patients were irradiated with 633-nm red light for 339 J/cm(2) total dose. Complete response (CR) rate was assessed on Week 4, 8, and 16 respectively. RESULTS: The mean overall clearance rate was 74.1%, 68.8%, and 64.6% on Week 4, 8, and 12, respectively, in the 110 treated sides. The CR rate was lower in the 5%-ALA group than in the 10%-ALA group (14.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.05) and 20%-ALA group (14.3% vs. 26.3%, p < 0.05) after 12 weeks. The mean severity of pain measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring was 3.8 (range: 2 to 10, depending on the lesion location). The overall recurrence rate was 16.7% (4/24) on Week 12. Hyperpigmentation was observed in 61% (67/110) of all treated sides. On Week 4, 8, and 16, hyperpigmentation was more developed in the 20%-ALA group than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: In terms of complete clearance rate, the 5% ALA-PDT group was significantly inferior to the 10% and 20% ALA-PDT groups at each follow-up. In contrast, the 20% ALA group showed a higher incidence rate of transient hyperpigmentation than the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This randomised clinical trial suggests that PDT with ALA of 10% concentration offers better efficacy and safety than 5% or 20% concentration for generalised recalcitrant facial verruca plana.

The association between trauma and melanoma in the Chinese population: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The association between trauma and melanoma has been a controversial issue. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the profiles of melanoma, and to determine whether trauma is associated with development of acral melanoma in the Chinese population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 685 cases of cutaneous melanoma in the dermatology departments of Xijing Hospital in northwestern China and Xinan Hospital in southwestern China from 1982 to 2011. RESULTS: Of the 685 patients included in the study, 437 (63.8%) suffered from melanoma on the extremities. A total of 104 patients (15.2%) exhibited an association between trauma and melanoma. The primary anatomic sites of the tumours were the upper extremities (17, 16.3%), lower extremities (74, 71.2%) and other sites (13, 12.5%). Among these cases, the extremities were with remarkably higher risks of post-trauma melanoma than the other sites [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.968; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.267-5.592]. Notably, patients in the south part of China were with a stronger risk of post-trauma melanoma on the lower extremities than those in the north (adjusted OR 1.764; 95% CI 1.192-2.666) part. In addition, a significant higher risk of post-trauma melanoma on the extremities was observed in the male gender (adjusted OR 1.848; 95% CI 1.186-2.887). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide epidemiological evidence for a potential association between traumatic events and melanoma of the extremities, especially the lower limbs, where a history of trauma is more likely.

Genetic diversity of natural populations of Machilus thunbergii, an endangered tree species in eastern China, determined with ISSR analysis.

The genetic diversity of 10 Machilus thunbergii populations in eastern China was analyzed using inter-simple sequence repeat markers. The populations showed high genetic diversity, with an overall population genetic diversity of 0.2343. Genetic diversity varied largely among populations, and populations with the highest genetic diversity were mainly from the eastern and western parts of the natural distribution area. Small populations, lack of effective gene flow, and fragmentation of habitats have led to greater genetic differentiation among populations, with 41.18% of genetic variation existing among populations. Unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis indicated that populations distributed between latitudes 25° and 31°N were clustered together and should be prioritized for in situ conservation. Northern, eastern, and southern populations were located in peripheral areas of the distribution range and were clustered separately. Collection of distinctive germplasm from peripheral populations should be promoted and ex situ conservation of elite germplasm should be implemented.

Vitamin D: a novel therapeutic approach for keloid, an in vitro analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D and its metabolites play an important role in calcium homeostasis, bone remodelling, hormone secretion, cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies also suggest a beneficial role of vitamin D in slowing the progression of tissue fibrosis. However, their effects on dermal fibrosis and keloids are unknown. Objectives To investigate the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis by keloid fibroblasts (KFs). METHODS: KFs were cultured and exposed to different concentrations of 1,25D in the presence or absence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1. KF phenotypes and protein production were analysed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunofluorescence and multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Collagen synthesis was evaluated by measuring (3) H-proline incorporation. The effect of 1,25D on cell proliferation and viability was evaluated by Formazan assay, proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and the colorimetric conversion of 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. RESULTS: We confirmed the presence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in cultured keloid fibroblasts. Fibroblasts transfected with a vitamin D response element reporter construct and exposed to the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25D showed increased promoter activity indicating VDR functionality in these cells. Incubation of KFs with 1,25D suppressed TGF-ß1-induced collagen type I, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin expression. 1,25D also modulated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression induced by TGF-ß1. Interestingly, 1,25D induced hepatocyte growth factor mRNA expression and protein secretion in keloid fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights key mechanistic pathways through which vitamin D decreases fibrosis, and provides a rationale for studies to test vitamin D supplementation as a preventive and/or early treatment strategy for keloid and related fibrotic disorders.

The polymorphism of catalase T/C codon 389 in exon 9 and vitiligo susceptibility: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The exact aetiology of vitiligo has not yet been established. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of vitiligo. It has been described that some polymorphisms in the catalase (CAT) gene may affect the risk of vitiligo. However, the results were inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis of the published studies to derive a more precise estimate of the association between CAT T/C at codon 389 in exon 9 polymorphisms and vitiligo risk. METHODS: The PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched to identify relevant published studies. RESULTS: Four case-control studies (cases, 645; controls, 689) that investigated the association between C/T polymorphisms of CAT exon 9 and the risk of vitiligo were retrieved and analysed. Our findings suggested a significant association between the CAT T/C exon 9 polymorphism and vitiligo risk (CT + TT vs. CC pooled odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.80; P = 0 .002). CONCLUSION: We found a significant correlation between the CAT T/C exon 9 polymorphism and the risk of vitiligo.

[Relationship between periodontitis and glomerular filtration rate in non-diabetic Chinese elderly patients in Beijing community].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between clinical periodontal indexes of periodontitis and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in a non-diabetic elderly population in four communities of Shijingshan, Beijing. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Questionnaires, blood biochemical examinations, and periodontal indexes were conducted in elderly people (35 to 84 years old) in four communities of Shijingshan, Beijing between May and July 2005. Non-diabetic patients with fasting blood glucose<6.1 mmol/L, postprandial blood glucose<7.8 mmol/L, and ≥ 10 remaining teeth were included. Patients with diabetes, fasting blood glucose ≥6.1 mmol/L or postprandial blood glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L, and total residual teeth less than 10 were excluded. A total of 362 study subjects met the inclusion criteria. The survey subjects were selected by convenient sampling method. The mean full-mouth probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), attachment loss (AL), and plaque index (PLI), as well as PD≥4 mm% (the number of sites with PD≥4 mm as a percentage of the total number of sites in full mouth), PD≥5 mm%, PD≥6 mm%, AL≥3 mm%, AL≥4 mm%, AL≥5 mm% and AL≥6 mm% were used for the analysis. Serum creatinine values was used to calculate GFR. GFR≥90 ml/(min·1.73 m2) was defined as normal group and GFR<90 ml/(min·1.73 m2) was defined as reduced group. Univariate analysis was conducted between two groups. Multivariate regression analysis was performed with GFR as dependent variable and adjusted for risk factors such as age, sex, smoking, waist-hip ratio and physical activity. Results: There were 164 subjects in the normal GFR group (45.3%) and 198 in the reduced GFR group (54.7%). Percentage of males in the reduced GFR group, 118 in total, accounting for 59.6%, were significantly higher than in the normal GFR group (73, 44.5%)(P=0.004). The median of age, uric acid, triglyceride, and waist-to-hip ratio (65 years, 323 mmol/L, 1.73 mmol/L, 0.90) were significantly higher in the reduced GFR group than in the normal GFR group (54 years, 277 mmol/L, 1.45 mmol/L, 0.88) (P<0.05). The median of PD mean, AL mean, BI mean, PD≥4 mm%, AL≥3 mm%, and AL≥4 mm% in the reduced GFR group were 2.80 mm, 2.52 mm, 2.06, 20.4%, 46.5%, and 30.4%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the GFR normal group (2.60 mm, 2.37 mm, 1.93, 16.6%, 42.9%, 28.9%) (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gender, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio and physical activity, the results of logistic regression analysis showed that PD mean, AL mean, PD≥4 mm%, PD≥5 mm%, PD≥6 mm%, AL≥3 mm% and AL≥4 mm% of clinical periodontal indexes were significantly correlated with reduced GFR in this population (OR values were 1.765, 1.879, 1.430, 1.713, 1.771, 1.428, 1.445, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions: In the non-diabetic elderly population in communities of Shijingshan, Beijing, clinical periodontal indexes reflecting the degree of periodontal tissue destruction were associated with a decreased level of GFR.

[A survey on human resources of dentists who deal with periodontal disease in Beijing].

Objective: To investigate the status quo of human resources of dentists who deal with periodontal disease in Beijing area through an online survey, which may hopefully provide a preliminary basis for the decision-making of administrative departments and the formulation of periodontal professional development plan. Methods: The dentists who deal with periodontal disease at least half a day per week in Beijing area were investigated. A questionnaire was designed by the chairman of the Periodontology Committee of Beijing Stomatological Association. The questionnaire was sent to and finished by the dentists via "WenJuanXing" online survey software. The contents of the survey included general condition, the property of practice unit, title and position of the dentist, membership of professional society, time and content of periodontal treatment, adoption of new technology and new method of periodontal therapy during the past one year, status of periodontal treatment in the local population and reasons, understanding and influencing factors of periodontal professional development. Results: A total of 1 255 dentists completed the survey, who came from all 16 districts in Beijing, mainly Haidian, Chaoyang, Dongcheng and Xicheng Districts [The total percentage of these four main districts was 70.3% (882/1 255)]. The mean age of the dentists was (36.1±8.3) years. Among the dentists, 71.1% (892/1 255) were females, 88.1% (1 106/1 255) got a Bachelor's degree or above. It was estimated that 35.4% (444/1 255) of the dentists had received standardized periodontal training ever. The percentage of dentists carrying out new technology in the past one year was as high as 68.1% (855/1 255). There were only 163 periodontal specialists (13.0%) out of the dentists in the survey. Only 15.9% (200/1 255) of the dentists routinely performed periodontal surgery. The majority of the dentists [82.8% (1 039/1 255)] were from the state-owned hospitals. Fifty-four point seven percemt (686/1 255) of the dentists thought that lack of knowledge was the main reason why the general public failed to receive periodontal treatment. As for the biggest bottleneck affecting periodontal professional development, fifty-one point zero percent (640/1 255) of the dentists attributed it to the public neglect. Conclusions: The periodontal practitioners in Beijing are young, highly educated, unevenly distributed in 16 districts and mostly females. State-owned oral health institutions are an important force in periodontal diagnosis and treatment services in Beijing. The number of periodontal specialists need to be improved. Promotion of standardized periodontal surgery and the popularization of healthcare knowledge on periodontal disease should also be the focus in the future.

Effects of antikeratin 16 antibodies on the expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in keratinocytes.

Innate immunity plays an important role in psoriasis. The possible role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the activation of innate immunity in psoriasis remains unknown. Serum antikeratin 16 (anti-K16) autoantibody levels are raised in patients with psoriasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of anti-K16 antibodies on TLR2 and TLR4 expression in keratinocytes. Keratinocytes were incubated with mouse anti-K16 monoclonal antibodies. Levels of TLR2 and TLR4 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry. TLR2 mRNA level was increased by 1.73-fold, 1.60-fold and 2.52-fold at 6, 24 and 36 h after incubation, respectively. TLR4 mRNA level was increased by 3.62-fold and 2.21-fold at 12 and 36 h, respectively. TLR2 protein expression was increased by 1.73-fold on the cell membrane and 2.22-fold in cell membrane and intracytoplasmic locations. There was no change in TLR4. The results of this study indicate that anti-K16 antibodies may be a modulator of TLRs.

Inhibition of experimental periodontitis by a topical boron-based antimicrobial.

AN0128 is a boron-containing compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To test its potential effectiveness in treating periodontal disease, we induced experimental periodontitis in the rat by placing ligatures and assessed the impact of AN0128 and positive and negative controls by micro-CT and histologic measurements. The formation of an inflammatory infiltrate was measured in hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections. Daily application of AN0128 (1%) compared with controls reduced bone loss by 38 to 44% (P < 0.05), while vehicle alone had no effect (P > 0.05). The reduction in bone loss with AN0128 was similar to that achieved with a NSAID, ketorolac, and Total toothpaste containing triclosan. AN0128 also reduced the level of gingival inflammation 42% compared with the ligature only (P < 0.05), whereas vehicle alone had no effect (P > 0.05). The results indicate that AN0128 significantly reduces the formation of an inflammatory infiltrate and reduces bone loss, measured histologically and by micro-CT.

Propofol induces apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via ERK1/2-dependent upregulation of PUMA.

OBJECTIVE: Propofol is one of the most commonly used intravenous anesthetic agents used in cancer resections, but the effect of propofol on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Previous researches have reported that propofol can inhibit extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation or activate p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) signaling, resulting in apoptosis. In addition, PUMA is negatively regulated by ERK1/2 activation. In the present work, we determined the effect of propofol on NSCLC A549 cells and explored its signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of propofol (1-10 µg/mL) for 6 h. After washing, cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics for another 72 h. Cell survival and apoptosis were determined by MTT, flow cytometry, and TUNEL analyses. To assess whether propofol functions via ERK1/2 and PUMA signaling pathways, A549 cells were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target PUMA, or treated with human recombinant ERK1/2 (hrERK1/2) to activate ERK1/2. RESULTS: Propofol treatment inhibited viability and induced apoptosis of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Propofol inhibited phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) and increased ERK1/2-dependent PUMA expression. Knockdown of PUMA by siRNA or treatment with hrERK1/2 to activate ERK1/2 blocked propofol-induced apoptosis and cell viability. Upregulation of PUMA expression by propofol requires pERK1/2 inactivation. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol inhibits viability and induces apoptosis of A549 cells via an ERK1/2-dependent PUMA signaling.