The relationship between caries activity and the status of dental caries--application of the Dentocult SM method

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between caries activity and the status of dental caries in preschool children using a caries activity test (CAT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The status of primary tooth caries in 229 children ages 3 to 5 was examined. Caries incidence, DFT, and caries severity index (CSI) were calculated. Based on the quantity of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity detected with Dentocult SM, a caries activity test, four grades of caries activity were classified: Grade 0 (< 10(4) colony-forming units/mL), Grade I (10(4)-10(5) CFU/mL), Grade II (10(5)-10(6) CFU/mL), and Grade III (> 10(6) CFU/mL).

RESULTS

The results showed that 79.48% children had Grade I or higher caries severity. Significant differences of caries activity were found among different grades, which were highly correlated with caries incidence, DFT, and CSI (r = 0.22216, 0.31212, and 0.32276, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

As a CAT, Dentocult SM is a reliable method for measuring the status of dental caries in preschool children. It is also a valuable tool in the prevention and treatment of dental caries.

[Malignant mixed mesodermal tumors of the ovary: a clinical analysis of 12 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognostic factors of patients with malignant mixed mesodermal tumors of the ovary (MMMTO).

METHODS

Clinical data of 12 patients with MMMTO between 1983-1997 were reviewed retrospectively. The median age of the patients was 50.7 years. According to FIGO staging system (1985), there were 4 cases in stage II, 6 in stage III and 1 in stage IV. Staging was unclear in the remaining case. Heterologous and homologous elements were present in the primary ovarian tumors in 4 and 8 of the 12 patients, respectively. All patients received cytoreductive surgery. Eleven of them received postoperative chemotherapy and 3 of these eleven patients received additional radiotherapy of pelvic field.

RESULTS

The median survival of this group of 12 patients was 24 months. The 2- and 5-year survival rate was 33.3% (4/12) and 8.33% (1/12), respectively. The 2-year survival rate of stage II and III was 50% and 33.3% respectively. One patent in stage IV died within 1 year. Four of the 8 patients with homologous histology survived over 2 years while all the 4 cases with heterologous histology died within 2 years. Five of the 11 patients (45.5%) received combination therapy died within 1 year while 1 patient treated with surgery alone died within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of MMMTO is rather poor. Surgery combined with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy seems to be a better choice of approach. The histological tpyes of tumor and stage of the disease are related to prognosis.

Regulation of endothelial cell myosin light chain phosphorylation and permeability by vanadate

The involvement of tyrosine protein phosphorylation in the regulation of endothelial cell (EC) contraction and barrier function is poorly understood. We have previously shown that myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation catalyzed by a novel 214 kDa EC myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) isoform is a key event in EC contraction and barrier dysfunction [Garcia et al. (1995): J Cell Physiol 163:510-522; Garcia et al. (1997): Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 16:487-491]. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tyrosine phosphatases participate in the regulation of EC contraction and barrier function via modulation of MLCK activity. The tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate (vanadate), significantly decreased electrical resistance across bovine EC monolayers and increased albumin permeability consistent with EC barrier impairment. Vanadate significantly increased EC MLC phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner (maximal increase observed at 10 min) and augmented both the MLC phosphorylation and permeability responses produced by thrombin, an agonist which rapidly increases tyrosine kinase activities. The vanadate-mediated increase in MLC phosphorylation was not associated with alterations in either phosphorylase A Ser/Thr phosphatase activities or in cytosolic [Ca2+] but was strongly associated with significant increases in EC MLCK phosphotyrosine content. These data suggest that tyrosine phosphatase activities may participate in EC contractile and barrier responses via the regulation of the tyrosine phosphorylation status of EC MLCK.

[Determination of posterior lens capsule status in traumatic cataract with B-ultrasonography]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the status of posterior lens capsule in traumatic cataract with B-ultrasonography.

METHODS

44 eyes of traumatic cataract were studied. The integrity of posterior lens capsule was evaluated with B-ultrasonography before surgery. Cataract extraction was performed under microscope and the status of posterior lens capsule was recorded.

RESULTS

21 eyes showed complete posterior lens capsule in B-ultrasonography. Of them, 19 eyes (90.5%) were confirmed by surgery. Other 23 eyes with posterior lens rupture determined before operation were all confirmed by surgery (100.0%).

CONCLUSION

B-ultrasonography is helpful in evaluating the integrity of posterior lens capsule and choosing the strategy of surgery.

[Effect of xueling on relating substances of renal hypertension in rats]

Xueling(p.o.) obviously reduces the aldosterone content of renal hypertension rats, but not affecting markedly the endothelin, atrial natriuretic factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide, thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha. The content reduction of aldosterone is one of the mechanisms to lower blood pressure.

[Differentiation of original plants of xihuangcao by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers]

Four original plants of Xihuangcao have been differentiated from each other by random amplified polymorphic DNA polymorphism. The results show that RAPD technique is an effective method for identification and quality study of Chinese medicinal materials.

Phylogeny and biogeography of Aralia sect. Aralia (Araliaceae)

Aralia sect. Aralia (Araliaceae) consists of approximately eight species disjunctly distributed in Asia and North America. Phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses were conducted using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Aralia racemosa from eastern North America was sister to A. californica from western North America. Aralia cordata from eastern Asia did not form a species-pair relationship with the eastern North American A. racemosa. The two subspecies of A. racemosa formed a monophyletic group. Biogeographic analyses showed a close area relationship between eastern North America and western North America. The Himalayas were cladistically basal and eastern Asia was placed between the Himalayas and North America. The biogeographic analysis supported the origin of the eastern Asian and eastern North American disjunct pattern in Aralia sect. Aralia via the Bering land bridges. Comparisons with results of phylogenetic analyses of other genera suggested that (1) the floristic connection between eastern North America and western North America may be stronger than previously thought; and (2) the biogeographic patterns in the Northern Hemisphere are complex. Furthermore, a lack of correlation between sequence divergence values and phylogenetic positions was observed, suggesting the importance of a phylogenetic framework in biogeographic analyses.

[Protective role of endogenous nitric oxide to microcirculation of rats during burn shock]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in burn shock.

METHODS

A model of 40% TBSA deep II burn injury in rats was used. The effects of L-NAME, the inhibitor of NO synthase, and L-Arg, the precursor of NO synthesis, on the mean arterial pressure (MAP), microcirculation of muscle, concentration of NO2(-)/NO3(-) in plasma and the survival time of animals were observed.

RESULTS

The results showed that the synthesis of nitric oxide was increased significantly, accompanied with the decrease of MAP and the disturbances of microcirculation of muscle after burn. L-NAME inhibited the decrease of MAP, but aggravated the disturbances of microcirculation and shortened the survival time of animals, while L-Arg produced the contrary effects.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the large amount of NO in blood after burn may play an early protective role to injury.

Identification and cloning of a truncated isoform of the cardiac sodium-calcium exchanger in the BALB/c mouse heart

A truncated isoform of the cardiac sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX1) was identified and cloned from BALB/c mouse heart. This cDNA clone has an AATAAA polyadenylation signal in the 3' untranslated region that caused the 3344-bp clone to stop at a premature termination site and encode for a 940-amino acid (AA) protein, in contrast to the wild-type C57BL/6 mouse, which has a 970-AA protein. Comparing the predicted AA sequence of NCX1 between the two mouse strains by hydropathic plot, we found that the BALB/c NCX1 protein has only 11 extracellular domains, missing one domain at the COOH terminal, while C57BL/6 mice have 12 extracellular domains, similar to other species. Using the mouse mapping gene panel BCB, the NCX1 gene was mapped to the distal end of mouse chromosome 17 (51.3 cM), confirming the data published from the rat probe.

[Fate of massive retrieved human bone allografts]

OBJECTIVES

To study retrieved massive human allograft specimen after they had been in situ for four to sixty-five months, and to investigate the changes union, bone replacement and degradation of articular cartilage.

METHOD

BMP gene expression in the specimen was also studied with in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical methods, and the observations were correlated with the clinical and isotope scan date.

RESULT

The union between the allograft and the host was achieved by the formation of an external callus derived from the cortex of the host. New bone replacement took place slowly. Analysis of the articular cartilage revealed evidence that some chondrocytes had survived in non bearing area of the articular. The expression of BMP in the surface of the cortex and united callus was positive 4 months after implantation. But it was negative in the center of cortex after it had been implanted for over 12 months. An external callus formed from the cortex of the host. Some chondrocytes survived in non-bearing area of the articular. Neovasculature penetrated into osteoarticular.

CONCLUSION

Bone absorption may be the cause of collapse of articular surface. The results suggest that large allografts in humans are osteo-conductive rather than inductive. Incomplete repair of osteon may be related to slowed replacement of massive human allograft.

[The immune activity of polysacharide of chuanniuxi]

It reported the immune activity of polysacharide of Chuanniuxi to mouce's RES, PFC, lymphocyte transformation and NK Cell. The results show that the polysacharide can improve the activity of RES, PFC and NK Cell, but can't increace the lymphocgte stimulation index.

Extrahepatic and intrahepatic replication and expression of hepatitis C virus

In order to determine the replication sites of hepatitis C virus, the in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical technique using digoxin-labeled 531 bp plus-strand and minus-strand HCVRNA probes were employed to detect HCVRNA in the liver tissues, bone marrow mononuclear cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the patients with chronic hepatitis C, and in HCV transfected COS cells. The results showed that both plus-strand and minus-strand HCVRNA were detected in 80% of liver tissues (4/5). Plus-strand HCVRNA could be detected in 90% of PBMCs and bone marrow mononuclear cells (18/20), minus-strand HCVRNA in 25% of PBMCs. In HCV transfected COS cells, plus-strand HCVRNA distributed evenly in 20% cellular nuclei and cytoplasms. No minus-strand HCVRNA was detected in the bone marrow mononuclear cells and HCV transfected COS cells. The positive signal appeared in more cells when the liver tissues, PBMCs and marrow mononuclear cells were hybridized by plus-strand probes than when hybridized by minus-strand probes. Our results suggested that the hepatocytic cytoplasms and PBMC cytoplasms were the replication sites of HCV, but the marrow mononuclear cells were not the replication sites of HCV although they were infected by HCV. HCV infection might be accounted for the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis and relapse of hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

Identification of a novel missense mutation in Wilson's disease gene

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the allelic heterogeneity of the ATP7B gene in Chinese patients with Wilson's disease (WD).

METHODS

Exons of the ATP7B gene from 141 WD patients' DNA were amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 887-890. Mutations were then screened by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and further identified by sequencing.

RESULTS

The molecular structure of exon 7 of the ATP7B gene from 141 WD patients was analyzed. The same band shift in electrophoretic pattern of 4 cerebral type patients was identified with SSCP and subsequently sequenced. The results showed missense mutation at the second base of the codon as Ser 662 Cys, which is caused by a C to G transversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutations of the ATP7B gene were investigated for the first time in China and a novel missense mutation was identified in four cases.

In situ compositional analysis of acidocalcisomes in Trypanosoma cruzi

We measured the elemental content of different compartments in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes using quick freezing, ultracryomicrotomy, and electron probe microanalysis. Vacuoles identified by high electron density contained (in units of mmol/kg dry weight +/- S.E.) large amounts of phosphorus (1390 +/- 13), magnesium (646 +/- 19), calcium (171 +/- 5), sodium (161 +/- 18), and zinc (148 +/- 6). No other compartment had appreciable calcium or zinc content. Iron (128 +/- 16 mmol/kg) was detected only in vacuoles distinct from the electron-dense vacuoles and other organelles. Incubation of cells for 70 min in culture medium in the presence of ionomycin plus nigericin led to a very significant 3- or 2-fold increase in potassium in the electron-dense vacuoles and the iron-rich vacuoles, respectively, with no significant change in the other elements investigated. This indicated the acidic nature of the vacuoles and demonstrated that the electron-dense vacuoles correspond to what were described previously as acidocalcisomes, i.e. acidic compartments rich in Ca2+. The acidocalcisomes were investigated by separation of epimastigote fractions on Percoll gradients in combination with Triton WR-1339 treatment. This detergent caused a rapid vacuolation; these vacuoles were shown by electron microscopy to be largely transparent, with a diffuse matrix. Percoll gradient fractionation demonstrated decreases in the density of various organelle markers in detergent-treated cells compared with controls. Large decreases in the density of the acidocalcisome and the mitochondrion were seen, as well as smaller decreases in the density of the other markers. Conventional electron microscopy of epimastigotes loaded with gold-labeled transferrin indicated that the endosomal system was separate from vacuoles that probably corresponded to the calcium-containing organelles detected by electron probe microanalysis. The combined results provide evidence that acidocalcisomes are organelles different from lysosomes or other organelles previously described in these parasites.

Creation and removal of embedded ribonucleotides in chromosomal DNA during mammalian Okazaki fragment processing

Mammalian RNase HI has been shown to specifically cleave the initiator RNA of Okazaki fragments at the RNA-DNA junction, leaving a single ribonucleotide attached to the 5'-end of the downstream DNA segment. This monoribonucleotide can then be removed by the mammalian 5'- to 3'-exo-/endonuclease, a RAD2 homolog-1 (RTH-1) class nuclease, also known as flap endonuclease-1 (FEN-1). Although FEN-1/RTH-1 nuclease often requires an upstream primer for efficient activity, the presence of an upstream primer is usually inhibitory or neutral for removal of this 5'-monoribonucleotide. Using model Okazaki fragment substrates, we found that DNA ligase I can seal a 5'-monoribonucleotide into DNA. When both ligase and FEN-1/RTH-1 were present simultaneously, some of the 5'-monoribonucleotides were ligated into DNA, while others were released. Thus, a 5'-monoribonucleotide, particularly one that is made resistant to FEN-1/RTH-1-directed cleavage by extension of an inhibitory upstream primer, can be ligated into the chromosome, despite the presence of FEN-1/RTH-1 nuclease. DNA ligase I was able to seal different monoribonucleotides into the DNA for all substrates tested, with an efficiency of 1-13% that of ligating DNA. These embedded monoribonucleotides can be removed by the combined action of RNase HI, cutting on the 5'-side, and FEN-1/RTH-1 nuclease, cleaving on the 3'-side. After FEN-1/RTH-1 action and extension by polymerization, DNA ligase I can join the entirely DNA strands to complete repair.

Collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical, pathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) of the kidney.

METHODS

Five cases of CDC (3 males and 2 females, aged 41 to 67 years) were identified between January, 1990 and December, 1994. Routine histopathologic study and immunohistochemical examinations of the surgical specimens were performed.

RESULTS

Four patients underwent radical nephrectomy; 3 have been alive without evidence of recurrence for 3 months, 2 years and 2.5 years, respectively after the operation. Bone metastasis was noted 2 months after the operation in 1 case. One patient was submitted to simple nephrectomy because of extensive regional node involvement and died of lung metastasis 14 months after the surgery. Grossly, the tumors were usually grey-whitish in color and located in the renal medulla. Microscopically, the characteristic structure of tubulo-papillary pattern could be identified. Marked desmoplastic reaction was noted and atypical hyperplastic changes were found in the adjacent collecting ducts. Immunohistochemical studies revealed positive results to epithelial membrane antigen, high molecular weight cytokeratin and peanut agglutinin.

CONCLUSION

CDC of the kidney is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. Radical nephrectomy is recommended even if the tumor is small.

Mineralized nodule formation by human dental papilla cells in culture

Human dental papilla cells were enzymatically separated from deciduous tooth germs of an 8-month-old embryo legally aborted. The second passage cells were cultured up to 35 days in 3 groups. The beta-GP group was cultured in the Dulbecco MEM containing ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum. The Dex group was in the same medium, in addition containing dexamethasone. The control group contained none of the 3 chemicals. Mineralized nodules were formed after 15 days in the beta-GP and Dex groups. Only in the presence of ascorbic acid and organic phosphate did they mineralize. The addition of dexamethasone caused a significant increase in the number of nodules. By electron microscopy, the nodules contained needle-shaped crystals associated with a network of collagen fibrils. Calcium and phosphorus were detected by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis in the nodules. Furthermore, the crystalline material exhibited a pattern consistent with hydroxyapatite and dentin when examined by X-ray diffractometry. Cells showed high levels of alkaline phosphatase activity, which was increased 2-3 times in the presence of the 3 chemicals. These results indicated that human dental papilla cells have the ability to form dentin in culture. The formation of mineralized nodules by human dental papilla in vitro provides a useful model for studying the morphogenesis and differentiation of dental papilla ectomesenchyme.

Mechanisms of ionomycin-induced endothelial cell barrier dysfunction

Myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation catalyzed by the Ca(2+)- calmodulin-dependent MLC kinase (MLCK) is critical to thrombin-mediated endothelial cell gap formation and barrier dysfunction. We have tested the hypothesis that the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin stimulates MLCK-dependent endothelial cell contraction and permeability. Ionomycin significantly increased albumin clearance and decreased electrical resistance across confluent bovine pulmonary microvascular and macrovascular endothelial cell monolayers in a concentration-dependent manner that was temporally similar to that produced by thrombin. In contrast, however, ionomycin produced a significant Ca(2+)-dependent reduction in the levels of phosphorylated MLC with evidence of serine/threonine phosphatase activation. Potential MLCK-independent mechanisms of endothelial cell permeability were examined with little evidence to support a role for stimulated nitric oxide synthase or phospholipase A2 activities. Importantly, ionomycin produced 1) reductions in the activities of the barrier protective adenylate cyclase and the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase A, 2) dramatic dose- and time-dependent inhibition of endothelial cell tyrosine kinase activities, and 3) marked decreases in the phosphotyrosine content of the p125 focal adhesion kinase. These data indicate that ionomycin produces endothelial cell barrier dysfunction by mechanisms that are independent of MLCK activation and may involve reductions in endothelial cell tethering forces via inhibition of protein kinase A and tyrosine kinase activities, especially the p125 focal adhesion kinase.

[The expression of AT1A receptor and its modulation by benazepril in the renal tubulointerstitial lesions induced by ureteral obstruction]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expressions of angiotensin II 1A receptor (AT1A) both at the mRNA level and the protein level and their modulation by an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, benazepril, in the renal tubulointerstitial injuries induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats.

METHODS

Six SD rats (UUO-T) were administered benazepril in the drinking water (50mg/L). Additional 6 rats were used as untreated controls (UUO-C). Mean arterial Prossure (MAP) was measured at the 10th day after UUO, and then all animals were sacrificed. The expressions of AT1A were examined both at the mRNA level by in situ hybridization using a subtype-specific probe and at the protein level by an immunohistochemistry methods using AT1 receptor antibody in normal rat kidneys and the obstructed rat kidneys.

RESULTS

MAP was 14.2 +/- 0. 6kPa in the UUO-T and 16.6 +/- 0.7kPa in the UUO-C (P < 0.05). Benazepril slowed the tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) and reduced the expression of AT1A in the renal tubular epithelial cells, the interstitial areas, and the walls of renal arteriole in the UUO-T group.

CONCLUSION

The increased expressions of AT1A were found in the acute renal tubulointerstitial pathogenesis induced by UUO. Benazepril may retard the progression of TIF and decrease the expression of AT1A in the obstructed kidneys. We conclude that the effects of Ang II on the obstructed kidneys may be due to its binding with AT1A.

[The analysis of clinical dental crown of primary molar teeth]

For providing the anatomical data of primary molar teeth in China and using for the reference of clinical orthodontics, we measured and analysed the clinical crown of first and second primary molar teeth in 167 children of 4-6 years old finely. Each tooth was measured for 7 items with 9,228 in total. The heights of teeth crowns on buccal site were much taller than that on glossopalatal site except E. The mesial, distal and buccoglossal lenths were much longer on the enlarged part of crown than on the occlusive part. The mean values of symmetric teeth on both sites almost were of no difference. The mean values were not different in age groups (4.5 or 6 years old) either.

The role of type I collagen in the regulation of the osteoblast phenotype

Evidence from a variety of sources indicates that the extracellular matrix forms an important part of a feedback loop governing the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of the cells that produce it. In keeping with this, we showed previously that the extracellular matrix of a multipotential mesenchymal clonal cell line (ROB-C26) induced to differentiate into a more osteoblastic cell type by the addition of exogenous retinoic acid produces an extracellular matrix capable of osteoinductive activity in vivo and of stimulating alkaline phosphatase activity in vitro. Since type I collagen is the major structural component of this extracellular matrix, we sought to determine whether and to what extent this protein is responsible for the previously observed inductive/stimulatory activity. To this end, C26 cells are cultured on plastic, in the presence of retinoic acid, on a type I collagen film, or on an extracellular matrix from retinoic acid-treated C26 cells, and cell differentiation is assessed by measuring changes in the abundance of a number of osteoblast-related mRNAs. These determinations are made by RNAse protection assay after 3 or 6 days of incubation and include measurements of the RNAs for type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, transforming growth factor alpha 1 and beta 2, and Vgr-1/BMP-6. In addition, C26 cells are incubated in the presence of retinoic acid and several established inhibitors of the synthesis or assembly of extracellular matrix components and the effects on induced alkaline phosphatase activity determined. Our data show that while the collagen substrate mimics some of the effects of retinoic acid and the extracellular matrix, it cannot reproduce all of them. Specifically, while the latter two culture conditions increase the abundance of all six mRNAs, type I collagen film increases the levels of only three of the six (collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteopontin). Moreover, while type I collagen film produces an increase in alkaline phosphatase message, it falls to produce a similar change in alkaline phosphatase activity, an effect seen with both retinoic acid and extracellular matrix. However, interruption of collagen I synthesis by cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline blocks the increase in alkaline phosphatase activity associated with retinoic acid treatment. Thus, it appears likely that type I collagen is a necessary but, by itself, insufficient factor to elicit the comprehensive expression of the osteoblastic phenotype in immature mesenchymal cells.