[Analysis of the application and funding projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China in the field of burns and plastic surgery from 2010 to 2016]

We analyzed the data of application and funding projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) during 2010-2016 in the field of burns and plastic surgery and summarized the NSFC funding pattern, the research hotspots, and weaknesses in this field. The NSFC has funded 460 projects in the field of burns and plastic surgery, with total funding of RMB 227.96 million. The scientific issues involved in the funding projects include orthotherapy against malformations, wound repair, basic research of burns, skin grafting, scars prevention, and regeneration of hair follicle and sweat glands. The research techniques involved in the funding projects are diversified. NSFC plays an important role in the scientific research and talents training in the field of burns and plastic surgery.

[Comparison on the efficacy and safety of different occlusion devices for the treatment of patients with patent foramen ovale]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of Cardi-O-fix patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder and Amplatzer PFO occluder for the treatment of patients with PFO. Methods: A total of 246 consecutive patients (105 males and 141 females) with PFO were prospectively enrolled from May 30, 2013 to March 30, 2015 in our hospital. PFO interventional closure was applied according to the anatomical structure of the disease and patients' wishes.Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder was used in 180 cases (COF group), Amplatzer PFO occluder was used in the remaining 66 cases (Amp group). Post-procedure safety including recurrent stroke, transient ischemic attack, death, and complete closure rate, and efficacy including procedure related complications of different devices were compared during the 12 months follow-up. Results: (1) Rate of transient ischemic attack was similar between COF group and Amp group at 12 months after procedure(1.1%(2/180) vs. 1.5%(1/66), P=1.000). There was no recurrent stroke and death during the 12 months follow-up period.Complete closure rate was similar between COF group and Amp group at 12 months after the procedure(90.6%(163/180)vs. 86.4%(57/66), P=0.355). (2) Three cases(1.7%) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were observed in COF group during the 12 months follow-up period, 1 patient converted spontaneously to sinus rhythm and 2 patients received successful pharmacologic conversion and converted to sinus rhythm. One patient(1.5%)developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and was pharmacologically converted to sinus rhythm in the Amp group. There was no significant difference in rate of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation between the two groups(P=1.000). There was no complications such as occluder translocation, erosion, pericardial effusion and puncture site bleeding in the 2 groups during the 12 months follow-up. Conclusion: Efficacy and safety are similar for PFO treatment with Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder or Amplatzer PFO occluder in this patient cohort.

[High expression of hnRNPAB/Kap1 together promote poor prognosis in HCC]

Objective: To further understand the interaction protein spectrum of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein AB (hnRNP AB), and to investigate their clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We carried out mass spectrometry to reveal the specific peptides of KRAB-associated protein 1 (Kap1) and hnRNPAB, and verified their interaction by immunocoprecipitation and western blotting. Expression of hnRNPAB/Kap1 proteins were detected by immunohistochemical staining in the tissue microarrays. Categorical data were analyzed by the chi square test or Fisher exact test; enumeration data between groups were compared using Student t-test or Wilcocon signed rank test; the cumulative recurrence and survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences were assessed using the log-rank test. Results: We identified Kap1 as a molecular partner for hnRNPAB in HCCLM3 cells and HepG2 cells as well. We found that the 5-year survival rate of the Kap1high patients was significantly lower than the survival rate of those of the Kap1low group (36% vs 59% , HR = 1.67, P < 0.001). Similarly, Kap1high HCC patients had the poorest prognosis at 5-years, with higher cumulative recurrence rate than Kap1low patients (72% vs 54%, HR = 1.66, P = 0.001). Univariate and Multivariate analyses revealed that hnRNPAB /Kap1 alone (HR = 1.35 /1.28, P = 0.001) or in combination with Kap1 (HR =1.24 /1.27, P < 0.05) were independent prognostic indicators for overall survival and time to recurrence. Conclusion: In HCC cells, hnRNPAB and Kap1 form protein complexes. The expression levels of hnRNPAB alone or in combination with Kap1 in HCC patients are important because they provide not only a predictor for HCC prognosis but also a therapeutic target for future studies.

Down-regulation of DAB2IP promotes colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis by translocating hnRNPK into nucleus to enhance the transcription of MMP2

DOC-2/DAB2 interacting protein (DAB2IP) is a RasGAP protein that shows a suppressive effect on cancer progression. Our previous study showed the involvement of transcription regulation of DAB2IP in metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular mechanisms of DAB2IP in regulating the progression of CRC need to be further explored. Here, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) as vital downstream targets of DAB2IP in CRC cells by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis and cDNA microassay, respectively. Mechanistically, down-regulation of DAB2IP increased the level of hnRNPK through MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Subsequently, translocation of hnRNPK into nucleus enhanced the transcription activity of MMP2, and therefore promoted invasion and metastasis of CRC. Down-regulation of DAB2IP correlated negatively with hnRNPK and MMP2 expressions in CRC tissues. In conclusion, our study elucidates a novel mechanism of the DAB2IP/hnRNPK/MMP2 axis in the regulation of CRC invasion and metastasis, which may be a potential therapeutic target.

[A clinical report of five cases of central nervous system miliary tuberculomas first diagnosed by neurologists]

To explore the clinical characteristics and imaging features of miliary tuberculomas in central nervous system(CNS). A total of 5 cases diagnosed with tuberculosis in CNS first diagnosed by neurologists in Navy General Hospital of PLA were enrolled in the study. All clinical and imaging data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The main initial symptoms were fever and headache (4/5). Multiple diffused miliary lesions were shown by brain MRI, with maximum diameter ranged from 1-4 mm and ring-shape or nodular enhancement after gadolinium injection. As mycobacterium tuberculosis could seldomly be found in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, contrast MRI remains the effective method for detecting miliary tuberculomas in CNS.

[Curing mode of universal adhesives affects the bond strength of resin cements to dentin]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of curing mode of one-step and two-step universal adhesives on the micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) of different dual-cure resin cements to dentin.

METHODS

One-step universal adhesive Single Bond Universal (SBU), and two-step universal adhesive OptiBond Versa (VSA) were chosen as the subjects, one-step self-etching adhesive OptiBond All in One (AIO) and two-step self-etching adhesive Clearfil SE Bond (SEB) were control groups, and two dual-cure resin cements RelyX Ultimate (RLX) and Nexus 3 Universal (NX3) were used in this study. In this study, 80 extracted human molars were selected and the dentin surface was exposed using diamond saw. The teeth were divided into 16 groups according to the adhesives (AIO, SBU, SEB, VSA), cure modes of adhesives (light cure, non-light cure) and resin cements (RLX, NX3). The adhesives were applied on the dentin surface following the instruction and whether light cured or not, then the resin cements were applied on the adhesives with 1 mm thickness and light cured (650 mW/cm(2) for 20 s. A resin was built up (5 mm) on the cements and light cured layer by layer. After water storage for 24 h, the specimens were cut into resin-cement-dentin strips with a cross sectional area of 1 mm×1 mm and the μTBS was measured.

RESULTS

Regarding one-step universal adhesive (SBU) light cured, the μTBS with RLX [(35.45±7.04) MPa] or NX3 [(26.84±10.39) MPa] were higher than SBU non-light cured with RLX [(17.93±8.93) MPa)] or NX3 [(10.07±5.89) MPa, P<0.001]. Compared with AIO, light-cured SBU combined with RLX presented higher μTBS than AIO group [(35.45±7.04) MPa vs. (24.86±8.42) MPa, P<0.05]. When SBU was not lighted, the μTBS was lower than AIO [(17.93±8.93) MPa vs. (22.28±7.57) MPa, P<0.05]. For two-step universal adhesive (VSA) and control adhesive (SEB), curing mode did not affect the μTBS when used with either RLX or NX3 (25.98-32.24 MPa, P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Curing mode of one-step universal adhesive may affect the μTBS between dual-cure resin cements and dentin, while for two-step universal adhesive, the curing mode and the type of resin cements did not influence the μTBS.

[Effect of thermal conductivity on apical sealing ability of 4 dental gutta-percha cones]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of thermal conductivity on the apical sealing ability of different dental gutta-percha cones during the warm vertical condensation obturation.

METHODS

Four kinds of dental gutta-percha cones were used in this study: Bio-GP points (BP, B&L, Korea), large-tapered gutta-percha (DP, DENTSPLY, America), PROTAPER Universal gutta-percha points (DPP, DENTSPLY, America) and mtwo gutta-percha points (VP, VDW, Germany). Volume differences method was used to determine the main components and the thermal conductivity determinator was used to measure the thermal conductivity of these dental gutta-percha cones. Furthermore, 20 cones randomly selected from each kind of dental gutta-percha cones. And 10 cones of each dental gutta-percha cones, which were cut out the part of 4 mm in length from the apical end, were heated (200 °C) from the upper end without compression, and the temperature of the gutta perchacones surface was monitored in time by the infrared thermal imager during the whole heating process. In addition, the rest of the 10 cones of each dental gutta-percha cones were used to obturate the root canal in the transparent root canal resin model using warm vertical condensation technique. The cross-sectional surface was observed by stereomicroscope (× 40) at 1 mm and 3 mm from the working length and the gutta-percha obturation area proportion was measured and analyzed. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The proportion of inorganic fillers (80.90%±1.14 %) (P<0.05) and the thermal conductivity (2.247±0.002) of DP was significantly higher than BP (79.28%±3.88%, 1.179±0.003), DPP (68.46%±5.09%, 0.604±0.001), VP (78.86%±1.87%, 1.150±0.001) (P<0.05). During the thermal obturation without compression at the setting temperature (200 °C), DP could achieve 65 °C beyond 1 mm from the heating point, and BP, DPP and VP only reached 65 °C within 1 mm. After warm vertical condensation obturation, all the groups showed increased gutta-percha obturation area proportion. At the position of WL-3, DP (96.89%±0.03%) showed significantly higher proportion of gutta-percha obturation area than BP (95.47%±0.06%), DPP (95.21%±0.03%) and VP (95.15%±0.03%) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

DP contains more inorganic fillers, possesses higher thermal conductivity, and leads a better apical sealing ability than BP,DPP and VP at the position of WL-3 during warm vertical condensation obturation.

Finite-temperature scaling of trace distance discord near criticality in spin diamond structure

In this work we explore the quantum correlation quantified by trace distance discord as a measure to analyze the quantum critical behaviors in the Ising-XXZ diamond structure at finite temperatures. It is found that the first-order derivative of the trace distance discord exhibits a maximum around the critical point at finite temperatures. By analyzing the finite-temperature scaling behavior, we show that such a quantum correlation can detect exactly the quantum phase transitions from the entan-gled state in ferrimagnetic phase to an unentangled state in ferrimagnetic phase or to an unentangled state in ferromagnetic phase. The results also indicate that the above two kinds of transitions can be distinguished by the different finite-temperature scaling behaviors. Moreover, we find that the trace distance discord, in contrast to other typical quantum correlations (e.g., concurrence, quantum discord and Hellinger distance), may be more reliable to exactly spotlight the critical points of this model at finite temperatures under certain situations.

[Influence of short-term intensive insulin therapy on plasma concentration of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) and secretory phospholipase A(2) in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients]

The aim of the study was to explore the effect and its clinical relevance of short-term intensive insulin treatment on plasma concentrations of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) and secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety newly diagnosed T2DM patients were recruited and received continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) for about 2 weeks. After CSII, sPLA(2) levels [173.78 (80.95, 278.09) μg/L] were significantly decreased compared with the levels before [219.33 (130.03, 337.30) μg/L], P<0.01, while no statistic significant changes could be viewed in Lp-PLA(2) levels. Correlation analysis showed that the changes of Lp-PLA(2) and sPLA(2) were both positively correlated with the changes of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)after CSII (r=0.537, 0.493 respectively, all P<0.05). The Lp-PLA(2) and sPLA(2) level reduction after CSII might help to protect the patients from diabetic macroangiopathy. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-10001618.

[Anti-β(2)GPⅠantibodies accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis in high fat diet fed ApoE deficient mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-β(2) glycoprotein Ⅰ(β(2)GPⅠ) antibody on atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice. Methods: A total of 24 male ApoE deficient mice of specific pathogen free level(six to eight-week old)were divided into normal control group, high fat diet group, high fat diet with anti-β(2)GPⅠ group, high fat diet with homologous control antibody group (n=6 each group). During the feeding period, mice were weighed every 2 weeks and were intraperitoneally injected with anti-β(2)GPⅠIgG (100 μg/per) and homologous control IgG (100 μg/per) according to grouping once a week. At the 16th week, the carotid arterial lipid deposition was observed by small animal magnetic resonance imaging, and blood samples were collected from internal vein of eyeball and the concentrations of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in plasma were measured after EDTA anticoagulant treatment. AI was calculated. The mice were then sacrificed and carotid arteries were removed, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the atherosclerotic lesions near the bifurcation of carotid artery and to calculate lesion size. Results: (1) The body weight of mice was significantly higher in the high fat diet group compared to other 3 groups(all P<0.05), which was similar among high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠantibody group, high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group and normal diet control group (P>0.05). (2) After 16 weeks, plasma concentrations of TC and LDL-C in high fat diet group, high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠantibody group and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group were significantly higher than in normal diet group (all P<0.05), there was no significant difference among high fat diet groups. The level of HDL-C was significantly higher in high fat diet control group than in normal diet control group. The concentration of TG was similar among groups. However, the value of AI in high fat+ anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody group was significantly higher than in other groups (all P<0.05). (3) After 16 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging revealed that mice in high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody group had more obviously lipid deposition in the carotid arteries, it was significantly higher than that in the other groups, and the cross sections of carotid arteries stained with HE also demonstrated obviously carotid lumen stenosis and the percentage of carotid plaque area to carotid artery was (37.545±1.351)% in the high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody group, it was significantly higher than normal diet group ((1.235±0.460)%), high fat diet control group((11.635±2.751)%) and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group ((11.815±2.623)%), all P<0.01. In high fat diet+ anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody group, the area of carotid plaque was (3.121±0.124)×10(4) μm(2,) it was also significantly higher than normal diet group ((0.094±0.015)×10(4) μm(2)), high fat diet control group ((1.309±0.147)×10(4) μm(2)) and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group ((1.027±0.228)×10(4)μm(2)), all P<0.01. Conclusion: Anti-β(2)GPⅠ antibody can promote atherosclerotic plaque formation in high fat diet fed ApoE deficient mice.

[Effect of GTPase activating protein Git2 on metastasis in breast cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of GTPase activating protein Git2 on metastasis in breast cancer.

METHODS

Git2 gene over-expression was induced by Git2 cDNA, and Git2 gene knockdown was induced by Git2 ShRNA lentivirus in four breast cancer cell lines. Six-week old wide type female mice were also used in this study. The cells were tagged with luciferase and injected into wide type female mice by tail vein or 4(th) mammary fat pad, respectively, to establish a cancer metastasis model. In vivo real time imaging system and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the cancer metastasis.

RESULTS

The relative mRNA expression level of Git2 (normalized by GAPDH) in the 4T1, 4TO7, 168FARN and 67NR cells were 0.91±0.03, 0.125±0.06, 0.131±0.04 and 0.92±0.04, respectively. The expression of EMT marker E-cadherin was inhibited and N-cadherin and vimentin were enhanced when Git2 was over-expressed in 168FARN cells and 4TO7 cells expressing low level of Git2, whereas the expression of E-cadherin was increased and N-cadherin and vimentin were decreased when Git2 was knocked down in 67NR cells and 4T1 cells expressing high level of Git2. Furthermore, over-expression of Git2 promoted 4TO7 cells to progress from micro-metastasis to macro-metastasis. The down-regulation of Git2 pushed 67NR cells to intravasate into blood circulation and suppressed the metastatic ability of 4T1 cells. The number of bioluminescence photos of lung metastatic 4T1-Luc-KD cells was (0.4±0.05)×10(6,) compared with (3.0±0.04)×10(6) in the control 4T1-Luc cells, showing a significant difference (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that Git2 is involved in breast cancer initiation and metastatic colonization.

[Multi-centric clinical study of trial of labor after cesarean section]

OBJECTIVE

To study the feasibility and safety of trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of five medical center of Guangdong province from January 2011 to December 2015 hospitalized delivery information, compare the same scar TOLAC (research group) with the scar pregnancy (control group) pregnancy outcomes, to study the feasibility and safety of TOLAC.

RESULTS

(1) During 2011-2015, total delivery 95 600 cases in five medical center, 13 824 cases of thme with uterine scar pregnancy, including 12 027 cases elective repeat cesarean section and 1 797 cases (13.00%, 1 797/13 824) with scar uterus vaginal trial of labor. Among 1 308 cases of vaginal delivery, the success for trial of labor rate was 72.79% (1 308/1 797). From 2011 to 2015, there were increased rate of pregnancy after cesarean section, which were respectively 10.71%, 13.28%, 14.45%, 15.54% and 16.98%. The will of vaginal birth were rising and the rate were respectively 11.85%, 12.25%, 13.49%, 13.82% and 12.93%. (2) There were 489 (27.21%, 489/1 797) cases of scar uterus maternal emergency cesarean section in the trial of labor, reason for "social factors" require for cesarean delivery have 68 cases, the percentage was 13.91% (68/489), compared with control group (7.18%, 206/2 869), the difference was statistically significant difference (χ(2)=27.356, P=0.000). Doctors diagnosed as "aura uterine rupture" in the labor was 11.86% (58/489), compared with that in control group (1.43%, 41/2 869), the differences were statistically significant difference (χ(2)=1 578.223, P=0.000). (3) The incidence of uterine rupture of the research group (0.74%, 9/1 211) was significantly higher than that of control group (0.01%,2/31 200; χ(2)> 2 000, P=0.000). The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in research group was 6.94% (84/1 211), compared with that in the control group (3.05%, 951/31 200), there was statistically significant difference (χ(2)=16.328, P=0.000). While, there were no statistical significancefor the labor time limit, birth rate of severe asphyxia and neonatal birth weight average differences between two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of pregnancy after cesarean section is increasing year by year, and the will of vaginal birth is increasing, while it still are generally low. TOLAC is safe and feasible, but also significantly higher risk, strictly labor monitoring and can proceed fast cesarean delivery in delivery room is an important guarantee of safe delivery.

[Tetracycline-inducible replications of wild-type and an adefovir-dipivoxil-resistant hepatitis B virus in human liver cells]

OBJECTIVE

To establish cell lines with inducible replications of wild-type or rtE218G, an adefovir-dipivoxil-resistant HBV mutant.

METHODS

Tetracycline transactivator (tTA) was stably transfected into human liver cell line HepG2.1.2 folds of full-length of wild-type or rtE218G-mutated HBV genomes were cloned into the pTRE vector and cotransfected into the tTA-expressing cells with a linear selection marker for hygromycin, respectively. After hygromycin screening, clones with the highest levels of tetracycline-inducible HBV replications were selected. The obtained cell lines were further used to evaluate the in vitro sensitivity of rtE218G mutant to adefovir-dipivoxil.

RESULTS

HepG2-off23, a HepG2-derived cell line with stable tTA expression was established. PTRE-based plasmids carrying wild-type HBV (pTRE-HBV-WT) or rtE218G mutant (pTRE-HBV-E218GHBV) were constructed. After stable transfection of the HBV constructs into HepG2-off23 cells, cell lines with robust and tetracycline-inducible replications of wild-type HBV (HepG2-tetHBV-WT) and rtE218G-mutated HBV (HepG2-tetHBV-E218G) were selected. In the two cell lines, high levels of viral core protein and DNA replication could be detected after 144 hours of culture, which could be potently inhibited when tetracycline was added into the medium. At the presence of 1 000 ng/ml of tetracycline, HBV replication intermediates were hardly detected by Southern blotting experiments. HBV mutant with rtE218G could independently confer resistance to adefovir in vitro. IC50 for HBV rtE218G mutant of adefovir was (6.49±0.09) μmol/L, which was significantly higher than that for wild type virus (2.49±0.05) μmol/L.

CONCLUSION

Wild-type and the rtE218G HBV mutant could be expressed and efficiently regulated by tetracycline in the established new cell lines. These cell lines could be useful tools for the HBV virology and anti-HBV drug screening studies.

[Mode of delivery among HIV-positive pregnant women in areas with high prevalence of HIV in China, 2007-2013]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the changing demographic profile over time of pregnant women diagnosed with HIV infection, and trends in mode of delivery and pregnancy outcome.

METHODS

An observational investigation was conducted based on a population of 1 128 HIV-positive pregnant women at eight sites in China in provinces with high prevalence of HIV among pregnant women and children between 2007 and 2013. The study area included Shangcai and Weishi counties in Henan province; Ruili and Longchuan counties and Linxiang prefecture in Yunnan province; Yining County in Xinjiang; and Lingshan county and Babu district in Guangxi province. Main outcome measures were maternal characteristics, mode of delivery, and related trends over time by Cochram-Mantel-Haenszel(CMH) χ(2)-test.

RESULTS

A total hospital delivery rate of 96.4% was reported. For each year during the period 2007-2013, hospital delivery rates were 95.1% (253/266), 94.8% (188/198), 93.7% (164/175), 98.8% (159/161), 98.6% (141/143), 97.4% (114/117), and 100.0% (68/68), respectively (χ(2)CMH=7.68, P=0.006). The neonatal survival rate increased by 0.7% incrementally from 2007 to 2013, with 98.5% (262/266), 99.0% (196/198), 99.4% (174/175), 99.4% (160/161), 100.0% (143/143), 100.0% (117/117), and 100.0% (68/68), respectively (χ(2)CMH=4.58, P=0.030). The proportions of vaginal deliveries in those years were 62.2% (166/266), 54.8% (109/198), 59.9% (105/175), 61.7% (100/161), 66.7% (96/143), 58.8% (69/117), and 66.7% (46/68), respectively (χ(2)CMH=1.19, P= 0.276). The average rate for midwives skilled in procedures such as artificial rupture of membranes and episiotomy was 37.8% (261/691), with proportions decreasing during the study period at 39.2% (65/166), 47.4% (52/109), 35.9% (38/105), 46.0% (46/100), 25.5% (25/96), 31.2% (22/69), and 28.3% (13/46), respectively (χ(2CMH)=6.76, P=0.009).

CONCLUSION

The annual rate of reported hospital delivery increased between 2007 and 2013, with a declining rate of skilled midwifery over the same period. Survival of neonates born to HIV-infected mothers in China has increased to nearly equivalent levels as those of developed countries.

Single-ion magnetism in seven-coordinate YbIII complexes with distorted D5h coordination geometry

Two seven-coordinate compounds of pentagonal bipyramidal Yb^III centers exhibiting field-induced slow magnetic relaxation were characterized structurally and magnetically.

A cyano-bridged coordination nanotube showing field-induced slow magnetic relaxation

Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation was observed in a cyano-bridged nanotube constructed from a pentagonal bipyramidal Co^II unit and a hexacyanocobaltate(iii) anion.

Two-dimensional frameworks formed by pentagonal bipyramidal cobalt(ii) ions and hexacyanometallates: antiferromagnetic ordering, metamagnetism and slow magnetic relaxation

Two-dimensional frameworks constructed by pentagonal bipyramidal Co^II and [M(CN)₆]³⁻ units have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically.

Degree of Conversion and Polymerization Shrinkage of Bulk-Fill Resin-Based Composites

This study evaluated the degree of conversion (DC) and polymerization shrinkage (PS) of contemporary bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) including giomer materials. Two giomer bulk-fill (Beautifil Bulk Restorative [BBR], Beautifil Bulk Flowable [BBF]), two nongiomer bulk-fill (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-fill [TNB], Smart Dentin Replacement [SDR]), and three conventional non–bulk-fill (Beautifil II [BT], Beautifil Flow Plus [BF], Tetric N-Ceram [TN]) RBCs were selected for the study. To evaluate the DC, disc-shaped specimens of 5-mm diameter and 2-mm, 4-mm, and 6-mm thickness were fabricated using customized Teflon molds. The molds were bulk filled with the various RBCs and cured for 20 seconds using a light-emitting diode curing light with an irradiance of 950 mW/cm2. The DC (n=3) was determined by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy by computing the spectra of cured and uncured specimens. PS (n=3) was measured with the Acuvol volumetric shrinkage analyzer by calculating specimen volumes before and after light curing. The mean DC for the various materials ranged from 46.03% to 69.86%, 45.94% to 69.38%, and 30.65% to 67.85% for 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm, respectively. For all depths, SDR had the highest DC. While no significant difference in DC was observed between depths of 2 mm and 4 mm for the bulk-fill RBCs, DC at 2 mm was significantly greater than 6 mm. For the conventional RBCs, DC at 2 mm was significantly higher than at 4 mm and 6 mm. Mean PS ranged from 1.48% to 4.26% for BBR and BF, respectively. The DC at 2 mm and PS of bulk-fill RBCs were lower than their conventional counterparts. At 4 mm, the DC of giomer bulk-fill RBCs was lower than that of nongiomer bulk-fill materials.

[Expression and function of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA-regulator of reprogramming in high-grade ovarian serous cancer]

Objective: To investigate the expression of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA-regulator of reprogramming (Linc-ROR) in high-grade ovarian serous cancer, and explore the relationship between Linc-ROR expression and biological function of high-grade ovarian serous cancer. Methods: A total of 34 high-grade ovarian serous cancer tissue samples and 19 normal fallopian tube tissue samples were collected between June 2014 and February 2016. Real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to detect the Linc-ROR mRNA expression in different samples. The relationship between Linc-ROR expression level and ovarian cancer International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymph node metastasis was analyzed. Constructed Linc-ROR small interference RNA (siRNA) and pIRES2-EGFP-Linc-ROR plasmid, then Linc-ROR siRNA and pIRES2-EGFP-Linc-ROR plasmid were respectively transfected into SKOV3 cells. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay. Results: (1) The expression level of Linc-ROR mRNA was significantly higher in high-grade ovarian serous cancer than normal fallopian tube tissues (4.31± 0.38 vs 1.03 ± 0.21; t=25.842, P<0.01). With the progression of FIGO stages, the expression of Linc-ROR was increased (F=95.702, P<0.01), and it was associated with lymph node metastasis (t=7.397, P<0.01). (2) The results of RT-PCR showed that the expression level of linc-ROR in Linc-ROR-i group was significantly lower than that in Linc-ROR-NC-i group (0.30 ± 0.11 vs 1.02 ± 0.10; t=15.269, P<0.01). The expression level in Linc-ROR-p group was significantly higher than that in Linc-ROR-NC-p group (8.90± 0.45 vs 1.03±0.17; t=21.934, P<0.01). The CCK-8 assay showed that when the cells were cultured for 3, 4, 5 and 6 days, the A value in Linc-ROR-i group was significantly lower than that in Linc-ROR-NC-i group (P< 0.05). And the A value in Linc-ROR-p group was significantly higher than that in Linc-ROR-NC-p group (P< 0.05). Wound healing assay showed that, after 48 hours incubation, migration rate of cells in Linc-ROR-i group was significantly less than that in the Linc-ROR-NC-i group [(52±4)% vs (67±5)%; t=5.720, P< 0.01]. The migration of cells in Linc-ROR-p group was significantly greater than that in the Linc-ROR-NC-p group [(84±4)% vs (66±4)%; t=7.330, P <0.01]. Cell transwell invasion assay showed that, after 48 hours of incubation, the number of invasive cells in Linc-ROR-i group was lower than that in Linc-ROR-NC-i group (74 ± 3 vs 104 ± 3; t=15.810, P<0.01). And the number of invasive cells in Linc-ROR-p group was higher than that in Linc-ROR-NC-p group (217 ± 4 vs 108 ± 5; t=38.060, P<0.01). Conclusion: Highly expressed Linc-ROR could enhance the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of high-grade ovarian serous cancer cells, which may be one of the important molecules in the occurrence and development, invasion and metastasis of high-grade ovarian serous cancer.

Bifurcation and hysteresis of plasma edge transport in a flux-driven system

Transition dynamics and mean shear flow generation in plasma interchange turbulence are explored in a flux-driven system that resembles the plasma edge region. The nonlinear evolution of the interchange mode shows two confinement regimes with different transport levels. Large amplitude oscillations in the phase space of turbulence intensity and mean flow energy are observed and investigated. Both clockwise and counterclockwise oscillations occur during the transition between the two regimes. The Reynolds stress gradients are shown to play a critical role in the generation of mean sheared flows in the edge region. Both the forward and back transitions are simulated self-consistently and a significant hysteresis is found.

RNAi in the striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, establishes a functional role for aminopeptidase N in Cry1Ab intoxication

The striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, is a major target pest of transgenic rice expressing the Cry1Ab protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in China. Evolution of resistance in this pest is a major threat to the durability of Bt rice. Since Bt exerts its activity through binding to specific receptors in the midgut of target insects, identification of functional Cry1Ab receptors in the midgut of C. suppressalis larvae is crucial to evaluate potential resistance mechanisms and develop effective strategies for delaying insect resistance. In this work, we identified the putative Cry1Ab toxin-binding protein, aminopeptidase-N (APN), in the midgut of C. suppressalis by ligand blot and mass spectrometry. After cloning the full-length cDNAs encoding APN isoforms from the C. suppressalis larval midgut, we studied their spatiotemporal expression in different gut tissues and developmental stages. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) against C. suppressalis aminopeptidases (CsAPNs) was employed to illustrate a functional role for CsAPNs in Cry1Ab toxicity to C. suppressalis larvae using injection and oral delivery of Stealth™ siRNA. Down-regulating the expression of CsAPNs by RNAi was closely associated with reduced susceptibility of C. suppressalis to Cry1Ab. These data provide the first direct evidence that CsAPNs participate in the mode of Cry1Ab action and may act as the functional receptor of Cry1A in C. suppressalis larvae.

[Durability of protective effect of resin-based coating material on root surface]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the durability of resin-based root-surface coating material and all-in-one self-etching adhesive on root surface in vitro.

METHODS

Human extracted premolars or molars with intact roots were selected. The cementum was removed using a periodontal scaler to expose root dentin. The root surface was coated with an acid-resistant nail varnish, leaving a window of 3 mm×3 mm on the exposed dentin.The window was covered with either PRG Barrier Coat (PRG) or Clearfil S3 Bond (CS3). After water aging for 14 d, specimens were immersed in acid buffer at pH 4.5 for 4 d and the demineralization buffer was changed every 24 h. Then the specimen was split longitudinally through the center of the 'window' and the cross-sectional surface was observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). After fixed and dehydrated, the prepared samples were coated with platinum. The coating material, root dentin and the interface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thickness of the coating material was measured on the SEM images. Regarding toothbrush wear test, coronal dentindisks were prepared and covered with PRG and CS3, respectively. After storage in water for 24 h, the specimen was subjected to the toothbrush wear tester for 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 1 500 brushing cycles. A slurry of fluoride toothpaste (1:2 ratio of toothpaste and deionized water by weight) was used and the brushing load was 300 N. The surface microstructure of remaining coating material was analyzed using SEM. The wear depths were determined by a profilometer. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0 by one-way ANOVA. The level of significance was at 0.05.

RESULTS

Application of PRG Barrier Coat produced a coating layer of (47.1±27.3) μm, while CS3 presented a thin film of (5.7±2.1) μm in thickness. The exposed dentin was hermetically sealed and no obvious gap was observed at the interface in both PRG and CS3 groups. There was no dentin demineralization observed in both groups after water aging. The wear depths of PRG and CS3 increased along with the numbers of brushing cycles. PRG wore at a significant lower pace than CS3 did (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PRG coating resin had similar performances as CS3 on protecting root dentin from demineralization after water aging. What's more, PRG demonstrated a higher toothbrush wear resistance than CS3. We concluded that PRG Barrier Coat contained S-PRG filler may be an effective coating material for protecting exposed root from both chemical and mechanical challenges. Further studies should be carried out to evaluate the long-term reliability of the rootsurface coating materials under the clinical setting.