[Detection and functional analysis of BMP2 gene mutation in patients with tooth agenesis]

OBJECTIVE

To screen for BMP2 mutation with functional impact in patients with congenital tooth agenesis and to make oral and skeletal phenotype record and functional analysis with in vitro experiments.

METHODS

We enrolled eighteen patients with congenital tooth agenesis. The medical and dental history was collected,and clinical and dental examinations including the X-ray examination of oral-facial and skeletal bone were performed for the phenotypic analysis. Blood samples were collected to extract DNA and whole exome sequencing was conducted. The genes involved in oral-facial development and congenital skeletal diseases were investigated for mutation screening. The mutations with functional impact were then investigated. In one patient, the BMP2 mutation with putative functional impact was selected for functional analysis. Wild type and mutant BMP2 plasmids with green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag were constructed and transfected into HEK293T cells. Subcellular protein distribution was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope. The activation of downstream SMAD1/5/9 phosphorylation by BMP2 was detected by Western blotting to investigate the functional impact and genetic pathogenicity.

RESULTS

BMP2 mutation NM_001200.3:c.393A>T (p.Arg131Ser), rs140417301 was detected in one patient with congenital tooth agenesis, while for other genes involved in oral-facial development and congenital skeletal diseases, no functionally significant mutation was found. The proband's parents didn't carry this mutation. The father had normal dentition, while the mother lacked one premolar, and both the parents showed normal palate and maxilla. The patient also had maxillary hypoplasia in both sagittal and coronal planes, palatal dysmorphology, and malocclusion, and was diagonsed with osteopenia after the X-ray examnination of his skeletal bone. Functional analysis showed this mutation had normal subcelluar localization but reduced phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/9 (reduction by 32%, 22%, and 27% in three independent replicates). Taken together with family co-segregation, this mutaion was considered as "likely pathogenic".

CONCLUSION

BMP2 mutation c.393A>T (p. Arg131Ser) affects bone morphogenetic protein signaling activity, and may affect the number of teeth, growth of maxilla and palate, and bone mineral density.

[The diagnosis and treatment of traumatic optic nerve neuropathy combined with carotid artery injury]

Objective: To discuss the diagnosis and treatment strategy of traumatic optic nerve neuropathy (TON) combined with carotid artery injury. Methods: Retrospective analyses were performed 397 cases of TON at Neurosurgery department of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University (CMU), from January 2016 to December 2017.The clinical experience was concluded. Results: 9 cases of Traumatic Pseudo Aneurysm (TPA) and 16 cases of Traumatic Carotid Artery-Cavernous Sinus Fistula (TCCF) were found.7 cases of TPA were treated by covered stent, the other 2 cases were treated by detachable balloons.11 cases of TCCF were treated by detachable balloons, and 5 cases of fistulas were found spontaneously closed by DSA after 1-3 months.There was no disability rate and mortality in this study. Conclusion: TON combined with carotid artery injury was a critical situation, and sometime without obvious symptoms and sign, which was easily miss diagnosed.It should be with more concern in diagnosing and treating in such cases, to avoid disability rate and mortality.

[Genetic variants analysis and histological observation of teeth in a patient with hereditary opalescent dentin]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical characteristics and the genetic cause of a Chinese patient with hereditary opalescent dentin, and to make an observation of the histologic and elemental features of the affected teeth.

METHODS

We enrolled a patient affected with hereditary opalescent dentin. The medical history was collected and clinical examinations were performed for the phenotypic analyses. The blood sample was collected for DNA extraction and PCRs of the coding sequence of DSPP were done for sanger sequencing. The teeth samples were collected for histological evaluation and elemental analysis.

RESULTS

The patient showed typical clinical manifestations of opalescent dentin and had enamel dysplasia and skeletal class III malocclusion. Several polymorphisms (c.727G>A, c.897A>G, c.2053_2054ins18bp, c.2548G>A, c.2645_2646ins9bp, c.2706T>C, c.2878A>G, c.3004A>G, c.3069_3086del18bp, c.3249A>C, c.3264T>C, c.3266_3400del135bp, c.3418A>G, c.3454G>A, c.3461_3462ins18bp, c.3606C>T) but no pathogenic mutations were identified in DSPP. The histological analyses of the patient's teeth showed characteristic abnormalities that were significantly different from normal teeth. The dentin tubules of the affected teeth were decreased in number and sparsed in arrangement, while in the control teeth, they were more regular. The enamel-dentin junction of the affected teeth was abnormal in its less scallopped outline compared with the control teeth under the scanning electronic microscopy. The Mg proportion of the patient's teeth (0.615 0%±0.261 6%) was lower than that of the control teeth (1.283 3%±0.322 1%), the P value was 0.040. The Ca proportion was the higher compared with the control teeth (34.865 0%±0.388 9% vs. 29.221 7%±2.248 4%), the P value was 0.015. The Ca/P ration of the patient's teeth was 1.981 2±0.019 3, which was higher than that of control teeth (1.775 9±0.111 6), the P value was 0.049. The differences of Mg, Ca proportion and Ca/P ration between the affected teeth and the control teeth were significant. The C and O proportion of the patient's teeth were lower and the P proportion was higher compared with the control teeth, however, the differences were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Our study of clinical manifestation analysis, genetic variants sequencing and histological observation has enlarged the phenotypic spectrum of hereditary opalescent dentin, and the genetic and histological results would contribute to further studies.

[Cloning expression and serological evaluation on Mycobacterium tuberculosis four new antigens]

Objective: To evaluate the serological diagnostic value of Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis four new antigens Rv0432, Rv0674, Rv1566c and Rv1547. Methods:Rv0432, Rv0674, Rv1566c and Rv1547 were amplified from M. tuberculosis strain H37Rv genomic DNA by using PCR, among which Rv1547 was divided into two segments for amplification (Rv1547-1 and Rv1547-2). The segments were cloned into expression vector PET-32a while the recombinant proteins were purified by affinity chromatography. Serums were incubated with BL21 (DE3) proteins. Antibodies IgG against M. tuberculosis were tested with 151 serum samples (41 healthy people and 110 TB patients) by using ELISA. The diagnostic efficiency of antigens was analyzed by means of receiver operating characteristic curve. Difference of the objective proteins in TB patients and healthy controls was compared by t-test. Results: Recombinant antigens Rv0432, Rv0674, Rv1566c, Rv1547-1 and Rv1547-2 were successfully expressed and purified. Results from ELISA showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Youden index and area under the curve of Rv0432, Rv0674, Rv1566c, Rv1547-1 and Rv1547-2, as 43.64%-92.73%, 80.49%-92.68%, 0.92-0.94, 0.38-0.80, 0.363-0.732 and 0.649-0.915. All the objective proteins showed significantly higher antibody levels in TB patients, when compared to the healthy controls (P<0.000 1). Conclusion: The newly identified antigens Rv0432, Rv0674, Rv1566c, Rv1547-1 and Rv1547-2 all performed well when being used for TB serological diagnosis, thus were expected to be new candidate antigens used for TB diagnosis.

[Influence of gender, age and season on thyroid hormone reference interval]

Objective: Using clinical "big data" , to investigate the factors that affect the levels of thyroid hormones, and to explore the partitioning criteria for reference intervals (RI) of these hormones. Methods: An observation study was conducted. Information of 107 107 individuals undergoing routine physical examination in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 1(st,) 2013 to August 31(st,) 2016 was collected, thyroid hormone of these subjects were detected. To explore the test results distribution and differences of TSH, FT4 and FT3 by gender and age; according to the seasonal division standard of China Meteorological Administration, the study period was divided into four seasons, and the seasonal fluctuation on TSH was analyzed.To define the appropriate partition by gender, age and season according to significant difference analysis. Results: In male and female, the distributions of TSH were 1.779(0.578-4.758), 2.023(0.420-5.343)mU/L, respectively, and the level of TSH in female was higher than in male (Z=-37.600, P<0.001). The distributions of FT4 were 0.127(0.098-0.162), 0.117(0.091-0.151) μg/L, the distributions of FT3 were 3.33(2.47-3.74), 3.01(2.35-3.57)ng/L. And the level of FT4, FT3 in female were significantly lower than in male (Z=-94.000, -154.600, all P<0.001). Furthermore, males were divided into two groups by 65 years old and female were divided by 50 years old, respectively, and the distributions of TSH in male and female of older group were 1.818(0.528-5.240), 2.111(0.348-5.735)mU/L, in younger group were 1.778(0.582-4.696), 1.991(0.427-5.316)mU/L. The level of TSH in older group was significantly higher than in younger group (Z=-2.269, -10.400, all P<0.05), and the distribution of TSH in older group was much wider than in younger. The distribution of whole in spring, summer and autumn was 1.869( 0.510-5.042)mU/L, in winter was 1.978(0.527-5.250) mU/L, and the difference between them had statistical significance (Z=-15.000, P<0.001). Conclusions: Gender and age significantly affect the serum levels of TSH, FT4, and FT3, the distribution of TSH in female and elder group are wider than in male, and that of FT4, FT3 are lower.Seasons significantly affect the serum TSH level, the peak value is observed in winter. There are obviously differences between "rough" RIs and manufacture recommended RIs. Each laboratory should establish reference intervals for thyroid hormones on the premise of appropriate grouping.

[Identification and drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium thermoresistibile and Mycobacterium elephantis isolated from a cow with mastitis]

Objective: To understand the etiological characteristics and drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium thermoresistibile and Mycobacterium elephantis isolated from a cow with mastitis and provide evidence for the prevention and control of infectious mastitis in cows. Methods: The milk sample was collected from a cow with mastitis, which was pretreated with 4% NaOH and inoculated with L-J medium for Mycobacterium isolation. The positive cultures were initially identified by acid-fast staining and multi-loci PCR, then Mycobacterium species was identified by the multiple loci sequence analysis (MLSA) with 16S rRNA, hsp65, ITS and SodA genes. The drug sensitivity of the isolates to 27 antibiotics was tested by alamar blue assay. Results: Two anti-acid stain positive strains were isolated from the milk of a cow with mastitis, which were identified as non-tuberculosis mycobacterium by multi-loci PCR, and multi-loci nucleic acid sequence analysis indicated that one strain was Mycobacterium thermoresistibile and another one was Mycobacterium elephantis. The results of the drug susceptibility test showed that the two strains were resistant to most antibiotics, including rifampicin and isoniazid, but they were sensitive to amikacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, ethambutol, streptomycin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin and linezolid. Conclusions:Mycobacterium thermoresistibile and Mycobacterium elephantis were isolated in a cow with mastitis and the drug susceptibility spectrum of the pathogens were unique. The results of the study can be used as reference for the prevention and control the infection in cows.

Brain activation patterns during unilateral premolar occlusion

OBJECTIVE

To observe the characteristics of brain activation during unilateral premolar occlusion.

METHODS

Functional magnetic resonance imaging was collected from 10 healthy volunteers during occlusion of the left first premolar (L1), left second premolar (L2), and right first premolar (R1). The brain activation patterns were analyzed, and the primary sensorimotor cortex, supplementary motor area, insula, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex were chosen as regions of interest.

RESULTS

Single premolar occlusion activated the precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, cerebellum, thalamus, frontal lobe, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, and parietal lobe. The brain areas showing activation during single premolar occlusion were similar to those activated by chewing. The activation pattern of L1 was more similar to that of L2 than R1. No significant left and right hemisphere differences in signal intensity were detected within the regions of interest.

CONCLUSION

Brain activation patterns from two ipsilateral premolars were more similar than the pattern from a contralateral premolar.

[Identification and evaluation of T cell epitopes of Rv0585c from Mycobacterium tuberculosis]

Objective: To investigate the human T cell epitopes of Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis Rv0585c protein antigen and their immunogenicity and provide evidence for the development of specific tuberculosis immune diagnostic techniques and tuberculosis vaccine. Methods: We synthesized peptides from M. tuberculosis Rv0585c protein antigen predicted by TE-predict and IEDB human T cell epitope prediction tool. The cellular immunoreactivity of the predicted peptides was evaluated through ELISpot assay with the peripheral blood monouclear cells (PBMC) of clinical tuberculosis patients. In animal experiments, BALB/c mice were respectively immunized with high dose (100 μg/mice) and low dose (50 μg/mice) of the peptides of Rv0585c, at the same time, high dose (50 μg/mice) and low dose (20 μg/mice) of Ag85B protein were used in positive control group. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were tested with ELISA kit respectively. Results: By means of bioinformatics technique, 66 human T cell epitopes of Rv0585c were predicted, from which9 peptides concentrated epitopes were synthesized for the animal immune experiments. Peptides P10110, P10112 and P10117 were confirmed to be antigenic. The sensitivity and specificity of P10110, P10112 and P10117 were 14.00%, 12.00%, 6.00% and 100.00%, 100.00%, 97.96% respectively when they were used as diagnostic reagents of tuberculosis. The sensitivity and specificity were 22.00% and 97.96% when the epitopes were combined together. The results of animal immunity test showed that high levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were induced by high and low dose of P10110, and high levels of IFN-γ、IL-2 and IL-10 were induced by high and low dose of P10112, which were much higher than that in negative controls, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: Rv0585c, including its human T cell epitopes, has good immunogenicity and immunoreactivity, stimulating the body to produce a stronger cellular immune response and has better potential application value in cellular diagnosis of tuberculosis and the development of new type of tuberculosis vaccine.

[EDA mutation screening and phenotype analysis in patients with tooth agenesis]

OBJECTIVE

To screen the ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene mutation in the patients with non-syndromic tooth agenesis and ectodermal dysplasia, and to analyze the phenotype of missing teeth pattern in these two groups of patients.

METHODS

In the study, 174 patients with tooth agenesis (143: non-syndromic, 31: ectodermal dysplasia) and 451 health control volunteers were enrolled from the clinic, and the genome DNA was extracted from either peripheral blood or oral mucosal swab. The coding region of EDA gene was then amplified by PCR, sequenced and blasted to online NCBI database. The missing teeth were recorded for all patients, and the missing teeth from patients with EDA mutation were compared among the different dentition sites.

RESULTS

33 patients were identified with EDA mutation. In the non-syndromic patients, 13/143(9.09%) were identified with EDA mutation, while in patients with ectodermal dysplasia, 20/31(64.52%) were found with EDA mutation. Ten novel EDA mutations were identified (c.769G>C[p.G257R ],c.936C>G[p.I312M],c.223G>A[p.E75K], .1166C>T[p.P389L],c.133G>C[p.G45R],c.1109G>A[p.E370K],c.914G>T[p.S305I], c.916C>T[p.Q306X],c.602G>T[p.G201V],c.88-89insG[p.A30GfsX69]). For each dentition site there was no statistic difference in the number of missing teeth between the left and right sides, so the number from both sides were combined later in the analysis. In the patients with EDA mutation, the non-syndromic patients had fewer missing teeth (15.9±6.4 missing teeth for each, 207/364 in total) than the patients with ectodermal dysplasia (23.9±4.3, 478/560). In the non-syndromic patients with EDA mutation, the maxillay central incisors and first molars were less affected, with the same missing rate as 19.2% (5/26). While the mandibular central incisors (with a missing rate of 76.9%, 20/26), the maxillary lateral incisors (the missing rate: 88.5%, 23/26), the mandibular lateral incisors (the missing rate: 80.8%, 21/26), and the maxillary first premolars (the missing rate: 80.8%, 21/26) were more likely to be missing. In the ectodermal dysplasia patients with EDA mutation, only maxillary central incisors (the missing rate: 60%, 24/40), maxillary canines (the missing rate: 70%, 28/40), mandibular canines (the missing rate: 67.5%, 27/40), maxillary first molars (the missing rate: 65%, 26/40) and mandibular first molars (the missing rate: 72.5%, 29/40) had higher possibility of persistence. Teeth at other dentition sites were more likely to be affected (the minimum missing rate: 87.5%, 35/40).

CONCLUSION

The findings would help to reveal the EDA gene and its function in ectodermal organogenesis.

[Analysis on the polymorphisms of human B cell epitopes of 5 specificity antigens in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China]

OBJECTIVE

To study the diversities of human B cell epitopes of five proteins (Mpt83, Mpt70, LpqH, PstS3, GroES) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from China.

METHODS

We selected 179 strains isolated from patients with tuberculosis in different regions of China, and cultured these strains by L-J medium. The gene sequences of these 5 proteins were amplified and sequenced by PCR. The variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP) of the DNA sequences were compared and analyzed according to the immune epitope database (IEDB). The synonymous mutation rate (dS), non-synonymous mutation rate (dN) and dN/dS values were calculated with MEGA6 software.

RESULTS

Among the 179 clinical MTBC isolates, 7 SNP mutations were found in the mpt83gene. The dN/dS value of the whole mpt83 gene was 0.88. One SNP mutation was found in the mpt70 gene. The dN/dS values of the whole pstS3 gene and non-B epitopes areas were 1.74 and 1.40 respectively. But no mutation was found in the groES gene.

CONCLUSION

The mpt83, lpqH and pstS3 genes of 179 MTBC strains contain gene SNPs and human B cell epitopes diversities, while the coding gene and human B cell epitopes of protein mpt70 and groES were conservative.

Effects of Danggui-Shaoyao-San on the Influence of Spatial Learning and Memory Induced by Experimental Tooth Movement

BACKGROUND

The pain caused by orthodontic treatment has been considered as tough problems in orthodontic practice. There is substantial literature on pain which has exactly effected on learning and memory; orthodontic tooth movement affected the emotional status has been showed positive outcomes. Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription that has been used for pain treatment and analgesic effect for orthodontic pain via inhibiting the activations of neuron and glia. We raised the hypothesis that DSS could restore the impaired abilities of spatial learning and memory via regulating neuron or glia expression in the hippocampus.

METHODS

A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) Sham group (n = 12), rats underwent all the operation procedure except for the placement of orthodontic forces and received saline treatment; (2) experimental tooth movement (ETM) group (n = 12), rats received saline treatment and ETM; (3) DSS + ETM (DETM) group (n = 12), rats received DSS treatment and ETM. All DETM group animals were administered with DSS at a dose of 150 mg/kg. Morris water maze test was evaluated; immunofluorescent histochemistry was used to identify astrocytes activation, and immunofluorescent dendritic spine analysis was used to identify the dendritic spines morphological characteristics expression levels in hippocampus.

RESULTS

Maze training sessions during the 5 successive days revealed that ETM significantly deficits in progressive learning in rats, DSS that was given from day 5 prior to ETM enhanced progressive learning. The ETM group rats took longer to cross target quadrant during the probe trial and got less times to cross-platform than DETM group. The spine density in hippocampus in ETM group was significantly decreased compared to the sham group. In addition, thin and mature spine density were decreased too. However, the DSS administration could reverse the dendritic shrinkage and increase the spine density compared to the ETM group. Astrocytes activation showed the opposite trend in hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with DSS could restore the impaired abilities on ETM-induced decrease of learning and memory behavior. The decreased spines density in the hippocampus and astrocytes activation in DG of hippocampus in the ETM group rats may be related with the decline of the ability of learning and memory. The ability to change the synaptic plasticity in hippocampus after DSS administration may be correlated with the alleviation of impairment of learn and memory after ETM treatment.

[EDA mutation screening and phenotype analysis in patients with tooth agenesis]

OBJECTIVE

To screen the ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene mutation in the patients with non-syndromic tooth agenesis and ectodermal dysplasia, and to analyze the phenotype of missing teeth pattern in these two groups of patients.

METHODS

In the study, 174 patients with tooth agenesis (143: non-syndromic, 31: ectodermal dysplasia) and 451 health control volunteers were enrolled from the clinic, and the genome DNA was extracted from either peripheral blood or oral mucosal swab. The coding region of EDA gene was then amplified by PCR, sequenced and blasted to online NCBI database. The missing teeth were recorded for all patients, and the missing teeth from patients with EDA mutation were compared among the different dentition sites.

RESULTS

33 patients were identified with EDA mutation. In the non-syndromic patients, 13/143(9.09%) were identified with EDA mutation, while in patients with ectodermal dysplasia, 20/31(64.52%) were found with EDA mutation. Ten novel EDA mutations were identified (c.769G>C[p.G257R ],c.936C>G[p.I312M],c.223G>A[p.E75K], .1166C>T[p.P389L],c.133G>C[p.G45R],c.1109G>A[p.E370K],c.914G>T[p.S305I], c.916C>T[p.Q306X],c.602G>T[p.G201V],c.88-89insG[p.A30GfsX69]). For each dentition site there was no statistic difference in the number of missing teeth between the left and right sides, so the number from both sides were combined later in the analysis. In the patients with EDA mutation, the non-syndromic patients had fewer missing teeth (15.9±6.4 missing teeth for each, 207/364 in total) than the patients with ectodermal dysplasia (23.9±4.3, 478/560). In the non-syndromic patients with EDA mutation, the maxillay central incisors and first molars were less affected, with the same missing rate as 19.2% (5/26). While the mandibular central incisors (with a missing rate of 76.9%, 20/26), the maxillary lateral incisors (the missing rate: 88.5%, 23/26), the mandibular lateral incisors (the missing rate: 80.8%, 21/26), and the maxillary first premolars (the missing rate: 80.8%, 21/26) were more likely to be missing. In the ectodermal dysplasia patients with EDA mutation, only maxillary central incisors (the missing rate: 60%, 24/40), maxillary canines (the missing rate: 70%, 28/40), mandibular canines (the missing rate: 67.5%, 27/40), maxillary first molars (the missing rate: 65%, 26/40) and mandibular first molars (the missing rate: 72.5%, 29/40) had higher possibility of persistence. Teeth at other dentition sites were more likely to be affected (the minimum missing rate: 87.5%, 35/40).

CONCLUSION

The findings would help to reveal the EDA gene and its function in ectodermal organogenesis.

[Influence of implant restoration on traditional restoration idea]

Implant restoration affected the traditional restoration idea. Artificial implant restoration has a profound influence on the design of dental restoration. Implant supported prostheses have not only changed the method of oral rehabilitation, but also integrated revolutionary concept with the traditional treatment protocol. By using implants, posterior missing molars can be effectively restored and thus eliminating the disadvantages of traditional removable partial denture for Kennedy classification Ⅰ, Ⅱ partically edentulous dentition. Full edentulous arch can also be restored with implant fixed denture which provide much better oral health related quality of life compared with the traditional complete denture. It is useful to master the theory and skills of artificial implant restoration, and to provide a reference for the restoration of oral physiological function.

Lipofuscin in saliva and plasma and its association with age in healthy adults

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To compare blood and salivary levels of lipofuscin in healthy adults and to analyze the relationship between the lipofuscin level and the healthy adults' age.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-two healthy volunteers were recruited and divided into three groups according to their age: young (n = 42, 20-44 years old), middle-aged (n = 51, 45-59 years old), and elderly (n = 29, 60-74 years old). One ml saliva and 5 ml whole blood were collected from each person. An ELISA kit was used to measure both the plasma and salivary lipofuscin levels. The differences between the groups were compared with independent-sample t test, and the relationship between the salivary lipofuscin level and the age was assessed with linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD of the lipofuscin level in the saliva and plasma of 122 subjects was 68.93 ± 1.32 and 78.05 ± 1.75 μmol/l, respectively. No gender-dependent differences were observed in either the salivary or the plasma lipofuscin level (saliva: p = 0.443, plasma: p = 0.459). The salivary and plasma lipofuscin levels of the elderly subjects were significantly higher than those of the young (saliva: 80.72 ± 13.53 mmol/l versus 59.12 ± 1.92 mmol/l, p = 0.0003; plasma: 93.31 ± 3.14 mmol/l versus 67.43 ± 2.54 mmol/l, p = 0.0002) and middle-aged (saliva: 80.72 ± 13.53 mmol/l versus 70.31 ± 11.17 mmol/l, p = 0.0004; plasma: 93.31 ± 3.14 mmol/l versus 78.12 ± 2.40 mmol/l, p = 0.0002) subjects. Similarly, the salivary and plasma lipofuscin levels of the middle-aged subjects were significantly higher than those of the young subjects (saliva: 70.31 ± 11.17 mmol/l versus 59.12 ± 1.92 mmol/l, p < 0.0001; plasma: 78.12 ± 2.40 mmol/l versus 67.43 ± 2.54 mmol/l, p = 0.0019). The lipofuscin levels in the saliva and plasma were significantly positively correlated with the subject age (r = 0.551, p = 0.0001; r = 0.528, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the salivary lipofuscin level and plasma lipofuscin level also were found to have a positive correlation (r = 0.621, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

No gender-dependent differences were observed in either the salivary or plasma lipofuscin levels. The salivary and plasma lipofuscin levels were positively correlated, and the age is positively correlated with lipofuscin content in saliva.

Applying the Back-Propagation Neural Network model and fuzzy classification to evaluate the trophic status of a reservoir system

The trophic state index, and in particular, the Carlson Trophic State Index (CTSI), is critical for evaluating reservoir water quality. Despite its common use in evaluating static water quality, the reliability of the CTSI may decrease when water turbidity is high. Therefore, this study examines the reliability of the CTSI and uses the Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) model to create a new trophic state index. Fuzzy theory, rather than binary logic, is implemented to classify the trophic status into its three grades. The results show that compared to the CTSI with traditional classification, the new index with fuzzy classification can improve trophic status evaluation with high water turbidity. A reliable trophic state index can correctly describe reservoir water quality and allow relevant agencies to address proper water quality management strategies for a reservoir system.

Effects of environmental temperature and dietary manganese on egg production performance, egg quality, and some plasma biochemical traits of broiler breeders

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of environmental temperature and dietary Mn on egg production performance, egg quality, and some plasma biochemical traits of broiler breeders. A completely randomized factorial design involved 2 environmental temperatures (a normal temperature, 21 ± 1°C, and a high temperature, 32 ± 1°C) × 3 dietary Mn treatments (a Mn-unsupplemented corn–soybean meal basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 120 mg of Mn/kg of diet as either MnSO4·H2O or manganese proteinate). There were 6 treatments with 6 replicates (4 birds per replicate). High temperature decreased egg weight (P < 0.0001), laying rate (P < 0.0001), egg yield (P < 0.0001), feed intake (P < 0.0001), egg:feed ratio (P < 0.0001), eggshell strength (P < 0.05) and thickness (P < 0.0001), plasma triiodothyronine level (P < 0.05), and alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.04) whereas it increased rectal temperature (P < 0.0001); plasma malondialdehyde level (P < 0.02); and activities (P < 0.002) of lactic dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase. Broiler breeders fed the diets supplemented with Mn regardless of source had greater (P < 0.05) eggshell strength and lower (P ≤ 0.05) plasma triiodothyronine level and protein carbonyl content than those fed the control diet. The broiler breeders fed the diet supplemented with the organic Mn had greater (P < 0.01) eggshell thickness than those fed the control diet. There were interactions (P < 0.05) between environmental temperature and dietary Mn in laying rate, egg yield, feed intake, and egg:feed ratio. Under normal temperature, dietary Mn did not affect the above 4 parameters; however, under high temperature, broiler breeders fed the diet supplemented with the organic Mn showed greater (P < 0.03) improvements in these 4 parameters than those fed the control diet. The results from this study indicated that high temperature significantly impaired egg production performance and eggshell quality and induced lipid peroxidation and tissue damage whereas dietary supplementation of either organic or inorganic Mn improved eggshell strength and thermotolerance and reduced protein oxidation and that the organic Mn could alleviate the negative effect of high temperature on egg production performance of broiler breeders at the period of 32 to 45 wk of age.

The complete mitochondrial genome of bearded pig, Sus barbatus, and comparative mitochondrial genomics of Cetartiodactyla

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of bearded pig, Sus barbatus, with the total length of 16,480 bp, is determined for the first time. This mitogenome harbors 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region (D-loop). The overall base composition is A (34.80%), C (26.07%), G (13.12%), and T (26.01%), so the slight A-T bias (60.81%) was detected. Most of the genes are distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes. To obtain the phylogenetic relationship of the Cetartiodactyla, 11 mitochondrial genomes were used for phylogenetic analysis. The mitochondrial genome of S. barbatus presented here will contribute to a better understanding of the population genetics.

Selection for Duration of Fertility and Mule Duck White Plumage Colour in a Synthetic Strain of Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

A synthetic strain of ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) was developed by introducing genes for long duration of fertility to be used as mother of mule ducklings and a seven-generation selection experiment was conducted to increase the number of fertile eggs after a single artificial insemination (AI) with pooled Muscovy semen. Reciprocal crossbreeding between Brown Tsaiya LRI-2 (with long duration of fertility) and Pekin L-201 (with white plumage mule ducklings) ducks produced the G0. Then G1 were intercrossed to produce G2 and so on for the following generations. Each female duck was inseminated 3 times, at 26, 29, and 32 weeks of age. The eggs were collected for 14 days from day 2 after AI. Individual data regarding the number of incubated eggs (Ie), the number of fertile eggs at candling at day 7 of incubation (F), the total number of dead embryos (M), the maximum duration of fertility (Dm) and the number of hatched mule ducklings (H) with plumage colour were recorded. The selection criterion was the breeding values of the best linear unbiased prediction animal model for F. The results show high percentage of exhibited heterosis in G2 for traits to improve (19.1% for F and 12.9% for H); F with a value of 5.92 (vs 3.74 in the Pekin L-201) was improved in the G2. Heritabilities were found to be low for Ie (h (2) = 0.07±0.03) and M (h (2) = 0.07±0.01), moderately low for Dm (h (2) = 0.13±0.02), of medium values for H (h (2) = 0.20±0.03) and F (h (2) = 0.23±0.03). High and favourable genetic correlations existed between F and Dm (rg = 0.93), between F and H (rg = 0.97) and between Dm and H (rg = 0.90). The selection experiment showed a positive trend for phenotypic values of F (6.38 fertile eggs in G10 of synthetic strain vs 5.59 eggs in G4, and 3.74 eggs in Pekin L-201), with correlated response for increasing H (5.73 ducklings in G10 vs 4.86 in G4, and 3.09 ducklings in Pekin L-201) and maximum duration of the fertile period without increasing the embryo mortality rate. The average predicted genetic response for F was 40% of genetic standard deviation per generation of selection. The mule ducklings' feather colour also was improved. It was concluded that this study provided results for a better understanding of the genetics of the duration of fertility traits in the common female duck bred for mule and that the selection of a synthetic strain was effective method of improvement.

Enhancement of periodontal tissue regeneration by transplantation of osteoprotegerin-engineered periodontal ligament stem cells

Introduction

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the capacity of a tissue-engineered complex of human osteoprotegerin (hOPG)-transfected periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) seeding on beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to regenerate alveolar bone defects in New Zealand rabbits.

Methods

PDLSCs were isolated from rabbit periodontal ligament tissues and expanded in vitro to enrich PDLSC numbers, and their proliferative activities and differentiation capability were evaluated under specific induction conditions. Lentiviral vector containing hOPG and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was constructed by using Gateway technology and transfected into rabbit PDLSCs. The expression of hOPG was determined with quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The PDLSCs with or without engineered hOPG were seeded on β-TCP scaffolds prior to transplantation. Morphological characterization of cells and materials was done by scanning electron microscope. Twenty rabbits with alveolar bone defects were randomly allocated into four groups and transplanted with β-TCP, PDLSCs/β-TCP, and hOPG-transfected PDLSCs/β-TCP or were left untreated as a control. Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks after operation for histological observation and histomorphometric analysis.

Results

PDLSCs expressed STRO-1 and vementin and favored osteogenesis and adipogenesis in conditioned media. Expressions of hOPG were significantly upregulated after transfection of the lentiviral vector into PDLSCs. PDLSCs attached and spread well on β-TCP, and there was no significant difference in growth of PDLSCs on β-TCP between the hOPG transfection group and the non-transfection group. The histological observation and histomorphometric analysis showed that the hOPG-transfected PDLSCs/β-TCP complex exhibited an earlier mineralization and more bone formation inside the scaffold than control, β-TCP, and PDLSCs/β-TCP complexes. Implantation of hOPG-transfected PDLSCs contributed to new bone formation as determined by EGFP gene expression under circularly polarized light microscopy.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated the feasibility of β-TCP scaffolds for primary PDLSC culture and expression of hOPG gene in vitro and in vivo, and hOPG-transfected PDLSCs could serve as a potential cell source for periodontal bone regeneration, which may shed light on the potential of systemic hOPG gene therapy in combination with PDLSC tissue engineering as a good candidate in periodontal tissue engineering for alveolar bone regeneration.

Synergistic cytotoxicity of cisplatin and Taxol in overcoming Taxol resistance through the inhibition of LDHA in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The development of chemoresistance in patients represents a major challenge in cancer treatment. Lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDHA) is one of the principle isoforms of LDH that is expressed in breast tissue, controlling the conversion of pyruvate to lactate and also playing a significant role in the metabolism of glucose. The aim of this study was to identify whether LDHA was involved in oral cancer cell resistance to Taxol and whether the downregulation of LDHA, as a result of cisplatin treatment, may overcome Taxol resistance in human oral squamous cells. The OECM-1 oral epidermal carcinoma cell line was used, which has been widely used as a model of oral cancer in previous studies. The role of LDHA in Taxol and cisplatin resistance were investigated and the synergistic cytotoxicity of cisplatin and/or Taxol in oral squamous cells was analyzed. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay, LDHA expression was analyzed by western blot analysis and siRNA tranfection was performed to knock down LDHA expression. The present study results showed that decreased levels of LDHA were responsible for the resistance of oral cancer cells to cisplatin (CDDP). CDDP treatments downregulated LDHA expression, and lower levels of LDHA were detected in the CDDP-resistant oral cancer cells compared with the CDDP-sensitive cells. By contrast, the Taxol-resistant cancer cells showed elevated LDHA expression levels. In addition, small interfering RNA-knockdown of LDHA sensitized the cells to Taxol, but desensitized them to CDDP treatment, while exogenous expression of LDHA sensitized the cells to CDDP, but desensitized them to Taxol. The present study also revealed the synergistic cytotoxicity of CDDP and Taxol for killing oral cancer cells through the inhibition of LDHA. This study highlights LDHA as a novel therapeutic target for overcoming Taxol resistance in oral cancer patients using the combined treatments of Taxol and CDDP.

Subcellular location and photodynamic therapeutic effect of chlorin e6 in the human tongue squamous cell cancer Tca8113 cell line

The present study aimed to investigate the distribution and photodynamic therapeutic effect of chlorin e6 (Ce6) in the human tongue squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 cell line in vitro. The distribution of Ce6 in the Tca8113 cells was observed in situ combined with mitochondrial and lysosomal fluorescent probes. Next, 630-nm semiconductor laser irradiation was performed. The MTS colorimetric method was used to determine cell survival. Annexin V fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (PI) double staining was used to detect early apoptosis following photodynamic therapy (PDT). The flow cytometer was used to analyze the DNA content subsequent to PI-staining. It was observed that Ce6 could combine with the cellular membrane following 30 min of incubation with the Tca8113 cells. As the length of incubation increased, Ce6 gradually entered the cells in a particular distribution and reached saturation by 3 h. Co-localization analysis demonstrated that Ce6 was more likely to be present in the mitochondria than in the lysosomes. The cells incubated with 5 μg/ml Ce6 for 24 h exhibited a low toxicity of 5%, however, following light irradiation, Ce6-PDT was able to kill the Tca8113 cells in vitro. The cell toxicity was positively correlated with Ce6 concentration and light dose, therefore, the effect of Ce6 was concentration/dose-dependent (P<0.01). The lower Ce6 concentrations and light doses could significantly induce apoptosis in the Tca8113 cells, while higher doses increased necrosis/percentage of dead cells. In summary, Ce6 saturated the Tca8113 cells following 3 h of incubation. Furthermore, Ce6-PDT effectively killed the cultured Tca8113 cells in vitro at a safe concentration. At a low concentration and light dose, Ce6 is more likely to induce cell apoptosis via the mitochondria than the lysosomes.

The effect of calcium phosphate composite scaffolds on the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp stem cells

The objective of this study is to compare the effects of the two calcium phosphate composite scaffolds on the attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). One nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/poly (l-lactide) (nHAC/PLA), imitating the composition and the micro-structure characteristics of the natural bone, was made by Beijing Allgens Medical Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (China). The other beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), being fully interoperability globular pore structure, was provided by Shanghai Bio-lu Biomaterials Co, Ltd. (China). We compared the absorption water rate and the protein adsorption rate of two scaffolds and the characterization of DPSCs cultured on the culture plate and both scaffolds under osteogenic differentiation media (ODM) treatment. The constructs were then implanted subcutaneously into the back of severely combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice for 8 and 12 weeks to compare their bone formation capacity. The results showed that the ODM-treated DPSCs expressed osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), type I collagen (COLI) and osteopontin (OPN) by immunofluorescence staining. Positive alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, calcium deposition and calcium nodules were also observed on the ODM-treated DPSCs. The absorption water rate and protein adsorption rate of nHAC/PLA was significantly higher than β-TCP. The initial attachment of DPSCs seeded onto nHAC/PLA was significantly higher than that onto β-TCP; and the proliferation rate of the cells was also significantly higher than that of β-TCP on 1, 3, and 7 days of cell culture. The ALP activity, calcium/phosphorus content and mineral formation of DPSCs + β-TCP were significantly higher than DPSCs + nHAC/LA. When implanted into the back of SCID mice, nHAC/PLA alone had no new bone formation, newly formed mature bone and osteoid were only observed in β-TCP alone, DPSCs + nHAC/PLA and DPSCs + β-TCP, and this three groups displayed increased bone formation over the 12-week period. The percentage of total bone formation area had no difference between DPSCs + β-TCP and DPSCs + nHAC/PLA at each time point, but the percentage of mature bone formation area of DPSCs + β-TCP was significantly higher than that of DPSCs + nHAC/PLA. Our results demonstrated that the DPSCs on nHAC/PLA had a better proliferation, and that the DPSCs on β-TCP had a more mineralization in vitro, much more newly formed mature bones in vivo were presented in DPSCs + β-TCP group. These findings have provided a further knowledge that scaffold architecture has different influence on the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of cells. This study may provide insight into the clinical periodontal bone tissue repair with DPSCs + β-TCP construct.