Association between enamel hypoplasia and dental caries in primary second molars: a cohort study

The purpose of this study was to assess the longitudinal relationships between enamel hypoplasia and caries experience of primary second molars. The study sample was 491 subjects who received dental examinations at both age 5 and 9 by the calibrated examiners. Four primary second molars (n = 1,892) were scored for the presence of enamel hypoplasia for each participant. Caries presence and number of decayed and filled surfaces (dfs) were determined at age 5 and 9. The relationships between enamel hypoplasia and caries experience were assessed. Among primary second molars, 3.9% of children and 1.7% of primary second molars had enamel hypoplasia. At age 5, 36.8% of children with hypoplasia had caries, while 16.9% of children without enamel hypoplasia had caries. At age 9, the corresponding numbers were 52.6% for children with hypoplasia and 34.5% for children without hypoplasia, respectively. At the tooth level, for age 5, 28.1% of teeth with hypoplasia had caries (mean dfs = 0.40), and 7.6% of teeth without hypoplasia had caries (mean dfs = 0.11). At age 9, the corresponding numbers were 41.9% (mean dfs = 0.76) for teeth with hypoplasia and 18.3% (mean dfs = 0.34) for teeth without hypoplasia. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, teeth of subjects with enamel hypoplasia had a significantly higher risk for caries at age 5 and 9 after controlling for other risk factors. Enamel hypoplasia appears to be a significant risk factor for caries and should be considered in caries risk assessment.

Prediction of the prognosis of patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure using the model for end-stage liver disease scoring system and a novel logistic regression model

The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACLF-HBV), and to establish a new model for predicting the prognosis of ACLF-HBV. A total of 204 adult patients with ACLF-HBV were retrospectively recruited between July 1, 2002 and December 31, 2004. The MELD scores were calculated according to the widely accepted formula. The 3-month mortality was calculated. The validity of the MELD model was determined by means of the concordance (c) statistic. Clinical data and biochemical values were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis based on which the regression model for predicting prognosis was established. The receiver-operating characteristic curves were drawn for the MELD scoring system and the new regression model and the areas under the curves (AUC) were compared by the z-test. The 3-month mortality rate was 57.8%. The mean MELD score for the patients who died was significantly greater than those who survived beyond 3 months (28.7 vs 22.4, P = 0.003). The concordance (c) statistic (equivalent to the AUC) for the MELD scoring system predicting 3-month mortality was 0.709 (SE = 0.036, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 0.638-0.780). The independent factors predicting prognosis were hepatorenal syndrome (P < 0.001), liver cirrhosis (P = 0.009), HBeAg (P = 0.013), albumin (P = 0.028) and prothrombin activity (P = 0.011) as identified in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The regression model that was constructed by the logistic regression analysis produced a greater prognostic value (c = 0.891) than the MELD scoring system (z = 4.333, P < 0.001). The MELD scoring system is a promising and useful predictor for 3-month mortality of ACLF-HBV patients. Hepatorenal syndrome, liver cirrhosis, HBeAg, albumin and prothrombin activity are independent factors affecting the 3-month mortality. The newly established logistic regression model appears to be superior to the MELD scoring system in predicting 3-month mortality in patients with ACLF-HBV.

Prognostic value of the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) and its receptors in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients: A pilot study

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Background: TNFa was initially described as an inductor of apoptosis in cancer cells. In vitro data showed that TNFa can also activate anti-apoptotic signaling in cancer cells. We analyzed the prognostic value of the expression of TNFa and its receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2 in HNC patients. Methods: Twenty-four patients treated for HNC were retrospectively analyzed for TNFa, TNFR1, and TNFR2 expression by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Tissue samples were collected at the time of initial diagnosis. Total RNA was reverse-transcribed with TaqMan quantitative RT-PCR (Applied Biosystems). Results were recorded as average threshold cycle, and relative expression was determined using Normalized Expressions method. Expression of TNFa, TNFR1, and TNFR2 was related to survival after 3 years of follow-up. Results: In the 24 patients, expression of TNFa (mean value 7.8, median 2.4, range 0.02–62.3), TNFR1 (mean value 58, median 49, range 0.02–246.9) and TNFR2 (mean value 4.8, median 3.3, range 0.8–18.9) demonstrated a great variability between patients. After a 3-year follow-up, 14 patients were alive without evolution of cancer (group A) and 10 were dead because of cancer evolution (group D). In group D, median level of TNFa was 8.8 whereas it was 1.1 in group A (p = 0.02). Median level of TNFR1 was 71.8 in group D and 28.5 in group A (p = 0.01). In contrast, median level of TNFR2 was 3.3 for both groups. Patients with high level of TNFa or TNFR1 expression had a worse survival (p = 0.01 and p = 0.009, respectively). There was also a strong correlation between high expression of TNFa and of TNFR1 (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: In this small series, TNFa and TNFR1 expression seem to have significant prognostic value to predict survival of HNC patients. This result needs to be confirmed in larger series and compared with usual prognostic factor. It suggests that TNFa expression could have a dual effect in HNC and that TNFR1 expression may play a role in this process.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Influence of pressure on quasielastic scattering in glasses: relationship to the boson peak

We report unexpectedly strong variations in the quasielastic scattering (QES) intensity in glasses under pressure. Analysis of the data reveals strong correlations between pressure-induced changes in the QES intensity and the intensity of the boson peak. This observation emphasizes a direct relationship between these two components of the fast dynamics. In addition, we observe changes of the QES spectral shape that can be interpreted as pressure-induced variations in the underlying energy landscape.

Controlled trials in hepatitis B virus-related decompensate liver cirrhosis: peripheral blood monocyte transplant versus granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor mobilization therapy

BACKGROUND

Liver cirrhosis represents the end stage of chronic liver injury. Currently, liver transplantation provides the only definite cure but it is beset with many problems, including lack of donors and risk of rejection. Stem cell therapy is very attractive in this setting because it has the potential to help tissue regeneration. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of peripheral blood monocyte cell (PBMC) transplantation in decompensated liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 40 subjects (31 men and nine females, age range 21-71 years) was recruited to two groups. Group 1 received granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization, PBMC collection by leukapheresis and PBMC transplant therapy. Group 2 received G-CSF mobilization for 4 days. At baseline and 6 months after treatment, liver function of the two groups was monitored by blood examination and ultrasonagraphy.

RESULTS

Both groups gained significant improvement in liver synthetic function, such as serum albumin and prothrombin time, from baseline to 6 months after treatment (P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin in both groups (P>0.05). Compared with group 2, a significantly improved liver function was observed in group 1, including elevated serum albumin level and a decreased CTP score (P<0.05). No major adverse effects were noted.

DISCUSSION

Autologous PBMC transplantation could be considered as a novel and alternative treatment for patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

ZNRD1 might mediate UV irradiation related DNA damage and repair in human esophageal cancer cells by regulation of ERCC1

The downregulation of zinc ribbon domain-containing 1 (ZNRD1) protein was recently found to partially reverse the resistance of human leukemia cells toward chemical therapeutic drugs. Therefore, the ZNRD1 protein might be involved in the process of DNA damage and repair. To explore the possible protective effects of ZNRD1 on DNA damage induced by ultraviolet (UV)-C irradiation in human esophageal squamous cancer cell line EC109, we designed and transfected a expression vector into EC109 cells, and established an overexpression cell line. The single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) was used to investigate the DNA damage and repair in UV-C-irradiated control and transfected cells. It was found that the ZNRD1-expressing cells exhibited a significant enhanced DNA repair capacity. Moreover, the overexpression of ZNRD1 could upregulate the expression of excision repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1) gene. Collectively, these findings suggested that ZNRD1 might play an important role in the process of DNA damage and repair by regulating the expression of ERCC1.

Laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cyst in children: a case review of 31 patients

INTRODUCTION

The results of the first substantial series of children suffering from choledochal cysts treated using laparoscopic surgery at the Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China are presented.

METHODS

Data from 31 sequentially treated children (average age 45.2 months, SD 36.5, range 2 to 168 months) with choledochal cyst treated by laparoscopic surgery were collected prospectively. The chief complaints included intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice or pancreatitis. Two cases had no clinical symptoms; their diagnoses were based on prenatal ultrasound findings and confirmed postnatally. The laparoscopic technique included excision of the gall bladder and cyst, followed by a Roux-en-Y anastomosis constructed after exteriorization of the small bowel via an infraumbilical trocar incision. After repositioning of the bowel, an end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy was carried out laparoscopically.

RESULTS

The procedures were carried out successfully in 27 children and the average operating time was 5.2 hrs (4-7.5 hrs). In 4 patients, the operations were converted to open surgery because of a giant cyst (diameter 10 cm; 1 case), serious inflammation and adhesions (2 cases), and hepatic duct malformation (1 case). Complications occurring postoperatively and cured by conservative treatment included hepaticojejunostomosis leakage (1 case), bowel ileus (1 case), pancreatitis (1 case), and pneumonia (1 case). Oral food intake was started within 3-5 days and patients were discharged within 7-14 days (average 8.6 days). All patients are well with bile-stained stools after an average follow-up of 16.3 months (range 2-43 months). The average cost was RMB 19,167 ($2522, range RMB 12,600-34,538).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic resection of congenital choledochal cyst and choledochojejunostomy in children is feasible and safe. The long-term results are good. There was a considerable learning curve during the development of the technique as experienced by the team.

Deregulated expression of Notch receptors in human hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Notch signaling controls cellular differentiation and proliferation. Deregulated expression of Notch receptors is observed in a growing number of malignant tumours, however, the role of Notch signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma is still unknown. To address this, the expression of Notch receptors in human hepatocellular carcinoma was examined in both protein and ribonucleic acid levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-three hepatocellular carcinoma tissue sections were detected by immunohistochemistry. Three paired fresh surgical hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent nontumour liver samples were analyzed by Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction are reliable methods to examine the expression of protein and RNA.

RESULTS

All of the four Notch receptors were expressed in the neoplastic cells of hepatocellular carcinoma tissues with different intensity and extensity. Notch1 and Notch4 were expressed in both cytoplasm and nucleus, and all of the nuclear staining showed up in the cytoplasm-positive cases. Cytoplasmic and nuclear Notch1 was detected in 88.7% (47/53) and 9.4% (5/53) of hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, respectively; positive rates of Notch4 were 67.9% (36/53) in cytoplasm and 52.8% (31/53) in nucleus. Notch2 and Notch3 were only in cytoplasm, with positive rates of 26.4% (14/53) and 52.8% (28/53), respectively. Compared with adjacent nontumour liver, Notch1 (cytoplasmic) and Notch4 (nuclear) were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.05), Notch2 was down-regulated (P<0.05), while Notch1 (nuclear), Notch3 and Notch4 (cytoplasmic) showed no difference between hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent nontumour liver. Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis showed a consistent result.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the expression of Notch receptors was deregulated and Notch signaling might be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Reversal of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells by down-regulation of CIAPIN1 with CIAPIN1 siRNA]

The overexpression of a new cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) gene has been shown previously to promote a multidrug resistant phenotype in gastric cancer cells through the upregulation of MDR1 and MRP1. In the present study, we constructed the siRNA eukaryotic expression vectors of CIAPIN1 and transfected them into SGC7901/VCR cells to examine whether the down regulation of CIAPIN1 increased cell sensitivity towards chemotherapeutic drugs. After transfection, the expression of CIAPIN1 was dramatically decreased in CIAPIN1 siRNA transfectants compared with that in parental cells and empty vector control cells. The down-regulation of CIAPIN1 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of SGC7901/VCR cells to vincristine (VCR), adriamycin (ADR) and etoposide (VP-16), but not to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP). Cell capacity to efflux adriamycin decreased markedly in CIAPIN1 siRNA transfectants, and correlation between CIAPIN1 down regulation and decreased MDR1 transcriptional activity were observed. CIAPIN1 siRNA could significantly down regulate the expression of Bcl-2, and up-regulate the expression of Bax, but not alter the expression of PTEN in gastric cancer cells. These observations suggested that the siRNA constructs of CIAPIN1 we obtained could effectively down-regulate the expression of CIAPIN1 and reverse the resistant phenotype of gastric cancer cells. The further study of the biological functions of CIAPIN1 may be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer and developing possible strategies to treat gastric cancer.

Expression of interferon-gamma in human adrenal gland and kidney tumours

It is known that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is produced by activated T and NK lymphoid cells, mononuclear cells, and macrophage and dendritic cells. Our previous studies have shown that IFN-γ-like immunoreactivity also appears in human adrenal cortical tumour and phaeochromocytoma. To investigate whether human tumour cells can produce IFN-γ, we examined 429 biopsy specimens of 30 kinds of tumour and tumour-surrounding tissues in adrenal glands and in kidneys by using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. IFN-γ immunoactivity was shown in 34.3% of the adrenal cortical adenomas, 50% of the adrenal cortical carcinomas, 26.7% of the phaeochromocytomas, 26.7% of the clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), 22% of the adrenal cortexes and 40% of medullas adjacent to tumours. The positive samples and expression areas were well overlapped between the IFN-γ mRNA and the immunohistochemistry staining. Western blot analysis has further confirmed the immunohistochemistry results by showing a distinct IFN-γ band corresponding to 17.4 kDa in tissue extracts from adrenal cortical adenoma, phaeochromocytoma and clear cell RCCs. These results indicate that IFN-γ is produced by some types of tumour cells, suggesting it may play a dual role in the development of these tumours.

Acute toxicity of 4-nonylphenol to aquatic invertebrates in Taiwan

Acute toxicity of 4-nonylphenol (NP) was examined in six freshwater species from three phyla - platyhelminthes, arthropoda and mollusca. Values of the 48-hour LC(50) of NP for six species ranged from 20 to 508 ug/L and values of the 96-hour LC(50) for four species ranged from 120 to 457 ug/L. The most sensitive species tested was a water flea, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, with a 48-hour LC(50) of 20 microg/L. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) values of NP found were in the range of <10 to 400 microg/L and 10 to 450 microg/L after 48 hours of exposure, respectively.

Phospho Akt mediates multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells through regulation of P-gp, Bcl-2 and Bax

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway is an important intracellular pathway that is frequently activated in cancer cells. The role of P-AKT in multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells and the possible underlying mechanisms are here investigated. Up-regulation of P-AKT expression could confer resistance to both P-glycoprotein-related and P-glycoprotein-non-related drugs on AGS cells, and suppress adriamycin-induced apoptosis, along with decreased accumulation and increased releasing amount of adriamycin. P-AKT could significantly up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, and down-regulate the expression of Bax, but not alter the expression of PTEN in gastric cancer cells. Inhibition of P-AKT expression could partially reverse P-AKT-mediated multidrug resistance and significantly up-regulate P53 expression, and down-regulate the expression of P-glycoprotein and the transcription of the multidrug resistance gene 1. Further studies of the biological functions of P-AKT may be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer and developing possible therapeutical strategies.