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Aging affects the number and function of gamma-delta (γδ) T cells in a tissue-specific manner, modifying the risk for inflammatory disease. These aging-related γδT-cell variations in gingival tissues that could increase the risk for inflammation and periodontal disease remain unknown. Here we sought to identify quantitative and qualitative variations in gingival γδT cells associated with aging that could have an impact in oral immunoinflammatory responses. For this, gingival tissues from young (4 mo) and aged (24 mo) male and female mice were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell suspensions were stimulated and stained with eFluor450 (cell viability), anti-CD45 (hematopoietic cells), anti-CD3 (lymphocytes), anti-TCRγδ (γδT cells), anti–IL-15rα (cell proliferation), and anti–Notch-3 (senescence marker). Detection of intracellular cytokines IL-17A and interferon γ (IFNγ) was performed. Gingival expression of specific γ- and δ-chains and cytokines was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A significantly higher number of IL-17A–producing γδT cells and IL-17A expression levels were observed in gingival tissues from aged females but not males. Similarly, the number of gingival Notch-3+ γδT cells increased with aging only in females. IL-15rα was not detected in gingival γδT cells. Chains γ1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 as well as δ1, 2, 4, and 6 were detected. Detection levels of all γ chains except γ1 as well as δ1 and δ2 changed with aging in males, females, or both. Interestingly, number of IL-17A–producing conventional T cells similarly increased with aging only in females. Both sexes showed increased IFNγ+ conventional T-cell numbers with aging; however, it reached significance only in females. In conclusion, the number of gingival IL-17A–producing γδT cells and IL-17A expression increase naturally with aging specifically in females. This sexual dimorphism in gingival γδT and conventional Th17 cell numbers and phenotypes suggests distinct aging-related mechanisms of periodontitis in males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to assess IL-24 levels and their association with clinical manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: There were 75 patients with SLE and 58 healthy controls recruited in this study. Serum levels of IL-24 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and mRNA levels of IL-24 were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for diagnostic ability of the inflammatory cytokine. Results: Serum IL-24 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than that in healthy controls. SLE patients with nephritis had higher IL-24 levels than those without nephritis. Active SLE patients showed higher expression of IL-24 as compared to less active disease patients. The mRNA levels of IL-24 were much higher in SLE patients. Correlation analysis showed significant correlation between serum IL-24 levels and SLE disease activity index. In addition, ROC analysis may suggest good ability of serum IL-24 in differentiating SLE. Conclusion: The inflammatory cytokine correlated with SLE disease activity, and may be involved in this disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The malignancy of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) largely results from its invasive manner. Secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRPs) have been recently found to suppress the invasiveness of some cancers. On the other hand, the methylation of SFRPs increases protein degradation to reduce the activity of SFRPs, resulting in increased tumor cell invasion and cancer metastasis. However, the role of SFRPs in the invasion of NSCLC has not been reported. Here we analyzed the regulation of SFRPs in NSCLC cells and its effects on cell invasion. We found that SFRP2 mRNA was significantly decreased and methylation of SFRP2 gene was significantly increased in NSCLC tissue, compared to the paired adjacent nontumor tissue. Moreover, SFRP2 expression was significantly decreased in NSCLC cell lines. In NSCLC cell lines, the SFRP2 expression would be restored by the demethylation of SFRP2 gene with 5′-aza-deoxycytidine in NSCLC cell lines, at the levels of both mRNA and protein. Thus, the cell invasion would be suppressed. Furthermore, the demethylation of SFRP2 gene appeared to inhibit Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), two key factors that enhance NSCLC cell invasion. Thus, SFRP2 may inhibit NSCLC invasion by suppressing ZEB1 and MMP9, while its methylation promotes NSCLC invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano nickel oxide (NiO), widely used in industry, has recently been discovered to have pulmonary toxicity. However, no subchronic exposure studies about nano NiO-induced pulmonary fibrosis have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate pulmonary fibrosis induced by nano NiO and its potential mechanism in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 40, 200-240 g) were randomized into control group, nano NiO groups (0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg), and micro NiO group (0.024 mg/kg). All rats were killed to collect lung tissue after intratracheal instillation of NiO particles twice a week for 6 weeks. To identify pulmonary fibrosis, Masson trichrome staining, hydroxyproline content, and collagen protein expression were performed. The results showed widespread lung fibrotic injury in histological examination and increased content of hydroxyproline, collagen types I and III in rat lung tissue exposed to nano NiO. To explore the potential pulmonary fibrosis mechanism, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the messenger RNA expression of key indicators was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The TGF-β1 content was increased in nano NiO exposure groups, as well as the upregulated gene expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad4, matrix metalloproteinase, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase. The findings indicated that nano NiO could induce pulmonary fibrosis, which may be related to TGF-β1 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries is a costly and prevalent disease characterized by the demineralization of the tooth's enamel. Disease outcome is influenced by host factors, dietary intake, cariogenic bacteria, and other microbes. The cariogenic bacterial species Streptococcus mutans metabolizes sucrose to initiate biofilm formation on the tooth surface and consequently produces lactic acid to degrade the tooth's enamel. Persistence of S. mutans biofilms in the oral cavity can lead to tooth decay. To date, no anticaries therapies that specifically target S. mutans biofilms but do not disturb the overall oral microbiome are available. We screened a library of 2-aminoimidazole antibiofilm compounds with a biofilm dispersion assay and identified a small molecule that specifically targets S. mutans biofilms. At 5 µM, the small molecule annotated 3F1 dispersed 50% of the established S. mutans biofilm but did not disperse biofilms formed by the commensal species Streptococcus sanguinis or Streptococcus gordonii. 3F1 dispersed S. mutans biofilms independently of biofilm-related factors such as antigen I/II and glucosyltransferases. 3F1 treatment effectively prevented dental caries by controlling S. mutans in a rat caries model without perturbing the oral microbiota. Our study demonstrates that selective targeting of S. mutans biofilms by 3F1 was able to effectively reduce dental caries in vivo without affecting the overall oral microbiota shaped by the intake of dietary sugars, suggesting that the pathogenic biofilm-specific treatment is a viable strategy for disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraquat (PQ) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world and can cause pulmonary fibrosis in the cases with intoxication. Losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, has beneficial effects on the treatment of fibrosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of losartan on pulmonary fibrosis in PQ-intoxicated rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 32, 180–220 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: (i) control group; (ii) PQ group; (iii) PQ + losartan 7d group; and (iv) PQ + losartan 14d group. Losartan treatment (intragastrically (i.g.), 10 mg/kg) was performed for 7 and 14 days after a single i.g. dose of 40 mg/kg PQ. All rats were killed on the 16th day, and hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining were used to examine lung injury and fibrosis. The levels of hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (Mmp9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and relative expression levels of collagen type I and III were also detected. PQ caused a significant increase in hydroxyproline content, mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Mmp9, and TIMP-1, and relative expression levels of collagen type I and III ( p < 0.05), while losartan significantly decreased the amount of hydroxyproline and downregulated TGF-β1, Mmp9, and TIMP-1 mRNA and collagen type I and III expressions ( p < 0.05). Histological examination of PQ-treated rats showed lung injury and widespread inflammatory cell infiltration in the alveolar space and pulmonary fibrosis, while losartan could markedly reduce such damage and prevent pulmonary fibrosis. The results of this study indicated that losartan could reduce lung damage and prevent pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

While transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) can regulate odontoblast differentiation in tooth crown morphogenesis, its effects on cells including stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) involved in root formation are unclear. Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC) has been implicated in the regulation of root development, and interplay with TGF-β1 signaling has been reported in some cell types. We hypothesize that NFIC and TGF-β1 are important to the behavior of SCAPs and that the interplay between these molecules controls the regulation of the odontogenic differentiation of SCAPs. TGF-β1 inhibited the proliferation of SCAPs and their mineralization. Real-time polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot results showed that TGF-β1 significantly decreased osteogenic/dentinogenic gene expression. The inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling (SIS3) attenuated the suppressive effect of TGF-β1 on SCAPs. Importantly, overexpression of NFIC antagonized the effects of TGF-β1 on SCAPs, while knockdown of NFIC enhanced these effects, demonstrating a key regulatory role for NFIC in modulating TGF-β1 signaling in SCAPs. We conclude that this interplay between NFIC and TGF-β1 regulates SCAPs behavior and can determine the differentiation of these cells. These signaling interactions help inform the development of regenerative strategies aimed at root growth and development in immature teeth for endodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hypodontia, a tooth developmental disease, can affect chewing and pronunciation. Mutations in the ectodysplasin-A (EDA) gene can lead to both X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) and non-syndromic hypodontia (NSH). However, the mechanism by which these 2 related but different disorders are caused by the distinct mutations in EDA is unknown. In this study, we identified a novel missense mutation (c.779 T>G) in a Chinese family with NSH via a direct sequencing approach. This mutation results in an Ile260Ser substitution in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) homology domain. Homology modeling suggests that this alteration may induce a conformational change in the hydrophobic center of the TNF homology domain. Furthermore, by exploring systematic 3D conformation analysis and calculation of residue relative solvent accessibility (RSA) for all the reported mutated amino acid sites on EDA’s TNF homology domain, we found that the site mutations at the interior may be linked to XLHED, while those at the surface are more likely to be associated with NSH. These findings may aid in the discovery of unidentified functionally significant mutation sites in the EDA gene and provide a new way to clarify the mechanisms by which the XLHED and NSH phenotypes arise from mutations in the same gene. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Social support has been shown to influence health outcomes in later life. In this study, we focus on social engagement as an umbrella construct that covers select social behaviors in a life span sample that included oldest-old adults, a segment of the adult population for whom very little data currently exist. We examined relationships among social engagement, positive health behaviors, and physical health to provide new evidence that addresses gaps in the extant literature concerning social engagement and healthy aging in very old adults. Participants were younger (21-59 years), older (60-89 years), and oldest-old (90-97 years) adults (N = 364) in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS). Linear regression analyses indicated that age, gender, and hours spent outside of the house were significantly associated with self-reported health. The number of clubs and hours outside of home were more important factors in the analyses of objective health status than positive health behaviors, after considering age group and education level. These data strongly suggest that social engagement remains an important determinant of physical health into very late adulthood. The discussion focuses on practical applications of these results including social support interventions to maintain or improve late-life health. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Class discussions of White privilege can increase sociocultural and international awareness in our students. Therefore, instructors should be encouraged to teach this topic in introductory college survey courses (e.g., psychology and sociology), although negative reactions by White students can affect student evaluations of an instructor’s teaching skills. We decided to further explore college students’ cognitive and emotional reactions to this topic. Principal components analysis revealed four factors. Agreement with items related to the factor Societal (e.g., American society is not a meritocracy) was associated with understanding White privilege. Agreement with items associated with the factor Personal (e.g., feeling personally attacked) was associated with failure to understand this concept. The remaining two factors, Denial and The Bad Guys (feeling like one of “the bad guys” in society), were not significantly associated with understanding White privilege. These findings are discussed in the context of successfully teaching antiracism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the clonidine adhesive patch in treating tic disorders. METHOD: A total of 437 patients, who met Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders-third edition diagnostic criteria for transient tic disorder (5%), chronic motor or vocal tic disorder (40%) or Tourette disorder (55%), aged 6-18 years, were divided randomly into an active treatment group and a clinical control group. Participants in the active treatment group were treated with a clonidine adhesive patch and participants in the clinical control group with a placebo adhesive patch for 4 weeks. The dosage of the clonidine adhesive patch was 1.0mg, 1.5mg or 2.0mg per week, depending on each participant's bodyweight. Participants whose Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) score decreased <30% and Clinical Global Impression score was > or =4 by the end of week 3 were withdrawn from the trial. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment the active treatment group participants' YGTSS score was significantly lower than that of the clinical control group (F=4.63, p=0.03). Further, the active treatment group had a significantly better therapeutic response than the clinical control group (chi(2)=9.15, p=0.003). The response rate in the active treatment group was 68.85% compared to 46.85% in the clinical control group (chi(2)=16.98, p=0.0001). The rate of adverse events was low (active treatment group, 3.08%; clinical control group, 7.21%) and did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The clonidine adhesive patch is effective and safe for tic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of an Introductory Psychology course module on racism was assessed using a short questionnaire immediately afterwards and then later at the end of the semester. Students of color were consistently more aware of the prevalence and manifestations of racism in U.S. society today, compared to White students. White students also appeared to exhibit self- serving biases related to ethnicity-based privileges. Reported attitude changes were not correlated with actual attitude changes, as assessed with this questionnaire. Overall, this course module was effective in changing the attitudes about racism in White students, yet its effect was limited. On the other hand, given the permanence of racist attitudes and beliefs, any measurable success in this context should be celebrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated factors associated with intention to screen for colorectal cancer among Chinese people age 40 yr. and older. In-depth individual interviews were conducted. Participants were recruited from urban middle-class communities in Taichung, Taiwan through homogeneous, criterion, and snowball sampling strategies (N 32). Immersion and crystallization techniques were used in data analysis. Member check was used to ensure data quality. Analysis showed that factors related to intentions to have fecal occult blood tests were influenced by the inconvenience (61%) and the unpleasant screening procedure (29%), while participants' gastrointestinal symptoms or family history (32%) and physicians' recommendation or patients' self-health conditions (25%) were more important to intentions for a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy screening. This study suggests tailoring strategies and messages to encourage use of various screening. Unique cultural issues, such as avoidance of facing problems (28%), embarrassment (23%), or lack of acceptance of preventive behaviors (16%), were also discussed with recommendations provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Rural women are underrepresented in cancer research. We hypothesized that providing access to a research study to rural, medically underserved women who were receiving their breast cancer screening using a mobile mammography unit would increase the representation of rural women in a cancer cohort study. Design: This study is a cross-sectional study using a cohort of women who have been recruited to a breast cancer study in Arkansas. Setting: Recruiters accompanied a mobile mammography unit, the MammoVan, to implement a novel method for reaching and recruiting underrepresented rural Arkansas women into the study. Participants include 5850 women recruited from 2010 through 2012 as part of the Arkansas Rural Community Health (ARCH) study. Results: Participants recruited during their mammography screening on the MammoVan tended to be more rural, less educated, and more likely to be non-Hispanic than those recruited in other venues. A significant difference was not noted for race or age. Conclusion: Collaboration with the MammoVan greatly aided the recruitment of rural participants. These strategies can facilitate the representation of this historically underserved and understudied rural population in future research studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the experience of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) using a home-administered kit that requires no stool handling for cob rectal cancer screening among Chinese people age 40 and older. 304 participants were recruited from 10 worksites in Taiwan. Both oral and written instructions on how to use the test kit were provided. After participants completed the screening test, their experiences were documented through structured open-ended probing survey questions. Although analysis showed some challenges for Chinese participants as first time users, the overall reactions and perceived advantages towards the kit were promising. Interventions should consider the participant's stage of adaptation to new screening strategies, literacy, and environmental conditions. Since no known research has been conducted among Chinese people with a kit, experience provides valuable qualitative insights for planning intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes procedures designed to demonstrate Nuttin's (1985) name letter effect in an undergraduate social psychology class. Preference for objects or events related to oneself. Nature of subjects, procedure and results of the study.

The Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire (KMAQ) measures laypersons' knowledge of memory changes in adulthood for research or educational purposes. Half of the questions pertain to normal memory aging and the other half cover pathological memory deficits due to non-normative factors, such as adult dementia. In this study, we compared memory knowledge in middle age adults (40-59 years), young-old adults (60-79 years) and very old adults (80 years and over). These data were collected as a part of the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study, a multidisciplinary population-based study that examines the determinants of healthy aging in adulthood. Results indicated that very old adults performed more poorly overall. Follow-up analyses revealed that they endorsed stereotyped views of normal memory aging more often than did the other age groups. Analyses of response accuracy by gender yielded comparable performance for men and women. Implications for research and the design of educational programs are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor growth and the development of metastases require an angiogenic response. Angiogenic vessels uniquely express somatostatin subtype 2 (sst 2) receptors that can transport somatostatin or its analogs into the cell. We hypothesized that radiolabeled somatostatin analogs could inhibit the angiogenic response by selectively destroying proliferating endothelial cells. We evaluated the antiangiogenic effects of [sup 111]In-pentetreotide, an sst 2-preferring somatostatin analog in a human vessel model. Disks of human placental vein were embedded in fibrin gels in culture and observed for angiogenic sprouting for 14 days. Vein disks were treated with [sup 111]In-pentetreotide (1.5, 15, and 150 micro Ci/mL) on the day of implantation. Control groups included disks treated with nutrient medium alone, with [sup 111]In-chloride, and with unlabeled pentetreotide. The percentage of wells that initiated an angiogenic response and the overall length and density of neovessel sprouts were assessed on Day 14. [sup 111]In-pentetreotide treatment did not completely block initiation of the angiogenic response but significantly decreased the growth of neovessels after initiation. Both the receptor-specific Auger electron-induced and nonspecific gamma radiation-mediated effects contributed to the angiotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]