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To evaluate the interobserver variability for US assessments of thyroid nodules and analyze the diagnostic performances of US assessments in thyroid nodules according to nodule size.This was an IRB-approved retrospective study with waiver of informed consent. A total of 400 surgically-confirmed thyroid nodules were included. Nodules were divided into 4 groups by size; group 1 (nodule size 5 mm), group 2 (5 mm ≤ nodule size 10 mm), group 3 (10 mm ≤ nodule size 20 mm), and group 4 (nodule size ≥ 20 mm). Three experienced (7 - 10 years) radiologists retrospectively reviewed the US images. Agreement of each US descriptor and final US assessment, and diagnostic performances were calculated in each group and compared.Composition represented substantial or good agreement (k = 0.719 - 0.89). Margin showed the lowest agreement (k = 0.322 - 0.365). Individual kappa values for final assessment according to nodule size were as follows: group 1 (k = 0.674), group 2 (k = 0.596), group 3 (k = 0.674), and group 4 (k = 0.673). Specificity, PPV, and accuracy were significantly different among the groups with different size (p value 0.05) and lowest in group 1. NPV, specificity, PPV and accuracy except PPV of observer 3 increased with nodule size (p 0.05).Interobserver agreements were relatively good (k = 0.637) in final US assessment regardless of nodule size in experienced radiologists. High false-positive rate was observed in US assessment in nodules less than 5 mm in maximum diameter.ZIEL:: Die Bewertung der Interobserver-Variabilität und die Analyse der diagnostischen Leistungsfähigkeit bei der US-Beurteilung von Schilddrüsenknoten entsprechend der Größe.Es handelt sich um eine vom IRB genehmigte, retrospektive Studie mit Verzicht auf Einwilligung nach Aufklärung. Eingeschlossen wurden insgesamt 400 operativ bestätigte Schilddrüsenknoten. Die Knoten wurden je nach Größe in 4 Gruppen unterteilt: Gruppe 1 (Knotengröße 5 mm), Gruppe 2 (Knotengröße ≥ 5 mm bis 10 mm), Gruppe 3 (Knotengröße ≥ 10 mm bis 20 mm) und Gruppe 4 (Knotengröße ≥ 20 mm). Drei Radiologen mit 7- bis 10-jähriger Erfahrung bewerteten retrospektiv die US-Bilder. Die Übereinstimmung jedes US-Deskriptors, die US-Endbewertung sowie die diagnostische Leistungsfähigkeit wurden jeder Gruppe berechnet und miteinander verglichen.Die Struktur zeigte eine beachtliche bis gute Übereinstimmung (κ = 0,719 – 0,89). Die Begrenzung zeigte die niedrigste Übereinstimmung (κ = 0,322 – 0,365). Die individuellen Kappa-Werte der Endbewertung nach Knotengröße betrugen: In Gruppe 1 (κ = 0,674), in Gruppe 2 (κ = 0,596), in Gruppe 3 (κ = 0,674) und in Gruppe 4 (κ = 0,673). Spezifität, PVW und Genauigkeit zeigten signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen unterschiedlicher Größe (p-Wert 0,05) und waren jeweils in Gruppe 1 am niedrigsten. Abgesehen vom PVW bei Beobachter 3 stiegen NVW, Spezifität, PVW und Genauigkeit mit zunehmender Knotengröße (p 0,05) an.Die Interobserver-Übereinstimmungen erfahrener Radiologen waren unabhängig von der Knotengröße in der Endbewertung relativ gut (κ = 0,637). Eine hohe Rate an falsch positiven Ergebnissen wurde bei der sonografischen Beurteilung von Knoten unter 5 mm maximalem Durchmesser beobachtet.

Ce rapport de cas montre le traitement réussi d’un adulte présentant une classe II squelettique avec une béance secondaire à la résorption idiopathique des condyles mandibulaires. La reconstruction totale des articulations temporo-mandibulaires par des implants alloplastiques et la rotation dans le sens anti-horaire du complexe maxillo-mandibulaire, associées à un traitement d’orthodontie, ont permis d’obtenir un résultat satisfaisant avec une amélioration esthétique et fonctionnelle maximale.

In nongrowing patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion, premolar extraction or maxillary molar distalization can be used as camouflage treatment. Orthodontic miniscrew implants are widely used for this purpose because they do not produce undesirable reciprocal effects and do not depend on the patient's cooperation. This article reports on maxillary molar distalization by using miniscrew implants to correct a Class II problem. The main considerations of molar distalization treatment with miniscrew implants are discussed.

We report that the novel covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are capable of reversibly providing an extremely high uptake capacity of carbon dioxide at room temperature. These COFs are designed via the combination of ab initio calculations and force-field calculations. For this goal, we explore the adsorption sites of carbon dioxide on COFs, their porosity, as well as carbon dioxide adsorption isotherms. We identify the binding sites and energies of CO2 on COFs using ab initio calculations and obtain the carbon dioxide adsorption isotherms using grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo calculations. Moreover, the calculated adsorption isotherms are compared with the experimental values in order to build the reference model in describing the interactions between the CO2 and the COFs and in predicting the CO2 adsorption isotherms of COFs. Finally, we design three new COFs, 2D COF-05, 3D COF-05 (ctn), and 3D COF-05 (bor), for the high capacity CO2 storage. The carbon dioxide adsorption values of the new 3D COFs are about six times larger than that of MOF-177. This suggests that 3D COFs are very promising candidates for high capacity CO2 storage.

An adult patient with severe maxillary protrusion and deepbite who was congenitally missing two mandibular incisors was treated successfully by maximum retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth after extraction of the maxillary first premolars using a moment differential between the anterior and posterior segments created by a universal T-loop. Anterior teeth were moved with controlled tipping, and little anchorage loss of the posterior segments was experienced using the universal T-loop spring. Reduction of overbite was performed by absolute intrusion of both maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. With retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth and recontouring of the mandibular canines, proper overjet and overbite were achieved. This report shows the 10-year stability of the case treated with the universal T-loop for the first time.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in hyoid, tongue, pharyngeal airway, and head posture in patients who had mandibular setback surgery by intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and to investigate the influence of LeFort I osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion were evaluated. All patients had mandibular setback surgery via IVRO, and 45 patients had additional maxillary impaction surgery via LeFort I osteotomy. Lateral cephalograms were taken before, immediately after, approximately 1 month after, and at least 1 year after surgery. Parameters indicating the hyoid, tongue, pharyngeal airway, and head posture were evaluated. RESULTS: The hyoid significantly moved inferoposteriorly immediately after surgery and relapsed superoanteriorly during observation periods. The tongue significantly moved posteriorly during all periods. The final position of the hyoid and tongue was significantly posterior, and the final pharyngeal airway was significantly narrower compared with its presurgical position. Significant cervical hyperflection occurred during observation periods and was strongly correlated with anterior movement of the hyoid. The hyoid and tongue showed similar positions regardless of the presence of different genders or LeFort I osteotomy after the long-term observation period. CONCLUSIONS: The hyoid and tongue moved posteriorly after mandibular setback surgery via IVRO, and there was a tendency to relapse back to its original position. However, the final pharyngeal airway width remained narrower after the long-term observation period. Based on our results, careful monitoring of the airway may be needed after mandibular setback surgery via IVRO.

Objective The aim of this study was to establish the normative data of dentofacial transverse dimensions according to the skeletal maturation stage in Korean adolescents with good occlusion, assess gender differences and determine correlations between transverse variables. Methods A total of 577 Korean subjects between ages 7 to 19 years and exhibiting skeletal Class I occlusion were categorized by skeletal maturation index (SMI) of Fishman using hand-wrist radiographs. Dentofacial transverse dimensions were assessed using posteroanterior cephalograms. Independent two-sample t-tests were used to analyze differences between genders. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between transverse measurements. Results Dentofacial transverse norms relevant to skeletal maturation stages were established. The average maxillomandibular width difference and ratio at growth completion was 22.16 mm and 77.01% for males; 23.70 mm and 74.06% for females, respectively. Males had greater facial, maxillary and mandibular widths compared to females at every SMI stage. The maxillary and mandibular intermolar widths showed the strongest correlation for both sexes (r = 0.826 for males, r = 0.725 for females). Conclusions Dentofacial transverse norms of Korean adolescents were established according to developmental stage. All dentofacial widths were greater in males at growth completion. Maxillary and mandibular intermolar widths were strongly correlated. This study may serve as a guideline for the assessment of dentofacial transverse growth according to skeletal maturation stage in Korean adolescents with good occlusion.

Objective This study was performed to investigate the alveolar bone of lower incisors in skeletal Class III adults of different vertical facial patterns and to compare it with that of Class I adults using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Methods CBCT images of 90 skeletal Class III and 29 Class I patients were evaluated. Class III subjects were divided by mandibular plane angle: high (SN-MP > 38.0°), normal (30.0° < SN-MP < 37.0°), and low (SN-MP < 28.0°) groups. Buccolingual alveolar bone thickness was measured using CBCT images of mandibular incisors at alveolar crest and 3, 6, and 9 mm apical levels. Linear mixed model, Bonferroni post-hoc test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical significance. Results Buccolingual alveolar bone in Class III high, normal and low angle subjects was not significantly different at alveolar crest and 3 mm apical level while lingual bone was thicker at 6 and 9 mm apical levels than on buccal side. Class III high angle group had thinner alveolar bone at all levels except at buccal alveolar crest and 9 mm apical level on lingual side compared to the Class I group. Class III high angle group showed thinner alveolar bone than the Class III normal or low angle groups in most regions. Mandibular plane angle showed negative correlations with mandibular anterior alveolar bone thickness. Conclusions Skeletal Class III subjects with high mandibular plane angles showed thinner mandibular alveolar bone in most areas compared to normal or low angle subjects. Mandibular plane angle was negatively correlated with buccolingual alveolar bone thickness.

We evaluated the hemodynamics of tissue-engineered hybrid graft in vivo. The hybrid expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) scaffold was fabricated by coating the ePTFE graft with poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) solution. This scaffold was turned into an engineered hybrid graft by culturing smooth muscle cells on its surface. Both the ePTFE (n = 6) and the engineered hybrid grafts (n = 8) were implanted in the carotid arteries of mongrel dogs. The length of intima in the engineered hybrid graft was greater than the ePTFE. The neoarterial thickness in the engineered hybrid group was greater, and the foreign body reaction was more severe. We compared the hemodynamics (diameter, flow rate, pulsatile index, mean velocity, shear stress, resistance index, and systolic/diastolic ratio) of the native arteries in the distal anastmosis. The shear rate in the engineered hybrid group was higher immediately after implantation, and the resistance index was lower, but there was no significant difference after 4 weeks. The engineered grafts demonstrated similar hemodynamics with the ePTFE grafts after 4 weeks implantation.

Although human consumption of Bacillus polyfermenticus provides several health benefits, the probiotic effect of this bacterium against colonic inflammation has not yet, to our knowledge, been studied. Therefore, we induced colitis in mice by oral or intrarectal administration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) or trinitrobenzenosulfonic acid (TNBS), respectively, and investigated the effect of B. polyfermenticus on colitis. We found that mice treated with DSS or TNBS along with B. polyfermenticus had reduced mortality and severity of colitis (weight loss, diarrhea, and mucosal damages) than mice treated with DSS or TNBS alone. B. polyfermenticus also reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules, including chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1, intercellular adhesion molecule, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but enhanced the expression of the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in the inflamed mouse colon. Moreover, B. polyfermenticus suppressed apoptosis both in vivo in inflamed colonic mucosa and in vitro in colonic epithelial cells stimulated with apoptosis-inducing agents (FasL or Clostridium difficile Toxin A) when the apoptotic response was determined by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase or caspase-3, respectively. Treating colonic epithelial cells with B. polyfermenticus-conditioned medium (BPCM) enhanced cell proliferation and induced the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/Akt signaling pathway, suggesting that this bacterium can promote epithelial cell proliferation. BPCM also promoted the migration of colonic epithelial cells. These data suggest that B. polyfermenticus ameliorates colonic inflammation by suppressing apoptosis and promoting epithelial cell proliferation and migration.

Using conventional methods to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) with uniform size is a challenging task. Moreover, the degradation of magnetic N Ps is an obstacle to practical applications. The fabrication of silica-shielded magnetite NPs on carbon nitride nanotubes (CNNTs) provides a possible route to overcome these problems. While the nitrogen atoms of CN NTs provide selective nucleation sites for NPs of a particular size, the silica layer protects the NPs from oxidation. The morphology and crystal structure of NP―CNNT hybrid material is investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction. In addition, the atomic nature of the N atoms in the NP―CNNT system is studied by near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (nitrogen K-edge) and calculations of the partial density of states based on first principles. The structure of the silica-shielded NP―CNNT system is analyzed by TEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping, and their magnetism is measured by vibrating sample and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometers. The silica shielding helps maintain the superparamagnetism of the NPs; without the silica layer, the magnetic properties of NP―CNNT materials significantly degrade over time.

Structures and vibrational frequencies of group 17 fluorides EF 3 (E = I, At, and element 117) are calculated at the density functional theory (DFT) level of theory using relativistic effective core potentials (RECPs) with and without spin-orbit terms in order to investigate the effects of spin-orbit interactions and electron correlations on the structures and vibrational frequencies of EF 3 . Various tests imply that spin-orbit and electron correlation effects estimated presently from Hartree-Fock (HF) and DFT calculations with RECPs with and without spin-orbit terms are quite reasonable. Spin-orbit and electron correlation effects generally increase bond lengths and/or angles in both C 2v and D 3h structures. For IF 3 , the C 2v structure is a global minimum, and the D 3h structure is a second-order saddle point in both HF and DFT calculations with and without spin-orbit interactions. Spin-orbit effects for IF 3 are negligible in comparison to electron correlation effects. The D 3h global minimum is the only minimum structure for (117)F 3 in all RECP calculations, and the C 2v structure is neither a local minimum nor a saddle point. In the case of AtF 3 , the C 2v structure is found to be a local minimum in all RECP calculations without spin-orbit terms, and the D 3h structure becomes a local minimum at the DFT level of theory with and without spin-orbit interactions. In the HF calculation with spin-orbit terms, the D 3h structure of AtF 3 is a second-order saddle point. AtF 3 is a borderline case between the valence-shell-electron-pair-repulsion (VSEPR) structure of IF 3 and the non-VSEPR structure of (117)F 3 . Relativistic effects, including scalar relativistic and spin-orbit effects, and electron correlation effects together or separately stabilize the D 3h structures more than the C 2v structures. As a result, one may suggest that the VSEPR predictions agree very well with the structures optimized by the nonrelativistic HF level of theory even for heavy-atom molecules but not so well with those from more elaborate theoretical methods. Vibrational frequencies of AtF 3 and (117)F 3 are modified substantially and nonadditively by spin-orbit and electron correlation contributions. This is one of those rare cases for which vibrational frequencies of the closed-shell molecules are significantly affected by spin-orbit interactions. Spin-orbit interactions decrease all vibrational frequencies of EF 3 molecules considered.

Analyses of the chitosan disks treated with proton ion beams were performed with Fourier transformed infrared spectrometer spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), color changes and relative viscosity changes. The chitosan disks were irradiated with proton ion beams from a cyclotron ion generator with high energy after calculating in advance the conditions of proton ion beam irradiation such as beam species, time and energies with stopping and range of ions in matter software. Detection of any significant changes in the chemical structures of the beam-treated chitosan samples was not noticed when we compared to those of its corresponding chemical structures of the untreated ones by FT-IR and 1H-NMR. However, reductions of the molecular weights of the beam-treated samples were verified by the results of both measurement of their relative viscosities and visualization of its color changes. Irradiation of proton ion beams on the chitosan disks led to visual changes of its colors from white to brown. Further analysis of their atomic composition ratios and chemical structures with their survey scans and high resolution C1s XPS spectroscopy demonstrated significantly noticeable differences such as new peak positions in their chemical structures between the untreated and the ion beam-treated chitosans. These results indicated that analyses by XPS and measurement of relative viscosity changes were far more sensitive than those by NMR and FT-IR were in analyzing the changes of the chemical structures of the ion beam-treated chitosan samples in this study. These results indicated that reduction of chitosan molecular weight is possible by irradiation of proton ion beams with high energy.

Control of water-soluble chitosan molecular weight was performed by irradiation of cyclotron proton ion beams by changing treatment conditions such as beam irradiation time for upto 10 min, beam energies as well as beam distances between the sample surface and beam after pre-calculating the sample positions with Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter software. Irradiation of high energy cyclotron ion beam induced significant reduction of molecular weights of water-soluble chitosan as observed by changes in both relative viscosity and molecular weights measured by gel permeation chromatography. The molecular weights of the beam-treated chitosan were reduced to 55–20% compared to that of the untreated one, depending on the beam irradiation conditions such as treatment time and beam energy. Polydispersity index indicated that the reduced chitosan molecular weights were wider distributed compared to that of the untreated chitosan samples.

Characterization of an hyaluronic acid (HA)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogel was performed by changing the number of side arms in a PEO molecule. Verification of grafting chemistry and mechanical strength, as well as swelling behaviors and surface morphologies of the HA-PEO hydrogels were analyzed by employing different x-linking molecular weights (MW) of PEO ranging from 1.7 to 5.0 kDa at a fixed low MW HA in the hydrogel network. Methacrylation to the HA successfully obtained via Michael type reaction between the methacrylate arm groups in HA and the thiol end groups in PEO was observed by XPS. Hydrogel formation was markedly dependent upon the numbers of thiol groups in the PEO molecule. Furthermore the lower MW PEO-based HA hydrogel demonstrated stronger mechanical properties but lower water absorption and the smaller pore sizes on its surface and cross section.

In vitro cell behaviors of calvarial osteoblasts (MC3T3) were evaluated by seeding them on both the surface and inside of in situ hyaluronic acid-poly(ethylene oxide) (HA-PEO) hydrogel, either after or before incorporation of mixture micro-particles of hydroxyapatite-β-tricalcium phosphate on/inside the hydrogel, respectively. Cellular behaviors such as adhesion and proliferation on the surface and inside the gel were evaluated with light microscopy and a microplate reader by focusing on the interactions of cell-HA-PEO as well as cell-hydroxyapatitetricalcium phosphate micro-particle surface in the gel. Cell adhesion and spreading seemed to be enhanced by supplying the micro-particles to the inside the HA-PEO hydrogel, compared to the results of the HA-PEO hydrogel itself.

Though hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel has drawn great attention in biomedical society, it’s long molecular weights sometimes have been problematic due to its difficulty in handling. After reduction of its high molecular weight into smaller sizes with various concentrations of hydrogen chloride solutions, its chemical and biological properties have been examined by changes in viscosity, FTIR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography as well as cellular interactions. While FTIR analysis indicated maintenance of its original chemical structures, its viscosity has been remarkably reduced and its extent was dependent upon the employment of acid concentrations. After controlling its molecular weight to approximately 100 kDa and coupling of aminopropymethacrylate to the treated HA, we evaluated in vitro cellular interactions and cell proliferations of the HA-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogel.

Clinical applications of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as a small diameter graft have been limited due to its limited patency rates, even though its demands are high. After fabricating the biodegradable PLGA layers on both the inside and outside of ePTFE, long-term in vitro smooth muscle cell culture was performed on the luminal scaffold surface. The fabricated hybrid ePTFE scaffolds were designed to have three distinctive layers and porous structures in the biodegradable layers generated by gas-foaming of the ammonium bicarbonate porogens, i.e. two layers of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as biodegradable layers for tissue engineering and an ePTFE layer in the middle as a non-biodegradable layer. We evaluated the regenerated vascular tissues after applying either static or pulstile flow on a smooth muscle cells-seeded hybrid scaffold. Analysis of the engineered tissues was performed with SEM for morphological observation and H&E staining for observation of tissue development dependent upon a mode of culture system, flow patterns and scaffold species.

Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel was synthesized by reacting hyaluronic acid with aminopropyl methacrylate and then with poly(ethylene oxide). Gelation was observed within 5.5 h with a rheometer by employing viscous and elastic modulus. While the hydrogel was analyzed by light and electron microscopy for morphological observation, other analysis was performed by Fourier-transformed infrared and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. Understanding of a putative reaction scheme was outlined by reference to N -(3-diethylpropyl)- N -ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride for acrylation of hyaluronic acid and by a Michael-type reaction between methacrylate in aminopropyl methacrylate and thiol arms in PEO end groups.

Placing orthodontic mini-implants allows clinicians to use simple and esthetic appliances to retract anterior teeth. This usage is reported here in a patient with lip protrusion and mild crowding. The anterior teeth were splinted on the lingual side and retracted by an elastomeric chain connected to orthodontic mini-implants without the use of an archwire or brackets. After space closure, brackets were bonded for detailing individual teeth. The desired movement of the anterior teeth was achieved by changing the application point of the retraction force and adjusting the line of force.

We tested a possibility of surface modification of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film by irradiating either proton or helium ion beams for up to 20 min with both beam energies from 9 MeV to 50 MeV and beam currents from 1 nA to 100 nA. The treated PTFE films were evaluated by dynamic water contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy, X-photoelectron microscopy and cellular adhesion. The results indicated that lower energy and helium ion beams induced better surface modification than proton beams did, judged by the above chemical and physical changes of the films.

Caudal-related homeobox transcription factors are involved in the definition of the anteroposterior axis and intestinal development. Recent reports indicate that dysregulation of CDX1 and CDX2, the human homologues of Drosophila caudal, are associated with several types of cancer. Very little is known, however, about the regulatory mechanisms that direct the caudal-related homeobox gene expression. In this study, we have identified the binding sites for bHLH–PAS proteins, referred to as CNS midline element (CME), in the 5′-flanking region of the Drosophila caudal gene. Analyses using transgenic flies carrying a caudal-lacZ fusion gene bearing a wild-type or mutant CME indicate that the CME sites are required for caudal gene expression in vivo. We also determined that the caudal promoter activity can be regulated by Trachealess (Trh)/Tango (Tgo) bHLH–PAS proteins, via the CME sites. Our results suggest that the Drosophila caudal gene is a target of the Trh/Tgo bHLH–PAS proteins.

Caffeine has been proposed to have several beneficial effects on obesity and its related metabolic diseases; however, how caffeine affects adipocyte differentiation has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that caffeine suppressed 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and inhibited the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, two main adipogenic transcription factors. Anti-adipogenic markers, such as preadipocyte secreted factor (Pref)-1 and Kruppel-like factor 2, remained to be expressed in the presence of caffeine. Furthermore, 3T3-L1 cells failed to undergo typical mitotic clonal expansion in the presence of caffeine. Investigation of hormonal signaling revealed that caffeine inhibited the activation of AKT and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3 in a dose-dependent manner, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Our data show that caffeine is an anti-adipogenic bioactive compound involved in the modulation of mitotic clonal expansion during adipocyte differentiation through the AKT/GSK3 pathway. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(2): 111-115].

Background Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which polarized epithelial cells have mesenchymal cell phenotypes, is thought to be a key process of invasion and metastasis of cancer. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) is known to be carcinogenic and Helicobacter pylori is a predominant carcinogen of gastric cancer. Our study aimed to determine whether TGF-β1 or H. pylori infection enhances EMT process and cytotoxin-associated gene E (CagE) is associated with EMT. Materials and Methods Human gastric cancer cell AGS and MKN45 were treated with recombinant TGF-β1 or H. pylori including cagE-negative (ΔcagE) mutant. Besides the assessment of EMT-related markers expression levels by means of RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assay, the induction of in vitro EMT on gastric cancer cells (AGS and MKN cell lines) was confirmed by wound-healing assay and invasion assay. Results When gastric cancer cells were treated with TGF-β1 or various strains of cagE-positive H. pylori, EMT-related marker altered significantly. However, the ΔcagE mutant did not. Wound-healing assay and invasion assay showed enhanced migration ability of the cells treated with cagE-positive H. pylori but not in ΔcagE mutant. Conclusions EMT induction in gastric cancer cells by TGF-β1 was confirmed. Only infection with cagE-positive H. pylori upregulated the TGF-β1-mediated EMT pathway and consequently promotes EMT. Therefore, H. pylori might induce TGF-β1-mediated EMT associated with the cagE.

Introduction This study was performed to investigate the cephalometric configuration of the occlusal plane in patients with anterior open bite. Methods Of 61 subjects with open bite (overbite ≥3.75 mm) who had been recruited consecutively from January 2006 to November 2013 and had no history of orthodontic treatment, 14 cephalometric landmarks indicating the incisal edge or the buccal or mesiobuccal cusp tips of each tooth were used for K-means clustering to classify the occlusal plane configuration. For the open-bite group and a control group with normal occlusion (n = 38), dentoalveolar height, which is the perpendicular distance of each tooth to the palatal or mandibular plane, was compared among the clusters and between the 2 groups. Results The open-bite subjects were divided into 2 clusters according to occlusal contact of the premolars: Y-form and V-form (with and without premolar contact, respectively). The normalized dentoalveolar heights of the 4 mandibular teeth (lateral incisor to second premolar) were significantly greater in the Y-form class than in the V-form class. The dentoalveolar heights of the 5 maxillary teeth (lateral incisor to first molar) were significantly greater in the open-bite group than in the control group. Conclusions For anterior open-bite treatment, the cephalometric configuration of the occlusal plane should be considered based on the occlusal contacts of the premolars.

A variety of vinylic alkoxyamines derived from propargyl alcohols and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine N-oxyl (TEMPO) were synthesized in good yields under copper-catalyzed aerobic conditions. A reaction mechanism was proposed, involving the isomerization of propargyl radicals to allenic radicals, and related mechanistic studies were performed. The kinetic isotope effect on the propargyl C–H bond cleavage (α-deprotonation) reaction was observed (kH/kD = 3.76).

To improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying early embryo development, further characterization of gene activity in oocytes and embryos is urgently required. The transition from the two-cell to four-cell stage is particularly important in pre-implantation embryonic development, as it involves transcriptional reprogramming and cellular differentiation. In this study, we used a 7.4 K cDNA microarray to screen mRNA transcript levels in the pre-implantation mouse embryo. Real-time PCR was used to confirm microarray data. We profiled 7,410 genes and identified 4,562 genes that were differentially expressed in the pre-implantation embryo. We selected a total of 248 genes with significant expression changes that are functionally involved in the two-cell and two-cell block embryo. Of these genes, 114 were down-regulated and the remainder (n=134) were up-regulated in the two-cell embryo. This study provides a developmental map of a large number of genes in the pre-implantation mouse embryo with particular emphasis on gene expression in the two-cell embryo and two-cell block embryo. Further investigations based on this data will provide a better understanding of the effects of various external conditions and may facilitate comparative analysis of pre-implantation development in other mammalian species, including human.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a myeloid leukemia caused by over-expression of fusion protein, PML/RAR(α), which was the result of chromosomal translocation and induces the blockage of differentiation of affected promyelocytes. Pharmacological dose of retinoic acid induces the activation of and subsequent degradation of PML/RAR(α) fusion protein, and then APL cells undergo through the normal differentiation pathway. Arsenic trioxide has proved effective in causing remission of acute promyelocytic leukemia by inducing apoptosis of this tumor cells, whereas the heterogeneity of cellular susceptibility to this cytotoxic agent limited its usage on more types of tumors in clinic. This work showed that arsenic trioxide could induce apoptosis of a panel of acute promyelocytic leukemic cell lines, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) sensitive NB4 cells and ATRA resistant UF-1 cell. They were investigated with regard to the correlation between the inherent or intrinsic cellular level of GSH and the apoptotic susceptibility of the cells to arsenic trioxide. We manifested, in two cell types, the inherently existed difference in intracellular GSH level reactive to the arsenic trioxide, and a positive correlation between the GSH level and their apoptotic sensitivity to arsenic trioxide. And it showed that arsenic trioxide could differentiate promyelocytic cancer cells to the cells possessed of dendritic cell surface markers. Unravelling the cause of the different susceptibility between leukemic cells and proving that promyelocyte could be differentiated to dendritic cells by arsenic trioxide will help not only to understand the mechanism underlying the complete remission of acute promyelocytic leukemia induced by arsenic trioxide, but also to expand its clinical usage.

Strategies of better vascular tissue engineering may require delivery of soluble bioactive signals in cell culture medium to the cells in tissue-regenerating constructs. We measured the diffusivity and permeability of model tissue-engineering bioactive molecules such as water and heparin through the walls of both a hybrid ePTFE graft and a porcine carotid artery, a model vascular tissue. While diffusivities of H3-water and H3-heparin were measured as 3.9 × 10−6 and 1.6 × 10−6 cm2/s in the artery, respectively, under diffusional circulation of cell culture medium through the lumens of the carotid arteries, their corresponding permeabilities were 4.7 × 10−5 and 2.0 × 10−5 cm/s. On the other hand, diffusivities of H3-water and H3-heparin were also measured as 5.1 × 10−6 and 4.7 × 10−6 cm2/s, respectively, in the tissue-engineered hybrid ePTFE grafts; their corresponding permeabilities were 5.1 × 10−5 and 3.7 × 10−5 cm/s. The hybrid graft tissues were engineered by replacing the biodegradable, porous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) layers coated on the ePTFE surfaces with smooth muscle cell-derived tissues for 6 weeks. We analyzed the morphologies of the artery and the engineered hybrid ePTFE tissues with scanning electron microscopy and H&E stains. While the artery had its typical structure properties with layers of intima, media and adventitia, the tissue-engineered ePTFE hybrid graft had two layers of engineered tissues on the inner and outer surfaces of the ePTFE. There were no significant differences among the luminal tissue morphologies of the test samples from the effects of diffusion flow applications, with minor changes on their luminal surfaces. The results of water and heparin diffusion experiments indicated that these bioactive molecules were well transported from the cell culture medium to the tissue-engineering cells, enough to support tissue regeneration. We hope that these transport results may elucidate the transport behaviors of soluble nutrient molecules and biological signals through the vascular constructs under tissue engineering processes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006

We examined the effects of cross-linking molecular weights on the properties of a hyaluronic acid (HA)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogel. Swelling behaviors, mechanical strength and rheological behaviors of the HA-PEO hydrogel were evaluated by employing different cross-linking molecular weights (100 kDa and 1.63 mDa) of the HAs in the hydrogel networks. The low molecular weight of HA was obtained in advance by treating high molecular weight HA with a hydrogen chloride solution. Methacrylation of HA was obtained by grafting aminopropylmethacrylate to its caroboxylic acid functional groups. While reduction of the HA molecular weights was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, the degree of methacrylate grafting to the HA was measured by (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Synthesis of the HA-PEO hydrogel was successfully achieved via the Michael-type addition reaction between the methacrylate arm groups in the HA and the six thiol groups in PEO. The hydrogel formation was not dependent upon the HA molecular weights and its gelation behaviors were markedly different. Compared to the properties of the high molecular weight HA-based PEO one, the low molecular weight HA-based hydrogel induced quicker hydrogelation, as observed from the behaviors of the elastic and viscous modulus. Furthermore, the low molecular weight HA-based hydrogel demonstrated stronger mechanical properties as measured with a texture analyzer, lower water absorption as measured with a microbalance and smaller pore sizes on its surface and cross section as observed with scanning electron microscopy. The information about the effects of the cross-linking molecular weights of the gel network on the properties of the HA-based PEO hydrogel may lead to better design of hydrogels, especially in tissue engineering applications.

We engineered a vascular media tissue by employing a hybrid ePTFE graft scaffold and vascular smooth muscle cells. The hybrid ePTFE scaffolds consisted of two porous biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) thin layers on the inner and the outer surfaces of the non-biodegradable ePTFE layer. The porous structure of the PLGA layers was obtained for control of tissue regeneration by gas-forming of ammonium bicarbonates as porogens. To improve tissue regeneration, we coated with gelatin on the porous biodegradable PLGA surface after testing its cellular adhesion over other biopolymers such as chitosan, fibrin and collagen. Media tissue regeneration was successfully achieved on the PLGA layer and their result was dependent on employment of gelatin coating and tissue culture period. While the two PLGA layers were expected to serve as biological layers of intima, media and adventitia of the blood vessel after their transformation into engineered tissues, the ePTFE in the middle of the hybrid scaffold did as a mechanically supporting layer.

Spin–orbit effects on the spectroscopic constants (bond lengths, dissociation energies and harmonic vibrational frequencies) for HX, X 2 (X = Cl, Br and I) and IZ (Z = F, Cl and Br) molecules have been studied using shape-consistent relativistic effective core potentials (RECPs) with effective one-electron spin–orbit operator at HF, MP2, CCSD and CCSD(T) levels. Basis sets of pVTZ quality have been derived for Cl, Br and I for the present work. The spectroscopic constants calculated by the two-component RECP method are in good agreement with those from all-electron Dirac–Coulomb calculations with the basis sets of the similar quality at all levels of theory considered, suggesting that RECP methods mimic all-electron Dirac–Coulomb methods calculations rather well for molecules. Spin–orbit effects elongate the bond lengths, while reduce the dissociation energies and harmonic vibrational frequencies. From the spin–orbit effects on the spectroscopic constants, especially on dissociation energies of IF, ICl, IBr and I 2 , it is confirmed that the magnitude of spin–orbit effects increases in the F

SONO are calculated withthe density functional theory (DFT) method and compared with those of the ab initio molecular orbitalmethods. There are two probable pathways for this rearrangement, one involving the transition state of anoxygen migration and the other through the homolytic decomposition to radicals. The reaction barrier via thetransition state is about 60 kcal/mol and the decomposition energy into radicals about 35 kcal/mol, suggestingthat the reaction pathway via the homolytic cleavage to radical species is energetically favorable. Since eventhe homolytic cleavage requires large energies, the rearrangement reaction is unlikely without the aid ofcatalysts. Key Words : Rearrangement reaction of thionitrate, Density functional theory calculations, Ab initio MO calcu-lationsIntroductionThe nitric oxide (NO) radical plays an important role inbiochemistry and atmospheric chemistry.

Spin–orbit density functional theory method implemented in the NWCHEM program package has been employed with the shape-consistent relativistic effective core potentials to calculate spectroscopic constants (bond lengths, frequencies, and dissociation energies) and estimate spin–orbit effects for 6th(Tl–At)- and 7th(113–117)-row element monohydrides. Results calculated with local density approximation and gradient-corrected approximation of the exchange-correlation functional are usually similar to those of other all-electron relativistic density functional approaches. The spin–orbit effects on the spectroscopic constants are in good agreement with previous two-component coupled-cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples results calculated with same relativistic effective core potentials and basis sets. Spin–orbit density functional theory calculations with extended basis sets and extensive set of functionals for TlH, (113)H, PbH, (114)H, and PbO molecules indicate that there could be substantial variations among functionals and that the hybrid functionals produce the results in excellent overall agreement with empirical measures.

Bond lengths, harmonic vibrational frequencies and dissociation energies of TlAt and (1 1 3)(1 1 7) are calculated at the highly correlated level of theory with and without spin–orbit interactions. Spin–orbit effects of Group 13 and Group 17 elements almost cancel out for Re. The spin–orbit effects on De of TlAt(−1.20 eV) and (1 1 3)(1 1 7)(−2.05 eV) are roughly the sum of those of the corresponding element hydrides. Element 113 becomes more electronegative than Element 117 upon inclusion of spin–orbit interactions in the (1 1 3)(1 1 7) molecule. Electron correlations and spin–orbit effects are almost additive in the TlAt molecule, but the nonadditivity is quite pronounced for the (1 1 3)(1 1 7) molecule.

Background/Aims This study was conducted to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that are differentially expressed in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with an intestinal type of gastric cancer using miRNA microarray and to confirm the candidate miRNA expression levels. Methods Total RNA was extracted from the cancerous and noncancerous regions of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of H. pylori-positive (n=8) or H. pylori-negative (n=8) patients with an intestinal type of gastric cancer. RNA expression was analyzed using a 3,523 miRNA profiling microarray based on the Sanger miRBase. Validation analysis was performed using TaqMan miRNA assays. Results A total of 219 miRNAs in the aberrant miRNA profiles across the miRNA microarray showed at least a 2-fold change differential expression in H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative cancer tissues. After candidate miRNAs were selected using online miRNA databases, TaqMan miRNA assays confirmed that three miRNAs (miR-99b-3p, miR-564, and miR-638) were significantly increased in three H. pylori-positive cancer tissues compared to the H. pylori-negative cancer tissues. Additionally, four miRNAs (miR-204-5p, miR-338-5p, miR-375, and miR-548c-3p) were significantly increased in H. pylori-negative cancer tissues compared to H. pylori-positive cancer tissues. Conclusions miRNA expression in the intestinal type of H. pylori infection-dependent gastric cancer suggests that different gastric cancer pathogenesis mechanisms could exist between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative gastric cancer. Additional functional studies are required.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of distinguishable soft tissue scarring after the removal of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) such as orthodontic miniscrews and to analyze the factors associated with scar formation. Materials and Methods: The prevalence of soft tissue scarring in 66 patients (202 miniscrew removal sites) was clinically investigated at least 1 year after miniscrew removal. To determine the clinical factors associated with soft tissue scar formation, miniscrew stability; host factors including age, gender, and gingival biotype; and miniscrew-related factors such as insertion site, vertical position, and insertion period were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of a distinguishable scar remaining at least 1 year after miniscrew removal was 44.6%. Patients with flat gingiva showed a significantly higher prevalence of soft tissue scar formation than did those with pronounced scalloped gingiva (P < .05). Maxillary buccal removal sites showed a significantly higher prevalence of soft tissue scar formation than did those in the mandible or palatal slope (P < .05). Miniscrew sites at the alveolar mucosa showed a significantly lower prevalence of soft tissue scar formation than did those in the mucogingival junction or the attached gingiva (P < .01). Conclusion: The prevalence of distinguishable scarring after miniscrew removal was fairly high. On the basis of our results, patients with flat gingiva and buccal interdental gingival insertion sites are more susceptible to scar formation.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that periodontal changes are similar between proclined and minimal-changed mandibular incisor position groups during presurgical orthodontic treatment for Class III orthognathic surgery. Materials and Methods: The following measurements were performed before and after presurgical orthodontic treatment of 75 patients (proclination group, 39 subjects; minimal-change group, 36 subjects): clinical crown length, sulcus and bone probing depths, and width of attached gingiva from clinical examination; infradentale-to-MP (perpendicular distance of infradentale to mandibular plane) from examination of lateral cephalograms; and the distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar crest from examination of periapical radiographs. Data were compared between the two groups, and a regression analysis was performed to investigate factors affecting the periodontal changes. Results: In both groups, clinical crown length and bone probing depth increased during presurgical orthodontics (P < .05). Infradentale-to-MP and the width of attached gingiva decreased more in the proclination group than in the minimal-change group (P < .05). Proclination and protrusion of the mandibular incisors, and treatment duration affected the periodontal changes. Conclusions: The null hypothesis was rejected. Proclination of the mandibular incisors for decompensation in Class III surgery patients seems to result in labial alveolar bone recession and a decrease in width of attached gingiva. However, the amount of the periodontal recession appeared to be clinically insignificant.

The incisive canal is located on the median plane of the maxilla, posterior to the roots of the central incisor. Although the incisive canal is not considered an anatomic structure that may limit tooth movement, it has recently gained attention regarding the possibilities of surgical invasion and associated complications because of its proximity to the maxillary central incisors. In the 2 illustrated cases, lip protrusion was improved by en-masse bodily retraction of the anterior teeth (>8 mm) using temporary anchorage devices. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography showed that the maxillary incisor roots were approximated to the incisive canal after maximum retraction. One central incisor root was in direct contact with the incisive canal with severe root resorption, but tooth vitality and the overall occlusion were stable in the long term without any sensory dysfunction. The apparent root resorption may be mainly related to the large amounts of anterior retraction and root movement in the 2 patients. However, the anatomic location of the incisive canal and the possibilities of its invasion after tooth movement should be closely monitored when maximum retraction is planned, to prevent potential complications.

Background: Previous studies on Helicobacter pylori infection in mice have contributed to better understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis and gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate H. pylori colonization and subsequent inflammatory responses in the stomachs of C57BL/6 mice depending on inoculation number and the presence of high-salt diet. Methods: Eighty-four female mice with 4 weeks age were used in this study. The infected mice were gavaged with H. pylori strain Sydney-1 (SS1), and the uninfected mice were dosed with vehicle. In each of these groups, half of the mice were fed ona basal diet (0.25% salt) and the other half were fed on a high-salt diet (7.5% salt). The infected mice were inoculated 4 or 5 times, and infection status and degree of inflammation were checked by culture and histopathology, respectively, after 4 weeks. Gastric mucosal myeloperoxidase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured by ELISA. Results: The overall infection rate was 95.2%; the infection rate after 5 inoculations (100%) was greater than that after 4 inoculations (91.3%). However, no differences in the degree of inflammation were found between 2 groups. The bacterial density was also significantly increased in mice that were on the high-salt diet and had been inoculated 5 times, respectively. Mean neutrophil infiltration in the infected group was 1.7±0.6 (1, minimal; 2, mild; 3, moderate; 4, marked). However, the high-salt diet was not increase the inflammatory grade in the infected group. Gastric mucosal myeloperoxidase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels did not increased by the high-salt diet and increased the number of inoculation. Conclusions: In spite of well colonization of H. pylori in the stomachs of C57BL/6 mice, the degree of subsequent inflammation was irrelevant to high-salt diet and frequent (5 times) inoculations.