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Higher plasma urate level is reported to be associated with a reduced risk and slower progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we explored the effects of urate on dopaminergic neurons in nigrostriatal pathway in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) unilaterally lesioned rats. Uric acid (UA), when given twice daily at 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days, elevated urate (the anionic form of UA) in plasma and striatum by 55% and 36.8%, respectively, as compared with vehicle group. This regimen of UA was found to ameliorate the behavioral deficits, dopaminergic neuron loss as well as dopamine depletion in the nigrostriatal system. Moreover, UA administration was capable of increasing glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity while decreasing malondialdehyde accumulation in striatum. In addition, the phosphorylation of both protein kinase B (Akt) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) in the lesioned striata of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats was dramatically reduced as compared with sham-operated rats. This reduction was attenuated in the Parkinsonian rats receiving UA treatment. Similarly, in vitro findings showed that UA alleviated the decrease in Akt activation and the increase in GSK3β activity caused by 6-OHDA. Furthermore, neuroprotection by urate and its regulation on GSK3β phosphorylation at Ser9 was found to be abolished in the presence of PI3K inhibitor. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that urate was able to protect dopaminergic neurons in rat nigrostriatal pathway against the neurotoxicity of 6-OHDA, and showed that its beneficial effects may be related to its regulation on Akt/GSK3β signaling., (© 2012 The Authors Journal of Neurochemistry © 2012 International Society for Neurochemistry.)

Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of the main semen parameters of healthy semen donors and normal fertile men in Shanghai, compare the semen quality between the two groups, and investigate the normal reference values of the semen parameters of the fertile population in Shanghai., Methods: We obtained semen samples from 100 healthy donors and 41 fertile men, performed semen analyses according to the WHO (2010) guidelines, and determined the semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count. We analyzed the distribution of the semen parameters of the normal fertile men, and obtained the lower limits of their normal reference values., Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the main semen parameters between the healthy donors and normal fertile men (P < 0.05). The lower reference limits for the semen parameters of normal fertile men in Shanghai (P < 0.05) were as follows: sperm concentration > or = 27.3 x 10(6)/ml, sperm progressive motility > or = 8.1%, semen volume > or = 0.82 ml, total sperm count > or = 44.73 x 10(6) per ejaculate, and total progressively motile sperm count > or = 24.68 x 10(6) per ejaculate., Conclusion: For the evaluation of male fecundity, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count may be two better predictors than others.

Objective: To investigate the effect and safety of the implantation of a new type of testicular prosthesis in the treatment of testis loss., Methods: We recruited for this study 18 patients with testis loss treated by testicular prosthesis implantation, including 10 cases of prostate cancer, 3 cases of anorchia, 2 case of orchiatrophy, 2 cases of hermaphroditism and 1 case of cryptorchidism. The prosthesis was a hollow silicone elastomer YH-G1 made in China, selected according to the volume of the scrotum and the size of the contralateral testis., Results: Thirteen of the patients received testicular prosthesis implantation with orchiectomy, and the other 5 underwent the procedure 6 months later. The operation time of testicular prosthesis implantation was (22.6 +/- 4.6) min, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. All the patients were discharged after 12 hours of postoperative observation, with a mean hospital stay of (1.3 +/- 0.4) days. A follow-up after 6 months revealed no complications in 17 cases. Rejection occurred in 1 case at 3 months after the implantation, ending in the removal of the prosthesis. Of the 17 successful cases, 15 were very satisfied with the size of the prosthesis, 14 with its weight, 12 with its comfortableness, and all with the appearance of the scrotum and the position of the prosthesis, while 5 found the implant too rigid., Conclusion: The implantation of the new home-made silicone elastomer testicular prosthesis YH-G1 was safe and effective for the treatment of testis loss, and could meet the esthetic and psychological requirements of the patient. But further observation is needed for its long-term complications and influence on the patient's quality of life.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of soft tissue aesthetic outcomes following application of adhensive fixed partial denture and implant supported temporary restoration in maxillary single tooth implant procedure. Discuss the feasibility and details of the shaping the soft tissue by combine adhensive fixed partial denture and implant-supported temporary restoration., Methods: The study included 29 patients(Male: 17, Female: 12) with hopeless maxillary single tooth from Sept. 2008 to Dec. 2010. All patients received tooth extraction and implant treatment in department of oral implantology, Peking University School and hospital of Stomatology. The adhesive fixed partial denture as a provisional restoration was used to support the soft tissue of the tooth extraction socket after tooth extraction. The average time of patient wearing adhensive fixed partial denture was 3.7 months. The implant supported temporary restoration was delivered to shape the soft tissue after implant placement. The average time of implant supported provisional restoration using was 8.3 months. Soft tissue esthetic condition was evaluated through 4 main index reference pink esthetic score (PES) before tooth extraction and at the time of the final restoration. Clinical observe items also included the survival rate of fixed partial denture and rate of re-adhesive, integrity of temporary restoration and degree of satisfaction of the patients. The control group included 29 cases with removable denture or without temporary restoration. The base line differences between control group and experiment group were not statistically significant., Results: The survival rate of both the adhensive partial denture and implant-supported provisional restoration was 100%. The re-adhesive rate of adhesive partial denture was 16.2% during follow-up period. The PES at the time of final restoration were significant different between two groups by t test (7.48±0.51 vs. 5.69±0.71, P<0.000 1). Patients were satisfied with the clinical results., Conclusion: This study indicates that fixed partial restoration and implant-supported provisional restoration could be used to support and to shape the soft tissue contour and to improve the aesthetic effects.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the placing depth of the implants with platform switching (Ankylos) on the marginal bone remodeling, by means of radiological observation., Methods: 111 Ankylos implants in the posterior mandible from 46 patients (20 male and 27 female) were enrolled in this study. Followed up by 58.1 months on average (from 36 to 85), 222 mesial and distal sites of these implants were evaluated by means of measuring the level of the marginal bone (LMB) on the panoramic radiograph., Results: Among these 111 successfully functional loaded implants, there were no significant differences with the marginal bone absorption values, no matter the implants were placed below, at, or above the bone level (P>0.05). Concerning the stabilization of the marginal bone, when placed below the bone level, 67.7% of the implant sites had their LMBs stabilized at or above the implant platform, and 23.3% absorbed vertically, respectively 19.7% and 80.3% when placed at the bone level, with significant difference (P<0.001)., Conclusion: Based on a long-term (over 3 years) observation, the implants placed below, as compared to at or above, the alveolar crest level, might have more chance to keep the marginal bone stabilized at or above the implant platform.

Objective: To evaluate the preliminary clinical results of prosthetic gingival reconstruction in vertical bone defect patients., Methods: The study included 31 partial or edentulous patients (male 22, female 9) with 152 implants supporting fixed prostheses from February 2002 to January 2011 in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The implant-supported fixed prostheses with artificial gingival material to compensate for vertical defect were delivery after implant healing period. At time of prostheses delivery, a panoramic radiograph was taken. The results were evaluated according to California Dental Association by two prosthodontists. Clinical observation included survival of the implants, integrity of the restoration, complication of prosthesis and degree of satisfaction of the patients., Results: A total of 152 implants supported fixed prostheses with artificial gingival materials to compensate vertical bone defect were delivered. No implants lost, and the survival rate was 100% during the follow-up period. The sore of acceptance of prosthesis was 96.8%. All patients were satisfied with the clinical results., Conclusions: The artificial gingival reconstruction technique is feasible for vertical bone defect patients.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term results of short implants and assess its clinical importance., Methods: A total of 77 short implants were consecutively placed in 43 patients from August 1998 to August 2004. The clinical data was reviewed and the crown-implant ratio (C/I) was measured. Twenty-nine short implants in 15 patients were loaded for more than 5 years and the marginal bone height around implant measured. The implant success and survival ratio were evaluzted according to Zarb's successful criteria and Wheeler's survival criteria., Results: The mean follow-up time was 5.4 years (36 ∼ 99 months). Among these 77 short implants, 74 implants were fixed restoration, which mean C/I was (1.08 ± 0.21), 3 implants were removable restoration. Of 29 short implants which were loaded for more than 5 years, the mesial bone height at the times immediately after inserting implant, before second stage surgery, loading for less than 3 years and loading for more than 5 years was (0.59 ± 0.66), (0.64 ± 0.59), (-0.05 ± 1.11), (-0.37 ± 1.29) mm; and the distal bone height was (0.62 ± 0.77), (0.60 ± 0.86), (-0.26 ± 1.12), (-0.23 ± 1.59) mm. The 5 year's survival rate and success rate were 97% and 93% respectively., Conclusions: The success and survival rate of short dental implant under function were comparable to those reported for normal implants. By using the short implant, the patients can avoid the graft operation, alleviate sufferings, shorten the treatment period and reduce the cost. Therefore, it has a high value in clinical application.

Objective: To evaluate the preliminary clinical results of application of All-on-4 immediate function in edentulous patients., Methods: Twenty nine edentulous patients with 140 immediately loaded implants supporting fixed complete-arch all-acrylic prostheses from April 2008 to October 2009 in Peking University School of Stomatology were included. The implant-supported fixed complete-arch all-acrylic prostheses were delivery on the operation day. At time of abutments connection, a panoramic radiograph was taken. And radiographic assessment of the marginal bone level was performed in every 2 months. Clinical observe items included marginal bone level, integrity of the restoration, survival of the implants and degree of satisfaction of the patients., Results: A total of 140 implants were immediate loading. Eight implants were lost during 6 - 8 weeks after immediate loading, giving survival rate of 94.3%. The marginal bone level was (0.8 ± 0.4) mm. The All patients were satisfied with the clinical results., Conclusions: The data and the experience described in this study indicate that All-on-four immediate function technique can be a predictable technique for edentulous patients. Further study is needed to determine the long-term result of the technology.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical results of application of non-invasive porcelain veneer to reduce the black triangle of implant and adjacent teeth and to improve the aesthetic effect in the maxillary anterior area., Methods: The study included 10 patients (Male: 4, Female: 6; average age: 41.5) accessioned during May 2007 to August 2009 in Peking University School of Stomatology. The provisional restorations were delivery on implant after 3-6 months healing period of the implant. The non-invasive porcelain veneers were used in the round tip adjacent teeth with gingival recession in the indicated patients. Main measured parameters on the model included horizontal distance and vertical distance. The Horizontal distance refers to the black triangle bottom which is from adjacent surface of the natural teeth to the implant restoration at the gingival level. The vertical distance is from mid-point of the triangle bottom to the contact point. Clinical observed items included bleeding index (BI), integrity of porcelain veneer and degree of satisfaction of the patients., Results: A total of 14 adjacent natural teeth in 10 patients were cemented with porcelain veneer. No porcelain veneer was lost or fracture during follow-up period (range 6 to 27 months, mean of 10.4 months). Mean bleeding index 0-1. The horizontal distance was reduced from (3.1 + or - 0.8) mm before restoration to (1.1 + or - 0.5) mm after restoration. Vertical distance from (5.3 + or - 1.1) mm to (2.9 + or - 0.7) mm. All patients were satisfied with the clinical result., Conclusion: The data and the experience described in this study indicate that improvement of aesthetic effects by using no-invasive porcelain veneer techniques can be a predictable technique for patients with periodontal disease. Further study is needed to determine the long-term result of the technique.

Objective: To investigate the potential mechanism of "osseoperception" which is the sensory and motor experience associated with dental implants., Methods: Twenty patients with implant supported full dentures or traditional full dentures were recruited in this study. Functional MRI (fMRI) scan covering the whole brain was carried out in these patients in clenching. The fMRI data were analyzed with SPM 99 software., Results: In implant supported removable denture group, increased blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals during clenching were found in prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex, superior parietal cortex, basal ganglion and thalamus. In implant supported fixed denture group, main activations were found in prefrontal cortex, primary sensory and motor cortex, Broca's area, premotor cortex, superior temporal cortex, insular, basal ganglion, thalamus and hippocampus. In traditional full denture group, significant activations were mainly found in prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex. Their activation maps showed the greatest individually dependent diversity., Conclusions: Sensory and motor feedback of central nervous system in patients with implant support fixed dentures is close to that of natural dentition. Mastication with traditional full dentures is more likely a process of task learning, memory and adaptation, which might be a more individually dependent restoration.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical results of dental implant treatment with platform switching technique in esthetic zone and to investigate its technical characteristics., Methods: Seventeen patients who were partially edentulous in esthetic zone were included and received a total of 26 Frialit-2 system implants in Center of Dental Implantation, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January to December 2001, and the platform switching technique was applied. The mean follow-up time was 56.3 months (24 to 74 months). Clinical examination and X-ray were conducted., Results: Clinical results of all implant restoration that used platform-switched abutments were satisfied. No implant loss or other severe complications occurred. The medians of marginal bone loss 1 year and 5 years after final restoration was 0.13 (-0.12 - 0.55) mm and 0.27 (-0.04 - 0.77) mm respectively. The medians of interimplant crestal bone resorption was 0.14 (0.00 - 0.30) mm and 0.21 (0.09 - 0.31) mm after 1 year and 5 years' functional loading respectively. According to Jemt classification of papilla, 23 sites reached II degree, and 10 sites reached III degree among 36 sites 5 years after prostheses. The mean value of pink esthetic score (PES) was 11.8 (10 - 14)., Conclusions: Platform switching is a simple and reliable technique for dental implant treatment, helping to control marginal bone loss and ensure an esthetic results in the esthetic zone.

Objective: To evaluate radionuclide scrotal imaging (RSI) in the diagnosis of varicocele., Methods: We performed physical examination (PE) and RSI for 126 patients with infertility for at least 12 months and seminal abnormality, obtained the scrotal blood-pool index (SBPI), observed the reflux in the spermatic vein during RSI, typed and graded varicocele by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and compared the results of PE and RSI with those of CDFI., Results: The rates of sensitivity and specificity of RSI in the diagnosis of varicocele (96.5% and 97.1%) were both higher than those of PE (71.7% and 69.1%)., Conclusion: Simple, accurate and noninvasive, RSI is an effective method for the diagnosis of clinical and subclinical varicocele.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical results and technique of minimally invasive sinus membrane water balloon elevation followed by bone augmentation and implant placement simultaneously., Methods: From May 2006 to November 2007, 31 patients (male: 16, female: 15; mean age: 41.2 +/- 11.8) were involved in the study. Clinical examination and radiographs were conducted., Results: The mean residual ridge height was (4.79 +/- 1.18) mm and the mean elevated height was (10.60 +/- 2.06) mm. A total of 31 implants were placed and restored with the mean follow-up period of (14.2 +/- 3.6) months. Only minor complications were observed postoperatively. One implant was lost due to infection two weeks after operation., Conclusions: The procedure of minimally invasive sinus membrane water balloon elevation achieves an excellent success rate, low complication, minimal discomfort, and the short-term result is predictable.

Objective: To investigate if magnetic- attached overdenture supported by microimplants of 2.5 mm in diameter was able to function properly., Methods: Fourteen microimplants were placed in 4 patients. Implants were exposed 3 months later and magnetic abutments were connected directly. X-ray was taken during the 3 year follow-up to examine marginal bone level. Peri-implant soft tissue was also checked. Denture retention, chewing stability and overall satisfaction with the microimplants retained overdenture were evaluated., Results: All of the 14 microimplants achieved initial primary stability without infection or any other postoperative complications. No implant was lost during the follow-up period. Only one magnetic abutment fractured one year after restoration and was replaced. X-ray showed highly stable marginal bone level around the microimplants. The patients were satisfied with the restoration., Conclusions: The microimplants retained overdenture leads to a significant improvement of function despite of the small dimensions of these implants. In particular for elder patients with severe residual ridge resorption, this treatment represents a less invasive alternative compared to conventional implant systems.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of implants supported magnet-retained overdenture., Methods: From November 1999 to March 2005, 25 cases with edentulous jaws underwent implant-supported magnet-retained overdenture. Among them, 14 patients were male, 11 patients were female. The average age of the patients was 67.6 years. (Range 45 - 79 years). Ninety-five implants used included Komet (18), IMZ (11), Frialit-2 (12), Ankylos (10), Camlog (44). The fellow-up time was from 6 months to 70 months. Clinical examination and radiographs were conducted., Results: No infections, nerve or sinus damage or other sequelae occurred. The overdentures were stable and functioned effectively. From November 1999 to March 2005, One Komet abutment was fracture and 1 Frialit-2 implant was lost because of overloading during follow-up. The remaining implants achieved successful osseointegration. Patients were satisfied with the treatment., Conclusions: Implant-supported magnet-retained overdenture was a predictable and reliable method, especially for old patients with edentulous jaws.

Objective: To evaluate ten years clinical results of dental implant treatment., Methods: A total of 5,590 endosseous implants were consecutively placed from Aug. 1994 to Aug 2004 in Center of Implantation, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Among them, 161 were Brånemark implants, 1,436 were Frialit-2 implants, 1,012 were IMZ implants, 767 were Ankylos implants, 2,189 were Camlog implants, and 25 were Komet implants. A total of 2,629 prostheses were delivered, including 2,314 fixed prostheses and 315 implant-supported removable dentures. The patient age range was between 17 and 82. The mean follow-up time was 77.2 months (7 to 121 months). Clinical examination and X-ray films were conducted. The results were evaluated with Wheeler's survival criteria., Results: With the final prostheses, 2,624 patients were satisfied. Five patients were unsatisfied with the prostheses. With refabricating the prostheses, 4 patients were satisfied and one expressed as acceptable. Peri-implantitis was observed in 178 implants of 105 cases. Prostheses loose was observed in 21 cases and fracture in 4 cases. Ceramic crack was observed in 51 cases. The documented implants lost were 68. The implant survival rate was 96.7% according to Wheeler's survival criteria., Conclusions: Implant prostheses were with high satisfaction. The implant survival rate was as highly as 96.7%. Implant prostheses were indicated for almost all the partial and complete edentulous cases due to modern implant surgical technique.

Objective: To investigate the clinical feasibility and technical characteristics of immediate loading and to access the short-term clinical results of treatment., Methods: This study included 3 completely edentulous patients and 24 patients who were partially edentulous from March 1999 to December 2003. 21 implants were immediately loaded and provided support for mandibular overdenture for 3 fully edentulous patients. 30 implants were placed in 21 partially edentulous patients and implants were immediate loaded in edentulous mandibular providing support for fixed provisional prosthesis within 6 months. Then, metal-ceramic crowns were completed. All patients were followed up by 1, 3, 6, 12 months and the patients were checked every 12 months., Results: A total of 42 implants were loaded immediately. From March 1999 to December 2003, no implants were lost during follow-up (range 3 to 49 months, mean of 28 months). No infections, nerve or sinus damage or other sequelae occurred. No implants exhibited peri-implant radiolucencies. Moreover, immediate loading seems to increase the ossification of the alveolar bone around endosseous implants. Patients were satisfied with the treatment., Conclusions: The data and the experience described in this study indicate that immediate loading with restorations using appropriate surgical and restorative techniques can predicate the completely edentulous and partially edentulous mandible in some cases. Further study is needed to determine the long-term result of immediately loaded implants.

Objective: To study the role of heat shock protein (HSP) 60 and HSP70 in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP)., Methods: The immunohistochemical SP methods were used to detected the expression of HSP60 and HSP70 in 62 cases of oral lichen planus, 10 cases of normal oral mucosa, 21 cases of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), 10 cases of benign lymphoadenosis of mucosa, 46 cases of leukoplakia. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of HSP60 mRNA and HSP70 mRNA in 12 cases of OLP and 5 cases of normal oral mucosa., Results: HSP60 was expressed at much higher levels in OLP than other groups. The expression of HSP70 decreased in epithelial cells in erosive lichen planus group. HSP60 mRNA and HSP70 mRNA were expressed at high level in OLP., Conclusion: HSP60 and HSP70 play an important role in pathogenesis of OLP.

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of mucinous adenocarcinoma of salivary glands., Methods: The clinical manifestations and histopathological characteristics of 6 cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma of salivary gland were studied by retrospective and routine histopathology and immunohistochemistry., Results: Four mucinous adenocarcinoma occurred in palate and 2 in mouth floor. Average age of patients was 60 years (48 - 70) and males were affected more often than females (4:2). Pathologically, the tumor grew with infiltration of surrounding tissues. The tumor consisted of unitary mucinous cells and mucin pool was obvious. The cell pleomorphism and nuclear mitosis were often seen. Some tumors showed acinus-like structure. Tumor cells often formed incomplete duct-like structure and small clusters floating in mucinous pool. There were intracellular mucin and signet ring cells in the tumor. Tumor cells showed positive reaction to PAS, Alcin blue, and some cytokeratin staining., Conclusions: Mucinous adenocarcinoma of salivary gland is a rare malignant tumor which mainly affects palate and mouth floor of older patients. The tumor may originate from acinic cell of mucous acinus or multi-potential cell of salivary gland.