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Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) are emerging organic pollutants due to their potential persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation. This study first characterized the levels and compositions of 19 LCMs in organisms in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), estimated their bioaccumulation and trophic transfer potential, and identified priority contaminants. LCMs were generally accumulated in organisms from sediment, and the LCM concentrations in all organisms ranged from 32.35 to 1367 ng/g lipid weight. The main LCMs in organisms were biphenyls and analogues (BAs) (76.6%), followed by cyanobiphenyls and analogues (CBAs) (15.1%), and the least were fluorinated biphenyls and analogues (FBAs) (11.2%). The most abundant LCM monomers of BAs, FBAs, and CBAs in LCMs in organisms were 1-(4-propylcyclohexyl)-4-vinylcyclohexane (15.1%), 1-ethoxy-2,3-difluoro-4-(4-(4-propylcyclohexyl) cyclohexyl) benzene (EDPBB, 10.1%), and 4'-propoxy-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5.1%), respectively. The niche studies indicated that the PRE food web was composed of terrestrial-based diet and marine food chains. Most LCMs exhibited biodilution in the terrestrial-based diet and marine food chains, except for EDPBB and 4,4'-bis(4-propylcyclohexyl) biphenyl (BPCHB). The hydrophobicity, position of fluorine substitution of LCMs, and biological habits may be important factors affecting the bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of LCMs. BPCHB, 1-(prop-1-enyl)-4-(4-propylcyclohexyl) cyclohexane, and EDPBB were characterized as priority contaminants. This study first reports the trophic transfer processes and mechanisms of LCMs and the biomonitoring in PRE.

Background Noninvasive tests can be used to screen patients with chronic liver disease for advanced liver fibrosis; however, the use of single tests may not be adequate. Purpose To construct sequential clinical algorithms that include a US deep learning (DL) model and compare their ability to predict advanced liver fibrosis with that of other noninvasive tests. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included adult patients with a history of chronic liver disease or unexplained abnormal liver function test results who underwent B-mode US of the liver between January 2014 and September 2022 at three health care facilities. A US-based DL network (FIB-Net) was trained on US images to predict whether the shear-wave elastography (SWE) value was 8.7 kPa or higher, indicative of advanced fibrosis. In the internal and external test sets, a two-step algorithm (Two-step#1) using the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) followed by FIB-Net and a three-step algorithm (Three-step#1) using FIB-4 followed by FIB-Net and SWE were used to simulate screening scenarios where liver stiffness measurements were not or were available, respectively. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were calculated using liver biopsy as the reference standard and compared between FIB-4, SWE, FIB-Net, and European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines (ie, FIB-4 followed by SWE), along with sequential algorithms. Results The training, validation, and test data sets included 3067 (median age, 42 years [IQR, 33-53 years]; 2083 male), 1599 (median age, 41 years [IQR, 33-51 years]; 1124 male), and 1228 (median age, 44 years [IQR, 33-55 years]; 741 male) patients, respectively. FIB-Net obtained a noninferior specificity with a margin of 5% ( P < .001) compared with SWE (80% vs 82%). The Two-step#1 algorithm showed higher specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) than FIB-4 (specificity, 79% vs 57%; PPV, 44% vs 32%) while reducing unnecessary referrals by 42%. The Three-step#1 algorithm had higher specificity and PPV compared with European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines (specificity, 94% vs 88%; PPV, 73% vs 64%) while reducing unnecessary referrals by 35%. Conclusion A sequential algorithm combining FIB-4 and a US DL model showed higher diagnostic accuracy and improved referral management for all-cause advanced liver fibrosis compared with FIB-4 or the DL model alone. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Ghosh in this issue.

Background Large language models (LLMs) hold substantial promise for medical imaging interpretation. However, there is a lack of studies on their feasibility in handling reasoning questions associated with medical diagnosis. Purpose To investigate the viability of leveraging three publicly available LLMs to enhance consistency and diagnostic accuracy in medical imaging based on standardized reporting, with pathology as the reference standard. Materials and Methods US images of thyroid nodules with pathologic results were retrospectively collected from a tertiary referral hospital between July 2022 and December 2022 and used to evaluate malignancy diagnoses generated by three LLMs-OpenAI's ChatGPT 3.5, ChatGPT 4.0, and Google's Bard. Inter- and intra-LLM agreement of diagnosis were evaluated. Then, diagnostic performance, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), was evaluated and compared for the LLMs and three interactive approaches: human reader combined with LLMs, image-to-text model combined with LLMs, and an end-to-end convolutional neural network model. Results A total of 1161 US images of thyroid nodules (498 benign, 663 malignant) from 725 patients (mean age, 42.2 years ± 14.1 [SD]; 516 women) were evaluated. ChatGPT 4.0 and Bard displayed substantial to almost perfect intra-LLM agreement (κ range, 0.65-0.86 [95% CI: 0.64, 0.86]), while ChatGPT 3.5 showed fair to substantial agreement (κ range, 0.36-0.68 [95% CI: 0.36, 0.68]). ChatGPT 4.0 had an accuracy of 78%-86% (95% CI: 76%, 88%) and sensitivity of 86%-95% (95% CI: 83%, 96%), compared with 74%-86% (95% CI: 71%, 88%) and 74%-91% (95% CI: 71%, 93%), respectively, for Bard. Moreover, with ChatGPT 4.0, the image-to-text-LLM strategy exhibited an AUC (0.83 [95% CI: 0.80, 0.85]) and accuracy (84% [95% CI: 82%, 86%]) comparable to those of the human-LLM interaction strategy with two senior readers and one junior reader and exceeding those of the human-LLM interaction strategy with one junior reader. Conclusion LLMs, particularly integrated with image-to-text approaches, show potential in enhancing diagnostic medical imaging. ChatGPT 4.0 was optimal for consistency and diagnostic accuracy when compared with Bard and ChatGPT 3.5. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

In this study, we conducted comprehensive organophosphorus flame retardant (PFR) exposure assessments of both dietary and non-dietary pathways in a rural population in southern China. Skin wipes were collected from 30 volunteers. Indoor and outdoor air (gas and particles), dust in the houses of these volunteers, and foodstuffs consumed by these volunteers were simultaneously collected. The total PFR concentrations in dust, gas, and PM 2.5 varied from 53.8 to 5.14 × 10 5 ng/g, 0.528 to 4.27 ng/m 3 , and 0.390 to 16.5 ng/m 3 , respectively. The forehead (median of 1.36 × 10 3 ng/m 2 ) and hand (median of 920 ng/m 2 ) exhibited relatively high PFR concentrations, followed by the forearm (median of 440 ng/m 2 ) and upper arm (median of 230 ng/m 2 ). The PFR concentrations in the food samples varied from 0.0700 to 10.9 ng/g wet weight in the order of egg > roast duck/goose and vegetable > pork > chicken > fish. Tris(1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was the main PFR in the non-diet samples, whereas the profiles of PFR individuals varied by food type. Among the multiple pathways investigated (inhalation, dermal exposure, dust ingestion, and food ingestion), dermal absorption and dust ingestion were the predominant pathways for tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and bisphenol A-bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP), respectively, whereas dietary exposure was the most important route for other chemicals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

A trophic position (TP) model (TP mix model) that simultaneously considered trophic discrimination factor and β Glu/Phe variations was developed in this study and was first applied to investigate the trophic transfer of halogenated organic pollutants (HOPs) in wetland food webs. The TP mix model characterized the structure of the wetland food web more accurately and significantly improved the reliability of TMF compared to the TP bulk , TP AAs , and TP simmr models, which were calculated based on the methods of stable nitrogen isotope analysis of bulk, traditional AAs-N-CSIA, and weighted β Glu/Phe , respectively. Food source analysis revealed three interlocking food webs (kingfisher, crab, and frogs) in this wetland. The highest HOP biomagnification capacities (TMF mix ) were found in the kingfisher food web (0.24-82.0), followed by the frog (0.08-34.0) and crab (0.56-11.7) food webs. The parabolic trends of TMF mix across combinations of log K OW in the frog food web were distinct from those of aquatic food webs (kingfisher and crab), which may be related to differences in food web composition and HOP bioaccumulation behaviors between aquatic and terrestrial organisms. This study provides a new tool to accurately study the trophic transfer of contaminants in wetlands and terrestrial food webs with diverse species and complex feeding relationships.

Objective: The objective of the work described here was to assess the value of the combination of pre-operative multimodal data-including clinical data, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) information and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) based on 2-D shear wave elastography (SWE)-in predicting early (within 1 y) and late (after 1 y) recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative treatment., Methods: We retrospectively included 101 patients with HCC who met the Milan criteria and received curative treatment. The multimodel data from clinical parameters, LSM by 2-D SWE and CEUS enhancement patterns were collected. The association between different variables in HCC recurrence was accessed using a Cox proportional hazard model. On the basis of the independent factors of early recurrence, models with different source variables were established (Clinical Model, CEUS-Clinical Model, SWE-Clinical Model, CEUS-SWE-Clinical Model). The goodness-of-fit of models was evaluated and the performance trends of different models were calculated by time-dependent area under the curve (AUC)., Results: Two-dimensional SWE, CEUS enhancement patterns and clinical parameters (spleen length, multiple tumors, α-fetoprotein, albumin and prothrombin time) were independently associated with early recurrence (all p values <0.05). Multiple tumors and a decrease in albumin independently contributed to the late recurrence. The model fit of CEUS-SWE-Clinical Model was superior to other models in predicting early recurrence (all p values <0.05). The AUCs of the CEUS-Clinical Model were higher from 2 mo to 7 mo, while the SWE-Clinical Model had higher AUCs from 9 mo to 12 mo., Conclusion: CEUS enhancement patterns and 2-D SWE were independent predictors of HCC early recurrence as the two factors contributed to the predictive performance at different times. The multimodal model, which included diverse data in predicting early HCC recurrence, had the best goodness-of-fit., (Copyright © 2023 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the regulation of histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) on biofilm formation and cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) synthesis in Vibrio parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633., Methods: Regulatory mechanisms were analyzed by the combined utilization of crystal violet staining, quantification of c-di-GMP, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, LacZ fusion, and electrophoretic-mobility shift assay., Results: The deletion of hns enhanced the biofilm formation and intracellular c-di-GMP levels in V. parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633. H-NS can bind the upstream promoter-proximal DNA regions of scrA , scrG , VP0117, VPA0198, VPA1176, VP0699, and VP2979 to repress their transcription. These genes encode a group of proteins with GGDEF and/or EAL domains associated with c-di-GMP metabolism., Conclusion: One of the mechanisms by which H-NS represses the biofilm formation by V. parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633 may be via repression of the production of intracellular c-di-GMP., (Copyright © 2022 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the correlation of cytochrome B-245 alpha chain ( CYBA ) rs4673 and cholesteryl ester transfer protein ( CETP ) rs12720922 polymorphisms with the susceptibility of gene-ralized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP)., Methods: The study was a case-control trial. A total of 372 GAgP patients and 133 periodontally healthy controls were recruited. The CYBA rs4673 and CETP rs12720922 polymorphisms were detected by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation of CYBA rs4673 and CETP rs12720922 variants with the susceptibility of GAgP. The interaction between the two gene polymorphisms to the susceptibility of GAgP was analyzed by the likelihood ratio test. The interaction model adopted was the multiplication model., Results: The mean age of GAgP group and control group was (27.5±5.2) years and (28.8±7.1) years respectively. There was significant difference in age between the two groups ( P < 0.05). The gender distribution (male/female) was 152/220 and 53/80 respectively, and there was no significant difference between GAgP group and controls ( P >0.05). For CYBA rs4673, the frequency of CT/TT genotype in the GAgP group was significantly higher than that in the controls [18.0% (66/366) vs . 10.6% (14/132), P < 0.05]. After adjusting age and gender, the individuals with CT/TT genotype had a higher risk of GAgP ( OR =1.86, 95% CI : 1.01-3.45, P < 0.05), compared with CC genotype. There was no statistically significant difference in distributions of the CETP rs12720922 genotypes (GG, AA/AG) between GAgP patients and healthy controls ( P >0.05). A significant interaction between CYBA rs4673 and CETP rs12720922 in the susceptibility to GAgP was observed. The GAgP risk of the individuals with CYBA rs4673 CT/TT and CETP rs12720922 GG genotypes was significantly increased ( OR =3.25, 95% CI : 1.36-7.75, P < 0.01), compared with those carrying CC and AA/AG genotypes., Conclusion: CYBA rs4673 CT/TT genotype is associated with GAgP susceptibility. There is a significant interaction between CYBA rs4673 CT/TT genotype and CETP rs12720922 GG genotype in the susceptibility of GAgP.

Objective: To investigate various factors affecting the clinical outcome of nonsurgical periodontal treatment and evaluate the treatment effects of adjunctive amoxicillin and metronidazole (AMX + MET) in patients with generalised aggressive periodontitis (GAgP)., Methods: Forty-two patients with GAgP were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: scaling and root planing (SRP) only, AMX + MET after SRP, and AMX + MET during SRP. The patients were assessed every 2 months post-therapy. Periodontal clinical and subgingival microbiological parameters were analysed at baseline and 6 months post-therapy. The impacts of different covariates on pocket probing depth (PD) reduction were evaluated., Results: A multilevel analysis revealed that 58% of the variability in PD reduction was attributed to site-level parameters, 27.3% to patient-level parameters and 18.7% to tooth-level parameters. Greater PD reduction can be expected at initially deeper PD sites and sites with intrabony defects, and in patients with adjunctive use of AMX + MET. Persistent Tannerella forsythia infection and tooth mobility after treatment were negatively associated with PD reduction., Conclusion: The clinical outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal treatment were mainly influenced by site-level parameters, and adjunctive use of AMX + MET can lead to better clinical results in patients with GAgP in a short time.

Minimally invasive surgery develops rapidly in the periodontal treatments, especially in the periodontal regenerative treatment, in recent years. It supplements, to a certain extent, the insufficiency of the conventional periodontal regenerative treatment. The minimally invasive surgery has many advantages such as enhancing the healing process, reducing surgical chair time and minimizing patient discomfort, etc. It has been proved to improve the clinical effect and provide additional benefits compared to conventional approaches. At present, there are many studies on minimally invasive techniques used in tooth extraction or implant placement in China, but there are few reports on the application of periodontal minimally invasive surgical techniques. Thus based on the reviews of the literatures, this article describes the applications, advantages, indications, microsurgical instruments of minimally invasive periodontal surgery on the treatment of intrabony defect, including various minimally invasive surgical procedures. The review also demonstrates the therapeutic effects and research progress of minimally invasive periodontal surgery combined with biomaterials used in the treatments of intrabony defect. The present article may also provide reference for clinicians applying minimally invasive surgeries to treat intrabony defects.

Background: There is limited evidence of the effects of local anesthesia (LA) on outcomes of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT), in particular among the Chinese. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the effects of LA on short-term treatment outcomes of NSPT and to determine under what circumstances LA should be prescribed to improve these outcomes., Methods: Data from periodontal examinations of 3980 patients were used. The data were from 3-month re-evaluation records of an electronic periodontal charting record system in the Department of Periodontology of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from June 2008 to January 2015. Descriptive analyses included changes in probing depth (PD) and the Mazza bleeding index (BI). Two-level (patient and tooth) logistic regression models and three-level (patient, tooth, and site) linear regression models were constructed to analyze the influence of LA on PD for all teeth/sites and teeth/sites with an initial PD ≥ 5 mm. Decreases in PD and BI at sites under LA using the initial PD were also compared., Results: A significantly higher mean decrease in PD after NSPT was found in the LA group than in the no local anesthesia (NLA) group (0.98 vs. 0.54 mm, t = 24.12, P < 0.001). A significantly higher probability of decreases was found in the LA group in BI (percentages of teeth with BI > 1 and BI > 2) for all teeth (16.7% vs. 13.8%, t = 3.75, P < 0.001; 34.7% vs. 28.1%, t = 6.73, P < 0.001) and PD for teeth with PD ≥ 5 mm (32.3% vs. 17.3%, t = 28.48, P < 0.001). The difference in PD between the LA and NLA groups increased as the initial PD increased. The difference between the two groups was 0.12 to 0.22 mm for sites with a baseline PD < 7 mm; however, it increased to 0.41 to 1.37 mm for sites with a baseline PD ≥ 7 mm., Conclusions: LA improved the decrease in PD after NSPT. Root debridement at sites with initial PD ≥ 7 mm should be performed under routine LA.

Objective: To explore the correlation and interaction between epidermal growth factor (EGF) rs2237051 and peroxidase proliferators activate receptor-α (PPAR-α) rs4253623 polymorphisms and the susceptibility of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). Methods: Two hundred and nineteen Chinese patients with GAgP were enrolled from the patients of the Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2001 to December 2015. The control group comprised 138 periodontally healthy volunteers recruited from the staff and students of the Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The EGF rs2237051 and PPAR-α rs4253623 polymorphisms were genotyped using time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the correlation between the EGF rs2237051 and PPAR-α rs4253623 variants with GAgP. The likelihood ratio test was used to analyze whether there was an interaction between the two polymorphisms in the susceptibility of GAgP. The interaction model adopted was the multiplication model. Results: The mean ages of GAgP group (male:87; female:132) and control group (male: 53; female: 85) were (27.3±4.5) years and (27.1±4.2) years respectively and there was no significant difference in age and gender distribution between the two groups. For EGF rs2237051, the frequency of AA genotype in the GAgP group [49.5% (107/216)] was significantly higher than that in the control group [37.7% (52/138)], and the frequency of AG/GG genotype in the GAgP group [50.5% (109/216)] was significantly lower than that in the control group [62.3% (86/138)]( P< 0.05). Compared with AA genotype, individuals with AG/GG genotype had a 39% lower risk of GAgP after adjustment of age and gender ( OR : 0.61, 95 %CI : 0.40-0.95, P< 0.05). For PPAR-α rs4253623, the frequency of AA genotype in the GAgP group [76.2% (160/210)] was significantly higher than that in the control group [65.9%(81/123)], and the frequency of AG/GG genotype in the GAgP group [23.8% (50/210)] was significantly lower than that in the control group [34.1%(42/123)] ( P< 0.05). Compared with AA genotype, individuals with AG/GG genotype had a 40% lower risk of GAgP after adjustment of age and gender ( OR : 0.60, 95 %CI : 0.36-0.98, P< 0.05). EGF rs2237051 and PPAR-α rs4253623 showed a significant interaction in the susceptibility to GAgP. Compared with AA genotype, the risk of GAgP in individuals with both AG/GG genotypes of EGF rs2237051 and PPAR-α rs4253623 was reduced by 66% ( OR : 0.34, 95 %CI : 0.17-0.66, P< 0.01). Conclusions: EGF rs2237051 and PPAR-α rs4253623 are correlated with GAgP susceptibility, and there is a significant interaction between them in the susceptibility of GAgP. The G allele of the two loci has a protective effect on the disease of GAgP.

Objective: To explore the effect of systemic use of amoxicillin and metronidazole during mechanical therapy on the clinical parameters of the first molars and periodontal microorganisms in subgingival plaque and saliva in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). Methods: A total of 23 GAgP patients were recruited from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2006 to December 2009 and then randomly divided into two groups according to random number table: 12 patients received scaling and root planning (SRP) only and 11 patients received SRP combined with systemic administration of antibiotics (amoxicillin and metronidazole for a week after supragingival scaling). Clinical examination of periodontal parameters and collection of saliva and pooled subgingival plaque samples from mesial-buccal sites of 4 first molars were performed before initial therapy and 2, 4 and 6 months respectively after mechanical therapy, and saliva samples were also collected 2 weeks after therapy. Eight different periodontal microorganisms were detected in these samples by PCR. In addition, semiquantitative analysis of red complex microorganisms [ Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td)] was performed. Results: Both therapies led to significant decrease of the plaque index (PLI), probing depth (PD) and bleeding index (BI) from mesial-buccal sites of first molars. Meanwhile the PD of antibiotics group [(4.21±1.50), (4.00±1.54), (3.84±1.89) mm of 2, 4 and 6 months respectively after therapy] was significantly lower than the SRP group [(5.29±1.27), (5.30±1.34), (4.98±1.36) mm of 2, 4 and 6 months respectively after therapy] at 3 different time points after mechanical therapy ( P <0.05). In the antibiotics group, the quantities of Pg, Tf and Td in subgingival plaque samples (the median quantity decreased to 0.0 ng at 2, 4 and 6 months after therapy) and saliva samples (the median quantity of Tf and Td decreased to 0.0 ng at 2, 4 and 6 months after therapy ( P <0.05), and the median quantity of Pg decreased to 16.3, 59.6 and 22.4 ng at 2, 4 and 6 months respectively after therapy) significantly decreased at 3 different time points after mechanical therapy compared with before therapy ( P< 0.05). While in the SRP group, there were no significant changes in the quantities of Tf and Td in saliva at 2, 4 and 6 months after mechanical therapy ( P >0.05) , and the quantities of Tf and Td in subgingival plaque significantly decreased only at 2 months after therapy ( P <0.05). Conclusions: SRP combined with systemic administration of amoxicillin and metronidazole could achieve greater improvement in PD of first molars and better control of the amounts of red complex microorganisms in the saliva and subgingival plaque of GAgP patients over a 6-month period.

Objective: To investigate the influence of CYP1A1 rs1048943 on short- and long-term outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) for generalised aggressive periodon- titis (GAgP). Methods: The CYP1A1 rs1048943 polymorphisms of 224 GAgP patients were genotyped by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A total of 125 patients received NSPT and subsequent followup for 3 months. Of the 125 patients, 81 were followed for at least 3 years. Clinical periodontal parameters were collected at baseline and at the follow-up visits. Negative binomial regression was used to analyse the association between the number of teeth lost during the 3-year observation period and CYP1A1 rs1048943 genotypes. Results: The mean probing depth (PD) and percentage of sites with Bleeding Index (BI) ≥ 3 were all significantly greater in CYP1A1 rs1048943 G allele carriers than non-carriers at 3 months and 3 years after treatment (P < 0.05). In the PD ≥ 7 mm subgroup, the mean PD was significantly higher in G allele carriers than non-carriers at the 3-year follow-up (P < 0.05). The other clinical parameters did not show a similar trend (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the changes of percentage of sites with BI ≥ 3 were significantly smaller in G allele carriers than non-carriers at 3 months and 3 years after treatment (P < 0.05). GAgP patients with the GG genotype had lost more over the 3-year follow-up period compared with patients with the AA genotype (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These data indicated that the CYP1A1 rs1048943 AG/GG genotypes may influence the short- and long-term outcomes of NSPT in GAgP patients.

Background: Klotho is an anti-aging protein and its increased plasma concentrations were related to good functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke. This study was designed to ascertain the prognostic significance of plasma Klotho in intracerebral hemorrhage., Methods: Plasma Klotho concentrations in 96 intracerebral hemorrhage patients and 96 healthy controls were quantified. Poor prognosis was defined as modified Rankin scale scores >2 at 90 days. The association of plasma Klotho concentrations with stroke prognosis was assessed using regression model., Results: Patients showed a substantially lower concentration of Klotho than healthy controls (P < .01). Klotho concentrations were highly correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, Glasgow coma scale scores, intracerebral hemorrhage scores and hematoma volumes (r = -0.426, 0.382, -0.334 and - 0.432). Patients with the highest plasma Klotho concentration were less prone to have poor prognosis at 90 days compared with the lowest quartile (odds ratio, 0.092; 95% confidence interval, 0.015-0.562). Its optimal cutoff value for distinguishing patients at risk of poor prognosis was 345 pg/ml, which yielded a sensitivity value of 0.86 and a specificity value of 0.62., Conclusions: Decreased plasma Klotho concentrations were associated with increasing severity and poor prognosis significantly, indicating the prognostic role of plasma Klotho in intracerebral hemorrhage., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate clinical performance of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) and its influential factors in a large Chinese population with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP)., Material and Methods: Longitudinal periodontal examination data of 1,004 GAgP patients (numbers of patients with observation periods 6 weeks~, 3 months~, 6 months~, 1 year~, 3 years~ and >5 years were 203, 310, 193, 205, 70 and 23, respectively) were extracted from a hospital-based electronic periodontal charting record system and analysed by multilevel analysis., Results: Mean probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL) reductions at patient level were 1.17 mm and 1.07 mm, respectively. Multilevel analysis demonstrated PD reductions after maintenance were mainly influenced by frequency of supportive periodontal treatment (FSPT), gender, adjunctive systemic use of antibiotics, baseline mobility, tooth type and baseline PD and bleeding index reductions were mainly influenced by FSPT, adjunctive systemic use of antibiotics, baseline AL, baseline mobility, tooth type and baseline PD., Conclusion: The clinical performance of NSPT on patients with GAgP was proved in the large Chinese population. Outcomes of NSPT were mainly influenced by FSPT, adjunctive systemic use of antibiotics, baseline mobility, tooth type and baseline PD., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Increases in drought frequency and intensity under climate change will have great impacts on the carbon cycle of forest ecosystems. Understanding the responses of soil respiration and its temperature sensitivity to drought is necessary, when we assess whether soil is a carbon sink or source. The effects of litterfall input on soil respiration, temperature sensitivity and its lagging effect were studied in moso bamboo forests under simulated drought by ceiling method in the field with three litterfall treatments, i.e., ambient litterfall (unchanged, LU), litter addition (LA) and litter removal (LR). The results showed that LU decreased annual soil respiration rate in drought treatment (2.34 Μmol·m -2 ·s -1 ), compared with that in the control (3.15 Μmol·m -2 ·s -1 ) with ambient natural rainfall. LR showed stronger effect on soil respiration than LA. Compared with LU, LR decreased soil respiration rate by 21.0% in ambient condition and by 20.9% in drought treatment, while LA led to 5.3% increase only in drought treatment. Such a result indicated that the effects of LA and LR on soil respiration rate were stronger than LU in the drought condition. Drought decreased the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration by 8.4%, while LA and LR reduced that by 15.4% and 7.6%, respectively. The cumulative CO 2 emissions during the whole 18 months were 7.35 and 5.40 kg CO 2 ·m -2 in the control and drought treatment. Compared with LU, LA increased the cumulative CO 2 emissions by 1.8% and 10.7%, and LR decreased that by 19.9% and 18.0% in the control and drought treatments. Our results indicated that the relationship between the litterfall amount (addition or removal) and soil respiration rate was nonlinear. The significant lagging effect may be caused by the decrease in root growth and microbial activity due to decreased soil water availability in drought treatment. Litterfall played a more important role in soil CO 2 emission under drought, and thus litterfall was a crucial factor in soil carbon emission in the context of climate change.

Objective: To explore associations between mean discrepancy values for the first and second molars (MDVFSs) and generalised aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) using hospital-based periodontal examination records from a large Chinese population., Methods: Data from consecutive patients diagnosed as having chronic periodontitis (CP, n = 51,849) and GAgP (n = 2,706) were included. Patient ages, gender, smoking status, mean full-mouth probing depth (PD), and mean full-mouth attachment loss (AL), as well as MDVFSs for PD and AL, were extracted. Multivariate linear regression was used to test associations between MDVFSs and GAgP., Results: After multivariate risk adjustment for potential confounding factors (age, smoking status, and mean PD and AL), the MDVFSs for PD (OR = 2.20, 95%CI: 2.04 to 2.38, P < 0.001) and AL (OR = 1.51, 95CI%: 1.44 to 1.59, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with GAgP. The probability of GAgP was associated with MDVFS for PD falling between 0 mm and 2.5 mm (OR = 4.55, 95%CI: 4.01 to 5.17) and MDVFS for AL falling between 0 mm and 3.5 mm (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.86 to 2.16, P < 0.001)., Conclusion: This study revealed associations between MDVFSs and GAgP, demonstrating that MDVFSs can serve as promising auxiliary references for the differential diagnosis between CP and GAgP.

The testis is sensitive to cadmium, but studies investigating cadmium-induced testicular injury have not yet clearly revealed the underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the injurious effects of cadmium on rat testes and the role that autophagy plays in this process. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and intraperitoneally injected with 0.2 (low), 0.4 (middle), and 0.8 mg/kg·body weight (high) cadmium chloride for 5 weeks, while the control rats were injected with equal volume of saline. Rats exposed to cadmium appeared inactive and had reduced body weights and increased testicular organ coefficients at the end of treatment compared with control rats. Atomic absorption results showed that cadmium levels increased with increased cadmium exposure. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of testicular sections showed seminiferous tubular atrophy, decreased pipe diameter, spermatogonial stem cells falling off the inner lining, and reduced germ cell layers of disorderly arrangements in cadmium-treated rats. Immunohistochemical and western blot results both showed that levels of the autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) increased with increased cadmium exposure. We also found that LC3B-II and calcium-sensing receptor (CSR) levels in cadmium-exposed rats significantly increased. By immunofluorescence, we found that the percentage of cells that expressed the CSR was significantly higher in LC3B-positive than LC3B-negative cells. Together, our results showed that cadmium accumulates in the testes causing testicular injury, which may be related to increased autophagy levels. Furthermore, calcium disorders associated with the CSR may reveal a potential way to activate autophagy.

Recently, two-dimensional organic-inorganic perovskites have attracted increasing attention due to their unique photophysical properties and high stability. Here we report a lead-free, two-dimensional perovskite, (PEA) 2 GeI 4 (PEA = C 6 H 5 (CH 2 ) 2 NH 3 + ). Structural characterization demonstrated that this 2D perovskite structure is formed with inorganic germanium iodide planes separated by organic PEAI layers. (PEA) 2 GeI 4 has a direct band gap of 2.12 eV, in agreement with 2.17 eV obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, implying that it is suitable for a tandem solar cell. (PEA) 2 GeI 4 luminesces at room-temperature with a moderate lifetime, exhibiting good potential for photovoltaic applications. In addition, 2D (PEA) 2 GeI 4 is more stable than 3D CH 3 NH 3 GeI 3 in air, owing to the presence of a hydrophobic organic long chain. This work provides a direction for the development of 2D Ge-based perovskites with potential for photovoltaic applications.

An accurate van der Waals force field (VDW FF) was derived from highly precise quantum mechanical (QM) calculations. Small molecular clusters were used to explore van der Waals interactions between gas molecules and porous materials. The parameters of the accurate van der Waals force field were determined by QM calculations. To validate the force field, the prediction results from the VDW FF were compared with standard FFs, such as UFF, Dreiding, Pcff, and Compass. The results from the VDW FF were in excellent agreement with the experimental measurements. This force field can be applied to the prediction of the gas density (H 2 , CO 2 , C 2 H 4 , CH 4 , N 2 , O 2 ) and adsorption performance inside porous materials, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs), zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs), consisting of H, B, N, C, O, S, Si, Al, Zn, Mg, Ni, and Co. This work provides a solid basis for studying gas adsorption in porous materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To evaluate bone formation in human extraction sockets with absorbed surrounding walls augmented with Bio-Oss and Bio-Gide after a 6-month healing period by histologic and histomorphometric analyses., Methods: Six fresh molar tooth extraction sockets in 6 patients who required periodontally compromised moral tooth extraction were included in this study. The six fresh extraction sockets were grafted with Bio-Oss particle covered with Bio-Gide. The 2.8 mm×6.0 mm cylindric bone specimens were taken from the graft sites with aid of stent 6 months after the surgery. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed., Results: The histological results showed Bio-Oss particles were easily distinguished from the newly formed bone, small amounts of new bone were formed among the Bio-Oss particles, large amounts of connective tissue were found. Intimate contact between the newly formed bone and the small part of Bio-Oss particles was present. All the biopsy cylinders measurement demonstrated a high inter-individual variability in the percentage of the bone, connective tissues and Bio-Oss particles. The new bone occupied 11.54% (0-28.40%) of the total area; the connective tissues were 53.42% (34.08%-74.59%) and the Bio-Oss particles were 35.04% (13.92%-50.87%). The percentage of the particles, which were in contact with bone tissues, amounted to 20.13% (0-48.50%)., Conclusion: Sites grafted with Bio-Oss particles covered with Bio-Gide were comprised of connective tissues and small amounts of newly formed bone surrounding the graft particles.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of periodontal-orthodontic treatment in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and malocclusion., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 25 AgP patients, who had received periodontal-orthodontic treatment in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Clinical indexes, including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI) and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP%) were evaluated at three time points: Baseline (T0); active periodontal treatment finished and before orthodontic treatment (T1); and after orthodontic treatment (T2). Also changes of ratio of the residual alveolar bone height (RBH) and the occurrence of root resorption were evaluated by periapical radiographs., Results: (1) Compared with T0, all the clinical parameters including PD, BI, BOP% and percentage of sites with PD>3 mm were significantly improved (P<0.001). (2) Significant difference was observed in the average RBH between T0 (68.37%±15.60% and T2 (70.27%±14.23%). RBH in upper incisors [(58.79%±16.71% at T0, 65.54% (55.74%, 78.13%) at T2], upper canines [77.62% (66.06%, 87.17%) at T0, 79.57% (69.75%, 86.52%) at T2] and upper molars [74.30% (61.69%, 84.45%) at T0, 76.76% (68.12%, 85.09%) at T2] showed significant increase (P<0.05). (3) After orthodontic treatment, varying degrees of root resorption occurred in (23.94%±13.45%) of teeth per capita, among which the lower and upper incisors showed the highest incidence (68.48% and 65.31% in homogeneous teeth, respectively)., Conclusion: After active periodontal treatment, orthodontic treatment in AgP patients had not aggravated inflammation and alveolar bone resorption; root resorption occurred in two-thirds of incisors approximately.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) and its influential factors in a large Chinese population with chronic periodontitis., Methods: Periodontal examination data of 10,789 patients with at least one periodontal re-evaluation record were extracted from a hospital-based electronic periodontal charting record system. Probing depth (PD) and bleeding index (BI) reductions after NSPT and their influential factors were analysed by multilevel analysis., Results: Mean PD reductions at patient level and site level were 0.62 and 0.65 mm respectively. Mean reductions of percentage of tooth with BI > 1 and BI > 2 were 14.9% and 25.21%. Multilevel analysis demonstrated that PD and BI reductions were mainly influenced by baseline PD, baseline attachment loss (AL), baseline mobility, tooth type and frequency of periodontal maintenance (FPM). Besides, PD reduction was associated with baseline BI for all sites and was associated with gender and smoking status for sites with baseline PD ≥ 5 mm., Conclusion: The effectiveness of NSPT on patients with chronic periodontitis was proved in a large Chinese population. Outcomes of NSPT were mainly influenced by baseline PD, baseline AL, baseline mobility, tooth type and FPM., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Tin phosphite nanosheets were synthesized by a facile exfoliation method. SnHPO3 nanosheets with a thickness of ∼2.6nm readily form a stable colloidal suspension in ethanol using ultrasonic method. Structures and optical properties of the obtained nanosheets were investigated. The prepared SnHPO3 nanosheets exhibit an obvious blue-shift in UV absorbance compared with bulk SnHPO3 crystal materials. Moreover, the piezoelectric coefficients of SnHPO3 monolayer were calculated based on density functional theory, which are larger than that of h-BN monolayer, indicating this material could be a good candidate for designing electro-optical nano-devices., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the potential association between FADS1 rs174537 polymorphism and serum proteins in patients with aggressive periodontitis, which may provide benefits for diagnosis and treatment of aggressive periodontitis., Methods: A total of 353 patients with aggressive periodontitis (group AgP) and 125 matched controls (group HP) were recruited in the study. Genotyping of FADS1 rs174537 and serum biochemical indexes were tested at the study's start. The relationships between the levels of TP, GLB, ALB, A/G and genotyping were analyzed., Results: (1) The detection rate of allele G in group AgP was higher than that in group HP(68.1% vs. 61.2%, P=0.046,OR=1.35,95% CI 1.00-1.83); the detection rate of genotype GG in group AgP was higher than in group HP(45.5% vs. 34.4%,P=0.029, OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.05-2.44). (2) In group AgP, the patients with GG genotype exhibited significantly lower TP, GLB than the patients with GT+TT genotype [(77.08 ± 7.88) g/L vs. (79.00 ± 4.66) g/L, P=0.007; (28.17 ± 7.63) g/L vs.(29.88 ± 3.49) g/L,P=0.007) and the higher A/G(1.72 ± 0.22 vs.1.67 ± 0.22, P=0.040), but there was no significant difference in ALB between the patients with GG genotype and the patients with GT+TT genotype. In group HP, there were no significant differences in TP, GLB, A/G and ALB between individuals with genotype GT+TT and with genotype GG. (3)Compared with individuals with genotype GT+TT in group HP, the AgP patients with genotype GT+TT exhibited significantly higher TP, GLB [(79.00 ± 4.66) g/L vs. (75.20 ± 4.53) g/L, P<0.01; (29.88 ± 3.49) g/L vs.(26.55 ± 2.94) g/L, P<0.01) and the lower A/G(1.67 ± 0.22 vs. 1.88 ± 0.30, P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in ALB. There were no significant differences in TP, GLB, A/G and ALB the between the AgP patients with genotype GG and the healthy subjects with the same genotype either., Conclusion: FADS1 rs174537 polymorphism is associated with aggressive periodontitis. The patients with genotype GG in group AgP had relatively lower TP,GLB and higher A/G. Genotype GG might be a risk indicator for aggressive periodontitis by reducing host defense capability and contributing to inflammatory response in the occurrence and development of aggressive periodontitis.

Objective: To analyze the serum IgG titers to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans(Aa) and associated factors in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP)., Methods: Venous blood samples were collected from 62 AgP patients and 45 periodontal healthy controls, unstimulated whole saliva and pooled subgingival plaque samples of AgP patients were also collected for the detection of Aa (PCR method). Serum IgG titers to Aa serotype c were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA)., Results: The detection rates of serum IgG to Aa serotype c in the AgP patients and the healthy controls were both 100%. The AgP patients exhibited significantly higher IgG titers to Aa serotype c than the healthy controls (11.1±1.9 vs. 9.1±1.8, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in serum IgG levels to Aa serotype c and in the prevalence of high-responding patients to Aa serotype c between the incisor-first molar type AgP patients and generalized AgP patients. Serum IgG titers to Aa serotype c in the Aa-positive AgP patients (the patients who were Aa-positive in subgingival plaque or saliva) were significantly higher than those of the Aa-negative patients (11.9±1.3 vs. 10.7±2.1, P<0.05)., Conclusion: Serotype c was the main serotype of Aa in Chinese patients with AgP. Serum IgG responses in generalized AgP patients were comparable to those in incisor-first molar type AgP patients.

Aims: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been considered to be effective auxiliary strategy for the treatment of hemocytopenia including immune thrombocytopenia. However, the molecular mechanism is still not understood., Methods: In present study, Qian Five Rhinoceros Gindeng (QFRG) mainly containing buffalo horn, rehmannia root, radix rubia, trogopterus dung and radix salviae miltiorrhizae administrated to thrombocytopenia mice induced by injection of MWReg30. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), Toll Like Receptors (TLRs) and cytokines were assayed in monocytes separated from mice peripheral blood. The relationship between miRNAs and TLRs was investigated in Mouse leukaemic monocyte macrophage cell line RAW264.7., Results: The mice with administration of QFRG had a significant increase in platelet count, and miR-181a of monocytes was markedly up-regulated in QFRG treated group. QFRG also decreased the levels of TLR4, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, miR-181a inhibitor reversed the effects of QFRG on platelet count, TLR4 and cytokines. Overexpression of miR-181a in lipopolysaccharide-induced showed a decrease of TLR4, IL-6 and TNF-α level., Conclusions: QFRG protects against development of immune thrombocytopenia via miR-181a inhibition of TLR-4 expression.

Objective: To compare the bone dimensional changes following tooth extraction alone with extraction plus ridge preservation (using deproteinized boving bone mineral Bio-Oss® and bioresorbable collagen mambrane Bio-Gide®) in periodontal compromised extraction sockets., Methods: Eighteen molars of sixteen subjects requiring tooth extraction because of periodontal destruction were enrolled in this study. The subjects were assigned to the control group (extraction alone, EXT) or to the test group (ridge-preservation procedure with Bio-Oss® and Bio-Gide, RP). Parallel periapical X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken immediately after tooth extraction alone or plus ridge-preservation (baseline) and 6 months later. The changes of horizontal ridge width and vertical ridge height were assessed., Results: At the central buccal aspect, the ridge height increased 2.9 mm in RP group, and reduced 1.0 mm in EXT group. At the distal buccal aspect, the ridge height increased 1.45 mm in RP group, and reduced 1.45 mm in EXT group. The differences between the groups reached statistical significance (P<0.05). The mean ridge width increased at the 1 mm below the crest (the horizontal ridge width was measured with grafting material at three levels at 1 mm below the most coronal aspect of the crest,HW1), which amounted to 3.40 to 5.80 mm in RP group, and 1.45 to 2.90 mm in EXT group. The mean ridge increased at the 4 mm below the crest (the horizontal ridge width was measured with grafting material at three levels at 4 mm below the most coronal aspect of the crest,HW4), which amounted to 0.40 to 3.50 mm in RP group, and reduced 0.10 to increased 0.15 mm in EXT group. The test group and the control group were not significantly different (P>0.05)., Conclusion: The ridge-preservation approach using Bio-Oss® in combination with Bio-Gide® can significantly increase vertical ridge height and horizontal ridge width after tooth extraction compared with extraction alone in periodontal compromised molars.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of full-mouth debridement (subgingival scaling and root planning, SRP) by 2 times within 1 week and compare the clinical effects of different sequences of debridement-antibiotic usage in patients with severe chronic periodontitis (CP)., Methods: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 severe CP patients (14 males and 16 females, 40.5 ± 8.4 years old on average from 35 to 60) receiving 3 different sequences of debridement-antibiotictherapy: Group A, antibiotic usage (metronidazole, MTZ, 0.2 g, tid, 7 d; amoxicillin, AMX 0.5 g, tid, 7 d) was started together with SRP (completed by 2 times in 7 d); Group B, antibiotic usage (MTZ 0.2 g, tid, 7 d; AMX 0.5 g, tid, 7 d) was started 1 d after SRP(completed by 2 times in 7 d); Group C, SRP alone[probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI) and tooth mobility] was examined. The average full-mouth probing depth, the average full-mouth proximal probing depth (pPD), the percentage of sites with PD>5 mm (PD>5 mm%), the percentage of sites with proximal PD>5 mm (pPD>5 mm%), the average bleeding index (BI) and the percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP%) were calculated. Clinical examinations were performed at baseline and 2 months post therapy., Results: (1) Compared with baseline conditions, all the subjects showed clinical improvements in all the parameters evaluated 2 months post therapy, P<0.05. (2) Significant difference were observed in the average PD changes between Group A [(2.15 ± 0.42) mm], Group B [(1.76 ± 0.29) mm] and Group C [(1.57 ± 0.33) mm], P<0.05. No significant difference was observed in the average PD changes between Group B and Group C, P=0.354. Significant differences were observed in the average pPD changes between Group A [(2.45 ± 0.43)mm] and Group C[(1.90 ± 0.48) mm], P<0.05. No significant difference was observed in BI and BOP% changes between Group A,Group B and Group C., Conclusion: For patients with severe chronic periodontitis, it is safe and feasible to receive full-mouth SRP by 2 times within 1 week. The short-term (2 months) advantages in PD changes are observed in patients receiving SRP and antibiotic usage at the same time comparing with patients using antibiotics after SRP or SRP alone.

Objective: To evaluate the differences of clinical parameters and putative periodontal pathogens in sites of different probing depth (PD) reduction after non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP)., Methods: Clinical examinations including plaque index, probing depth (PD), attachment level (AL) and bleeding index (BI), and full-mouth periapical photographs were collected from 20 patients with AgP. All the patients received non-surgical periodontal treatment, including oral hygiene instruction, supra-gingival scaling, subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) and were followed up for 6 months post-therapy. Gingival crevicular fluids (GCF) were collected at 1 site in each quadrant before and at the end of 6 months post-therapy. Six kinds of putative periodontal pathogens and 6 kinds of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were detected in the GCF samples., Results: The baseline clinical parameters of PD, AL and BI, the baseline concentration of succinic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, and the prevalence of Treponema denticola were significantly higher in sites with PD reduction more than 2 mm sites compared with PD reduction no more than 2 mm sites [(7.7 ± 1.2) mm vs. (5.1 ± 1.8) mm, (6.3 ± 1.9) mm vs. (4.5 ± 2.2) mm, 3.8 ± 0.4 vs. 3.3 ± 0.8, 1.66 mmol/L vs. 1.10 mmol/L, 31.67 mmol/L vs.17.78 mmol/L, 3.31 mmol/L vs.1.95 mmol/L, 84.6% vs. 56.1%, P<0.05]. However, there were no significant differences in the clinical parameters, the 6 kinds of putative periodontal pathogen detection and SCFAs concentration between the 2 groups at the end of 6 months post-treatment. In sites with PD>5 mm at the end of 6 months post-therapy, all were found with red complex bacteria infection., Conclusion: The baseline clinical parameters are important factors in predicting PD reduction after non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with AgP. In sites with deep pockets after non-surgical periodontal treatment, the active control of red complex bacteria is recommended.

Polygonatum odoratum lectin (POL), a mannose-binding GNA-related lectin, has been reported to display remarkable anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities toward a variety of cancer cells; however, the precise molecular mechanisms by which POL induces cancer cell death are still elusive. In the current study, we found that POL could induce both apoptosis and autophagy in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Subsequently, we found that POL induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, we also found that POL induces MCF-7 cell apoptosis via EGFR-mediated Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway, suggesting that POL may be a potential EGFR inhibitor. Finally, we used proteomics analyses for exploring more possible POL-induced pathways with EGFR, Ras, Raf, MEK and ERK, some of which were consistent with our in silico network prediction. Taken together, these results demonstrate that POL induces MCF-7 cell apoptosis and autophagy via targeting EGFR-mediated Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, which would provide a new clue for exploiting POL as a potential anti-neoplastic drug for future cancer therapy., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The CO and O2 adsorption as well as CO oxidation on cationic, neutral, and anionic AuM dimers (M = Pd, Ag) are studied by density functional calculations. Our results show that CO and O2 are adsorbed more stably on AuPd dimers than on AuAg dimers with corresponding charge state. O2 is favorable to be adsorbed on Pd atom in AuPd(+), AuPd and AuPd(-) dimers. CO is adsorbed on Pd in AuPd and AuPd(-), while it is favorable to be adsorbed on Au in AuPd(+). For AuAg dimers, O2 is adsorbed on Ag in AuAg and AuAg(-), and it is adsorbed on Au in AuAg(+). CO is adsorbed on Ag in AuPd(-), while it is adsorbed on Au in AuAg and AuAg(+). The CO oxidation reaction is explored along two possible pathways: path-1 involves CO attacking the initial complexes of AuM dimers and O2, and path-2 is related to O2 interacting with the complexes of AuM dimers and CO. The charge state of AuM dimers has a substantial effect on CO oxidation. The reaction on AuPd(-) prefers path-1, and AuPd(+) mediated reaction proceeds along path-2, while CO oxidation on AuPd is difficult along both paths. For AuAg, both pathways are viable for AuAg(-) mediated reactions, while AuAg and AuAg(+) mediated reactions prefer path-2. Moreover, the energy barriers of CO oxidation on neutral AuAg is comparable with those on AuPd in all charge states while the energy barriers for AuAg(-) and AuAg(+) are considerably lower than those for all AuPd dimmers, indicating the impurity atom also plays a significant role in the catalytic activity. Furthermore, AuAg(-) is proposed to be the most active species due to the lowest barrier involved in the reaction.

It is unknown whether transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) can repair spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCII) in a rat model through an anti-apoptotic effect. Adult rats were divided into untreated or sham-operated controls, untreated models of SCII (uSCII) and BM-MSC-transplanted models of SCII (tSCII; labeled with CM-Dill transplanted at 1 h and 24 h after reperfusion). According to evaluation of hind-limb motor function, the motor functions of tSCII rats were significantly better than those of uSCII rats by the seventh day. H&E and TUNEL staining showed that the spinal cords of uSCII rats contained damaged neural cells with nuclear pyknosis and congestion of blood vessels, with a high percentage of apoptotic neural cells, while the spinal cords of tSCII rats were nearly normal with significantly fewer apoptotic neural cells. Immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence staining revealed that in tSCII rats CASP3 and neurofilament-H (NF-H) levels were 14.57% and 174% those of uSCII rats, respectively, and in tSCII rats the ratio of BAX to BCL2 was reduced by nearly 50%. The differentiation of transplanted CM-Dil-labeled BM-MSCs into neurons and astrocytes was observed in the spinal cords of the tSCII rats under laser scanning confocal microscopy. These results showed that transplantation of BM-MSCs improved functional recovery after SCII via anti-apoptosis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the long-term effects of non-surgical treatment on clinical and hematologic states of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP)., Methods: Patients with GAgP (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 28) were recruited. The clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), attachment loss (AL) were examined and recorded. Blood cell variables, including white blood cells (WBC), leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, as well as serum triglycerides, fasting glucose and protein parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), were analyzed. Twenty-five GAgP patients received non-surgical treatment and the clinical and blood parameters 3 to 7 years after treatment were re-evaluated. Clinical and hematological parameters of the two groups were compared. Comparisons of clinical and hematologic parameters pre- and post-treatment in GAgP group were performed through one-way ANOVA and paired-t test., Results: Elevated white blood cells, neutrophil numbers and serum total protein, globulin levels were observed in patients with GAgP compared to controls[(6.3 ± 2.0)×10(9)cell/L vs.(5.4 ± 1.0)×10(9)cell/L, (4.1 ± 1.8)×10(9) cell/L vs.(3.0 ± 0.9)×10(9) cell/L, (78.2 ± 4.4) g/L vs. (75.6 ± 4.6) g/L and (29.3 ± 3.8) g/L vs.(26.5 ± 3.9) g/L respectively, P < 0.05]. A/G ratio was lower in the GAgP group than in the control group (1.7 ± 0.2 vs.1.9 ± 0.3, P < 0.01). Three to seven years after periodontal treatment, the reduction of PD and BI was observed in GAgP group(P < 0.05). There were significant decreases of WBC count, neutrophil count, serum total protein and globulin level, and significant increases of albumin level and A/G at 3 to 7 years after treatment(P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Non-surgical treatment may have long-term beneficial effect on the periodontal clinical status and hematologic parameters of generalized aggressive periodontitis.

Objective: To establish a predictive model for long-term tooth loss of patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) after periodontal treatment., Methods: Patients diagnosed as AgP in Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, who were re-evaluated 3 to 11 years after periodontal treatment were enrolled (n=85). Logistic regression was performed to select background, periodontal and radiographic factors which were related to long-term post-treatment tooth loss. A predictive model was built and analyzed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve., Results: After periodontal treatment, 55 teeth from 22 patients lost further. High prevalence of baseline bone loss, root abnormality, and residual severe bleeding sites, as well as poor compliance to maintenance were detected as risk factors in the predictive model. ROC analysis found the sensitivity and specificity of the model could reach up to 80% simultaneously., Conclusion: Predictive model for post-treatment tooth loss of patients with AgP is an important adjunct in clinical practice.

Objective: Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as succinic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, etc. are metabolic product of putative periodontal pathogens, which play significant roles in periodontitis. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Treponema denticola (T. denticola), and the concentration of SCFAs in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP)., Methods: GCF was sampled from 4 sites per individual in 20 patients with AgP and 14 healthy controls. Concentrations of SCFAs, including succinic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid in the supernant of GCF were analyzed by high performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE), P. gingivalis and T. denticola in the deposit of the same GCF were detected by PCR with their electrophoretic band quantified., Results: The concentrations of succinic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid, the prevalence and PCR band quantity of P. gingivalis and T. denticola in GCF were all significantly higher in patients with AgP than that of healthy controls. In patients with AgP, butyric acid concentration was significantly higher in P. gingivalis positive sites than negative sites [2.87 (0.99, 4.36) mmol/L vs. 0.33 (0.00, 1.44) mmol/L, P<0.05], the concentrations of succinic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid were positively correlated with PCR band quantity of P. gingivalis (r value was 0.334, 0.548, 0.411, 0.493, 0.273, respectively, P<0.05); the concentrations of SCFAs were significantly higher in T. denticola positive sites than negative sites: succinic acid, 1.67 (1.15, 2.11) mmol/L vs. 0.80 (0.48, 1.06) mmol/L; acetic acid, 31.95 (23.77, 43.13) mmol/L vs.12.51 (7.57, 15.69) mmol/L; propionic acid, 11.86 (6.55, 14.98) mmol/L vs. 2.82 (1.71, 7.03) mmol/L; butyric acid, 3.45 (2.41, 4.78) mmol/L vs. 0.54 (0.00, 1.56) mmol/L; isovaleric acid, 2.23 (1.05, 3.85) mmol/L vs. 0.62 (0.00, 2.33) mmol/L. The concentrations of succinic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid were positively correlated with PCR band quantity of T. denticola (r value was 0.443, 0.702, 0.625, 0.557, respectively, P<0.05)., Conclusion: SCFAs concentrations reflect the quantity of P. gingivalis and T. denticola in patients with AgP, and may be an indicator to the disease progression in patients with AgP.

Objective: To evaluate the short term clinical results of scaling and root planning (SRP) only, SRP combined with amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MTZ) after supragingival scaling or after SRP in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis (AgP)., Methods: A total of 45 patients with AgP were randomly divided into SRP group, SRP with AMX + MTZ after supragingival scaling group and AMX + MTZ after SRP group. Subgingival scaling and root planning were performed one week after supragingival scaling and finished within 1 month. AMX and MTZ were given for 7 days immediately after supragingival scaling or the last time of SPR. Clinical examinations including probing depth (PD), attachment level (AL) and bleeding index (BI) were performed at baseline and 8 weeks after non-surgical periodontal treatment by the same examiner., Results: There were more PD reduction and AL gain in both AMX + MTZ after supragingival scaling group and AMX + MTZ after SRP group compared with SRP group [2.5 (1.8, 3.3) mm, 2.3 (1.9, 2.7) mm vs. 1.8 (1.3, 2.1) mm, P < 0.05]; [0.9 (0.5, 1.4) mm, 0.8 (0.4, 1.3) mm vs. 0.4 (0.2, 1.0) mm, P < 0.05]. In sites PD ≥ 7 mm, PD reduction was more in AMX + MTZ after supragingival scaling group than AMX + MTZ after SRP group [4.0 (3.0, 5.0) mm vs. 4.0 (3.0, 4.0) mm, P < 0.05)]., Conclusions: The combined use of AMX and MTZ during non-surgical periodontal treatment for patients with AgP was effective in short term. In patients with most sites PD ≥ 7 mm, AMX and MTZ could be taken after supragingival scaling, but the long-term clinical effects needs further investigation.

Objective: To compare the outcomes of bovine porous bone mineral (BPBM) containing bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and BPBM alone in periodontal intra-bony defects., Methods: In the study, 22 intrabony defects of 9 patients with periodontitis were recruited. All the patients had at least one pair of intrabony defects of ≥3 mm. The split-mouth and single blind methods were used. The defects were randomly assigned to BPBM containing BMP (test) or BPBM alone (control). After debridement, the intrabony defects were treated by bone graft. Assessments at baseline and after 6 months included plaque index, attachment level, probing pocket depth, bleeding indexes on probing and gingival recession. The early wound-healing, adverse effects and patients' perceptions were also recorded., Results: The gain in clinical attachment was (3.0±1.2) mm in the test group and (3.2±1.1) mm in the control group. The pocket reduction was (3.4±1.5) mm in the test group and (2.8±1.0) mm in the control group. The reduction of bleeding index was 1.9±1.3 in the test group and 2.3±0.8 in the control group. There was no statistical difference between the test group and control group (P>0.05)., Conclusion: Both treatment modalities led to similar significant clinical improvements.

Nine avian influenza A viruses (AIVs), H1N2 (n = 2) and H1N3 (n = 7), were isolated from domestic ducks in live poultry markets in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China, in 2011. All viruses were characterized by whole genome sequencing with subsequent phylogenetic analysis and genetic comparison. Phylogenetic analysis of all eight viral genes showed that the viruses clustered in the Eurasian lineage of influenza A viruses. The hemagglutinin cleavage site of all viruses displayed features of a monobasic cleavage site. Although there was no evidence of re-assortment in subtype H1 AIVs among the avian species and mammalian hosts in this study, continued surveillance is needed considering the important role of the domestic duck in the dissemination and re-assortment of AIVs.

Objective: To investigate the potential genetic mode of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) in Chinese Han nationality., Methods: A total of 233 subjects from 73 nuclear families were recruited. All probands were diagnosed according to the criteria of AgP in 1999 classification of periodontal diseases. Ninety parents, 35 siblings and three grandparents and two offspring were examined based on full-mouth periodontal chartings (including parameter of probing depths, attachment loss, bleeding on probing at six sites per tooth) and full-mouth periapical radiographs. The genetic ratio was calculated and analyzed by the methods of Edwards and simple segregation., Results: The prevalence of AgP in probands' siblings was close to the square root of the prevalence of general population. The segregation ratio was 0.2419, which was close to the theoretical ratio for autosomal recessive inheritance. However, autosomal dominant inheritance could not be rejected in families whose parent(s) suffered from severe chronic periodontitis., Conclusions: The genetic heterogeneity of AgP existed in Chinese Han nationality. The genetic mode was autosomal recessive inheritance in general, and autosomal dominant inheritance could not be excluded in families whose parent(s) suffered from severe chronical periodontitis. The results imply the genetic heterogeneity of AgP, and further demonstrate that AgP was a multifactorial disease with major genetic component in the disease etiology.

Competition between dissociation and ionization of H(2)(+) in intense laser field has been investigated by using an accurate three-dimensional time-dependent wavepacket approach. The disagreement between the experiment and the former one-dimensional theory has been resolved. In a comparison of the calculated results with the available experimental data, a good agreement is reached, not only for the relative probabilities between dissociation and ionization but also for the two-peak structures and the peak energy locations for these two processes.

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway participates in the control of numerous cellular processes, including cell proliferation. Since its activation kinetics are critical for to its biological effects, they are tightly regulated. We report that the protein translation factor, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, subunit a (eIF3a), binds to SHC and Raf-1, two components of the ERK pathway. The interaction of eIF3a with Raf-1 is increased by β-arrestin2 expression and transiently decreased by epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. The EGF-induced decrease in Raf-1-eIF3a association kinetically correlates with the time course of ERK activation. eIF3a interferes with Raf-1 activation and eIF3a downregulation by small interfering RNA enhances ERK activation, early gene expression, DNA synthesis, expression of neuronal differentiation markers in PC12 cells, and Ras-induced focus formation in NIH 3T3 cells. Thus, eIF3a is a negative modulator of ERK pathway activation and its biological effects.

Aggressive periodontitis comprises a group of rare, often severe, rapidly progressive forms of periodontitis mostly characterised by an early age of clinical manifestation and a distinctive tendency for cases to aggregate in families. This case report presents a 16-year-old female patient with clinical and radiographic evidence of severe attachment loss, whose mother was also a patient with severe periodontal destruction. The girl was diagnosed with generalised aggressive periodontitis and received full-mouth scaling and root planing, bone graft surgeries and guided tissue regeneration on intrabony defects mesial of the mandibular first molars. Microbiological and immunological tests were performed on five selected sites before and at 2 months after initial therapy. Clinical and radiographic findings reported up to 4 years postoperatively indicated good effects and stability of treatment outcome.

Cyclic neutropenia is a rare haematologic disorder. This case report presents a 6-year-old girl who was referred in order to treat gingival recession, and was finally diagnosed as having cyclic neutropenia based on an oral examination, complete blood counts and a sternal puncture bone marrow test. The patient received systematic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy, full-mouth scaling and root planing and was followed up for 4 years. Due to irregular periodontal maintenance and poor oral hygiene, severe gingival inflammation and deep pockets persisted in the permanent dentition of the patient.

Objective: To compare the short-term clinical effects following non-surgical periodontal treatment with Er:YAG laser or with combination of ultrasonic subgingival scaling and root planing with hand instrument (SRP) for patients with chronic periodontitis., Methods: In the study, 17 patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly treated in a split-mouth design with Er:YAG laser (test group) or a combination of ultrasonic subgingival scaling and root planing with hand instrument (control group). The degree of discomfort experienced during the treatment was graded by the patient using visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after the completion of test and control treatment procedures. The following clinical parameters were recorded by a calibrated and blinded examiner: plaque index (PLI), bleeding index (BI), probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL)., Results: The mean VAS score of Er:YAG laser treatment [3 (2, 4.5)] was significantly lower than that of control treatment [5 (4, 6), P=0.013]. Both the groups showed significant reduction of PLI, PD, AL and BI values 2 months and 4 months after treatment. For sites with PD≥4 mm at baseline, the sites treated with Er:YAG laser demonstrated mean PD change from (5.6±1.1) mm to (3.6±1.1) mm and to (3.4±1.0) mm at the end of 2 months and 4 months respectively and demonstrated mean AL change from (5.1±1.5) mm to (3.9±1.6) mm and to (3.8±1.7) mm at the end of 2 months and 4 months respectively, meanwhile the BI value showed significant decrease, P=0.000; the sites treated with conventional SRP demonstrated mean PD change from (5.6±1.1) mm to (3.8±1.1) mm and (3.5± 1.0) mm at the end of 2 months and 4 months respectively and demonstrated mean AL change from (4.8±1.6) mm to (3.8±1.6) mm and (3.6±1.8) mm at the end of 2 months and 4 months respectively, and the BI value also showed significant improvement. No statistical difference for all clinical parameters were found between the two treatment groups., Conclusion: The present results indicate that non-surgical periodontal therapy with Er:YAG laser is safe and effective, and Er:YAG laser therapy could be used for patients who was sensitive to pain.

Aim: Prepare the rabbit antiserum against gecko japonicus Hoxc10 and to identify its properties., Methods: Prokaryotic expression vector of g-Hoxc10 were constructed and then transform into E.coli (BL21). To make GST-g-Hoxc10 fusion protein in E.coli (BL21) under the optimized induction of Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside(IPTG). The recombination proteins were purified using affinity chromatography. The purified fusion protein was inoculated into adult rabbits to develop antiserum. Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were then performed to evaluate the feature of the prepared antiserum., Results: Prokaryotic expression vectors of g-Hoxc10 were successfully constructed. The soluble recombinant protein was highly expressed in E.coli BL21 and inoculated into adult rabbits to obtain high titer antiserum. Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were then performed to evaluate the specificity of the prepared antiserum., Conclusion: We successfully amplified and expressed the g-Hoxc10 in E.coli BL21. The purified fusion protein was inoculated into adult rabbits to develop antiserum. The obtained antiserum of g-Hoxc10 showed a high titer against Hoxc10 proteins. The protein and antiserum prepared in this study can be used for further research of the function investigation of Hoxc10.

The pig is the non-primate species that is immunologically closest to humans, and has been considered as an alternative source to human allografts for transplantation. In fact, there has been recent interest in identifying and culturing porcine neural progenitor cells (PNPCs) in vitro, but the long-term culturing has not yet been characterized. Here, we reported the spontaneous differentiation of PNPCs into neuronal and glial cells. For in vitro cultures, the primary cells of the subventricular zone of the forebrain striatum were cultured in the presence of epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor to allow the growth of spherical masses that exhibit sustained growth and self-renewal capacity. After growth factor removal, the neurospheres with 10 and 130 days of culture spontaneously differentiated into Tuj1-positive neurons and GFAP-positive astrocytes as seen by double immunocytofluorescence. Molecular characterization using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that neurospheres expressed nestin, neuron-specific enolase, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In addition, after cultured in the differentiation medium for 3 months, the growth of neurosphere became slow and displayed cystic structures with the same morphology as that of embryonic bodies derived from embryonic stem cells. It is concluded that PNPCs have the ability to provide an expandable source of neural cells that can develop into neuronal and glial subtypes.

The seams of conical intersection exist between the ground (1  (2)A(')) and the first-excited (2  (2)A(')) electronic potential energy surfaces (PESs) of OH(A  (2)Σ(+),X  (2)Π) + H(2) system. This intersection induces the nonadiabatic quenching of OH(A  (2)Σ(+)) by D(2). We present nonadiabatic quantum dynamics study for OH(A  (2)Σ(+)) + D(2) on new five-dimensional coplanar PESs. The ab initio calculations of PESs are based on multireference configuration interaction (MRCI)/aug-cc-pVQZ level. A back-propagation neural network is utilized to fit the PESs and nonadiabatic coupling. High degrees of rotational excitation of quenched OH(X  (2)Π) products are found in nonreactive quenching channel, and the quenched D(2) products are vibrationally excited up to quantum number v(2) (')=8. The theoretical results of nonadiabatic time-dependent wave-packet calculation are in good agreement with the existing experimental data.