OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression and biological effect of Shh during late bell stage by morphological and semi-quantitative analysis.

METHODSTooth germs were selected from new born Bal b/c mouse (P1, P2, P3, P5, P7). Semi-quality of Shh was measured by Western Blot and the expression place and strength of Shh were observed by in situ hybridization.

RESULTSShh was expressed in the ameloblast layer during late bell stage; the expression strength was high in secretive period and decreased with development; the active N-section was detectable before P3.

CONCLUSIONShh expresses specially in the ameloblast layer in late bell stage, and expression quality is related to the function of ameloblasts.

Ameloblasts ; metabolism ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Gene Expression ; Hedgehog Proteins ; In Situ Hybridization ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Tooth Germ ; cytology ; metabolism ; Trans-Activators ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the transcriptional expression of enamelin in developing postnatal rat first mandibular molar germs, for further studies of functions of enamelin in enamel development and mineralization.

METHODSTissue slices of first mandibular molar germ of rat 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 days after birth were prepared. The enamelin mRNA expression was identified by in situ hybridization.

RESULTSEnamelin mRNA was observed in both ameloblast and odontoblast in 1-10 day old rat postnatal first mandibular molar germs. Enamelin mRNA appeared very weakly at 1st day, and increased through 3rd day, reached the maximum at 7th day, and reduced at 10th day and became negative at 14th day postnatally; while the expression of enamelin mRNA in odontoblast maintained lower from 1st to 10th day and negative at 14th day postnatally.

CONCLUSIONEnamelin gene transcriptional expression lasts from preameloblast to maturation ameloblast, which suggests that enamelin may participate in the development of enamel and mantle dentin.

Ameloblasts ; metabolism ; Animals ; Dental Enamel Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation ; In Situ Hybridization ; Molar ; embryology ; Odontoblasts ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Tooth Germ ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Transcription, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the bonding properties and interface characterization of a domestic 3mol yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconium polycrystal (3Y-TZP) framework fired on with 4 different veneering ceramics for zirconia.

METHODS4 different commercial veneering ceramics for zirconia (VITA VM9, SHOFU VINTAGE ZR, IPS e.max Ceram, Cercon ceram kiss) were sintered on 3Y-TZP rectangulars (15 mmx5 mmx5 mm) according to the manufacturers' instructions for shear bond strength test, a metal-ceramic system(Ni-Cr alloy/VITA VMK95) was fabricated in the same type as a control group. Two bilayered specimens (3Y-TZP/VITA VM9, Ni-Cr/VMK95) were prepared for scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy distribution spectrum (EDS).

RESULTSThe values of shear bond strength test were (18.83 +/- 1.77) MPa for 3Y-TZP/VITA VM9, (23.83 +/- 7.05) MPa for 3Y-TZP/SHOFU VINTAGE ZR, (17.87 +/- 2.30) MPa for 3Y-TZP/IPS e.max Ceram, (22.26 +/- 7.45) MPa for 3Y-TZP/Cercon ceram kiss, (20.55 +/- 5.13) MPa for Ni-Cr alloy/VITA VMK95. There was no statistically significant between all-ceramic groups and the control group (P > 0.05). The failure modes in all-ceramic groups showed predominately adhesive at the interface. SEM showed the 3Y-TZP/VITA VM9 contacted tightly at the interface, while EDS detected Si element diffused into 3Y-TZP material.

CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that domestic 3Y-TZP has a good interface compatibility with 4 commercial veneering ceramics, as a dental framework material, it can satisfy the clinical requirements.

Ceramics ; Dental Bonding ; Dental Porcelain ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Dental Veneers ; Materials Testing ; Yttrium ; Zirconium

Objective:To evaluate the immune response efficiency of the recombinant abrin B chain protein (rATB) in BALB/c mice.Methods:BALB/c mice were vaccinated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with the purified rATB protein.ELISA was used to detect the IgG,IgG1 and IgG2a.Meanwhile,the expression of IL-4 and IFN-γwere detected by flow cytometry.Then the protein neutralization assay and efficacy of passive protection were done .Results:The anti-rATB antibody was detected by ELISA after vaccinated the rATB in the mice and results showed that the highest titer reached 106 ,which was acquired after the last vaccination .Meanwhile,a strong secondary response was triggered in mice when challenged with toxin .In contrast ,the antibody response of the PBS-vaccinated mice was less than 1:10 and P<0.05 indicated obvious difference between test group and control group .The result of IgG 1 was the same as the IgG ,while the result of IgG2a had not changed.There was significant difference for IL-4 between two groups (P<0.05),while no significant difference for IFN-γwas observed.All BALB/c mice survived after challenged with 5×LD50 of AT.Transfusion of sera from immunized mice provided passive protection in naive mice.Furthermore, the rATB could induce specific neutralizing antibodies against abrin toxin.Conclusion: The recombinant protein can induce the Th 2-type immune response and trigger a good immune response and protective efficacy,which means it may be a promising vaccine candidate against human exposure to AT .

OBJECTIVETo review the indications, techniques and complications of reoperation for failed hypospadias repair using modified Mathieu urethroplasty.

METHODSUsing modified Mathieu urethroplasty, we treated 24 hypospadias patients aged 3-12 (mean 4.5) years for whom the first (n = 20) or the second hypospadias repair (n = 4) had failed, including 13 cases of large coronary sulcus urethrocutaneous fistula, 5 cases of urethral meatus retraction and 6 cases of anterior urethra dehiscence. The modified procedure involved median longitudinal incision of the urethral posterior wall, dorsal tunica albuginea plication under the vascular and nerve bundle, and double dartos flap protection of the neourethra.

RESULTSOf the 24 patients, 19 (79.2%) were successfully treated by the first operation, which achieved desirable straightness, good cosmetic appearance and normal urethral meatus of the penis, without postoperative complications. Small urethrocutaneous fistula developed in 4 cases, of which 3 were cured by fistula repair and 1 self-healed. Urethral meatus stenosis occurred in 1 case, which was restored by meatal dilation. Urethrocele and urethrostenosis were not found in any of the cases. Two cases received urethroscopy postoperatively, which revealed no hypertrophic cicatrix at the site of median longitudinal incision in the urethral posterior wall.

CONCLUSIONModified Mathieu urethroplasty can be applied to hypospadias reoperation, particularly in such cases as large coronary sulcus urethrocutaneous fistula, urethral meatus retraction and anterior urethra dehiscence. The modified procedure includes median longitudinal incision of the urethral posterior wall, dorsal tunica albuginea plication under the vascular and nerve bundle, and double dartos flap protection of the neourethra.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Hypospadias ; surgery ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Reoperation ; Treatment Outcome ; Urethra ; surgery ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male ; methods

OBJECTIVETo study the factors in relation to severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS) among health care workers and to develop related protective measures.

METHODSCase-control study was applied. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect SARS related information for health care workers who had contacted or treated SARS patients. Univariate analysis was conducted using SPSS 10.0 software package and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted using SAS 6.12.

RESULTSTwenty-seven of the 49 factors under study were significantly associated with SARS infection, in which 22 factors were protective, and the other 5 were risk factors. 27 factors were included for multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results showed that six factors as wearing eye glasses, wearing protection gowns, exposure to secrets/mode of contact with SARS patients, types of mask and the working years atc, remained significant association with hospital infection of SARS.

CONCLUSIONSARS infection in heath care workers was related to many factors during the process of diagnoses and/or treatment. It is recommended that adequate masks, eye-protection and protective gowns should be adopted for heath care workers during the process of clinical diagnoses and treatment of SARS patients.

Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross Infection ; prevention & control ; Female ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional ; prevention & control ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; epidemiology ; transmission ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To investigate the characteristics about the prevalence of thyroid nodules detected on color Doppler uhrasonography(US) in people residing in Dalian City who undergo regular physical examinations, as well as its relative factors. Methods All thyroid sonographic and questionair procedures were performed in the 6020 people above 18-year-old living in the four districts of Dalian City for at least 5 years, who were examined at the department of health medical center of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from May 2006 to March 2007. Urinary iodine concentration was measured in 2039 healthy adults selected by age layers in our study population. Moreover, urinary iodine concentrations were determined in 220 children aged 8-10 years old who were randomly chosen from four communities (55 children per elementary school from each community). The analysis of logistic regression was conducted for the risk factors linked to thyroid nodules. Results The prevalence of thyroid nodules in the 6020 adults was 38.5%(2319/6020), in which nodules sized between 0.3 and up to 0.5 cm were found in 17.1% (1030/6020), and those above 0.5 cm in 21.4% (1289/6020). Ultrsonography revealed solitary nodules in 17.2% (1036/6020), multinodular goiter in 21.3% (1283/6020). Fifty-four point nine percent (1272/2319) thyroid nodules showed solid internal echographic structures, 30.2%(701/2319) mixed and 14.9%(346/2319). The thyroid nodule detected rate in female individuals was 46.1% (1102/2393), among whom multinodular goiter [59.1% (651/1102)] was more than solitary nodules[40.9(451/1102)] in female; while only 33.6%(1217/3627) of male were detected to have thyroid nodule, there was a difference between the genders (χ2=95,079,P<0.01). The mediam urinary iodine concentration(MUI) was 184.32 μg/L in children and 216.75 μg/L in the health adults, moreover, it was 216.55 μg/L and 217.00 μg/L in the people with thyroid nodules and those without nodules without a significant difference (P>0.05). The rate of thyroid nodules gradually increased with age(χ2=344.998, P<0.01). The occurance of thyroid nodules was significant associated with gender and age(P<0.01). Conclusions The nutritional iodine intake in the four communities of Dalian City are adequate. The prevalence of thyroid incidentalomas is relatively high in this group of people receiving medical examination.

Caliciviridae Infections ; epidemiology ; China ; epidemiology ; Diarrhea ; epidemiology ; virology ; Humans ; Norovirus ; Rotavirus ; Rotavirus Infections ; epidemiology

Objective To investigate the value and strategy of staged repair in hypospadias surgery.Methods One hundred and sixty-three cases of severe proximal and complex hypospadias were retrospectively analyzed.According to the operation process,all the cases were divided into 2 groups.Staged repair group:there were 46 cases in all,included 31 cases of severe proximal hypospadias and 15 cases cases of complex hypospadias,the diorthosis for penis curvature and urethral reconstruction were completed by staged.One-stage repair group:there were 117 cases as control group,included 108 cases of severe proximal hypospadias and 9 cases of complex hypospadias,their diorthosis for penis curvature and urethral reconstruction were completed in single stage.Results The adverse factors such as a serious deformity in penis or limited local tissue were more common in staged repair group,and the conditions of repair were worse than one-stage repair group.In severe proximal hypospadias,the incidence of penis curvature in staged repair group was obvious lower than one-stage repair group (P ＜ 0.05),within the period of follow up,which only 1 case (3.2％) showed a slight penis curvature.However,there were 23 cases (21.3％) with penis curvature in one-stage repair group,in which 7 cases showed up penis torsion,20 cases with a bowstring shape of breviate urethra in penile ventral,and 19 cases(17.6％) needed reoperation.Compared of 2 groups,the incidences of urinary fistula,urethral stricture and urethral diverticulum showed no difference in statistics (all P ＞ 0.05).In complex hypospadias,the incidence of urinary fistula in staged repair group was significantly lower than one-stage repair group,and then the rate of urinary fistula was 20.0％ vs 66.7％ (P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of penis curvature,urethral stricture and urethral diverticulum showed no difference in statistics (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Staged repair is relatively simple and effective,can be used in the treatment of severe proximal or complex hypospadias,especially in the cases with a worse condition.The mode of operation should be chosen not only according to the penial state and tissue conditions,but also combined with the technology and experience of the surgeon,and avoid the forced of one-staged repair for hypospadias.

We systematically reviewed the results of the studies on expression regulation, biological functions, and clinical prognostic significance of CASP8AP2 gene. At present, the studies showed that the expression of CASP8AP2 gene was regulated by Homeobox proteins and DNA methylation, and could be silenced by miRNA-210. This protein was involved in apoptosis mediated by FAS and TNFα, NF-κB activation mediated by TNFα, regulation of gene expression induced by glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor, comprising Cajal body and histone locus body, transcription of replication-dependent histone, 3' end processing of histone, regulation of S phase progression, in addition to functioning as coactivator of transcription factors c-Myb and p73 to activating many genes' expression. On the other hand, low expression of CASP8AP2 gene was associated with relapse in childhood ALL. The deletion of this gene was related to the poor prognosis of children with T-ALL and T lymphoblastic lymphoma. Furthermore, 3 SNPs in this gene were possibly correlated with genesis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma and childhood leukemia. In conclusions, CASP8AP2 was a multifunctional protein. It could function to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression. In childhood hematological malignancies, CASP8AP2 was a promising molecular marker with prognostic significance. Some SNPs were possibly correlated with leukemo- and lymphomogenesis.
Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; DNA Methylation ; Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Histones ; Humans ; NF-kappa B ; Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; Prognosis ; Recurrence