Objective: To evaluate the eruption of mandible third molar in orthodontic patients with non-extraction or extraction of the lower premolars. Methods: We selected 3 group of the orthodontic patients. One group consisted of 23 subjects (12 males, 11 females, average age 13.5 years) with non-extraction. One group consisted of 23 subjects (12 males, 11 females, average age 13 years) with lower first premolar extraction. One group consisted of 21 subjects (11 males, 10 females, average age 14.07 years) with lower second premolar extraction. The panoramic radiography was taken. The lower third molar angulation and eruption space were measured before and after the orthodontic treatment. The comparison of treatment changes in 3 groups were performed by means of a paired-sample t test using SPSS 17.0 software package. Results: The RS, LS, Rratio and Lratio increased significantly after treatment in patients with lower first premolar extraction(P<0.01). The RM3 and LM3 increased(P<0.05) and RS, LS, Rratio and Lratio increased significantly(P<0.01) after treatment in patients with lower second premolar extraction(P<0.05). Conclusion: The mandibular third molars show improvement in eruption space and inclination in the orthodontic patients with lower premolar extraction.

Background It is imperative for the microbial monitor after opening the bottle of eyedrops in order to ensure the safety during use of ophthalmic solutions with multi-dose packaging.Objective This study was to research the microbiological properties and sterile duration of methylcellulose (MC) eye drops in three common environmental conditions,including room temperature condition of community,refrigeration condition of community and room temperature condition of hospital.Methods MC eye drops were assigned to the community room temperature group,community refrigeration group and hospital room temperature group,and 200 bottles of MC eye drops with or without ethylparaben were collected in each group,including sealed or unsealed drugs at average.The containers of all the eye drops were opened and the opening times were record.The drugs was admistered 1 drop for 3 times per day,with the opening period for 5-10 seconds.Then the drugs were preserved in different environments based on grouping.Microbial isolation and purification were performed by the same lab technician at 8:00 from 1 through 10 days after opening of drugs with automatic microbial analyzer.Results In the unsealed MC eye drops without ethylparaben,the bacterial positive rates were about 30％ in the community room temperature group,community refrigeration group and hospital room temperature group,but no microbial colony was seen in the sealed eye drops.Ten days after opening of containers,the bacterial cultured rates were 30％,32％ and 36％ in the eye drops without ethylparaben in the community room temperature group,community refrigeration group and hospital room temperature group,and those in the eye drops with ethylparaben were 15％,19％ and 23％,respectively,showing significant differences between the eye drops with and without ethylparaben (x2 =6.452,4.448,4.063,all at P＜0.05).The 95％ confidence interval (CI) of difference values of intergroup bacterial rates were-0.166-0.126,-0.110-0.190 and-0.088-0.208 between the community room temperature group and the community refrigeration group,between the hospital room temperature group and the community refrigeration group,between the hospital room temperature group and the community room temperature group respectively in the unsealed eye drops without ethylparaben,and those in the unsealed eye drops with ethylparaben were-0.159-0.079,-0.089-0.169 and-0.043-0.203 respectively,indicating insignificant differences among the groups.Cultured bacteria were identified as Micrococcus luteus,Acinetobacter lwoffii,Bacillus subtilis,Acinetobacter radioresistens,Myroides and Staptococcus xylosus.Conclusions Ethylparaben can reduce the contamination rate of microorganisms after opening of MC eye drops.Three environmental conditions do not play an influence on microbial contamination of MC eye drops after opening.The bacteria of contaminated eye drops appear to be common microorganisms in atmosphere and soil,rather than eye common pathogens.

Correlated firings among neurons have been extensively investigated; however, previous studies on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) population activities were mainly based on analyzing the correlated activities between the entire spike trains. In the present study, the correlation properties were explored based on burst-like activities and solitary spikes separately. The results indicate that: (1) burst-like activities were more correlated with other neurons' activities; (2) burst-like spikes correlated with their neighboring neurons represented a smaller receptive field than that of correlated solitary spikes. These results suggest that correlated burst-like spikes should be more efficient in signal transmission, and could encode more detailed spatial information.
Action Potentials ; Animals ; Computer Simulation ; Darkness ; Electrophysiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Light ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Postsynaptic Potential Summation ; Rana catesbeiana ; physiology ; surgery ; Retina ; physiology ; Retinal Ganglion Cells ; physiology ; Retinal Neurons ; physiology ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVETo develop a quantitative method for determination of zizybeoside II in Ziziphus jujuba.

METHODThe samples were separated at 30 degrees C on a Zorbax SB-C18 column eluted with methanol-water (20 : 80) as the mobile phase. Flow rate was set at 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the detection wavelength was set at 210 nm.

RESULTThe calibration curve was linear within the range from 0.046 to 0.582 microg (r = 0.999 9) and the average recovery was 97.2%. 12 batches of the crude drugs purchased from different areas were determined and the contents of zizybeoside II in Fructus Jujubae were fluctuated from 0.013% to 0.041%.

CONCLUSIONThe method is simple, repeatable and could be used for the quality control of Z. jujuba.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Saponins ; analysis ; Ziziphus ; chemistry

v-Src is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase involved in many signal transduction pathways and closely related to the activation and development of cancers. We present here the expression, purification, and bioactivity of a GST (glutathione S-transferase)-fused v-Src from a bacterial expression system. Different culture conditions were examined in an isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-regulated expression, and the fused protein was purified using GSH (glutathione) affinity chromatography. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was employed to determine the phosphorylation kinase activity of the GST-fused v-Src. This strategy seems to be more promising than the insect cell system or other eukaryotic systems employed in earlier Src expression.
Bacterial Proteins ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Glutathione Transferase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Oncogene Protein pp60(v-src) ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Protein Engineering ; methods ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effects of antisense oligonucleotides to different sequences on VEGF gene expression by human hepatoma cells.

METHODSSMMC7721 cells were cultured under normoxic or hypoxic conditions for 24 h, followed by being transfected with different antisense oligonucleotides (A06513 to cap structure, A06514 to translation initiation, A06515 to Exon-3 and A06516 to translation terminal). The total RNAs from the cells were extracted and the VEGF expression were examined with RT-PCR. The relative concentrations of VEGF transcripts in SMMC772 cells from different groups were determined using GAPDH (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) cDNA as internal standard.

RESULTSIn response to the hypoxic challenge, SMMC7721 cells upregulated VEGF mRNA; Comparative to the control (no oligonucleotides), A06513, A06514, A06515, and A06516 had obvious sequence-specific inhibitory effect on VEGF gene expression, with the ratio of VEGF over GAPDH of 0.49+/-0.08, 0.71+/-0.12, 0.72+/-0.11 and 0.86+/-0.12, respectively (F=12.21, P< 0.05). A06513 showed the strongest inhibitory effect (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe antisense oligonucleotides complementary to VEGF cap structure, may become a potential alternative for antisense gene therapy of HCC.

Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; therapy ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility of employing metabonomics method in identification of oral pathogenic bacteria.

METHODSThe Streptococcus mutans ATCC25175 and Actinomyces viscosus ATCC15987 were respectively inoculated in same certain culture medium. The growth curves of the inoculated bacteria were drown by turbidimetry. The culture solutions in four different growth phases of the both bacteria were used to test with the 1H-Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy respectively. The data of 1H-NMR spectroscopy results were analyzed by principal components analysis (PCA).

RESULTSThe PCA showed the obvious clustering phenomena and the points of two group data stayed differentially together by two clusters. Therefore, the NMR-based metabonomics profiles can discriminate the two different kind of bacteria.

CONCLUSIONThe metabonomics can be expected to be a kind of promising useful method in quick discrimination of oral pathogenic bacteria.

Culture Media ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Metabolomics ; Streptococcus mutans

Objective To establish a dual RT-PCR detection method for bovine viral diarrhea virus(BVDV)in bovine-derived samples. Methods The primers were designed and synthesized according to the published BVDV1 and BVDV2 genes containing highly conservative sequences in the 5' untranslated regions(5' UTR)to establish the dual RT-PCR method. The specificity,sensitivity,stability of this method were evaluated. Then 41 bovine-derived samples and 64 bovine plasma samples including bovine calf serum, deproteinized calf serum extract and one lienal polypeptide injection were detected with this method. Results There was no cross reaction with bovine parainfluenza virus type 3(BPIV3), classical swine fever virus(CSFV)and Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV)when samples were detected with the established dual RT-PCR method. The lowest concentration of template DNA for detection of BVDV1 and BVDV2 was 8.87 × 102copies and 6.31 × 102copies per microliter,respectively. Electrophoresis bands of about 151 bp and 303 bp were still amplified and detected after the BVDV1 and BVDV2 cDNA was stored at -30℃ for 12 months. The BVDV positive rate of 41 bovine-derived samples and 64 bovine plasma samples detected with this dual RT-PCR method was 14.6% and 29.7%, respectively. Conclusions The established dual RT-PCR method has the advantages of high efficiency, specificity,sensitivity and stability,and can be used for the detection of BVDV in bovine-derived samples.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of a 10-day sequential therapy which was made up of omeprazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate and metronidazole for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in children.

METHODA total of 214 children with abdominal pain, who were confirmed to have Hp infection through endoscopy, biopsy, and Hp culture. The 214 cases were randomly divided into four groups. A 10-day sequential therapy group accepted omeprazole 0.8 - 1.0 mg/(kg·d) plus amoxicillin-clavulanate 50 mg/(kg·d) for five days and omeprazole 0.8 - 1.0 mg/(kg·d), clarithromycin 20 mg/(kg·d) and metronidazole 20 mg/(kg·d) for the remaining five days. The 7-day triple therapy group, 10-day triple therapy group and 14-day triple therapy group received omeprazole 0.8 - 1.0 mg/(kg·d), amoxicillin-clavulanate 50 mg/(kg·d) and clarithromycin 20 mg/(kg·d) for 7 days,10 days,14 days, respectively. All drugs were given twice daily. All these patients received (13)C urea breath test ((13)C-UBT) four weeks after the treatment.

RESULTFinally, 199 patients were followed up, and the total rate of loss to follow-up was 7.0% (15/214). Hp eradication rate was 85.2% and 90.2% in the 10-day sequential therapy group on intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses, 66.0% and 71.4% in the 7-day triple therapy group on ITT and PP analyses; 60.0% and 67.3% in 10-day triple therapy group on ITT and PP analyses, and 78.8% and 82.0% in patients who received the 10-day sequential regimen on ITT and PP analyses, respectively. By ITT analysis, there was significantly difference between the 10-day sequential therapy group and 7-day or 10-day triple therapy group (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was found between the 10-day sequential therapy group and 14-day triple therapy group (P > 0.05). The results of the ITT analysis and the PP analysis were the same. The four groups had neither significant difference in abdominal pain relief (P > 0.05) nor in incidence of adverse reactions (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe 10-day sequential regimen was significantly more effective than both 7-day triple regimen and 10-day triple regimen, while had the same eradication rate compared with the 14-day sequential therapy. But 10-day triple regimen to eradicate Hp infection in children had the advantages such as short course of treatment and better compliance.

Administration, Oral ; Adolescent ; Amoxicillin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Anti-Ulcer Agents ; administration & dosage ; Breath Tests ; methods ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Clarithromycin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Helicobacter Infections ; drug therapy ; Helicobacter pylori ; drug effects ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Metronidazole ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Omeprazole ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo assess the protection against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by adenovirus-mediated overexpression of the bcl-2 gene in cultured spiral ganglion cells (SGC).

METHODSSGC from P3 rats were cultured in vitro and exposed to adenovirus vector carrying green fluorescent protein gene (Ad-GFP), followed by immunocytochemical analysis for expression of the neuron-specific marker Neurofilament 200 (NF200) and detection under laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope. Then, SGC were transduced by Ad-bcl-2 and the expression of human bcl-2 protein was evaluated by Western Blot. Finally, the cultures of SGC were divided into 4 groups: the group of Ad-bcl-2 transfection followed by cisplatin treatment, the group of Ad-GFP transfection followed by cisplatin treatment, the group of cisplatin treatment only and the untreated group. Cisplatin worked for 48 hours at a concentration of 2 microg/ml. Outcome measures included survival number of SGC and longest neurite length by using ImageJ software.

RESULTSSGC were cultured successfully in vitro and transfected by adenovirus vector safely and efficiently. By Western Blot, human bcl-2 protein was expressed in the group after exposure to Ad-bcl-2, but not in the Ad-GFP transfected SGC. Cisplatin exposure resulted in shrinking of neuritis and pyknosis of cell body, even cell death. Expression of bcl-2 in the SGC provided a significant level of protection against cisplatin-induced SGC degeneration.

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that SGC can be transduced by adenovirus vector safely and efficiently in vitro. Adenovirus-mediated delivery of the bcl-2 gene attenuates cisplatin-induced SGC degeneration.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Genes, bcl-2 ; Humans ; Spiral Ganglion ; cytology