Aim To investigate the curative effects of resveratrol on OVA induced allergic rhinitis in mice and the underlying immune mechanisms. Methods Balb/c mice (female, 6 weeks) were divided randomly into normal control ( NC) group, allergic rhinitis (AR) group, high dose resveratrol treatment group (RH), low dose resveratrol treatment group (RL), and dexamethasone treatment group ( Dex). RL, RH and Dex group were oral administered with resveratrol 30 mg • kg"1, resveratrol 100 mg • kg"1 and dexamethasone 10 mg • kg"1, respectively. After the treat-ment , the sneezing and nasal rubbing behaviors of mice in all the group were recorded and HE was performed to assess the inflammatory cell infiltration in nasal tissues. The sera levels of allergic cytokines were determined with ELISA assay. The percentage of CD4+ GA- TA3 + T cells in spleen of each group was further recorded by flow cytometry. Results Compared with AR group, treatment with resveratrol (100 mg - kg"1) reduced the sneezing and nasal rubbing behaviors signifi-cantly and improved inflammatory cell infiltration in nasal tissues. The up-regulated sera levels of IL-4, IL- 13 and OVA-sIgE in AR group were reversed by RH, and ratios CD4+ GATA3 + Th2 cells in spleen of RH were also down-regulated parallelly. Conclusions RH treatment could improve the allergic related symptoms of OVA-induced allergic rhinitis, which is associated with down-regulated sera levels of IL-4, IL-13 and OVA-sIgE and ratios of CD4+ GATA3 + Th2 cells in spleen of mouse model.

To evaluate lesion detection of MRI in knee joint osteoarthritis in patients with symptoms of pain, the correlation between MRI findings and varying degrees of reported pain was assessed. Twenty-eight patients (31 knees) with osteoarthritis were recruited for this study. The degree of knee pain was assessed by VRS scores. The knees were evaluated by plain film radiograph utilizing Kellgren-Lawrence scores. Multiple MR sequences were performed on a 1.5T MR-system, including sagittal and coronal dual fast spin echo (TR/TE 3660/11/120 ms, slice thickness 5 mm), coronal spin echo T1-weighted (TR/TE 360/9 ms, slice thickness 5 mm), sagittal fat saturated 3D-spoiled gradient-recalled echo (TR/TE 50/6 ms; slice thickness 1.5 mm; flip angle 40 degrees ), and 3D steady-state free precession (TR/TE 6/2.2 ms; slice thickness 1.6 mm; flip angle 30 degrees ) pulse sequences for the purpose of detecting abnormities of cartilage, menisci, the anterior cruciate ligaments, bone marrow edema-like lesions, osteophytes, synovitis, and joint effusions. MR findings were compared with the degree of pain using Fisher exact test with P values less than 0.05 indicating a statistically significant difference. The results showed that, of the 31 knees evaluated, mild pain was reported in 11 and severe pain in the remainder. Kellgren-Lawrence scores of all 31 evaluated OA knees were as follows: grade 1 lesions (n=6), grade 2 lesions (n=14), grade 3 lesions (n=8), and grade 4 lesions (n=3). Articular cartilaginous defects were found in 37.1% of knees. Abnormalities of the menisci and anterior cruciate ligaments, bone marrow edema-like lesions, osteophytes, synovitis, and joint effusions were detected in 32.3%, 38.7%, 45.2%, 100%, 15.1% and 67.7% of knees, respectively. Of these variables, only the differences in prevalence of joint effusions were significantly different in the mild and severe pain groups (P=0.004). It is concluded that MRI evaluates the entire joint structure of the osteoarthritic knee, demonstrating abnormalities of the cartilage, menisci, and anterior cruciate ligaments as well as bone marrow edema-like lesions, osteophytes, synovitis, and joint effusions. The difference in pain grading between OA patients reporting mild and severe degrees of pain is related to the presence of joint effusion.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of a new IPS-Empress 2 dental glass-ceramic.

METHODSAFM, SEM and XRD were used to analyze the microstructure and crystal phase of IPS-Empress 2 glass-ceramic. The flexural strength and fracture toughness were tested using 3-point bending method and indentation method respectively.

RESULTSIPS-Empress 2 glass-ceramic mainly consisted of lithium disilicate crystal, lithium phosphate and glass matrix, which formed a continuous interlocking structure. The crystal phases were not changed before and after hot-pressed treatment. AFM showed nucleating agent particles of different sizes distributed on the highly polished ceramic surface. The strength and fracture toughness were 300 MPa and 3.1 MPam(1/2).

CONCLUSIONThe high strength and fracture toughness of IPS-Empress 2 glass ceramic are attributed to the fine lithium disilicate crystalline, interlocking microstructure and crack deflection.

Aluminum Silicates ; chemistry ; Compressive Strength ; Dental Porcelain ; chemistry ; Materials Testing ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Tensile Strength ; X-Ray Diffraction

Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective: To understand prevalence and transmission of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) among HIV infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin from 2014 to 2017. Methods: A total of 225 blood samples were collected from HIV infected MSM in Tianjin from 2014 to 2017. Pol gene fragments were obtained by viral RNA extraction and nested PCR amplification. Phylogenetic and drug resistance analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 205 samples were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Based on pol sequences, 53.2% (109/205), 28.8% (59/205), 10.2% (21/205), 4.9% (10/205) and 2.9% (6/205) of the samples were positive for HIV subtypes CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, B, CRF55_01B and unique recombinant forms (URFs). Twenty transmission clusters, including 75 sequences, were identified and 62.5% (10/16) of sequences with TDR were in 5 clusters. The prevalence of TDR was 7.8% between 2014 and 2017. The annual prevalence rate increased from 3.9% (2/51) in 2014, 5.7% (3/53) in 2015, 9.6% (5/52) in 2016 to 12.2%(6/49) in 2017, the difference was not significant (χ(2)=2.504, P=0.127). CRF01_AE and B strains had high TDR prevalence (3.4%, 7/205) and (2.9%, 6/205), respectively. The TDR mutation was mainly NNRTIs, the TDR prevalence was 6.3% (13/205). In contract, the TDR prevalence of NRTIs and PIs were 1.5% (3/205) and 1.0% (2/205) respectively. Conclusion: Results from this study suggested that the prevalence of HIV-1 TDR strains in MSM was serious in Tianjin. It is necessary to take effective prevention and control measures.
China ; Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics* ; Genes, pol ; Genotype ; HIV Infections/transmission* ; HIV Reverse Transcriptase/genetics* ; HIV Seropositivity/genetics* ; HIV-1/isolation & purification* ; Homosexuality, Male/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; RNA, Viral/genetics* ; pol Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/genetics*

INTRODUCTIONComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is garnering increasing interest and acceptance among the general population. Although usage is thought to be widespread among paediatric cancer patients, local studies have not been done. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of CAM usage in paediatric cancer patients in a single institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODSParents of 73 paediatric cancer patients treated at KK Women's & Children's Hospital completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data about the types of CAM therapies used, motivations for use, adverse effects, costs and discussion of usage with the patient's physician were obtained. General perceptions towards CAM and conventional medicine were explored. A subsequent telephone survey enquired about spirituality, benefits of CAM use and overall satisfaction with the therapies.

RESULTSTwo-thirds of patients used at least 1 CAM treatment, mainly as supportive adjuncts to conventional cancer treatment. Dietary changes, health supplements, herbal tea and bird's nest were the most common therapies used. Few patients (8.1%) consulted a CAM practitioner. Positive predictors of CAM usage included being of Chinese race, the practice of Buddhism or Taoism, the use of CAM prior to diagnosis, perception of CAM effectiveness and dissatisfaction with conventional treatment. Significantly, 55.1% of the parents had not discussed their CAM usage with their child's physician.

CONCLUSIONSA substantial proportion of paediatric cancer patients utilises CAM therapies, often without their physician's knowledge. Healthcare providers need to remain cognisant of the potential implications of CAM usage in order to proactively counsel patients. This would ensure that conventional therapy remains uncompromised.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Medical Oncology ; methods ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; therapy ; Patient Satisfaction ; Pediatrics ; methods ; Prevalence ; Singapore ; epidemiology

In eukaryotic cells, DNA damage triggers activation of checkpoint signaling pathways that coordinate cell cycle arrest and repair of damaged DNA. These DNA damage responses serve to maintain genome stability and prevent accumulation of genetic mutations and development of cancer. The p38 MAPK was previously implicated in cellular responses to several types of DNA damage. However, the role of each of the four p38 isoforms and the mechanism for their involvement in DNA damage responses remained poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that p38γ, but not the other p38 isoforms, contributes to the survival of UV-treated cells. Deletion of p38γ sensitizes cells to UV exposure, accompanied by prolonged S phase cell cycle arrest and increased rate of apoptosis. Further investigation reveal that p38γ is essential for the optimal activation of the checkpoint signaling caused by UV, and for the efficient repair of UV-induced DNA damage. These findings have established a novel role of p38γ in UV-induced DNA damage responses, and suggested that p38γ contributes to the ability of cells to cope with UV exposure by regulating the checkpoint signaling pathways and the repair of damaged DNA.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle Proteins ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; DNA Damage ; DNA Repair ; Enzyme Activation ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Gene Deletion ; Histones ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 12 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; S Phase ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism ; Ultraviolet Rays

To evaluate lesion detection of MR1 in knee joint osteoarthritis in patients with symptoms of pain,the correlation between MRI findings and varying degrees of reported pain was assessed.Twenty-eight patients(31 knees)with osteoarthritis were recruited for this study.The degree of knee pain was assessed by VRS scores.The knees were evaluated by plain film radiograph utilizing Kellgren-Lawrence scores.Multiple MR sequences were performed on a 1.5T MR-system,including sagittal and coronal dual fast spin echo(TR/TE 3660/11/120 ms,slice thickness 5 mm),coronal spin echo T1-weighted(TR/TE 360/9 ms,slice thickness 5 mm),sagittal fat saturated 3D-spoiled gradient-recalled echo(TR/TE 50/6 ms; slice thickness 1.5 mm; flip angle 40°),and 3D steady-state free precession (TR/TE 6/2.2 ms; slice thickness 1.6 mm: flip angle 30°)pulse sequences for the purpose of detecting abnormities of cartilage,menisci,the anterior cruciate ligaments,bone marrow edema-like lesions,osteophytes,synovitis,and joint effusions.MR findings were compared with the degree of pain using Fisher exact test with P values less than 0.05 indicating a statistically significant difference.The results showed that,of the 31 knees evaluated,mild pain was reported in 11 and severe pain in the remainder.Kellgren-Lawrence scores of all 31 evaluated OA knees were as follows: grade 1 lesions(n=6),grade 2 lesions(n=14),grade 3 lesions(n=8),and grade 4 lesions(n=3).Articular cartilaginous defects were found in 37.1% of knees.Abnormalities of the menisci and anterior cruciate ligaments,bone marrow edema-like lesions,osteophytes,synovitis,and joint effusions were detected in 32.3%,38.7%,45.2%,100%,15.1% and 67.7% of knees,respectively.Of these variables,only the differences in prevalence of joint effusions were significantly different in the mild and severe pain groups(P=0.004).It is concluded that MRI evaluates the entire joint structure of the osteoarthritic knee,demonstrating abnormalities of the cartilage,menisci,and anterior cruciate ligaments as well as bone marrow edema-like lesions,osteophytes,synovitis,and joint effusions.The difference in pain grading between OA patients reporting mild and severe degrees of pain is related to the presence of joint effusion.

Very few selected species of primates are known to be capable of entering torpor. This exciting discovery means that the ability to enter a natural state of dormancy is an ancestral trait among primates and, in phylogenetic terms, is very close to the human lineage. To explore the regulatory mechanisms that underlie primate torpor, we analyzed signal transduction cascades to discover those involved in coordinating tissue responses during torpor. The responses of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members to primate torpor were compared in six organs of control (aroused) versus torpid gray mouse lemurs, Microcebus murinus. The proteins examined include extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNKs), MAPK kinase (MEK), and p38, in addition to stress-related proteins p53 and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). The activation of specific MAPK signal transduction pathways may provide a mechanism to regulate the expression of torpor-responsive genes or the regulation of selected down-stream cellular processes. In response to torpor, each MAPK subfamily responded differently dur-ing torpor and each showed organ-specific patterns of response. For example, skeletal muscle displayed elevated relative phosphorylation of ERK1/2 during torpor. Interestingly, adipose tissues showed the highest degree of MAPK activation. Brown adipose tissue displayed an activation of ERK1/2 and p38, whereas white adipose tissue showed activation of ERK1/2, p38, MEK, and JNK during torpor. Importantly, both adipose tissues possess specialized functions that are critical for torpor, with brown adipose required for non-shivering thermogenesis and white adipose utilized as the primary source of lipid fuel for torpor. Overall, these data indicate crucial roles of MAPKs in the regulation of primate organs during torpor.

Gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) from Madagascar present an excellent model for studies of torpor regulation in a primate species. In the present study, we analyzed the response of the insulin signaling pathway as well as controls on carbohydrate sparing in six different tissues of torpid versus aroused gray mouse lemurs. We found that the relative level of phospho-insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) was significantly increased in muscle, whereas the level of phospho-insulin receptor (IR) was decreased in white adipose tissue (WAT) of torpid animals, both suggesting an inhibition of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling during torpor in these tissues. By contrast, the level of phospho-IR was increased in the liver. Interestingly, muscle,WAT, and liver occupy central roles in whole body homeostasis and each displays regulatory con-trols operating at the plasma membrane. Changes in other tissues included an increase in phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3a (GSK3a) and decrease in phospho-ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) in the heart, and a decrease in phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the kidney. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) that gates carbohydrate entry into mitochondria is inhibited via phosphory-lation by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (e.g., PDK4). In the skeletal muscle, the protein expres-sion of PDK4 and phosphorylated PDH at Ser 300 was increased, suggesting inhibition during torpor. In contrast, there were no changes in levels of PDH expression and phosphorylation in other tissues comparing torpid and aroused animals. Information gained from these studies high-light the molecular controls that help to regulate metabolic rate depression and balance energetics during primate torpor.