OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and accuracy of length measurement of in vivo teeth by using cone beam CT (CBCT).

METHODSBefore orthodontic extraction, 109 vital premolars from 40 participants were scanned by using CBCT and reconstructed by using InVivoDental software. Buccal-lingual sectional images along the long axis of teeth were then acquired, and the crown, root, and tooth length were measured separately. After careful extraction and fixation, the corresponding length of the same tooth was measured by using a digital caliper. CBCT measurement accuracy was then verified by using physical measurements as reference.

RESULTSCBCT and the physical method did not obtain significantly different measurements of the root, crown, and tooth length of experimental teeth (P=0.790, P=0.621, P=0.657, respectively), and the measurements were found to be consistent. The 95% limits of agreement of root, crown, and tooth length were -1.10 mm to 1.13 mm, -1.00 mm to 0.96 mm, and -1.00 mm to 1.05 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe difference between CBCT and the physical method was not significant, and good consistency was shown. CBCT could be applied in noninvasive measurement of in vivo teeth.

Bicuspid ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Humans ; Tooth ; Tooth Root

12E7 Antigen ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Brain Neoplasms ; secondary ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; metabolism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Extremities ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Infant ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Male ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive ; metabolism ; pathology ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; metabolism ; Repressor Proteins ; metabolism ; Sarcoma, Ewing ; metabolism ; pathology ; Sarcoma, Synovial ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Vimentin ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the anti-apoptotic function of clusterin in LNCaP cell line and the role of clusterin antisense oligodcoxynucleotide(AS-ODN)in TNF-?-induced death of LNCaP cell. Methods The wild type LNCaP(group L),LNCaP transfected with the control vector(group M),LNCaP transfected with full-length clusterin expression vector(group A,ie,study group)were cultured.For the de- tection of cytotoxic effect of TNF-?,MTT and ELISA methods were used to determine the cell proliferation and apoptosis of the 3 clones,and the changes of proliferation and apoptosis in A cell after transfection of clusterin AS-ODN were also assessed.Results MTT method showed that the cell proliferation activity(A value)of groups L,M,and A were 0.84?0.03,0.85?0.04,0.95?0.03,respectively;the difference be- tween groups L and M was not significant(P＞0.05);but compared with group A the cell proliferation activ- ity was significantly lower in groups L and M(P＜0.01 for both).ELISA resuhs showed that the A values of groups L,M,and A were 0.59?0.04,0.62?0.03,0.33?0.04,respectively;the difference between groups L and M was not significant(P＞0.05);but compared with group A,the apoptosis rates were significantly higher in groups L and M(P＜0.01 for both).In group A,A values of cell proliferation activity in subgroups control,AS-ODN,TNF-?,TNF-?+AS-ODN were 1.30?0.03,1.25?0.03,0.99?0.03,0.80?0.03, respectively;the differences between each group were significant(P＜0.05 for all).And the A values of cell apoptosis in the above 4 groups were 0.02?0.00,0.21?0.02,0.63?0.07,1.16?0.04,respectively,the differences between each group were significant(P＜0.01 for all).Conclusions Stable transfection and subsequent expression of clusterin result in resistance to the cytotoxic effect of TNF-?.Transfection with clus- terin AS-ODN enhances cytotoxic effect of TNF-?in A cells.These results suggest that clusterin plays an im- portant role in anti-apoptotic function in LNCaP cell line.

OBJECTIVETo establish a methotrexate (MTX)-resistant choriocarcinoma cell line and to determine its biologic characteristics.

METHODSMTX-resistant cell line (JAR/MTX) was derived from human choriocarcinoma cell line JAR by exposed to intermittently and progressively increasing concentration of MTX. Drug sensitivity was detected by MTT; P-gp GST-Pi and PCNA expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry (FCM) with PI/Annexin V stain. Growth rates and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) production were also measured.

RESULTSJAR/MTX cell line was established with stable MTX-resistance (resistance index to MTX was 7.3) and cross-resistant to TAX and VCR. Growthrate of JAR/MTX was lower than that of parent cell line JAR. Expression level of PCNA in JAR/MTX was lower than that in JAR (3.09+/-0.42 compared with 3.72+/-0.35, P<0.05), while GST-pi expression was higher. No statistical difference of P-gp expression existed between two cell lines. JAR/MTX secreted more HCG than JAR every 10(5) cells secreted (95.7+/-5.4 compared with 41.3+/-2.8)mIU after 48 h(P<0.01). The flow cytometry showed that the spontaneous and MTX induced apoptosis in JAR/MTX was significantly lower than that in JAR P<0.05.

CONCLUSIONJAR/MTX cell line presented stable resistant to MTX and cross-resistant to TAX and VCR, which might sever as a model in study of drug resistance in choriocarcinoma.

Annexin A5 ; analysis ; Apoptosis ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Division ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Choriocarcinoma ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Humans ; Methotrexate ; pharmacology

This study investigated the effects of benazepril administered in the morning or evening on the diurnal variation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and clock genes in the kidney. The male Wistar rat models of 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (STNx) were established. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham STNx group (control), STNx group, morning benazepril group (MB) and evening benazepril group (EB). Benazepril was intragastrically administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day at 07:00 and 19:00 in the MB group and EB group respectively for 12 weeks. All the animals were synchronized to the light:dark cycle of 12:12 for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), 24-h urinary protein excretion and renal function were measured at 11 weeks. Blood samples and kidneys were collected every 4 h throughout a day to detect the expression pattern of renin activity (RA), angiotensin II (AngII) and aldosterone (Ald) by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and the mRNA expression profile of clock genes (bmal1, dbp and per2) by real-time PCR at 12 weeks. Our results showed that no significant differences were noted in the SBP, 24-h urine protein excretion and renal function between the MB and EB groups. There were no significant differences in average Ald and RA content of a day between the MB group and EB group. The expression peak of bmal1 mRNA was phase-delayed by 4 to 8 h, and the diurnal variation of per2 and dbp mRNA diminished in the MB and EB groups compared with the control and STNx groups. It was concluded when the similar SBP reduction, RAAS inhibition and clock gene profile were achieved with optimal dose of benazepril, morning versus evening dosing of benazepril has the same renoprotection effects.
Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; administration & dosage ; Benzazepines ; administration & dosage ; CLOCK Proteins ; metabolism ; Circadian Rhythm ; Drug Chronotherapy ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Hypertension, Renal ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Kidney ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Nephrectomy ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; drug effects ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects and methods of intracranial-extracranial (IC-EC) bypass surgery in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODSThe clinical material of 9 cases, who performed IC-EC bypass surgery before occlusion of the parental arteries of intracranial aneurysms, was studied retrospectively, especially how to evaluate the co-lateral circulation of the parental arteries and how to select the different methods of IC-EC bypass surgery.

RESULTSThe co-lateral circulation in 9 cases was not enough to meet the need of the cerebral blood flow after occlusion of the parental arteries of the aneurysms. Revascularization by different methods of IC-EC bypass surgery and then occlusion of the parental arteries, ischemia in the brain area feeding by occluded parental arteries of the aneurysms did not occurred.

CONCLUSIONWhen the co-lateral circulation of the parental arteries of intracranial aneurysm is not enough, the revascularization by different methods of IC-EC bypass surgery is needed before occlusion of these arteries.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cerebral Revascularization ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Bax-Bak on the apoptosis of human granulosa cells.

METHODSHuman granulosa cells were transfected with Bax-siRNA and Bak-siRNA either alone or in comibnation, and the cell morphological changes were obsered and the cell apoptosis was detected with flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed to examine the changes in Bax and Bak expressions in the transfected cells.

RESULTSWestern blotting demonstrated significantly weakened expressions of Bax and Bak in the transfected cells. The cell morphology of the cells tranfected with Bak siRNA and with both Bak and Bax siRNA remained normal; the cells with exclusive Bax siRNA transfection presented with basically normal cell morphology, but black spots were noted in the cytoplasm. In the positive and negative control groups, the cells became rounded and shrank with expanded intercellular spaces and numerous black spots in the cytoplasm. Flow cytometry showed apoptotic indexes of 3.44% and 3.97% in cells transfected with Bak siRNA and Bax-Bak siRNA, respectively, significantly lower than that in the negative group. Bax siRNA transfection resulted in an apoptotic index of 19.98%, similar to that in the negative group.

CONCLUSIONInterference of the expression of Bak gene inhibits the apoptosis of human granulosa cells, and the inhibitory effect can be enhanced by simultaneous Bax interference, which, when used alone, does not obviosuly inhibit the apoptosis of human granulosa cells.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Granulosa Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection ; bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo analyze the results of clinical and bacteriological examinations in patients with crush syndrome who suffered infectious complications after an earthquake in Sichuan, China.

METHODSA total of 313 bacteriological samples among 147 patients with crush syndrome were collected. Infectious complications, results of microbiological examinations, potential risk factors of infection and mortality were analyzed statistically.

RESULTSIn the obtained database, 112 out of the 147 (75.7%) patients had infectious complications, in which, wound infection, pulmonary infection, and sepsis were most common. The time under the rubble and the time from injury to treatment were related to the occurrence of wound infection (P equal to 0.013, odds ratio 2.25; P equal to 0.017, odds ratio 2.31). Sepsis and wound infection were more common in patients who underwent fasciotomy or amputation than in those who did not (P equal to 0.001).

CONCLUSIONQuick rescue and injury treatment can decrease the infection risk in crush syndrome patients. It is better to obtain microorganic proofs before applying antibiotics, and bacteriological and drug sensitivity data should be taken into account, especially considering that most of these infections are hospital-acquired and drug resistance. Emphasizing the accuracy and efficiency of wound management in emergency situations, cautiously assessing the indications for fasciotomy to avoid open wounds from unnecessary osteofascial compartment decompression incisions may decrease the incidence of infection and ameliorate the prognosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bacterial Infections ; etiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Crush Syndrome ; complications ; microbiology ; Earthquakes ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors

To study the lead excretion effect of the chelator Zn-DTPA on the lead intoxication mice, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to detect the lead content of biological samples. The acute lead intoxication mice model was established by injecting lead acetate intraperitoneally with the dose of 1 mg. Zn-DTPA was administered intraperitoneally to mice once daily for five consecutive days 4 h after intoxication. Control group, model group, combination of Zn-DTPA and Ca-DTPA group were evaluated at the same time. The urine was collected every day. The mice were sacrificed in batches in the 2rd, 4th, 6th day. Biological samples including urine, whole blood, femur and brain were prepared and nitrated. Lead concentration was detected by ICP-MS. The result showed that Zn-DTPA could increase lead content in urine markedly and reduce lead content in blood, femur and brain.
Animals ; Chelating Agents ; pharmacology ; Lead ; pharmacokinetics ; urine ; Lead Poisoning ; drug therapy ; Mass Spectrometry ; Mice ; Pentetic Acid ; pharmacology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEThe platinum-based chemotherapy combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is most frequently used for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the efficacy has been maintained at 50%-60%. Docetaxel is an effective drug for head and neck tumors, its administration is simple, and the administration time is short. This study was to compare the short-term efficacy and toxicity between TC regimen (inductive chemotherapy with docetaxol plus carboplatin) and FC regimen (5-FU plus carboplatin) in local advanced NPC so as to provide a new chemotherapeutic regimen for NPC.

METHODSFifty-eight local advanced NPC patients without previous treatment in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were randomly assigned to receive either TC or FC regimen inductive chemotherapy, followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy with two cycles of carboplatin (AUC=6) plus radiotherapy of 60-78 Gy to the nasopharynx and 60-70 Gy to the neck. The short-term efficacy and adverse events were observed.

RESULTSMore chemotherapy cycles were finished in TC group than in FC group (3.31 vs. 2.83, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference in short-term efficacy and 1-year survival rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). More grades 3-4 neutropenia appeared in TC group than in FC group (72.4% vs. 37.9%, P < 0.05) , whereas less thrombocytopenia and emesis occurred in TC than in FC group (P = 0.013 and 0.018, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSThe short-term efficacy of TC regimen in local advanced NPC is similar to that of FC regimen with tolerable adverse events. But the long-term outcomes and toxicities need to be further investigated.

Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Carboplatin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neutropenia ; chemically induced ; Survival Rate ; Taxoids ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Thrombocytopenia ; chemically induced ; Vomiting ; chemically induced