OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study is to investigate the influence of zirconia content which is 0-30.0% weight percentage of matrix on translucency of zirconia-toughened alumina glass-infiltrated ceramics.

METHODSSeven groups were divided according to different weight percentage of zirconia (0, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0%, 20.0% and 30.0%). After sintering, infiltrating and polishing, spectral transmittance was determined with spectrophotometer under D65 standard source. Contrast ratio was also tested by whiteness colorimeter.

RESULTSWith mass fraction of zirconia increasing from 0 to 30.0%, spectral transmittance reduced from 0.406% to 0.058%, while contrast ratio value increased from 0.849 +/- 0.005 to 1.015 +/- 0.006. When zirconia content was 10.0%, contrast ratio was 0.990 +/- 0.008. When it was more than 10.0%, transmission rate of the downward trend and contrast ratio of the rising trend became flat.

CONCLUSIONZirconia content has a direct impact on translucency of zirconia-toughened alumina glass-infiltrated ceramic, which is essentially opaque when zirconia content is 10.0%. When mass fraction of zirconia is more than 10.0%, the influence of zirconia content is reduced.

Aluminum Oxide ; Ceramics ; Dental Materials ; Dental Porcelain ; Glass ; Zirconium

Objective To study phylogenies, epidemiology and genetic environment of CTX-M type of ESBLs produced by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from nine hospitals in Guangzhou. Methods The phylogenies of CTX-M type of ESBLs were analyzed by PCR Genetic environment of CTX-M-15 encoding gene (bla_(CTX-M-15)) were investigated by conjugation test and plasmid analysis. The clonal relationship of strains producing CTX-M-15 was determined by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR). Results A total of 361 ESBLs-producing isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were collected. 67.3% of ESBLs strains were detected to produce CTX-M-type ESBLs, and the commonest genotypes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were CTX-M-14 (35.4% and 28.3%), CTX-M-15(21.5% and 26.1%) EBIC-PCR products of all CTX-M-15-producing strains show 39 strains of Escherichia coli were classified into 27 genotypes while 43 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae were divided into 30 genotypes. Furthermore, the genotypes of CTX-M-55, CTX-M-19, CTX-M-27, with ceftazidime-hydrelyzing activity, were detected in this study. The great majority of bla_(CTX-M-15) genes were found to locate on a 65 000 bp-conjugative plasmid, and there was no blaTEM-1, bla_(OXA-1), blaDSA-1 or aac (6')-Ib-cr gene coexisted on the plasmid, ISEcp1-like insertion sequences, relative to mobilization of bla_(CTX-M-15) gene, were detected in all bla_(CTX-M-15) positive strains, and the distances between the end of ISEcp1-like insertion sequences and the start cedon of bla_(CTX-M-15) were equal, with 48 base pairs. Conclusion CTX-M-14 is still the most common genotype of ESBLs in Guangzhou, but high prevalence of CTX-M-15 ESBLs hydrolyzing ceftazidime already appears in south China.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common disease in otorhinolaryngology and will lead to lower airway abnormality. However, the only lung function in CRS patients and associated factors have not been much studied. METHODS: One hundred patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP group), 40 patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP group), and 100 patients without CRS were enrolled. The difference in lung function was compared. Meanwhile, CRSwNP and CRSsNP group were required to undergo a bronchial provocation or dilation test. Additionally, subjective and objective outcomes were measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), 20-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20), Lund-Mackay score, Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score. The correlation and regression methods were used to analyze the relationship between their lung function and the above parameters. RESULTS: The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75) of CRSwNP group were significantly lower than other groups (P<0.05). On peak expiratory flow, there was no difference between three groups. In CRSwNP group, FEV1 was negatively correlated with peripheral blood eosinophil count (PBEC) and duration of disease (r=–0.348, P=0.013 and r=–0.344, P=0.014, respectively), FEF25-75 negatively with VAS, SNOT-20 (r=–0.490, P=0.028 and r=–0.478, P=0.033, respectively) in CRSsNP group. The incidence of positive bronchial provocation and dilation test was lower in CRSwNP group (10% and 0%, respectively), with both 0% in CRSsNP group. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that change ratio of FEV1 before and after bronchial provocation or dilation test were correlated with PBEC in CRSwNP group (β=0.403, P=0.006). CONCLUSION: CRS leading to impaired maximum ventilation and small airway is associated with the existence of nasal polyp. Lung function impairments can be reflected by PBEC, duration, VAS, and SNOT-20. In CRSwNP patients, PBEC is independent predictor of FEV₁ change ratio.
Bronchial Hyperreactivity ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Eosinophils ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Incidence ; Linear Models ; Lung* ; Nasal Polyps ; Otolaryngology ; Ventilation ; Vital Capacity

OBJECTIVETo study the influence of recombinant lentiviral vector encoding miR-15a/16-1 on biological features of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2Z cells and underlying mechanisms.

METHODSGFP-positive CNE-2Z cells transfected with recombinant lentiviral vector were selected. The experiment was divided into control group, transfected group, radiotherapy group, transfected-radiotherapy group. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Radiotherapy sensitivity of the cells in control group and transfected group was evaluated by colony forming experiment. The expressions of miR-15a, miR-16-1 and bcl-2 mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression of bcl-2 protein was detected by Western blot. The activation of Caspase-2 and Caspase-3 was evaluated by spectrophotometry.

RESULTSRelative expression quantities of miR-15a and miR-16-1 in infected group were 524.80 ± 40.79 (t = 494.611, P = 0.000) and 466.11 ± 40.96 (t = 386.8, P = 0.000), respectively. The proliferation of the cells in transfected-radiotherapy group was the most obvious, followed by the cells in radiotherapy group and transfected group (F = 424.3, P = 0.000). The apoptosis rates of control group, transfected group, radiotherapy group and transfected-radiotherapy group were (2.2 ± 1.4)%, (9.6 ± 0.8)%, (2.9 ± 1.1)%, and (18.6 ± 0.7)% respectively(F = 158.5, P = 0.000). Clonogenic assay showed that the values of SF2, Do (1.473) and Dq (1.581) in transfected group were lower than those in control group. The relative expression levels of bcl-2 mRNA in transfected group, radiotherapy group, and transfected-radiotherapy group had no significant difference (P > 0.05). Decrease in the expression of bcl-2 protein in transfected-radiotherapy group was most significantly, followed by that in transfected group. The percentages of activated Caspase-2 in control group, radiotherapy group, transfected group and transfected -radiotherapy group were 0.12 ± 0.01, 0.24 ± 0.04, 0.35 ± 0.02, and 0.44 ± 0.04, respectively (F = 115.500, P = 0.000). The percentages of activated Caspase-3 in the groups were 0.13 ± 0.01, 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.43 ± 0.02, and 0.83 ± 0.06, respectively (F = 439.921, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSRecombinant lentiviral vector LV-miR15a/16-1 could improve the expression of miR-15a and miR-16-1 in CNE-2Z cells, inhibit the proliferation of CNE-2Z cells, promote apoptosis and enhance the sensitivity of the cells to radiotherapy probably by inhibiting bcl-2 expression, activating Caspase-2 and Caspase-3.

Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; metabolism ; Carbamates ; Carcinoma ; Caspase 2 ; metabolism ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cysteine Endopeptidases ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Pyrazoles ; RNA, Messenger ; Strobilurins ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors of fat necrosis in pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps.

METHODSFrom May 1998 to December 2005, 82 patients underwent reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects with pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps in our hospital. Postoperative fat necrosis of the flaps was occurred in 10 cases. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors.

RESULTS(1) Logistic univariate regression analysis indicated that there was a significant correlation between fat necrosis of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and the following risk facoars: obesity, subcutaneous tissues dissection performed by electrotome, the design of skin island beyond the seventh costal cartilage and smoking. (2) Logistic multivariate regression analysis suggested that there was a significant correlation between fat necrosis of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and obesity, subcutaneous tissues dissection performed by electrotome, the design of skin island beyond the seventh costal cartilage, whereas there was no significant correlation between fat necrosis of flap and smoking.

CONCLUSIONSObesity, subcutaneous tissues dissection performed by electrotome and the design of skin island beyond the seventh costal cartilage were the risk factors of fat necrosis in pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.

Fat Necrosis ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Pectoralis Muscles ; pathology ; Postoperative Complications ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Risk Factors ; Surgical Flaps ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo identify differentially expressed genes in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) by DNA microarrays, and analyze chromosomal localizations and molecular function by bioinformatics.

METHODSThe primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (pNPC) tissue samples and rNPC tissue samples were selected, and Affymetrix Gene1.0 ST gene chips were used to identify differential expressed genes in rNPC, and the bioinformatics was used to analyze their chromosomal localizations as well as molecular functions.

RESULTSA total of 44 genes were identified to be differential expressed in rNPC. Thirty-six genes were down regulated, 8 genes were up regulated. Functional classification of down-regulation genes showed that most genes (10 genes, 27.8%) belonged to the enzyme activity genes, followed by calcium ion binding genes (7 genes, 19.4%), protein binding genes (5 genes, 13.9%), receptor activity genes (4 genes, 11.1%), ATP binding genes (2 genes, 5.6%), transcription factor genes (2 genes, 5.6%), extracellular matrix binding and growth factor binding have 1 gene respectively (each accounted for 2.8%). In addition, the functions of 4 genes (11.1%) were unknown. Functional classification of up-regulation genes showed most genes (3 genes, 37.5%) were unknown, followed enzyme activity genes (2 genes, 25.0%), receptor activity, calcium ion binding and voltage-gated ion channel activity genes have 1 genes respectively (each accounted for 12.5%). These genes were localized randomly on the most the chromosomes, with a majority of them localized on chromosomes 1, 17. Chromosome 1 contained the most differentially expressed genes (10, 22.7%), followed by chromosomes 17 (5, 11.3%).

CONCLUSIONSThe differential expressed genes in rNPC were supposed to be randomly distributed on most chromosomes, but the majorities were found on chromosomes 1, 17. Abnormality in three groups of genes, including in enzyme activity, calcium ion binding and protein binding associate genes, might play important roles in rNPC. Those genes need to be further studied.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; genetics ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

The aim of this study was to construct Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell models expressing recombinant wild-type GPIb-IX and mutant GPIb-IX complex, so as to provide the platform to study the related physiologic functions of GPIb-IX. The plasmids were extracted from E.coli expressing wild-type or deletion mutant GPIbalpha and were identified by digestion with EcoR I. Three plasmids containing GPIbalpha, GPIbbeta, and GPIX genes were co-transfected into CHO cells, and then the expression of GPIb-IX complex was detected by immune coprecipitation, Western blot and flow cytometry. The results showed that the expression of GPIb-IX complex could be detected in the lysate and on the surface of CHO cells at 48 hours after transfection. In conclusion, CHO cell models expressing recombinant wild-type or mutation GPIb-IX complex has been successfully constructed.
Animals ; CHO Cells ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Mutation ; Plasmids ; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the morphology of Y chromosome and microdeletion of the correlated specific azoospermia factor(AZF) region on Y chromosome in cases of azoospermia and to identify the genetic diagnosis made for male infertility patients.

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were taken from two patients with azoospermia, and then were examined by use of G banding, C banding cytogenetic analysis and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microdeletion analysis.

RESULTSThe karyotypes of the two cases were 45, X, -Y, -22, +der(Y)t(Y;22)(q11.2;q11.2) and 46, XY, del(Y)(q11.2) respectively. In 12 sequence-tagged sites(STS) of AZFa, AZFb, AZFd, AZFc, only one was detected in the first case and two were detected in the other case.

CONCLUSIONThe cytogenetic analysis and the detection of AZF microdeletion on Y chromosome are essential to the final genetic diagnosis to be made for male infertility patients.

Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Genetic Loci ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; Male ; Seminal Plasma Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the cough-relieving, analgesic and antibiotic effects of durian shell extract (DSE) in relieving cough and its analgesic and antibiotic effects.

METHODSThe effect of DSE in relieving cough was assessed in mice challenged with ammonia and SO(2) to induce coughing. The analgesic and antibiotic effects of DSE in mice were evaluated by hot plate test and twisting reaction induced by acetic acid, and by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc-agar diffusion tests, respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the mice treated with 300 and 900 mg/kg DSE showed significantly prolonged latency with decreased number of coughing induced by ammonia and SO(2), and the effect was dose-dependent. DSE markedly prolonged the latency and decreased the twisting number of the mice induced by acetic acid without affecting the pain threshold in hot plate test. DSE produced no significant inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, or E. coli, and showed a week inhibition against Bacillus aeruginosus.

CONCLUSIONDSE shows obvious effect in relieving cough and produces better analgesic effect against chemical factor-induced pain than against physical agent-induced pain sensation. DSE has a moderate inhibitory effect against Bacillus aeruginosus.

Analgesics ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Antitussive Agents ; pharmacology ; Bombacaceae ; chemistry ; Male ; Mice ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation

BACKGROUNDThe benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) still remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the role of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the cisplatin and fluororacil (PF) regimen in enhancing the overall survival of and decreasing locoregional relapse and distant metastasis in HNSCC patients.

METHODSMedline and manual searches were performed to identify all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the PF regimen. Outcomes assessed by meta-analysis included locoregional relapse, distant metastasis, and overall survival. The odds ratio was the principle measurement of effect, which was calculated as the treatment group (chemotherapy plus locoregional treatment) versus the control group (locoregional treatment alone) and was presented as a point estimate with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTSEight RCTs were adopted for analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the odds ratio for the locoregional relapse was 0.92 (0.70 - 1.22, 95% CI), which was not statistically significant. The odds ratios for distant metastasis and overall survival were 0.47 (0.33 - 0.68, 95% CI) and 1.28 (1.01 - 1.62, 95% CI) respectively, which were both statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONSNeoadjuvant chemotherapy with the PF regimen in HNSCC patients has no effect on locoregional relapse. However, it shows a small but significant benefit in reducing distant metastasis and improving the overall survival.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Humans ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic