OBJECTIVE: To initially investigate the function of neuronal pentraxin 1 (NPTX1) gene on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). METHODS: hBMSCs were induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation, and then RNA was collected at different time points, namely 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 d. The mRNA expression levels of key genes related with osteogenic differentiation, including runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and NPTX1, were detected on the basis of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology. In order to establish a stable NPTX1-knockdown hBMSCs cell line, NPTX1 shRNA lentivirus was constructed and used to infect hBMSCs. ALP staining, alizarin red (AR) staining, and qPCR were employed to assess the impact of NPTX1-knockdown on the osteogenic differentiation ability of hBMSCs. RESULTS: The results showed that during the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro, the mRNA expression levels of osteogenic genes RUNX2, ALP and OCN significantly increased compared with 0 d, while NPTX1 expression decreased markedly (P < 0.01) as the osteogenic induction period exten-ded. At 72 h post-infection with lentivirus, the result of qPCR indicated that the knockdown efficiency of NPTX1 was over 60%. After knocking down NPTX1 in hBMSCs, RNA was extracted from both the NPTX1-knockdown group (sh NPTX1 group) and the control group (shNC group) cultured in regular proliferation medium. The results of qPCR showed that the expression levels of osteogenic-related genes RUNX2 and osterix (OSX) were significantly higher in the sh NPTX1 group compared with the shNC group (P < 0.01). ALP staining revealed a significantly deeper coloration in the sh NPTX1 group than in the shNC group at the end of 7 d of osteogenic induction. AR staining demonstrated a marked increase in mineralized nodules in the sh NPTX1 group compared with the shNC group at the end of 14 d of osteogenic induction. CONCLUSION NPTX1 exerts a modulatory role in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, and its knockdown has been found to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. This finding implies that NPTX1 could potentially serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of osteogenic abnormalities, including osteoporosis.
Humans ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology* ; Osteogenesis/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/genetics* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Cells, Cultured ; C-Reactive Protein/genetics* ; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics* ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism* ; Bone Marrow Cells/cytology* ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; Osteocalcin/metabolism* ; Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To establish a more reliable and accurate scale of perinatal maternal health literacy during perinatal period by selecting items form existing scale. METHODS: Two rounds of inquiry were performed by 14 experts on mother and children to evaluate the necessary and importance of 56 items by Delphi method, in which 50 items were retained. Th en we proceeded a cross-sectional survey in 350 woman who just gave birth 1-3 days before. 10% of them were selected to retest aft er 1 week. Based on these data, we used 6 different methods to select items and kept those that could pass by at least 3 different methods. The methods used in data analysis were Chi-square test, correlation coefficient method (2 kinds), factor analysis, Cronbach α coefficient method and the retest reliability method. RESULTS: The Person correlation coefficient was 0.507 (P=0.004). By using the 6 statistical methods, we deleted 9 items through Chi-square test, 25 items through correlation coefficient method 1, 1 item through correlation coefficient method 2, 19 items through Cronbach α coefficient method, 8 items through factor analysis and 37 items through retest reliability method. In the end, 33 items were retained for the novel scale of maternal health literacy during perinatal period. CONCLUSION Simplified novel scale is acquired, which need to do large efforts before extensive use, such as large sample survey, reliability and validity test.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Delphi Technique ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Health Literacy ; Humans ; Mothers ; Postnatal Care ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo synthesize a novel nano-antibacterial inorganic filler and provide a new way to give dental composite resin antibacterial property.

METHODSQuaternary ammonium iodide N,N,N-trimethyl-3-(trimethoxysilyl) propan-1-aminium iodide were organically synthesized firstly and then the N,N,N-trimethyl-3-(trimethoxysilyl) propan-1-aminium iodide was grafted to the nano-silica particle to synthesize the antihacterial inorganic fillers nano-silica particle grafted with quaternary ammonium salt. All the products were analyzed and identified by infrared spectrum analysis. Then Streptococcus mutans were chosen as experimental object to analysis the antibacterial property of nanoantibacterial inorganic filler.

RESULTSQuaternary ammonium salt was grafted to the surface of nano-silica particles successfully by infrared spectrum analysis. Compared with the control group, the nano-silica particle grafted with quaternary ammonium salt had a strong bactericidal effect on Streptococcus mutons (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe nano-silica particle grafted with quaternary ammonium salt has a strong antibacterial property and could be used to improve dental composite resin antibacterial property.

Acrylic Resins ; Ammonium Compounds ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Composite Resins ; Polyurethanes ; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds ; Silicon Dioxide ; Streptococcus mutans