Objective:To investigate the role of protein phosphatase 4 catalytic subunit (PP4C) in regulating hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) levels and its effects on the biological functions of HBx, thus to provide a potential therapeutic targets for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:In vivo and in vitro interactions between HBx and PP4C were analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and GST pull-down assay. Recombinant plasmids of PP4C and HBx were co-transfected with Lipofectamine 3000 reagents into hepatoma cells to detect the protein levels of HBx by Western blot. The half-life of HBx in the transfected cells treated with cycloheximide (CHX) were detected. The phosphorylation assay was used to evaluate the effects of PP4C on HBx phosphorylation. CCK8 assay, wound healing assay and Matrigel invasion chamber assay were used to analyze the effects of PP4C on the biological functions of HBx. Results:PP4C interacted with HBx in vivo and in vitro. PP4C overexpression significantly increased the protein level and stability of HBx and the phosphorylation assay confirmed that PP4C overexpression decreased the serine phosphorylation of HBx in hepatoma cells. PP4C overexpression enhanced the migration and invasion of hepatoma cells, but had no significant effects on the proliferation. Conclusions:The interactions between HBx and PP4C promoted the stability of HBx and ultimately enhanced the migration and invasion of hepatoma cells, and the mechanisms might be related to the decrease of HBx serine phosphorylation by PP4C. This study provided a theoretical basis for further investigation of the pathogenic mechanisms of HBx, and targeting PP4C and HBx interaction might provide insights for developing novel treatment for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is one of the fastest-growing fields of medicine today. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of NIBS as an innovative, safe, and cost-effective treatment method applied to insomnia. Starting from treatment mechanism and clinical effect, we summarize the current research status of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electrical stimulation, the two most common NIBSs used in insomnia treatment, and analyze the existing research limitations and its future development direction, in order to provide references for further promoting the clinical application of NIBS in insomnia treatment.

Objective:To observe the effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide(H 2S) on the proliferation of rabbit vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC) under high static pressure. Methods:Rabbit thoracic aorta VSMC were isolated and cultured under high static pressure(100mmHg) and divided into control group [cultured with 0.2%fetal bovine serum(FBS) and no NaHS]、10%FBS group(10%FBS and no NaHS) and NaHS group(10%FBS and 50mmol/L NaHS). VSMC proliferation was analyzed with BUDR. CSE, Calmodulin(p-CaM)and CyclinD1 protein levels of VSMC were measured by Western blotting.Results:Compared with the 10%FBS group, NaHS inhibit the proliferation of rabbit VSMC significantly (0.50±0.03 vs. 0.26±0.03, P<0.05). Compared with control group, CSE protein in the 10%FBS group decreased significantly(1.21±0.10 vs. 0.33±0.04, P<0.05) and p-CaM and CyclinD1 protein increased significantly(0.23±0.04 vs. 0.86±0.04 and 0.22±0.03 vs. 1.19±0.06, P<0.05). Compared with the 10%FBS group, CSE protein in NaHS group increased significantly(0.33±0.04 vs. 1.11±0.11, P<0.05), and the expression of p-CaM and CyclinD1 protein decreased significantly(0.86±0.04 vs. 0.26±0.05 and 1.19±0.06 vs. 0.51±0.03, P<0.05). Conclusion:Exogenous hydrogen sulfide inhibits the proliferation of VSMC under high static pressure by the CSE/H2S pathway which related to the reduction of the expression of p-CaM and CyclinD1.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to explore the effect of different bracket, archwire, and ligature combinations on resistance to sliding (RS) and rotational control in first-order angulation. METHODS: Three types of brackets (multi-level low friction [MLF], self-ligating, and conventional brackets) coupled with four nickel-titanium archwires (0.012, 0.014, 0.016, and 0.018-inch diameter) and two stainless steel ligatures (0.20 and 0.25 mm) were tested in different first-order angulations (0°, 2°, 4°, 6°, 8°, 10°, 15°, 20°) by using an Instron universal mechanical machine in the dry state at room temperature. RS value was evaluated and compared by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Under the same angulation, the RS values showed the following order: conventional brackets > MLF brackets > self-ligating brackets. The RS was the highest for conventional brackets and showed a tendency to increase. The RS for MLF brackets coupled with thinner archwires and ligatures showed a similar tendency as the RS for the self-ligating bracket. In contrast, the RS for MLF brackets coupled with thicker archwires and ligatures increased like that for conventional brackets. MLF brackets showed the greatest range of critical contact angles in first-order angulation. CONCLUSIONS: The RS in first-order angulation is influenced by bracket design, archwire, and ligature dimension. In comparison with self-ligating and conventional brackets, MLF brackets could express low friction and rotational control with their greater range of critical contact angles.
Friction ; Ligation* ; Stainless Steel ; Tooth Movement

Objective To report the clinical management of the first case of human infection with influenza A (H7N4) in the world ,and to explore the clinical characteristics and therapeutic regimen of H7N4 infection in humans .Methods A case of confirmed human infection with influenza A (H7N4) virus was hospitalized in the Third People′s Hospital of Changzhou in Jiangsu Province on January 1st ,2018 . The clinical characteristics and treatment were analyzed by reviewing the clinical data and management of the patient ,and compared with the clinical characteristics of human infection with H 7N9 cases .Results The patient was an elderly woman with hypertension ,who had an exposure history of live poultry before onset .The patient had flu-like symptoms including fever , cough and expectoration . The symptoms worsened in the fifth day and presented as respiratory failure and circulatory disturbance .The count of white blood cells ,lymphocytes and platelets counts declined ,while the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and c-reactive protein slightly increased .The levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase deformity increased .The pulmonary lesions manifested as exudation and consolidation of both side in a short period of time after the onset . Treatment was initiated according to the epidemiology history , clinical manifestations ,laboratory and imaging characteristics . The primary diagnosis was human infection of avian influenza virus .The patient was treated with oxygen therapy ,antivirus ,anti-infection and short-duration corticosteroids treatment . Early and timely throat swab specimens were tested . The patient recovered and discharged from hospital after active treatment .It was confirmed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and prevention that the patient was infected with avian influenza A (H7N4) virus ,and no close contact was infected .Conclusions There are many similarities of clinical features between case of human infection with H7N4 and that of H7N9 . The early treatment of neuraminidase inhibitors is recommended according to the diagnosis and treatment of human infection with H 7N9 .In the clinical practice ,the avian influenza nucleic acid should be tested in time to determine the cause of the disease in those patients with suspected viral pneumonia ,especially in those who has an avian contact history .

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate buccal facial depth (BFD) changes after extraction and nonextraction orthodontic treatments in post-adolescent and adult female patients, and to explore possible influencing factors. METHODS: Twelve and nine female patients were enrolled in the extraction and nonextraction groups, respectively. Changes in BFD in the defined buccal region and six transverse and two coronal measuring planes were measured after registering pretreatment and posttreatment three-dimensional facial scans. Changes in posterior dentoalveolar arch widths were also measured. Treatment duration, changes in body mass index (BMI), and cephalometric variables were compared between the groups. RESULTS: BFD in the buccal region decreased by approximately 1.45 mm in the extraction group, but no significant change was observed in the nonextraction group. In the extraction group, the decrease in BFD was identical between the two coronal measuring planes, whereas this differed among the six transverse measuring planes. Posterior dentoalveolar arch widths decreased in the extraction group, whereas these increased at the second premolar level in the nonextraction group. The treatment duration of the extraction group was twice that of the nonextraction group. No differences were found in BMI and Frankfort horizontal-mandibular plane angle changes between the groups. BFD changes in the buccal region moderately correlated with treatment duration and dental arch width change. CONCLUSIONS: BFD decreased in adult female patients undergoing extraction, and this may be influenced by the long treatment duration and constriction of dentoalveolar arch width. However, nonextraction treatment did not significantly alter BFD.
Adult ; Bicuspid ; Body Mass Index ; Constriction ; Dental Arch ; Female* ; Humans

In the development of cancer, the DNA fragments of tumor cells enter into the blood circulation to form circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which is an indicator for detecting and quantifying tumor mutations. Epithelial ovarian cancer accounts for most of the histological types in ovarian cancer. This article reviews the clinical application of ctDNA in epithelial ovarian cancer, including the early diagnosis, therapeutic effect evaluation after operation and adjuvant therapy, tumor load assessment, dynamic monitoring during the follow-up and the prognosis of patients.

Objective: To study the correlation between the level of serum Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and the significant liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis in patients with chronic liver disease, and to evaluate its diagnostic value. Methods: 165 patients with chronic liver disease were selected, liver histopathological examination was performed to detect serum CHI3L1 concentration. Four indexes of hepatic fibrosis (type III procollagen, collagen IV, laminin, hyaluronic acid), aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) and FIB-4 (fibrosis- 4) scores were based on the pathological findings of liver biopsy and compared the advantages and disadvantages of serum CHI3L1 with other methods for the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. A multivariate regression analysis model was created, and receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed. Results: The level of serum CHI3L1 increased with increase of fibrosis stage and was highest in liver cirrhosis stage. In the period of S0 to 1, the levels of S2 to 3 and S4 were 62.82 (41.40 ~ 87.20), 70.94 (48.47 to 122.60) and 141.06 (78.18 ~ 197.40), and there were statistically significant differences between the groups (P < 0.001). The area under the curve for the diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis was 0.68 (0.60 to 0.77), and 0.74 (0.65 to 0.83) for cirrhosis in CHI3L1. Multivariate regression analysis showed that CHI3L1 was an independent predictor of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. The combined diagnostic model based on CHI3L1, collagen IV and FIB-4 scores further improved the diagnostic value. The area under the curve for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis was 0.79 (0.72 to 0.86) and 0.80 (0.73 to 0.87), respectively. Conclusion CHI3L1 has a good diagnostic value in patients with chronic liver disease with significant fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. The diagnostic model in combination with other markers like Collagen IV and FIB-4 scores could further improve the diagnostic value and is worthy of further study.

Objective:To measure the resting pressure of the tongue body on the sagittal and vertical dimensions of the tongue anchorage pad ( TAP) , and to investigate the proper position of TAP as an an-chorage. Methods:Nineteen volunteers with individual normal occlusion (4 males and 15 females, age 23-33 years) were recruited in the study. Individualized TAP was designed and made for each subject. On the sagittal dimension, the pressure along the midline at the level of the distal of the second premolar (PM2), the first molar (M1) and the second molar (M2) were measured. On the vertical dimension, pressures on TAPs with height of -3 mm, 0 mm, and 3 mm were measured, with 0 mm standing for the reference point recorded by the tongue position record. The tongue resting pressure of the volunteers in the upright position was measured by miniature sensors ( FSS1500NS, Honeywell, USA) embedded in TAP. Nonparametric analysis was applied with the significant level of 0. 05. Results:On the vertical di-mension, the pressure obtained at the height of -3 mm, 0 mm, and 3 mm were 105. 83 Pa, 167. 75 Pa, and 254. 25 Pa, respectively (P<0. 001). On the sagittal dimension, the pressure detected at the level of PM2, M1, and M2 were 177. 64 Pa, 126. 72 Pa, and 109. 37 Pa, respectively (P<0. 001). Con-clusion:Tongue pressure rises significantly with the increase of TAP height. On the sagittal dimension, pressure decreases along the palatal midline in an anteroposterior direction. But in the clinical practice, we should also put comfort into consideration.

Objective:To assess the repeatability ( intraobserver comparison ) and reproducibility ( inter-observer comparison) of two different methods for establishing the occlusal plane on digital dental models. Methods:With Angle’ s classification as a stratification factor,48 cases were randomly extracted from 806 ones which had integrated clinical data and had their orthodontic treatment from July 2004 to August 2008 in Department of Orthodontics,Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Post-treatment plas-ter casts of 48 cases were scanned by Roland LPX-1200 3 D laser scanner to generate geometry data as re-search subjects. In a locally developed software package,one observer repeated 5 times at intervals of at least one week to localize prescriptive landmarks on each digital model to establish a group of functional occlusal planes and a group of anatomic occlusal planes, while 6 observers established two other groups of functional and anatomic occlusal planes independently. Standard deviations of dihedral angles of each group on each model were calculated and compared between the related groups. The models with the five largest standard deviations of each group were studied to explore possible factors that might influence the identification of the landmarks on the digital models. Results:Significant difference of intraobserver varia-bility was not detected between the functional occlusal plane and the anatomic occlusal plane ( P>0 . 1 ) , while that of interobserver variability was detected ( P<0 . 001 ) . The pooled experimental standard devia-tion the 6 observers established for the functional occlusal plane was 0 . 2 ° smaller than that of the anato-mic occlusal plane. The functional occlusal plane’ s variability of intraobserver and interobsever did not differ significantly (P>0. 1),while the anatomic occlusal plane’s variability of the intraobserver was sig-nificantly smaller than that of the interobserver (P<0. 001),with a 0. 12° difference value of the pooled experimental standard deviation. Conclusion: When one observer measures a number of digital models, both the functional and the anatomic occlusal planes are suitable as a conference plane with equal repeatability. When several observers measure a large number of digital models,the functional occlusal plane is more reproducible than the anatomic occlusal plane,but the difference is small.