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Objective: To investigate the effects of sodium fluoride on the ameloblast and reveal the mechanism of dental fluorosis. Materials and methods: Mouse ameloblast‐like cell line (ALC) cells were treated with various concentrations of NaF, and subjected to Incucyte, fluorescence immunoassay, transmission electron microscopy, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), western blot for autophagy examination, alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining for mineralization after osteogenic induction. Results: NaF exerts a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on ALC cell growth. TEM and fluorescence immunoassay showed that 1.5 mM or higher concentrations of NaF could induce a fusion of lysosome and mitochondria, finally increasing the number of autophagosome. RT‐qPCR and western blot showed that the upregulation of autophagy related gene 13 (ATG13), downregulation of phosphorylated Unc‐51‐like kinase 1 (p‐ULK1) were found in NaF‐induced autophagy of ALC cells. The knockdown of ATG13 could rescue it as well as the expression of p‐ULK1 and LC3B. Besides, alizarin red staining showed that fluoride under these concentrations could promote the mineralization of ALC. Conclusions: The data show that fluoride in higher concentration can induce autophagy via the p‐ULk1/ATG13/LC3B pathway of ALCs than lower ones promote mineralization in vitro, which provides insight into the function of NaF in the autophagy and mineralization of ameloblast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intricacy of 3D surfaces often results cutting‐edge point cloud denoising (PCD) models in surface degradation including remnant noise, wrongly‐removed geometric details. Although using multi‐scale patches to encode the geometry of a point has become the common wisdom in PCD, we find that simple aggregation of extracted multi‐scale features can not adaptively utilize the appropriate scale information according to the geometric information around noisy points. It leads to surface degradation, especially for points close to edges and points on complex curved surfaces. We raise an intriguing question – if employing multi‐scale geometric perception information to guide the network to utilize multi‐scale information, can eliminate the severe surface degradation problem? To answer it, we propose a Multi‐offset Denoising Network (MODNet) customized for multi‐scale patches. First, we extract the low‐level feature of three scales patches by patch feature encoders. Second, a multi‐scale perception module is designed to embed multi‐scale geometric information for each scale feature and regress multi‐scale weights to guide a multi‐offset denoising displacement. Third, a multi‐offset decoder regresses three scale offsets, which are guided by the multi‐scale weights to predict the final displacement by weighting them adaptively. Experiments demonstrate that our method achieves new state‐of‐the‐art performance on both synthetic and real‐scanned datasets. Our code is publicly available at https://github.com/hay-001/MODNet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotrimeric G proteins act as molecular switches to participate in transmitting various stimuli signals from outside of cells. G proteins have three subunits, Gα, Gβ and Gγ, which function mutually to modulate many biological processes in plants, including plant growth and development, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. In plants, the number of Gγ subunits is larger than that of the α and β subunits. Based on recent breakthroughs in studies of plant G protein signal perception, transduction and downstream effectors, this review summarizes and analyses the connections between different subunits and the interactions of G proteins with other signalling pathways, especially in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. Based on current progress and unresolved questions in the field, we also suggest future research directions on G proteins in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Clarion and Clipperton Fracture Zones in the Eastern Pacific are well known as a manganese nodule belt, which developed since the late Oligocene. The slow growth rate of these marine ferromanganese nodules implies that they have potentially recorded long‐term environmental changes. To produce environmental records from these nodules, their chronology needs to be established first. In order to achieve this objective, many dating methods have been applied; however, due to relatively low‐resolution temporal constraint, high‐resolution environmental signals recorded in marine ferromanganese nodules have not been well documented yet. In this paper, we present a geochronological study based jointly on magnetic scanning and analyses of the authigenic beryllium isotopes (authigenic 10Be/9Be) and the cobalt (Co) flux of a marine ferromanganese nodule. Results lead to the following observations: (1) The growth of the studied nodule resulted from a combination of hydrogenetic and diagenetic processes, and (2) a total of 24 magnetozones is recognized for the studied nodule. Correlation to the geomagnetic polarity timescale suggests that chrons from C3n.2r to C1n were recorded in the nodule, implying that the growth of this nodule initiated ~4.70 Ma, which agrees well with the authigenic 10Be/9Be and Co chronometers. Furthermore, a consistent pattern of broad paleomagnetic field variations was observed between the nodule's magnetic signal and the ocean‐floor magnetic fields of the South Atlantic, confirming the validity of our growth model. Overall, our study highlights the potential of marine ferromanganese nodules from the Eastern Pacific as recorders of changes in Earth's magnetic field. Key Points: Magnetic scanning was firstly applied to a marine ferromanganese nodule, indicating growth rates of 4–5 mm/MyrMagnetic and chemical properties indicate the nodule may not roll over during its growing process and suggest a symmetric growthMagnetic signals recorded in the nodule can be well correlated to Earth's magnetic field changes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most feared postoperative complications after anterior resection (AR) of rectal cancer. An adequate blood supply at the anastomotic site is regarded as a prerequisite for healing. We hypothesize that the Aortic Calcification Index (ACI) might reflect the severity of atherosclerosis in patients, and thereby be a risk factor for AL. Method: AL was investigated retrospectively according to the definition of the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer in 423 rectal cancer patients who underwent anterior rectal resection. The ACI was measured by preoperative abdominal CT scan. The cross‐section of the aorta was evenly divided into 12 sectors, the number of calcified sectors was counted as the calcification score of each slice. Lasso logistic regression and multivariate regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for AL. Results: The percentage of AL after AR was 7.8% (33/423); the mortality of patients who sustained a leak was 3.0% (1/33). Patients with a high ACI had a significantly higher percentage of AL than patients with low ACI (11.2% vs 5.6%, P = 0.04). Among patients with AL, a higher ACI was associated with greater severity of AL (the ACI of patients with grade A leakage, grade B leakage and grade C leakage was 0.5% ± 0.2%, 11.5% ± 9.2% and 24.2% ± 21.7%, respectively; P = 0.008). After risk adjustment, multivariate regression analysis showed that a higher ACI was an independent risk factor for AL (OR 2.391, P = 0.04). Conclusion: A high ACI might be an important prognostic factor for AL after AR for rectal cancer. Confirmatory studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Peginterferon induces off‐treatment responses in approximately one‐third of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B. Aim: To develop an easy‐to‐use baseline prediction score to identify hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype B‐/C‐infected HBeAg‐positive Asian patients likely to respond to peginterferon alfa‐2a. Methods: Generalised additive models, multiple logistic regression (MLR) analysis and internal validation methods were applied to data from 647 HBeAg‐positive patients from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to develop a scoring system to predict response 24 weeks after completing a 48‐week course of peginterferon alfa‐2a. Results: Five baseline factors (age, sex, alanine aminotransferase ratio, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level and HBV DNA level) were retained in the final MLR for HBeAg seroconversion and used to develop a scoring system from 0 to 7. Among patients with scores of 0‐1, 2‐3, 4 or ≥5, HBeAg seroconversion was achieved in 6.4% (6/94), 23.0% (61/265), 36.4% (67/184) and 54.8% (57/104), respectively, and a combined response (HBeAg seroconversion plus HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL) in 5.3% (5/94), 12.8% (34/265), 25.0% (46/184) and 36.5% (38/104), respectively. Among patients with scores of 0‐1, 2‐3, 4 or ≥5, 57.0% (53/93), 12.3% (31/253), 3.4% (6/178) and 1.0% (1/100) had HBsAg ≥20 000 IU/mL at treatment Week 12; only 3/91 (3.3%) with HBsAg ≥20 000 IU/mL experienced a combined response at 24 weeks post‐treatment (negative predictive value = 97% [88/91]). Conclusion: A pre‐treatment scoring system using readily available baseline characteristics identifies HBeAg‐positive Asian patients likely to experience sustained HBeAg seroconversion after treatment with peginterferon alfa‐2a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: In the large randomised NEPTUNE study, peginterferon alfa‐2a 180 μg/wk for 48 weeks produced higher hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion rates 24 weeks post‐treatment (36%) than a lower dose (90 μg/wk) and/or shorter duration (24 weeks) (range 14%‐26%). Aim: To determine seroconversion rates 5 years after completion of treatment in NEPTUNE. Methods: HBeAg‐positive patients who completed 24 weeks’ follow‐up in NEPTUNE (with peginterferon alfa‐2a 90 μg/wk × 24 weeks [group 1]; 180 μg/wk × 24 weeks [2]; 90 μg/wk × 48 weeks [3] or 180 μg/wk × 48 weeks [4]) were followed up. Results: Three hundred and eighty three of the 544 patients in the original study were enrolled in the long‐term follow‐up study. Many patients (196 overall; more in groups 1‐3 than 4) received nucleos(t)ide analogues or immunomodulators during follow‐up, and more patients had missing data at year 5 in groups 2 and 4 (48 weeks, 50/112) than in groups 1 and 3 (24 weeks, 23/103), which confounds the planned per‐protocol analysis. HBeAg seroconversion rates in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 at year 5 were 47.5%, 50.7%, 52.2% and 67.1%, respectively, (odds ratio for group 4 versus 1‐3: 2.02; 95% CI 1.21, 3.38), using multiple imputation methods for missing measurements. Conclusion: Seroconversion rates are durable for up to 5 years after completion of peginterferon alfa‐2a therapy and, consistent with NEPTUNE, the results suggest that the licensed regimen (180 μg × 48 weeks) is more efficacious for HBeAg‐positive patients than a lower dose and/or shorter treatment duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver biopsy is not routinely performed in treated chronic hepatitis B. Liver stiffness measurement has been validated for noninvasive liver fibrosis assessment in pretreatment chronic hepatitis B but has not been assessed for fibrosis monitoring during antiviral therapy. Liver stiffness was systemically monitored by Fibroscan® every 6 months in a cohort of patients with hepatitis B receiving antiviral therapy and compared with liver biopsies at baseline and week 104. A total of 534 hepatitis B e antigen- positive treatment- naive patients receiving telbivudine- based therapy with qualified liver stiffness measurement at baseline and week 104 were analyzed, 164 of which had adequate paired liver biopsies. Liver stiffness decreased rapidly (-2.2 kPa/24 weeks) in parallel with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) from 8.6 (2.6- 49.5) kPa at baseline to 6.1 (2.2- 37.4) kPa at week 24. Interestingly, liver stiffness decreased slowly (-0.3 kPa/24 weeks) but continually from week 24 to week 104 (6.1 vs 5.3 kPa, P < .001) while ALT levels remained stable within the normal range. More importantly, liver stiffness declined significantly irrespective of baseline ALT levels and liver necroinflammation grades. From baseline to week 104, the proportion of patients with no or mild fibrosis (Ishak, 0-2) increased from 74.4% (122/164) to 93.9% (154/164). Multivariate analysis revealed that percentage decline of 52- week liver stiffness from baseline was independently associated with 104- week liver fibrosis regression (odds ratio, 3.742; P = .016). Early decline of 52-week liver stiffness from baseline may reflect the remission of both liver inflammation and fibrosis and was predictive of 104- week fibrosis regression in treated patients with chronic hepatitis B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate and compare the effects of two apical canal instrumentation protocols on apical stress distribution at the root apex under vertical compaction of gutta-percha and occlusal loads using finite element analysis. Methodology Three finite element analysis models of a mandibular first premolar were reconstructed: an original canal model, a size 35, .04 taper apical canal enlargement model and a Lightspeed size 60 apical canal enlargement model. A 15 N compaction force was applied vertically to the gutta-percha 5 mm from the apex. A 175 N occlusal load in two directions (vertical and 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth) was simulated. Stresses in the apical 2 mm of the root were calculated and compared among the three models. Results Under vertical compaction, stresses in the apical canal instrumented by Lightspeed size 60 (maximal 3.3 MPa) were higher than that of the size 35, .04 taper model (maximal 1.3 MPa). In the case of the two occlusal forces, the Lightspeed size 60 apical enlargement was associated with the greatest stress distribution in the apical region. The greatest stress and the most obvious stress difference between the models appeared at the tip of the root when occlusal and vertical compaction loads were applied. Conclusions Apical enlargement caused stress distribution changes in the apical region of roots. The larger apical size led to higher stress concentration at the root apex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus 3 ( PCV3) is a novel circovirus first discovered in the United States in piglets and sows with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, reproductive failure, cardiac and multisystemic inflammation. Here, seven PCV3 strains were identified for the first time from neonatal pigs with clinical signs of congenital tremors ( CT) in South China. The tissue tropism of PCV3 in CT-affected piglets was analysed by the real-time quantitative PCR, and the result showed that high loads of viral genomes were detected in the brains and hearts. The complete genomes of seven new PCV3 revealed 96.8%-99.6% nucleotide identities with eleven other PCV3 strains previously reported from the United States and China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete genome sequences showed that all PCV3 strains clustered together and were clearly separated from other circovirus species. This study reports on the first identification of PCV3 in CT-affected newborn piglets and provides the epidemiological information of neonatal piglets with CT in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient elastography ( TE) is accurate in staging fibrosis noninvasively. However, a reliable serum biomarker with comparable accuracy is also important, especially when TE is unreliable/unavailable. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum Golgi protein 73 ( GP73) for significant fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection. A total of 801 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD; 492 chronic HBV infection and 309 non- HBV liver disease) with liver biopsy performance were enrolled. Healthy controls (n = 180) and hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) patients (n = 85) were included for comparisons. Liver biopsy was used as the reference method for fibrosis staging. Serum GP73 level was measured in duplicate in double-blind fashion. Serum GP73 was highest in HCC but also significantly higher in chronic hepatitis B than in healthy controls. The elevation of serum GP73 in non- HCC patients was significantly associated with the presence of significant fibrosis independently of ALT level, liver stiffness (LS) value, inflammation grade and other confounding factors. The diagnostic performance of serum GP73 was accurate in antiviral-naïve HBV patients (area under the receiver operating curve [ AUROC], 0.76 95% CI: 0.72-0.81) but not in patients with ongoing antiviral treatment ( AUROC, 0.60). The utility of serum GP73 was also confirmed in non- HBV CLD ( AUROC, 0.80 95% CI: 0.75-0.85). Serum GP73 was comparable to LS ( AUROC, 0.78 95% CI: 0.73-0.82) and significantly better than AST to platelet ratio index ( APRI) ( AUROC, 0.67 95% CI: 0.62-0.72) and FIB-4 ( AUROC, 0.68 95% CI: 0.63-0.73). In conclusion, serum GP73 is an accurate serum marker for significant fibrosis in chronic HBV infection, with higher accuracy than APRI and FIB-4. Serum GP73 is potentially a complementary tool for TE when evaluating the necessity of antiviral treatment, particularly in patients without definite antiviral indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senecavirus A ( SVA) infection was recently confirmed in pigs in Brazil. In March, 2015, an outbreak of vesicular disease occurred in Guangdong, China, characterized by vesicular lesions in sows and acute death of neonatal piglets. Cumulative incidence of porcine idiopathic vesicular disease in farm A was 258, which had a total number of 5500 sows. Sows in farm B displayed typical vesicular symptoms by May, 2015, which also had 5500 sows. A total of 278 and 142 of 5500 sows in farm B demonstrated lame and presented vesicles, respectively, associated with a total of 186 mortality in piglets. Routine differential diagnoses for swine vesicular disease were carried out to exclude infection with foot-and-mouth disease virus, swine vesicular disease virus, vesicular exanthema of swine virus and vesicular stomatitis virus. In this study, seven pairs of primer were designed to amplify the complete genome of SVA in RT- PCR assays. Sequence alignment showed that this Chinese strain shares 94.4-97.1% sequence identity to other eight strains of SVA. This is the first report of SVA in China and provides information about the association between SVA infection and vesicular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the efficacy and safety of long-term entecavir treatment in chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) predominantly genotype B or C are insufficient. This study presents the efficacy and safety of entecavir maleate in Chinese CHB patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 48-week treatment with either 0.5 mg/day entecavir (group A) or 0.5 mg/day entecavir maleate (group B), and then all patients received treatment with 0.5 mg/day entecavir maleate from week 49. Two hundred and seventy-five patients with CHB ( HBeAg-positive: 218) were analysed, predominantly (98.5%) with genotype B or C. Baseline characteristics were balanced. For the HBeAg-positive CHB patients, the mean HBV DNA level decreased similarly (A: by 6.36 log10 IU/ mL vs B: by 6.31 log10 IU/ mL) between groups at week 144. The percentages of patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA were similar (A: 70.59% vs B: 66.67%) between groups. Similar HBeAg loss rates (A: 43.53% vs B: 40.23%; P>.05) and HBeAg seroconversion rates (A: 21.52% vs B: 21.18%) were achieved. For the HBeAg-negative CHB patients, similar reductions in HBV DNA levels from baseline (A: by 6.13 log10 IU/ mL vs B: by 5.65 log10 IU/ mL) and percentages of patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA (A: 100% vs B: 100%) were achieved. The overall incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups. In conclusions, 48-week administration of entecavir maleate and entecavir showed similar efficacy and safety in Chinese patients with CHB. Long-term entecavir maleate treatment was effective and safe in CHB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a sparse optimization framework for extracting sparse shape priors from a collection of 3D models. Shape priors are defined as point-set neighborhoods sampled from shape surfaces which convey important information encompassing normals and local shape characterization. A 3D shape model can be considered to be formed with a set of 3D local shape priors, while most of them are likely to have similar geometry. Our key observation is that the local priors extracted from a family of 3D shapes lie in a very low-dimensional manifold. Consequently, a compact and informative subset of priors can be learned to efficiently encode all shapes of the same family. A comprehensive library of local shape priors is first built with the given collection of 3D models of the same family. We then formulate a global, sparse optimization problem which enforces selecting representative priors while minimizing the reconstruction error. To solve the optimization problem, we design an efficient solver based on the Augmented Lagrangian Multipliers method (ALM). Extensive experiments exhibit the power of our data-driven sparse priors in elegantly solving several high-level shape analysis applications and geometry processing tasks, such as shape retrieval, style analysis and symmetry detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hepatitis B infection ( CHB) causes up to 1.0 million deaths annually. Currently, more than 90% of CHB patients worldwide are receiving indefinite nucleos(t)ide analogue ( NA) therapy. New strategies for optimizing hepatitis B surface antigen ( HBsAg) loss are required for NA-treated patients as the majority are unable to achieve HBsAg loss and may require lifelong therapy. In hepatitis B e antigen ( HBeAg)-positive patients, switching from NAs to finite peginterferon (Peg IFN) therapy can double HBeAg seroconversion rates. One in five patients who switch to Peg IFN can achieve HBsAg loss, whereas patients who continue NA therapy typically do not. In HBeAg-negative NA-treated patients, add-on Peg IFN therapy achieves higher, albeit modest, HBsAg loss rates compared with continued NA monotherapy and offers the opportunity for NA-treated patients to achieve the inactive carrier state. In the absence of curative therapies, Peg IFN represents a valuable, finite option for NA-treated patients who would otherwise require potentially lifelong therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies regarding the clinical significance of quantitative hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving first-line nucleos(t)ide analogues is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the performance of anti-HBc as a predictor for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion in HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with entecavir. This was a retrospective cohort study consisting of 139 Chinese patients enrolled in a multicenter clinical trial treated with entecavir or entecavir maleate for up to 240 weeks. Anti-HBc evaluation was conducted for all the available samples using a newly developed double-sandwich anti-HBc immunoassay. At week 240, 35 (25.2%) patients achieved a serological response (HBeAg seroconversion) and these patients at week 240 had significantly higher levels of anti-HBc ( P<.01). We defined 4.65 log10 IU·mL−1, with a maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity, as the optimal cut-off value of baseline anti-HBc level to predict seroconversion. Patients with baseline anti-HBc ≥4.65 log10 IU·mL−1 had 28.0% (26/93) and 35.5% (33/93) chance of seroconversion at weeks 144 and 240, respectively. The baseline anti-HBc level was the strongest predictor for seroconversion at week 144 (OR: 5.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.05-16.34, P=.001). The baseline anti-HBc level was a strong predictor for seroconversion at week 240 (OR: 5.36, 95% CI: 2.17-13.25, P<.001). Hence, baseline anti-HBc titre is a useful predictor of long-term entecavir therapy efficacy in HBeAg-positive CHB patients, which could be used to optimize antiviral therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Yellow Sea (SYS) is a semi-closed epicontinental sea, where voluminous material input and regional tectonic subsidence facilitate preservation of depositional strata, making it an ideal place for studying the regional responses to global sea-level changes during the Quaternary. Based on high-resolution single-channel seismic data, we conducted a detailed study of the SYS shelf in terms of its stratigraphic architecture and seismic facies. In combination with borehole data, we analysed the depositional processes of the SYS shelf since the Quaternary. A minimum of 14 seismic sequences were identified on the seismic profiles, which primarily show four typical seismic reflection facies: progradational reflection facies, parallel reflection facies, chaotic reflection facies and incised valley facies, with the former two seismic facies usually alternating with the latter two vertically. Borehole and seismic data revealed that the SYS shelf has been basically controlled by global sea-level changes since the Quaternary, and three significant transgression events had occurred over the SYS shelf since the Middle Pleistocene ( ca. 730 ka BP-Present), taking place in the early Middle Pleistocene, the early Late Pleistocene and at the end of the Late Pleistocene-Holocene, respectively, with their products corresponding to seismic sequences U90, U50 and U10, respectively. Seismic data showed that, in a previous division of the main boundaries for holes EY02-2, NHH01 and QC2, the Holocene and the Upper Pleistocene bottom boundaries are concordant, while the Middle Pleistocene bottom boundary is discordant, and our study indicated that the division scheme for the Middle Pleistocene bottom boundary related to holes EY02-2 and NHH01 is more reasonable. The turning point of variation in the depositional environment of the SYS is at the end of the Middle Pleistocene, before which global sea-level change and tectonic subsidence controlled the shelf deposition. The shelf was inclined westwards and the tectonic topography of the southern margin of the shelf-forced seawater to invade via passages during sea-level rise. This resulted in a limited stratigraphic distribution formed by short-duration transgression events with low-amplitude sea-level rise; thereafter, the shelf deposition was predominated by global sea-level and rivers, and the shelf sediments were mainly derived from mainland China on the west of the shelf and were primarily accumulated on the middle and western parts of the shelf. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unknown whether peginterferon ( PEG- IFN) add-on to entecavir ( ETV) leads to more HBsAg decline compared to PEG- IFN monotherapy or combination therapy, and whether ETV therapy may prevent HBsAg increase after PEG- IFN cessation. We performed a post hoc analysis of 396 HBeAg-positive patients treated for 72 weeks with ETV + 24 weeks PEG- IFN add-on from week 24 to 48 (add-on, n = 85), 72 weeks with ETV monotherapy ( n = 90), 52 weeks with PEG- IFN monotherapy ( n = 111) and 52 weeks PEG- IFN + lamivudine (combination, n = 110) within 2 randomized trials. HBsAg decline was assessed at the end of PEG- IFN ( EOP) and 6 months after PEG- IFN ( EOF) discontinuation. Differences in baseline characteristics were accounted for using inversed probability of treatment weights. At EOP, a HBsAg reduction of ≥1log10 IU/ mL was more frequently achieved for patients in the add-on or combination therapy arms (both 36%), compared to PEG- IFN mono (20%) or ETV (8%) (add-on vs PEG- IFN mono P = 0.050). At EOF, the HBsAg reduction ≥1log10 IU/ mL was only sustained in patients treated with ETV consolidation (add-on vs combination and PEG- IFN mono: 40% vs 23% and 18%, P = 0.029 and P = 0.003, respectively). For add-on, combination, PEG- IFN mono and ETV, the mean HBsAg-level change at EOF was −0.84, −0.81, −0.68 and −0.33 log10 IU/ mL, respectively ( P > 0.05 for PEG- IFN arms). HBeAg loss at EOF was 36%, 31%, 33% and 20%, respectively ( P > 0.05). PEG- IFN add-on for 24 weeks results in more on-treatment HBsAg decline than does 52 weeks of PEG- IFN monotherapy. ETV therapy may maintain the HBsAg reduction achieved with PEG-IFN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of scanning electron microscope surface morphology and the reflectivity of the mode II fractured surface of graphite/epoxy laminates. A discrete number average method was developed for the quantitative characterization of hackles formation. The variation of hackle marks linear density with impact energy for end-notch flexure and centre-notch flexure for pure mode II loading were determined. The results indicated that hackles formation decreased with impact energy and the maximum hackles formation were observed at the centre area. Reflectivity was observed to be increased with the angle of reflection and decreased with impact energy, which is in agreement with the scanning electron microscope analysis. With the incident light scanned in the transverse direction, the intensity of the reflected light increases much more exponentially compared with along the fibre direction. Reflectivity in the fibre direction was clearly lower than in the transverse direction in the damaged area. The greater the damaged area, the less the intensity (reflectivity) of light reflected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with an orofacial pain history appear to be more susceptible to occlusal interference pain in dental practice for unknown reasons. Pain memory has a critical function in subsequent pain perception. This study aims to explore whether orofacial pain memory could affect the masticatory muscle pain perception for occlusal interference.Methods: Cross-injection of 2% carrageenan into bilateral masseters in male rats was carried out to establish the inflammatory pain memory model. The effects of pain memory on masseter muscle nociception were tested by applying crowns with heights beyond the occlusal plane by 0.2 or 0.4 mm onto a maxillary molar 2 weeks after inflammation in the right masseter. The 0.4-mm crowns were removed on day 2 or day 4 after application to further confirm the effects of pain memory. Moreover, memory impairment was established using ibotenic acid (IBO) infusion into the bilateral hippocampus, followed by behaviour tests, including the Morris water maze test and the locomotor activity test. The relationship between pain memory and occlusal interference-induced masseter muscle pain perception was subsequently re-examined. The head withdrawal thresholds of masseters on both sides were measured to reflect the perception.Results: Inflammatory pain memory aggravated the 0.2-mm crown-induced mechanical hyperalgesia of the masseters, but not in the 0.4-mm crown group. However, the recovery of the 0.4-mm crown-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was postponed. The effects of pain memory were reversed in rats with impaired mnemonic function of the hippocampus.Conclusions: Inflammatory pain memory facilitated occlusal interference-induced masseter muscle pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth loss is a chronic disability, which makes it difficult for patients to perform essential tasks such as eating, communicating with others and socialising. Numerous studies have revealed and addressed the recent rapid development of various prosthodontic materials and treatment patterns. Oral rehabilitation with dentures exerts a great influence on people's daily life and has tremendous social implications. Dentures help to restore an individual's sense of normality and ability to interact normally. With the introduction and progression of implant technology, many troublesome issues can now be solved simply. Nowadays, more and more attention has been paid to new trends (implant-assisted restoration and fixed prostheses). However, removable dentures may be a more appropriate solution under some circumstances, such as if they are a patient's preferred option, if remaining oral tissues are in poor condition, or if they provide the most cost-effective form of treatment. Thus, removable dentures are still an option for the rehabilitation of oral function. The purpose of this article was to retrospectively review the applications of removable dentures and to emphasise their indispensable status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duck Tembusu virus ( DTMUV) is an infectious pathogen that can cause epidemics in egg-laying ducks. Here, we isolated and characterized a DTMUV, designated GDLH01, thought to be responsible for the noticeable egg drop in Muscovy duck flocks in South China since 2011. The genome sequence of GDLH01 shared 97-99% homology with other avian-origin Tembusu viruses, and 99.5% homology with the mosquito-borne strain SDMS recently reported in China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequence of the entire open reading frame confirmed that the isolate was of avian origin and closely related to a mosquito-borne strain. Our findings characterize a novel Tembusu virus circulating in Muscovy ducks in South China and emphasize the importance of reinforcing biosecurity measures and developing vaccines to prevent the spread of this viral pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of different supplementation ways of lycopene during pre-hatch (from the diet of hens) and post-hatch (from the diet of progeny) on production performance, antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters in chicks. In total, 360 hens were fed diets supplemented with 0 (control group) or 40 mg lycopene/kg diet. From 28 to 34 days after the start of supplementation (30 weeks old), 650 qualified eggs were collected to artificial incubation. In this trial, 2 × 2 factorial designs were used. Male chicks hatched from hens fed with 0 or 40 mg lycopene/kg diet were fed a diet containing either 0 or 40 mg lycopene/kg diet. The results showed that, relative to control, in ovo-deposited lycopene significantly increased chick birth body weight, improved liver total antioxidant capacity (T- AOC), glutathione peroxidase ( GSH-Px) and glutathione to oxidized glutathione ratio ( GSH: GSSG), and significantly declined liver malondialdehyde ( MDA) level and increased liver lycopene content during 0-14 days after hatching. On days 14 after hatching, dietary lycopene in diet began to take over gradually. Both supplementation ways of lycopene increased immune organ index, serum high-density lipoprotein ( HDL) cholesterol, villus length and villus/crypt in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Data in this study suggested lycopene supplementation could improve antioxidant capacity and immune function, and regulate lipid metabolism in chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate ( TDF) has demonstrated long-term efficacy and a high barrier to resistance in multiple chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) populations outside of China. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDF compared with adefovir dipivoxil ( ADV) in Chinese patients with CHB during 48 weeks of treatment (ClinicalTrial.gov number, NCT01300234). A Phase 3, multicentred, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of TDF with ADV in Chinese patients with CHB. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HBV DNA <400 copies/mL in each treatment group at Week 48, using an unpooled Z-test for superiority. Secondary endpoints included viral suppression, serologic response, histological improvement, normalization of alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) levels and the emergence of resistance mutations. A total of 509 patients, 202 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 307 HBeAg-negative, with HBV DNA ≥105 copies/mL received either TDF 300 mg od or ADV 10 mg od. At Week 48, TDF demonstrated superior viral suppression compared with ADV in both HBeAg-positive (76.7% vs 18.2%, P < 0.0001) and HBeAg-negative (96.8% vs 71.2%, P < 0.0001) patients. The majority of patients in both treatment arms achieved ALT normalization (>85%). No resistance to TDF was observed. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between treatment arms ( TDF 3.9% vs ADV 4.8%). In this double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, TDF demonstrated superiority over ADV with respect to viral suppression in Chinese patients with CHB at 48 weeks of treatment and without the development of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory calculations are employed to investigate the adsorption of sulfur-containing species on the (001) surface of LaCrO3 (LCrO). Molecular adsorption is found to be stable with H2S binding preferentially at O site on the LaO-terminated surface. The adsorption of H2S molecule leads to the electrons transferring from the substrate to the molecule and the charges rearrangement within the molecule. In addition, the adsorption of the corresponding S-containing dissociated species (SH and S) is investigated. SH and S are found to be preferentially bind at the Cr site. We further predict the adsorption energies of sulfur-containing species increase following the sequence H2S

Ethnic differences in pain experiences have been widely assessed in various pathological and experimental conditions. However, limited sensory modalities have been described in previous research, and the affective-motivational factors have so far been estimated to be the main mediator for the ethnic differences. This study aimed to detect the ethnic differences of oro-facial somatosensory profiles related to the sensory-discriminative dimension in healthy volunteers. The standardised quantitative sensory testing battery developed by the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain was performed bilaterally in the infraorbital and mental regions on age- and gender-matched healthy Chinese and Danes, 29 participants each group. The influences of ethnicity, gender and test site on the somatosensory profile were evaluated by three-way anova. The ethnic disparities were also presented by Z-scores. Compared to Danes, Chinese were more sensitive to thermal detection, thermal pain, mechanical deep pain and mechanical pain rating parameters ( P < 0·002) related to small fibre functions. However, the inverse results were observed for mechanical tactile modality related to large fibre function ( P < 0·001) and wind-up ratio ( P = 0·006). Women presented higher sensitivity compared to men. The mean Z-scores of all the parameters from Chinese group were in the normal zone created by Danish Caucasians' means and SDs. The ethnic disparities in somatosensory profile illustrated the necessity of establishing the reference data for different ethnic groups and possibly individual pain management strategies for the different ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim XELOX and FOLFOX4 have both been recommended as adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer. This study compared the two regimens in terms of monetary costs, assuming equal efficacy of the therapies. Method A retrospective financial audit was conducted of the medical records of patients treated with XELOX or FOLFOX4. All itemized expenses were classified as direct (chemotherapy, hospitalization, venous access and tests), related to adverse effects due to the adjuvant therapy, or societal (travel and time costs). The cost of supportive care was not included. Results XELOX involved less total cost to the patient than FOLFOX4 (a difference of US$2857.68), fewer costs related to adverse effects ($668.97), and less travel ($26.07) and time ($390.93) expenditure per patient. Conclusion The results indicate that, overall, XELOX is a more affordable option than FOLFOX4 in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aetiology of temporomandibular disorder ( TMD) is multifactorial, and numerous studies have addressed that occlusion may be of great importance. However, whether occlusion plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of TMD remains controversial. Study designs utilising animal models have been used to study the effects of artificial occlusal alterations. Experimental traumatic occlusion affects blood flow in the temporomandibular joint and results in changes in the condylar cartilage, and artificial occlusal interference induces masticatory muscle nociceptive responses that are associated with peripheral sensitisation and lead to central sensitisation, which maintains masticatory muscle hyperalgesia. The possibility that occlusal interference results in TMD has been investigated in humans using a double-blind randomised design. Subjects without a history of TMD show fairly good adaptation to interferences. In contrast, subjects with a history of TMD develop a significant increase in clinical signs and self-report stronger symptoms (occlusal discomfort and chewing difficulties) in response to interferences. Meanwhile, psychological factors appear meaningful for symptomatic responses to artificial interferences in subjects with a history of TMD. Thus, individual differences in vulnerability to occlusal interferences do exist. Although there are advantages and disadvantages to using human and animal occlusal interference models, these approaches are indispensable for discovering the role of occlusion in TMD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, most drugs have been discovered using phenotypic or target-based screens. Subsequently, their indications are often expanded on the basis of clinical observations, providing additional benefit to patients. This review highlights computational techniques for systematic analysis of transcriptomics (Connectivity Map, CMap), side effects, and genetics (genome-wide association study, GWAS) data to generate new hypotheses for additional indications. We also discuss data domains such as electronic health records (EHRs) and phenotypic screening that we consider promising for novel computational repositioning methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Transforming growth factor ( TGF)-β1 produced in airway epithelia has been suggested as a contributor to the airway remodeling observed in asthma patients. The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is a demonstrable modulator of TGF-β1 production and thus a potential regulator of airway remodeling. Objectives To define the signal event by which SHP2 regulates asthmatic responses in airway epithelial cells by using a mouse model of experimental OVA-induced airway remodeling. Methods The airways of Shp2 flox/flox mice were infected with recombinant adenovirus vectors expressing a Cre recombinase-green fluorescence protein ( GFP) fusion protein as part of allergen provocation studies using mice sensitized with ovalbumin ( OVA) and repeatedly challenged with OVA. Several endpoint pathologies were assessed, including airway hyper-responsiveness ( AHR), lung inflammatory score, peribronchial collagen deposition, and α-smooth muscle actin ( SMA) hyperplasia. In vitro studies using airway epithelial cells ( BEAS-2B) were used to investigate the role of SHP2 in the regulation of pulmonary remodeling events, including the expression of collagen, α- SMA, and TGF-β1. Results Chronic OVA challenges in wild-type mice resulted in airway remodeling and lung dysfunction (e.g., increased inflammatory scores, collagen deposition (fibrosis), smooth muscle hyperplasia, and a significant increase in AHR). These endpoint pathology metrics were each significantly attenuated by conditional shp2 gene knockdown in airway epithelia. In vitro studies using BEAS-2B cells also demonstrated that the level of TGF-β1 production by these cells correlated with the extent of shp2 gene expression. Conclusions SHP2 activities in airway epithelial cells appear to modulate TGF-β1 production and, in turn, regulate allergic airway remodeling following allergen provocation. Clinical Implications Our findings identify SHP2 as a previously underappreciated contributor to the airway remodeling and lung dysfunction associated with allergen challenge. As such, SHP2 represents a potentially novel therapeutic target for the treatment of asthmatics. Capsule summary Airway epithelial protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 appears to modulate TGF-β1 activities as part of one or more cellular pathways leading to regulating the airway remodeling and lung dysfunction occurring in mouse models of allergic respiratory inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gαq, the alpha subunit of Gq, a member of the Gq/11 sub-family, was reported to inhibit phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K) activation and prevent the activation of Akt. Previous studies demonstrated that mice losing Gαq in their immune system could spontaneously develop inflammatory arthritis. In this study, we showed that the Gαq expressions at mRNA and protein levels in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were significantly decreased in comparison of which in healthy individuals. The expression levels of Gαq mRNA in PBLs from patients with RA were correlated with RA disease activity (DAS28), anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor. We also demonstrated that Gαq controlled the apoptosis of RA PBLs through regulating the activity of Mcl-1 and caspase-3. These data suggested that Gαq might be involved in the pathogenesis of RA by regulating PBLs apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Natural killer cells (NK) are one of the key players in the eradication and control of viral infections. Infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) may lead to persistence in a subgroup of patients, and impaired NK cell functions have been observed in these patients. Crosstalk with other immune cells has been shown to modulate the function of NK cells. We studied the functional crosstalk between NK cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) and its modulation by HBV. Healthy human peripheral blood-derived NK cells and pDC were purified and cocultured in the presence or absence of HepG2.2.15-derived HBV under various in vitro conditions. The functionality of NK cells was assessed by evaluation of activation markers, cytokine production and cytotoxicity of carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester-labelled K562 target cells by flow cytometry or immunoassays. Additionally, the crosstalk was examined using NK and pDC from patients with chronic HBV. The activation of NK cells in cocultures with pDC, as demonstrated by CD69, CD25 and HLA-DR, was not affected by the presence of HBV. Similarly, when cocultured with pDC, the cytotoxic potential of NK cells was not influenced by HBV. However, HBV significantly inhibited pDC-induced IFN-γ production by NK cells both in the presence and in the absence of CpG. As HBV did not affect cytokine-induced IFN-γ production by NK cells cultured alone, the suppressive effect of HBV on NK cell function was mediated via interference with pDC-NK cell interaction. In contrast to other viruses, HBV does not activate pDC-NK cell interaction but inhibits pDC-induced NK cell function. In parallel with NK cells of patients with chronic HBV, which show diminished cytokine production with normal cytotoxicity, HBV specifically suppressed pDC-induced IFN-γ production by NK cells without affecting their cytolytic ability. These data demonstrate that HBV modulates pDC-NK cell crosstalk, which may contribute to HBV persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 424-431 Summary Background Previous studies suggested that a finite course of peginterferon alfa-2a may offer an alternative rescue therapy for patients with lamivudine resistance. However, because of the limitation of study design and small sample size, it is difficult to make definitive conclusion. Aim To explore the role of peginterferon alfa-2a, in the rescue treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with lamivudine resistance. Methods In this randomised study, chronic hepatitis B patients with lamivudine resistance were treated with peginterferon alfa-2a for 48 weeks ( n = 155) or adefovir for 72 weeks ( n = 80). All enrolled patients were treated with lamivudine for the first 12 weeks. Results At 6 months posttreatment, 14.6% (18/123) of peginterferon alfa-2a-treated patients achieved HBeAg seroconversion, in contrast to 3.8% (3/80) of adefovir-treated patients after 72 weeks continuous therapy ( P = 0.01). For peginterferon alfa-2a-treated patients, the rate of HBeAg seroconversion at week 72 was significantly higher in patients who had HBsAg decline >0.5 Log10 IU/mL from baseline at week 24, compared with patients with HBsAg decline ≤0.5 Log10 IU/mL from baseline at week 24 (25.5% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.01). After 72 weeks continuous adefovir treatment, 22.5% of patients achieved HBV DNA <80 IU/mL, compared with 10.6% in peginterferon alfa-2a-treated patients at 6 months off-treatment ( P = 0.02). Conclusions Overall, the response to peginterferon alfa-2a among patients with lamivudine resistance was suboptimal. HBeAg seroconversion rate at week 72 by 48 weeks peginterferon alfa-2a treatment was higher than continuous adefovir therapy. Monitoring HBsAg levels can help to predict response to peginterferon alfa-2a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is responsible for viral persistence. This study aimed to investigate the serum surrogate markers for cccDNA and to evaluate the intrahepatic viral events associated with disease activity in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients. Thirty-three treatment-naïve patients with a negative HBeAg who had a liver biopsy were studied. Active disease was defined as a serum alanine aminotransferase >40 IU/L and a serum HBV DNA >10,000 copies/ml. This study showed significant correlation between serum HBV DNA and both log cccDNA (r = 0.41, P = 0.018) and log total intrahepatic HBV DNA (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was observed between serum HBsAg and log cccDNA ( P = 0.15) or log total intrahepatic HBV DNA ( P = 0.97). Fourteen and 19 patients had inactive and active disease, respectively. The median log cccDNA and log total intrahepatic HBV DNA (copies/106 cells) were significantly higher in patients with active disease compared with those with inactive disease (4.11 vs. 3.53, P = 0.03 and 5.46 vs. 4.64, P < 0.001, respectively). The HBV replicative efficiency, defined as the ratio of serum HBV DNA to cccDNA, was approximately 20% higher in patients with active disease. No significant difference was observed in the HBsAg levels and the ratio of serum HBsAg to cccDNA between the two groups. In conclusion, serum HBV DNA, but not HBsAg, reflects the amount of cccDNA and the replication efficiency of HBV in patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. J. Med. Virol. 82:1494-1500, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown that costimulation blockade using a combination of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) - CTLA4Ig, antibodies to CD154, LFA-1, and OX40L - can induce tolerance of cardiac allografts in mice with adoptively transferred CD4+ memory T cells []. However, the effect of costimulatory blockade in secondary allograft rejection has not been studied. B6 mice that rejected BALB/c skin grafts for more than 4 weeks (defined as alloantigen-primed mice) were used as recipients. The recipient mice were treated with the mAbs to CD154, LFA-1, OX40L, and CD122 on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 after the secondary transplantation of BALB/c heart. The mean survival time (MST) of secondary cardiac allografts in rats treated with antibodies to CD154 and LFA-1 (2-antibodies approach) and those treated with antibodies to CD154, LFA-1, OX40L, and CD122 (4-antibodies approach) was greater than that of the controls (MST = 6.7 days, 22.2 days, and 3.2 days, respectively). The 4-antibodies approach prevented lymphocytic infiltration in the grafts, inhibited memory T-cells proliferation in the spleen, increased IL-10 secretion in the serum, and enhanced the expression of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in spleen. Expression levels of alloreactive antibodies were high in the recipient mice of experimental and control groups. Inhibiting the memory T cells by costimulation blockade extended allograft survival in secondary transplant models but could not induce tolerance of graft. Alloreactive antibodies may participate in alloresponse and play an important role in secondary cardiac allograft rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current guidelines recommend antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and high viral load. Scant histological data exist for CHB patients with persistently normal ALT (PNALT) because disease progression is thought to be rare. To identify potential predictors of significant histology in the presence of PNALT, we compared the clinical characteristics and histology of Chinese CHB PNALT patients to those in patients with elevated ALT. Percutaneous liver biopsy was performed in 522 CHB patients with Chinese ethnicity who had not had antiviral treatment. Differences in age, ALT, viral load, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status and liver histology were compared between eligible PNALT (252) and elevated ALT (270) patients. Of the PNALT patients, 38.5% had normal liver histology, 25.4% had significant necroinflammation and/or fibrosis and 8.4% had established cirrhosis. Furthermore, histopathological differences between patients with high–normal ALT (0.5–1.0 × the upper limit of normal (ULN)) and low–normal ALT (≤0.5 × ULN) were evaluated. There was a significantly greater prevalence of histopathology in the high–normal group (40.0%) than in the low–normal group (16.6%) ( P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression identified that significant histopathology findings in PNALT patients correlated with age ( P < 0.001) and ALT level ( P < 0.001), with age >40 years and ALT >0.5 × ULN predicting significant histopathology. Our data indicate that liver biopsy is recommended in CHB patients >40 years of age, particularly when their ALT is 0.5–1.0 × ULN. The findings above provide evidence for indication of antiviral therapy in patients with PNALT and significant histopathological change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Galla Chinensis is a leaf gall known to have some antibacterial effects. Using an in vitro biofilm model of dental plaque, the present study aimed to evaluate the anticaries effects of Galla Chinensis and its chemical fractions. Methods: A four-organism bacterial consortium ( Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus) was grown on hydroxyapatite (HA) discs, bovine enamel blocks, and glass surfaces in a continuous culture system and exposed to repeated solution pulses. Galla Chinensis extracts, sucrose solutions, and sodium fluoride solutions were pulsed into different flow cells. The pH value of the planktonic phase in each flow cell was recorded and the bacteria colonizing the biofilm on the HA discs were counted. Enamel blocks were observed using a polarized microscope and lesion depth was evaluated. The biofilm morphology was examined with a fluorescence microscope and the images captured were analyzed on an image analysis system. Results: When Galla Chinensis extract, its chemical fraction, or fluoride was added to the sucrose solution, the planktonic phase pH remained higher than that in the sucrose alone. A lower level of colonization on the HA surface was also observed in the groups to which Galla Chinensis and fluoride were added compared with the control sucrose group, and this was reflected in both the total viable count and the biofilm imaging, which showed fewer cariogenic bacteria and a less compact biofilm, respectively. Enamel demineralization in both the fluoride group and the Galla Chinensis group was significantly less than that in the sucrose group. Conclusions: Galla Chinensis and fluoride may inhibit the cariogenicity of the oral biofilm. Galla Chinensis appears to be a promising source of new agents that may prevent dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we reported a quinclorac-sensitive rice natural mutant M4017, derived from an indica restorer line 4017 of three-line hybrid. The mutant could be killed at three-leaf stage by quinclorac at 175 mg/l or higher, a dosage that is recommended for monocot herbs control. The mutant at flowering stages can also be effectively killed by quinclorac at 1.25–1.50 g/l or higher, which is safe for its F1 hybrids and all other normal varieties. Genetic analysis, using the F1, F2 and BC1 populations derived from this mutant and other often-used varieties, revealed that quinclorac sensitivity/lethality was controlled by a single recessive gene, which was named quin1. This mutant has a potential application in false hybrid seed removal or mechanized production of hybrid seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past several decades, a series of new methods have been developed in China for the diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). These methods are theoretically consistent with Office International des Epizooties standards for FMD diagnosis and include: antigen-capture ELISA and colloid-gold test strip for viral antigen typing, liquid-phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) for detection of antibodies against O and Asia 1 FMDV, and an indirect ELISA for detection of antibodies against the non-structural protein (NSP) 3ABC (3ABC-I-ELISA). Several molecular diagnostic methods have also been developed for detection of fragments of the FMDV genome within viral samples, such as multiplex RT–PCR, typing RT–PCR and real-time RT–PCR. In China, FMD vaccines are compulsorily used in all livestock. In such a situation, monitoring of the immune status of animal herds and disease surveillance become very important. Liquid-phase blocking ELISA is routinely used in China for monitoring the immune status, and 3ABC-I-ELISA is feasible for large-scale serological surveys based on differentiation of FMDV-infected animals from vaccinated animals. Combined use of 3ABC-ELISA and mRT–PCR is described for survey of FMD virus-prevalent herds and virus carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of human genetics on the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be diminished in endemic areas because infection at a young age predisposes to chronic HBV infection. The present study aimed to address this issue through the determination of the influences of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of myxovirus resistence-1 (MxA) –88 G/T and interferon (IFN)-gamma +874 A/T on the natural history of HBV infection in endemic regions. One hundred adult patients with self-limiting HBV infection (positive for both anti-HBs and anti-HBc) and 340 adult patients with persistent HBV infection were recruited from southern China, an endemic area with an HBsAg carrier rate of 17.8%. SNPs of MxA –88 G/T and interferon (IFN)-gamma +874 A/T were typed using a protocol based on competitively differentiated polymerase chain reaction. A highly significant difference in the distribution of MxA –88 G/T was observed between those with persistent and self-limiting HBV infections. The latter displayed a lower frequency of the GG genotype (41.0% vs. 52.9%, P = 0.036) and a higher frequency of the TT genotype (16.0% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.000), compared to patients with persistent infection. These differences were not gender- or age-specific. However, a significant distribution difference of IFN-gamma +874 A/T was not observed. Between two groups of patients, respectively, the distribution frequencies of the AA genotype (65.0% vs. 72.8%, P = 0.139) and the TT genotype (2.0% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.894) were found. These results suggest that MxA gene –88 G/T and IFN-gamma +874 A/T behave differently in endemic HBV infections. Further study is necessary to clarify the influences of human genetics on endemic HBV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus is the aetiological agent of an important disease of livestock and has a great global impact. The outbreak of FMD type Asia 1 in China was first confirmed at the beginning of May 2005. Subsequent outbreaks occurred in 10 areas in different provinces of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GP catalyzes the phosphorylation of glycogen to Glc-1-P. Because of its fundamental role in the metabolism of glycogen, GP has been the target for a systematic structure-assisted design of inhibitory compounds, which could be of value in the therapeutic treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The most potent catalytic-site inhibitor of GP identified to date is spirohydantoin of glucopyranose (hydan). In this work, we employ MD free energy simulations to calculate the relative binding affinities for GP of hydan and two spirohydantoin analogues, methyl-hydan and n-hydan, in which a hydrogen atom is replaced by a methyl- or amino group, respectively. The results are compared with the experimental relative affinities of these ligands, estimated by kinetic measurements of the ligand inhibition constants. The calculated binding affinity for methyl-hydan (relative to hydan) is 3.75 ± 1.4 kcal/mol, in excellent agreement with the experimental value (3.6 ± 0.2 kcal/mol). For n-hydan, the calculated value is 1.0 ± 1.1 kcal/mol, somewhat smaller than the experimental result (2.3 ± 0.1 kcal/mol). A free energy decomposition analysis shows that hydan makes optimum interactions with protein residues and specific water molecules in the catalytic site. In the other two ligands, structural perturbations of the active site by the additional methyl- or amino group reduce the corresponding binding affinities. The computed binding free energies are sensitive to the preference of a specific water molecule for two well-defined positions in the catalytic site. The behavior of this water is analyzed in detail, and the free energy profile for the translocation of the water between the two positions is evaluated. The results provide insights into the role of water molecules in modulating ligand binding affinities. A comparison of the interactions between a set of ligands and their surrounding groups in X-ray structures is often used in the interpretation of binding free energy differences and in guiding the design of new ligands. For the systems in this work, such an approach fails to estimate the order of relative binding strengths, in contrast to the rigorous free energy treatment. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this 12-month parallel design controlled clinical trial was to assess the effect of the Braun Oral-B Plak Control electric toothbrush on supragingival plaque and gingival health, and to compare it with a conventional soft manual toothbrush (Jordan). A total of 111 patients aged between 20 and 63 years, from a general population, with bleeding on probing at 30% or more of all sites examined were entered into the study. At baseline, immediately after periodontal examination, all volunteers received a thorough scaling of their teeth. Volunteers in both groups were told to brush their teeth for 2 min 2 × a day. Oral hygiene instruction was given at the start of the study and was not repeated. At 3, 6 and 12 months, assessments were carried out by a single clinician who was not aware which group the volunteers belonged to. Analysis of results demonstrated that over the 12 months of the study, the Braun Oral-B Plak Control was significantly more effective in improving gingival health than the manual toothbrush. There was, however, no difference between the 2 groups in terms of plaque removal, with the number of sites with visible plaque decreasing by a similar amount in both groups. In conclusion, results indicate that the Braun Oral-B Plak Control toothbrush is safe and more effective than a manual toothbrush in improving gingival health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an adaptive maximum-likelihood (ML) sequence estimator with RLS channel estimation, which is assisted by forward error control (FEC) coding. The reliable symbols reconstructed in the FEC decoder are used as the feedback signal to the RLS channel estimator. The scheme is compared with decision feedback equalization (DFE) with RLS algorithm, which is assisted by FEC coding. Computer simulations show that in frequency-selective fast fading mobile radio channels, the proposed scheme performs better at moderate Doppler frequencies. It is suitable for four-phase modulation data transmission at the rate of several 10kb/s in 900 MHz band or in the 1800 MHz band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar atrophy and its relation to osteopenia of the mandible were studied in 124 edentulous 76-, and 81- and 86-year-old subjects (32 males and 92 females). Both variables were assessed visually from panoramic radiographs. Mandibular alveolar atrophy was found to be more severe in women (P <0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the three age-groups in mandibular alveolar atrophy, nor between the sexes or age-groups in maxillary alveolar atrophy. The structure of the mandibular bone was osteopenic in 38 patients (30.7%), a situation that was more frequent in women (P <0.001). The relationship between the observed osteopenia and the severity of the mandibular alveolar atrophy in women was statistically significant (P <0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]