Simulation and evaluation of a bone sawing procedure for orthognathic surgery based on an experimental force model.

Bone sawing is widely used in orthognathic surgery to correct maxillary deformities. Successful execution of bone sawing requires a high level of dexterity and experience. A virtual reality (VR) surgical simulator can provide a safe, cost-effective, and repeatable training method.

An ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing platform for Hg2+ based on a density controllable metal-organic hybrid microarray.

A novel electrochemical Hg(2+) biosensor was developed on the basis of a metal-organic hybrid microarray, in which the nicking endonuclease (NE) assisted target-triggered strand release strategy was realized via the DNA cyclic amplification technique. The metal-organic hybrid microarray was fabricated using the SAM of 1, 4-benzenendithiol as soft template, and the density of the microarray could be adjusted by controlling the surface coverage of 1,4-benzenendithiol molecules. In the presence of Hg(2+), capture DNA (cDNA) with an indicator at one end could hybridize with the reporter DNA (rDNA) through the stable T-Hg(2+)-T linkage, forming the nicking recognition site.

Genetic variants in RAN, DICER and HIWI of microRNA biogenesis genes and risk of cervical carcinoma in a Chinese population.

Objective: Recent evidence indicates that dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is implicated in cancer development and progression. Based on the important role of miRNA biogenesis genes in carcinogenesis, we hypothesized that genetic variations of the miRNA biogenesis genes may modulate susceptibility to cervical cancer.

Methods: We identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of of miRNA biogenesis key genes (rs1057035 in DICER, rs3803012 in RAN and rs10773771 in HIWI) and genotyped these SNPs in a case-control study of 1,486 cervical cancer cases and 1,549 cancer-free controls in Chinese women.

Target-induced electronic switch for ultrasensitive detection of Pb2+ based on three dimensionally ordered macroporous Au-Pd bimetallic electrode.

A novel strategy for selective and sensitive amperometric detections of Pb(2+) was proposed based on the three dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) Au-Pd bimetallic electrode and target-induced methylene blue-single walled carbon nanotubes (MB-SWCNTs) as signal reporter. A DNA biosensor was fabricated by immobilizing capture probe DNA on the 3DOM Au-Pd bimetallic electrode, which further hybridized with the reporter DNA loaded on the MB-SWCNTs adduct upon the exposure of Pb(2+), inducing measurable electrochemical signal. Due to the dramatic signal amplification by the enhanced immobilization of DNA on the surface of 3DOM Au-Pd bimetallic electrode and MB-SWCNTs, coupling the low background signal produced by blank solution, ultra-low level (1 × 10(-19)M) of Pb(2+) could be detected.

[Effects of soluble adult worm antigen and soluble egg antigen of Schistosoma japonicum on differentiation of CD4+ T cells of mice].

Objective: To investigate and compare the different effects of soluble adult worm antigen (SWA) and soluble egg antigen (SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum on the differentiation of the splenocytes and CD4+ T cells of mice.

Methods: The splenocytes and CD4+ T cells were prepared from the spleens of mice immunized with SWA or SEA, or the splenocytes of normal mice were harvested and stimulated with SWA or SEA in vitro. Then, the proportions of IFN-gamma and IL-4-producing cells in splenocytes, and the proportions of Th1 and Th2 cells in CD4+ T cells were determined by FACS, respectively.

[Activities of treg cells stimulated by soluble adult worm antigen and egg antigen of Schistosoma japonicum].

Objective: To observe and compare the effects of soluble adult worm antigen (SWA) and soluble egg antigen (SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum on the induction of Treg cells and the suppressive activity of Treg cells.

Method: Splenocytes were prepared from mice treated with PBS, SWA, and SEA, respectively, and then the proportions of Treg cells and the levels of IL-10 and TGF-beta in Treg cells were determined by FACS. The purified Treg cells from the mice treated as above-mentioned were detected for their immunosuppressive activities by incorporation of [3H] thymidine for the final 16 h of culture.

[Dynamics of IL-22-producing cells of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum].

Objective: To study the dynamics of IL-22-producing cells and analyze the main source of IL-22 of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum.

Methods: The lymphocytes and splenocytes were prepared from lymphnodes and spleens of mice with S. japonicum infection at different stages (0 w, 3 w, 5w, 8 w, 13 w after infection).

A genome-wide association study identifies two new cervical cancer susceptibility loci at 4q12 and 17q12.

To identify new genetic risk factors for cervical cancer, we conducted a genome-wide association study in the Han Chinese population. The initial discovery set included 1,364 individuals with cervical cancer (cases) and 3,028 female controls, and we selected a 'stringently matched samples' subset (829 cases and 990 controls) from the discovery set on the basis of principal component analysis; the follow-up stages included two independent sample sets (1,824 cases and 3,808 controls for follow-up 1 and 2,343 cases and 3,388 controls for follow-up 2). We identified strong evidence of associations between cervical cancer and two new loci: 4q12 (rs13117307, Pcombined, stringently matched=9.

Roles of full-length and truncated neurokinin-1 receptors on tumor progression and distant metastasis in human breast cancer.

Substance P (SP) regulates various physiologic and pathophysiologic responses predominantly by acting through its primary receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R). There are two naturally occurring forms of NK1R: full-length NK1R-FL and truncated NK1R-Tr. SP-coupled NK1R can directly or indirectly regulate the proliferation and metastatic progression of many types of human cancer cells.

Facile synthesis of hierarchically aloe-like gold micro/nanostructures for ultrasensitive DNA recognition.

Well-defined hierarchically aloe-like gold micro/nanostructures (HAG) are one-step electrochemically fabricated without introducing any template or surfactant. The formation kinetics of the HAG can be described as a nucleation and three-dimensional growth process controlled by the reactant diffusion from the solution side. As the applied electro-deposition potential moved in the negative direction, the gold crystal density increased, and the crystal shape changed from a quasi-spherical to dendritic fractal morphology.

A virtual training system for maxillofacial surgery using advanced haptic feedback and immersive workbench.

Background: VR-based surgery simulation provides a cost-effective and efficient method to train novices. In this study, a virtual training system for maxillofacial surgery (VR-MFS), which aims mainly at the simulation of operations on mandible and maxilla, was developed and demonstrated.

Methods: The virtual models of the anatomic structures were reconstructed from CT data, and the virtual instruments were built from laser scanning data using reverse engineering technology.

Laparoscopic-assisted uterovaginal anastomosis for uterine cervix atresia with vaginal aplasia using a silicone stent lined with acellular porcine small intestinal submucosa graft inserted using a 16F Foley catheter.

Herein is reported a novel technique for cervical reconstruction of congenital cervicovaginal atresia. The patient was a 16-year-old girl with congenital atresia of the cervix and vagina, didelphic uterus, and right hematosalpinx. At laparoscopic-assisted creation of a neocervix, a silicone stent was inserted using a 16F Foley catheter and lined with an acellular porcine small intestinal submucosa graft under ultrasound guidance.

[Surveillance of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in northern Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2010].

Objective: To evaluate the control effect on soil-transmitted nematodiasis in surveillance sites of northern Jiangsu Province.

Methods: According to "The Monitoring Program on Soil-transmitted Nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province", the eggs of soil-transmitted nematodes were detected by the Kato-Katz technique and cellophane anal swab technique, and the infection rates were predicted by the horizontal average speed development method in the surveillance sites from 2006 to 2010.

Results: The overall infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes declined to 3.

Combined TLR7/8 and TLR9 ligands potentiate the activity of a Schistosoma japonicum DNA vaccine.

Background: Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands have been explored as vaccine adjuvants for tumor and virus immunotherapy, but few TLR ligands affecting schistosoma vaccines have been characterized. Previously, we developed a partially protective DNA vaccine encoding the 26-kDa glutathione S-transferase of Schistosoma japonicum (pVAX1-Sj26GST).

Methodology/principal Findings: In this study, we evaluated a TLR7/8 ligand (R848) and a TLR9 ligand (CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, or CpG) as adjuvants for pVAX1-Sj26GST and assessed their effects on the immune system and protection against S.

The application of the grey disaster model to forecast epidemic peaks of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in China.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to forecast epidemic peaks of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in China using the grey disaster model, to evaluate its feasibility of predicting the epidemic tendency of notifiable diseases.

Methods: According to epidemiological features, the GM(1,1) model and DGM model were used to build the grey disaster model based on the incidence data of typhoid and paratyphoid fever collected from the China Health Statistical Yearbook. Model fitting accuracy test was used to evaluate the performance of these two models.

Systemicity of chlorantraniliprole in velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti).

The systemicity of chlorantraniliprole was investigated and evidence was collected for formulating strategies in controlling vegetable or rice pests. Systemicity of chlorantraniliprole was investigated through chlorantraniliprole application on velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) leaves as well as through hydroponic experiments. The roots of velvetleaf were incubated in chlorantraniliprole solution with a concentration of 50 microg/mL; the concentrations of chlorantraniliprole in xylem above the solution parts were 3.

A pri-miR-218 variant and risk of cervical carcinoma in Chinese women.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA)-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may compromise miRNA binding affinity and modify mRNA expression levels of the target genes, thus leading to cancer susceptibility. However, few studies have investigated roles of miRNA-related SNPs in the etiology of cervical carcinoma.

Methods: In this case-control study of 1,584 cervical cancer cases and 1,394 cancer-free female controls, we investigated associations between two miR-218-related SNPs involved in the LAMB3-miR-218 pathway and the risk of cervical carcinoma in Eastern Chinese women.

Functional variants in TNFAIP8 associated with cervical cancer susceptibility and clinical outcomes.

Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) is an anti apoptotic and pro-oncogenic signaling molecule involved in the process of immunity, carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at microRNA-binding sites may change messenger RNA target gene function, thus leading to cancer susceptibility and tumor progression. In this study of 1584 cervical cancer cases and 1394 cancer-free female controls, we investigated associations between three potentially functional SNPs in TNFAIP8 family genes and cervical cancer risk as well as platinum resistance and clinical outcomes in Eastern Chinese women.

[Pilot observation on the effect of integrated control measures against clonorchiasis in Pengjiang District of Jiangmen City].

From June to December in 2008, five villages were randomly chosen from Pengjiang District of Jiangmen city and about five hundred residents from each village were examined for clonorchiasis by Kato-Katz method (three slides per specimen). Fifty residents from each village were re-examined one month after treatment. One year later 50 treated residents were chosen from Dalin village and Sanya village for fecal examination.

Clinical variables affecting the pregnancy rate of intracervical insemination using cryopreserved donor spermatozoa: a retrospective study in china.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether several clinical variables can affect the pregnancy rate of intracervical insemination (ICI) using cryopreserved donor spermatozoa.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective study, age, years of infertility, cervicitis, urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, insemination number, uterus position, endometrial thickness and morphology, maximal follicle diameter, and the number of dominant follicles on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration were retrospectively analyzed in 501 women who underwent their first ICI cycle using cryopreserved donor spermatozoa.

Results: Increased age, length of infertility (>5 years), retroverted uterine position, and endometrial thickness (<7 mm or >14 mm) were associated with lower rates of pregnancy.

Non-Lipschitz lp-regularization and box constrained model for image restoration.

Nonsmooth nonconvex regularization has remarkable advantages for the restoration of piecewise constant images. Constrained optimization can improve the image restoration using a priori information. In this paper, we study regularized nonsmooth nonconvex minimization with box constraints for image restoration.

Determination of residual flubendiamide in the cabbage by QuEChERS-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Flubendiamide, which belongs to the new chemical class of phthalic acid diamides, is widely used against lepidopteron pests in a variety of vegetable and rice pests. It provides superior plant protection against a broad range of economically important lepidopterous pests, including Spodoptera exigua and Plutella xylostella. A determination method of flubendiamide in the cabbage was established in this paper.

Method for improving the resolution and accuracy against birefringence dispersion in distributed polarization cross-talk measurements.

We present a novel method for improving the spatial resolution and amplitude accuracy of distributed polarization cross-talk measurements in a polarization maintaining (PM) fiber against its birefringence dispersion. We show that the broadening of measured polarization cross-talk peaks caused by birefringence dispersion can be restored by simply multiplying the measurement data with a compensation function. The birefringence dispersion variable in the function can be obtained by finding the widths of measured cross-talk envelopes at known distances along the fiber.

Kaempferol regulates MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways to attenuate LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Recent studies show that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways are two pivotal roles contributing to the development of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of kaempferol (Kae), a naturally occurring flavonoid compound, on ALI and explore its possible mechanisms. Male BALB/c mice with ALI, induced by intranasal instillation of LPS, were treated or not with Kae (100 mg/kg, intragastrically) 1h prior to LPS exposure.