Actin filament-associated protein 1-antisense RNA1 promotes the development and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via the AFAP1-AS1/miR-133a-5p/ZIC2 axis.

Background: The present study aimed to explore the biological role and underlying mechanism of the long non-coding RNA actin filament-associated protein 1-antisense RNA1 (lncRNA AFAP1-AS1) in the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC).

Methods: A quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-qPCR) was conducted to assess relative levels of the miR-133a-5p, lncRNAs AFAP1-AS1 and zinc finger family member 2 (ZIC2) in TSCC cell lines and specimens, whereas ZIC2 protein levels were measured using western blotting. After modifying the levels of expression of lncRNA AFP1-AS1, miR-133a-5p and ZIC2 using lentivirus or plasmid transfection, we examined AKT/epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway alterations, in vivo carcinogenesis of TSCC in nude mice and in vitro malignant phenotypes.

Evaluating the Bonding Performance of a Novel Dual-curing Composite Cement to Zirconia.

Purpose: To investigate the bond strength and durability of a novel dual-curing composite cement to zirconia under different curing conditions.

Materials And Methods: Zirconia plates of different thickness (0.5, 1, and 2 mm) were bonded with either a novel dual-curing composite cement (Panavia V5, PV5, Kuraray Noritake) or a traditional one (RelyX Ultimate, RUL, 3M Oral Care; Multilink Automix, MLA, Ivoclar Vivadent), in light-, self-, or dual-curing mode.

Effects of Tribochemical Silica Coating and Alumina-Particle Air Abrasion on 3Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP: Evaluation of Surface Hardness, Roughness, Bonding, and Phase Transformation.

Purpose: To determine and compare the effects of tribochemical silica coating and alumina-particle air abrasion on 3 mol% and 5 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP).

Materials And Methods: Two different 3Y-TZP samples (Lava Plus, 3M Oral Care; Ceramill Zolid, Amann Girrbach) and one 5Y-TZP sample (Katana Zirconia UTML, Kuraray Noritake) were prepared and treated with alumina-particle air abrasion and a 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP)-containing self-adhesive composite cement or with tribochemical silica coating followed by silanization (n = 30). Resin columns were cemented onto the treated ceramic surfaces to form specimens.

Effects of hydrothermal aging, thermal cycling, and water storage on the mechanical properties of a machinable resin-based composite containing nano-zirconia fillers.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydrothermal aging, thermal cycling, and water storage on the mechanical properties of a machinable resin-based composite containing nano-zirconia fillers.

Materials And Methods: A machinable resin-based composite containing nano-zirconia fillers (Lava Ultimate, LU) and a resin-based composite with a similar resin matrix-to-filler ratio but without zirconia fillers (Tetric N-Ceram, TNC) were prepared into bars and assigned into four groups based on the type of aging treatment (hydrothermal aging, thermal cycling, water storage, or no aging). The phase transformations of the zirconia fillers in LU after aging were evaluated by X-ray diffraction.

Bond durability when applying phosphate ester monomer-containing primers vs. self-adhesive resin cements to zirconia: Evaluation after different aging conditions.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate bond durability when applying 2 phosphate ester monomer-containing self-adhesive resin cements alone, versus a combination of phosphate ester monomer-containing primer conditioning plus 2 conventional resin cements requiring primers, to zirconia after different artificial aging methods.

Methods: We cemented air-abraded zirconia plates to composite resin cylinders with self-adhesive resin cements (MS; RU) alone or cemented them with traditional resin cements (ZRV; ZVN) after pre-conditioning with a zirconia primer. A shear bond strength (SBS) test were performed after subjecting them to 19 different aging conditions (n = 15) comprising 30,000× thermocycles, air storage at room temperature (RT), water storage at RT, or at 37 °C for 24 h, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Effectiveness of pre-silanization in improving bond performance of universal adhesives or self-adhesive resin cements to silica-based ceramics: Chemical and in vitro evidences.

Objectives: To examine effectiveness of pre-silanization in improving bond performance of multipurpose products such as universal adhesives or self-adhesive resin cements to silica-based ceramics.

Methods: The present study investigated reactions between silanol groups of γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-MPS) and silica, dehydration self-condensation of γ-MPS, and condensation polymerization between γ-MPS and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) by using thermodynamic calculations. Shear bond strength (SBS) tests were used to evaluate the influence of pre-silanization on resin bonding when a silane-containing universal adhesive, a silane-unknown universal adhesive, or two self-adhesive resin cements were applied for bonding lithium disilicate to resin.

Effects of Luting Cements and Surface Conditioning on Composite Bonding Performance to Zirconia.

Purpose: This study compared bond strength, durability, and mechanical properties of luting cements for bonding zirconia: a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), a conventional composite cement, and two self-adhesive composite cements.

Materials And Methods: The air-abraded zirconia specimens were assigned to 12 groups (n = 30) to prepare bonded specimens. Classification was based on the pre-conditioning selection: none; primers containing 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP); universal adhesives containing MDP.

Effects of multiple firings on mechanical properties and resin bonding of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different firing cycles on surface hardness, fracture toughness, and roughness of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, as well as their bond strength to resin.

Materials And Methods: A total of 320 polished lithium disilicate glass-ceramic plates were assigned to four main groups (n = 60) to receive one, two, three, or four firing cycles, respectively. Ceramic plates of the four groups were conditioned with HF acid followed by silanization.

[Effects of nano-zirconium hydroxide coating on resin bonding of 10-methacryloxy decyldihydrogen phosphate-conditioned zirconia].

Objective: This study evaluated the influence of alkaline coating of nano-zirconium hydroxide on resin bonding of 10-methacryloxy decyldihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-conditioned zirconia.

Methods: A total of 140 yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) plates were prepared and sandblasted with alumina particles, and then subjected to different surface treatment. Resin bonding specimens were prepared with a MDP-free resin cement and tested for shear bond strength (SBS).

Chemical affinity of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate to dental zirconia: Effects of molecular structure and solvents.

Objectives: To examine whether solvents and changing the molecular structure of 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) affect its chemical affinity to Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP).

Methods: The present work investigated the chemical affinity between Y-TZP and 10-MDP dissolved in different solvents (acetone/ethanol/water or mixture) using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermodynamic calculations. Shear bond strength (SBS) tests were used to evaluate the influence of different solvents on 10-MDP bonding.

Effect of 10-Methacryloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate Concentration on Chemical Coupling of Methacrylate Resin to Yttria-stabilized Zirconia.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that the concentration of 10-methacryloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) in zirconia primers has no effect on the chemical bonding efficacy of methacrylate resins to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP).

Materials And Methods: Shear bond strength testing was performed to evaluate the efficacy of experimental primers containing 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 wt% MDP (5M, 10M, 15M, 20M, 30M) in improving composite-zirconia bond strength. Bonding without use of MDP-containing primer served as the negative control (Ctr0).

[Establishment and mechanisms of chemical interaction between phosphate monomer and zirconia model].

Objective: To analyze chemical mechanism of bonding improvement of zirconia via 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) conditioning.

Methods: Various models were created for tetragonal zirconia crystals, molecular MDP, and MDP complex, and tetragonal zirconia crystal. Thermodynamic methods were used to analyze configuration between MDP and tetragonal zirconia crystal through calculation of their Gibbs free energy values and equilibrium constants.

Dipentaerythritol penta-acrylate phosphate - an alternative phosphate ester monomer for bonding of methacrylates to zirconia.

The present work examined the effects of dipentaerythritol penta-acrylate phosphate (PENTA) as an alternative phosphate ester monomer for bonding of methacrylate-based resins to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) and further investigated the potential bonding mechanism involved. Shear bond strength testing was performed to evaluate the efficacy of experimental PENTA-containing primers (5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 wt% PENTA in acetone) in improving resin-Y-TZP bond strength. Bonding without the use of a PENTA-containing served as the negative control, and a Methacryloyloxidecyl dihydrogenphosphate(MDP)-containing primer was used as the positive control.

Alkaline nanoparticle coatings improve resin bonding of 10-methacryloyloxydecyldihydrogenphosphate-conditioned zirconia.

Creating an alkaline environment prior to 10-methacryloyloxydecyldihydrogenphosphate (MDP) conditioning improves the resin bonding of zirconia. The present study evaluated the effects of four alkaline coatings with different water solubilities and pH values on resin bonding of MDP-conditioned zirconia. Two alkaline nanoparticle coatings were studied in particular.

Protective Effect of Spironolactone on Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in HUVECs via Notch Pathway.

Background: Fibrosis results in excessive buildup of extracellular matrix proteins along with abnormalities in structure and is partly derived by a process involving transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). We investigated whether the aldosterone receptor-blocker spironolactone could abrogate TGF-β-induced fibrosis in EndMT and the underlying mechanism.

Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into 5 groups for treatment: blank; vehicle control; TGF-β (10 ng/ml); spironolactone (1 μM)+TGF-β; and spironolactone+TGF-β+DAPT (10 μM).

Anti-fibrosis effect of scutellarin via inhibition of endothelial-mesenchymal transition on isoprenaline-induced myocardial fibrosis in rats.

Scutellarin (SCU) is the major active component of breviscapine and has been reported to be capable of decreasing myocardial fibrosis. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether SCU treatment attenuates isoprenaline-induced myocardial fibrosis and the mechanisms of its action. Rats were injected subcutaneously with isoprenaline (Iso) to induce myocardial fibrosis and rats in the SCU treatment groups were intraperitoneally infused with SCU (10 mg·kg-1·d-1 or 20 mg·kg-1·d-1, for 14 days).

[Effect of crucumin on vascular endothelial function in atherosclerotic rabbits].

Objective: To observe the effect of curcumin on nitric oxide (NO) in plasma of atherosclerotic rabbits, activity of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and discuss curcumin's effect against AS and its correlation with ADMA.

Method: Thirty-eight male Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (eight rabbits fed with standard diets), the model group (ten rabbits fed with high-fat diets), the low dose curcumin group (ten rabbits fed with high-fat diets and 100 mg . kg-1 d -1 ) and the high dose curcumin group (ten rabbits fed with high-fat diets and 200 mg kg-1 d-1 curcumin).

[Association between polymorphisms of inflammatory factor genes and coronary heart disease].

Objective: To investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms of inflammatory factors and susceptibility to coronary heart disease(CHD) in southern Chinese Han population.

Methods: Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) method, the genotypes of five inflammatory factors (BRCA1-associated protein, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor H3, interleukin-15, cyclooxygenase-2) were anaylzed in 283 CHD patients diagnosed by angiography and 176 controls.

Results: In these inflammatory factors, the 270T/C and 90A/G polymorphisms of the BRAP gene showed a significant association with CHD.

[Ryanodine downregulates the expression of p-eNOS (Thr495) and improves the functions of rapamycin treated endothelial outgrowth cells].

Objective: To observe the effects of ryanodine on rapamycin treated endothelial outgrowth cells (EOCs).

Methods: The mononuclear cells were harvested from umbilical cord blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, then induced into EOCs and expanded in vitro. The endothelial characteristics of EOCs were identified by immunostaining and fluorescent staining.

Effect of oxygen plasma treatment on the bonding of a soft liner to an acrylic resin denture material.

Mechanical roughening reportedly had a weakening effect on bond strength. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an alternative surface roughening method, namely oxygen plasma treatment, on the tensile bond strength between denture base resin and soft liner. The soft liner used in this study was Soft Reverse, whilst the denture base material was Zi Ran.

[Experimental analysis of microRNAs related to cardiac development differential expression].

Objective: To investigate the differential expression profiles of microRNAs in the knockout Pax-8 mice by miRNA microarray analysis and study the function of microRNA during cardiac development.

Methods: The knockout Pax-8 mice model was established and the total RNA derived from Pax-8 KO-/- and Pax-8 KO+/- mice heart. MicroRNA microarray containing 567 mammalian microRNA probes was used to investigate the microRNAs differential expression between Pax-8 KO-/- and Pax-8 KO+/- mice.

[Intervening effect of naoxintong on anti-platelet treatment with aspirin].

Objective: To investigate the effect of small dosage aspirin on platelet biochemical indexes in patients with cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and the intervening action of Naoxintong (NXT).

Methods: The blood levels of P-selectin (P), thrombin B2 (TXB2), and platelet aggregation (PAG) induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) were determined in 145 patients with cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease and cerebral infarction), after they were medicated with aspirin 100 mg per day for 7 days. Then they were randomly assigned to the aspirin group and the NXT group Both groups took aspirin 100 mg per day continually, but to patients in the NXT group, NXT 9 tablets per day was given additionally.

BMPR IA downstream genes related to VSD.

Cardiac-specific deletion of the receptor IA of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) (ALK3) by Cre recombinase driven under the [alpha]-MHC promoter is lethal in mid-gestation with defects in the interventricular septum [ventricular septum defect (VSD)]. Analysis of expression of the ALK3 downstream genes is important to identify the signaling pathway for interventricular septum development. The mRNA expression level of a control group was compared with that of a test group.