Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Assessment of Lower Facial Asymmetry in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate and Non-Cleft Patients with Class III Skeletal Relationship

Introduction

To evaluate, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), both the condylar-fossa relationships and the mandibular and condylar asymmetries between unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients and non-cleft patients with class III skeletal relationship, and to investigate the factors of asymmetry contributing to chin deviation.

Methods

The UCLP and non-cleft groups consisted of 30 and 40 subjects, respectively, in mixed dentition with class III skeletal relationships. Condylar-fossa relationships and the dimensional and positional asymmetries of the condyles and mandibles were examined using CBCT. Intra-group differences were compared between two sides in both groups using a paired t-test. Furthermore, correlations between each measurement and chin deviation were assessed.

Results

It was observed that 90% of UCLP and 67.5% of non-cleft subjects had both condyles centered, and no significant asymmetry was found. The axial angle and the condylar center distances to the midsagittal plane were significantly greater on the cleft side than on the non-cleft side (P=0.001 and P=0.028, respectively) and were positively correlated with chin deviation in the UCLP group. Except for a larger gonial angle on the cleft side, the two groups presented with consistent asymmetries showing shorter mandibular bodies and total mandibular lengths on the cleft (deviated) side. The average chin deviation was 1.63 mm to the cleft side, and the average absolute chin deviation was significantly greater in the UCLP group than in the non-cleft group (P=0.037).

Conclusion

Compared with non-cleft subjects with similar class III skeletal relationships, the subjects with UCLP showed more severe lower facial asymmetry. The subjects with UCLP presented with more asymmetrical positions and rotations of the condyles on axial slices, which were positively correlated with chin deviation.     

Liver X receptor activation induces podocyte injury via inhibiting autophagic activity

Podocyte injury plays a key role in the occurrence and development of kidney diseases. Decreased autophagic activity in podocyte is closely related to its injury and the occurrence of proteinuria. Liver X receptors (LXRs), as metabolic nuclear receptors, participate in multiple pathophysiological processes and express in several tissues, including podocytes. Although the functional roles of LXRs in the liver, adipose tissue and intestine are well established; however, the effect of LXRs on podocytes function remains unclear. In this study, we used mouse podocytes cell line to investigate the effects of LXR activation on podocytes autophagy level and related signaling pathway by performing Western blotting, RT-PCR, GFP-mRFP-LC3 transfection, and immunofluorescence staining. Then, we tested this effect in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were employed to explore the effects of LXR activation on podocytes function and autophagic activity. We found that LXR activation could inhibit autophagic flux through blocking the formation of autophagosome in podocytes in vitro which was possibly achieved by affecting AMPK, mTOR, and SIRT1 signaling pathways. Furthermore, LXR activation in vivo induced autophagy suppression in glomeruli, leading to aggravated podocyte injury. In summary, our findings indicated that activation of LXRs induced autophagy suppression, which in turn contributed to the podocyte injury.

     

长江经济带国土空间开发与保护路径优化

长江经济带是重大国家战略发展区域,优化其国土空间开发保护格局是实现生态文明建设的重要内容。研究基于“核心点-发展轴-战略区”的框架,通过国土空间利用强度表征指标及夜间灯光数据识别发展核心点,借助有序加权平均算法模拟多种决策愿景下的空间发展阻力面,运用最小累积阻力模型和电路理论模型识别空间发展轴线及其内部的开发保护战略区,定量构建不同决策偏好的空间格局优化方案,突破了传统研究中单一目标和定性分析的局限。结果表明：长江经济带国土空间发展核心点共63个,约占区域总面积的5%,呈现自东向西递减的空间分布特征;城镇扩张、协同发展和生态约束三类情景下发展轴线均为61条,所覆盖的县级单元分别占总数的36.6%、36.5和36.7%,呈现出“一横三纵”的格局特征;城镇扩张、协同发展和生态约束三类情景下开发战略区分别占轴线面积的4.5%、4.9%、4.8%,多分布于长江干流及其支流沿线。保护战略区分别占轴线面积的17.1%、13.9%、15.3%,主要分布于长江南岸区域。在此基础上形成的国土空间开发保护格局基础架构,能够为落实长江经济带“共抓大保护、不搞大开发”提供决策参考。     

Expression,purification, and characterization of recombinant lumbrokinase PI239 in Escherichia coli

Lumbrokinase (LK) is an important fibrinolytic enzyme derived from earthworms. It has been found that LK is composed of a group of isoenzymes. To construct and express the mature peptide of LK PI239 in Escherichia coli, we amplified and optimized the gene of LK which was then cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-22b(?). The recombinant LK (rLK) protein was expressed as inclusion bodies and we have developed a purification process of rLK from these inclusion bodies. A step-down urea concentration strategy was applied to the rLK renaturation process. The purified and renatured rLK apparently ameliorated the conditions of the model thrombosis rats used, and may be developed into a therapeutic agent for thrombotic-associated diseases.     

Subcellular localization and functional characterization of a fish IRF9 from crucian carp Carassius auratus

Mammalian interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 9 (IRF-9) has long been recognized as the DNA sequence recognition subunit of IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) complex, which is critical for type I IFN to induce the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) against viral infection. Recent studies have shown that fish IFN exerts antiviral effects by induction of a number of ISGs and also of itself; however, little is known about the role of fish IRF9 in IFN signaling. Here we identify a fish IRF9 orthologue (CaIRF9) from IFN-producing cell line, crucian carp Carassius auratus blastulae embryonic (CAB) cells. Analysis of subcellular distribution of CaIRF9-green fluorescent protein indicates that CaIRF9 is constitutively present in the nucleus, which is driven by two nuclear localization signals (NLS), one locating within DNA-binding domain (DBD) of CaIRF9 and the other immediately behind DBD, although human IRF9 contains only one NLS analogous to the former of CaIRF9. Overexpression of CaIRF9 together with CaSTAT2 not only activates ISRE-containing promoter but also upregulates the expression of fish ISGs. Strikingly, CaIRF9 together with CaSTAT2 also exhibits an ability to activate crucian carp IFN promoter, and blockade of cellular CaIRF9 attenuates IFN itself-induced activation of crucian carp IFN promoter. Taken together, these data suggest that crucian carp IFN induces the expression of ISGs and also of itself possibly by the JAK-STAT signaling pathway that is conserved from fish to mammals.     

Interspecific delimitation and phylogenetic origin of Pugionium(Brassicaceae)

Pugionium(Brassicaceae)is a small genus that occurs in central Asian deserts.The interspecific delimitation and taxonomic treatments of this genus are disputed and its phylogenetic origin remains unknown. In the present study,we examined these issues based on morphological and molecular data obtained for the first time.We used statistical methods to examine inter-and intraspecific morphological variations.The results suggest that only two species,namely P.dolabratum and P.cornutum,can be warranted for all examined populations and specimens,whereas three species(P.calcaratum,P.cristatum,and P.pterocarpum)should be incorporated into P. dolabratum.This delimitation was further supported by the molecular data:all populations of P.dolabratum,P. calcaratum,P.cristatum,and P.pterocarpum shared the same internal transcribed spacer genotype,whereas those from P.cornutum had another type.Phylogenetic analyses of Pugionium and representative genera of Brassicaceae based on ndhF sequences suggest that this genus is sister to the genus Megacarpaea,which,together,comprise a well-supported lineage with Farsetia,Lobularia,Iberis,and Ionopsidium,whereas the two other genera that were previously suggested to be closely related to this genus(Isatis and Bunias)were placed in the other lineages.We further discuss the origin of Pugionium and suggest that it probably originated in central Asia when the climate became drier from the late Miocene.