Beyond the individual: An improved telecom fraud detection approach based on latent synergy graph learning.

The development of telecom technology not only facilitates social interactions but also inevitably provides the breeding ground for telecom fraud crimes. However, telecom fraud detection is a challenging task as fraudsters tend to commit co-fraud and disguise themselves within the mass of benign ones. Previous approaches work by unearthing differences in calling sequential patterns between independent fraudsters, but they may ignore synergic fraud patterns and oversimplify fraudulent behaviors. Fortunately, graph-like data formed by traceable telecom interaction provides opportunities for graph neural network (GNN)-based telecom fraud detection methods. Therefore, we develop a latent synergy graph (LSG) learning-based telecom fraud detector, named LSG-FD, to model both sequential and interactive fraudulent behaviors. Specifically, LSG-FD introduces (1) a multi-view LSG extractor to reconstruct synergy relationship-oriented graphs from the meta-interaction graph based on second-order proximity assumption; (2) an LSTM-based calling behavior encoder to capture the sequential patterns from the perspective of local individuals; (3) a dual-channel based graph learning module to alleviate the disassortativity issue (caused by the camouflages of fraudsters) by incorporating the dual-channel frequency filters and the learnable controller to adaptively aggregate high- and low-frequency information from their neighbors; (4) an imbalance-resistant model trainer to remedy the graph imbalance issue by developing a label-aware sampler. Experiment results on the telecom fraud dataset and another two widely used fraud datasets have verified the effectiveness of our model.

Biomaterials derived from hard palate mucosa for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Autologous materials have superior biosafety and are widely used in clinical practice. Due to its excellent trauma-healing ability, the hard palate mucosa (HPM) has become a hot spot for autologous donor area research. Multiple studies have conducted an in-depth analysis of the healing ability of the HPM at the cellular and molecular levels. In addition, the HPM has good maneuverability as a donor area for soft tissue grafts, and researchers have isolated various specific mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from HPM. Free soft tissue grafts obtained from the HPM have been widely used in the clinic and have played an essential role in dentistry, eyelid reconstruction, and the repair of other specific soft tissue defects. This article reviews the advantages of HPM as a donor area and its related mechanisms, classes of HPM-derived biomaterials, the current status of clinical applications, challenges, and future development directions.

Light-controlled scaffold- and serum-free hard palatal-derived mesenchymal stem cell aggregates for bone regeneration.

Cell aggregates that mimic in vivo cell-cell interactions are promising and powerful tools for tissue engineering. This study isolated a new, easily obtained, population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from rat hard palates named hard palatal-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs). The PMSCs were positive for CD90, CD44, and CD29 and negative for CD34, CD45, and CD146. They exhibited clonogenicity, self-renewal, migration, and multipotent differentiation capacities. Furthermore, this study fabricated scaffold-free 3D aggregates using light-controlled cell sheet technology and a serum-free method. PMSC aggregates were successfully constructed with good viability. Transplantation of the PMSC aggregates and the PMSC aggregate-implant complexes significantly enhanced bone formation and implant osseointegration in vivo, respectively. This new cell resource is easy to obtain and provides an alternative strategy for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Maxillary sinus floor augmentation comparing removing versus retaining antral pseudocyst: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively compare multilevel volumetric changes in both hard and soft tissues between antral pseudocyst (AP) removal and retainment before maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) and immediate implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with 38 implants placed from 2016 to 2021 were included and divided according to a cohort design as follows: 13 removing the cyst (RC group) and 13 "leaving alone" the cyst (LC group). 3D radiographic parameters (primary outcome), 2D parameters and clinical records (secondary outcome) involving both hard and soft tissues were evaluated for four periods (T1: immediate postoperative, T2: 6-month, T3: 12-month, and T4: 2- to 5- year follow-up). Possible confounding factors, including sinus anatomical features and implant distribution, were also analyzed to eliminate their disturbance. RESULTS: The 3D volumetric change rate of bone grafts in the RC group (-9.32% ± 10.01%) from T2 to T3 was significantly lower than that in the LC group (-19.8% ± 10.59%) (p < .05). The change rate of apical bone height (ABH), endo-sinus bone gain (ESBG) and other 2D parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. 5.3% implants in RC group and 9.1% implants in LC group failed during follow-ups. 0% postoperative complications were observed in RC group. The Schneiderian membrane of RC group was significantly thinner than that of LC group at two measuring points in sinus. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that compared to AP retainment, AP removal before MSFA and immediate implant placement can obtain higher bone graft volumetric stability and favorable prognosis.

Nanomaterial-based cell sheet technology for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Nanomaterial-based cell sheet technology has been reported to be an effective method in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Here, we summarized several types of nanomaterials used to harvest cell sheets. Currently, the technology is divided into four categories according to the mechanisms: light-induced cell sheet technology, thermo-responsive cell sheet technology, magnetic-controlled cell sheet technology, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cell sheet technology. Furthermore, some studies have been conducted to show that nanomaterial-based cell sheets produce satisfying outcomes in the regeneration of bone, skeletal muscle, cardiac tissue, and tendon, as well as angiogenesis and osseointegration. Nevertheless, some shortcomings still exist, such as comprehensive preparation, unclear safety, and cell quality. Thus, future studies should aim to produce more types of nanomaterials to solve this problem.

Insights into the use of genetically modified decellularized biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Various modifications have been performed on biomaterials to improve their applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the challenges of immunogenicity and biocompatibility existed since the application of biomaterials. As a method to solve this problem, the decellularization process removes most living cells from biomaterials to minimize their immunogenicity; and preserves the native structures and compositions that favour cell growth and the subsequent construction of functional tissue. On the other hand, genetic modification of biomaterials aims to achieve specific functions (low immunogenicity, osteogenesis, etc.) or analyse the genetic mechanisms underlying some diseases (cardiac dysfunction, liver fibrosis, etc.). The combination of decellularization and gene modification is highly superior to biomaterials; thus, we must obtain a deeper understanding of these novel biomaterials. In this review, we summarize the fabrication approaches and current applications of genetically modified decellularized biomaterials and then discuss their disadvantages and corresponding future perspectives.

Genetically modified immunomodulatory cell-based biomaterials in tissue regeneration and engineering.

To date, the wide application of cell-based biomaterials in tissue engineering and regeneration is remarkably hampered by immune rejection. Reducing the immunogenicity of cell-based biomaterials has become the latest direction in biomaterial research. Recently, genetically modified cell-based biomaterials with immunomodulatory genes have become a feasible solution to the immunogenicity problem. In this review, recent advances and future challenges of genetically modified immunomodulatory cell-based biomaterials are elaborated, including fabrication approaches, mechanisms of common immunomodulatory genes, application and, more importantly, current preclinical and clinical advances. The fabrication approaches can be categorized into commonly used (e.g., virus transfection) and newly developed approaches. The immunomodulatory mechanisms of representative genes involve complicated cell signaling pathways and metabolic activities. Wide application in curing multiple end-term diseases and replacing lifelong immunosuppressive therapy in multiple cell and organ transplantation models is demonstrated. Most significantly, practices of genetically modified organ transplantation have been conducted on brain-dead human decedent and even on living patients after a series of experiments on nonhuman primates. Nevertheless, uncertain biosecurity, nonspecific effects and overlooked personalization of current genetically modified immunomodulatory cell-based biomaterials are shortcomings that remain to be overcome.

Repositioning of the bone window in lateral sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implant placement: A retrospective radiographic study.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate whether repositioning the bone window leads to a better outcome of three-dimensional sinus augmentation in lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE) with simultaneous implant placement. METHODS: 34 patients with a total of 40 implants (14: test group, 26: control group) receiving LSFE with simultaneous implant placement were included in this retrospective research. CBCT images were taken before surgery, immediately and 6 months after surgery. The two-dimensional augmentation parameters, including apical bone height (ABH), endo-sinus bone gain (ESBG), and palatal/buccal bone height (PBH/BBH), and three-dimensional parameters, including augmentation volume (AV) and palatal/buccal augmentation volume (PAV/BAV), were measured. The lateral defect length (LDL) and lateral window length (LWL) were also measured to evaluate the lateral antrostomy recovery. RESULTS: At the 6-month follow-up, the reduction rates at ABH, ESBG, and BBH of the test group (ABH: 10.41% ± 30.30%, ESBG: 2.55% ± 8.91%, BBH: 2.50% ± 8.65%) were significantly lower than those of the control group (ABH: 25.10% ± 22.02%, ESBG: 11.47% ± 9.79%, BBH: 7.10% ± 5.37%; p < .05). In addition, the test group showed better three-dimensional augmentation stability on the buccal side (BAV reduction: 15.51% ± 10.86% vs. 27.15% ± 12.61%; p < .05). Moreover, the LDL/LWL ratio of the test group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, repositioning of the bone window in LSFE with simultaneous implant placement could contribute to endo-sinus augmentation stability on the buccal side at the 6-month follow-up. Moreover, it would also facilitate recovery of the lateral antrostomy defect.

Prevalence of and factors associated with maxillary sinus cyst in a Chinese population.

PURPOSE: This study used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with maxillary sinus cysts (MSCs) in a Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 2,571 CBCT scans of 5,000 sinuses were analyzed. MSCs were diagnosed on the basis of imaging features within the maxillary sinus. Sex, age, dental condition, and anatomic condition were assessed. Associations with these factors were evaluated with logistic regression and a generalized estimating equations model. RESULTS: The prevalence of MSCs was 15.46% at the sinus level and 23.44% at the patient level. The prevalence of MSCs was higher for men (OR = 1.864, P < 0.001) and for patients with apical lesions (OR = 1.76, P < 0.001), severe bone loss (OR = 1.363, P < 0.05), tooth roots in contact with the sinus floor (OR = 1.68, P < 0.001), and pits or septa on the floor of the maxillary sinus (OR = 1.539, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This large sample had a high prevalence of MSCs. MSC prevalence was associated with multiple factors, including sex, dental condition, and anatomic condition. Maintenance of healthy dental and periodontal status might help prevent MSCs.

Genetically modified cell sheets in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Genetically modified cell sheet technology is emerging as a promising biomedical tool to deliver therapeutic genes for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Virus-based gene transfection and non-viral gene transfection have been used to fabricate genetically modified cell sheets. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown various beneficial effects of genetically modified cell sheets in the regeneration of bone, periodontal tissue, cartilage and nerves, as well as the amelioration of dental implant osseointegration, myocardial infarction, skeletal muscle ischemia and kidney injury. Furthermore, this technology provides a potential treatment option for various hereditary diseases. However, the method has several limitations, such as safety concerns and difficulties in controlling transgene expression. Therefore, recent studies explored efficient and safe gene transfection methods, prolonged and controllable transgene expression and their potential application in personalized and precision medicine. This review summarizes various types of genetically modified cell sheets, preparation procedures, therapeutic applications and possible improvements.

Online dental teaching practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional online survey from China.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in China in December 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic hindered dental education, as school buildings were closed. Online dental teaching provided an alternative teaching tool for dental education. However, the efficiency of online dental teaching and student preferences for online dental teaching are unclear. AIM: To investigate the satisfaction with online dental teaching practices among undergraduate dental students and standardized resident physician training students during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. METHODS: A total of 104 undergraduate dental students and 57 standardized resident physician training students from Zhejiang University participated in the study. A 12-item survey was conducted. This investigation included the teaching methods received, frequency of classes, degree of satisfaction, preferred teaching method, whether to participate in a course regarding COVID-19 prevention, and the effects of teaching. The percentages were then calculated and evaluated for each item. RESULTS: A total of 161 students (104 undergraduate dental students and 57 standardized resident physician training students) participated in this survey. All students had online dental classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lecture-based learning (LBL), case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), and research-based learning (RBL) were selected as teaching methods. Students were more satisfied with LBL and CBL than PBL, RBL, and TBL. The majority of students had more than four classes per week. The most selected protective measures were hand washing, wearing masks, and wearing gloves. A total of 46.6% of students participated in courses on COVID-19. After training, the students consciously chose to wear face shields and protective clothing. CONCLUSIONS: Dental students accepted online dental learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students preferred LBL and CBL and were satisfied with the classes. Courses on COVID-19 helped students understand how to prevent COVID-19 transmission in the dental clinic.

1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 promotes early osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs and a 12-year follow-up case of early-onset vitamin D deficiency periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a chronic periodontal disease that contributes to tooth loss. In recent years, many animal studies have reported that vitamin D (VitD) deficiency results in chronic periodontitis. However, no studies have reported cases of early-onset periodontitis with VitD deficiency. This study reports a 5-year-old male patient with early-onset periodontitis, VitD deficiency and VitD receptor (VDR) mutation. The patient was treated with VitD and calcium, and received systematic periodontal treatment. During the 12-year treatment, the periodontal conditions of this patient were stable. Our in vitro study found that VitD could promote the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein (BGLAP), and VDR in the early osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Meanwhile, VitD could downregulate mRNA expression levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and protein levels of IL-6 in the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) -induced inflammation of PDLSCs. Therefore, sufficient VitD supply can be a potential treatment for VitD deficiency induced early-onset periodontitis.

Effects of rhBMP-2/7 Heterodimer and RADA16 Hydrogel Scaffold on Bone Formation During Rabbit Mandibular Distraction.

PURPOSE: The effects of a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2/7 (rhBMP-2/7) heterodimer and a RADA16 (Ac-RADARADARADARADA-CONH2) hydrogel scaffold on bone formation during distraction osteogenesis were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty New Zealand white rabbits, which underwent mandibular lengthening, were randomly divided into 5 groups. One group served as the control group. The others received 2 µg of rhBMP-2 homodimer, 2 µg of rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer, 100 µL of RADA16, or 100 µL of RADA16 plus 2 µg of rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer in the mandibular distraction gap at the beginning of distraction. Fluorine-18-labeled fluoride positron emission tomography was used to assess osteogenesis both after distraction and at the end of consolidation. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) examination and bone histologic findings were also evaluated. RESULTS: At the end of distraction, the radioactivity concentration in the distracted area was significantly greater in the RADA16 plus rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group than in the other groups (P < .01). The differences among the other 4 groups were also statistically significant in the following order: rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group greater than the rhBMP-2 homodimer group, which was greater than the RADA16 group (or control group; P < .05). However, the radioactivity concentration of the RADA16 group was slightly greater than that of the control group with a nonsignificant difference (P > .05). By the end of consolidation, the activity in the control group, RADA16 group, rhBMP-2 homodimer group, and rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group had significantly diminished (P < .05). However, the activity in the RADA16 plus rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group remained at the same level (P > .05). The DEXA results and bone histologic findings indicated that more callus regeneration was noted in the RADA16 plus rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group than in any other group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer and RADA16 hydrogel scaffold significantly promoted mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Enhanced attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of human gingival fibroblasts on titanium surface modified with biomolecules.

Surface modification of dental implants with biomolecules is of particularly interest recently. To mimic the structure and function of native extracellular matrix (ECM), a derivative of hyaluronic acid (HA), HA-GRGDSP, was synthesized, Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing collagen (Col)/HA multilayer polyelectrolyte films (MPFs) coating was fabricated on titanium (Ti) through alternate deposition of Col and HA-GRGDSP with 4.5 assembly cycles; moreover, bioactive molecule, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), was also incorporated into such coating. This coating was then carefully characterized using scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and scanning force microscopy (SFM); bFGF release from the coating was also evaluated. (Col + bFGF)/HA-RGD coating was successfully deposited on Ti surface, and about 300 pg of bFGF could be slowly released from this coating for a week. This coating significantly promoted the initial cell attachment of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) compared with other groups (p < 0.05), and HGFs adhered and spread better on this coating than other groups (p < 0.05). Regarding cell proliferation and differentiation of HGFs, they were greatly stimulated when cultured on this coating (p < 0.05). These results indicated that surface modification of Ti using biomolecules might improve the sealing between the neck section of a dental implant and the soft tissue.

Effect of heat treatment on H2O2/HCl etched pure titanium dental implant: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Surface chemistry of dental implant plays an important role in osseointegration. Heat treatment might alter surface chemistry and result in different biological response. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of heat treatment of H2O2/HCl-treated Ti implants in cell attachment, proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation. MATERIAL/METHODS: Sandblasted, dual acid-etched and H2O2/HCl heat-treated discs were set as the control group and sandblasted, dual acid-etched H2O2/HCl-treated discs were the test group. Both groups' discs were sent for surface characterization. MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded on these 2 groups' discs for 3 hours to 14 days, and then cell attachment, cell proliferation and cell differentiation were evaluated. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the titanium discs in the 2 groups shared the same surface topography, while x-ray diffraction examination showed an anatase layer in the control group and titanium hydride diffractions in the test group. The cell attachment of the test group was equivalent to that of the control group. Cell proliferation was slightly stimulated at all time points in the control group, but the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OC) production increased significantly in the test group compared with those in the control group at every time point investigated (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Moreover, the osteoblastic differentiation-related genes AKP-2, osteopontin (OPN) and OC were greatly up-regulated in the test group (p<0.05 or p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results implied that surface chemistry played an important role in cell response, and H2O2/HCl etched titanium surface without subsequent heat treatment might improve osseointegration response.

The optimal dose of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 enhances differentiation of mouse osteoblast-like cells: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: There is no certain conclusion on the effect of recombinant human Osteogenic Protein-1 (OP-1, BMP-7) on the proliferation of the osteoblast-like cell line, MC3T3-E1. Furthermore, the optimal dose of rhOP-1 on cell differentiation still needs to be elucidated. This investigation aims to delineate the biofunctional characteristics of rhOP-1 in inducing osteoblastogenesis of MC3T3-E1 through in vitro time-course and dose-response studies. DESIGN: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured for 1, 4, 7 days with the addition of different rhOP-1 concentrations (0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400 ng/ml), and cell proliferation and cell differentiation were examined. RESULTS: MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation was stimulated by rhOP-1 in a dose-dependent manner (0-400 ng/ml) on day 1, whereas on day 4 and 7, it was still stimulated at low concentrations (10, 20, 50 ng/ml) but inhibited at high ones (200, 400 ng/ml). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) production, collagen deposition and extracellular matrix mineralization were dramatically elevated by rhOP-1 treatment, as a function of culture time and rhOP-1 concentration, and all of them reached a plateau at the concentration of 200 ng/ml. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR results showed Runx2, AKP-2, OC and Nog mRNA expressions increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and their expressions were significantly higher at high rhOP-1 concentrations than that of low ones. No significant differences were found between the effects of 200 ng/ml rhOP-1 and 400 ng/ml rhOP-1 on the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, except the expression of Nog mRNA, whose expression level was much higher at 400 ng/ml than that at 200 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that cell proliferation of MC3T3-E1 is depended on culture time and rhOP-1 concentration, rhOP-1 could stimulate the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and the optimal concentration could be 200 ng/ml.

H2O2/HCl and heat-treated Ti-6Al-4V stimulates pre-osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioactivity of chemical treatment of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) in vitro. Smooth-surface discs of Ti-6Al-4V were used in this study. Sandblasted, dual acid-etched and H(2)O(2)/HCl heat-treated discs were set as test group, and sandblasted, dual acid-etched discs as control group. SEM and XRD analysis revealed a porous anatase gel layer on rough surface in the test group and a rough surface in the control group. Mouse pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells) were cultured on these 2 group discs, and then cell proliferation and differentiation were examined 4 days, 7 days, and 14 days after cell seeding. Cell proliferation was greatly stimulated at all time points when cultured in test group (P < .05). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OC) production were much higher in the test group compared with the control group at every time point investigated (P < .05). Furthermore, in the test group, the expressions of alkaline phosphatase-2, osteocalcin, and collagen type I alpha 1 mRNAs were significantly up-regulated as compared with those in the control group (P < .05 or P < .01). The results suggested that H(2)O(2)/HCl and heat-treatment might facilitate better integration of Ti-6Al-4V implants with bone.

Designer self-assembling peptide scaffold stimulates pre-osteoblast attachment, spreading and proliferation.

A new peptide scaffold was made by mixing pure RADA16 (Ac-RADARADARADARADA-CONH2) and designer peptide RGDA16 (Ac-RADARGDARADARGDA-CONH2) solutions, and investigate any effect on attachment, spreading and proliferation of pre-osteoblast (MC3T3-E1). The peptides, RADA16 and RGDA16, were custom-synthesized. They were solubilized in deionized water at a concentration of 10 mg/ml (1% w/v), the RGDA16 peptide solution was mixed 1:1 with RADA16 solution and a new peptide solution RGDAmix was produced. The RGDAmix and RADA16 solution were directly loaded in 96-well plates and cover slips, and two different peptide scaffolds were formed with the addition of maintenance medium (alpha-MEM) in several minutes. About 1.0 x 10(4) MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded on each hydrogel scaffold, and then the cell morphological changes were observed using a fluorescence microscope at 1 h, 3 h and 24 h timepoint, respectively. Cell attachment was evaluated 1 h, 3 h and 24 h after cell seeding and cell proliferation was determined 4d, 7d and 14d after cell seeding. The RGDAmix scaffold significantly promoted the initial cell attachment compared with the RADA16 scaffold. MC3T3-E1 cells adhered and spread well on both scaffolds, however, cells spread better on the RGDAmix scaffold than on the RADA16 scaffold. Cell proliferation was greatly stimulated when cultured on RGDAmix scaffold. The RGD sequence contained peptide scaffold RGDAmix significantly enhances MC3T3-E1 cells attachment, spreading and proliferation.