Parkinson's Disease Bradykinesia, Forward Posture, and Drug-Induced Pisa Syndrome Alleviated With Traditional Japanese Acupuncture: A Case Report.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease. The management of PD including Pisa syndrome (PS), a postural deformity in PD characterized by reversible lateral bending of the trunk on the side, is often challenging. Recently, acupuncture has been a recognized intervention for treating motor or non-motor symptoms in PD management. However, very few of these studies or cases have been reported from Japan. A 58-year-old man with a four-year history of PD (Hoehn and Yahr Scale: Stage 2) presented to the acupuncture department of our hospital with dysphasia, bradykinesia, forward posture, and newly appeared right-side bending of the trunk after he increased the dose of rotigotine delivered via skin patches six months earlier. There was no change in the right-sided bending of the trunk two months after the withdrawal of the dopaminergic agents. A traditional Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, Hokushin-kai, was started. According to the Oriental medical diagnosis, he was categorized with "liver depression," "kidney deficiency," and "dampness" patterns. The treatment was administered once a week, and only one or two needles were used. The acupoints, such as Ququan (LR8) or Houxi (SI3), were selected according to the Oriental medical diagnosis and the findings of the acupoint examination. At first, the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) score was 34 points, and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) score was 42 points; the Cobb angle was 45°. After 10 weeks, he could walk smoothly and almost upright. MDS-UPDRS-3 and PDQ-39 scores improved to 12 points and 34 points, respectively, while the Cobb angle improved to 32°. Changes (improvements) in his gait and posture are shown in the videos included in this case report. We present a case of PD bradykinesia, forward posture, and drug-induced PS alleviated with traditional Japanese acupuncture. This case report suggests that acupuncture using this Japanese method would achieve similar efficacies to those achieved in conventional case reports or clinical trials, and it could be one of the optional treatments available for PD. Further studies, such as the long-term effect of acupuncture on PD patients or improved outcomes of PD patients with early-phase intervention, are required.

Fluorocarbon-Functionalized Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly Nanoparticles Alleviate Hypoxia to Enhance Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an ultrasound-based, noninvasive cancer treatment that targets tumor cells by triggering reactive oxygen species production. However, the limited accumulation of sonosensitizers and the insufficient supply of O2 to the hypoxic environment at the tumor site greatly limit the effectiveness of SDT. To address these issues, positively charged porphyrin-containing nanoparticles (NPs) from self-assembling of fluorocarbon/polyethylene glycol amphiphilic block copolymer, which is synthesized through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, are constructed. The NPs with fluorocarbon core and positively charged hydrophilic shells not only stabilize the sonosensitizer and improve its cellular uptake, but also act as an O2 carrier alleviating the hypoxic tumor environment. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the NPs effectively deliver O2 to the tumor and supply sufficient O2 to Renca cells after ultrasound treatment. Consequently, the NPs inhibit hypoxia-induced resistance to SDT and significantly produce reactive oxygen species by activated porphyrin moieties, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. These oxygen-enhanced sonosensitizer NPs hold promise for cancer therapies such as photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy by overcoming hypoxia-induced resistance.

Influence of competitive attitude and self-efficacy on task motivation in vocational high school students: the moderating role of competitive environment in the context of 'Lying Flat' culture.

Introduction: In recent years, "lying flat" has emerged as a significant term in contemporary discourse, referring to the phenomenon where modern young people choose passive resistance due to a lack of motivation when facing various situations. These trends have the potential to diminish the future learning enthusiasm and holistic development of vocational high school students, thus impacting their competitiveness in the future job market. Methods: This study employs a motivational model for vocational high school students based on self-efficacy theory and person-environment fit theory to explore whether the competitive atmosphere moderates the impact of self-efficacy and competitive attitudes on task motivation. Using a secondary data research approach, the study analyzed a sample of 944 Taiwanese vocational high school students from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) dataset with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: The results indicate that self-efficacy and competitive attitudes positively influence task motivation. Additionally, self-efficacy not only enhances competitive attitudes but also indirectly influences task motivation through the mediation of competitive attitudes. The study also revealed that the moderating effect of the competitive environment was not statistically significant in the overall sample. Further multiple-group comparisons between male and female vocational high school students showed no significant differences in most paths, but gender differences emerged in the positive moderating effect of the competitive environment on the influence of competitive attitudes on task motivation. Conclusion: These findings suggest that in cultivating task motivation among vocational high school students, interventions should be tailored to accommodate the differing responses of male and female students. For female students, providing more opportunities for teamwork and utilizing collaborative approaches to cope with the competitive environment may enhance task motivation. Conversely, for male students, enhancing self-efficacy and stimulating intrinsic competitive attitudes may be more effective. Addressing these differences could potentially reduce the occurrence of the "lying flat" phenomenon among vocational high school students in the future.

Applying Machine Learning and SHAP Method to Identify Key Influences on Middle-School Students' Mathematics Literacy Performance.

The PISA 2022 literacy assessment highlights a significant decline in math performance among most OECD countries, with the magnitude of this decline being approximately three times that of the previous round. Remarkably, Hong Kong, Macao, Taipei, Singapore, Japan, and Korea ranked in the top six among all participating countries or economies, with Taipei, Singapore, Japan, and Korea also demonstrating improved performance. Given the widespread concern about the factors influencing secondary-school students' mathematical literacy, this paper adopts machine learning and the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method to analyze 34,968 samples and 151 features from six East Asian education systems within the PISA 2022 dataset, aiming to pinpoint the crucial factors that affect middle-school students' mathematical literacy. First, the XGBoost model has the highest prediction accuracy for math literacy performance. Second, 15 variables were identified as significant predictors of mathematical literacy across the student population, particularly variables such as mathematics self-efficacy (MATHEFF) and expected occupational status (BSMJ). Third, mathematics self-efficacy was determined to be the most influential factor. Fourth, the factors influencing mathematical literacy vary among individual students, including the key influencing factors, the direction (positive or negative) of their impact, and the extent of this influence. Finally, based on our findings, four recommendations are proffered to enhance the mathematical literacy performance of secondary-school students.

Perceived feedback and school belonging: the mediating role of subjective well-being.

Introduction: This study examined the interplay between perceived feedback (PF), subjective wellbeing (SWB), and students' sense of belonging to school (SBS). School belonging is a key factor for decisions regarding academic studies, and is usually impacted by PF. The current study explored whether SWB mediates the established relationship between PF and SBS. Method: This was achieved by applying a mediation model to PISA 2018 data from 12,058 students in four areas of China. Results: Perceived feedback positively affected students' SBS (ß = 0.26, p < 0.01); and that SWB partially mediated this relationship between PF and SBS (ß = 0.47, p < 0.01). Discussion: The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the existing literature on educational psychology and well-being. By shedding light on the mediating role of SWB, the research offers practical implications for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance students' school belonging and other implications for their academic success. Further research can contribute to this promising area, by focusing on subjective wellbeing and its impact on a range of decisions being made by students during a critical phase of their personal and academic development.

Exploring the anticancer mechanism of cardiac glycosides using proteome integral solubility alteration approach.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiac glycosides (CGs), traditionally used for heart failure, have shown potential as anti-cancer agents. This study aims to explore their multifaceted mechanisms in cancer cell biology using proteome integral solubility alteration (PISA), focusing on the interaction with key proteins implicated in cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. METHODS: We conducted lysate-based and intact-cell PISA assays on cancer cells treated with CGs (Digoxin, Digitoxin, Ouabain) to analyze protein solubility changes. This was followed by mass spectrometric analysis and bioinformatics to identify differentially soluble proteins (DSPs). Molecular docking simulations were performed to predict protein-CG interactions. Public data including gene expression changes upon CG treatment were re-analyzed for validation. RESULTS: The PISA assays revealed CGs' broad-spectrum interactions, particularly affecting proteins like PKM2, ANXA2, SLC16A1, GOT2 and GLUD1. Molecular docking confirmed stable interactions between CGs and these DSPs. Re-analysis of public data supported the impact of CGs on cancer metabolism and cell signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CGs could be repurposed for cancer therapy by modulating cellular processes. The PISA data provide insights into the polypharmacological effects of CGs, warranting further exploration of their mechanisms and clinical potential.

Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly for the Synthesis of Polyisoprene-Polystyrene Block and Random Copolymers: Towards High Molecular Weight and Conversion.

In this study, reversible addition-fragmentation chain- transfer (RAFT) polymerization combined with the polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) technique is used to synthesize polyisoprene (PI)-based block and random copolymers with polystyrene (PS), aiming for high molecular weight and monomer conversion. The focus is to optimize the polymerization conditions to overcome the existing challenge of cross-linking and Diels-Alder reactions during the polymerization of isoprene, which typically constrain the reaction conversion and molecular weight of the final polymers. Using a poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) macroRAFT agent synthesized in ethanol at 80 °C, random and block copolymers of PS-PI with a target molecular weight of 50 000 g mole-1 and a high monomer conversion of ≈80% are achieved under optimized conditions in water-emulsion at 35 °C. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) verified the successful synthesis as well as the high content of 1,4 microstructure in polyisoprene. The thermal analysis via differential scanning calorimetry indicated distinct glass transitions for the microphase-separated PI-PS block copolymer, while a single transition for PI-PS random copolymer, indicating no microphase separation. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering analysis together with transmission electron microscopy provided further insight into the self-assembled emulsion nanoparticles of the polymers indicating a particle size in the range 70 to 130 nm.

Methodological aspects of the highly adaptive testing design for PISA.

This methods paper describes the methodological and statistical underpinnings of the highly adaptive testing design (HAT), which was developed for the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The aim of HAT is to allow for a maximum of adaptivity in selecting items while taking the constraints of PISA into account with appropriate computer algorithms. HAT combines established methods from the area of computerized adaptive testing (a) to improve item selection when items are nested in units, (b) to make use of the correlation between the dimensions measured, (c) to efficiently accomplish constraint management, (d) to control for item position effects, and (e) to foster students' test-taking experience. The algorithm is implemented using the programming language R and readers are provided with the necessary code. This should facilitate future implementations of the HAT design and inspire other adaptive testing designs that aim to maximize adaptivity while meeting constraints.

The Gender-Equality Paradox in Intraindividual Academic Strengths: A Cross-Temporal Analysis.

Independent of overall achievement, girls' intraindividual academic strength is typically reading, whereas boys' strength is typically mathematics or science. Sex differences in intraindividual strengths are associated with educational and occupational sex disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Paradoxically, these sex differences are larger in more gender-equal countries, but the stability of this paradox is debated. We assessed the stability of the gender-equality paradox in intraindividual strengths, and its relation to wealth, by analyzing the academic achievement of nearly 2.5 million adolescents across 85 countries and regions in five waves (from 2006 to 2018) of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Girls' intraindividual strength in reading and boys' strength in mathematics and science were stable across countries and waves. Boys' advantage in science as an intraindividual strength was larger in more gender-equal countries, whereas girls' advantage in reading was larger in wealthier countries. The results have implications for reducing sex disparities in STEM fields.

A machine-learning model of academic resilience in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence drawn from 79 countries/economies in the PISA 2022 mathematics study.

BACKGROUND: Given that students from socio-economically disadvantaged family backgrounds are more likely to suffer from low academic performance, there is an interest in identifying features of academic resilience, which may mitigate the relationship between disadvantaged socio-economic status and academic performance. AIMS: This study sought to combine machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) technique to identify key features of academic resilience in mathematics learning during COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on PISA 2022 data in 79 countries/economies, the random forest model coupled with Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) value technique not only uncovered the key features of academic resilience but also examined the contributions of each key feature. RESULTS: Findings indicated that 35 features were identified in the classification of academically resilient and non-academically resilient students, which largely validated the previous academic resilient framework. Notably, gender differences were shown in the distribution of some key features. Research findings also indicated that resilient students tended to have a stable emotional state, high levels of self-efficacy, low levels of truancy and positive future aspirations. DISCUSSION: This study has established a research paradigm essentially methodological in nature to bridge the gap between psychological theories and big data in the field of educational psychology. CONCLUSION: To sum up, our study shed light on the issues of education equity and quality from a global perspective in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investigating adolescent psychological wellbeing in an educational context using PISA 2018 Canadian data.

Introduction: Adolescent psychological wellbeing has been identified as an important public health priority and one of the major challenges facing young people. However, few studies have examined the wellbeing of Canadian adolescents nationwide in the past decade, and even fewer have focused specifically on immigrant adolescents. This study aims to investigate Canadian adolescent psychological wellbeing (PWB) via nationally representative data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018. We explored what social and educational factors were critical in predicting Canadian adolescents' PWB, how adolescents from immigrant families differed from their non-immigrant peers in their wellbeing, and how adolescents' PWB was related to their academic performance. Methods: A total of 22,651 Grade 8 Canadian students who participated PISA 2018 were included in this study (mean age of 15; 49.9% female; 26% immigrant students). Mixed effects modeling was adopted for data analysis. Results: Our results showed that various social and educational factors were associated with adolescent PWB, but these relationships varied depending on which aspect of PWB was examined. Immigrant adolescents were shown to have higher levels of PWB when student attitudes toward immigrants were more positive. Additionally, most aspects of PWB were important for achievement performance. Discussion: It is important to develop healthy and supportive school and disciplinary climates that foster students' sense of belonging. To further support the PWB of immigrant adolescents, educators can implement activities and integrate learning materials on cultural diversity into curricula, encouraging students to develop positive attitudes toward immigrants. Our findings on the PWB of Canadian adolescents could provide valuable insights for other countries with diverse populations, particularly those with significant immigrant communities.

The effect of instructional quality on reading achievement: The mediating role of reading engagement in China (B-S-J-Z) and the UK.

The present study aims to explore the mediating role of reading engagement between instructional quality and reading achievement in China (B-S-J-Z) and the UK, and the pedagogical transportation that has been implemented between China and the UK since 2014. Participants in this study were from PISA 2018 where 12,058 students were from China (B-S-J-Z) and 13,818 were from the UK. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the relationships among instructional quality, reading engagement, and reading achievement. The effect of classroom management and cognitive activation on reading achievement was significantly mediated by enjoyment of reading in both China (B-S-J-Z) and the UK. Diversity of reading was found to positively mediate the relationships between classroom management and reading achievement, and between cognitive activation and reading achievement in China (B-S-J-Z), in contrast to the mediating role of reading strategy revealed in the UK. The findings have important implications in that educators from China (B-S-J-Z) and the UK should focus on improving students' reading interests, UK teachers may incorporate diverse sources in reading, and Chinese educators may try different reading teaching strategies. Meanwhile, educators and policymakers may give full consideration to implications based on the specific cultural background. Finally, the limitations and future directions are provided.

Pisa Syndrome Secondary to Drugs: A Scope Review.

BACKGROUND: Pisa syndrome, also known as pleurothotonus, is a neurological condition characterized by more than ten degrees of constant lateral curvature of the spine when upright. In this way, the present manuscript aims to systematically review Pisa syndrome secondary to drugs. METHODS: Two reviewers identified and assessed relevant reports in six databases without language restriction between January 1990 and June 2024. RESULTS: The prevalence of Pisa syndrome varied from 0.037 to 9.3%. We found 109 articles containing 191 cases of drug-induced Pisa syndrome reported in the literature. The mean and median ages were 59.70 (SD = 19.02) and 67 (range = 12-98 years). The most prevalent sex was female, 56.91% (107/188). The most frequent medications associated with Pisa syndrome were acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in 87 individuals. Of 112 individuals in which the onset time from the medication to the movement disorder occurrence was reported, 59 took place within a month. In this way, a return to baseline was observed in 45.50% of the cases, and partial recovery was observed in 14.28%. CONCLUSION: We proposed new diagnostic criteria for Pisa syndrome based on previous findings in the literature. Moreover, multiple mechanisms are probably involved in balance control and the development of lateral trunk flexions.

Crystallization-Driven Controlled 2D Self-Assemblies via Aqueous RAFT Emulsion Polymerization.

Aqueous emulsion polymerization is a robust technique for preparing nanoparticles of block copolymers; however, it typically yields spherical nanoassemblies. The scale preparation of nanoassemblies with nonspherical high-order morphologies is a challenge, particularly 2D core-shell nanosheets. In this study, the polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) and crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) are combined to demonstrate the preparation of 2D nanosheets and their aggregates via aqueous reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization. First, the crucial crystallizable component for CDSA, hydroxyethyl methacrylate polycaprolactone (HPCL) macromonomer is synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP). Subsequently, the RAFT emulsion polymerization of HPCL is conducted to generate crystallizable nanomicelles by a grafting-through approach. This PISA process simultaneously prepared spherical latices and bottlebrush block copolymers comprising poly(N',N'-dimethylacrylamide)-block-poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate polycaprolactone) (PDMA-b-PHPCL). The latexes are now served as seeds for inducing the formation of 2D hexagonal nanosheets, bundle-shaped and flower-like aggregation via the CDSA of PHPCL segments and unreacted HPCL during cooling. Electron microscope analysis trace the morphology evolution of these 2D nanoparticles and reveal that an appropriate crystallized component of PHPCL blocks play a pivotal role in forming a hierarchical structure. This work demonstrates significant potential for large-scale production of 2D nanoassemblies through RAFT emulsion polymerization.

Long-term (minimum 10 years) survival and outcomes of pyrocarbon interposition shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There are some major controversies surrounding the use and longevity of pyrocarbon interposition shoulder arthroplasty (PISA). The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term survival and outcomes (minimum 10-year) following PISA for osteoarthritis (OA) in young and active patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent PISA (InSpyre; Tornier-Stryker) for OA between 2009 and 2012. Arthroplasty survival was known for 71 patients followed longitudinally for a minimum of 10 years. The clinical and radiologic outcomes were assessed in 62 patients (62 shoulders) reviewed with radiographs. The mean age at surgery was 60 years (range, 23-72 years), and 31 shoulders (50%) underwent prior surgery before PISA. The diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis (POA = 29), post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA = 23), and postinstability osterarthritis (PIOA = 10). Clinical failure was defined as repeat surgical intervention involving prosthesis revision. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Constant score (CS) and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). The mean duration of follow-up was 11 ± 0.6 years (range, 10-14 years). RESULTS: Overall, the survival rate was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 82.8-96.8) at 5 years and 87% (95% CI 79-94.8) at a 10-year follow-up. Survival was 100% in PTOA (type 1 fracture sequelae) and in PIOA as well as 95% in primary OA with type A glenoid. Revision surgery was significantly higher in biconcave (type B2) glenoid (44%) compared with concentric (type A) glenoid (2%), respectively (P = .002). Among the 7 patients who were revised to reverse shoulder arthroplasty, 5 had painful glenoid erosion and 2 had bipolar (glenoid and humeral) erosion with thinning and finally fracture of the greater tuberosity. Two shoulders with glenohumeral erosion were associated with secondary rotator cuff tears (1 supraspinatus and 1 subscapularis tear). The mean time to revision and revision was 4 ± 1.7 years. Glenoid wear was more often superior (81%) than central (19%), P < .001. For those shoulders not revised, the mean CS and SSV significantly increased from 39 ± 14 to 70 ± 14 points and 34% ± 15% to 75% ± 17%, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSION: PISA is an efficient and durable surgical procedure for the treatment of young and active patients with post-traumatic OA, postinstability OA, and primary OA with concentric (type A) glenoid erosion, but not for those with biconcave (type B2) glenoid. Biconcave (type B2) glenoid and subscapularis tear or insufficiency are risk factors for failure and revision.

Oral and Intestinal Bacterial Flora in Patients with Increased Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis is caused by bacterial plaque. The oral microflora may interact with the intestinal microflora and play a role in the development of periodontitis. The periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) has been shown to be a useful indicator of periodontal disease related to systemic diseases; however, few studies have shown an association between PISA and the bacterial flora. This study aimed to determine the association between PISA and oral and intestinal bacteria. Methods: Participants were recruited between 2018 and 2021 at the Medical and Dental Collaboration Center of Kanagawa Dental University Hospital. A periodontal clinical examination was performed, and the PISA was calculated. Salivary tests were conducted, and leukocyte scores in the saliva were calculated. Moreover, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed using saliva and stool samples to analyze oral and intestinal bacteria, respectively. Results: Higher PISA levels resulted in an increased presence of Bacteroides and a decreased presence of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria in the saliva. An increase in Bacteroides was detected in the saliva of patients with high leukocyte scores. No correlation was observed between PISA and intestinal bacteria. Conclusions: Bacteroides was highly abundant in the saliva of patients with worsened periodontal conditions, as indicated by PISA. No association was found between PISA and intestinal bacteria.

Assessing the Correlation of Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA) With Systemic Inflammatory Markers.

Background Periodontitis has a vital role in eliciting a cross-reactivity or systemic inflammatory response, making periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) a primary contributor to the inflammatory burden posed by periodontitis. PISA helps in the quantification of the amount of inflamed periodontal tissue. However, the existing literature data concerning PISA as an indicator of inflammatory burden are scarce, with limited research on the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers and PISA. Aim The present clinic-hematological cross-sectional study aimed to correlate PISA with systemic inflammatory markers. The study also aimed to assess serum concentrations of inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and peripheral blood markers such as neutrophils and monocytes and to correlate these markers with PISA. Methods The study assessed 62 subjects, who were divided into two groups of 31 subjects, each following bleeding on probing (BOP) criteria. Group I consisted of subjects with generalized chronic gingivitis, and Group II included subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis. In two groups, BOP, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and gingival recession were assessed along with PISA by a custom-made R function derived from a pre-existing, freely available MS Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington). The results of the assessment were then compared. Results A statistically highly significant positive correlation was seen in PISA and CRP with a correlation coefficient of 0.4875 and p-value of 0.000059. A similar statistically significant positive correlation was seen in ESR and PISA with a correlation coefficient of 0.4089 and p-value of 0.000968. A statistically non-significant correlation was seen in neutrophils and PISA with p=0.576018. However, a moderate and positive statistically significant association was seen in monocyte and PISA with a correlation coefficient of 0.3258 and p-value of 0.009956. Conclusions The present study concludes that most of the common systemic inflammatory markers have a positive correlation with PISA. However, more studies are required to establish this correlation.

Terpyridine-Decorated Polymer Nanosphere Latex: Template Nanocarriers for the Synthesis of Cu-CeO2 Hollow Spheres.

Water-soluble polymers with the ability to complex metal ions through complexing ligands have attracted significant interest in diverse domains, such as optical or catalyst applications. In this paper, we successfully synthesized, through a one-pot process combining polymerization-induced self-assembly and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, aqueous dispersions of terpyridine-decorated poly[poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate]-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (tpy-PPEGMA-b-PMMA) amphiphilic block copolymers. The in-situ formation of well-defined amphiphilic block copolymers and their self-assembly led to nanosphere latex with the hydrodynamic diameters increasing from 17 to 52 nm and the length of the copolymers increasing from 21,000 to 51,000 g·mol-1. These aqueous dispersed tpy-PPEGMA-b-PMMA nanospheres effectively complex metal ions, such as Cu2+, in a stoichiometric ratio of 2:1. Subsequently, these metal-complexed nanospheres were employed as soft template nanocarriers to control, on the nanometer scale, the dispersion of metal on a nanostructured support. This is exemplified by the synthesis of copper supported on cerium oxide hollow spheres (Cu-CeO2) using Cu2+-tpy-PPEGMA-b-PMMA as template nanocarriers and CeO2 nanoparticles. This novel assembly engineering strategy for the preparation of atomically dispersed metal on a nanostructured support was highlighted through the utilization of Cu-CeO2 hollow spheres as an electrocatalyst for the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) to NH3. These encouraging outcomes emphasize the potential of metal-metal oxide-nanostructured materials to treat contaminated water sources with nitrate while allowing the green production of ammonia.

Periodontal Inflammation and Dysbiosis Relate to Microbial Changes in the Gut.

Periodontal disease (PerioD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of dysbiotic etiology. Animal models and few human data showed a relationship between oral bacteria and gut dysbiosis. However, the effect of periodontal inflammation and subgingival dysbiosis on the gut is unknown. We hypothesized that periodontal inflammation and its associated subgingival dysbiosis contribute to gut dysbiosis even in subjects free of known gut disorders. We evaluated and compared elderly subjects with Low and High periodontal inflammation (assessed by Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA)) for stool and subgingival derived bacteria (assayed by 16S rRNA sequencing). The associations between PISA/subgingival dysbiosis and gut dysbiosis and bacteria known to produce short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) were assessed. LEfSe analysis showed that, in Low PISA, species belonging to Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus taxa and Lactobacillus zeae were enriched, while species belonging to Coprococcus, Clostridiales, and Atopobium were enriched in High PISA. Regression analyses showed that PISA associated with indicators of dysbiosis in the gut mainly reduced abundance of SCFA producing bacteria (Radj = -0.38, p = 0.03). Subgingival bacterial dysbiosis also associated with reduced levels of gut SCFA producing bacteria (Radj = -0.58, p = 0.002). These results suggest that periodontal inflammation and subgingival microbiota contribute to gut bacterial changes.

The Impact of Periodontal Inflammation on the Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis.

Introduction Through plausible biological mechanisms, periodontitis causes systemic inflammatory burden and response, thus resulting in damage far beyond the oral cavity. Studies have demonstrated periodontitis to be a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. The larger the quantum of periodontal inflamed tissue, the greater the chances of periodontitis eliciting bacteremia and systemic inflammatory responses. Studies have reported that periodontitis and other common oral infections play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the quantity of inflamed periodontal tissue assumes significance in determining the severity of atherosclerosis. Hence, this study investigates the impact of periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) on the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 160 patients who presented at the department of periodontics of The British University in Egypt (BUE) from 1 January 2023 to 30 September 2023 were enrolled. Patients were only enrolled if they had undergone coronary angiography within the last six months, were less than 60 years of age, shared their previous medical history and coronary angiographic report, and gave informed written consent. Data on classic coronary risk factors and periodontal inflammatory status and angiographic findings were recorded and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. Results The results revealed that the periodontal inflamed surface area (p = 0.002) apart from age (p < 0.047) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.001) is a significant independent predictor of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusions The periodontal inflamed surface area is an independent predictor of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.