Biofunctionalization of dental abutments by a zinc/chitosan/gelatin coating to optimize fibroblast behavior and antibacterial properties.

Tightly sealed peri-implant gingival tissue provides a barrier against oral bacterial invasion, protecting the alveolar bone and maintaining long-term implant survival. To investigate if zinc can enhance the integration between peri-implant gingival tissue and abutment surface, we herein present novel zinc/chitosan/gelatin (Zn/CS/Gel) coatings prepared using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. The effect of these coatings on human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) was investigated by culturing these cells on top of the EPD coatings. Surface characterization demonstrated that Zn2+ were released in a sustained and pH-responsive manner. The preclinical cell culture evaluation of these coatings indicated that the zinc-containing coatings enhanced cell migration, adhesion and collagen secretion of hGFs. Moreover, the zinc-containing coatings exhibited antibacterial efficacy by inhibiting the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and reducing attachment of Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, zinc-free CS/Gel coatings prevented attachment of P. gingivalis as well. The coatings were also shown to be cytocompatible with epithelial cells and osteoblasts, which are other relevant cell types which surround dental implants after clinical placement. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that Zn-containing coatings hold promise to enhance the adhesion of gingival tissue to the implant surface, which may potentially contribute to the formation of a robust peri-implant soft sealing counteracting bacterial invasion.

Spatiotemporal Airyprime complex-variable-function wave packets in a strongly nonlocal nonlinear medium.

A type of circular Airyprime function of complex-variable Gaussian vortex (AFCGV) wave packets in a strongly nonlocal nonlinear medium is introduced numerically, combining the properties of helicity states and abrupt autofocusing. We investigate the effects of the chirp factor, distribution parameter, and decay factor on the AFCGV wave packets in the strongly nonlocal nonlinear medium. Interestingly, by adjusting the distribution parameter, the AFCGV wave packets can exhibit stable rotational motions in various shapes, such as symmetric lobes and doughnuts. In addition, the Poynting vector and the gradient force of the AFCGV wave packets are also discussed. Our research not only explains the theoretical model for controlling AFCGV wave packets but also advances fundamental research on self-bending and autofocusing structured light fields.

ZnO-CeO2 Hollow Nanospheres for Selective Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid.

ZnO-CeO2 hollow nanospheres have been successfully synthesized via the hard templating method, in which CeO2 is used as the support skeleton to avoid ZnO agglomeration. The synthesized ZnO-CeO2 hollow nanospheres possess a large electrochemically active area and high electron transfer owing to the high specific surface area and synergistic effect of ZnO and CeO2. Due to the above advantages, the resulting ZnO-CeO2 hollow spheres display high sensitivities of 1122.86 µA mM-1 cm-2 and 908.53 µA mM-1 cm-2 under a neutral environment for the selective detection of dopamine and uric acid. The constructed electrochemical sensor shows excellent selectivity, stability and recovery for the selective analysis of dopamine and uric acid in actual samples. This study provides a valuable strategy for the synthesis of ZnO-CeO2 hollow nanospheres via the hard templating method as electrocatalysts for the selective detection of dopamine and uric acid.

Treatment of Coking Wastewater Using Hydrodynamic Cavitation Coupled with Fenton Oxidation Process.

Effective and economical processes for the advanced treatment of coking wastewater were urgently needed to reduce the persistent organic pollutants of external drainage. In the present work, we investigated the degradation of organic pollutants in coking wastewater through IHC/FO (imping stream hydrodynamic cavitation (IHC) coupled with the Fenton oxidation (FO) process) and IHC alone for their feasibility in the advanced treatment of coking wastewater. To select the optimum parameters, attention was paid to the effects of main operation conditions including inlet fluid pressure, medium temperature, initial pH, reaction time, and initial Fe(II) and initial H2O2 concentrations. The results showed that the effects of conditions that need energy to be maintained (such as initial pH and inlet pressure) on the organic pollutant removal efficiency through IHC/FO were less pronounced than those through IHC alone. Moreover, the application of IHC/FO could remove more organic pollutants from coking wastewater than IHC even at an energy-efficient condition. For example, the highest COD removal efficiency of 12.5% was achieved in the IHC treatment at 0.4 MPa, pH 3, and 60 min for the reaction time. In the case of IHC/FO, the maximum COD removal of 33.2% was obtained at pH 7, 0.1 MPa, 12 mmol/L H2O2, and 3 mmol/L Fe2+ after reacting for 15 min. The ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) absorption spectra and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis further revealed that the kinds and amounts of pollutants (especially those that had benzenes) remaining in water treated through IHC/FO were much fewer and smaller than in water treated through IHC alone. The better performances of IHC/FO than IHC alone were likely related to the more hydroxyl radicals produced through IHC/FO. Taken together, our findings indicate that IHC/FO has great application potential in the advanced treatment of coking wastewater.

Propagation dynamics of self-accelerating second-order Hermite complex-variable-function Gaussian wave packets in a harmonic potential.

This paper investigates the evolutionary dynamics of self-accelerating second-order Hermite complex-variable-function Gaussian (SSHCG) wave packets in a harmonic potential. The periodic variation of the wave packets is discussed via theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The control variables method is applied to manipulate the distribution factor, cross-phase factor, potential depth, and chirp parameter, enabling the realization of unique propagation dynamics. In three-dimensional models, the SSHCG wave packets exhibit rotational states, featuring butterfly shape, three peaks shape, two polarity shape, elliptical shape, and ring-shaped double-vortex structures. Furthermore, the energy flow and the angular momentum of the wave packets are investigated. Additionally, the performance of the radiation force on a Rayleigh dielectric particle is studied. This investigation results in the emergence of distinct SSHCG wave packet propagation dynamics, and potential applications in optical communications and optical trapping are presented.

Rydberg-atom acceleration by circular Airy laser pulses.

Circular Airy pulsed beams are introduced to significantly optimize the acceleration of neutral Rydberg atoms. Compared with the conventional pulsed Gaussian beams used in the previous report, the circular Airy structure abruptly self-focuses and subsequently propagates with weak diffraction, resulting in a much higher accelerating efficiency for both radial and longitudinal velocities, as well as a longer accelerating range along the propagation axis. The parameter dependencies of the beams on the acceleration are also analyzed.

(3+1)-dimensional Pearcey-Gaussian wave packet with arbitrary velocity driven by flying focus.

The group velocity (GV) modulation of space-time wave packets (STWPs) along the transverse and longitudinal directions in free space is constrained by various factors. To surmount this limitation, a technique called "flying focus" has been developed, which enables the generation of laser pulses with dynamic focal points that can propagate at arbitrary velocities independent of GV. In this Letter, we propose a (3+1)-dimensional Pearcey-Gauss wave packet based on the "flying focus" technique, which exhibits superluminal propagation, transverse focus oscillation, and longitudinal periodic autofocusing. By selecting appropriate parameters, we can flexibly manipulate the position, the size, and the number of focal points- or make the wave packet follow a desired trajectory. This work may pave the way for the advancement of space-time structured light fields.

The Roles and Interactions of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum in Oral and Gastrointestinal Carcinogenesis: A Narrative Review.

Epidemiological studies have spotlighted the intricate relationship between individual oral bacteria and tumor occurrence. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacteria nucleatum, which are known periodontal pathogens, have emerged as extensively studied participants with potential pathogenic abilities in carcinogenesis. However, the complex dynamics arising from interactions between these two pathogens were less addressed. This narrative review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the prevalence and mechanism implications of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum in the carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In particular, it explores the clinical and experimental evidence on the interplay between P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum in affecting oral and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum, which are recognized as keystone or bridging bacteria, were identified in multiple clinical studies simultaneously. The prevalence of both bacteria species correlated with cancer development progression, emphasizing the potential impact of the collaboration. Regrettably, there was insufficient experimental evidence to demonstrate the synergistic function. We further propose a hypothesis to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, offering a promising avenue for future research in this dynamic and evolving field.

A paper-based ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on carbon dots modified with Eu3+ for the selective detection of tetracycline in seafood aquaculture water.

Paper-based ratiometric fluorescence sensors are normally prepared using two or more types of fluorescent materials on a paper chip for simple, low-cost and fast detection. However, the choice of multi-step and one-step modifications on the paper chip affects the analytical performance. Herein, a novel paper-based dual-emission ratiometric fluorescence sensor was designed for the selective detection of tetracycline (TC). Carbon dots (CDs) modified with Eu3+ were combined with a sealed paper-based microfluidic chip by two methods: one-step grafting of CDs-Eu3+ on paper and step-by-step grafting of CDs and Eu3+ on paper. The analytical performance was studied and optimized respectively. The red fluorescence of Eu3+ at 450 nm is enhanced and the blue fluorescence of CDs at 617 nm is quenched by energy transfer in the presence of TC. Under optimal conditions, TC is selectively determined in the linear range from 0.1 µM to 100 µM with a detection limit of 0.03 µM by the step-by-step grafting method. In addition, the sealed paper chip could effectively prevent pollution and volatilization from the reagent. This technique has been used to analyze TC in seafood aquaculture water with satisfactory results.

Propagation dynamics of the controllable circular Airyprime beam in the Kerr medium.

In this paper, we study the propagation dynamics of the circular Airyprime beam (CAPB) in the Kerr medium for the first time. We investigate the effects of the astigmatism factor, the chirp factor, and vortices on the CAPB propagating in the Kerr medium. At the same time, we are also introducing a special-shaped Airyprime beam (SAPB) during its propagation. The transmission characteristics of the CAPB and the SAPB in the Kerr medium are compared under identical conditions. Our theoretical results provide additional possibilities for CAPB modulation in the Kerr medium, thereby promising wider applicability of CAPB in various research areas.

Highly efficient enhancement and extension of focusing ability for ring Pearcey beam by means of dual-region parabolic trajectory offset modulation.

It is a highly significant area of research to investigate how to effectively enhance the focusing ability of abruptly auto-focusing beams (AAFBs) while extending the focal length. We introduce a dual-region parabolic trajectory offset modulation to auto-focusing ring Pearcey beams (RPBs), presenting a novel, to the best of our knowlege, approach to extend the focal length while greatly enhancing their auto-focusing capabilities. Unlike directly introducing a linear chirp, which inevitably shortens the focal length to enhance the auto-focusing ability and allows only single focusing in the RPBs, our scheme can achieve a multi-focusing effect. Furthermore, we have experimentally generated such a beam, verifying our theoretical predictions. Our findings offer promising possibilities for generating optical bottles, trapping multiple particles periodically, and enhancing free-space optical communication capabilities.

Oral Bacteria: Friends and Foes?

The oral cavity is an ideal niche for microbial prosperity due to its stable temperature, suitable pH, and continuous nutrient supply [...].

Virtual sources for structured partially coherent light fields.

A virtual source (VS) is a hypothetical source instead of an actual physical entity, but provides a distinctive perspective to understand physical fields in a source-free area. In this work, we generalize the VS theory to structured partially coherent light fields (PCLFs) by establishing the partially coherent inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation, then demonstrate that PCLFs can be generated from the incoherent extended VS in imaginary space. Especially, we put forward an understanding of the Gaussian Schell-model beam, which consists of a group of partially coherent paraxial complex rays. The mutual coherence between these rays depends on the included angle between them. In previous studies, the analytical solution of the partially coherent Airy beam was obtained with difficulty by the Huygens-Fresnel integral; however, by applying the VS, we put forward, to our knowledge, an unprecedented analytical solution for a partially coherent Airy beam. We believe this example will qualify the VS as an important perspective to understand structured PCLFs.

Singular multi-wavelength and multi-waveband transparencies generated by P T-symmetric dumbbell optical waveguide networks.

In this paper, we investigate the singular multi-wavelength and multi-waveband transparencies generated by P T-symmetric dumbbell optical waveguide networks composed of two materials, and obtain the number regularity for the transparency wavelengths of one-unit-cell system and the general relationships for the transmission and reflection coefficients of multi-unit-cell systems. Consequently, three types of exact transparencies produced by multi-unit-cell systems are found based on the aforementioned formulas: (i)exact multi-wavelength unidirectional or bidirectional transparency as the same as those of one-unit-cell system; (ii)exact multi-wavelength bidirectional transparency at which one-unit-cell system cannot produce exact transparency, generated by adjusting the number of unit cells; (iii)exact multi-wavelength bidirectional transparency at which one-unit-cell system produces exact transparency, also generated by adjusting the number of unit cells. It provides theoretical foundations for developing highly sensitive and multi-wavelength optical filters. On the other hand, we also discover that multi-unit-cell systems can create approximate multi-waveband bidirectional transparencies by adjusting the number of unit cells, which provides scientific support for developing high-performance optical stealth devices.

Evolution and particle trapping dynamics of circular Pearcey-Airy Gaussian vortex beams in tightly focused systems.

This study investigates the propagation and evolution of self-focusing circular Pearcey-Airy Gaussian vortex beams (CPAGVB) through high numerical aperture objective lenses. CPAGVB demonstrates a unique light field distribution compared to the circular Pearcey vortex beam and circular Airy Gaussian vortex beam. By adjusting optical distribution factors, main radii, and off-axis vortex pair positions, a variety of light field structures can be generated, including asymmetric micro-optical bottles, quasi-flat-top beam micro-optical bottles, and dual optical bottles. The particle trapping performance of CPAGVB is examined, revealing a gradient force eight orders of magnitude larger than its scattering force, up to twice the peak gradient force, and 2.5 times the scattering force of CAGVB. Further analysis of lateral power flow density, spin density vector, and total angular momentum distribution at the focal plane unveils the dynamics of particle motion toward the center. The Gouy phase difference under varying main radii reveals two types of normalized spin density vectors, characterized by helical and oscillating distributions. Additionally, the study examines the two-dimensional polarization ellipse distribution at the focal plane, elucidating the formation of central polarization singularities with axial vortices and the impact of peripheral polarization rearrangement on phase singularities. This research advances the comprehension of CPAGVB's distinctive properties and potential applications in micro-optical systems and particle manipulation.

Oxygen Availability on the Application of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy against Multi-Species Biofilms.

Methylene blue (MB)- or Curcumin (Cur)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used as an adjunctive treatment for periodontitis. Its actual clinical efficacy is still in question because the lack of oxygen in a deep periodontal pocket might reduce the PDT efficacy. We aim to investigate the effect of oxygen on PDT efficacy and to examine if the addition of hydrogen peroxide (HP) could improve PDT performance anaerobically. To this end, we cultured 48 h saliva-derived multi-species biofilms and treated the biofilms with 25 µM MB or 40 µM Cur, HP (0.001%, 0.01% and 0.1%), light (L-450 nm or L-660 nm), or combinations thereof under ambient air or strictly anaerobic conditions. MB- and Cur-PDTs significantly reduced biofilm viability in air but not under anaerobic conditions. HP at 0.1% significantly enhanced the killing efficacies of both MB- and Cur-PDTs anaerobically. The killing efficacy of Cur-PDT combined with 0.1% HP was higher anaerobically than in air. However, this was not the case for MB-PDT combined with 0.1% HP. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the biofilm killing efficacies of MB- and Cur-PDTs diminished when there was no oxygen. HP at 0.1% can enhance the efficacy of PDT performed anaerobically, but the level of enhancement is photosensitizer-dependent.

Effects of meiotic stage-specific oocyte vitrification on mouse oocyte quality and developmental competence.

Introduction: Acquisition of germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes for fertility preservation (FP) offers several benefits over in vivo matured oocyte cryopreservation following ovarian stimulation, particularly for cancer patients necessitating immediate treatment. Two FP approaches for GV oocytes are available: vitrification before in vitro maturation (IVM) at the GV stage (GV-VI) or post-IVM at the metaphase II (MII) stage (MII-VI). The optimal method remains to be determined. Methods: In this study, mouse oocytes were collected without hormonal stimulation and vitrified either at the GV stage or the MII stage following IVM; non-vitrified in vitro matured MII oocytes served as the control (CON). The oocyte quality and developmental competence were assessed to obtain a better method for immediate FP. Results: No significant differences in IVM and survival rates were observed among the three groups. Nevertheless, GV-VI oocytes exhibited inferior quality, including abnormal spindle arrangement, mitochondrial dysfunction, and early apoptosis, compared to MII-VI and CON oocytes. Oocyte vitrification at the GV stage impacted maternal mRNA degradation during IVM. In addition, the GV-VI group demonstrated significantly lower embryonic developmental competence relative to the MII-VI group. RNA sequencing of 2-cell stage embryos revealed abnormal minor zygotic genome activation in the GV-VI group. Conclusion: Vitrification at the GV stage compromised oocyte quality and reduced developmental competence. Consequently, compared to the GV stage, oocyte vitrification at the MII stage after IVM is more suitable for patients who require immediate FP.

Particle manipulation with twisted circle Pearcey vortex beams.

In this Letter, we present an approach for particle manipulation utilizing twisted circle Pearcey vortex beams. These beams are modulated by a noncanonical spiral phase, which allows for flexible adjustment of rotation characteristics and spiral patterns. Consequently, particles can be rotated around the beam's axis and trapped with a protective barrier to avoid perturbation. Our proposed system can quickly de-gather and re-gather multiple particles, enabling a swift and thorough cleaning of small areas. This innovation opens up new possibilities in particle cleaning and creates a new platform for further study.

Autofocus properties of astigmatic chirped symmetric Pearcey Gaussian vortex beams in the fractional Schrödinger equation with parabolic potential.

Described by the fractional Schrödinger equation (FSE) with the parabolic potential, the periodic evolution of the astigmatic chirped symmetric Pearcey Gaussian vortex beams (SPGVBs) is exhibited numerically and some interesting behaviors are found. The beams show stable oscillation and autofocus effect periodically during the propagation for a larger Lévy index (0 < α ≤ 2). With the augment of the α, the focal intensity is enhanced and the focal length becomes shorter when 0 < α ≤ 1. However, for a larger α, the autofocusing effect gets weaker, and the focal length monotonously reduces, when 1 < α ≤ 2. Moreover, the symmetry of the intensity distribution, the shape of the light spot and the focal length of the beams can be controlled by the second-order chirped factor, the potential depth, as well as the order of the topological charge. Finally, the Poynting vector and the angular momentum of the beams prove the autofocusing and diffraction behaviors. These unique properties open more opportunities of developing applications to optical switch and optical manipulation.

Oral host-microbe interactions investigated in 3D organotypic models.

The oral cavity is inhabited by abundant microbes which continuously interact with the host and influence the host's health. Such host-microbe interactions (HMI) are dynamic and complex processes involving e.g. oral tissues, microbial communities and saliva. Due to difficulties in mimicking the in vivo complexity, it is still unclear how exactly HMI influence the transition between healthy status and disease conditions in the oral cavity. As an advanced approach, three-dimensional (3D) organotypic oral tissues (epithelium and mucosa/gingiva) are being increasingly used to study underlying mechanisms. These in vitro models were designed with different complexity depending on the research questions to be answered. In this review, we summarised the existing 3D oral HMI models, comparing designs and readouts, discussing applications as well as future perspectives.