Weighted gene co-expression network analysis reveals genes related to growth performance in Hu sheep.

Hu sheep are a unique breed in our country with great reproductive potential, the extent of whose breeding has been steadily rising in recent years. The study subjects in this experiment were 8-month-old Hu sheep (n = 112). First of all, the growth performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of their eye muscle quality were assessed, meanwhile their live weight, carcass weight, body length, body height, chest circumference, chest depth and tube circumference were respectively 33.81 ± 5.47 kg, 17.43 ± 3.21 kg, 60.36 ± 4.41 cm, 63.25 ± 3.88 cm, 72.03 ± 5.02 cm, 30.70 ± 2.32 cm and 7.36 ± 0.56 cm, with a significant difference between rams and ewes (P < 0.01). Following that, transcriptome sequencing was done, and candidate genes related to growth performance were identified using the weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach, which was used to identified 15 modules, with the turquoise and blue modules having the strongest association with growth and slaughter performance, respectively. We discovered hub genes such as ARHGAP31, EPS8, AKT3, EPN1, PACS2, KIF1C, C12H1orf115, FSTL1, PTGFRN and IFIH1 in the gene modules connected with growth and slaughter performance. Our research identifies the hub genes associated with the growth and slaughter performance of Hu sheep, which play an important role in their muscle growth, organ and cartilage development, blood vessel development and energy metabolic pathways. Our findings might lead to the development of potentially-useful biomarkers for the selection of growth and slaughterer performance-related attributes of sheep and other livestock.

Evaluation of two treatment concepts of four implants supporting fixed prosthesis in an atrophic maxilla: finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Currently, oblique placement of long implants or the use of short implants to circumvent the maxillary sinus area and provide support for fixed prostheses are viable alternatives. The purpose of this study was to compare these two treatment concepts and ascertain which one exhibits superior biomechanical characteristics. METHODS: Two different treatment concept models were constructed. The first one, LT4I, consisting of two mesial vertical implants positioned in lateral incisor regions and two distal tilted implants (45°) situated in second premolar regions of the maxilla. The second model, VS4I, includes two mesial vertical implants in lateral incisor regions and two vertically positioned short implants in second premolar regions. Numerical simulations were conducted under three loading types: firstly, oblique forces upon the molars; secondly, vertical forces upon the molars; thirdly, oblique forces upon the incisors. The maximum principal stress (σmax) and minimum principal stress (σmin) of the bone, as well as von Mises stress of the implants, were calcuated. RESULTS: Under oblique loading on the molar, higher stress values in the bone were observed in LT4I group. Under vertical loading on molar, higher stress values in the bone were also observed in LT4I group. Furthermore, little difference was found between the two groups under oblique loading on the incisor. CONCLUSION: Both treatment concepts can be applicable for edentulous individuals with moderate atrophic maxilla. Compared to tilted implants, short implants can transmit less occlusal force to the supporting tissues.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China.

Objective: The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing. Methods: A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs. Conclusion: These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.

Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Iron-Cobalt Alloys as High-Performance Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Exploring non-precious metal-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) as a substitute for precious metal catalysts has attracted great attention in recent times. In this paper, we report a general methodology for preparing nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO)-supported, FeCo alloy (FeCo@N-rGO)-based catalysts for ORR. The structure of the FeCo@N-rGO based catalysts is investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transition electron microscopy, etc. Results show that the FeCo alloy is supported by the rGO and carbon that derives from the organic ligand of Fe and Co ions. The eletrocatalytic performance is examined by cyclic voltammetry, linear scanning voltammetry, Tafel, electrochemical spectroscopy impedance, rotate disc electrode, and rotate ring disc electrode, etc. Results show that FeCo@N-rGO based catalysts exhibit an onset potential of 0.98 V (vs. RHE) and a half-wave potential of 0.93 V (vs. RHE). The excellent catalytic performance of FeCo@N-rGO is ascribed to its large surface area and the synergistic effect between FeCo alloy and N-rGO, which provides a large number of active sites and a sufficient surface area.

Occupational stress and associated risk factors among 13,867 industrial workers in China.

Objective: Occupational stress is a critical global public health problem. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of occupational stress among the workers in the electricity, heat, gas, water production and supply (EHGWPS), manufacturing, and transportation industries in Beijing, China. We explored the demographic differences in occupational stress status among workers in industrial enterprises. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 13,867 workers. The self-administered New Brief Job Stress Questionnaire was used to evaluate high occupational stress status, which includes four sub-dimensions (job stressors, stress response, social support, job stressors & social support). Multiple regression and logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between high occupational stress and the four occupational stress sub-dimensions with risk factors. Results: A total of 13,867 workers were included. The prevalence of high occupational stress was 3.3% in the EHGWPS industries, 10.3% in manufacturing, and 5.8% in transportation. The prevalence of high occupational stress was higher than in the other two categories (p < 0.05) in manufacturing industries. Logistic regression analysis showed that male workers with lower educational status, more job experience, and working in manufacturing were vulnerable to high occupational stress. Further analysis of the four occupational stress sub-dimensions showed that male workers, older adult workers, workers with lower educational levels, and longer working time were associated with higher scores in job stressors, stress response, social support, and job stress & social support (all p < 0.05). Moreover, divorced or widowed workers had higher occupational stress scores. Conclusion: Male workers with lower educational levels and longer working time may have an increased risk of occupational stress.

A Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Multilayer MXene/Cellulose Nanofibril Composite Film for Patterned Electroluminescence Display.

The flexible self-powered display system integrating a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and flexible alternating current electroluminescence (ACEL) has attracted increasing attention for its promising potential in human-machine interaction applications. In this work, a performance-enhanced MXene/cellulose nanofibril (CNF)/MXene-based TENG (MCM-TENG) is reported for powering a flexible patterned ACEL device in order to realize self-powered display. The MCM multilayer composite film was self-assembled through the layer-by-layer method. The MCM film concurrently acted as a triboelectric layer and electrode layer due to its high conductivity and strength. Moreover, the effect of CNF concentration and number of layers on the output performance of TENG was investigated. It was found that the MCM-TENG realized the optimum output performance. Finally, a flexible self-powered display device was realized by integrating the flexible TENG and ACEL. The MCM-TENG with an output voltage of ≈90 V at a frequency of 2 Hz was found to be efficient enough to power the ACEL device. Therefore, the as-fabricated flexible TENG demonstrates a promising potential in terms of self-powered displays and human-machine interaction.

Mechanical Properties and In Vitro Biocompatibility of Hybrid Polymer-HA/BAG Ceramic Dental Materials.

The aim of this study is to prepare hybrid polymer-ceramic dental materials for chairside computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) applications. The hybrid polymer-ceramic materials were fabricated via infiltrating polymerizable monomer mixtures into sintered hydroxyapatite/bioactive glass (HA/BAG) ceramic blocks and thermo-curing. The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy and an energy-dispersive spectrometer. The phase structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The composition ratio was analyzed by a thermogravimetric analyzer. The hardness was measured by a Vickers hardness tester. The flexural strength, flexural modulus, and compressive strength were measured and calculated by a universal testing machine. The growth of human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that the sintering temperature and BAG content affected the mechanical properties of the hybrid polymer-ceramic materials. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that high-temperature sintering promoted the partial conversion of HA to ß-tricalcium phosphate. The values of the hardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and compressive strength of all the hybrid polymer-ceramic materials were 0.89-3.51 GPa, 57.61-118.05 MPa, 20.26-39.77 GPa, and 60.36-390.46 MPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of the hybrid polymer-ceramic materials were similar to natural teeth. As a trade-off between flexural strength and hardness, hybrid polymer-ceramic material with 20 wt.% BAG sintered at 1000 °C was the best material. In vitro experiments confirmed the biocompatibility of the hybrid polymer-ceramic material. Therefore, the hybrid polymer-ceramic material is expected to become a new type of dental restoration material.

[Effect of occupational hazard factor type of acetylenogen dust on occupational health risk assessment results].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the differences of health hazards between acetylenogen dust as two different occupational hazards of "particles not otherwise regulated" and "calcium carbide". METHODS: A calcium carbide production enterprise in northwest China was selected. The occupational health survey was used to obtain the spatial distribution and population distribution of calcium carbide dust. Occupational health testing was performed to determine the time-weighted average exposure concentration(C_(TWA)) and excursion limits of calcium carbide dust in the workplace and the main exposure positions. The Singapore semi-quantitative risk matrix was used for occupational risk assessment. The "Classification of Occupational Disease Hazards in the Workplace Part 1: Productive Dust"(GBZ/T 229.1-2010) was used for the operation classification. The calcium carbide dust was regarded as two different occupational hazards: "particles not otherwise regulated" and "calcium carbide", the differences of health hazards between which were compared. PC-TWA of calcium carbide was performed at 2.28 mg/m~3. The heat amount of CaC_2 and CaO released after reacting with water was compared by using Hess' s law, and the reaction rates of the two reactions are compared. RESULTS: The concentrations of calcium carbide dust in the workplace of belt inspection position and the calcium carbide crusher was higher(14.3-15.7 mg/m~3), and the concentrations of the driver in the calcium carbide loader was higher(13.8 mg/m~3). The result of the risk assessment show that the health risks of calcium carbide dust in various positions are basically low risk. Only when the type of damage was "calcium carbide", the risk of the driver of calcium carbide loader increase to medium. The operation classification result show that the hazard classification of calcium carbide dust in each post is basically relatively harmless. Only the type of damage was "calcium carbide", the classification of the driver of the calcium carbide crusher loader increased to moderately hazardous operations. As for the "calcium carbide", the operation classification index of calcium carbide were higher than that of "particles not otherwise regulated". CaC_2 reacting with water released more heat than that of equal amount CaO. CONCLUSION: In the current production process of calcium carbide dust, except for the crushing section, its occupational health risk was low, but the health risk level of calcium carbide as "calcium carbide" was higher, indicating that the evaluation of calcium carbide dust as "particles not otherwise regulated" may underestimate its occupational hazard.

Development and In vitro and In vivo Evaluations of a Microemulsion Formulation for the Oral Delivery of Oxaprozin.

BACKGROUND: Oxaprozin is labeled as a Class II drug in the biopharmaceutical classification system, and its poor solubility in the entire gastrointestinal tract may be the main reason for its insufficient oral absorption capacity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop an oxaprozin formulation to enhance its oral absorption. METHODS: Oxaprozin-loaded microemulsions were prepared using the titration method and pseudoternary phase diagram. Characterization experiments were performed on microemulsion preparations, including pH, particle size, shape, zeta potential, and stability (thermodynamic, dilution, and differential scanning calorimetry). Then, the in vitro release of the microemulsion and in vivo pharmacokinetics in rats were evaluated. RESULTS: Several microemulsion formulations were prepared. The optimal formulation was 15% oleoyl macrogolglycerides, 35% Tween 20/isopropanol (Km=2), and 50% distilled water. Its particle size met the requirements, and it had a spherical shape with a negatively charged surface. This microemulsion-loaded drug was applied to in vitro release and in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments at 7.47 mg/mL. In vitro release of the oxaprozin-loaded microemulsion best fit the firstorder model, while the microemulsion preparation had a certain sustained-release effect. In vivo pharmacokinetic experiments indicated that the microemulsion formulation significantly delayed the peak time of the blood concentration and simultaneously prolonged the half-life of drug elimination. CONCLUSION: The obtained data revealed satisfactory results for this novel microemulsion of oxaprozin, which is very meaningful for clinical trials.

N-Acetyl-l-Leucine-Polyethyleneimine-Mediated Delivery of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides 2006 Inhibits RAW264.7 Cell Osteoclastogenesis.

INTRODUCTION: CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) play important roles in resisting inflammation and bone resorption. However, the inherent instability and rapid degradation hinder their wider application. This study aimed to evaluate whether N-acetyl-L-leucine-modified polyethyleneimine (N-Ac-L-Leu-PEI) could effectively deliver CpG ODN 2006 to RAW264.7 cells and and if it can regulate osteoclastogenesis in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gel retardation assay was conducted to evaluate whether N- Ac-L-Leu-PEI and CpG ODN could form a stable complex. RAW264.7 cells were divided into four groups of control group, ODN group, phosphorothioate ODN group and N-Ac-L-Leu-PEI/ODN group. Fluorescence assay was conducted to evaluate the transfection rate of ODNs in different groups. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by live-dead cell staining and flow cytometry assay. Relative expression levels of osteoclastic differentiation factors, including Nfatc, c-fos, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: N-Ac-L-Leu-PEI and CpG ODN could form a stable complex at a mass ratio of 1:1 (w:w). MTT assay showed that the cell viability of N-Ac-L-Leu-PEI was relatively high even at a mass ratio of 8 µg/mL. The transfection rate of N-Ac-L-Leu-PEI-ODN complex was higher than 90%. The cell proliferation and apoptosis was significantly enhanced in N-Ac-L-Leu-PEI- CpG ODN group when compared to those in phosphorothioate CpG ODN. The expression levels of Nfatc, c-fos, RANK, and MMP9 were significantly decreased in N-Ac-L-Leu-PEI/ODN complex group. DISCUSSION: N-Ac-L-Leu-PEI could be a potential gene vehicle for the prevention of periodontitis-mediated bone resorption.

Hierarchical Cu(OH)2@MnO2 core-shell nanorods array in situ generated on three-dimensional copper foam for high-performance supercapacitors.

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) with high theoretical capacity (1380 F g-1), high natural abundance and low cost has been considered as one of the most competitive active materials for preparing the electrode of supercapacitors. However, the poor electrical conductivity limits its broad applications. To solve this problem, we design a hierarchical Cu(OH)2@MnO2 core-shell nanorods array on copper foam (CF), in which the one-dimensional (1D) Cu(OH)2 nanorod core provides the scaffold for the growth of MnO2 nanosheets and a short ion and electronic diffusion pathway and the two-dimensional (2D) MnO2 nanosheets shell provides enormous active sites due to their large surface area. The obtained Cu(OH)2@MnO2/CF nanorods array displays an excellent areal capacitance of 708.62 mF cm-2 at the current density of 2 mA cm-2 (283.45 F g-1 at 0.8 A g-1). Additionally, the assembled Cu(OH)2@MnO2/CF//activated carbon (AC) asymmetric supercapacitor shows an outstanding energy density of 18.36 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 750 W kg-1. Two such capacitors connected in series can light up a red LED bulb for over fifteen minutes.

MicroRNA­20a negatively regulates the growth and osteoclastogenesis of THP­1 cells by downregulating PPARγ.

The present study aimed to explore the mechanisms through which microRNA (miR)­20a may be involved in the differentiation of THP­1 human acute monocytic leukemia cells into osteoclasts. THP­1 cells were differentiated into macrophages (osteoclast precursors) and subsequently into osteoclast cells. The expression levels of miR­20a in THP­1 cells were significantly reduced in a time­dependent manner during phorbol­12­myristate­13­acetate (PMA), macrophage colony­stimulating factor (M­CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor­κB ligand RANKL­induced osteoclastogenesis. Following transfection with a miR­20a mimics, the levels of miR­20a in PMA­treated THP­1 cells increased more than 40­fold as compared with expression in the control cells. In addition, the overexpression of miR­20a inhibited proliferation, initiated S phase cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis of PMA­treated THP­1 cells. Additionally, miR­20a mimics treatment notably decreased the levels of tartrate­resistant acid phosphatase, nuclear factor of activated T­cells, cytoplasmic 1 and peroxisome proliferator­activated receptor γ (PPARγ) during THP­1 cell further differentiation progress. In summary, miR­20a may negatively regulate the proliferation and osteoclastogenesis of THP­1 cells during its osteoclast differentiation progress by downregulating PPARγ.

The impact of door-to-electrocardiogram time on door-to-balloon time after achieving the guideline-recommended target rate.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the components and contributing factors of door-to-balloon time after implementation of Door-to-Balloon Alliance quality-improving (QI) strategies, including the impact of door-to-ECG time on door-to-balloon time. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether modification of emergency department (ED) triage processes could improve door-to-ECG and door-to-balloon times after implementation of QI strategies. METHODS: This was a retrospective before-and-after study of a prospectively collected database. From June 2014 to October 2014, interventions were implemented in our ED, including a protocol-driven ECG initiation and moving an ECG station and technician to the triage area. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who received ECG within 10 min of arrival; the secondary outcome was the percentage of patients with door-to-balloon times of <90 min from arrival. Patients from the year pre- and post-QI initiative were defined as the control and intervention groups, respectively. RESULTS: Enrollment comprised 214 patients with STEMI: 109 before the intervention and 105 after the intervention. We analyzed the components of the door-to-balloon process and found the door-to-ECG process was the most critical interval of delay (20.8%). Unrecognized symptoms were the most common cause of delay in the door-to-ECG process resulting in a significant impact on the door-to-balloon time. The intervention group had a higher percentage of patients with door-to-ECG times <10 min than did the control group (93.3% vs. 79.8%, p = 0.005), with a corresponding improvement in door-to-balloon times <90 min (91.1% vs. 76.2%, p = 0.007). In subgroup analysis, the intervention benefits occurred only in non-transferred or walk-in patients. After adjustment for possible co-variates, the QI interventions remained a significant contributing factor for achieving the door-to-ECG and door-to-balloon targets. CONCLUSIONS: The modification of ED triage processes through implementation of QI strategies are effective in achieving better door-to-ECG times and thus, achieving door-to-balloon times <90 min. In patients presenting with ambiguous symptoms, improved door-to ECG target achievement rates, through a protocol-driven and multidisciplinary approach allows for earlier identification of STEMI.

The Dynamic Distribution of Small-Tail Han Sheep Microbiota across Different Intestinal Segments.

The sheep intestinal tract is characterized by a diverse microbial ecosystem that is vital for the host to digest diet material. The importance of gut microbiota (GM) of animals has also been widely acknowledged because of its pivotal roles in the health and well-being of animals. However, there are no relevant studies on GM of small-tail Han sheep, a superior mutton variety domestic in China. In this study, the structure and distribution of gut microflora were studied by high-throughput sequencing technology. Results showed a significant difference between jejunum and cecum, jejunum, and rectum. Meanwhile, the cecum and rectum not only display higher species richness but also exhibit higher similarity of the bacterial diversity than that of the jejunum based on the results of abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE), Chao1, and Shannon indexes. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the predominant phyla in cecum and rectum, while higher relative abundances of Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria were observed in jejunum. At the genus level, Bacteroidetes, Ruminococcus, Lactobacillus, Flavonifractor, and Clostridium were the dominant genera in the cecum and rectum. An obvious dynamic distribution of Lactobacillus is continuously decreasing from the jejunum to the cecum, then to the rectum, whereas the result of Bacteroides is completely inverse. In addition, this study also found many kinds of bacteria associated with the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) colonized in the large intestine. This study is the first to investigate the distribution of intestinal flora in small-tail Han sheep. The findings provide an important indication for diagnosis and treatment of intestinal diseases in small-tail Han sheep, as well as offer a direction for the development of intestinal microecological preparations.

Screening host proteins required for bacterial adherence after H9N2 virus infection.

H9N2 subtype low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) is distributed worldwide and causes great economic losses in the poultry industry, especially when complicated with other bacterial infections. Tissue damages caused by virus infection provide an opportunity for bacteria invasion, but this mechanism is not sufficient for low pathogenic strains. Moreover, although H9N2 virus infection was demonstrated to promote bacterial infection in several studies, its mechanism remained unclear. In this study, infection experiments in vivo and in vitro demonstrated that the adhesion of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to host cells significantly increased after H9N2 virus infection, and this increase was not caused by pathological damages. Subsequently, we constructed a late chicken embryo infection model and used proteomics techniques to analyze the expression of proteins associated with bacterial adhesion after H9N2 virus infection. A total of 279 significantly differential expressed proteins were detected through isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) analysis. The results of Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were enriched in host innate immunity; cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis; and pathogenicity-related signaling pathways. Finally, we screened out several proteins, such as TGF-ß1, integrins, cortactin, E-cadherin, vinculin, and fibromodulin, which were probably associated with bacterial adhesion. The study analyzed the mechanism of secondary bacterial infection induced by H9N2 virus infection from a novel perspective, which provided theoretical and data support for investigating the synergistic infection mechanism between the H9N2 virus and bacteria.

Fused IgY Fc and Polysaccharide Adjuvant Enhanced the Immune Effect of the Recombinant VP2 and VP5 Subunits-A Prospect for Improvement of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Subunit Vaccine.

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a highly contagious pathogen that causes damage in lymphoid organs and remains a threat to the poultry industry worldwide. Currently, subunit vaccines based on VP2 antigen expressed in prokaryotic systems are widely used in clinical settings. However, the immunogenicity of VP2 vaccines is limited because of their inherent defect that the structure of the antigen expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) may be different from its natural conformation. In this study, we fused VP2 and VP5 protective antigen genes and linked the chicken IgY Fc gene onto it. The eukaryotic expression plasmid carrying the fusion gene was transformed into Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) to express the recombinant VP2-VP5-Fc protein. The recombinant protein was used as immunogen for evaluating immune response, and the recombinant VP2-Fc and VP2 proteins expressed in P. pastoris and the commercial VP2 subunit vaccines were used as controls. Moreover, Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharide (TPPPS), an immunomodulator found by our laboratory, was used as adjuvant to investigate its immune modulatory effects on immunogens. Chickens were divided into six groups and inoculated with VP2-VP5-Fc+TPPPS, VP2-VP5-Fc, VP2-Fc, VP2 vaccine, commercial VP2 subunit vaccine, and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The recombinant VP2 subunit vaccine expressed in P. pastoris exhibited higher immunogenicity than the commercial VP2 subunit vaccine. The VP2-Fc protein showed a better effect than the VP2 protein, and the VP2-VP5-Fc subunit further improved the immune effects. In addition, TPPPS was proved to be a good immunopotentiator for the VP2-VP5-Fc subunit vaccine. Hence, the recombinant VP2-VP5-Fc subunit combined with TPPPS adjuvant exhibits potential as efficient IBDV vaccine to prevent infectious bursal disease.

Mechanical properties of polymer-infiltrated-ceramic (sodium aluminum silicate) composites for dental restoration.

OBJECTIVE: To fabricate indirect restorative composites for CAD/CAM applications and evaluate the mechanical properties. METHODS: Polymer-infiltrated-ceramic composites were prepared through infiltrating polymer into partially sintered sodium aluminum silicate ceramic blocks and curing. The corresponding samples were fabricated according to standard ISO-4049 using for mechanical properties measurement. The flexural strength and fracture toughness were measured using a mechanical property testing machine. The Vickers hardness and elastic modulus were calculated from the results of nano-indentation. The microstructures were investigated using secondary electron detector. The density of the porous ceramic blocks was obtained through TG-DTA. The conversion degrees were calculated from the results of mid-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: The obtained polymer infiltrated composites have a maximum flexural strength value of 214±6.5MPa, Vickers hardness of 1.76-2.30GPa, elastic modulus of 22.63-27.31GPa, fracture toughness of 1.76-2.35MPam1/2 and brittleness index of 0.75-1.32µm-1/2. These results were compared with those of commercial CAD/CAM blocks. Our results suggest that these materials with good mechanical properties are comparable to two commercial CAD/CAM blocks. CONCLUSION: The sintering temperature could dramatically influence the mechanical properties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Restorative composites with superior mechanical properties were produced. These materials mimic the properties of natural dentin and could be a promising candidate for CAD/CAM applications.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the aggravation of periodontitis by diabetes.

AIM: To elucidate whether mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to aggravated periodontitis in diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control, periodontitis, diabetes, and diabetic periodontitis. Two weeks after induction of diabetes, periodontitis was induced by silk ligation for 2 weeks and thereafter evaluated by assessing alveolar bone loss and apoptosis of periodontium cells. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was detected by MitoSOX staining. Mitochondrial function was determined by measuring ATP production, and by assessing mitochondrial DNA copy number, activities of electron transport chain complexes, and biogenesis with real-time PCR. RESULTS: Significantly severer bone loss, enhanced periodontium cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial oxidative stress were found in the rats with diabetic periodontitis than the others. Furthermore, diabetic rats with periodontitis presented severer mitochondrial dysfunction than lean rats with periodontitis, as reflected by compromised ATP production, decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number, reduced gene expression of electron transport chain complex I subunits, and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis further indicated a close correlation between these mitochondrial events and bone loss in diabetic periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial dysfunction was positive correlated to aggravated periodontitis in diabetes and might represent a therapeutic target for diabetic periodontitis.

The Effects of Spark-Plasma Sintering (SPS) on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of BaTiO3/3Y-TZP Composites.

Composite ceramics BaTiO3/3Y-TZP containing 0 mol %, 3 mol %, 5 mol %, 7 mol %, and 10 mol % BaTiO3 have been prepared by conventional sintering and spark-plasma sintering (SPS), respectively. Analysis of the XRD patterns and Raman spectra reveal that the phase composition of t-ZrO2, m-ZrO2, and BaTiO3 has been obtained. Our results indicate that SPS can be effective for the decrease in grain size and porosity compared with conventional sintering, which results in a lower concentration of m-ZrO2 and residual stress. Therefore, the fracture toughness is enhanced by the BaTiO3 phase through the SPS technique, while the behavior was impaired by the piezoelectric second phase through conventional sintering.