[Regulation of oral microbiota homeostasis and oral diseases].

Oral microbiome consists of diverse bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoan populations, with whose stability, functionality, and assembly process are regulated by complex interactions between the host and microbes. High-throughput sequencing technology provides insights into the classification structure, genomic composition, function, and dynamical changes of oral microbiome under healthy and morbid conditions. This review aims to outline the establishment and homeostasis maintenance of regulating oral microbiome, as well as the common oral disease-related microbial imbalance, influencing factors and emerging methods. With perspectives from microbiology, immunology, and multi-omics, we can delve into the complex molecular dialogue between the human body and microbes. Deep understandings of the assembly principles, intercellular signals, stress adaptability, and triggering factors of microbial imbalance are crucial for developing new diagnostic technologies, treatment plans, and custom probiotics. These methods can precisely target and minimize disruption to the oral microbiome. Regulating oral microbiome by using methods such as small molecules, diet, prebiotics, probiotics, phages offers new opportunities to enhance oral and overall health.

[Frontiers and advances in dental caries research].

Dental caries is a prevalent infectious disease caused by microbial metabolism, affecting the hard tissues of teeth. According to data from the Fourth National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey, there is a gradual increase in caries prevalence in China, particularly among children and elderly individuals. As an etiological factor for dental lesions, caries not only impact oral health but also exhibit significant associations with various systemic diseases, suggesting that systemic diseases may serve as potential risk factors of caries development. To effectively implement the plan of national oral health action, researchers investigate the pathogenesis of caries actively while concurrently develop innovative preventive and treatment strategies based on advanced concepts and technologies, aiming to comprehensively enhance China's oral health status. Therefore, this article provides insights into the pathogenesis of caries, its correlation with systemic diseases, as well as cutting-edge research advancements pertaining to novel preventive measures for caries.

[Cariology and Endodontology in China forges ahead together with Chinese Journal of Stomatology].

The articles related to Cariology and Endodontology published in Chinese Journal of Stomatology from August 1953 to July 2023 were summarized. Total 1 247 articles accounting for 12.5% of the journal's publications were involved, which reflected the progress of Cariology and Endodontology in China. The publications of five pioneers and nine chairmen of Chinese Stomatological Association Society of Cariology and Endodontology were also recorded. Whether in clinical diagnosis and treatment or cutting-edge scientific research of Cariology and Endodontology, China is catching up with or has exceeded the international professions. Over the past 70 years, China has made outstanding achievements in dental caries and endodontics. Regards to occlusal diseases, dental developmental diseases, pulp biology, pulp and periradicular diseases, and operative dentistry, a significant progress also has been made. While the articles published in the Chinese Journal of Stomatology represent only a portion of the approaches within Cariology and Endodontology, they nonetheless provide valuable insights into the development of these fields in China.

[Effect of a novel pH-responsive tertiary amine monomer dodecylmethylaminoethyl methacrylate modified resin adhesive on biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei in vitro].

Objective: To explore the application prospect of a new pH-responsive tertiary amine monomer dodecylmethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEM) modified resin adhesive (DMAEM@RA) in the prevention and treatment of secondary caries. Methods: Five percents DMAEM was added to the resin adhesive to synthesize DMAEM@RA for modifying. Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and Lactobacillus casei (Lc) biofilms were cultured on resin adhesive and DMAEM@RA, respectively. The culture systems were set up at pH=7.4, 6.0, 5.5, and 5.0. The antimicrobial activity of DMAEM@RA was evaluated by quantitative PCR. The effects of DMAEM@RA on biofilm thickness, bacterial amount, and extracellular polysaccharides were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and extracellular polysaccharide staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to study the effect of DMAEM@RA on the expression levels of cariogenic genes in Sm. Results: DMAEM@RA could significantly reduce the amount of Sm and Lc under acidic conditions, especially Lc. At pH=5.0, the logarithm value of co-cultured Sm bacteria [lg (CFU/ml)] in DMAEM@RA group (7.58±0.01) was significantly lower than that in control group (7.87±0.03) (t=14.32, P<0.001), and the logarithm value of Lc bacteria [lg (CFU/ml)] (7.29±0.04) was also significantly lower than that in control group (7.93±0.15) (t=6.93, P=0.002). SEM observed that the bacteria decreased and the cell fragments appeared in DMAEM@RA group. In addition, DMAEM@RA significantly reduced the biomass of extracellular polysaccharides in the dual-species biofilm under acidic conditions. At pH=5.0, the biomass of extracellular polysaccharides in DMAEM@RA group [(25.13±3.14) mm3/mm2] was significantly lower than that in the control group [(42.66±7.46) mm3/mm2] (t=3.75, P=0.020). DMAEM@RA could significantly up-regulate the expressions of gtfB and gtfC genes in Sm under acidic conditions. At pH=5.0, gtfB and gtfC genes were significantly up-regulated by (14.64± 0.44) times and (2.99±0.20) times, respectively (t=-42.74, P<0.001; t=-13.55, P<0.001). Conclusions: The DMAEM@RA has a good antibacterial effect under acidic conditions, demonstrating that it has a good potential to prevent the occurrence and development of secondary caries.

[Standardized nomenclature of oral microorganisms in Chinese: the 2023 update].

Oral microbial community, as an important part of human microbial community, is closely related to oral and general health. Oral microbiological research has become the forefront of international microbiological research. Standardized and unified nomenclature for oral microorganisms in Chinese is of great significance to support the development of oral medicine research. Standardized translation of microbial names is the basis for writing canonical and authoritative professional textbooks and reference books, which helps students to accurately acquire the characteristics and classifications of oral microbes. Unified translation of oral microorganisms is also conducive to academic communication and cooperation, and plays an important role in oral health education and science popularization, which enables oral microbiology knowledge to be accurately disseminated to the public. Therefore, in order to standardize the words in scientific research, funding application, publications, academic exchanges and science popularization within the field of oral medicine, we have fully discussed and revised the Chinese names of oral microorganisms in 2017 edition and ones of newly discovered oral microbes, finally reaching a consensus to form the 2023 edition of Chinese names of oral microorganisms.

[Proposal and thoughts on establishing and improving multi-level dental insurance in China].

Oral diseases are highly prevalent in China, while oral health services are generally underutilized and public health resources are wasted. Lacking oral insurance may be one of the leading causes. The basic medical insurance of China does not cover dental care in most cities, which is worthy to further discuss. To better understand the experience of dental insurance from international dental care practice, the dental coverage scope, content, co-pay ratio, and effects of oral insurance on oral health improvement from the abroad countries with typical health insurance systems were summarized by using scoping review. Then, we discussed the coverage scope for dental health of basic medical insurance and private insurance in China. We also analyzed the current issues of dental care coverage and cost-share. At last, we proposed thoughts and suggestions to establish and improve a multi-level oral health insurance system with Chinese characteristics under the basic medical insurance frame. In particular, we gave suggestions on increasing the coverage for high dental care xpenditure by ebasic medical insurance, supplying children and teenagers with preventive dental care, and encouraging private insurance companies to cover dental care expenditure.

[Epigenetic regulation mechanism: roles in enamel formation and developmental defects of enamel].

Enamel formation is a series of complex physiological processes, which are regulated by critical genes spatially and temporally. These processes involve multiple developmental stages covering ages and are prone to suffer signal interference or gene mutations, ultimately leading to developmental defects of enamel (DDE). Epigenetic modifications have important regulatory roles in gene expression during enarnel development. New technologies including high-throughput sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), and DNA methylation chip are emerging in recent years, making it possible to establish genome-wide epigenetic modification profiles during developmental processes. The regulatory role of epigenetic modification with spatio-temporal pattern, such as DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, has significantly expanded our understanding of the regulatory network of enamel formation, providing a new theoretical basis of clinical management and intervention strategy for DDE. The present review briefly describes the enamel formation process of human beings' teeth as well as rodent incisors and summarizes the dynamic characteristics of epigenetic modification during enamel formation. The functions of epigenetic modification in enamel formation and DDE are also emphatically discussed.

Treponema denticola Promotes OSCC Development via the TGF-ß Signaling Pathway.

Numerous studies have demonstrated an association between periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and periodontal pathogens such as Treponema denticola are implicated in the pathogenesis of OSCC. Previous studies have mainly focused on T. denticola surface proteins-for example, chymotrypsin-like proteinase, which was detected in the majority of orodigestive tumor tissues.T. denticola may influence the development of OSCC. Nevertheless, the potential direct regulatory mechanism of T. denticola in OSCC is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the direct effect of T. denticola on OSCC cell proliferation and elucidate potential mechanisms of T. denticola in contributing to cell proliferation. A series of in vitro experiments (e.g., CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry) were performed to explore the effect of T. denticola on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Mice experiments were performed to explore the effect of T. denticola on tumor growth. Whole mRNA transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to explore the intracellular signaling pathway. Our study found that T. denticola could invade Cal-27 cells and directly promote cell proliferation, regulate the cell cycle, and inhibit apoptosis. T. denticola could also promote the growth of OSCC tumors in mice, and it upregulated Ki67 expression. Regarding the mechanism, T. denticola could promote the development of OSCC by activating the TGF-ß pathway. In conclusion, T. denticola could promote OSCC cell proliferation directly, and the mechanism was associated with intracellular TGF-ß pathway activation.

[Effect of straight-line minimally invasive access cavity on the mechanical properties of maxillary first premolars: a finite element analysis].

Objective: To investigate the effects of straight-line minimally invasive access cavity on the mechanical properties of endodontically treated maxillary first premolars using finite element analysis. Methods: Micro-CT data of twenty maxillary first premolars were collected for three-dimensional reconstruction. Three access cavities, including the conventional access cavity (ConvAC), the truss access cavity (TrussAC) and the straight-line minimally invasive access cavity (SMIAC), as well as the root canal treatment procedure, were simulated in all the 20 reconstruction samples of three-dimensional models, respectively. The peak von Mises stress on the cervical area of each model, as well as the stress distribution under vertical and oblique loading circumstances, were subsequently determined by using finite element analysis. Results: In comparison to the stresses of ConvAC [buccal cervical (BC): (188.7±13.4) MPa, palatal cervical (PC): (200.9±25.7) MPa], the stresses of TrussAC [BC: (146.0±12.9) MPa, PC: (167.6±15.9) MPa] (t=9.01, P<0.001; t=4.59, P<0.001) and SMIAC [BC: (142.6±13.7) MPa, PC: (168.1±17.4) MPa] (t=9.64, P<0.001; t=3.76, P=0.004) significantly reduced the peak von Mises stress on the cervical area of the maxillary first premolars after root canal treatment. Under vertical loading conditions, SMIAC also reduced the central tendency of stresses on the occlusal surface, cervical area and root. In the case of oblique loading conditions, similar results were observed. Under both loading conditions, there was no significant difference in the peak von Mises stress on the cervical area of the maxillary first premolar between TrussAC and SMIAC groups. Conclusions: The design of SMIAC could preserve the mechanical properties of the maxillary first premolar following root canal treatment, which might have certain clinical feasibility.

[Effect of csn2 gene deficiency on the starvation tolerance and the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides in oligotrophic environment of Streptococcus mutans].

Objective: To explore the effect of csn2 gene deficiency on starvation tolerance and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) synthesis in an oligotrophic environment of Streptococcus mutans (Sm). Methods: The csn2 gene deletion strains and complementary strains of Sm were cultivated and then an oligotrophic growth environment for Sm growth by setting different concentration gradient media were created. Cell growth in oligotrophic environment was detected by growth curve. Biofilm volume was measured by crystalline violet staining. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser confocal microscope were performed to observe the biofilm structure of Sm. The synthesis of EPS was measured by the anthrone-sulfuric acid method. The expression of genes related to EPS synthesis was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: The growth curve results showed that the deletion of csn2 gene inhibited the growth of Sm under starvation stress. Furthermore, the results of laser confocal microscope showed that the biofilm EPS/bacteria ratios produced by the wild-type strain, csn2 gene-deficient strain and complement strains under nutrient sufficient culture conditions were 0.44±0.07, 1.05±0.13 and 0.57±0.08 respectively, while the ratios of EPS/bacteria in an oligotrophic environment were 0.93±0.24, 3.05±0.21 and 1.32±0.46 respectively, indicating that the deletion of csn2 gene enhanced the ability of extracellular polysaccharide synthesis of Sm in the oligotrophic environment. The expression levels of EPS synthesis-related genes gtfB and gtfC were up-regulated by 2.5 fold and 1.8 fold respectively and the expression level of gtfD was down-regulated by two-thirds. Conclusions: The csn2 gene deficiency showed multiple effects on the physiological functions and virulence characteristics of Sm, including starvation tolerance and EPS synthesis. These changes might be related to the shift of the complex regulative network caused by csn2 gene deletion.

[Research progress in pathogenesis and control of Enterococcus faecalis with persistent infection in root canals].

Root canal therapy is the common treatment for endodontic infections. Successful root canal therapy depends on favorable root canal preparation, root canal medication and three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system. The key to successful root canal therapy is to prevent re-infection of the highly complex root canal systems by removing infecious biofilms and bacterial toxins in the root canal system. The present paper reviews the pathogenic mechanism of the Enterococcus faecalis in the harsh environment of root canal system, the inflammation and immunity of refractory periapical periodontitis and the progress of infection control methods.

[Current progress in etiology and clinical management of dental caries].

Dental caries is a chronic infectious disease that occurs in the tooth hard tissues. Increasing evidence has also indicated a close involvement of dental caries in the onset and development of systemic diseases. In recent years along with the advances in high throughput-omics technologies, disease animal models, multicenter clinical studies, as well as the research and development in novel dental materials, digital and minimal invasive clinical techniques, robust progress have been made in the field of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental caries. More importantly, the strategy of whole life cycle management of caries has promoted the combinatory management of dental caries and other systemic chronic diseases, and it has also shed light on the age-based management and risk-control-oriented personalized treatment of caries. In the future, more efforts should be warranted to further the basic research and accelerate its clinical application, so as to advance the early diagnosis, comprehensive prevention and functional-aesthetic treatment with minimal invasive intervention of carious teeth, and ultimately to promote the population-based whole lifecycle management of caries.

[Clinical assessment of caries prevention and management].

Dental caries is a common chronic oral disease of tooth with multiple factor involvement. It has the characteristics of high incidence, low rate of treatment and high rate of retreatment. How to further improve the standardized treatment and management of dental caries has become a clinical problem. Hence, clinical difficulty assessment system of caries prevention and management is established on the base of caries diagnosis and classification. This system mainly includes caries risk assessment and caries treatment evaluation and can provide effective basis for caries management. This review article discusses caries diagnosis and classification, caries risk assessment and caries treatment difficulty assessment, which are the most important parts of caries management in the whole life cycle.

Improvement of the Irrigation Scheme in the ORCHIDEE Land Surface Model and Impacts of Irrigation on Regional Water Budgets Over China.

In China, irrigation is widespread in 40.7% cropland to sustain crop yields. By its action on water cycle, irrigation affects water resources and local climate. In this study, a new irrigation module, including flood and paddy irrigation technologies, was developed in the ORCHIDEE-CROP land surface model which describes crop phenology and growth in order to estimate irrigation demands over China from 1982 to 2014. Three simulations were performed including NI (no irrigation), IR (with irrigation limited by local water resources), and FI (with irrigation demand fulfilled). Observations and census data were used to validate the simulations. Results showed that the estimated irrigation water withdrawal ( W ) based on IR and FI scenarios bracket statistical W with fair spatial agreements ( r = 0 . 68 ± 0 . 07 ; p < 0 . 01 ). Improving irrigation efficiency was found to be the dominant factor leading to the observed W decrease. By comparing simulated total water storage (TWS) with GRACE observations, we found that simulated TWS with irrigation well explained the TWS variation over China. However, our simulation overestimated the seasonality of TWS in the Yangtze River Basin due to ignoring regulation of artificial reservoirs. The observed TWS decrease in the Yellow River Basin caused by groundwater depletion was not totally captured in our simulation, but it can be inferred by combining simulated TWS with census data. Moreover, we demonstrated that land use change tended to drive W locally but had little effect on total W over China due to water resources limitation.

[Development and improvement of Chinese oral public health system].

The pandemic of COVID-19 in early 2020 is a big challenge to the mechanism of major epidemic prevention and control, the national public health management system, as well as medical and health resources in China. Going through the COVID-19 crisis, we should fully understand the problems and vulnerabilities of the current public health system in China, and it is imperative to deepen and strengthen the public health system which should be throughout whole life cycle and whole process. Oral cavity is the first portal of human body, while illness finds its way in by the mouth. Oral health is highly related to general health and quality of life. The outbreak has drawn the public's attention to the public health system. The establishment and improvement of the oral public health system with the concept of "public health with Chinese characteristics" should also attract people's attentions and thoughts. Furthermore it is urgent to recognize the importance of oral public health.

[Novel insights on the etiology, diagnosis and prevention of dental erosion].

Dental erosion is a progressive loss and damage of tooth hard tissues caused by contacting acidic substances. It is an occupational disease for workers who make acidic products such as acids, vinegar, etc. In the past decades, a rising of prevalence rate of dental erosion, especially in the youth groups, along with the change of dietary habits and the increased consumption of sweet and acidic diets, has attracted public's attention. This article reviews and analyzes the literature on the prevalence, etiology, prevention and treatment of dental erosion, so as to provide guidance for early diagnosis and treatment of dental erosion and support for making occupational disease prevention strategies.

[Psychological intervention for patients with oral disease during the pandemic period of COVID-19].

Public health emergencies have an impact on the public mental health. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has affected the normal diagnosis and treatment services in stomatological institutions across the country. Delay of non-emergency dental service will have a potential impact on the experience, cognition, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with oral diseases. Through literature retrieving, this article reviewed the oral psychosomatic diseases closely related to a patient's psychological status, such as oral mucosal disease, temporomandibular joint disease, bruxism, periodontal disease and so on. It was believed that the patients with these disorders might be more susceptible to the impact of stress events, and need be paid more attention by dental specialists. At the same time, this article analyzes the possible psychological stress symptoms of patients with various oral diseases, and puts forward suggestions for remote consultation and emergency treatment of dentists. From the perspective of social role, dentist plays not only the role of expert for professional guidance in dentistry, but also the role of helper in psychological counseling for patients.

Treatment of primary hepatic carcinoma through ultrasound-guided microwave ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effect of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation on primary hepatic carcinoma. METHOD: The subjects comprised 94 patients with primary hepatic carcinoma who were admitted to our hospital between August 2014 and November 2016. They were divided into two groups in accordance with a random-number table. The control (n = 47) and study (n = 47) groups received conventional surgical excision and ultrasound-guided microwave ablation, respectively. The operation duration, clinical effect, complication occurrence rates, and hepatic functions of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The control group exhibited longer duration of operation and length of stay but significantly lower quantities of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion (P < 0.05) than the study group. The study group demonstrated significantly higher (P < 0.05) effective rate of treatment but significantly lower (P < 0.05) occurrence rate of complications than the control group. The study group exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) albumin and total bilirubin levels but significantly lower alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels than the control group. No difference was observed in prothrombin time between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation treatment offers the advantages of minor injury and low complication occurrence rates. Moreover, it is associated with faster postoperative recovery and improved hepatic function. Thus, it is worthy as a clinical option and must be promoted and applied.